Showing posts with label f-150. Show all posts
Showing posts with label f-150. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

My FH5 Log: Rise of the #PrimeDay Beasts

You guessed it, it's Prime Day again. The once-a-year event is where the heavy beasts have gone uncaged and become bats out of hell for the most insane moments of their lives.

For the second time in Forza Horizon 5, it's time to celebrate Prime Day by letting these beasts roar and this year, it's going to get even more feral as the cars I used last year, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and the Pagani Zonda R, are rejoined by the Renault Megane RS 250, the hot hatchback that I won back at the #FORDZATHON series update last January.




Ah yes, the beasts of Prime Day. They're the Jurassic menace I'm talking about because they are business and leisure without compromise. From the roaring sound of the 6.2L V8 engine of the F-150 SVT Raptor, the lightness of the Renaultsport Megane III, to the Zonda R's ultimate expression of speed, these unstoppable missiles are the heavy beasts only a few people are lucky enough to drive these while their concentration's on racing mode.

From the moment the F-150 SVT Raptor battles against a HALO jumper, a Renaultsport Megane III battling against a Porsche Boxster, to the Zonda R going all-out, you can really hear these high-performance cannibals roaring to the sounds of prime. These heavy beasts really are badass. Yes!




Since we got the Horizon Badlands on schedule, it's time to give these heavy beasts the most insane races of their lives in select Horizon Raptors venues, just to showcase their technology, lightness, and brutal power, well, scratch the second part because only the Megane and the Zonda got that part.

From as far as Arizona and Rockingham, these heavy beasts come all the way to Mexico, determined to take on the Horizon Raptors. The challenge is on!




THIS...IS...PRIME DAY!!!

From the Zonda R's race-derived technology, and the Megane's lightness, to the F-150 SVT Raptor's brutal power, these unstoppable missiles made PRIME DAY the Jurassic menace you don't want to mess with. Life couldn't get even more exciting when you have the rare opportunity to drive these heavy beasts mixing business and leisure without compromise.

See you next PRIME DAY. (Tiger Roar)

Friday, June 16, 2023

My FH5 Log: Pick Up, Pack Down

The Explore the Horizon update on Forza Horizon 5 isn't just more than the powered-up Photo Mode update, Pathfinder challenges, two Cupra crossovers, and new overland parts on selected offroaders, it's about four American trucks taking centerstage on Horizon Mexico; a modified F-250 with a unique party piece, two classic American trucks, and the long-awaited arrival of the GMC Hummer EV.

Now that I got all of the four prize trucks over the course of the Explore the Horizon update, it's time to take a gander at my recent hauls;


In the Wet Season, I got my hands on the DeBerti Ford F-250 Transformer, it's a modified F-250 truck made possible by DeBerti Design that wowed the crowd at the 2019 SEMA Show. Aside from numerous modifications, it features unique tool drawers and hidden storage beneath the fiberglass fender.


In the Storm Season, I got the keys to the seventh-generation Ford F-150, the model that redefined the F-150 lineage because it was the first to feature the Ford Blue Oval grille emblem, the diesel variant, and an optional dashboard with a full set of instruments.


The second-generation Chevrolet K10 truck became part of my FH5 garage ever since winning one in the Dry Season. Mind you, because this is the 1972 model year K10, it's qualified to be designated as a "vintage car" if you know what I mean. This is part of the "Action Line" C/K models produced from 1967 to 1972 and over its span, it received numerous updates and underwent a mid-cycle refresh for the 1971 model year.


Lastly, and obviously the best one, the GMC Hummer EV that I won from the Hot Season. Signaling the return of the Hummer name in the age of the new normal, the GMC Hummer EV features a three-motor powertrain generating 1,000hp of power and 15,591Nm of torque in its top-spec Edition 1 variant, capable of going from 0-60mph in three seconds. In addition, it features adaptive air suspension with available Extract Mode, a choice of 35 to 37-inch tires, underbody armor, Ultravision, removable Sky Panel roof sections, Watts to Freedom, MultiPro tailgate, and CrabWalk. Sadly, we can't do CrabWalk in the game but Watts to Freedom? Engage Launch Control and see it for yourself.





With all four American trucks now part of the FH5 family, it's time to give them some necessary roughness they deserved and with the FH5 Rally Adventure still open for business, let's give these American truckers their moment of glory as they're tackling through the rough against the competition. Roll the tapes!





Having enjoyed all four trucks in the game, which one is the favorite? For me, it's got to be the Hummer EV. Sure, it's a massive monster to handle but I had a blast to drive the ultimate electric truck that caused a lot of stir since its world premiere and gained a two thumbs-up by LeBron James himself.

This unboxing is finished but I still have a word with the GMC Hummer EV. Watch for it. It's gonna be interesting...

Friday, May 26, 2023

My FH5 Log: Lightning Round

Those who enjoyed Forza Horizon 5's Rally Adventure expansion and conquered the Horizon Badlands Goliath have been granted access to the expansion's hero car, the all-new all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning. Having got the keys to this electric truck, I am curious about the new Lightning and how it performs across the Horizon Badlands.

Now is the time for a lightning round with the all-new F-150 Lightning and how it compares against the old F-150 SVT Lightning, the one with the Ford GT engine in it.



Here they are, the two Lightnings, the old petrol-powered one and the new electrified one, tackling each other like football players during the conference finals. How do these two Lightnings stack up?

The Ford SVT Lightning is based on the two-door version of the 10th-generation F-150 and one of the early forays to the high-performance truck gig. It comes with a supercharged 5.4L V8 engine that churns out 380HP and 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds.

The new F-150 Lightning is based on the 14th-generation F-150 and it features two electric motors powering all four wheels and can be bolted with either a 98 kWh or a 131 kWh battery pack. With the latter, it generates about 563 horsepower, 775 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 0-60 mph time in the mid-4-second range. As for the driving range, it's good for up to 320 miles while running on the extended-range variant.



Having gotten to know about these two Lightning trucks, it's time to see which one is the strongest lightning of all. Is it the petrol-powered, rear-wheel-drive F-150 SVT Lightning or the all-electric, all-new F-150 Lightning? Let's find out with a quick sprint race across the quarry. Ready, set, go!


And now, the results...

F-150 SVT Lightning - 3m10.340s

F-150 Lightning - 2m59.546s

Although fans of the original F-150 Lightning may not like it, the all-electric reboot managed to trump the OG by nearly eleven seconds. Now that's what they called The Eleventh Hour. What a golden hour for the electric pickup.


Looks like the F-150 Lightning has proven its worth in the Badlands with its electric powertrain and legendary F-150 capabilities and now that I got to know about this electrified offroader, it's back to business in the Badlands. Although I've cleared most of the rally stages, looks like the whole world's on my tail, itching to have some fun in the Badlands.

Ready for some old-school fun in the Badlands? You bet I am because this is Horizon. Everything's possible.

See you next time!

Thursday, July 14, 2022

My GT7 Log: The Beasts of #PrimeDay

Gran Turismo 7 is joining the Prime Day madness as this game has the most insane heavy beasts that are prepared for the most insane moments of their lives. 

The F-150 SVT Raptor, the Renaultsport Megane III, the McLaren MP4-12C, and the Pagani Zonda R are the heavy beasts that can't wait to let their wild side unleashed on track.



Primed and ready, these four heavy beasts are known for unleashing their primal strengths wherever lay ahead. From the roaring sound of the 6.2L V8 engine of the F-150 SVT Raptor, the lightness of the Renaultsport Megane III, the motorsport-inspired dynamics of the 12C, and the Zonda R's ultimate expression of speed, these machines are business and leisure without compromise. I know, I always love saying that every Prime Day because these four unstoppable missiles are Prime Day's Jurassic menace.





To unleash the Jurassic menace of these four unstoppable missiles, it's time to let these heavy beasts accelerate violently through Watkins Glen, the newest addition to Gran Turismo 7's track roster. There are two variants of this new addition; the long one and the short one. I went for the long one just to make it more exciting and real.

Let the Jurassic menace begin!


These four unstoppable missiles... Only a few people are lucky enough to drive these while their concentration's on racing mode. However, there can be only one, and here is the result;

F-150 SVT Raptor - 2:29.042
Megane RS Trophy - 2:20.104
12C - 2:10.942
Zonda R - 1:49.354

The most unstoppable missile in Prime Day's Jurassic menace is the Zonda R.





Watching these four unstoppable missiles ripping through the track with such technology, lightness, and brutal power, well, scratch the second part because only three made the cut, this is the main reason why I love Prime Day. 

Prime Day is when I'm getting the maximum out of these heavy beasts no matter which video game I'm on. Life couldn't get even more exciting when you have the rare opportunity to drive such monsters.

See you next Prime Day, HALO guys!

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

My FH5 Log: #PrimeDay

Prime Day is here. The once-a-year event is where the heavy beasts have gone uncaged and became bats out of hell for the most insane moments of their lives. 


Since this is Forza Horizon 5, let me introduce you to the prime specimens who are ready to rip through the prime meridian in the name of business and leisure without compromise.


First up is the original Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, the one with the glorious but feral 6.2L V8 engine that begs to be revved in high volume. Its prime moment for this beast is from a certain TV show where the Raptor tackled through the Arizona wilderness while racing against a HALO jumper. It was a close fight but the HALO jumper defeated the Raptor at the end.


Lastly, the ultimate beast that roars through racetracks like a bat out of hell; is the Pagani Zonda R. The million-euro-finale to Pagani's maiden masterpiece that lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in six minutes and 47 seconds. From its extreme aerodynamics, cutting-edge technology, and its AMG V12 engine that churns out 750HP of power, it's no wonder a certain veteran racing driver fell in love with this machine while having an impression from a certain TV show, which is exactly the car's prime moment.


With the prime specimens set, it's time to uncage these heavy beasts to the caldera and let their songs of prime roar through the Mexican hills. Ladies and gentlemen, please hold tight.



Now, this is what Prime Day's all about!


The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and the Pagani Zonda R have proved themselves that they are the most worthy beasts that can turn everyone into Darth Pancake thanks to such technology and brutal power offered. This is business and leisure without compromise. This is PRIME.

I'm glad we are lucky enough to drive these cars in this game.

See you next Prime Day...

Sunday, June 26, 2022

Ford F-150 Lightning

With the success of the Mustang Mach-E electrified crossover and the E-Transit, the first electrified Ford F-150 has arrived and it brought back an iconic nameplate to match its electrified stance. This is the all-new Ford F-150 Lightning.

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

With prices starting at below 52 grand plus additional costs, the new Ford F-150 Lightning is the electrified take on the best-seller that promises to deliver the same "Built Ford Tough" philosophy in this age of the new normal.

So, why did Ford decide to bring back the Lightning brand for this electrified F-150? For those who owned a super-old F-150 SVT Lightning, the one with the supercharged engine in it, consider the new F-150 Lightning a bit of a joke, just like the Mustang Mach-E when it was a crossover instead of being a muscle car that purists wanted. Sacrilege it is, the F-150 Lightning is built to tackle all kinds of demanding tasks like a true blue-collar worker.

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning interior

Beginning with the styling, the Lightning features a unique exterior design that differentiates it from the normal F-150, which is common sense for carmakers trying to differentiate it from normal ones. The same story goes for the interior because instead of using a similar dashboard layout to its ICE-powered equivalent, it dons a tall touchscreen similar to the one used on the Mustang Mach-E, which is packed with numerous gadgetry, including the annoying Amazon Alexa feature.

While it can accommodate up to five people and has a big interior space which is typical for full-size trucks, the F-150 Lightning's convenience doesn't stop at the rear trunk because, with the unique electric powertrain position, the front hood has motors in it. Instead, it's a front boot that's almost as spacious as a Porsche 911. Ford calls this the Frunk but the Frunk is nothing new for carmakers. Mid-engined supercars had the frunk but nothing as spacious as the Ford. Besides, you can plug in it and enjoy manly stuff anywhere, especially tailgating parties with your bros.

Thanks to its dual electric motors that made it a 4WD offroader, the F-150 Lightning can be bolted with either a 98 kWh or a 131 kWh battery pack. With the latter, it generates about 563 horsepower, 775 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 0-60 mph time in the mid-4-second range, that's quicker than the Ford F-150 Raptor. As for range, it's good for up to 320 miles while running on the extended-range variant.

Because of its electric powertrain, driving the F-150 Lightning feels like weightlifting a 1000lb barbell repeatedly. It feels like hard work while on the go and even when you go offroading or using the available towing package, guess you'll have to go exercising first before handling this electrified truck. This is a real man's electric truck doing extreme jobs. This is no time to sit back and enjoy binge-watching your favorite painting TV show from your childhood. Once you're in the Lightning, the hard labor begins and every day is a work day.

At the end of your arduous day, the F-150 Lightning comes prepared with a list of safety features some may find shocking behind the wheel, including the intriguing Ford BlueCruise hands-free driving which works like Tesla's AutoPilot. It's shocking to have an autonomous driving feature implanted in the F-150 Lightning and with a long list of ADAS, welcome to the new normal, cowboy.

Although mediocre to reviving the Lightning brand to the electrified F-150, this deserves all the attention it deserves like blue-collar workers. With its electric powertrain, shocking tech features, the same F-150 capability, and unique front boot, the new F-150 Lightning has the earnings of being a Built Ford Tough vehicle. Macho-bellied men are more than welcome to drive this electrified F-150 by all means necessary and such capability means jealousy for those who wish who want to drive one.

Photo: Ford Motor Company

Thursday, December 31, 2020

Ford F-150 (14th Generation)

The Ford F-150, the best-selling vehicle on a day-to-day basis, has been the strong choice for freedom-loving Americans from all walks of life; whether they want something to work for or for going places like a real American. With the arrival of the 14th-generation model, the all-new F-150 promises to be the most advanced pickup truck that became the second home for the patriots.



Priced at 28,940 US dollars plus additional costs, the all-new Ford F-150 brings the blue-collar workers' favorite workhouse into greater depths by mixing the brains and the brawns together to create a pickup truck that works for people from all walks of life.

Before we get to know more about the F-150's strong-arm tactics that made America's favorite pickup truck great again, let's get to know more about its masculine exterior design and at first glance, it's somewhat similar to the previous model it replaces, only better. Of course, because this is the truck made for all kinds of duties, several variants have different grilles to choose from and one of them comes with the new active grille shutters, making it the most aerodynamic F-150 ever made.

Come at the back and this is where the real work begins for blue-collar men flexing their muscles. Sure, it doesn't have the fancy rear gate like the ones you get from the Ram 1500 but the new F-150 can be fitted with new zone lighting, Pro Power Onboard to plug your stuff on, and a tailgate work surface that comes with rulers, media holder, cup holder, and extra storage on the tailgate itself. Although it's somewhat more of a gimmick for a pickup truck, it's the ideal desk job for men who thought they can't sit on both boards. Why not?

Come inside, there's more serious stuff to do in the new F-150 because apart from the optional stuff at the tailgate, you can fit the interior with the new work surface you can turn this truck into an office. You can imagine doing all the work-from-home jobs while going out on an offroad trip but that would be risky. Also, the new F-150 comes with the available max recline seats so you can rest easy before doing time. Of course, we wouldn't forget about the high-tech cockpit that packs a 12-inch instrumental cluster and a 12-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4 on it. With all the tech and convenience loaded into the new F-150, the work-from-truck concept has just gotten real now.

Under the hood, the new F-150 is offered with the choice of six powertrains ranging from a beefy 3.0L Power Stroke turbodiesel that is almost as beefy as the Cummins guys that Ram uses, up to the almighty 5.0L TI-VCT V8 engine producing 400hp of power and 410lb-ft of torque. 

For the first time in an F-150, a 3.5L Powerboost hybrid V6 engine is offered and this powertrain produces 430HP of power, 570lb-ft of torque, and can tow up to 12,700lbs of stuff not to mention the class-leading payload of up to 2,120lbs.

How about driving? Well, being an F-150, it still works like an F-150 but having the one with a four-wheel drive is where the real party begins because offroading is where the F-150 does best, almost. Thanks to its military-grade aluminum body, this new F-150 can withstand all kinds of punishment it comes across, allowing this truck to come back home as it was nothing happened. When you go for the off-road-oriented Tremor variant which comes with available Trail 1-Pedal Drive, Trail Control, and Trail Turn Assist, plus monotube front and twin-tube rear shocks, it sure loves playing rough.

On the subject of playing rough, the new F-150 now boasts a wide array of driver-assist features and it's the only pickup to offer Active Drive Assist.

The new F-150 is now the best F-150 ever made because of its productive conveniences, a wide range of powertrains including the first-ever hybrid variant, handy-capable dynamics fit for all kinds of roads, and numerous tech installed on it. It's no doubt that the blue-collar patriots' choice has now evolved into a white-collar workhorse that loves getting itself dirty like a real patriotic American. That's Ford's national right done right!

Photo: Ford

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Forza Horizon 4: Revenge of #PrimeDay

It's the time of the year again when our favorite heavy beasts become bats out of hell for the most insane moments of their lives. Yep, it's Prime Day and it's time to uncage those heavy beasts and let loose.



This year's Prime Day became two days only but despite the extra day, these beasts don't waste any day unleashing their raw power and their insane character from every angle. They're all about business and leisure without compromise and that's what Prime Day is all about.

Without further ado, let's meet the prime specimens roaring through the sounds of Prime Day.

First off, the truck that got beaten by a HALO jumper in the Arizona desert; was the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. The current F-150 Raptor is powered by an EcoBoost V6 engine which results in more power but the beastly sound of the 6.2L V8 is hard to miss and with all that roar coming out from its glorious V8 engine, this is what made this truck a bad-ass.



Next, it's the super hot hatch that got beaten by a midship German sportscar, the Renaultsport Megane 250. While it's not suitable for drag racing against the most powerful hot hatches on the road, the lightweight bodywork and race-inspired chassis make this one of the best handling hot hatches of all time and despite being lost to a certain Porsche, it sure is a lot of fun to drive.



Then, there's the McLaren MP4-12C, the supercar that harks the return of McLaren making supercars since the legendary F1. Made in the days when Lewis Hamilton raced for McLaren, the 12C is a cutting-edge supercar that propagates through the track with intelligence unheard by supercar standards. If you have seven and a half minutes to spare while taking a break at the Ring, this is the McLaren for you.



And lastly, the Pagani Zonda R, the most feral of the prime specimens featured here, is packed with extreme aerodynamics that is fitting for a no-holds-barred machine that sits in Pirelli racing tires and 6.0L V12 Mercedes engine producing 750HP and because it dons so much carbon fiber on its body, it's 200kg lighter than your first Zonda. It may be labeled the last of its kind but it's not.



Prime Day is all about business and leisure without compromise, and with heavy beasts like these, not even Darth Pancake can choke these monsters off.



Ladies and gentlemen, please hold tight.






THIS IS...PRIME DAY!



Cars like these are known for opening their inner Amazon and unleashing hell on all roads of the world and with prime specimens like the F-150 SVT Raptor, the Renaultsport Megane III, the 12C, and the Zonda R, it's like every day is Prime Day because of the monsters that lurk beneath their sheets of metal. They really are fantastic.

See you next Prime Day...

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Forza Motorsport 7: Prime Day

It's Prime Day once again and once again, the prime specimens that roared through the sounds of prime are back to let their feral instincts roar in Forza Motorsport 7. Whether if it's up against the HALO Jumper, a mid-engine German sportscar, the Nurburgring, or even for one last ride, these prime specimens are all about business and leisure without compromise.

Releasing our first feral beast from its cage is the Ford SVT Raptor. Today's F-150 Raptor is one of the best offroaders ever made but what made us miss the most about the old F-150 SVT Raptor is its 6.2L V8 engine because of the sound of this feral beast is much more ferocious compared to the EcoBoost V6 engine that today's Raptor had. It may be heavy and somewhat irrelevant in circuit racing but you can't beat the monstrous sound of its V8 engine the SVT Raptor possess and there's so much to love about a monstrous offroader that challenged the HALO jumper and lost.





The next beast is the Renaultsport Megane 250 and while today's Megane RS is basically five-door only, the last three-door Megane RS of the past is something to be missed because while being short on power compared to hyper hot hatch rivals such as the Ford Focus RS and the VW Scirocco R but because of its cup chassis, motorsport-level expertise, limited slip differential, and lightness, it eats the powerful ones like a rat scaring away a big fat biker. Being a prime meridian, the Megane RS remembers the most insane race of its life while delivering near-sportscar levels for everyday speedo boys.





The next prime meridian to be released from its cage is the McLaren MP4-12C. With today's McLaren 720S being the evolution of its Super Series range, the 12C is something to remember as the first McLaren ever made in this new era since the legendary F1. Unlike their last masterpiece, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, the 12C is purely McLaren inside and out as well as its 3.8L V8 Twin Turbo engine which is somewhat small but packs a heavy punch when you put your foot down. As a high-tech sportscar with some motorsports know-how in the days when Lewis Hamilton is a McLaren driver, the 12C is all about propagating through the track with intelligence unheard by supercar standards, quickly became the supercars we all fell in love with since the 458 and the Gallardo.





And the last beast to be unleashed from the hell in the cell is the Pagani Zonda R. As the track-only finale to the Zonda, the R features extreme aerodynamics that is fitting for a no-holds-barred machine that sits in Pirelli racing tires and 6.0L V12 Mercedes engine producing 750HP and because it dons so much carbon fiber on its body, it's 200kg lighter than your first Zonda. Start this beast up and you can really hear its roar loud enough to deliver the prime of its life. This is the first Zonda that dons a semi-automatic gearbox that shifts faster than your basic supercar and such impressiveness lapped the Nurburgring faster than the Ferrari 599XX.





These prime specimens really proved to the world that they are business and leisure without compromise and when Prime Day comes, these feral beasts roar through the sounds of prime and prepare for the insane moments in the prime of their lives. Since this is Prime Day, it's time to let these beasts loose in the Grand Prix circuit of the Nurburgring like bats out of hell. Let heavy beasts roar through the sounds of Prime Day!



How's that for Darth Pancake? These heavy beasts really roared like bats out of hell and that is why they called it PRIME DAY, a day when you can open your Amazon and go all out. It's like releasing your anger for a day and it never felt so alive driving these prime specimens to the prime of their lives.



Until the next PRIME DAY, my little kittens...