Sunday, March 18, 2012

ABT prepares its first tuning project for the new A3

2013 ABT Audi A3


The brand new, third generation, Audi A3 may have been premiered a few days ago in Geneva but the guys from ABT are prepping up their first tuning project for the A3's full model change.

Under the project name "AS3" they'll plan to tune its 2.0 TDi engine to provide 197hp of power while the 2.0L TFSi enigne will be tuned to provide 247hp of power.

Also, they'll plan to modify the suspension, add a four-tailpipe exhaust, better brakes, and some bodykit to make it convincing...

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Let's Do The News (March 17, 2012)

Okay, the news. Before we begin, let's start with something for the IDOLM@STER-loving petrolheads in Japan. Seems that this new IDOLM@STER project is actually "there's an app for that". Yep, we're not joking because THE IDOLM@STER is coming on the iPhone under the banner of "THE IDOLM@STER MOBILE i"

The IDOLM@STER MOBILE i


Here's the official clip because we're running out of words...



Some say, this app will come out in Japan this month.


Excited hah? Those petrolheads in Japan's going to love it!

Anyway, let's start...

2013 Audi R8 teaser

Seems that the Audi R8 has been for five years and some say, they will be launching the new 2013 Audi R8 soon. When they say new, they would probably meant that it would be a minor change for the Audi's flagship exotic.


So what do we expect for the 2013 Audi R8? Can't tell but moving on...

Anyway, the Aventador J, a one-off special as seen on the 2012 Geneva Auto Show...

2012 Lamborghini Aventador J

There was already one lucky person bought one and this will be served in about six weeks. Too bad for those who wished one and thank you very much for the interest with the Aventador J.


Anyway, recognition-wise, Lamborghini dishes out the numbers of how many recognition, impressions, and clicks about the Aventador J such as 21.5 million organic Google searches, "Aventador J - The Making Of" Youtube video is the most popular show-week Youtube sportscar video in the "Auto and Vehicles" category, Autoweek awared this as a Best of Show winner, over 6,800 tweets and over 40 million impressions.


Well done, Lamborghini, well done.

Anyway, the GMC Terrain is now on its 2013 model year and it gets better because it introduces a new model which expands the brand's Denali range. The 2013 GMC Terrain Denali.

2013 GMC Terrain Denali

Oh yes! When you say Denali, it probably meant to be fully blinged-up versions of GMC vehicles and this version for the Terrain is no exception because of the Denali grille on the front. It's the smallest Denali crossover you can have and also all 2013 Terrain models do come with the new 3.6L V6 engine that churns out 301HP of power and 369Nm of torque. It replaced the 3.0L V6 engine you know. Don't worry thought that those 2.4L Ecotec engines remain the same for the 2013 model year. These would come out in the Summer of 2012.


If that come out, I would be guessing that this is somewhat a Philippine smuggler's fantasy.... Ooohhhh.....

2013 Subaru BRZ

2013 Toyota 86

Anyway, the Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ, production of both of these FR sportscar has been commenced at some plant at Gunma Prefecture, Japan.


When we say Gunma, we surely meant that this is the home ground of Mt. Haruna (named Mt. Akina at the Initial D series). Those two can be perfect enough to drift through the asphalt spaghetti of Mt. Haruna and because production of these two were started, that is good news but those employees need to work fast in order to meet the demand for the Toyota 86 (GT86 in Europe) and Subaru BRZ.

Okay, I just read the news...

Seems that the world's ugliest dog, whose named after a Star Wars character, Yoda, died. That seems sad to see the end of 2011's world's ugliest dog.


Very sad to see a pooch passed away...

Anyway and that's the news!!!

Third-generation iPad

The new iPad


What you're looking here is the all new, third-generation iPad. Don't call it iPad 3 because Apple retained the "iPad" naming that traced back in 2010, when the first one is released. I spoken to a number of people who used previous iPads in the past, especially Tokyo Stock Exchange correspondent from NHK Newsline, Robert Jefferson, and they all say a same thing, this new iPad is in a different league. It's the same name with a different flavor that differs from the previous two generations.

The best bits about the third-generation iPad is it's breakthrough retina display, the new 5MP iSight camra, iLife, iWork, ultrafast 4G LTE, A5X chip with quad-core graphics and that's about it, most of the features from the iPad 2 are remained.

Happily however, the new iPad has the best resolution that is twice as high as an HDTV because while an HDTV has a resolution of 1920 x 1080, the third generation iPad has a resolution of 2048 x 1536. It's the best display ever on a mobile device. For battery life, well thanks to its A5X chip, the iPad will last about 10 hours of power to read, watch, play, write, whatever floats your boat.

The brand new iSight camera is a first from Apple. With advanced optics, it lets you shoot good photos and 1080p HD video, making your memories never been so clearer than this!The 5MP iSight camera comes with a backside illumination sensor that captures the best photos whether by exposure or lighting. It was all thanks to a larger f/2.4 aperture and the advanced hybrid infrared filter that keeps out harmful IR light for enhanced accuracy and uniform colors. It's very professional.

A new feature called Dictation is added and in fact, this feature lets your talking do the typing. I should warn you that this new feature needs some clear-talking techies because mine wasn't clear enough.

The new iPad comes in two colors; black and white, and it is available with prices ranging from $499 for the Wi-Fi 16GB model up to $829 for the Wi-Fi + 4G 64GB model (which requires AT&T or Verizon). What you get from the packaging is the new iPad, USB cable, an utterly useless Dock Connector, and a documentation on how to use it.

So there you have it, it's the same old iPad name with some seriously new features. I JUST WANT ONE!

Infiniti JX

The ethos of Infiniti's new crossover utility vehicle, the JX, is made from every bits of inspiration to make a unique vehicle that appeals to North American customers who are looking for some sense of buying their next vehicle. It maybe cheaper than the FX and the QX but it's more expensive than the EX (known in Japan as the Nissan Skyline Crossover). On paper, the JX is made to compete against the Acura MDX, Lincoln MKX, and the Buick Enclave. This new crossover is all about choices to be made.


2013 Infiniti JX


In terms of design, the Infiniti JX stays true to the brand's design language that traces back to the Infiniti Essence Concept but with added elements that is suitable to the needs of a family luxury crossover. Sadly though, it looks a bit more rubbish to look at the JX's exterior that some people think it was designed by a mad ax man.


2013 Infiniti JX  interior


All is right with the interior of the Infiniti JX because behind a bonkers exterior comes with a very impressive interior design that makes the person forgive it and through it all. It looks a bit like the Infiniti M and I would stick to that. The center console of the Infiniti JX draws inspiration from Fuki-Urushi, a timeless Japanese craft of patiently applying layers of lacquer across wood grain, preserving the natural tone with masterful brushstrokes. It's very artistic especially for a car that is not made for Japan. Anyway, it accommodates up to seven passengers and it comes with a unique 2nd-row sliding and tilting seat to provide easy access to the third row seats. It's like the EZ-Tech from the Chevrolet Orlando or Captiva in many ways, I like that way. You wanna feel relaxed? Live with this; the JX comes with a Tri-Zone automatic temperature control that offers three distinct climate zones. Those from the front to back are accommodated with their own set of controls to ensure that they are cooled or warmed. Also, the JX comes with 7-inch monitors mounted behind the front seats to accommodate those from the 2nd row seats, BOSE Waveguide technology to provide the best sound experience, and the Infiniti Intelligent-View Display that rethinks the way you view and interact with your vehicle. That's very admirable.

Under the hood is a 3.5 L VQ35DE V6 engine, the engine that once powered the Nissan Elgrand. It produces 265HP of power and 248 lb-ft and torque. It has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 18/24mpg for the FF model while it's 18/23mpg for the one with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. It comes with an Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Manual shift mode offers sequentially selectable manual gearshifts. Also, it comes with Infiniti Drive Mode Selector allows driver to choose between Standard, Sport, Snow or Eco modes and controls throttle responses and transmission mapping.

The JX comes with the world's first Back-Up Collision Intervention that senses crossing vehicles and objects behind the JX and, if necessary, the system can automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision. This is the kind of technology that Nissan suppose to add in their lineup in Japan. Numerous safety features such as Safety Shield, Blind Spot Intervention, Lane Departure Prevention, and Intelligent Brake Assist. It also comes with an Around View Monitor that is known to be the most advanced safety feature for easier parking. NExt up is the Infiniti Connection that is part of Infiniti Total Ownership Experience, where it comes with Automatic Collision Notification, Drive Zone monitoring, Google Calendar™, and Destination Assistance via your Infiniti Personal Assistant. It's yours for the first year of ownership.

Exterior colors include Moonlight White, Liquid Platinum, Diamond Slate, Emerald Graphite, Glacial Silver, Midnight Garnet, and Black Obsidian.

My Comment:
So it's a wonderful crossover, just. It maybe the first time this Infiniti comes with a CVT, it may have an engine that powered the Nissan Elgrand, it may have an easy access to 3rd row seats just like the Orlando and the Captiva, but this one is somewhat a fantasy for the smugglers in the Philippines. Originally this car should have been produced in Japan but due to the strong Yen, this was produced in Smyrna, Tennessee, United States. This is part of Nissan's Power 88 plan, a plan where they would launch a new model every 6 weeks until 2016.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

"Sagot sa headache"

On the March 16, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang

- Kung Fu gags

- Balitang News!

Balitang News


- He maybe a repairman but he's actually some kind of an albularyo for the broken appliances...

- Bubble Gang does Saridon by spoofing this commercial as Soridon! Sagot sa headache? Soridon!

Bubble Gang does Saridon


- Bureche is bothered by some medals that Cheche got...

- WARNING! Sumbong Sumbong kay Bonggang Bonggang Bongbong is here to address the complaints of many who've encountered people wearing big watches, parents trying to wear tight, sexy clothes to their kids at the contest, and idiots who never took their raincoats off at the jeepney when it rains.

Sumbong Sumbong kay Bonggang Bongbong


- Brod Pete and friends are here again to answer your questions in ANG DATING DOON! Alien? Alien!

Ang Dating Doon


1) Facebook user, Atty. Cris Linag from Sta. Maria, Bulacan, says "May nasusulat po ba tungkol sa mga taong involved sa impeachment?" Ang Dating Doon says there isn't but the'ye two kinds of "Basa" such as Flori Basa and Anna Basa. Brother Willy came from Basa Air Base and he took "Crash Course".

2) Ogie Alcasid asks "Ano po ba ang tama? Cry of Balintawak o Cry of Pugadlawin?"

ANG DATING DOON says that it was corrected from the history books. Firstly, it was Cry of Balintawak but this place is too busy. The "Cry of Pugadlawin" which in Tagalog is "Unang Sigaw sa Pugadlawin" seems wrong because the Tagalog word for "Sigaw" is "Shout". Cedula might be refer to the receipt from the tax reform.

3) A personal message from someone who lives in Banahaw says "May mga maling bagay po ba na napapansin?". ANG DATING DOON refers it from a game of basketball (the "miss" term) and the billiards (the "Scratch" term).

4) Michael V asks "Meron po bang nasusulat na bakit tuwing summer natatapat yung tuli?"

ANG DATING DOON refers it from the book of ARAY 3:6. "Aray, aray naku, o ang sakit naman ng ginawa mo, aray, o kay hapdi ng ginawa mo, ayoko ng umaray hoo hoo, ayoko woo woo, ayoko nang umaray." It's a song by May Rivera, that's why the month of May is Summer Tuli.

- Okay, why are some animal-related arguments splattered out from their mouths?

- This guy is saying something that is much more "matindi" than theirs...

- IyoTube in Stevie Wonder's Lately

Friday, March 16, 2012

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 29

Oh no! It always happens just like a piano accidentally fell on the Morris Marina in Top Gear. Instead of this, my servers have been accidentally fallen by search queries such as "mazda cx-5 ad song" and "the name of song twingo 2012 renault". This is just like I was slipped from a puddle of wee and I'm in big trouble. First of all, no such TV Commercial for the Mazda CX-5 exists, yet. I checked on the official Mazda site and nothing. No CX-5 commercial yet. If there's such thing as a Mazda CX-5 commercial in Japan, we'll talk about it later. That is one conclusion. And second, you're asking what's the song for the Renault Twingo II Phase II commercial?

Before I unveil what is the song on the 2012 Renault Twingo commercial, let's list another set of five Driving Musics (car commercial songs) to shut up and enjoy.

5) ONE DAY by KAT-TUN - from the latest Suzuki Solio Japanese commercial.

4) Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder - from the 2001 Toyota Noah Japanese commercial

3) Sky High by Jigsaw - from the 2004 Toyota Noah Japanese commercial

2) 20th Century Boy by T-REX - from the 2007 Toyota Voxy Japanese commercial

1) And now...

the song heard from the 2012 Renault Twingo commercial is...

Whistle by Sporto Kantes

...and that's it. If anyone attacked my site for asking what was the song heard from a new car commercial, the 30th Volume of my Driving Music segment will be a big one. No sorry. Same as normal. Hope you enjoy it, car-commercial-song-loving petrolheads


Welcome Back: 2010 Aston Martin One-77

A slightly obese front...


...a handcrafted interior...

...and a spectacular rear view.

The Aston Martin One-77... Yes, as the name implies, this Aston Martin flagship grand tourer is limited to 77 units produced at its Gaydon plant in Warwickshire, United Kingdom, and it is the fastest Aston Martin ever made. Not only that, it claims to be the fastest normally aspirated car in the world probably thanks to its 7.3L V12 engine, a full carbon fiber chassis, and a handcrafted aluminum body.

The front view seems to a bit more bulgy but the best part of the One-77's exterior was the rear view because when you hit the brake pedals, the rear lamps shine very beautifully. If someone have come to me asking that Aston Martin really made an ultra-expensive sportscar that costs over a million Pounds, I would glad to take some opinions because it is the most expensive Aston Martin ever made. Seems that Aston Martin already made 77 of these and that's enough. I wonder what's life really meant for the 77 One-77 cars worldwide?

Anyway, the Aston Martin One-77 is back on Forza Motorsport 4 and it's one of the cars to explore more in its Autovista feature where you can learn more about the Aston Martin One-77 and you can even hear Jeremy Clarkson's comments about this car.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Joy of joys, my NSX-R GT is now ready for collection!

Honda NSX-R GT at the Top Gear studio


Speaking of which, I finally got my hands on the Honda NSX-R GT as a prize of beating the lap time set by Turn 10 Community Writer, John Schommer (Gamertag: johniwanna) at the Ready Set Gecko monthly rivals event.

Seems that me and the 2011 Wiesmann MF5's hard work really pushed us further and I finally got my hands on this unicorn car. I was wrong. I thought that the 2011 Wiesmann GT MF5 is the same as the 2010 Wiesmann GT MF5 but they're exactly different in terms of performance. Despite the new MF5 is heavier than the old MF5, it really keeps up.

In the meantime, time to put all the celebration by placing the Honda NSX-R GT at the Top Gear Test Track.

Spotlight: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS (February King of the Track Edition)

1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS (February King of the Track Edition)


Joy of joys, my 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS KOTT edition handcrafted by Turn 10 staff is now ready for collection. I got this unicorn car as a commemoration for beating Quinton "Rampage" Jackson's lap time at Laguna Seca using the Dodge Challenger SRT8 last month. While I'm still waiting when will my Audi R18 TDi prize car arrive on my inbox, I'm glad to say I got another unicorn car in my Forza 4 garage.

Well said, thank you very much Turn 10 for the prize.

I even manage to drive it round the Top Gear Test Track for keeps...

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Kaminomi Character CD.God Keima Katsuragi starring HIRO SHIMONO

Listen, we have time for one more thing because we are literally dated with a letter. It was from someone who said that there was one character who never put it in "The World God Only Knows" Character CD lineup. There's one name missing from this range...


Kaminomi Character CD.God Keima Katsuragi starring HIRO SHIMONO


Yes, it's Keima Katsuragi! No one else knows this rather than the main character of The World God Only Knows and now he's giving the character CD lineup a proper send-off by showing us what he can really do.

Here we go, this includes the full version of the final closing theme of The World God Only Knows II, titled HAPPYEND. Also included is the Keima Katsuragi vocal version of the opening theme song from "Motto! Motto! Tokimeki" and the "another vocal version" of Shuuseki Kairo no Yume Tabibito.

This one really is a bombshell to end this White Day with this character CD from yours truly, Keima Katsuragi!


01 HAPPYEND/桂木桂馬 & 杉本四葉 starring 下野 紘 & 丹下 桜
02 もっと!モット!ときめき
03 集積回路の夢旅人 feat. 桂木桂馬(another vocal ver.)
04 HAPPYEND(Instrumental)
05 もっと!モット!ときめき(Instrumental)

Buy it at: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=GNCA-212

Infinite Stratos VOCAL COLLECTION ALBUM

Infinite Stratos Vocal Best Album


So, Infinite Stratos, a light novel that was part of Media Factory's Bunko J. The first volume was first published in 5/25/2009 and it was handmade by Izuru Yumizuru. The seventh volume was launched since 3/25/2011. It inspired an anime series that was aired since January to March 2011. Sentai Filmworks licensed this anime and this DVD and Blu-Ray will come in North America this April 2012.

The 2UR-GSE engine has been revved up again and holy Dunsfold! It's a collection of Infinite Stratos vocal tracks bundled up in this compilation CD. Firstly, what you'll get is the opening theme, closing theme, and character songs from Houki Shinonono (CV. Yoko Hikasa), Cecilia Alcott (CV. Yukana), Huang Ling Yin (CV. Asami Shimoda), Charles Dunois (CV. Kana Hanazawa), and Laura Bodewig (CV. Marina Inoue). If that wasn't enough, this compilation introduces five brand new, never before heard, character songs from Houki Shinonono (CV. Yoko Hikasa), Cecilia Alcott (CV. Yukana), Huang Ling Yin (CV. Asami Shimoda), Charles Dunois (CV. Kana Hanazawa) and Laura Bodewig (CV. Marina Inoue).

Now imagine if The Stig would listen to one of these...

TRACK LISTINGS:

01 STRAIGHT JET
02 紅く、紅く
03 Noble Heart
04 好吃スマイル◎
05 mon cherie,ma cherie
06 An die Freude
07 強がりリグレット
08 恋をはじめましょう
09 たいむいずらぶ!
10 アリガト。だけじゃない
11 Change my mind
12 ベストパートナー
13 SUPER∞STREAM

Buy it at: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=LACA-15195

Bye bye Negima...(sniff)...Bye Bye...

Mahou Sensei Negima Volume 37


All volumes of Mahou-Sensei Negima look like they can be more complicated that most other mangas but they're not. They're easy. They've spawned two anime series; one is from early 2005, and the other one is from late 2006. In late 2007, a live action drama was spawned. Just 36 volumes were made and now, we're into this. Volume 37. It was there since February 17, 2012. For the limited edition of Negima Volume 37; this includes the "Mahou Sensei Negima ANIME FINAL" DVD and specially designed Pactio Cards with an autograph at the back.

That makes it very memorable to love Negima 'till the very end. Of course, what makes this is that by reading revelation, the final encore.

Bye bye Negima...(sniff)...Bye Bye...



"True magic results from courage of the heart
Boys and girls be ambitious
One step can change the world"

(Applause)

Poor me! That Negima was my favorite but now it's all gone!