Saturday, July 7, 2012

Welcome Back: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Made by people who love cars...


In Top Gear's USA Muscle Car Road Trip episode, Richard Hammond bought a Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a 5-speed AutoStick automatic transmission. The reason why Chrysler didn't provide Hammond a test unit is because of their bad taste for American muscles. Because it has a 5-speed AT, his Challenger is proven worthless but on the Bonneville Salt Flats challenge, he tried hard to beat the 150mph target when the grille is covered in duct tape and the tire pressure's lowered. He learned that from a salt flat expert.

The Dodge Challenger SRT8 is made by people who love cars to people who love cars who can outrun people who don't care about cars. With its 6.1L HEMI V8 engine that churns out 427HP of power and 420lb-ft of torque, this muscle car is all about the noise that brings back the golden days of muscle cars, even the classic Challenger from the past.

It maybe not as powerful as the Mustang and the Camaro but with this car, I felt like that I am a secret American man, just like Richard Hammond because deep down inside, he's a secret American because he's a big fan of muscle cars.

Welcome Back: 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo

Another Porsche turbo....


This is another Porsche turbo. In the past, a 911 was a one-way ticket with no stops at the pearly gates but this is the 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo, part of the Porsche Expansion Pack on Forza Motorsport 4. Porsche managed to tame this machine with the right combination of big power and putting the engine in the wrong place.



Back in Forza 3, Porsche sold us a wild ride in the shape of the GT3 or the biblical terrible GT2, which is the 2WD bouncy evil handling version of the Turbo. What this is though is the best of the Porsche 911 range. This comes with the 3.6L B6 engine with two variable geometry turbos, generating 473HP of power distributed through all four wheels. Couple that with the most advanced driving aids and carbon brakes, you have absolute security and stability no matter how fast you are and I am indeed to be...very fast...

The old path to the Old Mulsanne

...because this is where I'm heading, to the Old Mulsanne version of the Le Mans Circuit de la Sarthe. A place where you can take your car, no matter what it is, to the max. In the 911 Turbo though, that should be quite a thrill...

That's a hundred miles per hour...

This about a hundred miles per hour now. If I was in Britain, they would take away my license, lose my job, my house, kids take up rugby sniffing, and then locked in jail. Oh wait, I don't have any kids. Anyway, this doesn't seems to be dangerous. So....let's up the pace, shall we?

Porsche says that the top speed is 193mph but they always throw side of caution. I reckoned with the right wind and path, we might be able to hit 200mph...186...190!

Come on! This is the top speed now, 193!

COME ON, SPECK IT!

COME ON!!!!

200MPH!!!

There it is! 200mph!

I love to tell you that I've never been this faster on the Old Mulsanne but I have actually. This is somewhat what life is when Jeremy Clarkson pushed the 911 Turbo to 200mph at the Autobahn from his 2008 DVD, Thriller!

"This has been Medifacts for Polidont!"

On the July 6, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang;

- SWAT gags

- Meet a principal whose nose got some overgrown hair...Some nosy and hairy jokes occur...

- Mr. Assimo on a date...

- Ogie Alcasid's explaining the plus points of having a big belly...

- Umuuga ba ang pustiso mo kapag kumakain? Bubble Gang does Polident Denture Adhesive Cream by spoofing this commercial as POLIDONT Denture Adhesive Cream. This has been Medifacts for Polidont!

- PICKUP LINES with Sukli (with back up LOOSE CHANGE), Dahon (with back up Kasuy), and Boy Pick Up and Boy Pack Up!

- Something even more advanced than 3D or 4D...10D!

- Sumbong Sumbong kay Bonggang Bonggang Bongbong tackles on the most annoying everyday doings such as...tambays at the coffee shop making beso-beso, idiots hanging keys on their pants, and personalities have their yayas hanging their designer bags.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Honda N BOX Plus

Last year, Honda revealed their answer to the Daihatsu Tanto and the Suzuki Palette, which is known as the N BOX. In standard and Custom variants, the Honda N BOX became the first of Honda's EARTH DREAMS TECHNOLOGY, that is that they were the first Hondas to come with idling stop function that allows the engine to be shut off automatically when stopped. Ideal to reduce carbon emissions.

2013 Honda N BOX +

2013 Honda N BOX + Custom

Here it is and this time, both the N BOX and the N BOX Custom now made it even better and daintily called the N BOX+ (Plus) and the N BOX+ (Plus) Custom. Although they may look the same as the original and still comes with new engine developed specifically for the N BOX, which is known as the S07A engine, but once you get inside, you'll be notice that there's a very unique feature that the standard N BOX doesn't.

2013 Honda N BOX + Multi Space System

The N BOX+ models come with the MULTI SPACE SYSTEM in a form of three boards that makes it very practical. First of all, you can use a multiboard as a stand where you can put something above the board and put something below the board. It can be heightened or lowered depending on your stuff you have.

Not only that, you can use it as a bed just by folding down all the seats and take advantage of this multiboard. Perfect if you want to relax during your summer break in Japan.

Then, you can fold down the rear seats and take advantage of this foldable board to store something under and you can have some space above to fit one 42-inch TV with some space below to fit your folded trolley.

Then, another foldable feature on the N BOX+ was the board where you can conveniently place your bike in a form of a SLOPE MODE. There's an available aluminum slope where you can easily put your two wheeled vehicles inside the N BOX+. What you see here was the Universal Bridge system that includes a retractable aluminum slope to make it easier to load and unload heavy items on wheels such as a small motorbike and can be easily tucked inside.

Like the original, the N BOX Plus comes with the S07A engine, in turbo of NA flavors, linked to a CVT and front- or all-wheel drive versions.

Exclusive to the N BOX+ is the 2-Tone Color Style variant that comes with a stylish two-tone color.

Volkswagen's got Porsche!

2012 Volkswagen The Beetle


2012 Porsche 911 Carrera

It's finally official, ladies and gentlemen. After several mishaps, it appears that German automaker Volkswagen is all set to close the deal to acquire Porsche.



What's your comment with VW taking over Porsche? 

Welcome Back: 1989 Porsche 944 Turbo

There are many ways to find some thrills at Forza Motorsport 4; you can drive a Bugatti Veyron Super Sport at the Old Mulsanne or you can even spend 360 hours racing against your buddies.

It's an E-registered Porsche 944 Turbo!

Or you can buy one of these; it's a 1989 Porsche 944 Turbo which is part of Forza Motorsport 4's Porsche Expansion Pack. It's very important that you would try not to be confused with the old 924 because that has the engine from a van, a price tag from Mars, and a top speed of a horse. This one has a proper Porsche engine; a turbocharged 2.5L engine that produces 220HP of power and it has the size of Sheffield. 

We're thinking that this is the car that destroyed
a double-decker bus...

This car feels like the Ford Sierra Cosworth and it's just so easy; gearbox is mounted at the back for better weight distribution and the steering's very precise and accurate but the only drawback to the 944 was it's turbo lag. If you worked it hard, it can go 0-60mph in 5 in a bit seconds, flatout in 150mph, and it had retractable headlights that no car has anymore these days.

There are many other things from the past that we don't want back such as the BetaMax, VHS, Cassette Player, Walkman, Black and White TV, analog TV, Polaroids, or even phones that has this revolving thing on it. But retractable headlights are cool!


This is a great car; fast, agile and today in terms of bangs for your bucks; extraordinarily valuable. Here in Forza 4, a Porsche 944 Turbo can be fun and thrilling if you use your imagination.

In Jeremy Clarkson's 2008 DVD, Thriller, he bought a used E-registered Porsche 944 Turbo that cost him five grand and he's very appreciated about this car. Later on, Jeremy Clarkson made a rocket launcher for the 944 Turbo and he takes it for a spin to blow away a speed camera, highway patrol vehicle, or even a double-decker bus.

The car that defeated the steam train from Top Gear...

In Series 13 opener of Top Gear, a letter from a viewer was sent to Top Gear and says here that what would Top Gear be look like when they were in 1949 and yep, Jeremy, Richard, and James take up for the big challenge. It's the 1949 episode. An epic 1949 race between the Jaguar XK120, the world's fastest on that time, the Vincent Black Shadow, which is the fastest motorbike on that time, and something that is bit 1949-ish but modern, a Peppercorn Class A1 60163 Tornado steam train. Jeremy Clarkson took part on the A1 Tornado while James May is in the Jaguar XK120 and Richard Hammond, in his leather romper suit, rides on the Vincent Black Shadow in a race from King's Cross, London, to a bar in Edinburgh. In the end, the Jaguar XK120 defeated the A1 Tornado steam train while the Vincent Black Shadow motorbike is dead last because of problems.

The world's fastest car from the late 1940's

This is how Forza feels like when it's 1949

So, the Jaguar XK120, what made it very special that when this car was launched in 1948, it hailed as the world's fastest car from that era. The roadster version as seen at the 1948 London Motor Show was actually a pre-production model and its positive reception propelled Jaguar founder and design boss William Lyons to put it into production. As the name implies, it is capable of 120 mph (193 km/h) of top speed, which in 1948, hailed as the fastest car in the world courtesy of its 3.4L DOHC Straight-6 engine that generates 160 bhp (119 kW; 162 PS) @ 5000 rpm of power.

Back then, this car costs 1200 Pounds in 1948 but in today's world, that's about 35,000 Pounds. It's a Bugatti Veyron with the price of the 5 Series.

In the old days, XK120 units with standard 8:1 compression ratio were exported to the world market but in Britain, a 7:1 low compression version was provided with decreased power because of the post World War II austerity measures.

Most of the XK120's come with the independent torsion bar front suspension, semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear, recirculating ball steering, telescopically adjustable steering column, and all-round 12 inch drum brakes that can be easily broken or Alfin (ALuminium FINned) brake drums that has low chances of getting it broken. 

In 1951, an improved version, the XK120 SE (Special Edition) was launched with wire wheels, increased power, stiffer suspension and dual exhaust system. Therefore, the SE model produces 180 bhp (134 kW; 182 PS) of power but the one we have on Forza Motorsport 4 via the July Car Pack was actually the XK120 SE (C-Type Head) that comes with the improved 3.4L engine that churns out 210 bhp (157 kW; 213 PS) of power.

Off to kick some steam train rails...

During its tenure, the XK120 was heavily involved in motorsports beginning with its first victory at the Daily Express-sponsored One-Hour Production Car Race held on 30 August 1949 at Silverstone Circuit, England. From 1949 to 1954, the XK120 shines through various races such as the Le Mans, Targa Florio, Mille Miglia, Silverstone Production Car Race, Tourist Trophy, Mount Druitt 24 Hours Road Race, and we're not joking, NASCAR where Al Keller won the first NASCAR road race, held at Linden Airport, New Jersey, on June 13, 1954.

Nice view with this car!

Even in old days, cars are better than trains. Most Top Gear episodes always proving that cars are better than trains. The Aston Martin DB9 is better than the train heading to Monte Carlo, the Nissan R35 GT-R is better than the Shinkansen, and this...the Jaguar XK120 is better than the Peppercorn Class A1 60163 Tornado steam train. I'm glad that this car showed up on Forza Motorsport 4 and I'm loving it not only because of the noise and its heritage but this really is the car that this shows that even six decades ago, in post-WW2 era, cars are better than trains! It pays to be a Top Gear fanatic.

BEAT THAT, CATHEDRALS EXPRESS!!!

Next Renaultsport Clio/Lutecia will not have a manual :-(

It appears that we have another victim on the list of cars that won't be having manuals. I can't believe that manual transmissions will end up being consigned at the history books.

2013 Renault Clio

According to evo magazine, the upcoming 2014 Renaultsport Clio (Lutecia) k4, which is the sportier version of the 2013 Renault Clio (Lutecia) Mk4, will ditch the manual transmission in favor of the six-speed twin-clutch transmission (with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters). Yep, stick-shifting fans, this is bad news to you.

On the lighter side, the next Renaultsport Clio Mk4 will have an MR16DDT sourced from the Nissan Juke 16GT.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

2013 Mazda Roadster (MX-5 Miata) info

2013 Mazda Roadster


2013 Mazda Roadster

It appears that the current NC Mazda Roadster (known in the world market as the MX-5) will stay on a little longer as they launched an updated 2013 version of the FR open-sports roadster. On front, you could expect an aggressive face that seems to be somewhat Kodo-fied or a bit more CX-5-ish. Once more, the 2013 Mazda Roadster now comes with an Active Bonnet (pedestrian protection system) which raises the rear end of the bonnet in the event of an accident to reduce impact to the head.

2013 Mazda Roadster interior

2013 Mazda Roadster interior

PRESS RELEASE:

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has upgraded the Mazda Roadster (known overseas as the Mazda MX-5) for the Japanese market. The refreshed two-seater open-top sports car goes on sale today at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.
The design of the upgraded Roadster distinguishes between the sporty character of the soft top and the refined character of the power retractable hard top (RHT) through the use of coordinated black and silver features respectively. The front face of both versions has been redesigned to present a more aggressive look. For the interior, a new luxury tan color is available for the genuine leather seats. In addition, revised characteristics of the throttle and brake booster (power braking device) have improved control of the accelerator in the manual transmission models and the brakes in all models. The enhancements add polish to the pure driving pleasure which has made the Roadster (MX-5) famous.
In addition, the updated Roadster features an Active Bonnet (pedestrian protection system) which raises the rear end of the bonnet in the event of an accident to reduce impact to the head.

Main features of the upgraded Mazda Roadster:

A distinct character for the RHT and Soft-top version
The keywords guiding the design of the soft top were "tight sports". Coordinated black features express sportiness
The keywords guiding the design of the RHT were "premium sports." Coordinated silver features denote refined, high quality driving performance

<Aggressive front view>
Front face has a sense of depth with a larger front grille opening
Newly designed front fog lamp bezel
New front chin spoiler
New body color, Dolphin Gray Mica now available (Total seven body colors are available. Metropolitan Gray Mica is no longer available).

<Enhanced interior quality>
A lustrous and expressive new color, Glossy Dark Gray is used for the decoration panel and steering wheel bezel. (The color is an option for the Soft Top version of the S model grade.)
Addition of a new tan color for the genuine leather seat covers. Black on the seat sides creates a stylish two-tone design. Fabric (black), leather (tan and black) and a combination of Alcantara® and black leather seat cover materials are available.
Sports car driving pleasure taken to the next level
Enhanced acceleration control (manual transmission models)
Fine adjustments to the throttle management program make it more responsive when accelerating out of corners. This creates a linear and nimble feel.
Enhanced braking control
Changes to the characteristics of the brake booster (power braking device) make it easier to control the front and rear load distribution, increasing the feel of mastery over the vehicle.
Newly developed active bonnet for all model grades
Active bonnet
At certain vehicle speeds, when sensors detect an impact exceeding a defined level, the rear end of the bonnet is raised. This creates a space between the bonnet and the engine which acts to absorb the energy of impact and reduces the severity of head injuries in collisions involving pedestrians.
Cutting weight one gram at a time
In order to keep weight down, uncompromising attention was paid to weight reduction in the design of new parts including the re-designed front bumper, the active bonnet, the new 17-inch aluminum wheels and the internal wiring.

Our new "Pambansang Kapitana" for now....

I saw some pics at the official TV5 Facebook page that Gelli de Belen will assume her duty as the presenter of TV5's mega popular program titled Face To Face while Amy Perez temporary left the show because of her pregnancy issues.

During a meeting with the Face To Face crew that Amy Perez told a big surprise to them that...she'll be leaving Face To Face for a while because a doctor told her not to be on that show for such reasons but the question is... What will happen at the Barangay Hall on air when Amy Perez left? She said that Gelli de Belen will assume her duty while Amy's not here due to health concerns. Here's the pic of Gelli de Belen recommended by Amy Perez as a temporary presenter...

Gelli de Belen and Amy Perez

Guess this now the time to pass the torch but for Gelli de Belen, she appeared on "Gellicious", a food magazine show which Gelli started her career as a Kapatid. She even appeared at "Nandito Ako", "Untold stories mula sa Face to Face" and the new TV5 Sunday variety show "Game and Go." Gelli de Belen was a big fan of Face to Face but for her, it won't be easy dealing with two sides violently arguing about something that went wrong with them but we're sure she can take the challenge.

Photo: TV5 Philippines Facebook

A life in a day at Motegi

Now, last week, we were kinda surprised that Twin Ring Motegi has returned to Gran Turismo 5 via DLC and served the arrival of the Scion FR-S which is in fact a GT86 Americanized. I was getting a bit surprised that we really want to visit Twin Ring Motegi on our own so we packed our bags and meet ourselves together at the Gran Turismo cafe in Twin Ring Motegi.

Twin Ring Motegi Road Course

Twin Ring Motegi, present day. We met ourselves together at the Gran Turismo cafe at Twin Ring Motegi for some chat.

JC: So, what's up?

RH: Taking a break at Twin Ring Motegi right?

JC: Oh...

JM: What's the sitch?

JC: I have a letter and says here "Welcome Back to Twin Ring Motegi, the racetrack that Gran Turismo forgot. Now that Twin Ring Motegi returned at Gran Turismo 5, your challenge was you must drive different cars that has something to do with...DRESSY ALICE, RAINY SUZURAN, RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY, DIGITAL SPACE CRAFT or CUTIE INSECT...

(all laughinig)

JC: What? DRESSY ALICE? RAINY SUZURAN? RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY? DIGITAL SPACE CRAFT? CUTIE INSECT?

RH: What the hell are those?

JM: I think they were from the PS3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 but this letter we have seems to be pointless...

JC: Yeah! What's the point of that? What does it has something else to do with this challenge?

Well...in terms of DRESSY ALICE, RAINY SUZURAN, RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY, DIGITAL SPACE CRAFT or CUTIE INSECT...it meant that cars that you can't TAG it, INFECT it and something that we can't do on GT5. Yep, we start with this....

1) Audi TT-S - A rival video game has the standard TT and the powerful TT RS. Gran Turismo 5 has the standard TT and this one, the AUDI TT-S. Surely it's sharper than the TT but not as aggressive as the TT RS but in terms of DRESSY ALICE, RAINY SUZURAN, RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY, DIGITAL SPACE CRAFT or CUTIE INSECT...the quattro-powered Audi TT S found some space to breathe in the dynamic twists and turns of the Twin Ring Motegi.

Audi TTS

2. Fiat 500 - A rival video game has the Abarth version but here...this is the standard version of the modern Fiat 500. Not quite aggressive but in terms of DRESSY ALICE, RAINY SUZURAN, RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY, DIGITAL SPACE CRAFT or CUTIE INSECT...we find that the standard Fiat 500 finds its playmate somewhere in the Motegi.

Fiat 500

3. Honda Insight ZE2 - The old Honda Insight, which is the weird looking hybrid with the weirdest looks, made its one huge step in Motegi but got pummeled down by petrol-powered bullies in the sunset. This latest generation, daintily codenamed ZE2, sure it's better looking than the Prius and it's even better looking than the old one but in terms of DRESSY ALICE, RAINY SUZURAN, RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY, DIGITAL SPACE CRAFT or CUTIE INSECT...the Insight's not going to work here because eco-cars don't work well in race tracks. They only work in the road...

Honda Insight ZE2

4. Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 - a rival video game has the old Gallardo, the old Superleggera, and the new Superleggera daintily called the LP570-4. What about the standard Gallardo LP560-4? Not yet I'm afraid but here in Kiyama-sensei's car, it tries to make a name for itself at the corners of the Twin Ring Motegi. Thrust control wasn't even shabby here but the e-gear transmission's a bit annoying but still, the LP560-4 is mad and in terms of DRESSY ALICE, RAINY SUZURAN, RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY, DIGITAL SPACE CRAFT or CUTIE INSECT...this guy's just getting started...

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

5. Mazda Atenza Sport 25Z - this second-generation Atenza or Mazda6 hasn't been setting its foot at Twin Ring Motegi but it did now. Despite the Atenza's trying to find some fresh air at Motegi, I'm afraid to say that the Atenza's getting a bit weary but  in terms of DRESSY ALICE, RAINY SUZURAN, RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY, DIGITAL SPACE CRAFT or CUTIE INSECT...the Atenza Sport 25Z feels like the Civic Type R but with a bit more feel and a million times more manageable.

Mazda Atenza 25Z

6. 2011 Mini Cooper S and Mini Cooper S Countryman - we let two enthusiastic MINI drivers do the driving round the Motegi but upon our observation, the Countryman's having some issues because it's heavier than the normal Mini Cooper S but happily, it won't give up and the driver behind the Countryman defeated her cousin who's driving the Mini Cooper S. I was on the standard Mini Cooper S and my cousin in the Countryman defeated me with effort but still, both of these cars are happy enough to showcase their talents at the Motegi but for the Countryman, it's a triple NO to the judges.

2011 Mini Cooper S vs. Mini Cooper S Countryman

7. Mitsubishi i MiEV - now who would rather bought an electric car at Twin Ring Motegi? I dunno but someone's trying to conduct some experiments with this car, better not disturbing him or we'll be in big trouble...

Mitsubishi i MiEV

8. Nissan Skyline V36 Sedan - an Infiniti G37 Coupe from a rival video game, which translates to Nissan Skyline Coupe 370GT by Gran Turismo 5, spend several times breathing through the Motegi but for the sedan version of the Skyline V36, I'm not sure if this car would work on this track but when we take this V36 sedan for a spin round the track, it tries to be modest.

Nissan Skyline V36

9. 2012 Nissan GT-R - Here in the racetrack that Gran Turismo forgot, even the 2012 Nissan GT-R's making a case for itself.

2012 Nissan GT-R

10. TOYOTA 86 - We already tried the Scion FR-S round the Motegi Road Course but what about the RHD Toyota GT86? Same feeling but with a bit more feel to us in terms of DRESSY ALICE, RAINY SUZURAN, RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY, DIGITAL SPACE CRAFT or CUTIE INSECT...

TOYOTA 86

Finally we could fool around all day with these vehicles but we decided to give it some quick science lesson by showing who can lap quicker on the Twin Ring Motegi Road Course using the cars we'd fool around for hours. Several hours later, we'd done and here's the result from our research...

Our results

It appears that the 2012 Nissan GT-R snags the day and after the whole day, we left the circuit and headed back to the Gran Turismo cafe for some debriefing.


Let's Do The News! (July 5, 2012)

Now we will do the news and in case I'm wondering earlier that Facebook gets a bit bombarded by a bunch of funny Thor pictures because some idiot's starting this up...

What? Facebook gets a bunch of funny Thor photos?

Some can be disturbing, some can be NSFW, some can be..well let's just say HORRID as I can see.

(audience laughing)

There was this....what I saw...some sort of CounTHOR Strike, um....

(audience laughing)

...adap-THOR...Hun-THOR X Hun-THOR....Ghost Figh-THOR...

(audience laughing)

...ka-THOR...Cardcap-THOR Sakura....

(audience laughing)

...there's even this (eeewww) THOR-tang talong as well.

Turns out these idiots trying to popularize THOR in some sorts of rubbishness. What's next? Doc-THOR Who?

(audience laughing hysterically)

Don't know. You're such a THOR-pe.

(audience laughing)

Anyway, enough with all of this THOR nonsense and move on because, we're trying to deal with the confusion about the Fiat 500L naming. Some clubs of the ancient Fiat 500 aren't very pleased about this...

What we have here is the Fiat 500L that we saw in Geneva a few months ago...

2013 Fiat 500L

And here's the picture of the Fiat 500L of the past...

1968 Fiat 500L

Wait...wait...wait...is that the Fiat 500L?

Pay close attention. The picture of that Fiat 500L we have on our track was the one that was built in 1968 to 1972. The L stands for Lusso and it's the luxury version of that time. That 500L nameplate is highly coveted by several classic Fiat 500-related car clubs, notably Positano 500 Club, dedicated for the sake of the classic Fiat 500 that was built from 1957 to 1975.

So, you're saying that the Fiat 500L from 1968 was the L stands for Lusso or referring to the luxury version with a much modernized interior (including a renewed dashboard). This...2013 Fiat 500L MPV then...is the L stands for Lusso now?

Nope. 2013 500L is the spin-off where the L stands for Large, not Lusso. The 2013 Fiat 500L is more of a modern take to the Fiat 500K Giardiniera, built from 1960 to 1977.

(oooohhh)

So...case closed?

Not yet. Because most of the loyalists didn't take it seriously about the Fiat 500L naming. Some guy says he has one, a Fiat 500L that was made from 1969 to 1972. Most of them will start complaining about it because go ahead, Google Search for "Fiat 500L" and....bam, you'll see pictures of the the Fiat 500L and nope, not Lusso, Large. The one we saw at Geneva since March 2012.

(audience laughing)

Anyway, let's leave it where it hurts and moving on. There's going to be a brand new Doctor Who adventure...in a form of a novel.

(audience laughing)

This new Doctor Who book titled Doctor Who: Dark Horizons is out in British bookstores tomorrow and this novel involves in mad Vikings, princess in distress, and a TARDIS that seems to have developed an inexplicable fear of water.


So...um....are you going to read this new book regarding The Doctor's most daring quest, yet?

Only if we are ready....Anyway, regarding the upcoming season, I just heard that SEXIEST BRIT according to BBC's Brit List specials, Dame Diana Rigg guests stars as well as her daughter Rachael Stirling on an upcoming series and hey, this could get any more exciting to see the SEXIEST BRIT on the telly.


Uh...some say, they would show up in a next next series in 2013 where they'll put newcomer Jenna Louise-Coleman to the test as The Doctor's new assistant. But still worth the wait.

Me too...

(audience laughing)

Hey now, McLaren MP4-12C, it now offers a brand new roadster model called the McLaren MP4-12C Spider. See, look...

2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider

Same as the original but the new retractable roof can be folded up or down in less than 17 seconds.


So, this is going to be McLaren's answer to the Ferrari 458 Spider?

Not only that, this is McLaren's first ever convertible. As we know, McLaren has never made a convertible. The Mercedes SLR McLaren Roadster, though...that doesn't count because it's a Mercedes-Benz. When we compare this to the 458 Spider...

2012 Ferrari 458 Spider

It's still the tights and stockings we know it minus the garterbelt. The 458 Spider is a bit more emotional while the 12C Spider is...what can I say...we can further compare it to some nerd playing Magic The Gathering.

(audience laughing)

Anyway, moving on....to my personal favorite, Hayate the Combat Butler. Some say that a new version is coming this fall and according to the author, this isn't a new season but rather a "brand new" Hayate the Combat Butler anime.

Brand new? Could it have the same artwork as the HEAVEN IS A PLACE ON EARTH movie?

Don't know but some say...their new artwork is from the anime studio Manglobe, the blokes behind the artwork from The World God Only Knows anime series. Either way, we really can't wait. We're not sure if Geneon Universal's gonna be up for it, nor is Konami when they did various Hayate games. We think it's going to be.....well different. Because it's going to be a brand new Hayate anime...we really don't know....stay tuned.

Hey, have you heard the news that here in the earthquake-strcken Miyagi prefecture, there was a massive police chase happened and the Miyagi cops used several cop cars and a police chopper to apprehend....

Apprehend who?

Some blokes who stole 98 mangas worth 56,700 Japanese Yen.

(oooohhh)

What? Cops in Miyagi using several police cars and a helicopter to apprehend manga thieves? That's very unique and expensive!


In reality, we all see cop chases involving idiots carjacking vehicles and several cop cars are chasing the culprit until the bad guy's car went to a crash and cops spend several minutes handcuffing the suspect. This happened in Miyagi though, we never believed that this is one heck of a rubbish attempt, even the manga stealing blokes.

Can you imagine that, 98 manga volumes of all kinds, stole by some idiots, then triggered a massive cop chase in Miyagi history...it was like what is this? Is this going to be...GRAND THEFT MANGA MIYAGI?

(audience laughing)

You bet it is. Grand Theft Manga Miyagi! Ha ha ha!

(audience laughing)

AND THAT'S THE NEWS and oh, care to get me sa wa-THOR?

(audience laughing)

Mitsubishi Proudia & Dignity

Mitsubishi Motors used to have a long line of executive sedans such as the Galant, Eterna, Debonair, Proudia, Dignity, and the Diamante but because of the economy and such stagnant sales, those Mitsubishi executive sedans were removed from the lineup however, the other two I just said, the Proudia and the Dignity, are back.

2013 Mitsubishi Proudia

2013 Mitsubishi Dignity

Here it is and of course, this is what they come up with. Now a couple of years ago, you might think that the Mitsubishi Proudia and the Dignity are nothing more than the Japanese version of the Hyundai Equus when they came out in 1999 and went out of production in 2001. For the 2013 model year, not anymore it isn't! It's now daintily a Mitsubishi version of the flagship Nissan Fuga/Infiniti M premium sedan. The 2013 Mitsubishi Proudia is now essentially a Nissan Fuga Y51 with a Mitsubishi badge on it. The 2013 Mitsubishi Dignity though, is somewhat a China-only Infiniti M35hL or a Nissan Cima Y51 with the Mitsubishi badge on it. What it is then, the Dignity is essentially a rebadged version of the hybrid-only Nissan Cima and it's the very first hybrid sedan offered in a Mitsubishi!

2013 Mitsubishi Proudia interior

2013 Mitsubishi Dignity interior

On the inside, both the Proudia and the Dignity come with semi-aniline leather upholstery, a Bose Surround Sound System with 16 speakers and a 14-channel digital amplifier, and an "auto intake control" system that removes allergens and bacteria from the air. Also in both of these Nissan-derived Mitsubishi flagships was the forest air conditioner that provides the fresh air of the forest coming inside to give owners the freshness of the outside world they need. They also come with a Nissan CARWINGS navigation system that makes car navigation systems more convenient by connecting them to mobile phones. It can also provide a range of services to support eco-driving and ease congestion, thus enabling more fuel-efficient driving.

To differentiate both the Mitsubishi Proudia and the Mitsubishi Dignity, let's assume that the Dignity has more legroom than the Mitsubishi Proudia. Also, the Dignity comes with a dual-screen entertainment system and separate audio/climate controls.

The Mitsubishi Proudia comes with either a VQ25HR or a VQ37VHR V6 engine. The VQ25HR engine produces 165kW (225PS) of power, 258N・m (26.3kgf・m) of torque, and a fuel economy of 11.2km/L. The VQ37VHR though, the top of the line for the Proudia, produces 245kW (333PS) of power, 363Nm (37.0kg-m) of torque, and a fuel economy of 9.4km/L. Both are mated with a 7-speed automatic transmission with Sports Mode for smooth shifting with a bit more feel.

The Dignity though comes with the 3.5L V6 hybrid VQ engine that produces a power output of 306PS/6,400rpm and a torque output of 35.7kg-m/4,400rpm. Nissan's original one-motor two-clutch parallel hybrid system named "Intelligent Dual Clutch Control" was also included on the Dignity that connects the high-response electric motor and the 3.5-liter VQ35HR V6 engine directly to the transmission, without the use of a traditional torque converter. The result is a fuel economy of 16.6km/L.

For safety, both the Proudia and Dignity come reserved with a safety shield that takes away scratches from the car, an intelligent pedal that was accompanied by the navigation system, intelligent cruise control, cornering stability assist, Lane Departure Prevention, and Lane Departure Warning, and DSSS. (Driving Safety Support Systems) These features bring the owner come closer to a safe and pleasant trip on the road.

For the Proudia, available colors are Super Black, Crystal White Pearl, Brilliant Silver, and Deep Bronze. The Dignity though, it's available in Super Black, Crystal White Pearl, and Deep Bronze. The Proudia starts at 4,022,000 Japanese Yen for the one with the 2.5L V6 model up to 5,553,000 Japanese Yen for the one with the 3.7L V6 model without the 4WD. The Dignity is priced at 8,400,000 Japanese Yen, making it the most expensive Mitsubishi you can find.

My comment:
Returned as Mitsubishi versions of the Nissan Fuga and Cima, the Mitsubishi Proudia and Dignity aren't quite what I was expecting because, with a such premium price, I'd expect that these are the most expensive Mitsubishis you would expect. Sure, the Proudia is all about comfort and the Dignity is all about premium world-class luxury with hybrid ecology but for such, I would rather read a Jane Austen novel...

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

V8 Road Runners

A beautiful scenery


Swiss background is very lovely

Gran Turismo meets GranTurismo, very lovely...

Now this is quite a thrill...

GranTurismo tackling through the driving heaven

...because what we have here on Gran Turismo 5 is a front-engine rear-wheel drive GT car. A 4.7-litre, 183 mph V8 roadrunner. This car is wonderful and overall, this is a Maserati GranTurismo S, which if you're 700 to 13 or 14 years old means a lot.

Maserati taking a day-off in Japan

Maserati was founded in 1914 and it won several races when Enzo Ferrari wasn't even born yet. In 1957, courtesy of racing driver J.M. Fangio, a legendary Maserati 250F won the world championship. To men with beards and adenoids, a Maserati with a big steering wheel and cross pipe tyres is Debbie does Dallas. You would think that with such heritage mixed with a cocktail of technology comes with a big surprise when you're driving a Maserati and spicing up your thriller sense but sadly, it doesn't.

I was expecting that this Maserati GranTurismo S will amaze me with its perfect mix of luxury and sportiness but to me, it's a bit boring for me. It doesn't give me such thrillers every time my foot is on the gas pedal. Sure it has a fixed-setting steel dampers or the optional Sky Hook adaptive suspension feature but they're not enough to please me. Not enough to make me smile. It feels like I'm sitting a massaging chair and reading a good book for a spare time. Mmmmm.....

Trident smoking is hazardous to my mind...

In terms of Pininfarina design, the Maserati GranTurismo isn't quite a sightseeing stuff for me. The front is too big and the rims are too gaudy. It maybe a 4.7-litre 183 mph V8 roadrunner that rides comfortably as a long distance cruiser but for thrills, that doesn't work...

I'm sure The Stig left the keys to this car somewhere...

How about this? It's the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, their first attempt to create a supercar. Sure it may have the same 4.7L V8 I'd expect from the Maserati GranTurismo S but it's a bit detuned. It produces 331 kW (450 PS; 444 hp) of power, 480 N·m (350 lb·ft) of torque, and it has a top speed of 292 km/h (181 mph). It has a 6-speed semi-automatic gearbox mounted at the back, double-wishbone suspension, bigger brakes, carbon fiber body and this car is truly a thoroughbred.

Alfa Romeo made a V8 supercar?

There is a simple Top Gear dialog that you can't be a true petrolhead without an Alfa Romeo but this 8C, a limited-to-500-units special edition supercar, is the best Alfa Romeo petrolheads could ever have.

In the days of black-and-white television, Alfa Romeo is one of the world's greatest racing team and as a matter of fact, Enzo Ferrari began his racing career there. In the 1950's, Alfa Romeo won many races in years and their racing pedigree has been preserved for years. Surely the Maserati has records of motorsport history but for Alfa, this is how they all began.

From the looks of it, it's horrid

Because it was made in the same factory as the Maserati, it doesn't pack too much thrill to me and...Jeremy Clarkson's right because THE 8C IS HORRID! Horrid when it comes to its exterior design because it looks like Ju-On The Grudge meets Sadako from The Ring if you know what I mean. Also horrid was the gearbox and then the suspension that Alfa claims that they made it so firm but when potholes came...ouch. It feels like you're going to get some serious osteoporosis here.

Horrid, isn't it?

It feels wayward, uncomfortable, and it feels like an American muscle car. It even sounds like one. It doesn't feel that fast every time when your foot is on the pedal. Imagine that, Eiger in Switzerland, ribbon of asphalt, driving heaven, all ruined by this...Alfa Romeo 8C. Even it is rather disappointed, the Alfa Romeo 8C is a wonderful car, it's one of the best looking supercars I have ever seen and that's all it is.

Modena Exotica

These two are not the biggest thrill

The Maserati GranTurismo S may be more comfortable and the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione may be better looking but for me, I'm afraid these two doesn't work and for me...I could do better than those...