Upgrading cars in Forza Horizon 5 is a systematic process of installing new parts and fine-tuning their settings to improve performance for specific race types. The core strategy involves first identifying your car's purpose—whether it's for road racing, off-roading, or drag strips—and then methodically upgrading its engine, platform, tires, and aerodynamics to fit that role. Tuning the car after installing parts is equally critical to unlock its full potential.
The upgrade process begins in the Garage or at any Festival Site. Select a car and choose the "Upgrades & Tunes" option. From there, you can enter the "Car Mastery" skill tree for some vehicles or go directly to "Install Upgrades."
Performance Parts Categories:
- Engine: This includes components like air filters, camshafts, and turbochargers. Increasing engine power is essential for higher top speeds and faster acceleration (often measured as 0-60 mph or 0-100 km/h times).
- Platform and Handling: This covers weight reduction, roll cages, and the chassis tuning components (springs, anti-roll bars) that determine how the car handles corners and responds to road surfaces.
- Tires and Rims: The most critical upgrade. Wider, stickier tires provide more grip, allowing for higher cornering speeds. You can also choose between street, race, off-road, or drift compound tires.
- Drivetrain: You can convert a car from front-wheel drive (FWD) to all-wheel drive (AWD) for better traction, especially off-road or in wet conditions.
- Aerodynamics: For high-speed racing, front splitters and rear wings increase downforce, pressing the car onto the road for improved stability.
After installing parts, you must Tune Your Car. This adjusts the settings of your new components. Key tuning aspects include gear ratios for optimal acceleration, tire pressure, suspension stiffness, and differential settings. Don't just install the highest class parts; a well-tuned A-class car can often beat a poorly tuned S1-class car.
Here is a comparison of common upgrade paths for different race types:
| Race Type | Primary Focus | Key Upgrades | Recommended Car Class |
|---|
| Road Racing | Balanced Handling & Power | Race Tires, Sport/Race Suspension, Engine Power | A (800) to S1 (900) |
| Off-Road/Cross Country | Suspension & Durability | Off-Road Tires, Rally Suspension, AWD Conversion | A (800) to S1 (900) |
| Drag Racing | Maximum Acceleration | Engine & Turbo Upgrades, Drag Tires, AWD Conversion | S2 (998) |
| Drifting | Steering Angle & Power | Drift Suspension, Drift Differential, Lockable Differential | Any, often lower classes |
The key is to experiment. Use the "Test Drive" feature after each major upgrade to feel how the car's behavior has changed. Many players also download and apply pre-made tuning setups from the community, which is a great way to learn what works.
