As an avid fan of both virtual and real-world cars, particularly Mercedes-AMG models, I was excited to finally spend some quality time with the C63 AMG Black Series in Forza. Having won the Horizon Edition version through a wheelspin some time ago, it was the standard model that recently caught my attention, prompting me to take it for a virtual spin. However, my enthusiasm quickly turned to disappointment when I noticed a significant visual inaccuracy in the game’s representation of this iconic vehicle.
The issue, as clearly illustrated in the image below, concerns the chrome trim around the windows. Or rather, the lack thereof. In the low-quality (LQ) model used for the exterior view during gameplay, this crucial detailing element, along with some black masking, is conspicuously absent. Interestingly, this flaw disappears in photo mode and within the garage view, where the model appears correct and complete. This inconsistency was jarring and detracted from the overall experience of driving what should be a meticulously rendered car.
Driven by a desire for accuracy and a bit of virtual car detailing, I decided to take matters into my own hands. The solution involved a somewhat laborious but ultimately rewarding process of custom painting. First, I painted the car in chrome, providing a base to recreate the missing trim. Then came the delicate task of applying colored decals, carefully placed to preserve the areas intended for the chrome trim. Finally, the most time-consuming part: adding small black masking details around the windows through trial and error.
Despite the effort, the result, as you can see in the after image, speaks for itself. The corrected model now boasts the complete and accurate window trim, enhancing the visual fidelity of the Mercedes C63 Amg Black Series in the game.
An interesting side effect of this process was discovering how different metallic paint tones interact with decals in the game. For the yellow C63 example shown, polished aluminum paint was necessary to give the decals a shiny, reflective appearance, mimicking real-world materials. Using semi-gloss or brushed aluminum resulted in a matte look, demonstrating the subtle nuances available within Forza’s painting system. Applying this knowledge, I also rectified the chrome trim issue on the C63 Horizon Edition. Selecting semi-gloss aluminum paint and adding black decals effectively replicated the original matte black trim of that special edition.
For those who appreciate this level of detail and wish to apply this correction to their own virtual garage, I’ve shared my custom paint for the yellow C63 AMG Black Series. You can find it by searching for the gamertag “fporto” in Forza. If you’re interested in seeing this correction applied to other paint colors for the standard or Horizon Edition C63 AMG Black Series, let me know in the comments, and I’ll gladly create and share them as well. It’s all about ensuring our virtual car experiences are as accurate and enjoyable as possible.
