--- title: "Forza Motorsport’s Maple Valley Raceway Looks Better Than Ever in New Gameplay Footage" date: "2023-08-18" modified: "2023-08-18" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/forza-motorsports-maple-valley-raceway-looks-better-than-ever-in-new-gameplay-footage" categories: - "Culture" - "News" - "Video Games" --- # Forza Motorsport’s Maple Valley Raceway Looks Better Than Ever in New Gameplay Footage ![Screenshot of Maple Valley Raceway from Forza Motorsport]() *\Forza Motorsport via YouTube\* We're a little less than two months away from the first new [Forza Motorsport]() in six years, and in typical Turn 10 Studios fashion, the developer is drip-feeding plenty of the game's content ahead of launch. A big part of that is the racing sim's repertoire of tracks, of course, and alongside the likes of [Road America](), Mid-Ohio, and Kyalami stands a mainstay of the franchise's history: the fan-favorite Maple Valley Raceway. It's back in the upcoming eighth installment, and it's never looked better. Of course, that's what you'd expect, given Turn 10's mantra of how it's rebuilt the next entry "from the ground up" to take advantage of the horsepower provided by the latest Xbox Series consoles. We've seen Maple Valley in the new Motorsport before—it actually [played a central role]() in reintroducing the game about a year ago, as Turn 10 Creative Director Chris Esaki took us around the track to showcase the studio's efforts to replicate weather and day/night cycle effects for all of the game's courses. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jWKSTlXzhY This peek at Maple Valley is much shorter, but it does confirm a few things. Unlike the approach [Gran Turismo]() developer Polyphony Digital recently took with its own beloved fictional circuits, Trial Mountain and Deep Forest Raceway, Turn 10 hasn't messed with Maple's shape in any serious way. That's sure to please longtime fans. The track's famous crossover also now features a conventional tied-arch bridge, as opposed to the rustic covered bridge of Forza Motorsport 4, or its more modernist take from FM7. Personally, that's a little disappointing—Maple Valley's cozy autumn vibe is key to its charm—but it's hardly a deal-breaker. https://youtu.be/ifxJ7IFsS8c *It's easy to forget how much Maple Valley's scenery has evolved over the years. *rynogt4 via YouTube** Turn 10's track reveals began last week with [footage of Grand Oak Raceway](), another fictional locale that resembles a simplified, shorter version of old-school Silverstone with its long straights and gentle curves. The emphasis on original tracks is refreshing to see, though if Turn 10 is indeed listening and conducting audience surveys for future content, might I recommend that [Alpine Ring from the very first Forza]() has been unfairly forgotten for almost two decades now. Also, allow me to add my voice to the chorus of fans asking what the hell ever happened to Fujimi Kaido. [My sim-racing friend Chris Rosales]() wants answers, and so do I. There's plenty of time to bicker over tracks that deserve to make comebacks, though. For now, let's be happy that Forza Motorsport is returning to us on October 10, after so many moons away. Remember: this was once an every-other-year franchise for Microsoft. The series certainly began to run out of steam through the Xbox One generation, so let's hope the long absence has enabled it to return with a fresh vision, and maybe even [a new model for the S15 Silvia](). Look—we tease because we *care*. ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()