Saturday, April 23, 2011

The "One Piece" navi for adventurous pirate drivers

Dinos One Piece Car Navi


Get lost no more with the heroic Straw Hat Pirates!

Dinos announced a special One Piece navigation system packed with the Straw Hat Pirates, helping you to guide your way on your next destination. If you want to go somewhere at the park, shortcuts to your office building, going at the restaurant, or you want a family vacation in Japan, the Straw Hat Pirates are ready to help you!


Nami will lead your way via turn-by-turn navigation while Luffy and Chopper guide you on the navigation system's options!

QUICK ADVICE: Do you have a JDM Nissan Serena C26? Is it audioless? Audio but no navigation attached? You come to the right tool for a very limited time. This One Piece Navi looks great with your Serena C26 because the anime One Piece made a team up with the Nissan Serena C26 last year...

Nissan Serena C26 with One Piece

The Melancholy of Hankook Porsche...

Haruhi Racing Hankook Porsche sketch


It seems that the Ferrari LMP Motorsport Ika-Musume F430GT is not the only itasha racer invaded the Super GT 2011 season, joining to the list of Super GT itasha racers consisting of that, Evangelion Racing Corolla Axio, Good Smile Racing Porsche, and the Hatsune Miku BMW Z4, there will be a Haruhi Racing Hankook Porsche joining the ranks.


Another Super GT overkill for the racing fans and anime otakus alike. The new Haruhi Suzumiya light novel "The Surprise of Haruhi Suzumiya", South Korea's tire company Hankook Tires", and a souped up Porsche 911 Super GT all mixed up to create such a mega eccentric chemistry of WTF (What the fudge?) and WOW.

What do you guys think about Haruhi Racing? Feel free to ask.

CONFIRMED: Nissan's version of Mazda's third generation Premacy is... the 2012 Lafesta Highway Star!

2012 Nissan Lafesta Highway Star


Those JDM fans wondering what would the Nissan version of Mazda Premacy (Mazda 5) CWEFW will look like finally met their answer. The Nissan version of the latest Mazda Premacy/5 is the 2012 Nissan Lafesta Highway Star.


Details remain slim for now but what I'm guessing is that the second-generation Nissan Premacy, I mean, Lafesta Highway Star would be equipped with the idling stop function and the 2.0L LF-VDS engine found on the Premacy. We'll have to wait more for details on the Nissan version of the Mazda Premacy such is the new Lafesta Highway Star.

Also, the previous Lafesta will have to keep it under the new name, Lafesta Joy, which means that there will be two kinds of Lafestas to choose. Sales of the new Lafesta Highway Star commencing this summer 2011.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

GM Korea Chevrolet Cruze

2011 GM Korea Chevrolet Cruze


The GM Korea Chevrolet Cruze (쉐보레 크루즈) is the new name of GM Daewoo's Lacetti Premiere as part of changing the name GM Daewoo Auto and Technology into GM Korea Company and it's not part of the eight new vehicles to be launched in South Korea this year. This is the response from 50% of the Lacetti Premiere customers the option to change nameplates to Chevrolet Cruze according to GM Korea CEO, Mike Arcamone.

What retains are the 1.6L petrol engine and the 1.8L petrol engine. The 1.6L petrol engine offers 124ps/6,400rpm of power output, 15.7kg.m/4,200rpm of torque output, and it can go for about 13.0km/L for the 6AT grade to 15.0km/L for the 5MT grade. The 1.8L petrol engine, on the other hand, offers 142ps/ 6,200rpm of power output, 17.8kg.m/3,800rpm of torque output, and 13.7km/L of fuel economy. The 6-speed auto is standard on this one.

COLOR VARIATION:
1) Gunsmoke Gray
2) Olympic White
3) Velvet Red
4) Pewter Grey
5) Switchblade Silver
6) Carbon Flash Black

My Comment:
Get used to more Koreans, because this is what you demanded for. The GM Korea Chevrolet Cruze can always look at its best. It is a world-proven medium sedan. The North Americans, Europeans, and Asians are already indulged with the Cruze's global success. Now it's the Koreans' turn to fall in love with the Cruze because this is the response from 50% of the Lacetti Premiere owners the option to change their badges into Chevrolet Cruze, that's what Mr. Arcamone said.

Photo: GM Korea Company

GM Korea Chevrolet Spark

2011 GM Korea Chevrolet Spark

The GM Korea Chevrolet Spark (쉐보레 스파크) is the new name of GM Daewoo Matiz Creative as part of replacing the name GM Daewoo Auto and Technology into GM Korea Company, using the fastest growing Chevrolet brand as a front according to the company's CEO, Mike Arcamone. Despite its name change, it is not counted as one of the eight new vehicles to be launched in South Korea. It is Mike Arcamone's response to 38% of the Matiz Creative customers swapping badges into the Chevrolet Spark. This decision is done under the demands of South Korean customers. As of now, most Matiz Creative customers in South Korea have the option to change nameplates into the Chevy Spark.

What retains is two engine types; the 1.0L gasoline engine and the 1.0L liquefied petroleum gas (LPGi) engine. The 1.0L gasoline engine provides 70ps/6,400rpm of power output, 9.4kg.m/4,800rpm of torque output, and in can go for about 21.0km/L for the 5-speed manual and 17.0km/L for the 4-speed auto. The Spark LPGi drops 5ps of power, 1kg.m of torque, and can travel up to 17.0km/L for the 5MT grade and 13.6km/L for the 4AT grade.

SPECIAL EDITION:

2011 GM Korea Chevrolet Spark
Special Edition

As a welcome treat in South Korea, GM Korea Company offered the Chevrolet Spark Special Edition, which sports Camaro-like stripes, piano black paneling, and sporty 15-inch rims.

COLOR VARIATION:
1) Iceland Blue
2) Havana Green
3) Santorini Blue
4) Monaco Pink
5) Belgian Brown
6) Barcelona Red
7) Prague Black
8) Sapporo White
9) Manhattan Silver

My Comment:
The Spark is a world-proven compact car packed with world-proven size, world-proven space, world-proven performance, and world-proven fuel economy customers will love. This response from 38% percent of Matiz Creative customers changing their badges into Chevy Spark sounds demanding but this is a cause for the Korean market.

Photo: GM Korea Company

Quick rewind - Genesis Coupe vs. Camaro at a Top Gear Philippines issue

Camaro vs. Genesis Coupe


I'm sure most of you read the full comparison between the 5th-generation Camaro and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe at a Top Gear Philippines issue last year.

In case you want to see it again, here:

In my understanding, despite the Camaro being more expensive than the Genesis Coupe, it packs more performance than the Genesis Coupe.

XV Concept - The next Impreza XV?

Subaru XV Concept '11


"Could that be the next Impreza XV?!"

At the Auto Shanghai 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries unveiled the Subaru XV Concept, hinting a possible crossover at Subaru.


In my understanding, the XV Concept in Shanghai is actually a crossover hatchback version of the Subaru Impreza Concept as seen on Los Angeles late last year. With the next Impreza making its New York debut this year, my understanding is, could the XV Concept be possibly be the next Impreza XV?!

Peugeot RCZ - Forza 3 Owner's View

Misaki Ayuzawa-spec RCZ


Charlotte Dunois-spec RCZ




Final Impressions: "It chooses you, it owns you", that's how the feeling of the Peugeot RCZ feels like. It was first debuted at Forza 3 via the Summer Velocity car pack released since June 2010. What impresses me is its strikingly aggressive look that others think that this French sports car has a wickedly scary face to hide away from but in terms of performance, I think the RCZ need a little bit of TLC to push it to its full potential. Even when tuned to Class A, I think its still can't seem to be right. Convert it to FR and the RCZ would be rather disappointing at the start and cornering doesn't seem to be more dynamic. Set it to 4WD at the RCZ feels a bit more stable, at least what a few can say.

Whatever the heck is, I think the Peugeot RCZ can be a good car to decorate at. You can even mimic the RCZ Nurburgring 24HR race car or start something new you know, color it with everything or make an itasha out of it. I guess I can't find some real life RCZ itashas in Japan...

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Welcome back, Beetle!

2012 Volkswagen Beetle


The 21st century Volkswagen Beetle is here...

This bug's all grown up to take on all comers!

The iconic people's car just got even better!

Mean exterior, new interior!

It's their way of saying "Welcome back" to the world!




Slated for U.S. and Europe sales at the 4th quarter of 2011!

If only Volkswagen is back at the Philippine market, we, Filipinos, want to indulge on this 21st century Beetle. (-_-)

Monday, April 18, 2011

The World God Only Knows Original Soundtrack

The World God Only Knows
Original Soundtrack
Created by Tamiki Wakaki and serialized by Shogakukan's Shonen Sunday (famous for the Hayate no Gotoku and Zettai Karen Children titles), The World God Only Knows (日本名: 神のみぞ知るセカイ) centers on some guy who obsessed with bishoujo games that is self-proclaimed "The God of Conquests", Keima Katsuragi. Upon accepting the offer to conquer 2D girls, Elsie, the devil, showed up and ask Keima for the quest to capture spirits by any means of Keima conquering the hearts 2D girls. This is weird chemistry, but I'm sure this anime was a complete stand-off against all odds, spoofing popular culture and spilling out a few beans capturing the bishoujo's heart.

This anime was aired at TV Tokyo on October 2010 and ended on December 2010 packing with a total of 12 episodes. A second season under the title "The World God Only Knows II (神のみぞ知るセカイII)" was currently airing since its premiere at April 2011.

Before The World God Only Knows II premiered, Geneon Universal Entertainment debuted the Original Soundtrack based on the first season. Packed with 46 tracks (original score by Hayato Matsuo), relieving Keima's every route, every nose-bleeding moments, and every love stories straight at your CD players at your living room or at your car audio while stuck at traffic. Also included are the multiple short versions of the song Koi no Shirushi. These were sung by Ayana Taketatsu as Ayumi Takahara, Aoi Yuki as Mio Aoyama, Nao Toyama as Kanon Nakagawa, and Kana Hanazawa as Shiori Shiomiya.

Guaranteed to relieve Keima Katsuragi's hilarious routes that made you riding shotgun.

TRACK LISTINGS:


1. 恋~口づけまでの距離 [メインテーマ]
2. God only knows 第三幕
3. NOW PLAYING
4. 我が名は落とし神
5. 空から落ちてきた小悪魔
6. さぁ、駆け魂狩りへ!
7. 心のスキマ
8. 走り出したら止まれない少女
9. 華麗なる攻略
10. 少女の涙
11. 見えたぞ、エンディングが
12. コイノシルシ feat.高原歩美 (short ver.)
13. あくまでも妹です
14. 気高くも可憐な少女
15. ルート検索中
16. 令嬢の秘密
17. 恋の予感
18. コイノシルシ feat.青山美生 (short ver.)
19. 神にーさま~
20. モノローグ
21. 無限回廊のヒロイン
22. 体力>知力
23. せつない幕切れ
24. たった一度の奇跡 (TVサイズ)
25. 神さま~
26. ありふれた現実
27. 不明瞭なルート
28. 限りなく透明な存在
29. 誰も知らない…
30. 選択肢総当り
31. 恋、ヨロシクお願いします!~追憶~
32. コイノシルシ feat.中川かのん (short ver.)
33. いってきまーす!
34. 迫り来る影
35. ゆるい日常
36. 行動への起動
37. コイノシルシ from Elsie (short ver.)
38. 私、がんばります!
39. 饒舌な本と無口な少女
40. 本は愛 本は喜び 本は感動
41. 去り行くものたちへの鎮魂歌
42. 恋の調べ
43. 恋の記憶
44. コイノシルシ feat.汐宮 栞 (short ver.)
45. NEXT STAGE
46. 集積回路の夢旅人 (桂馬ver.)

Venus Raj's Pizza Hut Philippines ad is so Major Major!



Famous beauty queen who is famous for the "major major" tagline in Ms. Universe 2010, Maria Venus Raj (or Venus Raj for short) showed up in the latest Pizza Hut Stuffed Crust commercial in the Philippines.

Beauty queen meets pizza? Does that even make sense? For me, I think this commercial is major major to appeal Pizza Hut fans like us because now, like what Venus Raj said, the Stuffed Crust pizza is now with major major cheese! If she said major major cheese, we say it's now loaded with 25% more cheese inside the crust!

Trust me, I'm a huge fan of Pizza Hut's Stuffed Crust pizza because of the cheese inside the pizza's crust, making us eating this pizza backwards and proud of it, man!

Anyone in the Philippines ate the Stuffed Crust pizza only at Pizza Hut? \(^o^)/

Rate ko: 3.8/5.0

LFA vs. GT-R R35 rematch!

Last year, in a Motor Trend magazine article, the limited-to-500-units-worldwide Lexus LFA defeated the Nissan GT-R R35, barely.



Moments later, after Nissan learned their lesson from the Lexus LFA, then modified the GT-R R35 for its 2011 Model Year (2012 Model Year in North America), that was launched in October 2010, the GT-R R35 Minor Change decided for a rematch against the Lexus LFA and this time, not on the Motor Trend magazine but on Edmunds Inside Line!



In the end, the Nissan GT-R R35 Minor Change complete with launch control defeated the Lexus LFA! One point for the LFA, one point for the GT-R R35. This is going to be like the Pacquiao-Morales fight years ago! \(^o^)/

Lewis Hamilton emerged as Chinese GP victor

Even with the pole position lead by Red Bull Racing's Sebastian Vettel (known to fans as S. Vettel), it still not enough to tackle the Chinese GP and the winner of the Chinese GP is none other than McLaren Mercedes' own Lewis Hamilton.


What? How could that happened?

Whatever, in the standings, S. Vettel still in 1st place within 68 points, while Lewis Hamilton lands 2nd place for 47 points, and Hamilton's comrade in McLaren Mercedes, Jenson Button, lands 3rd for 38.

See you in Turkey at May!

So, we're all going to miss AJ Perez, right?

Everyone around the Philippines noticed that AJ Perez, the Star Magic talent and one of the stars from the previously aired drama Sabel, died from the car crash.


How tragic could that happened for that young actor. Deepest condolences to AJ Perez's family.

As I read some tweet on twitter, I noticed that the parents of AJ Perez donated his corneas to the 17-year-old gospel singer Fatima Soriano. A very generous offer indeed.

Never realized that AJ Perez died in time for Holy Week. Anyone noticed it, right?

NEVER FORGET, AJ PEREZ. (-_-;)

Bulilits bless you!

What just happened on the April 17 episode of Goin Bulilit?

- Goin Bulilit music video of Taylor Swift's Speak Now

- Holy Week jokes

- Payabangan ng mga tindera

- Judas faces the raps from the Senate! Looks like Jinggoy Espada, Fish Escudero, and Miriam Isangkuwago are getting mad about Judas' pabaon.

- Rekolilit sa Senakulo gags

- Another Ready Get Set Goin!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Hyundai Genesis/Rohens Coupe - Forza 3 Owner's View

Hyundai Genesis Coupe


Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Fan Rinin itasha Genesis Coupe
(credit to whoever made this)




Final Impression: I personally believe that Forza Motorsport 3, on XBOX 360, is probably the world's first video game to feature the Hyundai Genesis Coupe (known in China as the Rohens Coupe), launched in South Korea since Autumn 2008. The Genesis Coupe is Hyundai's first FR sports coupe that made it the sole rival of the BMW 3-Series Coupe and the Infiniti G37 Coupe (Nissan Skyline Coupe V36). What I like about the Genesis Coupe is its FR layout and some quick response. The biggest downfall of the Genesis Coupe is that this Korean made FR sports coupe may going on a slow start. Handling seems to be decent on the Genesis Coupe.

In Forza 3, not only the normal Genesis Coupe offered here but also the HKS-tuned Genesis Coupe and the Rhys Millen Racing Genesis Coupe complete with matching Red Bull livery!

The Bugatti Veyron is mostly used by Forza 3 players!

Bugatti Veyron on Forza 3


The ultra-fast, ultra expensive, Bugatti Veyron ranked as number one in Forza 3's Top 99 cars used on the races. This list consists on cars that how many times did Forza 3 players raced with these cars.


It's true that most Forza 3 players love to race and decorate with this mega-fast French exotic. Upon getting behind the wheel of the Veyron at Forza 3, I think that this is the wildest car players drove. Upon wondering how did the historic Nissan Datsun 510 slotted in the top ten out of the 99 cars via the #2 spot, there is a quick reason why because the Datsun 510 is a favorite among Forza 3 dragsters because if the maxed out their tuning, and with the RB26DETT engine attached on the historic 510, it becomes the ultimate drag racer no other people would ever challenge against it. I wonder if there was a player that holds the fastest 510 in the history of Forza 3 drag racing. Is it the technique of TCS OFF? Manual w/ Clutch? Whatever...

The Audi R8 5.2 FSi, Forza 3's main character car, is slotted in the #3 spot as well.

On the #6 spot, there was the Ford Fiesta. Upon my Forza 3 experiences, the Ford Fiesta is actually the best car to start with.

Guess this survey don't lie, and the Veyron topped the no. 1 spot because of the number of races this car had faced. Owners decorated it to look like the Pur Sang, Sang Noir, or even the Super Sport. Once you're inside the Veyron, there's no turning back now...

Aston Martin Cygnet

"What's a Japan-made Toyota iQ doing in the Kuwaiti-owned British sports car company known as Aston Martin? And how does an Toyota iQ modified to look like an Aston Martin?" That is the question only you can answer because what we see know is Aston Martin's first compact car, the Cygnet, based on the Japan-made Toyota iQ subcompact that is truly a decent rival to the smart compact cars.


2011 Aston Martin Cygnet


True to its form that the Cygnet is the British version of the Toyota iQ subcompact, the exterior sports its trademark Aston Martin look on the front and an eccentric tail lamps attached on the rear. This is nothing more like "For Tokyo, James?" and James Bond would say "No, not for me." because I think the men with their inner Bond would not like the Cygnet's compact look. What makes up for the Cygnet is only for the girls who want to be like the Bond girls in several Bond movies. Speaking of that, the rich dads who have Aston Martins in their garages are happy to lend the Cygnet's key for the spoiled brats who've reached their driving age. Pretty much to say that the Cygnet is a spoiled brats' driving force.


2011 Aston Martin Cygnet interior


The Cygnet is truly the GT-R Egoist in the making because the interior packs several color combinations that can be use it in ways that suits your mood and personality. From the choice of Alcantara Suede trims (10 Alcantara colors and 5 Plisse alcantara colors) and leather trims, choosy customers may want to spend some time finding the right interior trim for the Cygnet. Looks like what will they do is apply the Egoist knowledge until the right interior combination comes out to mind and rightfully take home the over 30,000 British Pound Aston Martin subcompact car that will be surely be small wonder for the Kuwaiti-owned British sports car maker.

The main engine for the Aston Martin Cygnet is the Toyota-sourced 1.3L 1NR-FE Dual VVT-i engine that carries 98bhp/6000rpm of power output, 125nm/4400 of torque output, and Euro 5 compliant. The Cygnet 6-speed manual consumes for about 58.9mpg EC Combined and no, the Cygnet 6MT variant does not have Toyota's Smart Stop (idling stop) system found on the Toyota iQ Go 6MT and the third-generation Vitz/Yaris. The CVT variant of the Cygnet is the most fuel-efficient Cygnet ever, resulting to the fuel consumption of 55.4mpg EC Combined and the CO2 emissions of 120g/km. Those looking for some fun riding should go for the Aston Martin Cygnet 1.3L 6-speed manual transmission but for those looking for some gas-saving cars should consider the Cygnet 1.3L CVT variant. The choice is yours...

The Aston Martin Cygnet comes with several color variations to choose from;

Special Paints:
Sports car paint - Black bear
Sports car paint - Blue anchor
Sports car paint - Grey bull
Sports car paint - Red lion
Sports car paint - Silver fox
Sports car paint - Silver jubilee
Sports car paint - White horse
Sports car paint - Yellow kangaroo

Metallic Paints:
Contemporary metallic - Blue anchor
Contemporary metallic - Grey bull
Contemporary metallic - Red lion
Contemporary metallic - Silver fox
Contemporary metallic - Yellow kangaroo
Fast track metallic - Black bear
Fast track metallic - Silver jubilee
Fast track metallic - White horse

My Comment:
Well, I'm not excited about the first compact car from Aston Martin, which is essentially a Toyota iQ in Aston Martin guise. The Toyota iQ was assembled in Japan and the Aston Martin Cygnet's assembly takes place at Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK. However, the folks at Gaydon require the Japan-made Toyota iQ as the donor car and swap it out with something Aston Martin on it, resulting to the finished product. The Aston Martin Cygnet is half-Japanese, half-British, something like, well you know, a mixture of eating sushi and sipping English tea for lunch. Looks like the Cygnet will only live twice (cue the song You Only Live Twice, please) because this looks more of a substitute to the Toyota 2000GT Open-Top from the Bond movie, You Only Live Twice, which was driven by the Bond girl, Akiko Wakabayashi. If I were to recreate that Bond film, maybe Aki may use this Cygnet as a support vehicle while she and Bond are getting away from the goons.

Photo: Aston Martin

Melai's tips to make yourself feel the beach at home...

What just happened in the April 16 episode of Banana Split?

- Hot Issue!

- The most disturbing jokes that made you can't sleep.

- Mutanglawin Kuya Keem (John Prats) tells us more on comets and Igor Stojokovic Krystic (Ryan Bang) invented some "bulalakaw detector"

- Guess who's back for a limited time? Melai Cantiveros is here to put a smile on our faces by offering us some tips to make ourselves feel the beach at home in M3: Melai Mo Magwork!

5) To feel the beaches' sand, pour some sand to the living room

4) Ask a gardener to put some henna tattoo on your body. Feel the burn!

3) Sunbathing at the roof but beware of bird droppings!

2) Put your jacket at the refrigerator. Wear it if its too cool!

1) Shower with your bathing suits so you can feel the beach!

- The Banana Split boys visiting San Bartolome High School to show off some good moves

- A game of Just Draw It!