Hey guys,
I also wanted to share a few thoughts on the beta after I played through the races today. I´ll try to break it down into categories:
(Tested on i75930k, 16gb 3333mhz ram, 980ti windforce)
Graphics:
I set everything to the max in the options through the individual settings. Overall the graphics were very, very impressive. Shadows are sharp and clear, textures and models are extremely detailed and the overall lighting of the track and car seems very realistic. I really could not wish for much more at this point and can´t wait to try this in VR nudge nudge
One thing that could be improved is the quality of the smoke effects. I know that it is just a little detail but I feel that there is a lot of immersion left on the the track here.
I mean the overall quality and amount of the smoke and the way it is generated. I have seen front tires start to smoke a bit from a little skid, and I missed some smoke trails in my mirrors after spinning the wheels like crazy.
Not a biggie, I know. But the bar has been set pretty high by turn 10, so we have to look at details.
Overall I would say that forza is the best looking car game on PC so far, closely followed by project cars.
Weather and night driving:
Absolutely beautifully done. This is the first time that I have seen a proper simulation of aqua planing. The rain effects on the windshield were also very, very well done and a lot better than I have seen in other sims or games.
Same for night driving. The illuminated field of view felt pretty much right, and I especially liked that the parts beside that were actually dark!
I was really impressed by those effects!
Sounds:
Clearly the best engine sounds in the business and I love the game for this! Some cars sounded better than others, but there is very little to complain about here.
If I could improve one thing, then it would be adding even more “character” to the engines. I especially am thinking of those lovely sounds some engine make when you lift off the throttle (They are somewhat there, but too quiet and not defined enough).
I am also thinking of true to life turbo noises (the koenigsegg sounded ok, the subaru sounded “gamey”. Lacks behind the quality of the exhaust note). I am also thinking of a bit more overall “grunt” to the engine sounds, hard to explain. When you sit in something like an aston martin V12 and floor it, the acoustic experience is quite amazing. We are still not 100% there, but this game is closer than any other!
Also absolutely excellent environmental effects on the sounds. Driving beside a wall or in a tunnel sounds very realistic. The trackside replays sound very, very good in this regard as well.
One thing that definitely did not feel right were the tire sounds. There is just waaaayyy too much of it. I kind of feel that the sound is triggered a little too “early”. It felt like the tires were squeeling even at relatively low cornering speeds. In fact I challenge anyone to drive a moderate lap without any tire squeel at all (morning commute speeds). It is very hard to do.
Physics and handling:
I have driven everything without any driving aids and with the sim steering. And boy, I do hope steering wheel support comes sooner rather than later 
I had a very hard time controlling the cars with the gamepad.
BUT, what I think I could feel of the physics was very promising! The cars feel weighty and all the basic handling characteristics are represented well. It sometimes felt a little too slidey, but that could have been influenced by the tire squeel thing.
I really cannot say too much about the physics so far, I will be able to tell more once the wheel support is in. But I am REALLY looking forward to try it!
Game content:
It´s nice for maybe two evenings but not more at this point. The things I would personally love the most are:
1: VR Support. I am aware that this is far down the list, but this is the future and could generate a lot of pr and revenue (if there will be things to buy).
2: Full customization and “ownership” of the cars. This is what I love most about forza
3: Multiplayer lobbies and customizable races with friends
4: More tracks/cars
Side note: I am more than ready to fork over some cash for car packs, track packs, etc. if the opportunity should present itself.
Overall I love the beta so far, I had an absolute bug-free and smooth playing experience and I can´t wait to dive deeper into it when there is more to do.