Licensing Issues (Asphalt series)

Around early/mid-2017, the Porsche Update was released. Simultaneously, four tuned Porsches were removed from the Garage indefinitely, though they were not removed from the game for people who already own them. This was due to licensing issues with Porsche AG (Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG).

This would be the start of a series of licensing issues involving brands such as Porsche AG, Toyota, Aprilia, Hot Wheels, Ducati and Automobili Pininfarina.

The following page covers licensing issues surrounding Asphalt game series.

Asphalt 8: Airborne (Gameloft) and Porsche

History

In late 2016, Porsche AG's exclusive licensing agreement with EA (Electronic Arts), where only EA was allowed to recreate Porsche cars in video games, expired.

Before this, several gaming companies, such as Gameloft, Ubisoft, and Microsoft Studios had been allowed to use tuned Porsches instead of "real" Porsches in their video games, due to a loophole in the licensing agreement with EA. Certain car-manufacturing companies, including RUF, 9FF and Rinspeed, had created their own unique real-world cars by using the shells of Porsche cars, along with other design elements of their own. Thus, these cars greatly resembled Porsches, and would likely be indistinguishable from real Porsche cars in video games.

When the licensing agreement with EA expired, many gaming companies had to remove all tuned Porsches in order to be allowed to introduce real Porsches into their games. However, in the 2018 racing games The Crew 2, Gear. Club Unlimited 2, and Gran Turismo: Sport, both RUF and Porsche cars were seen in the car list (With Gran Turismo even introducing the 2016 RUF RGT into update 1.49 of Gran Turismo 7 in 2024). The 2019 mobile game Rebel Racing would introduce Porsche models in a March 2021 update with its RUF models still being visible. Thus, in Asphalt 8: Airborne, four "tuned Porsche" cars were indeed removed from the game, but only for people who hadn't purchased them yet.

Prior to the Porsche Update for Asphalt 8: Airborne, only Porsche-based cars like the RUFs, 9FF GT9 VMAX, and Rinspeed zaZen were allowed to be in the Asphalt games, as Electronic Arts had an exclusive licensing deal with the company that started back in 2000.

Electronic Arts' exclusive contract with Porsche expired in December 2016, allowing their cars to be used in games other than the Need for Speed games and Real Racing 3.

Microsoft Studios and Turn 10 Studios have regularly made deals with EA in the past to include Porsche cars in the Forza series.

W Motors uses Porsche-sourced parts, including Porsche's seven-speed PDK (dual-clutch) automatic transmission as well as the RUF CTR 3's engine for their Lykan and Fenyr hypercars.

During the Porsche Update, five brand-new real Porsches, including the Porsche 959, Porsche 718 Boxster S, Porsche Cayman GT4, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, and Porsche 918 Spyder with Weissach Package, were introduced to the game. Together, the Special Events for unlocking the cars were officially known as the Porsche Motor Series. The Special Events included three Championships, one Research & Development, and one Enduro Double Down.

When the five Porsches were added to Asphalt 8: Airborne, the four tuned Porsches (the Rinspeed zaZen, RUF RT 12 S, RUF CTR 3, and 9FF GT9 VMAX) were removed from the Garage for players who didn't own them yet. These cars have never returned to the game and are likely to be unavailable for purchase indefinitely. However, before the Porsche Update arrived in June 2017, they were all given away during four corresponding multi-stage Time-Limited Events during April-May 2017.

After the four cars were given away in masses and then made unavailable for purchase, the Season 9 races of the RUF RT 12 S, RUF CTR 3, and 9FF GT9 VMAX were all removed entirely. Curiously, though, the Rinspeed zaZen's race was not removed. Collections which required these cars were changed to not include them, both for owners and non-owners of those vehicles. Meanwhile, a new collection was created for the real Porsches. Mastery races for those vehicles were also removed, but only for non-owners. The events of the RUF cars were later replaced by the Mazzanti Evantra (for the RT 12 S), and the McLaren F1 XP-5 (for the CTR 3), and the RUF-manufacturer events were replaced with McLaren. The Season 9 race for the Rinspeed zaZen was removed as of the 2023 Spring Update.

In the 2023 Summer Update, the RT 12 S and the CTR 3 were permanently removed from the game, even for players who already own them, although this wasn't mentioned in the official patch notes, as it was only discovered by an in-game compensation pop-up.. This indicated that there is a licensing issue with RUF cars.

In the 2024 Halloween Update, the remaining cars, 9FF GT9 VMAX and Rinspeed zaZen were erroneously displayed as "???" along with their brands in the brand filter and Kit Cards, indicating that there is a licensing issue. This was fixed in the 2024 Christmas Update.

Asphalt & Polyphony Digital

Beginning in the Tenerife Update, the Volkswagen Golf Design Vision GTI, a car that was created as a collaboration between Volkswagen and Polyphony Digital, the maker of the Gran Turismo game series was added. This was later followed by the GT by CITROEN —a car that was created as a collaboration between Citroen and Polyphony Digital— in the Multiplayer League Update, via its R&D event. This would be the start of a series of Gran Turismo game cars being added to Asphalt 8.

In the Holiday Update, the Infiniti Vision GT, a car that was created for the Vision Gran Turismo project, was the first Vision Gran Turismo car to appear outside of the Gran Turismo games, also via its R&D event. This was followed by the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo, a car that was introduced in the 2021 Christmas Update, via its Festival.

In the 2020 Halloween Update, the Infiniti Vision GT was removed for non-owners, its Season 9 race was removed and the car was made unavailable for purchase between the 2020 Halloween Update and 2022 Lunar New Year Update. Gameloft hasn't provided an explanation for this removal, which may indicate that there is a licensing issue with the car. This would eventually be resolved with the car being offered as a reward for reaching Tier 25 with the Premium Upgrade in the Pagani Imola Festival (before the rebalance in the Hot Winter Season Update), and for reaching Tier 30 with the Premium Upgrade in the TORINO DESIGN Super Sport Car Hunt (1) (after the rebalance in the Hot Winter Season Update). Between the Hot Winter Season Update and the 2024 Halloween Update, the Infiniti Vision GT could be unlocked with a Master Key - Rare. However, as of the 2024 Christmas Update, the car was removed from the garage for non owners, as mentioned in the patch notes.

The same cannot be said about the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo. After its initial Festival event, this car was offered two times for  4,000,000 or  10,000 (a 50% discount from its original  20,000) in the 2022 Lunar New Year Update and the Garage Life Season Update, and for $50 in the Tenth Anniversary Update. On November 28, 2023, Gameloft announced on social media platforms that the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo would be removed from the game for both owners and non-owners on December 5, 2023. There is no explanation for this removal, which indicated there is a licensing issue with the car. However, it is speculated that the license between Gameloft and Polyphony Digital to use this car outside of the Gran Turismo series has been expired.

In Asphalt 9, the Citroën GT by Citroën's checkered Gran Turismo stripe livery was removed in the 2023 European Season Update, further indicating licensing issues between Gameloft and Polyphony Digital.

Asphalt 8: Airborne Soundtracks

Fall Out Boy Music

With the conclusion of the Fall Out Boy Update, Fall Out Boy's music is no longer available in-game. During the update, the music was only available within the BMW M2 Special Edition's World Tour (Story Mode), which may suggest that a contract between Gameloft and Fall Out Boy had restricted the music to only that event. Additionally, only three songs were ever used in the event, out of the 10 songs in the "Mania" album.

Others

In version 5.8.2 of the 2021 Summer Update, 11 songs were removed from the game likely due to their licenses being expired.

• Band of Skulls - Asleep at the Wheel (Rock)
• Silversun Pickups - Cannibal (Rock)
• AWOLNATION - Burn it Down (Rock)
• Kasabian - Underdog (Rock)
• Mutemath - Blood Pressure (Rock)
• Queens of the Stone Age - Go With The Flow (Rock)
• The Bloody Beetroots - Rocksteady (Electronic)
• deadmau5 - Professional Griefers ft. Gerard Way (Electronic)
• Vitalic - Stamina (Electronic)
• The Crystal Method - Play For Real (Dirtyphonics Remix) (Electronic)
• Hadouken! - Mic Check (Camo & Krooked Remix) (Electronic)

As a result of the removal of the aforementioned songs, along with the entire Rock radio station, the two songs, Ares (Villains Remix) by Bloc Party and Silver Surfer, Ghost Rider Go! by Trentemøller were moved to the Electronic radio station.

Later in the 2024 Summer Update, 4 songs were also removed.

• Over It (feat. Dia Frampton) - The Crystal Method
• Silver Surfer, Ghost Rider Go!!! - Trentemøller
• Ares (Villains Remix) - Bloc Party
• Stratus - Notaker

Gangstar Vegas Music

With the conclusion of the Gangstar Season Update, Gangstar Vegas's music is no longer available in game. During this update, the music could only be played at the garage or at a race.

Asphalt Legends Soundtracks

Wolves Records

Sola Guinto & Faffi - AFTERTHOT (feat. SAM WAITIN), the song that won Wolves Records' competition to feature on the label and Asphalt 9, and later added in the Asphalt 9's Wanderlust and Fifth Anniversary Season Update as menu music, has been removed from the game during the Festive Sparks and Dragon Race Update. Furthermore on Syncrmusic page of Asphalt 9: Legends, the winning song could only be licensed for 6 months,, thus confirming licensing issues between Gameloft and Wolves Records.

Asphalt Legends Unite Expansion Update

Swanky Tunes & Going Deeper - One Million Dollars, one of the original 36 songs of the game as race music, has been removed from the game during the Asphalt Legends Unite Expansion Update per community vote made on Asphalt Legends Unite Discord server which lead the removal of the song. Despite this, the song still appears to be licensed in the game, indicating that its license will not be renewed once it expires.

In addition, 30 songs were announced for Asphalt Legends Unite's launch, but only 9 were added in the update. It's currently unknown when or whether the remaining songs will be added or not. The songs were:

Tracklist	Track	Label	Status
Menu	Cannons - "Hurricane"	Columbia Records	-
	deadmau5 - "My Heart Has Teeth (ft. Skylar Grey)"	Constantin Music	-
	Feed Me - "Night Boat"	Sotto Voce	-
	Mefjus - "Hear Me (Skeler Remix)"	Skeler self-released.	-
	Devillish Trio - "Decisions of Torment (Skeler Remix)" -	Skeler self-released.	-
	"Kick The Door" - Betta Lemme	Ultra Records	-
	DJ Snake, Rick Ross, Rich Brian - "Run It"	MARVEL/Hollywood Records, Inc./Interscope Records	-
	Matisse & Sadko x James French - "Pull Me Through The Fire"	STMPD RCRDS B.V.	-
	Skrillex, Noisia, josh pan & Dylan Brady - "Supersonic"	OWSLA (Warner Music Group)	Released in the Phantom Riders Update.
Racing	Citadelle & Dan Soleil - "Safe & Sound"	STMPD RCRDS B.V.	-
	ISOxo & FrostTop - "Angels Landing"	NIGHTMODE (Insomniac Music Group)	-
	Bou, Camo & Krooked, Mefjus, Mila Falls, P Money and D Double E - "Swerve It"	Gossip	-
	F.O.O.L & SKUM - "Mothership"	Monstercat	-
	Jacknife & The Bloody Beetroots - "Jericho"	Musical Freedom (Spinnin' Records)	-
	The Warning - "S!CK"	Republic Records (UMG Recordings)	-
	Martin Garrix & Zedd - "Follow"	STMPD RCRDS B.V.	-
	Timmy Trumpet & Tinie Tempah - "Blazin (ft. Enisa)"	SINPHONY (Spinnin' Records)	-
	WARGASM - "Do It So Good"	Republic Records (UMG Recordings)	-
	Chase & Status & Bou - "Baddadan (ft. IRAH, Flowdan, Trigga & Takura)"	EMI	-
	Grafix & MC ID - "Recruiter"	Sleepless Music Ltd.	Released in the Phantom Riders Update.
	IDLES - "Gift Horse"	Partisan Records

Korean Spring Update

In the Korean Spring Update of Asphalt Legends Unite, 9 songs were removed from the game due to their licenses being expired:

• Axwell Λ Ingrosso - Renegade
• Prophets Of Rage - Hands Up
• Mondo Cozmo - Sixes And Sevens
• Bassnectar - Speakerbox (ft. Lafa Taylor)
• Flux Pavillion - Pogo People
• Joyryde - The Box
• Pimps Of Joytime - The Jump
• The Midnight Beast - Turn It Up
• Bossfight - Nock Em

“	Just to confirm, yeah just updating the songs we have active licenses for. Don't worry we're already on the hunt for few extra hits to replace them 😉	”
Muttley

Regarding the discussion of the license expirations of the soundtracks, Muttley, Asphalt Legends Unite Community Manager, has confirmed that the soundtrack replacements are already being looked for.

Asphalt Xtreme

Maserati Levante AXTR Edition

The Maserati Levante AXTR Edition was added in a soft update during Asphalt Xtreme's Nepal Update as a Class S SUV with the base level of 31, but the release of the car was canceled and the car was removed in subsequent updates, indicating licensing issues between Maserati and the game. After its removal, certain files for the car, including unused icon and Maserati's logo can be found in the game files.

Mazda Miata MX-5

The Mazda Miata MX-5 (ND) was supposed to be added for Asphalt Xtreme but have never been featured for the game due for potential licensing issues. However, the Miata's model and textures could be found in the game files, but were later removed in an update.

Textures can still be found under Netflix version, however it is currently unknown if it's postponed for Netflix release or not.

Perlini Dumpers

The Perlini 105F Red Tiger, one of the initially appearing trucks of Asphalt Xtreme game, have been removed from the garage for non-owners in August 2019. At the end of the month, it was announced that the players who own 105F Red Tiger are unable to upgrade, but given to the players at maximum level at 50 as compensation. Gameloft hasn't provided an explanation for this removal, which indicated that there is a licensing issue between Gameloft and Perlini Dumpers.

At Asphalt Xtreme's Netflix relaunch, it was one of the vehicles that are cut in the relaunch. While certain vehicles and tracks being eventually reintroduced for the Netflix version, it is most likely that 105F Red Tiger will not appear for the Netflix version. Furthermore, credits for the Perlini brand was removed from the information tab.

Netflix Version Relaunch Cut Vehicles

In the relaunch of Asphalt Xtreme on Netflix, certain vehicles were cut from the game with some of them meant to be added subsequent updates, evident from retaining their trademark notices. Except for the following vehicles were cut from the game, in addition of removal of the trademark notices of the brands of the respective brands:

• Ariel Nomad
• MAN TGX D38
• Perlini 105F Red Tiger (delisted for non-owners in the original version due to licensing issues)
• Predator X-18 Intimidator
• SMG Buggy Dakar

These vehicles are unlikely to appear most likely due to licensing issues with the brands: Ariel, MAN Truck & Bus, Perlini, Predator Motor Corporation and SMG.

Audi

When Asphalt 8: Airborne was released in 2013, 5 Audi cars, the R8 e-tron, S4, RS 3 Sportback, TTS Coupé and RS 4 Avant were initially added to the game. Later on, the Audi R8 LMS Ultra (added in the Tenerife Update in 2015) and the Audi R8 e-tron Special Edition (added in the Fall Out Boy Update in 2018) were added in subsequent updates. No Audi cars were added in later updates and later Asphalt titles: Asphalt Overdrive, Asphalt Nitro, Asphalt Xtreme, Asphalt Street Storm Racing and Asphalt 9: Legends, being the first mainline title in the Asphalt franchise to feature no Audi cars.

In the Asphalt 9 2020 Most Wanted Car Polls, Audi, Lexus and Toyota cars were omitted due to Asphalt 9 not being strictly simulating mechanical wise, thus confirming licensing issues between Gameloft and Audi.

In an article published on Traxion about the 20th Anniversary of Asphalt series and Asphalt Legends' Legacy of Speed Update, Raúl Orrego, Gameloft's game manager mentioned that the company is working to get the license from Audi since Audi is one of the most requested brands that was absent in the series.. However, in the November 2025 Q&A of Asphalt Legends with the community manager, Muttley, and Gameloft Barcelona developer, Escopeta, it was said that Gameloft couldn't confirm anything when dealing with external IPs, as stated below:

“	Q: When is Audi coming to the game? A: Yes, we’ve seen your cries for Audi. We can’t confirm anything when dealing with external IPs, but we’ll continue to work to try and acquire licenses for your favorite cars.	”
#dev-qa-november-2025

Automobili Pininfarina (Battista Delays)

During the 2019 Holiday Update, Gameloft intended to introduce the Automobili Pininfarina Battista, which would have been unlockable through a Festival. Strangely, this car was not present in any promotional material prior to the release of the update. The car was only announced in the patch notes for this update with no files for the car being present in its intended or subsequent updates. Kit Cards of the Battista were seen in the Wild Cards tutorial from the Wild Cards Update onwards, with them being in Superb rarity, though the version that was used is the base model.

The cause of the delay was later mentioned to be licensing issues between Gameloft and Automobili Pininfarina.

This issue carried to Asphalt 9: Legends as well, thus it is the reason why there are no offers around this car. The Special Event of this car was cancelled, or delayed until further notice, on the Nintendo Switch version of the game.

“	[Pininfarina Battista Special Event] Attention Legends, Some of you are wondering why this event was skipped. Some legal issues that are not in our control prevented us from adding it to the game at this particular moment in time. We might see it in the game next year. ❣️ Thank you for your attention! 🤩	”
Stephany

The licensing issues for the car were eventually resolved with the car's design being changed to the Anniversario version and released through the 2021 Halloween Festival in the Eighth Anniversary Update for Asphalt 8. For Asphalt 9, the car was also updated to the Anniversario version and later reintroduced as a Black Friday Season Legend Pass unlockable car along with its own Pininfarina Battista Black Friday Special Event during the Electric Season Update.

As of the Asphalt Legends Unite Expansion Update, Blueprints for the Battista can be obtained through Legend Store once player reaches garage level of 39, and also from various card packs.

Bikes

Aprilia (Tuono Delays)

During the Munich Update, Gameloft planned to add a second S-class bike, the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR my2017. It was revealed to be a blueprint R&D-unlockable motorcycle, whose R&D event was supposed to start on November 20, 2017.

However, it was not released at that time. All the players received notifications for its R&D event and even a promo ad in the game, but instead of the Aprilia's R&D, Gameloft released the Arash AF10's R&D for the third time.

The bike was postponed to the Hot Wheels Update, but it was not released during that update. At the beginning of January 2018, Gameloft released the R&D for the BMW S 1000 RR, a bike introduced in said update. After the conclusion of the S 1000 RR's R&D, players were not able to play its own season as well as its Mastery in Moto Blitz, as the Tuono's season was not unlockable because of its unavailability. The Aprilia's R&D event was replaced again, this time with the second revival of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage's R&D on January 19, 2018. In the same month, an Asphalt YouTuber (feuerrmFilms), in a video on his channel where he tested the BMW S 1000 RR's performance in Multiplayer, said that "Gameloft is having some licensing issues with this bike", referring to the Aprilia.

In the Fall Out Boy Update, the BMW S 1000 RR's season, which was the twelfth season of Moto Blitz during the Hot Wheels Update swapped its place with the Tuono's season, which was the eleventh. Now, the Aprilia's season is Season 12 instead of 11.

Many players received blueprints for the Tuono, even though it was never made available in the garage. Its Legendary-rarity Blueprints were available in Pro Boxes and Exclusive Deals. Players that obtained the blueprints from Pro Boxes or bought them from Exclusive Deals received 50 Tokens from Gameloft with the promise that they will fuse the blueprint(s) from their inventories.

The Tuono has never been played in the update-revealing livestreams on Gameloft's official YouTube channel to the players. However, the streamers accidentally showed it in the livestreams, but never raced with it.

The Aprilia Tuono's R&D was finally released on September 29, 2018, during the Fifth Anniversary Update, this time without being a blueprint vehicle. However, the bike was only available in countries where Aprilia is licensed. After the conclusion of the event, this bike has been made unavailable for purchase for non-owners.

Ducati (XDiavel S Delays)

During the 2018 Spring Update, Gameloft intended to introduce a third B-class bike, the Ducati XDiavel S, which was supposed to be R&D-unlockable. Strangely, unlike the other vehicles on the update, this bike was not announced by Gameloft, nor was it present in any promotional material prior to the release of the update (a first for A8). The bike's existence was only discovered because of the presence of its Moto Blitz season, Season 6.2: Techno Cruise (which was locked then), and a bug present in the Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SV's revived EDD, which allowed to see and upgrade every vehicle in the game, whether they were released or not; the XDiavel S included. The R&D event for this bike was never announced at all.

The bike eventually went on sale for certain players in the Holiday Update between January 22 - 23, 2019 for a price of  3,200. The R&D was finally launched on January 24, 2019.

As of the 2021 Lunar New Year Update, the XDiavel S becomes unavailable for purchase for non-owners, indicating that there is a licensing issue surrounding this bike. The issue was eventually resolved, with the bike was offered as a possible reward in the Boss Event: Chrome Marauder V2 during the Twelfth Anniversary Update.

TVS Motor Company

The TVS Apache RR 310 was first shown in the Ninth Anniversary Update with a Moto Blitz season for it. It was briefly available during the Golden Season Mini Update on December 1, 2022 when the bike was unlocked as a gift. However, on the same day, Gameloft announced that the bike's giveaway was cancelled as the manufacturer did not consent to the launch. The bike was subsequently withdrawn from the Garage, and players who had already received it were awarded compensation in the form of  100,000, 1x 15-Min Nitro Starter, 1x 15-Min Tuning Kit and 1x 15-Min Extra Tank.

Players who didn't claim the bike before the cutoff period and withdrawal received no compensation. Gameloft released a brief statement via the compensation screen that the TVS Apache is expected to be re-released at a later date, with all previously-applied upgrades kept intact.
The bike was later gifted to all players on December 15, 2022 as part of the Apache Unleashed Series, a Thematic Multiplayer Season.

As of the 2023 Holiday Update, the bike was unavailable for purchase, indicating that there is a licensing issue regarding to this bike.

This bike was eventually available during the Trick-or-Treat Pumpkins Hunt as a possible reward by opening a Halloween Lucky Box.

Other bikes

It should also be noted that since the 2022 Lunar New Year Update, the following bikes were unavailable for purchase for non-owners:

1. Yamaha YZF-R6 (this bike was eventually available during the 2024 Christmas Update as a possible reward in a Normal Lucky Box of the Ads Relay Offers)
2. Ducati SuperSport S (this bike was eventually available during the Chasing Stars Event as a possible reward)
3. Yamaha FZ-10 (this bike was eventually available during the 2024 Christmas Update as a possible reward in a Normal Lucky Box of the Ads Relay Offers, and also during the 12th Anniversary Cake Hunt)
4. MV Agusta F4 1000 R (this bike was eventually available during the Chasing Stars Event as a possible reward)
5. BMW S 1000 RR (this bike was eventually available during the 11th Anniversary Cake Hunt)
6. Suzuki Hayabusa (this bike was eventually available during the Trick-or-Treat Pumpkins Hunt as a possible reward)
7. Kawasaki Ninja H2R (this bike was eventually available as a  Multiplayer Badges-unlockable bike during the Twelfth Anniversary Update)
8. Lightning LS-218 (this bike was eventually available during the Chasing Stars Event and the 12th Anniversary Cake Hunt as a possible reward)

However, these bikes can still be purchased in the Apple Arcade version of the game.

Asphalt Legends Special Events

Racing Around the World

During the Racing Around the World event in the Pinnacle of Speed Update of Asphalt Legends Unite that is part of the Sonic the Hedgehog collaboration, there are decals offered in IAPs based on the characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. On June 10, 2025, one of those decals, "Amy Rose" (for the Lamborghini Revuelto), was made unavailable to purchase, with its offer being removed for non-owners. This was confirmed by Asphalt Legends Unite community manager, Muttley, as in the following:

“	[RACING AROUND THE WORLD: DECAL CHANGES] Unfortunately, due to licensing issues, we will no longer be selling the Amy Decal for the Lamborghini Revuelto for the remainder of the event. For those of you who have already purchased it, don't worry. You'll still be able to keep your purchase and make normal use of it. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.	”
Muttley

Brabham Automotive

The Brabham BT62 was initially featured in Asphalt 9: Legends' New Breed Rivals Update in April 2022, under its Special Event, and subsequently debuted in:

• Asphalt 9: Legends China, became obtainable in the Gauntlet Store in the Sailing Update in 2023, and Asphalt Mastery in the New Tech Update in April 2024.
• Asphalt 8: Airborne in the Tenth Anniversary Update, via its Special Event in August 2023.

On January 16, 2024, Brabham Automotive Holdings Pty Ltd became defunct due to the termination of collaboration between Brabham Group Limited and Fusion Capital.

During A9C's Pinnacle of Speed Update, it was announced by the Asphalt 9: Legends China Operations Team that the Brabham BT62 would have its availability adjusted due to "Special Reasons", indicating a licensing issue that was most likely happened after Brabham Automotive became defunct. The announcement also advised players to obtain the car during the said update as the car would be removed from the Gauntlet Store and Asphalt Mastery and is scheduled to be replaced in the subsequent update on October 30, 2025.

“	Unfortunately, the Brabham BT62 will be leaving our featured rotation and no longer be included in rewards or offers. However, any legends that had managed to collect blueprints for the car will be receiving a FREE KEY, so your efforts don't go to waste!	”
hololive and Halloween are coming!

For Asphalt Legends, when the patch notes for the Phantom Riders Update was announced on October 11, 2025, it was confirmed that the car would be removed from the featured cars rotation and would no longer be offered. The patch notes also mentioned that its  key would be given to players who collected at least 1 of its  Blueprints. At the update's launch, the car was delisted for non-owners, and its  key would be eventually given between November 17 – 18, 2025.

For Asphalt 8: Airborne, as an indirect result of the one in Asphalt Legends, the car became unobtainable and its brand was also removed from the brand filter for non-owners in the 2025 Halloween Update. None of these was mentioned in the official patch notes.

De Tomaso (P72 Delays)

During the 2020 Christmas Update, the De Tomaso P72 was planned to be released as the De Tomaso brand filter can be seen in the garage. However, the car was never released and was not mentioned in the update notes or shown in an update screen.

The De Tomaso brand filter was removed in the Neon Season Update. However, the brand filter was added back in a hotfix on July 28, 2022 with a newer logo. The licensing issues for the car were eventually resolved with it being released through a Festival in August 2022 for Asphalt 8.

Despicable Me "Villain Wheels"

During the Munich Update, Gameloft released the Despicable Me "Villain Wheels", a fictional vehicle from the 2017 American animated film "Despicable Me 3" as a collaboration between Gameloft and Illumination Entertainment - the film's studio. This vehicle is only available for use in 3 exclusive TLE cups - 2 normal TLE cup and 1 MP cup.

With the conclusion of these cups, this vehicle is no longer obtainable or used by any means. Also, the Villain Wheels' manufacturer icon was removed from the brand filter in the 2018 Spring Update, effectively making the car completely unavailable, although the car's data is still in the game's files.

DeLorean Motor Company

The DMC DeLorean Neon Edition (based on the DeLorean DMC-12), a car that was introduced in the Neon Season Update, was removed for non-owners in the 2024 Christmas Update, together with the Infiniti Vision GT due to the license being expired as mentioned in the patch notes. Initially it was available in the Neon Season, then available for  700 during a sale. Gameloft hasn't provided an explanation for this removal, which indicated that there is a licensing issue regarding this car. Furthermore, the original car's manufacturer, DeLorean Motor Company (based in Detroit, Michigan and not to be confused with the current DeLorean Motor Company which was revived in 1995 and is based in Humble near Houston, Texas), has been defunct since 1982. The DeLorean manufacturer icon was also removed.

This car can't be unlocked with a Master Key - Uncommon, an item that was introduced in the Golden Season Update that can unlock any Class C car in the garage, with a few exceptions, further indicating licensing Issues.

Formula E

The Formula E Gen2 was introduced in Asphalt 8's Formula E Update via its Festival and its Festival Special. After both events were concluded, the car became unavailable for non-owners. Furthermore, the car didn't have its own race in Season 9. Gameloft hasn't provided any explanations about this, which indicated that there were licensing restrictions over the game. It was later discovered that the Formula E Gen2 was intended to only be unlocked through a time-limited event.

The car made a return in 2024 in Asphalt 8, Asphalt 9: Legends Global and Asphalt 9 China version. In Asphalt 9's Italian Revolution Update, it's in the form of the Formula E Gen 2 Asphalt Edition. This version of the Formula E featured visual changes such as slight revisions to the livery to now include the new Formula E logo, iON tires made by Hankook, the official tire supplier for Formula E since the 2022/23 season, rather than Michelin tires, and removal of Enel Group and BOSS as sponsors —changes that were eventually added in Asphalt 8.

For Asphalt 9: Legends/Asphalt Legends Unite, the Formula E Gen 2 Asphalt Edition was available in its series of Formula E Tour Unleashed events to commemorate the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as in the following:

1. Osaka Tour: March 28 - April 6, 2024, commemorated the Tokyo E-Prix that was available on March 30, 2024.
2. Auckland Tour: June 27 - July 6, 2024, commemorated the Portland E-Prix that was available on June 29, 2024.
3. Scotland Tour: July 18 - 27, 2024, commemorated the London E-Prix that was available on July 20, 2024. For Nintendo Switch players, this event was held between August 29 - September 4, 2024. It should be noted that this car wasn't added prior to the Asphalt Legends Unite Expansion Update, thus indicated there was a licensing issue.

For Asphalt 8, the car became available to obtain in a number of separated Formula E Cups, as in the following:

1. 2024-03-12 Formula E Cup, during the 2024 Spring Update, by finishing the event within the Top 5%. Players who already own the car would get 10x Direct Upgrade - Class S instead.
2. 2024-05-07 Formula E Cup, during the Mercedes Season Update, by finishing the event within the Top 5%. Players who already own the car would receive a decal instead. This decal has a black, red with a dark violet background and can be purchased for  120
3. 2024-05-21 Formula E Cup, during the Mercedes Season Update, by finishing the event within the Top 5%. Players who already own the car would receive a decal instead. This decal has a black with a green background and can be purchased for  120
4. 2025-01-06 Formula E Cup, during the 2024 Christmas Update, by finishing the event within the Top 5%. Players who already own the car would get 3x Direct Upgrade - Class S instead.
5. 2025-05-31 Formula E Cup, during the Chrome Marauder Update, by finishing the event within the Top 3%. Players who already own the car would get 3x Direct Upgrade - Class S instead.
6. 2025-10-10 Formula E Cup, during the Twelfth Anniversary Update, by finishing the event within the Top 10%. Players who already own the car would get  500,000 instead.
7. 2026-01-05 Formula E Cup, during the 2025 Christmas Update, by finishing the event within the Top 3%. Players who already own the car would get  750,000 instead.

For the Chinese version of Asphalt 9, the car was added in the Speed Revolution Update, under a trio of its special events with an added animated decal and a nitro visual.

Geely

The Geely GC9, a car that was introduced in the Car Mastery Update, was permanently removed from the garage for players who did not have it during the release of the Eighth Anniversary Update. Initially it was a credit-purchasable car, then a Mastery-unlockable car. With the removal of Mastery in the aforementioned update, this car has been made unavailable for purchase since then. Gameloft hasn't provided an explanation for this removal, which indicated that there are licensing issues regarding this car.

The car was eventually been made available for purchase with a price of  600 (45% off from  1,100) or  180,000 for a limited time during the Neon Season Update. As of the Golden Season Update, the car can't be unlocked with a Master Key - Common, further confirming the licensing issues regarding this car.

In Asphalt Nitro, the GC9 was removed in an update, along with the removal of the trademark notice of the Geely brand from the About screen.

Genty Automobile (Akylone Delays)

The Genty Akylone was added in the Slipstream Update in December 2018, but wasn't obtainable at the time despite being shown in the garage. It was eventually released in July 2019 during Summer Update as one of the support cars for Drive Syndicate 1. Gameloft hasn't provided an explanation about this, which was indicating that there were licensing issues between Gameloft and Genty Automobile.

As of the Asphalt Legends Unite Expansion Update, blueprints for the Akylone can be obtained through the Legend Store once the player reached garage level of 20, and also from various card packs.

Holden

The Holden Coupe 60, a car that was introduced in the Lunar New Year Update, was permanently removed from the garage for players who did not have it during the release of the 2020 Christmas Update. Initially it was a token-purchasable car, then a blueprint-buildable car, and once again a token-purchasable car. Gameloft hasn't provided an explanation for this removal, which indicated that there is a licensing issue regarding this car. Furthermore, the car's manufacturer, Holden, has been defunct since December 2020.

However, unlike the Marussia B2, another car that was removed from the garage in the same update with the same reason, this car can't be unlocked with a Master Key - Common, an item that was introduced in the Golden Season Update.

Hot Wheels

During the last update of the year 2017, three Hot Wheels Cars were released: the Rip Rod, the Bone Shaker, and the Twin Mill. All of these 3 vehicles were released through exclusive Hot Wheels-themed Championships. These cars could be bought with tokens outside of their Championships, or through a Hot Wheels Car Pack when available for a limited time.

Many players were disappointed with these cars lacking Mastery Challenges or Season 9 Races. These two things, combined with their expensive prices and the high number of very rare Hot Wheels Engine cards required for Pro Kits, make the three cars nothing more than collector's items.

Players suggested to Gameloft that they add Masteries and Season 9 Races to the Hot Wheels cars. In early 2018, one of Gameloft Forum's community managers said that "we can't add Masteries and Season 9 races to Hot Wheels cars for some reasons that are above us",^{[citation needed]} hinting that there are licensing restrictions with the three cars.

Furthermore, in late November 2018, the same Gameloft community manager confirmed,^{[citation needed]} in a post which answered many suggestions from the players, that Hot Wheels Championships wouldn't come back, confirming the licensing issues surrounding the brand.

As of the 2019 Spring Update, the Hot Wheels Engine cards are also unobtainable. At the same time, these cars are no longer obtainable for non-owners.

Hyundai

The Hyundai i30 N, a car that was added in the Halloween Update via its R&D was made unavailable for purchase for non-owners since January 31, 2021. This car can't be unlocked using a Master Key - Common, an item introduced in the Golden Season Update, which indicated that there is a licensing issue regarding this car.

For Asphalt Legends Unite, in the Korean Spring Update, 2 new Hyundai cars were added, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N and the Hyundai N Vision 74 Concept. This indicated that Hyundai's licensing terms have been changed.

The Hyundai i30 N is yet to be re-added in a future update of Asphalt 8: Airborne.

Inferno Automobili

The Inferno Automobili Inferno debuted in Asphalt 9's Fire and Lightning Update under its own Special Event available between February 12 - March 12, 2021. The car could also be obtained in its Epic Prix event between October 1 – 11, 2021 and Mexico Independence Day TLE on September 2022.

The Inferno Settimo Cerchio later debuted in the Around the World Update under its own Special Event that was available between October 27 - November 17, 2022. After the conclusion of this event, the car would never feature in any future events. For the Global Speed Update, this update's Chinese adaptation, which was released on May 2023, the Settimo Cerchio was never added.

During the release of the Racing through Fire and Hall of Flames Update in July 2023, the Inferno and the Settimo Cerchio have been delisted from the garage for players who didn't unlock one or both cars. The Inferno Automobili's brand was delisted for players who didn't own both cars. The licensing issues were confirmed by the brand on their Facebook page when questioned about the removal of these cars, of which the brand replied to the comments as "Let's ask what they think?" (translated from Spanish), indicating that the brand accusing Gameloft of the licensing issues.

However, the cars can still be viewed by choosing a vehicle next to them in the garage in the Daily Car Loot, Open Class Cup and the Deluxe Class Cup event.

As of the Festive Fury Update, the licensing issues are persisted. In a promotional picture introducing the Gameloft Club and showcasing its features, on the first image, the Settimo Cerchio was initially featured with other cars from the Around the World Update. This was replaced by the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 in a hotfix.

Marussia

The Marussia B2, one of the original 47 cars of the game, was permanently removed from the garage for players who did not have it during the release of the 2020 Christmas Update. Initially it was a credit-purchasable car, then a blueprint-buildable car, and finally a token-purchasable car. Gameloft hasn't provided an explanation for this removal, which indicated that there is a licensing issue regarding this car. Furthermore, the car's manufacturer, Marussia Automotive Company, has been defunct since April 2014.

The car would eventually be unlockable using a Master Key - Uncommon, an item introduced in the Golden Season Update.

Mazzanti

During the release of the Golden Season Update, the Mazzanti Evantra and the Mazzanti Evantra Millecavalli were removed from the garage for non-owners. These cars cannot be obtained with their corresponding Master Keys, an item introduced in the same update which can unlock any cars in the garage barring some exceptions, which indicated that there is a licensing issue regarding these cars.

These two cars would eventually be on sale for a limited time between February 4 - 11, 2023 during the 2023 Lunar New Year Update with a base purchase price of  910,000 and  4,000,000, respectively.

“	Unfortunately, due to licensing issues, we had to remove the car from the game, and we sincerely apologize for this. The car will remain in the possession for those who already own it.	”
Confirmation of the Mazzanti Evantra's removal for non-owners in the Balancing Adjustments section of the 2023 Summer Update patch notes.

In the 2023 Summer Update, both the Mazzanti Evantra (as mentioned in the patch notes) and the Mazzanti Evantra Millecavalli were removed from the garage for those who didn't own neither of those cars (in the case of the Millecavalli, this car wasn't mentioned directly in the patch notes, but was also removed due to licensing issues with the Mazzanti brand).

These cars would eventually be unlockable using a Master Key - Epic and a Master Key - Legendary, the items introduced in the Golden Season Update.

In the Asphalt 9: Legends' Racing Through Fire & Hall of Flames Update, this has also occurred for the Mazzanti Evantra Millecavalli, which was delisted from the garage for players who didn't unlock it, with Mazzanti's brand filter being delisted for those who didn't own the car. However, the car can still be viewed by choosing a vehicle next to them in the garage in the Daily Car Loot, Open Class Cup and Deluxe Class Cup event.

Praga

The Praga R1 was released in Asphalt 9's Winterfest Update as one of the support cars for the Drive Syndicate 6 event. After the conclusion of the event, this car has never been featured in any events. This may indicate that there are licensing issues regarding this car.

As of the Asphalt Legends Unite Expansion Update, the car is available under Bronze league card packs on Multiplayer.

RUF Automobile

The Ruf Rt 12 S and the Ruf CTR 3, two of the original 47 cars of Asphalt 8: Airborne, were previously removed from garage for non-owners in favor of Porsche cars in the Porsche Update. In the 2023 Summer Update, both cars were permanently removed from the game. No official statement from Gameloft or any content in the official patch notes of the aforementioned update were announced, as it was only discovered by an in-game compensation pop-up, indicating that there is licensing issue.

Tesla

During the release of the Seventh Anniversary Update, the Tesla Model S one of the original 47 cars of the game, was permanently removed from the garage for non-owners. Subsequently, the car has been removed from any Collections and any stars previously won are removed from the total in the player's collection. Gameloft hasn't provided an explanation for this removal, which indicated that there is a licensing issue regarding this car. The Tesla manufacturer icon was also removed.

This car can't also be unlocked with a Master Key - Common, an item that was introduced in the Golden Season Update that can unlock any Class D car in the garage, with a few exceptions, further indicating its licensing Issues.

Toroidion

The Toroidion 1MW was initially available through its own Special Event, Limited-Time Card Packs and IAPs during Asphalt 9's Electric Season Update. However, after the conclusion of its Special Event, the car was never featured in reruns or other Special Events. Gameloft didn't provide an explanation about this. Furthermore, the car's manufacturer, which has indicated that there is a licensing issue regarding this car. Toroidion, has been defunct since March 2022.

These issues are persisted as of the Asphalt Legends Unite Expansion Update, with its blueprints have never featured on Class S card packs in Unite Offer I. It is unknown if the car will be delisted in the game in a update.

However, for the Chinese version, it was released in March 2022 during China's Electric Season Update at the month the brand filed for bankruptcy. The car was one of the support cars for the Team Fordzilla P1's 2024 Special Event Rerun/Phonk Event which started on January 18, 2024 during the Wanderlust Update. Blueprints and Nitro Visuals of the car were obtainable from certain card packs, limited-time offers and Second Wanderlust Season. The last time this car featured was on December 5, 2024, during the Supercharged Update, in which it was one of the support cars for the McMurtry Spéirling Special Event.

Toyota

Later, the Scion FR-S and the Toyota Supra RZ (Mark IV) were both removed in the Motorcycles Update due to licensing issues with Toyota, which had removed most of its production cars from video games that are not developed by Japanese developers on the grounds that its cars were becoming "less popular" due to people preferring to drive the simulated versions rather than the real versions (which would cost money). Again, players who had the cars in their possession before their removal were not affected. Unlike the tuned Porsche cars, no giveaway cups were held. In addition, the Scion brand has been defunct since 2016, having been absorbed into Toyota. This mostly affected non-Japanese games that allegedly promote illegal street racing.

With the removal of these two cars, the collection requiring the Toyota Supra (Old School) was not originally corrected to not include the car. However, as of the Halloween Update, the Supra was replaced by the Acura NSX 2005. Additionally, the Mastery races of both the Scion and Supra were removed for non-owners. Similarly to the Rinspeed zaZen, the Supra's Season 9 race wasn't removed. However, the Scion's Season 9 race was altered to have the Porsche 718 Boxster S as the required vehicle. With that change, there were two Season 9 races for the Boxster; this was almost certainly not intentional. The additional race was removed in the Asphalt Moments Update.

The previous phenomenon may be explained by changes made to the rest of Career Mode. Six races for the RUF RT 12 S and RUF CTR 3 (including two races in Versus Mode) were replaced with similar races for the Mazzanti Evantra and McLaren F1 XP-5 (x2 for the Evantra, x2 for the F1 XP-5, and x2 for McLaren). Additionally, after the alleged Toyota Anti-Video-Game Campaign that affects non-Japanese developers, the Scion FR-S' only Career Mode race was replaced with a similar race for the Boxster. It is likely that Gameloft accidentally coded the Boxster to replace the Scion in both its Season 4 and Season 9 races, instead of just its Season 4 race. The Season 9 race of the Scion FR-S was most likely supposed to be removed.

Currently, it seems unlikely that the Scion FR-S and Toyota Supra will ever be available for purchase again in Asphalt 8: Airborne. Their only owners are those who had already purchased the cars before their removal. However, the Scion FR-S may return either in the game or in later games in a different form as the Subaru BRZ, which is currently a very popular car among community polls (for adding cars to the game).

In 2016, the Asphalt 8 Most Wanted Cars list also included the Lexus LFA (Lexus is a luxury cars-produced sub brand of Toyota). Due to Toyota's refusal to appear in video games not made by Japanese developers, the LFA and any Toyota/ Lexus cars will likely not be added to any non-Japanese developed game. Exception to this are Electronic Arts, Universal and a few non-Japanese companies with their own Japanese studios.

Despite this, Toyota cars appeared in the following non-Japanese developed games:

• Project CARS 2 and 3 has Toyota cars initially debuted for the game.
• Forza Horizon 4 added the Supra RZ (JZA80) in December 2019, which was followed up by the Sprinter Trueno GT-Apex (AE86) in January 2020, the Lexus LFA in February 2020, the 2000GT (MF10) in March 2020, the Supra 2.0 GT Twin Turbo (JZA70) in April 2020, the Celica GT-Four (ST185 and ST205) in May 2020, MR2 SC (AW11) and MR2 GT (SW20) in June 2020, Celica GT and Corolla SR5 in July 2020, and the Lexus RC-F and IS-F in October 2020.
• CSR2 added the GR Supra RZ (A90) in April 2020 and the Lexus LFA in January 2021.
• Forza Horizon 5 has Toyota cars initially debuted for the game.
• The Crew™ Motorfest has Toyota cars initially debuted for the game.
• Need for Speed Mobile (A.K.A. Need for Speed Zeal) has Toyota AE86 for Initial D collaboration event.

For Asphalt Legends Unite, in the Korean Spring Update, 3 new Toyota cars were added, the Toyota GR Supra 2023, Lexus Electrified Sport Concept and the Toyota GR Super Sport Concept. This indicated that Toyota's licensing terms have been changed, allowing non-Japanese developed games to be able to include their cars. A fourth car, the Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept, was added in the Pinnacle of Speed Update. These cars were licensed under "TMNA", Toyota's North America subsidiary.

The aforementioned Lexus Electrified Sport Concept was added in Asphalt 8: Airborne's 2025 Halloween Update.

Use of Asphalt 8: Airborne and Asphalt 9: Legends music on YouTube

It should also be noted that it is against Gameloft's Terms of Use to use any of Asphalt 8's and Asphalt 9's in-game music in YouTube videos demonstrating Asphalt 8 and Asphalt 9 gameplay, as Gameloft will claim a copyright on the video(s) if this music is used. The exception to this is if the uploader is part of the YouTube program. It is unknown if the use of the game's music on any YouTube video that doesn't demonstrate gameplay of the game will result in a copyright claim.