Saturday, November 27, 2010

Hyundai Motor Company a proud sponsor of YG FAMILY CONCERT 2010


Check this article found at the Korean car enthusiasts' site, Megaauto (Korean only):
In translation, Hyundai Motor Company will be a proud sponsor of the upcoming 2010 YG FAMILY CONCERT coming this December 4 and 5.


This concert will be lead by the powerhouse of YG Entertainment talents such as Big Bang, PSY, 2NE1, and SE7EN.

Corsa Bingo!


The kind of Corsa is some kind of a Corsa that made us yell bingo! Opel's UK subsidiary brand, Vauxhall, outfitted the Vauxhall Corsa (the pre-facelift version) with loads of bingo balls and the body is wrapped with some bingo sheet, kinda like the bingo cars all piled up.

Called the Corsa Bingo Ball Special, this is some kind of an art car to be displayed at the Vauxhall Bingo Club at Manchester this December 1st.

Whoever says Bingo, gets one of these specially designed Corsa.


The Opel/Vauxhall Corsa (formerly known as the Opel Vita in Japan until Opel's Japanese demise in 2006) is a compact car that is more of an eco car targeted for the European market. there will be a minor change coming next year!

If I were living in Great Britain, I would have to get the free ticket quick because up to 500 people can get it.

Scoop:

Another Bubble Gang Jejemon sketch?! (and commercial spoofs are back by popular demand!)

On the November 26, 2010 episode of Bubble Gang Kin-Z:

- Gags with one question: Sinong Kausap Mo?!

- Jejemon News! Jeje Alehar (Ogie Alcasid) and Jenica Sosyow (Maureen Larrazabal) giving viewers some Jejemon-worthy news straight to the Jejemon world!

- Another Cheche Bureche episode involves on "Christmas tree" and who will put the star on the top. In the end, both Bureche (Michael V) and the Christmas tree are down! ARRRGGGGHHHH!

- Bubble Gang takes on Ultimate Fighter (UFC) in a sketch called TLC (Tender Loving Championship), a mixed martial arts championship mixed with massage?! For the first time, a UFC Spoof!

- The return of the Bubble Gang Commercial Spoof due to public demand! Starting with an Ariel OxyBleach commercial Bubble Gang spoofed as Aerial OxyBleach! Michael V impersonates as Boy Abunda on that commercial spoof! Good to have that old Bubble Gang favorite back!

- Pag-Usapan natin. When the electric chair is on, the shocking will leave him saying "Hindi ako ready!" With the electricity stop, he'll say "Ready na ako!" Eh?

- Bonggang Bonggang Bongbong is here again on Sumbong Sumbong kay Bonggang Bongbong to tackle the most annoying cases involve on Facebook users with handsome/beautiful profile pics except they're ugly in person, women wearing sandals but their feet exceeds the sandal size, and couples sharing the song played on iPod.

- A teacher (Jackie Rice) complains to the principal (Maureen Larrazabal) that her student (Boy2 Quizon) took pervert action on her. Why? Because Jackie Rice is hot you know.

- Office meeting lacks focus.

Jejemon eclipse on the Bubble Gang JejeNews sketch

Friday, November 26, 2010

For Philippine Guys Only...



Cue the music titled "Cold Rock the Mic" by Apollo 440 please because Top Gear Philippines told that HARI (Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc.) will bring the new, guys only, Hyundai Accent next month!

Scoop:

After its South Korean Debut since November 2, the new, fourth-generation, Hyundai Accent is made for young guys only. Like in the Korean TV CF, no gents, no lads, GUYS ONLY! Not too young, not too old, just the right age. The Accent is made for guys in their right ages and competes with the other cars from this category.

Let's see if how many Filipino guys can be attracted by the "Guys Only" Accent...

I hope its the Korean-spec, not the China-spec one.

Next-generation Mazda6/Atenza will be more Shinari-like?

Check this scoop (Japanese):

In translation, a next-generation Mazda Atenza (known worldwide as the Mazda 6) will share a design based on the Mazda Shinari Concept '10,



Kodo, Japanese for Soul of Motion, represents the soul in motion, and the Shinari is one of them. Rumors or truth, I think the next Mazda6/Atenza will carry a Kodo design like the Shinari concept car...


Nanoha the Movie 1st DVD and Blu-Ray, debut!

Today, in November 26, 2010, most Japanese otakus are now ready to buy the DVD and Blu-Ray of Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st, a movie adaptation of the Lyrical Nanoha anime since 2004. The movie was been in theaters since January 23, 2010 and now, the DVD and Blu-Ray of this movie is now here!

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st Blu-Ray Limited Edition

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st DVD Limited Edition

Seen here is the limited-edition DVD and Blu-Ray of this movie. It packs not just the movie (Movie in Disc 1 and Special Features in Disc 2), but also contains an alternate cover and a booklet.

Experiencing the very first Lyrical Nanoha movie from the comfort of your home theater sounds exciting!

Availability in Japan starts now. For foreign customers, find it on CDJapan, YesAsia, and other sites where they sold this one.




My GT5 First Impressions...

After double delays, at last, I finally got my hands on the much awaited GT5 for PS3! The one I bought is the Limited Collector's Edition.




This one's have limited availability. It features not just the game itself, but also an special book titled "Apex", a die-cast car, and loads of extras depending on what country. Mine got the U.S. version which not only has the ones mentioned but also I got some kind of a key chain, and the certificate. Plus, bonus five cars you can use it on the game, unless if you have a PSN account.

Now for my first impression, this game seems to be OK for me. I start the game using the 2007 Toyota Vitz RS 1.5 because of its starter price. As I progress, I gain more credits to buy my favorite cars such as the Subaru WRX STi 4-door and the Honda CR-Z.

Never realize that GT5 uses a "level system". In order to participate a race, you must be at the specific level. It applies both in A-Spec and B-Spec. It seems easy or difficult gaining a level before advancing through a certain level-restricted race. When you level up, you can race at certain level-restricted races and buy some level-restricted vehicles. For instance, the level required for buying a Subaru WRX STi 4-door (GVB) is Level 6. So, all I have to do is to keep racing to gain that kind of level. With the matched level and enough funds, I might be able to buy that car.

A-Spec races can be fun, but B-Spec races can be difficult because of your hired driver. At first, your newly hired driver may experiencing a hard time winning a race, but with the experience, it's a start. Either winning or losing, your driver can gain levels, but if the driver screwed up, the driver's experience may deteriorate. Also, pay attention to the driver's strength and mental strength while on the race.

I am already familiar with the difference between Standard tier cars (cars appeared from previous GT games) and Premium tier cars (cars that are new to the GT scene). However there is one car that ends all... the X1 Prototype.

You already know how it looks like and feels like, right? The X1 Prototype is made in collaboration with Red Bull Racing. It is a car exceeds all limitations and obtaining it can be a mystery for now. Only a true Gran Turismo maestro can obtain this mysterious king of racing machines. This car gives you wings, just like the Red Bull commercials; "Red Bull gives you wings". Opponents may surrender if the saw the X1 Prototype in a race, but owners of this prototype win always. Good luck finding that car!

I gotta say that this is the best installment ever made. Since this is on its first update, Polyphony Digital will post GT5 updates soon.

Don't worry, I'm not a KJ for online races.

Super cool special edition Honda models (but offered in Malaysia only)

2011 Honda Concept M Series

Three of the best Honda vehicles in the ASEAN market; the Civic, the Accord (Inspire in Japan), and the Jazz (Fit in other markets) are all kitted out with some aero kits and dubbed as the Concept M.

Concept M stands for two of the famous modifiers from Honda such as Modulo and Mugen. These Malaysian-spec Civic, Accord Inspire, and Fit/Jazz special editions made us so envy, we, Filipinos, wish to have one of these hot Honda models because these three were kitted out with aero parts!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Toyota FJ Cruiser (GSJ15W) (Japan Spec)

2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser


First appeared as a concept car at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show, then it made its official sale in North America in 2006, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is a remarkable off-road behemoth and was dubbed the Japanese Hummer because of a similar look. Most of them think that the FJ Cruiser is a copy of the Hummer H2, except for the doors. Even Filipinos rarely bought an FJ Cruiser from a grey market import just so they can enjoy their off-road adventures throughout the toughest terrains in the Philippines. At the end of 2010, the FJ Cruiser is finally at the place where it was born, Japan.

Why Japan? Some Japanese off-road enthusiasts bought the Toyota FJ Cruiser (the North America-spec) from grey market imports, for example, is BUBU, a Mitsuoka Motor-owned specialty for grey market cars from North America., and why Toyota did not sell the FJ Cruiser officially even when this was built by Hino Motors. For after four years in North America and a few countries such as China, Toyota officially start selling the FJ Cruiser starting this early December, under the chassis code GSJ15W.

On its outer appearance, try to even think that the FJ Cruiser is the carbon copy of the deceased Hummer, but the grille wears a literal Toyota badge spelled it out, paying homage to the legendary Toyota FJ40. What surprises them is the suicide half doors at the rear.

The interior is also a copy from a Hummer, however, the JDM-spec FJ Cruiser doesn't have some dashboard peripherals in the middle like the North American spec has. Unfortunately, the legroom for the driver is simply too tight to get through. Getting through the FJ Cruiser's driver's seat can be frustrating. I wonder how did someone fit in the FJ Cruiser's driver's seat? Well, many dream to have the FJ Cruiser but only a few can fit in the driver's seat of the FJ Cruiser.

The FJ Cruiser is powered by the 1GR-FE (4.0-litre V6 DOHC Dual VVT-i engine) that powers up to 276PS/5,600r.p.m. at the torque of 38.8kg-m/4,400r.p.m. This spartan engine was not spartan enough to tackle various distances because the fuel economy of the FJ Cruiser goes to a frugal 8.4km/L. The Part-Time 4WD System allows the user to switch various modes at the shift of the lever. It looks similar to the Mitsubishi Pajero Field Master, but experimenting with various modes depending on the terrain can be somewhat of a challenge. To get a grip through the rocky roads, the FJ Cruiser is armed with the X-REAS (Relative Absorber System) supplied by Yamaha.

My thoughts about the FJ Cruiser:
Not possibly a good SUV for the aficionado, but this makes a good partner in the eyes of politicians, celebrities (especially rappers), gangsters (Mafia, Triads, Yakuzas, Vory, whatever these criminals were), and adventurers. The forte of the FJ Cruiser is to deliver off-road excitement from the deserts, rocky roads, muddy pavements, and city streets. From the Arabian desert, the Grand Canyon of the USA, and now cruising through Hokkaido with the Japanese debut of the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Now, most Japanese will never come looking for a grey market FJ Cruiser anymore because all Japanese Toyota dealerships will start selling the rugged joy of the FJ Cruiser this December. Remember, FJ stands for Fun and Joy!

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Gran Turismo 5

Gran Turismo 5 (Japan Version)


WE LOVE CARS! After facing a double delay that leaves GT fans out cold, the much awaited fifth installment of Gran Turismo is finally here. And yes, this should be better than the rest.

The real driving simulator is the mother of all racing sims, now improved to satisfy the needs of every GT fans alike.

With over a thousand cars offered in GT5, players can now buy and collect as many cars as they want! Think of the Godzilla GT-R, Lancer Evo X, a WRX STi 5-door and 4-door, Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari California, Lotus Evora, and even the super cool exotics of 2010 such as the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the Lexus LFA! There are hybrids also offered here such as the Insight, Prius, Mitsubishi i-MiEV or even the sport hybrid car Honda CR-Z (oh yeah! Gotta try it!) for sure! There are two car tiers in GT5. First off is the Standard tier. Standard tiers are cars from previous Gran Turismo games such as the R33 GTR, Silvia S13, Eunos Roadster, the first and second generation Impreza models, or even the ones from your Gran Turismo PSP game. Geez, that's a lot of Standard Tier cars. Second is the Premium Tier. This tier represents new to the Gran Turismo scene, such as the third-generation Prius, Subaru WRX STi 4-door (GVB), SLS AMG, Lexus LFA, Gallardo, and some to think of it. Premium Tier cars can offer a wide array of features that Standard Tier cars don't, like for instance; a view of the interior, dislocation of the car's body parts, or even take them to a Photo Travel.

In Gran Turismo 5, there are 26 tracks with 71 layouts offered to compete against your rivals. This is going to be a race around the world! From Germany to Italy, from Great Britain to the United States, from Tokyo to Monaco, experiencing a world class race like no other is a huge surprise. What's surprising us is the Top Gear Test Track, courtesy of BBC's Top Gear. Try testing your new cars on that track and see how fast are they!

As you progress, you might be able to participate in Special Events; such as the Jeff Gordon NASCAR school, Loeb's Rally Challenge, GT Rally, Grand Tour (from Eiger to Rome) and more. Think you got what it takes to take all of these special challenges?!

Two ways to race in Gran Turismo 5; the A-Spec mode is to race by yourself and the B-Spec mode is to race with your hired driver. To initiate B-Spec, create your own hired driver. Keep that your mind that all hired drivers have their own different personality and how it affects the race. A hired driver gain more experience if they keep on racing, either winning or losing, but if its too much, the hired driver's experience may drop. You can retire the hired driver if you want when the driver's past their prime. You can also use your hired driver for online competition called Remote Racing.

The biggest aspect of GT5 is online community. Aside from competing with your friends and rivals from all over the world, you can chat with them, gift them parts, share your created tracks and photos and more.

MY COMMENT:

WE LOVE CARS! GT5 is one of the best racing titles made for the PS3 and it delivers total coolness and the "pogi points" we get from racing with everyone. With the new Course Maker, a list of cars, realistic damages, around the world races, hired drivers, and more, I gotta say that is the best! After being delayed twice, we finally got our hands on the game everyone's talking about!

WE LOVE CARS!

Official site: http://www.gran-turismo.com/

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

10 best 2011 cars of North America according to Car and Driver!



It's here! According to an American car magazine Car and Driver, here is the ten best 2011 cars!

1) BMW 3-Series (sedan, coupe, wagon, M3)

2) Cadillac CTS-V (sedan and coupe)

3) Chevrolet Volt

4) Ford Mustang GT

5) Honda Accord Inspire + USDM Accord Coupe

6) Honda Fit/Jazz

7) Hyundai Sonata YF

8) Mazda Roadster/MX-5 Miata

9) Porsche Boxster and Cayman

10) Volkswagen Golf (base, GTi, and R)

Congrats to the ten cars!

Full details:

100-octane Petron Blaze, debut!

Despite the fuel shortage because of the pipeline closure, Petron has a burning passion to bring the high octane fuel suitable for the likes of high-performance cars, even the Nissan GT-R R35 and the Subaru WRX STi 4-door.

The Petron Blaze is now 100-octane!

Scoop:

HELL YEAH! Most owners of high performance sports cars can now visit Petron for the new 100-octane Blaze. However, I am not happy for the pricing.

With fuel prices rising and the pipeline closure issue, I guess only a few can fit in the new 100-octane Petron Blaze.

Despite that, hot cars are welcomed.

Official Petron site: