A new feature in the series is Autovista, a game mode in which players can view precise details such as engine parts and interior gauges on a select number of cars.

The game received universal acclaim from critics, who praised the enhanced vehicle physics, updated visuals, and strong sound design.

Some critics expressed frustration with Kinect features, and others also felt that the game was not enough of an innovation from its predecessor, Forza Motorsport 3.

Like Sony's Gran Turismo franchise, Forza games are racing simulations; heavy emphasis is placed on making the cars drive and look as realistic as possible.

In this setting the game automatically accelerates and decelerates the player's vehicle utilizing a modified version of the feature known as Auto Brake in Forza Motorsport 3.

However, one new feature that appears in Forza Motorsport 4 is the game's ability to adapt the difficulty as the player progresses through the career, and collect a trend of data to see how well they perform.

This allows AI drivers to change and upgrade their cars automatically to suit the player's driving abilities.

Turn 10 announced that the game would feature over 500 cars from 80 manufacturers, and confirmed that it will support Kinect as well as standard Xbox 360 controllers and racing wheels.

[15] Unlike past games in the series, vehicles from the SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge were not present initially in Forza Motorsport 4 aside from a Mopar sponsored Dodge Viper.

[11] Hockenheimring, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Infineon Raceway were added as three more real world tracks to the Forza series.

[12][13] On August 26, 2011, at PAX Prime it was announced that Turn 10 would include the UNSC Warthog from Microsoft Studios' Halo series in Forza Motorsport 4's Autovista mode.

[18] The sound design team for Forza Motorsport 4 set out to make car audio "more visceral" than prior entries in the series.

[19] Sounds from over 500 cars were captured on a dyno in a Redmond, WA garage, using the same recording setup first used with the Bizarre Creations' PGR games beginning in 2001.

[23] The tire model contains hundreds of sounds for each surface and varies dynamically depending on lateral and vertical load.

In speaking of the tone of the soundtrack, Hayes stated "The score has an increased cinematic feel as well as incorporating many of the styles (downtempo, electronic, ambient) that made the Forza Motorsport 3 OST a fan favorite.

[25] The content provided by the BBC's BAFTA award-winning television show Top Gear, also includes narration from presenter Jeremy Clarkson during the virtual showroom (Autovista) navigation.

[26] The game features the Top Gear test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome, near the village of Cranleigh, UK.

[28] The Top Gear test track in Forza Motorsport 4 also features authentic camera angles during replays.

[33][citation needed] Additionally in the final episode of the show's second season Wood and co-host Adam Ferrara challenged Foust to a timed race at Infineon Raceway, otherwise known as Sears Point; Foust drove the Lexus LF-A around the real course while Wood and Ferrara drove the course in Forza Motorsport 4.

[34] Players who bought the Limited Collector's Edition got a polished Steelbook case, with the 2012 BMW M5 as the cover car.

The description of the cars is exactly the same that Jeremy Clarkson narrates while using the Top Gear section found within the Autovista feature.

[59] He praised the game's Autovista mode, specifically mentioning the attention to detail given to even the smaller parts of the vehicles.

"[50] Robinson noted that several cars benefit from the improved handling system, including the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa.

He explained that GT5 emitted a "crazy love" from its developers and noted that Forza Motorsport 4 "often failed to embrace the emotion its subjects can inspire.

"[50] Official Xbox Magazine's Ryan McCaffrey lauded the game's 60 fps framerate and breathtaking views.

"[68] He cited the game's audio and visuals, the number of cars and tracks, the online play and variable skill level all as high points.

However, D'Aprile felt that the Kinect implementation was "a gimmick" and expressed disappointment that there was not more content involving Top Gear.

He felt that Kinect-based racing "isn't satisfying since your arms get tired and the game controls the gas and brake for you.

"[70] Digital Spy similarly gave it all five stars and said it was "authentic yet accessible, educating, entertaining, occasionally silly, always spectacular, but most importantly, faster and more thrilling than riding a V12-powered rollercoaster with no restraints.

"[63] The Daily Telegraph gave it four-and-a-half stars out of five, saying it was "welcoming, slick and meticulously built in order to give its audience what it most desires.