Summary
- Forza Horizon 4 features over 700 upgradable cars, offering key modifications such as drivetrain changes, powerful engine swaps, and tire enhancements.
- Affordable models like the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG and Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat hold significant untapped potential for top-tier performance.
- Cars like the Alfa Romeo 4C, TVR Sagaris, and Ferrari 575M Maranello are some of the most versatile and powerful options, excelling with thorough upgrades.
Forza Horizon 4 not only offers a vast selection of over 700 vehicles but also allows players to upgrade and modify each car to some degree. This includes visual and performance parts that can alter stats like top speed, acceleration, handling, or even enhanced off-road capabilities. Typically, key upgrades involve changing the drivetrain (all-wheel or rear-wheel), swapping tires to significantly improve handling, and boosting or replacing the engine for more raw power.
While upgrading high-end hypercars may not be necessary, many affordable cars purchased directly from the Autoshow hide untapped potential when tuned properly. From muscle cars like Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford to everyday sports coupes like BMW, Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz, here are some must-have cars for upgrading that can far exceed their initial performance.
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Updated on January 13, 2025, by Vlad Mazanko: Forza Horizon 4 is now officially delisted from digital stores, meaning players can no longer purchase the game or access certain online features like the Eliminator game mode. However, the game remains fully playable for existing owners across all platforms. Despite these changes, Forza Horizon 4 continues to deliver thrilling racing experiences across various modes, tracks, and activities. Its enduring popularity is evident in the consistently high online player count, which remains comparable to its successor, Forza Horizon 5.
This updated list highlights some of the best affordable cars under 150,000 CR in Forza Horizon 4 that offer excellent upgrading potential. These vehicles allow players to reach higher class tiers, such as S1 and S2, and often feature full upgrade and wide-body kits available, making them reliable and versatile additions to any garage.
1
Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series 2012
Car Type: Super Saloons
- Price: 143,000 CR
- Top Speed: 210 mph
- Starting Class: A 792
- Max Upgrade Potential: S2 964
A standout in the Super Saloons category, the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is an enhanced version of the standard C63, equipped with a more powerful engine borrowed from the SLS AMG supercar. It boasts more horsepower and a higher position in the A-class hierarchy compared to the SLK 55 AMG below, though it comes at a steeper price. This extra cost is easily justified by its superior upgrade potential and a unique feature: the upgrade kit.
The car’s tuning appeal in Forza Horizon 4 is further elevated with the LB Works full upgrade pack. This package includes a sleek Liberty Walk wide-body kit featuring an elegant spoiler and a prominent rear bumper. With a few upgrades, players can transform the C 63 AMG into a top-tier racing machine, provided they’re ready to invest the hard-earned credits.
2
Jaguar F-Type R Coupé 2015
Car Type: GT Cars
- Price: 110,000 CR
- Top Speed: 199 mph
- Starting Class: A 795
- Max Upgrade Potential: S2 979
The Jaguar F-Type R Coupé is a stylish and budget-friendly GT car that shines even brighter with the optional Forza Edition upgrade kit. This package includes a custom wide-body design and an oversized rear wing, adding both visual flair and performance enhancements. Starting at the top of the A class, the F-Type R can effortlessly climb to the upper reaches of the S2 class, delivering exceptional top-speed potential and racing dynamics that few competitors in its segment can rival.
As the successor to the Jaguar XKR-S, the F-Type R showcases the pinnacle of Jaguar’s engineering, blending breathtaking design with the most powerful engine the company has ever produced. Despite being overlooked quite often, the F-Type R Coupé is a gem in Forza Horizon 4 and a worthy addition to any player’s garage.
3
BMW i8 2015
Car Type: Modern Supercars
- Price: 140,000 CR
- Top Speed: 199 mph
- Starting Class: A 785
- Max Upgrade Potential: S2 964
The BMW i8 is a true showstopper, combining futuristic design with cutting-edge technology to create a car that embodies exclusivity and innovation. Its full carbon fiber bodywork not only ensures lightweight construction but also turns heads with its unmistakable appearance, making it a favorite among moviemakers and celebrities alike. However, it’s BMW we’re talking about, so the hybrid efficiency of this modern supercar, combined with its agile handling, more than lives up to its visual supremacy.
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Under the hood, the i8 features a unique hybrid system that seamlessly merges an electrically powered front-drive system with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine driving the rear wheels. This setup delivers a smooth driving experience, offering impressive acceleration and nimble handling. While it may lack the top-end speed to dominate the most demanding S2-class events, the BMW i8 shines in A- and S1-class competitions, providing players with a versatile option for a wide variety of challenges.
4
Lotus Esprit V8 2002
Car Type: Retro Supercars
- Price: 42,000 CR
- Top Speed: 186 mph
- Starting Class: A 756
- Max Upgrade Potential: S2 992
The Lotus Esprit V8 exudes the charm of early 2000s supercars, capturing attention with its sleek flat bodywork, wide wheelbase, and signature pop-up headlights. It stands as one of the most rewarding investments in Forza Horizon 4, with a modest price tag of just over 40,000 CR making it a steal for enthusiasts of retro sports cars.
The Esprit V8 offers exceptional upgrade potential, being one of the rare A-class vehicles capable of reaching the upper limits of the S2 hypercar class. Its dynamics rival vehicles that are exponentially more expensive, making it a versatile contender across a range of race categories, from A and S1 to S2. Beyond its road prowess, the Esprit V8 surprises as an off-road contender, easily transforming into a capable rally car with proper modifications. Its rear-wheel-drive system delivers nimble handling and sharp cornering, allowing drivers to tackle tight turns with precision, proving that this classic beauty is more than just a showpiece.
5
Infiniti Q60 Concept 2015
Car Type: Super Saloons
- Price: 50,000 CR
- Top Speed: 188 mph
- Starting Class: A 757
- Max Upgrade Potential: S2 963
The Infiniti Q60 Concept, a successor to the G37, builds on an already strong foundation with significant improvements. It’s a lighter, more dynamic vehicle, thanks to the use of aluminum and carbon fiber components in its construction. Balancing sporty appeal with everyday comfort, the Q60 Concept is incredibly versatile, excelling in everything from drifting to light cross-country racing when equipped with the right suspension and tires.
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A standout feature of the Infiniti Q60 Concept is its full Forza upgrade kit, which includes an aggressive and predatory wide-body design. This kit transforms the car from a sleek super saloon into a true tarmac-chewing racing machine, primed for high-performance action on the track. With its combination of affordability, style, and upgrade potential, the Infiniti Q60 Concept is a must-have for players looking to expand their Forza Horizon 4 garage.
6
Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG 2012
Car Type: Modern Sports Cars
- Price: 78,000 CR
- Top Speed: 199 mph
- Starting Class: A 766
- Max Upgrade Potential: S2 934
As a long-standing staple in the series, the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is an excellent choice for an everyday ride, especially considering its modest price. With a top speed of 199 mph, players can make a few tweaks to turn this car into a solid contender for A-class road racing in Forza Horizon 4. With more significant upgrades, the SLK 55 AMG can also perform well in the S1 class, though it may fall short for S2 category events. Still, it’s a luxurious and thrilling option for many races across Great Britain.
7
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat 2015
Car Type: Modern Muscle
- Price: 80,000 CR
- Top Speed: 210 mph
- Starting Class: A 785
- Max Upgrade Potential: S2 935
At first glance, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat might not stand out, but its stock performance can surprise players. Its top speed of 210 mph is unmatched by many cars in its price range, and with a few upgrades, such as reducing its initial heavy weight, the Hellcat becomes a fierce competitor in A-class events. With more comprehensive tuning, this muscle sedan can unlock its full potential, competing with elite hypercars in S1 class events — at a fraction of the cost.
8
Nissan GT-R Black Edition 2012
Car Type: Modern Supercars
- Price: 105,000 CR
- Top Speed: 212 mph
- Starting Class: S1 820
- Max Upgrade Potential: S2 963
Unsurprisingly, the Nissan GT-R Black Edition stands out as one of the finest options for budget-conscious racers, delivering insane performance with a top speed of 212 mph and exceptional handling. It’s hard to find a better car for the toughest S1 and S2 events across any category in the game.
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While its only potential drawback — understeer due to its weight — is easily fixed with lightweight pro upgrades, the car also comes with a full Liberty Walk widebody kit and pre-tuned upgrades that can be applied in just a few clicks, turning it into an S1-dominating beast.
9
Ford Shelby GT 500 2013
Car Type: Modern Muscle
- Price: 115,000 CR
- Top Speed: 201 mph
- Starting Class: A 774
- Max Upgrade Potential: S2 943
An epitome of modern muscle, the Ford Shelby GT500 embodies raw, untamed power that can easily punch above its starting high A-class rating. With minimal investment, this car can be elevated to the top of the S1 class, boosting its top speed from 201 mph to over 230 mph.
Upon release, it boasted the most powerful production engine in U.S. history, delivering a thrilling driving experience even in its stock form. For those bold enough, it’s possible to push this beast into S2 drag events, tweaking the engine to around 1,000 horsepower and achieving an even higher top speed than the S1-tuned variant.
10
BMW M4 Coupe 2014
Car Type: Super Saloons
- Price: 92,000 CR
- Top Speed: 197 mph
- Starting Class: A 800
- Max Upgrade Potential: S2 944
Among the many BMWs in the game, the BMW M4 Coupe stands out as one of the best options under the 100,000 CR price category. Right from the start, this A-class road car is a spectacular performer with hidden potential waiting to be unlocked through tuning. With excellent grip during cornering, a relatively light frame, and enhanced performance, the BMW M4 Coupe is a top contender for S1-class racing in Forza Horizon 4, appealing to both seasoned pros and newcomers alike.
11
Porsche 911 GT3 2004
Car Type: Retro Supercars
- Price: 65,000 CR
- Top Speed: 194 mph
- Starting Class: S1 803
- Max Upgrade Potential: S2 969
The Porsche 911 GT3 is another must-have vehicle for players in Forza Horizon 4, offering an impressive balance of speed and affordability. With a top speed of 194 mph, this iconic retro supercar can be fine-tuned to dominate the A class, but with some serious investment, it can also perform exceptionally well in S2 street events.
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Originally built for the track, the 911 GT3 handles beautifully on UK roads in any season, although players seeking more control may want to convert its rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive.
12
TVR Sagaris 2005
Car Type: Retro Sports Cars
- Price: 86,000 CR
- Top Speed: 184 mph
- Starting Class: A 797
- Max Upgrade Potential: S2 988
Like the Alfa Romeo 4C, the TVR Sagaris is an affordable, well-rounded, and lightweight car in Forza Horizon 4 that performs impressively across A, S1, and S2 events. Its initial top speed of 184 mph is solid for the A class, but with just a few upgrades, it can easily exceed 220 mph, making it a force to be reckoned with. A testament to its potential is the Forza Edition pre-set version, which comes with a Speed Skills boost and upgraded S2 975 stats.
13
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 2017
Car Type: Modern Muscle
- Price: 60,000 CR
- Top Speed: 202 mph
- Starting Class: S1 848
- Max Upgrade Potential: S2 988
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is not only the most powerful Camaro ever built, but also the most affordable muscle car on this list, with the potential to be a top performer in the S2 class. Even in its stock form, with a top speed exceeding 200 mph, it stands out as one of the strongest options in the sub-100,000 CR category. What’s even better is that players can use the remaining credits to upgrade this beast, unlocking its full potential and making it one of the best muscle cars in the game, period.
14
Alfa Romeo 4C 2014
Car Type: Modern Sports Cars
- Price: 74,000 CR
- Top Speed: 161 mph
- Starting Class: A 770
- Max Upgrade Potential: S2 990
One of the most versatile cars in Forza Horizon 4, the Alfa Romeo 4C is a near-perfect lightweight sports car with an affordable price tag and a respectable top speed of 161 mph. However, this is just the starting point — this gem can easily dominate in A, S1, and even S2 class events.
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With its low weight and GT-class grip, it’s incredibly nimble in turns, and with a few upgrades, players can overcome its modest stock top speed to push it to the top of the S2 class, making it a highly effective car across the board.
15
Ferrari 575M Maranello 2002
Car Type: Retro Supercars
- Price: 140,000 CR
- Top Speed: 205 mph
- Starting Class: A 772
- Max Upgrade Potential: S2 969
As one of the most affordable Ferraris in the game, the 575M Maranello (M for “modified”) attracts drivers with its exotic Italian flair and a price tag of just 140,000 CR — a steal for such a well-rounded retro sports car. Few vehicles can match the poise, effortless grace, and remarkable performance of the 575M Maranello, one of the finest front-engined grand tourers ever produced.
Capable of excelling in A, S1, and even S2 classes, with careful tuning, this Ferrari can become a race-winning machine, pushing its already impressive 205 mph top speed to nearly 240 mph with ease.
- Released
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September 28, 2018
- OpenCritic Rating
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Mighty