Saturday, December 1, 2012

Let's Do The News! (December 1, 2012)

River's Diary

Right, what's the news today you spoiler-laden TARDIS journal?

14th DLC Catalog for THE IDOLM@STER 2 PS3 version


THE IDOLM@STER 2 (PS3) DLC Catalog Vol. 14


NOTHING WILL BE THE SAME. That's why the PS3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 has exclusive costumes so that it would change you. For this 14th DLC Catalog on the PS3 version, out now, expect new outfits such as “STAR LIGHT AGENT”, “MY BABY’s BREATH”, “CORDUROY COUNTRY”, and “CIRCUIT ARCHITECT” plus a song titled エージェント夜を往く and so much more.

Info: http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/idolmaster/im2/ps3/dlc/catalog14.php

New generation Ford Fusion recalled. New Escape got recalled...once again

A recall of 89,153 Ford vehicles equipped with 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engines such as the all new 2013 Ford Fusion and the 2013 Ford Escape was announced because of the possibility of overheating and, in some instances, fires starting in the engine compartment. Fusion and Escape models equipped with 2.5-liter naturally aspirated and 2.0-liter turbocharged engines are not affected by this recall. The Fusion Hybrid is also not affected.

Very funny that the new 1.6L EcoBoost engine can get a bit of a problem and hey, is this a major flaw for Ford for such an engine that propelled these two an edge against Chevrolet? Oh dear...

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/ford-recalling-89k-2013-fusion-and-escape-models-over-engine-fir/

TMG TS-650 Concept


TMG TS-650 Concept


It maybe just an old Lexus LS but what this is, is a beefed-up version courtesy of Toyota Motorsport GmBH. It's called the TMG TS-650 and this beefed up version of the LS is the first for this TMG thingy. It maybe a concept but with enough interests, this TMG thingy would be the high-performance benchmark like what HSV do for Holden, FPV do for Ford Australia, and other high-performance brands. It's exhibited at this year's ESSEN MOTOR SHOW.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/11/tmg-ts-650-concept-is-lexus-ls-on-some.html

Nissan Juke meets Batman

Forget Batman's K5 (and the other DC Comics-themed Kias). He's switching for another everyday ride and this time it's a Nissan Juke. Coinciding with the UK release of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES on DVD and Blu-ray, Nissan made a special one-off Juke Nismo Batman, which one lucky winner will win these in a special competition named "Builttothrill" that runs until February 28, 2013 with the results to be announced in early March.

Nissan Juke Nismo Batman


WAVE Beach Queens Makoto Kikuchi revealed

WAVE Beach Queens
Makoto Kikuchi

Was she your favorite character from THE IDOLM@STER video game? Coming this June, this is another part of WAVE's Beach Queens IDOLM@STER lineup. She's up for pre-orders at 3990 Japanese Yen or an estimated $50. Now what I want for this lineup to complete is Yukiho and Ritsuko. Gosh, actually, nobody made a figure of either Yukiho Hagiwara or Ritsuko Akizuki these days...

Christopher Eccleston explains about Matt Smith's progress...

Former Doctor Who lead actor (9th Doctor when the series returned in Spring 2005) Christopher Eccleston was interviewed by RedCarpetNewsTV about The Oranges, a new movie starring HOUSE's Hugh Laurie. He also explained about Matt Smith on being The Doctor and what he's looking forward for the program's 50th year...



Some theft involved at this year's Manila Auto Salon

Read something from the Top Gear Philippines site that there are some theft involved at this year's Manila Auto Salon at SMX Convention Center. Here are some of the excerpts;


On the first day alone and in the span of just a couple of hours, we became privy to three incidents of theft.

One visitor reported that her credit and ATM cards were stolen as she roamed around the area. An exhibitor, meanwhile, became the victim of a salisi gang who took advantage of the crowd milling around the booth to take off with the wallet which contained the exhibitor's local and international credit and ATM cards.

And then there's the motoring journalist who briefly left his DSLR camera on a table and asked someone manning the booth to keep his eye on it. When he came back later, not only was the camera missing, but the person he asked to look after it had no clue as to where it went.

Word for all; always keep your belongings safe...

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/manila-auto-salon-wily-thieves-now-preying-on-visitors-exhibitors

What to see at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show?

This year's Los Angeles Auto Show opens at the Los Angeles Convention Center from November 30 to December 9, 2012, and it will be a shooting hoops of world premieres. So, what to see on this year's show? As a rule, no girls please. Take pictures of any car show with yourself and your friends. No picturing of show girls please. I strongly don't want you to do that.

2014 Acura RLX - Honda Legend/Acura RL replacement ditches SH-AWD in favor of its new Precision All Wheel Steer, a technology we won't be seeing in Japan...



BMW i3 Coupe Concept - BMW previews their another addition to the BMW i range. A zero emission electric car with 168HP of power is quite somewhat a fitting to this next-generation city car.



BMW X1 K2 Concept - BMW teams up with winter sports equipment brand K2 to create a colorful take on the X1, which sounds perfect for the winter vacations...



2014 Chevrolet Spark EV - the first ever full electric vehicle from Chevrolet...period.



Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary - the toughest tribute to the RUBICON version of the Jeep Wrangler for 10 years.



Hyundai Veloster C3 Concept - Just as we thought, it couldn't be any more unique for the Veloster, especially this concept's got a canvas top...



2014 Jaguar XFR-S - the most powerful XF Jaguar has ever made, drawing some inspiration from the XKR-S.



Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force Concept - This is what the G-Class would look like in the future...



2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series - this is one bad gullwinged German...



2014 Porsche Cayman - the sexiest Cayman ever!



smart forjeremy concept - Nope. It's not for Jeremy Clarkson. Sorry. It's made by fashion designer Jeremy Scott.



2013/2014 Toyota RAV4 - With its Auris-fied looks, this might be an even better competitor to today's Forester and Outlander.



2013/2014 VW Beetle Convertible - the 21st Century Beetle just got its top dropped...



2014 Ford Fiesta - The front face looks like an Aston Martin but some say this is the new Ford family face. We might be expecting a 1.0L EcoBoost engine next year...



2014 Ford Fiesta ST - a perfect rival to the Chevrolet Sonic RS



2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon - America's people carrier never been so stylish...



Source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/11/2012-LA-Auto-Show-Premieres-Carscoop.html

"Love na love ko ang SAB MARINO!"

On the November 30 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Sofa gags for the lazy

- Service center at the mall's giving too much info...

- Mama? Kuya Betong? Kuya Bitoy? I have something to tell you...

- Tata Lino returns once again for more quotes...

- Bubble Gang does San Marino Corned Tuna by spoofing this commercial as SAB MARINO CORNED TUNA. Love na love ko ang SAB MARINO!

- Pick Up Lines!!!

- Ang Bagong Dating Doon with Brod Pete and pals

- Balitang News

- Some O.A. idiots on the next table are doing O.A. stuff...

Friday, November 30, 2012

What's in our Car Town Garage today? (November 30, 2012)

What's in our Car Town Garage today?

1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1

If you remember the Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, then to you, this Mustang Mach 1 did the two-wheel stunt to slip through the walls that are unfit for the car's width. Cool isn't it? Anyway, back when the first Ford Mustang was released, almost half a million Mustangs were sold in its first year but for some, they think the Mustang's performance wasn't enough to satisfy their fancies so they made the Mach 1 version and with such success, 72,458 units were sold.


1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1

2008 Lamborghini Reventon

If you think the Murcielago is not quite special, this is the Lambo for you. The Reventon is styled to look like a fighter jet plane and it comes with the same V12 engine that powers the Murcielago. They only made 20 of them, which makes it very rare to see one of these.


2008 Lamborghini Reventon

2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

The LP560-4 Gallardo comes with the 5.2L V10 engine, new at that time, that produces 560HP of power, making this faster than the old Gallardo Superleggera and the Ferrari Scuderia. Some supercars have launch control that you have to put it in first, left foot on the brakes, build revs, and set off when the light is green but the LP560-4 has a different feature called Thrust Control, which sounds as cool as the hero of an airport thriller movie. Put it in Corsa Mode, traction off, left foot on the brakes, build revs, and set off when the lights go green. With Thrust Control, the Gallardo 560 sure knows how to make mince meat out of its rivals and it's nicer to drive. You have a choice; you can either have a dog or a car that can be driven by one...

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Mazda CX-5 is 2012-2013 Japan Car of the Year!

Mazda CX-5


The 2012-2013 Japan Car of the Year goes to...the Mazda CX-5! I repeat, the Mazda CX-5 with the revolutionary SKYACTIV-D 2.2L clean diesel engine is Japan 2012-2013 Car of the Year!

Edging out against the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ, BMW F30 3-Series, and the Range Rover Evoque, this third member of Mazda's SKYACTIV Technology propelled its way of becoming this year's Japan COTY.

Congratulations, Mazda Motor Corporation and to the CX-5. If it weren't for its SKYACTIV-D 2.2L clean diesel engine, it wouldn't propelled its win.

Scoop: http://response.jp/article/2012/11/29/186023.html

GT5 C7 Corvette Testing...at the Top Gear Test Track

Hello reader, by the time you're reading this, Chevrolet invited us to test out their pre-production mule of the upcoming C7 Corvette, coming in 2013, on Gran Turismo 5. Never heard of it? To be clear, this Corvette C7 Test Prototype provided by Chevrolet is available on Gran Turismo 5 as a free DLC. That's right. It's free so get it on the PlayStation Store anytime so you can sample out Chevrolet's next Corvette before the real deal shows up on Detroit Motor Show next year.

Source: http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/Nov/laas/1128_vette_gt5.html

C7 Corvette test mule at Top Gear Track

Now, by the time I got an exclusive access to the C7 Corvette pre-production (and camouflaged) mule, I am here to make further evaluations before next year's grand unveiling. NOTHING WILL EVER BE THE SAME. That's what the Corvette promised the fans right before its regeneration because it promises to be a different and more aggressive type of Corvette that General Motors ever made. By the moment I checked in, the sound of the new 6.2L V8 LT1 kicks in and this start-up noise kinda reminds me of the current Camaro...only different.

Let's remember though that there are only a few elite drivers in the world chosen by Chevrolet to undergo some rigorous performance and durability testing to ensure what the C7 Corvette's capable of. Thanks to Gran Turismo 5, I might be able to getting to know more about the C7 Corvette's performance...at home! The real reason for this because Chevrolet wants to have other car enthusiasts to use computer simulation as a science lab to demonstrate the C7 Corvette's capabilities...

When the LT1 engine roars, get ready...

For my maiden voyage with this camouflaged C7 Corvette, I chose the Top Gear Test Track and what am I going to do is to beat the time set from the C6 Corvette ZR1 as seen on Top Gear.

ZR1 Top Gear flashback

Now, if I remember correctly, The Stig set a lap time of 1.20.4 in the C6 Corvette ZR1. I think it's going to be a rough one because I'm facing against the time set by its previous predecessor which has more power than this new model's 6.2L V8 LT1 engine. It maybe a huge handicap for me but it's a challenge I am taking because this is to show how track-munching is this new Corvette is.

1st attempt - 1:22.788
2nd attempt - 1:21.367
3rd attempt - 1:20.261

Photo: Three good attempts at the Top Gear Track and the @Corvette #C7 Test Prototype did well! #one13thirteen #gt5 #lovecars
Personal best

From my point of view that after three trial-and-error attempts, the C7 Corvette proves to be a track-munching monster and hey! I'd just beat the time set by The Stig in the C6 ZR1 in the TV show! Beat that Stiggie! However, this is only the beginning because over the next random moments, I am going around the world in GT5 to further examine the C7 Corvette's power within, proving that NOTHING WILL EVER BE THE SAME.

It's a proven track weapon of its own right

If you haven't been part of it, get this free DLC for GT5...NOW! NOW as in RIGHT NOW! This is your chance to be part of the C7 Corvette experience right before its Detroit unveiling next year!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Forza Horizon: My CR-X has arrived!

Cyber Sports


The Honda CR-X SiR unicorn car has been awarded to those who beat ApexHunterT10 (Alex Kierstein)'s time at the Parks and Recreation rivals event on Forza Horizon. Especially me because I already beat his time to the very end and yes, I got 3 out of the 7 Horizon unicorns. I do love taking up the Bounty Hunter challenge because it shows how manly I am to beat their times.

Thank you producers for this CR-X gift. Now stay tuned for whatever Turn 10's limping the barn with...

Let's Do The News! (November 28, 2012)

River's Diary





Right, what's the news today you spoiler-laden TARDIS journal?

Karen Gillan on tonight's AOTS and Alex Kingston guests on tonight's NCIS

It's like a mother-and-daughter tandem guesting on American television. It's Amelia Pond appearing on G4TV's Attack of the Show and Melody Pond (or should I say River Song) guest stars in tonight's episode of NCIS on CBS. What I'm saying is that Doctor Who's Karen Gillan guests on tonight's ATTACK OF THE SHOW to discuss about Doctor Who Series 7 Part 1 DVD (out now) and what's life after Doctor Who while Alex Kingston, who was River Song/Melody Pond on Doctor Who also, guest stars in tonight's episode of NCIS Season 10. Uy! I see what you did there!

2013MY Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf's been there for two years when it came out in December 2010 but for the 2013MY, things are going to be different for the Leaf. There is now three different trim levels available on the LEAF such as the G, S, and X, each with different features. Here's what it stated...

Exterior
•Sporty and stylish 17-inch aluminum wheels (standard on G)

•16-inch aluminum wheels used in the current model are available as a factory-installed option (on X)

•16-inch full-wheel covers (standard on S and X)

•LED headlights with auto-leveling using blue reflection LED lights (standard on G, factory-installed option on S and X)

•Front fog lights (standard on G, dealer-installed option on S and X)

•Seven available body colors, including three new colors: Dark Metal Gray, Brilliant White Pearl and White.


Interior
•Chic, elegant black interior

•Genuine leather seats available on G and X as a factory-installed option (Airy Gray color for previous model is available on G and X)

•Pop-up and down adjustable rear center seat headrest

•Increased luggage space from 330L to 370L, realized by moving a downsized onboard charger from the back of the car to the front

•Remaining battery capacity shown by percentage in the Multifunction Display

•Foot-operated parking brake.


Basic EV structure
•High voltage unit, including an electric motor, inverter and DC/DC converter, was integrated, resulting in a 30 percent volume reduction and a 10 percent mass reduction

•More responsive and exhilarating acceleration feel delivered by a newly designed motor

•Weight reduced by about 80kg compared to previous model. Achieved by combined powertrain unit, integrated functions, streamlined battery module and case structure, and use of lighter parts

•B range that generates deceleration without feeling a change in noise and gravity even on a downward slope (standard on G and X)

•Enhanced driving performance achieved by improved steering response in the medium-speed range and optimized suspension characteristics associated with weight reduction.


Improved power consumption
•Reduced power consumption with a heat-pump cabin heater, heated seat for all seats, heated steering wheel and heat shield ceiling

•Changes to the regenerative brake control system enable more efficient power generation when the brakes are operated.


Charging
•Long-life mode (where the battery is charged to 80% to extend the battery life), now available in any charging mode

•Improved convenience of the charging port, including a locking mechanism for the normal charging connector, LED light for charging at night and electromagnetic opener for the charging port lid.


EV IT
•Addition of "Stop-off charging spot guidance" function, "Power-saving route guidance" function and "Battery capacity at a destination forecast" function which can allay potential range anxiety

•New ways to search for and locate charging spots easily and quickly. Adoption of "Charging spot availability information provision" function, "Quick charger location display" function and "Unavailable charging spot display" function.


Additional enhancements
•Lighter-weight, highly efficient BOSE® seven-speaker system: Energy Efficient System (factory-installed option on G and X)

•Around View Monitor shows an image of the vehicle's surroundings that is not easily visible (factory-installed option on G and X)

•Highly concentrated Plasma Cluster Ion generator which eliminates odors and kills germs (standard on G)

•Hill Start Assist which enables a driver to start the LEAF on a slope without worrying about rolling backward

Source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/11/nissan-unveils-2013-leaf-ev-with-new.html

Special Edition Dodge Charger Daytona and stylish Chrysler Town and Country S

2013 Dodge Charger Daytona

2013 Chrysler Town and Country

To be seen on this year's Los Angeles Auto Show, the Charger Daytona returns while the Town and Country gets a much stylish S variant. For the Charger Daytona, it will be limited to 2,500 units made as a $2,995 package on the R/T and $2,500 on the R/T Road & Track models, for an MSRP of $32,990 and $36,495 respectively. What you get here is Daytona Blue, Bright White, Billet Silver or Pitch Black colors with the package adding dark accents in the form of satin black finishes for the front crosshair grille, the custom vinyl hood graphic, roof wrap, rear R/T spoiler and the "DAYTONA" graphic on the rear quarter panels.


For the Town and Country S, it is available in four exterior shades (white, red, silver or black), adding a black chrome grille, smoked headlamp fixtures, and dark 17-inch polished aluminum wheels. As an added bonus, a new Blu-Ray DVD rear-seat entertainment system that comes equipped with an HDMI input and USB ports is offered, making this the world's first minivan to come with the Blu-Ray player. No kidding! It's for real! Welcome everybody to the future of rear-seat entertainment system, which is adopting Blu-Ray to cars!


"You can't use the Quoris name in Europe" says China's new carmaker Qoros

2013 Kia K9

When Kia Motors announced that the flagship K9 will be called QUORIS in selected left-hand drive markets only (especially the Middle East), it seems that they're facing a bit of a problem. When Kia Motors plans to introduce this flagship saloon in selected left-hand drive European markets, they're facing a lawsuit against a new Chinese carmaker you've never heard of. Qoros.

What's Qoros? Qoros is a Chinese automaker co-owned by Chery and the Israeli Israel Corporation, reportedly working on bringing a handful of models to Europe. The company's vice chairman, former Volkswagen executive Volker Steinwascher, says that Qoros vehicles aim to "combine German design quality and craftsmanship with Japanese convenience and functionality." 

This is new and they'll be introduced next year but seems that new Chinese carmaker won the lawsuit against Kia Motors.

"You can't use the Quoris name in Europe" says China's new carmaker Qoros. 'Nuff said.


2014 Ford Fiesta and Fiesta ST announced

2014 Ford Fiesta ST

When we last saw the facelifted Ford Fiesta appeared in this year's Paris Motor Show, we are just wondering if the US could be next and turns out, yes, it's official! It's official that the facelifted Ford Fiesta is coming to the USA soon, in 5-door hatch and 4-door sedan, and also its 1.0L EcoBoost engine, the smallest of its kind. Also, the brand new Fiesta ST is confirmed for North America, serving this is a rival to the Chevrolet Sonic RS.

Available exclusively in 5-door hatchback, just like the Chevy Sonic RS, it comes with the 1.6L EcoBoost engine that generates 197-horses and 214 lb-ft (290Nm) of torque! That's more than the Sonic RS!!!

The facelifted Fiesta as well as its ST version will be premiered at this year's LA Auto Show and go on sale next year.


Chevrolet Spark EV - the first full-EV Chevy

Don't count the Volt because it's a plug-in hybrid car. What this is, is the first ever full-electric car from Chevrolet and it's based on the small Chevy Spark.

2014 Chevrolet Spark EV

What to expect on the 2014 Spark EV?

  • Expected range among best in EV segment
  • Advanced, U.S.-built motor and drive unit deliver best-in-class acceleration
  • Two seven-inch, high-resolution LCD screens display key vehicle functions and infotainment
  • Initial markets include California, Oregon, Canada, South Korea and other global markets
  • Optional SAE Combo DC Fast Charging capability enables Spark EV to charge to 80 percent in 20 minutes

Hennessey Venom GT2 announced

Hennessey Venom GT2

As a well-established tuning firm based in Texas, Hennessey Performance has a two-decade tradition of tuning the world's finest cars such as the Ford Raptor, Chevy Corvette, Chevy Camaro, Cadillac CTS-V, and others. They even made the Veyron-munching, thousand-horsepower wielding, Venom GT, which is proven to be one of the most insane hypercars ever built from America. Now, they're announcing their second chapter of the Venom GT, called the Venom GT2, which will deliver a massive 1500HP power output from the 7.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. The new GT2, due in late 2013, will carry a sticker price of $1.25 million to start, and that the optional seven-speed paddle-shift transmission will be a $165,000 option. Hennessey Performance will continue to sell the Venom GT even though the new GT2 is there because as stated the Venom GT2 is not the replacement to the original Venom GT.


6th Manila Auto Salon

Those who love modified cars, listen up, because this year's Manila Auto Salon will be held from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2 at SM Mall of Asia's SMX Convention Center. Loaded with all cars modified and more this is the one show to be and not only that, for the first time, it will be held on the same date as the 20th Defense and Sporting Arms Show.


Fiat 500e not Europe-bound

Sorry ladies and gentlemen. It seems that the Fiat 500e electric car is not Europe-bound. Sorry. There is a rule that if a car is not made or sold in its home country, we don't tackle it. Therefore, the 500e is not Italy-bound so let's make deadma out of it rather than wasting time on a car that is not Italian.


MG6 gets diesel-ed

The MG6 may have a slow start when it was launched in the UK last year but the Chinese-owned British carmaker are not giving up without a good fight by introducing the brand's first diesel powered MG6. The 1.9litre DTi-Tech engine produces 150PS with 350 NM of torque, this is a class-leading for the diesel-powered MG6. With Co2 emissions at 139g, the MG6 DTi-Tech provides a combined MPG of 53.4MPG with intelligent Stop-Start technology. It's available in both the GT hatch and the Magnette saloon.


Dalek Tumblers, anyone?

Dalek Tumblers

This is another one of these "shut up and take my money" stuff every Whovian wanna have! It's those cool-looking tumblers resembled to look like Daleks from Doctor Who. They're colored from Eternal, Drone, Supereme, Scientist, and Strategist, just like the new Dalek Paradigm! Courtesy of ThinkGeek!

Description:

Exterminate your thirst with this set of Dalek tumblers: red, orange, yellow, blue, and white. Each comes with a resealable lid and straw. We recommend not thinking about what's actually inside a Dalek while you drink. If you missed those episodes, we recommend not Googling to find out what's inside a Dalek. Ignorance is bliss. By bliss, we mean, the ability to drink out of a Dalek without getting grossed out.

Forza Horizon announces December IGN Car Pack

Ferrari F12berlinetta on Forza Horizon's
December IGN Car Pack


Christmas is near and for an early start, Forza Horizon announced the December IGN Car Pack, which will be out next week for 400MSP (or free for Season Pass holders) and with this pack, players will be having the first time driving the brand new Ferrari F12berlinetta, while going out in style in the DBS, H1 Alpha, Javelin, GTX1, McLaren F1, and for an added bonus, an SVT Raptor decorated with Halo 4 livery!

Cars you'll be expecting:

2011 Ford SVT Raptor Halo Edition
2008 Aston Martin DBS
2012 Ferrari F12berlinetta
2006 Ford GTX1
2006 Hummer H1 Alpha Open Top
1993 McLaren F1
1971 AMC Javelin-AMX

Scoop: http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/11/27/halo-truck-leads-forza-horizon-december-ign-car-pack

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Leopaul's Heaven and Hell: YOU CAN'T MEASURE A JAPANESE CAR'S TOP SPEED, SPEEDO BOY!

2013 Toyota Auris' speedo

One of the things that drives me up the wall is when everytime who wants to shop for a new Japanese-made car, they're always asking what is the top speed of a certain new Japanese car. I'm sorry what? Top speed? I'm very sorry but Japanese cars don't measure top speeds. YOU CAN'T MEASURE A JAPANESE CAR'S TOP SPEED YOU SPEEDO BOY!!! Look at their speedos, it reads up to 180kph. Even your old Supra, RX-7, Fairlady Z, or any other JDM tuners of the 90's. Their speedos always have the same limit. 180kph! Why would you bother convert it to something higher than 180kph? That's illegal, you know. There was a saying in Top Gear that goes "ownership of a rev counter is theft". Perhaps I should modify this line. Ahem...ownership of either a rev counter or a speedometer is theft! Or something like conversion of speedometers is theft. Why would the people who love to modify cars want to convert speedos like that? Is it because they want to break laws even more? Gosh I hate street racers...

Why would Japanese-made cars sold in Japan have speedos read up to 180kph while exported ones read up to either 240 or 260kph? To be efficient? Afraid not. Because of such health and safety concerns in the past, regarding the whole bosozoku trend that is proven to be a nuisance in Japanese roads, all Japanese carmakers like Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and other Japanese carmakers agreed that there is no need for passenger cars in Japan to travel faster than 180 km/h, and therefore most Japanese-made passenger cars are equipped with speedometers that only go up to 180 km/h.

Here's an excerpt found from the Toyota global website;

Why do speedometers go up to 180 km/h when the maximum speed limit on Japanese roads is only 100 km/h?

The maximum speed limit in Japan is 100 km/h; however cars need to be able to go faster in order to maintain their speed so as not to block traffic while going up hills or when carrying heavy loads or lots of people. In addition, sometimes it's necessary to go beyond the speed limit to avoid danger. That's why we make cars that are capable of traveling faster than the speed limit.

For example, it's necessary to have some flexibility in speed when cars are going uphill or carrying heavy loads or many passengers so that they can go beyond the speed limit when necessary to avoid danger.

After taking various issues into consideration, it was determined that there is no need for passenger cars in Japan to travel faster than 180 km/h, and therefore most Toyota passenger cars are equipped with speedometers that only go up to 180 km/h. The speedometers of cars used for circuit racing go up to 200 km/h. Additionally, because the speed limit varies among the various countries and regions of the world, speedometers for cars that are also sold in other countries sometimes go up higher than 200 km/h. However, even these cars are equipped with a device called a speed limiter that prevents them from going faster than 180 km/h.

Furthermore, even if we make our cars incapable of going faster than 100 km/h, it would still be dangerous for any car to go faster than the lower speed limits set for many roads.

The most important thing is for people to obey traffic rules.


Everyday JDM cars, especially luxury minivans such as the Toyota Alphard, Honda Odyssey, and Nissan Elgrand, medium sedans such as the Nissan Sylphy (coming December), Toyota Premio, and Honda Accord, and compacts such as the Toyota Vitz, Nissan Note, and Suzuki Swift, they all have the 180kph speedo and no matter how much power you'll put it in especially the 3.5L V6-powered Mark X, 4.6L V8-powered Crown Majesta, or the 3.7L V6-powered Nissan Fuga, it always remain the same. The same 180kph feeling that all Japanese cars had.

However, there are some Japanese cars that are somewhat "exception to the rule", meaning JDM cars sold in Japan have speedos that can exceed the 180kph rule that most Japanese cars have. The Lexus IS for instance, in the past this has a speedo that reads up to 180kph but when it was facelifted several years ago, 2010 to be precise, the speedo now reads up to 260kph! There's another case with the Lexus GS...

2013 Lexus GS350 F Sport

Back when it was launched in 2005 with a hybrid the following year, you'll notice that the previous GS' speedometer reads up to 180kph. Remember the Aristo? The Toyota Aristo? It's the executive saloon from the 90's that we all like because of the JZ engine on it. It has a speedo reads up to 180kph! Get it? You just really don't get it. Anyway, onto that new model that was launched in January 2012, wanna guess how much kph its speedo reads?180kph? Nope! It's 260kph! 

Other Japanese cars sold in Japan that were "exempted to the rule" such as the Mitsubishi Mirage (200kph speedo), Nissan GT-R (340kph), Lexus LFA, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, Subaru WRX STi GRB/GVB, Mazda Roadster (speedo that reads up to 200kph), Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ, Lexus LS, Lexus RX (facelifted model now reads up to 240kph, more than the outgoing model's 180kph speedo), latest Suzuki Swift Sport, Mazdaspeed Axela, and that's about it.

Those Japanese cars, 180kph or not, they're not made to measure top speeds, and that means you Speedo Boy, because the JAMA means it. If something that worries you, remember the Yatabe? Yeah, it's the max speed oval test course that was made to measure top speeds but sadly it's gone a few years ago when their test course was relocated at Shirosato. Sadly, Shirosato, which is somewhere in Tsukuba, was made to measure a car's fuel economy as well as safety features, not top speeds.

Guess this ends here right now and if you're asking for a Japanese car's top speed. Just a reminder though...

YOU CAN'T MEASURE A JAPANESE CAR'S TOP SPEED, SPEEDO BOY!

That's an order.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Let's Do The News! (November 26, 2012)

River's Diary





Right, what's the news today you spoiler-laden TARDIS journal?

The 138 point shooter

There is no college basketball player like this man who can score more points than the average player. A whopping 138 points in a single game...by a college basketball player...isn't that shocked your world? Meet Jack Taylor, a sophomore guard at Grinnell, a D-III school in Iowa, who is now famed for being one of the best shooters in the country because he's responsible for scoring 138 points, that lead his team to a success. I know. There is no other player that can match his awesomeness. I mean of course, he's a college basketball player but he's got a newly found reputation. Even the NBA players were praised for such an achievement.


SE-BEST-AGAIN VETTEL!

Trending topic in the world of Formula One is #SEBESTAGAINVETTEL because Red Bull Racing's Sebastian Vettel is the F1 2012 winner, making it his third year win after the final round held at Brazil. Sure, he maybe finished 6th place at the Brazil GP while McLaren's Jenson Button placed 1st but by the overall scoring, S. Vettel's first, Alonso's 2nd, and Raikkonen's 3rd. The end! Congratulations to Red Bull's S. Vettel for his third consecutive win! That was a tough season but he managed to hang in there till the very end anyway...


The New K7 joins IRIS II

The New K7 joins IRIS II

Back in late 2009 when the Kia K7 (Cadenza) was released, it gained a starring role in the Korean action drama, IRIS. Now, for this facelifted version, The New K7 wants to do it again in the upcoming second season, coming this February 2013 on KBS2. Some Kia models also coming in IRIS 2 are the K9 (Quoris), K3 (Cerato/Forte), and the new Sorento R as well!


I ALMOST FORGOT...

Last month, Just Dance 4, which is the next big thing in the Just Dance series, was out and guess what? Psy's Gangnam Style was on that game! As a DLC! Now available for download from Xbox Live Marketplace. Soon to be available for PS3, Wii, & Wii-U.

2012 Guangzhou Auto Show

The 2012 Guangzhou Auto Show opened its gates for the public on Saturday, November 24, and will run until next Sunday, December 2. In case you'll never make it, check out the pics at http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/11/china-2012-guangzhou-auto-show-in-300.html

Novitec Rosso gets their hands dirty on the F12berlinetta

Ferrari's newest flagship, the F12berlinetta, is one the most lust-worthy supercars a man can dream of. With the most powerful V12 engine ever made by the company and some F1-inspired technology, the F12berlinetta is one of Maranello's finest...but what if you need some more oomph? The guys from Novitec Rosso did a little tuning on Ferrari's latest creation, therefore this tuning program will have the F12 go up to 753HP of power. Novitec Rosso said that additional performance stages for the 12-cylinder engine as well as a full aerodynamic package are currently under development, with details to be announced.

Novitec Rosso F12berlinetta

Vorsteiner teases Gallardo-tuned Renazzo-V.

If you haven't heard of a tuning firm, Vorsteiner, maybe you haven't played Car Town. If you've played Car Town and haven't heard of Vorsteiner, they're a tuning firm. They did some of the finest rims on the tuning crowd or did some modification portfolios on cars such as Porsche, BMW, Bentley, and Lamborghini. On the official Facebook page of Vorsteiner, they're teasing their newest creation, the Renazzo-V, which is a tuned version of the Lamborghini Gallardo. Coming soon...

Photo: Exclusive Facebook Teaser: Vorsteiner new aero package for the Lamborghini Gallardo code named Renazzo-V.

More photos to come...
Teaser photo for Vorsteiner Renazzo-V

Has anyone beaten ApexHunterT10 (Alex Kierstein)'s time?

"UPDATE: As of 11/24, my best time is 00:50.254. I'll keep trying to improve it today and tomorrow, so don't let me sneak by you!" that's the word said by ApexHunterT10 (Alex Kierstein), one of those friendly cogs in the Community Team machine that helps bring you fun challenges like this. He's busy in his Pontiac Trans Am, the Bandit, in a game of Parks and Recreation in Forza Horizon. Oh, he was the guy to beat at Horizon's Community Bounty Hunter that started last week and those who beat his time will receive the Honda CR-X unicorn car. This is the last day to beat his time so if you want to get ahead...get ahead...

Mine's getting warmed up, sweetie...


The IDOLM@STER Anim@tion Master Namassuka Special 01 wins design award

Guess what? You ain't going to believe this! The first volume of THE IDOLM@STER ANIM@TION MASTER NAMASSUKA SPECIAL won a design award in the 54th Japan Record Awards. The award recognizes an album's creative design work and its contributions to music culture. That sounds nice and hey! Timing! It was won on the date that some iM@S thought it was Miki Hoshii's birthday! What timing, sweetie! To commemorate such achievement, Columbia will host an event starting on November 27. Those who purchase 2,000-yen (about US$24) worth of selected Idolm@ster-related merchandise online or at certain shops will receive one of 12 different stickers.

By the records though, it seems that 2-million IDOLM@STER related merchandising were sold! Anyone heard?

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-11-23/idolm@ster-album-wins-japan-record-award

Happy 49th birthday Doctor Who!

November 23, 1963, the day the first Doctor Who episode titled An Unearthly Child was aired throughout Britain. William Hartnell is the first ever Doctor Who on that time. Happy birthday Doctor Who! Next year promises a big one because it's DW's 50th year.

Coco Martin is the new face of Max's restaurant

In case you've never heard about it, Coco Martin replaces Piolo Pascual as the new face of Max's Restaurant, the restaurant that serves the most delicious roasted chicken and other delicious meals within reasonable prices.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Forza Horizon: A Noble Car about Colorado

This Noble ain't BOVVERED

I had to admit that the Noble M600 is one of my favorite hypercars in Horizon, probably because of its stronger power-to-weight ratio than the standard Veyron but there's something more than that. It feels like Donna, Lauren, Nan, and Nellie gather together in the same restaurant, chattering about anything tater-totter stuff and yes, it's the Noble that does the tater stuff.

It goes something like this...

HORIZON. GAME. YEAH!

NOBLE. CAR. NO!

...or this...

BITE ME RACER BOY!

or whatever "Insert CT Joke Here" comes in my mind but me and the Noble M600 in Horizon, we have the best of times, like the Tate-Tennant tandem that I sometimes don't really like probably because it's like a young lad together with some middle aged ginger lady who was twice of his age. EWWWW.... Glad I didn't like their take on MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING because for me, they're not a perfect chemistry. Nah, just kidding. Probably because of the fans.

The more I'm driving the Noble, the more I'm starting to insert some CT references here...words like BOVVERED or OI, WATCH IT SPACEMAN, or whatever this middle-aged ginger just said on the telly. Who knows, I could be putting up some Noble Works references here. Better shut myself up and be content with this Noble work done by such a Noble car with a Noble heart. Hey Nonny Nonny!