Hi everyone! I wanted to bring up this topic because I’m someone who really loves classic Japanese cars. I’ve owned and still own a first-generation Subaru Impreza, and I’ve noticed that in the games, the first-gen Impreza is only represented by the 22B model. It made me wonder: why don’t the developers add the other body styles of this legendary car?
The first generation (chassis codes GC/GF/GM) represents an entire era. From 1992 to 2000, there were numerous different versions: a sedan, a wagon, and even a coupe. There were the civilian versions with naturally aspirated engines, and then the legendary WRX and WRX STI models that truly made the brand famous in rallying. And it’s not just about the number of versions. Each one had its own character: the base Impreza with the EJ18 engine was a simple, reliable car for everyday people; the WRX with its turbo motor and all-wheel drive already let you feel like a rally driver; and the STI versions with active differentials, intercooler water sprayers, and that iconic blue paint in Subaru Tecnica International colors – those were true performance machines. Adding not just the 22B (which is itself a version of the STI) but also, for example, a standard WRX Type RA with manual windows and no air conditioning, or the WRX Sport Wagon, to the game would be a way to pay respect to a huge part of Japanese automotive history. Plus, Forza has always been known for its attention to detail, and the sound of a Subaru boxer engine with its characteristic rumble is an art form in itself that fans want to hear in the game. And the ability to tune these cars, fit them with legendary wheels like Enkei or Prodrive, and recreate the rally liveries of Colin McRae and Richard Burns – that’s what many of us are looking forward to in a new installment.
In Forza Horizon 4, maybe they didn’t add them because the 22B was considered a rare gem, and there wasn’t much point in adding the others at the time, although they could have been introduced in later updates. In Forza Horizon 5, they definitely could have been added, especially since the Subaru 22B itself isn’t such a rare model anymore, although I, for example, still don’t understand how to actually obtain it in that game.
But for Forza Horizon 6, including the entire first-gen Impreza family would be a completely logical step, especially since the game is (finally) set in Japan — their spiritual homeland.
Let’s be honest: Forza Horizon 6 is finally taking us to Japan. And if you’re making a game about the Land of the Rising Sun, you need to fully immerse yourself in the culture. The developers have already stated they want to capture the authentic atmosphere of Japanese car culture by scanning real roads and locations like the Daikoku PA parking lot, Mount Haruna (the one from Initial D), and the Shuto Expressway. And what car could be more authentic than the Subaru Impreza from that era – the one Colin McRae drove to win World Rally Championships? Imagine this: you’re driving along narrow mountain passes, it’s raining, and you’re behind the wheel of a right-hand drive Impreza WRX STI Version V Limited with a manual transmission and symmetrical all-wheel drive that practically pulls the car through corners. Or you’re tearing up gravel roads at the foot of Mount Fuji in a standard GF8 wagon – the kind the Japanese often used as a daily driver, but which still retained all its rally genetics. This is not just a car; it’s a symbol of the golden era of Japanese performance and rally culture. It would be a shame to only include one rare version when you could give players the whole range – from the humble sedan that ordinary Japanese people drove, to the hardcore STI version with Recaro seats and an engine that’s still considered one of the best boxers in history. Plus, there were versions with a keyfob engine start button back in the 90s, there were automatic versions for those who wanted comfort, and Type RA versions with factory carbon parts and thinner glass – it’s a true collector’s paradise.
But Subaru is just the beginning. In a game about Japan, you can’t overlook the other legendary Japanese manufacturers. Based on the preliminary car lists for FH6, it seems the developers have already understood a lot of things correctly:
Honda is a whole universe. Not only have they added classics like the first-gen Honda NSX, Civic Type R, and the Beat, but the Time Attack Car Pack brings a whole host of racing models: the CRX WTAC, Civic WTAC, Integra WTAC, and S2000 WTAC. And for that slice of everyday Japanese life, we have the City E II, the Acty (a kei-truck, without which it’s hard to imagine Japan), and even the modern Honda e. Here’s hoping the legendary stock S2000 makes an appearance too.
Nissan – there’s a wide selection here. The car list is already impressive: Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32 and R33), Fairlady Z 432, numerous Silvias (S14, S15), and the Stagea – the legendary “sports wagon.” For those who enjoy extreme tuning, there are also Time Attack versions of the Skyline and Silvia. There are even fun quirky models like the Nissan PAO and S-Cargo.
Toyota – these are truly the kings of JDM. They’ve added the Sprinter Trueno GT-Apex (AE86) – an iconic drift car – the Chaser (the “yakuza-style” car), the Soarer, the Celica GT-Four, and of course, various Supras. They’ve even included the Sports 800 and 2000GT – true veterans of the Japanese auto industry. And a special thanks for the GR Yaris and GR86 – the new icons.
Mitsubishi – they haven’t been forgotten either. The Lancer Evolution VI and VIII are the foundation. But the real highlight is the Montero Evolution (yes, the Pajero Evolution!) and the incredible Minicab Time Attack – a kei-car with a massive wing that proves the Japanese can turn almost anything into a race car.
Daihatsu and Suzuki – they’re often overlooked, but that’s a mistake. The Daihatsu Copen has already been spotted in the FH6 files. Hopefully, they’ll also add the Suzuki Cappuccino or the Jimny – without these little guys, the Japanese automotive landscape just wouldn’t be complete.
Mazda – we can’t forget them. The lists already include the RX-7, MX-5 (Miata), and the Autozam AZ-1 – that little car is a work of art in itself. And for rotary engine enthusiasts, here’s hoping they add some versions like an RX-7 Time Attack.
Why is all this important? Because Japanese car culture isn’t just about supercars. It’s about kei cars (like the Honda Beat or the Autozam AZ-1, which is already in the game), it’s about the wagons people used to haul kids and parts, it’s about unusual racing projects based on kei cars. And the first-generation Subaru Impreza stands apart in this lineup – it’s a car that unites everyone: from ordinary city dwellers to dedicated rally fans. It can be a humble family car and a world rally champion at the same time – and that’s what makes it unique. Forza Horizon 6 is already taking a huge step in this direction – 550 cars at launch, new game modes like Touge Battle and Time Attack, garage customization, and meetups at Daikoku PA. All of this perfectly captures the spirit of JDM culture.
P.S. And I still don’t understand: why add so many foreign manufacturers to a game about Japan, like American, German, Italian, and so on? Of course, you can’t have a racing game without them, and Italian cars like the Ferrari F80 or the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm are also fun to drive. But I really hope that in FH6, the main focus will be on the legendary JDM cars that we all love. Judging by the initial lists and how many Japanese models have already been confirmed, there is every reason to hope that this will be the case.
