Forza Horizon 6 is set to receive a much-appreciated revamp in car customization.

      IGN via YouTube

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      So far, most of the information we've received about Forza Horizon 6 has focused on the game's depiction of Japan. However, we have less insight into the enhancements Playground Games has made in car customization. With a lineup of 550 cars available at launch, improvements for builders need to accommodate a wide range of vehicles, from compact kei vans to rugged off-roaders. It’s evident that the development team has put significant effort into this, and it appears to be yielding benefits in terms of quality-of-life upgrades and new features that seasoned players will value.

      First up is the newly introduced “Forza aero” kit, which has likely been one of the most sought-after features on fans’ lists. For those less familiar with the series, nearly every car in a Forza Horizon or Motorsport title comes with a stock front splitter and rear wing that can be added even when no other custom parts are fitted. This typically results in a uniform look, which isn’t very appealing.

      In FH6, however, Forza aero has been redesigned for most vehicles, producing components that actually align with the lines and proportions of each car individually. Previously, players would often avoid using Forza aero, but now it may actually be a more attractive option compared to licensed aftermarket parts.

      The new Forza aero splitter on a Subaru BRZ. IGN via YouTube

      Another major addition is the ability to paint windows, a feature that, surprisingly, has never been available in any Forza game until now. Players can overlay windshield banners or full decals onto the glass, introducing a new layer of customization in livery that was not previously achievable in this series. There are also over 100 new aftermarket wheels to choose from, with the option to put different sets on the front and rear axles. Redesigned tire sidewalls and treads will show wear in real time, complete with painted stripe markers that fade with use, just like actual tires.

      Considering the game’s setting, kei cars represent a significant aspect of FH6’s automotive culture. Observant players will notice they all sport plates with the correct designation, as kei-class vehicles should in Japan. If you decide to perform an engine swap, you can even fit motorcycle engines, which is especially exciting; these will rev to incredible levels and produce a wild sound while doing so.

      The incredibly unique Forza Edition Nissan S-Cargo. IGN via YouTube

      Speaking of kei cars, we must highlight FH6’s outrageous new Forza Edition Nissan S-Cargo — a custom creation that showcases the increasingly bizarre nature of these Forza Edition vehicles. This S-Cargo reportedly originated as a joke, inspired by the van’s central seating arrangement. Consequently, it features one seat, is built on a spaceframe, boasts an enormous rear wing, and utilizes a turbocharger instead of a front headlight, despite the engine being situated behind the driver. The frame was actually elevated to make the connection between the turbo and the engine feasible, albeit impractical in reality. It’s completely crazy, and we love it.

      Garage customization is a prominent new feature in FH6 that’s sure to attract many players. You can select from various types of spaces, all of which are fully customizable for decoration, letting you arrange props and determine the exact positioning of your cars. Similar to vehicle designs, you will also have the option to share your garage layouts.

      Forza Horizon 6’s Customization Improvements and Even More Outrageous Forza Edition Cars | IGN First

      There’s a lot more than what the video covered. The vehicles themselves appear more visually appealing, even if they’ve been part of previous Horizon games, thanks to new materials, which include updated refraction shaders for headlights and taillights and a subtle rainbow effect for polycarbonate. The paint picker — which has long been my least favorite aspect of the Forza experience — seems to be improving slightly, as players can now mark custom colors in specific materials as favorites for easier access. It still follows the frustrating pattern of selecting a paint finish before adjusting RGB values, for some reason, but with such a large-scale game, every change is a step forward.

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