How to solve “Speed Machines” Treasure Hunt in Forza Horizon 5. Where to find the Treasure Chest and hints

TL;DR

  • Use the 1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI with Share Code 148 611 788 for optimal performance
  • Target Cordillera or Desierto Viviente Speed Zones for easiest 3-star completion
  • Locate treasure chest south of map below bridge coordinates with bug workarounds
  • Upgrade car to S1 or S2 class with proper tuning for speed zone success
  • Complete challenge for 100 Forzathon Points and 3 Season Points rewards

Games and Esports Articles

The Winter season of Series 9 in Forza Horizon 5 brings an exciting Hot Wheels and muscle car theme to the Mexican landscape. This seasonal Treasure Hunt challenge offers substantial rewards for players seeking to expand their garage and progress through the festival playlist. Successfully completing this event grants you 100 valuable Forzathon Points plus 3 crucial Season Points that contribute to your overall series progression.

Seasonal challenges like Speed Machines provide excellent opportunities to earn premium currency and exclusive rewards that would otherwise require significant grinding. The 100 Forzathon Points can be spent on rare cars and items in the Forzathon Shop, while the Season Points help unlock the series’ ultimate rewards. Many players overlook these weekly challenges, but they represent some of the most efficient ways to build your in-game wealth and collection.

The designated vehicle for this Treasure Hunt is the 1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI (148 611 788), a surprisingly capable front-wheel-drive classic that responds well to performance upgrades. Achieving three stars in any Speed Zone requires strategic planning and proper vehicle configuration to maximize your speed potential through these timed sections.

Upgrading the Golf GTI to S1 or S2 class dramatically improves your chances of success, as the stock vehicle struggles to reach the necessary speed thresholds. For optimal results, focus on power upgrades and weight reduction while maintaining drivability. The Cordillera Speed Zone in the mountainous region and Desierto Viviente in the desert areas offer the most forgiving star requirements and straightforward approaches.


Advanced players should consider specific tuning setups: install race transmission for closer gear ratios, upgrade to race tires for better cornering grip, and reduce vehicle weight through carbon fiber components. These modifications can shave valuable seconds off your Speed Zone attempts and make the three-star requirement significantly more achievable, especially for players still mastering the game’s driving mechanics.

The treasure chest is strategically positioned in the southern region of the map, conveniently located beneath a prominent bridge structure that serves as an excellent landmark. This placement follows the pattern of previous Treasure Hunts where developers choose locations that balance accessibility with the need for some exploration.


Similar to recent challenges, some players have reported technical issues where the chest appears on the map interface but remains invisible in the actual game world. This known bug typically resolves itself after restarting the game or completing additional events. If the chest doesn’t appear initially, try fast traveling to a nearby location and returning, or participate in a Horizon Arcade event to refresh the game state.

For guaranteed success, approach the location from the north side of the bridge and scan the area thoroughly. The chest often spawns in slightly different positions for different players, so check both under the bridge structure and along the adjacent riverbanks. Persistent issues may require waiting for a game patch, but most players successfully complete the challenge using these troubleshooting methods.

Efficient players can complete the entire Speed Machines Treasure Hunt in approximately 15-20 minutes with proper preparation. Begin by acquiring the specified Volkswagen Golf GTI through the provided share code, then immediately upgrade it to at least S1 class with focus on horsepower and handling improvements. This preparation phase typically takes 5-7 minutes but dramatically increases your success rate.

Weather conditions during Winter season can impact Speed Zone performance, with rainy weather reducing traction and visibility. Plan your attempts during clear weather periods or adjust your driving style for wet conditions by being smoother with throttle inputs and braking earlier for corners. These adjustments prevent unnecessary restarts and save valuable time.

Consider completing this challenge in a convoy with friends, as multiplayer sessions often provide more stable server connections that reduce the likelihood of treasure chest bugs. Additionally, having other players create draft opportunities can help achieve higher speeds through Speed Zones, making the three-star requirement more attainable for moderately upgraded vehicles.

Action Checklist

  • Acquire 1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI using share code 148 611 788
  • Upgrade vehicle to S1 class with power and handling modifications
  • Select Cordillera or Desierto Viviente Speed Zone for attempt
  • Achieve 3-star rating in chosen Speed Zone
  • Navigate to southern map location below bridge to collect treasure chest
  • Apply bug workarounds if chest doesn’t appear initially

No reproduction without permission:Game Guides » How to solve “Speed Machines” Treasure Hunt in Forza Horizon 5. Where to find the Treasure Chest and hints Complete guide to solving Speed Machines Treasure Hunt with car tuning tips and bug workarounds