Saturday, January 21, 2012

Leopaul's Heaven and Hell: I want to visit the Burj Khalifa!

Burj Khalifa


Those who've watched Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol should remember the part where Tom Cruise, as Ethan Hunt, doing the most death-defying stunt at the world's tallest building. That building turned out to be the Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai, UAE. Well, if you are an OFW working in Dubai, guess this how your dream job will be; working at the world's tallest building in Dubai. Precisely, just what is the Burj Khalifa and why this building turned out be the perfect adventurers' heaven.

Opened to the public in early 2010, Burj Khalifa is definitely 828 meters (2,716.5 feet) tall and it's more than 160 floors. It's known to be the tallest building in the world, tallest free-standing structure in the world, highest number of stories in the world, and the rest. If you were someone as annoying as the Annoying Orange who is brave enough to visit the Observation deck on the 124th floor, you might end up saying "Hey! I can see my house from up here!", which sounds annoying if anyone in the business suit heard what you said. Most people in their business suits are just one of a many people are exploring through the world's tallest building and if you were one of the people working on this building, you should never realize how lucky you are to be part of the heritage.

This is just one of the places that made me stuffed and if I have the cash, I want to go there because this is the BEST place to go for an action and adventure in Dubai. If only someone as brave as Tom Cruise could brave through the endless floors of Burj Khalifa, maybe this building should have been called "Palace in the Sky" because such tall building will take you to the skies. Imagine if I could jump through the top of the Burj Khalifa? That's one cool adventure but I should better need a parachute on that altitude because pretty soon, my body would be ripped off from such high speeds. This is what happens when "Speed vs. Gravity" comes full circle.

I wanna go there! I wanna go to Dubai! This building is immensely cool! This is the best adventure heaven you can only seen in the United Arab Emirates.

More info about the Burj Khalifa: http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/language/en-us/home.aspx

21st Century Beetle tuning by B&B

B&B Beetle


Renowned VW tuner, B&B, gets down and dirty to get Volkswagen's 21st Century Beetle it's first modifications and this modified Beetle is all about speed because of the three-stage process. In Stage 1, the power output to the Beetle's 1.4L TSi engine will improve, giving it 210PS of power and 285Nm of torque. In Stage 2, revised air induction and air ducts will provide 225HP of power. Lastly, on Stage 3, a special turbo will give this modified Beetle about 240HP of power.

What about the 2.0L TDi engine? B&B says that the modification will result into a massive 320PS of power output, so that's a shocker for this modified Beetle that can outrun the law.

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 24

Thanks to Anonymous (hacker group who was behind the hacking of Sony) hacking against DOJ and other sites because of the Megaupload takedown, the SOPA and PIPA votes were delayed in House ans Senate, which means we won this round! Now it maybe good news but the fight is not over yet. Anyway, while the votes were postponed, I'm very happy that I'm going to feature new set of five Driving Musics (car commercial songs) for us to find! Let's list!

5. PRIVATE by Namie Amuro - as heard from the 1997 Nissan S-RV Aero Sports Japanese TV Commercial

4. STRONG (MYV "Exclusive" Ver) by MIYAVI - as heard from the latest Nissan X-TRAIL Japanese TV Commercial.

3. 悲しみなんて笑い飛ばせ by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS - as heard from the latest Nissan Serena Japanese TV Commercial.

2. Friends by Joe Hisaishi - as heard from the 1995 Toyota Crown Majesta Japanese TV Commercial.

1. Ordinary World by Duran Duran - as heard from the 1999 Toyota Regius Japanese TV Commercial

...and that does it for another DRIVING MUSIC segment. Now if you don't mind, I'd better get out of there...

"Siksik, kaya sulit!"

What just happened at the January 20, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang?

- Avast, landlubbers! Those Bubble Gags will surely make you walk the plank! ARRGGHH!

- Cheche and Bureche encountered different kinds of sweets that Bureche claimed "kulang pa sa akin".

- A Feng Shui expert sorts out to the man who lives in a shanty.

- What's siksik, mama? Bubble Gang does Nido 3+ "Siksik Kaya Sulit" TV Commercial by spoofing that as Medo 3+++! Siksik Kaya Sulit! You're my number one, mama!

Bubble Gang does Nido 3+

- Dahon (Antonio Aquitania) faces a new competitor named "Pandesal" for some Pick-Up Lines!!!!

Pandesal

1) Jingle ka ba? Kasi paparating ka pa lang, kinikilig na ako!

2) Twitter ka ba? Kasi, trending ka sa puso ko.

3) Ikaw pulis, ako mandurukot. Kasi, hindi ako makilos kung andyan ka.

4) Alam mo ba kung bakit hindi kita i-add sa Facebook? Kasi, ayokong maging friends lang tayo.

5) Magaling ka siguro sa puzzle no? Kasi, kasisimulan mo pa lang ng araw ko, nabuo mo na.

6) Bibigyan kita ng chocolate. Kasi, bato bato sa langit, tamaan may lotion.

7) Wag kang matakot pag may lindol. Kasi nasa loob ka lang ng tinitibok kong puso.

8) Betamax ka ba? Wag kang matakot kasi, naka-medyas ako.

- Those Kapatiran are going to have their questions answered by Brod Pete and the gang on Ang Dating Doon. You're always welcome.

Ang Dating Doon

1) Bianca asked "Meron po bang pekeng artists?". Ang Dating Doon said that it came from the fake painter as based on Boy Pick Up 4:3 - If a picture paints a thousand words, then why can't I paint you? Tomorrow and today beside you all the way, tu-wa-wa-wa-wa-wang.

2) Boy Pick Up asked "Meron po bang nasusulat tungkol sa tanong na "Ang lahat ba ng Chinese ay mayaman?"". Not all Chinese are rich you know. Ang Dating Doon's refering it to the Butsikik song.

3) A Bubble Gang viewer asked "May maling nasusulat po ba tungkol sa foot spa at fire station na mali?" According to Ang Dating Doon, they know it's "toothbrush" because that's too singular and it's supposed to be "teethbrush" and "teethpaste".

- It's the time of the moment again! Misspelling Gee! Let's get come on!

1) Seattle - Seeyahtootoole

2) Waikiki - Whaayeaighthiekeiegh

3) Illinois - Eelenuah

4) Vatican - Vheitwocainehx

5) Paris - Prox

6) Manila - Mhynhylhy

- If that wasn't enough, BALITANG NEWS is on it's way!

Balitang News

- IyoTube in Sexbomb with a special guest that we don't know who she is but she's "Manila's Hottest VJ" and she speak Korean.

Zài jiàn, my Binondo girl!

The word "zai jian" is Chinese for goodbye. That's why we say "zai jian" to My Binondo Girl, a drama that captures the Chinese-Filipino audiences with its unique storyline. On the finale, Edison Wu (Ricardo Cepeda), the father of Andy Wu (Xian Lim), was apprehended by the police because he was behind this; he hired a killer to kill Jade (Kim Chiu), which later that both Onyx (Jolo Revilla) and Andy were shot by the hired killer while trying to stop the hired killer to kill Jade, and frame up Jean Sy (Cherry Pie Picache). Later on, Jade's father, Chen Sy (Richard Yap), decided to let his now divorced wife, Jean, along with her daughter, Amethyst, go and be changed from now on.

Several moments later after Edison Wu pleaded guilty for all the crimes he committed and while Onyx's parents, Jade, and her grandmother (Gina Pareno) mourning through the death of Onyx, Andy came here and he asked about what just happened. Moments later, it was Jade's birthday. Her family, Andy's mother, and Andy's brother, Trevor (Matteo Gudicelli) were present at that time. It's been quite a time since Jade became the president of Twin Dragons. With Jade left alone, Andy came here and he's marrying Jade, for real.

The story of My Binondo Girl ended happily just in time for the Year of the Dragon. The marriage between Jade and Andy led to better things in life such as Andy's mother, Mencho, ever fabulous in her single but simple life, Onyx's parents; Arturo and Stella, continuing their business with a simple life, Trevor and Amethyst got married, Jean Sy got moved on with her new love of her life, Jade's grandmother, Amor, got started her own business, and finally, Chen Sy and Zenny, Jade's mother (Ai-Ai Delas Alas) got remarried.

Zài jiàn, my Binondo girl!

My Binondo Girl ending

Communist Cars - The North Korean way

North Korea is somewhat a communist country and it is now under the rule of Kim Jong Un, the son of the late Kim Jong Il. I find that country very boring because there is only one channel on this country and it is somewhat known as the Korean Central Television (KCTV). It's a channel that has no commercial breaks. Here on this communist country in Asia, there was some Communist cars that looked utterly familiar but wearing a different badge. A car company that you may never heard of it but this is somewhat a communist car thing. That was known as Pyeongwha Motors Corporation. Established in 1999, Pyeonghwa Motors Corporation is a manufacturer that obtained approval for South-North Korea cooperation project. Their headquarters was located in Seoul, South Korea, which sounds ironic and their affiliated companies where Pyeonghwa Air Travel Agency, Pyeonghwa Trade, Pyeonghwa Motors General Corporation, Potonggang Hotel, and Pyeonghwa Motors New Technology Laboratory. Their slogans were "Bridge between South and North Korea", "From Baekdu to Halla", and "Go to the World with United Power".

Pyeonghwa Hwiparam

This is the Pyeonghwa Hwiparam. Produced from 2002 to 2006, the Hwiparam compact sedan is essentially a rebadged version of the Fiat Siena. It comes with a 1.6L engine that produces 80hp of power and it comes with a 5-speed manual transmission. The Hwiparam's fuel economy can go up to, and I'm not joking, 7.9km/L! Wow, now that compact car has a very poor fuel economy of its class!

Pyeonghwa Hwiparam II

The Pyeonghwa Hwiparam II is based on the China-made Brilliance BS4 sedan and it comes with a 1.8L engine that produces 110hp of power, mated with a 5-speed manual, top speed of 185kph, and fuel economy of 6.2km/L. Oh my...

Pyeonghwa Hwiparam III

The Hwiparam III is a rebadged version of the Brilliance FSV sedan and what made it worse that why did they haven't remove the FSV badges yet. That's worse. If a Chinese customer came and buy this car, he might think that this car is hiding its lies. Anyway, this is somewhat more fuel efficient than the Hwiparam II because the 1.5L engine has a fuel economy of 8.5km/L. Good thing it comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Perhaps this is somewhat North Korea's sports saloon ever made.

Pyeonghwa Ppoggugi

The Pyeonghwa Ppoggugi is just a North Korean version of the Fiat Doblo van. We can see the FIAT badges over there, just like the original Hwiparam. Guess this car is still feeding with lies. Anyway, it comes with a 1.6L diesel engine that produces a stupid 60hp of power output and a highly redundant 11km/L of fuel economy. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard.

Pyeonghwa Ppoggugi II

Apparently, this Pyeonghwa Ppoggugi II is just the North Korean take of the Philippines' favorite SUV, the Isuzu Alterra. Wasn't that rubbish for a North Korean version of the Alterra?!

Pyeonghwa Ppoggugi III

Pyeonghwa's Ppoggugi III is somewhat the North Korean version of the Isuzu pickup truck but this serves as a North Korean workman's workforce.

Pyeonghwa Ppoggugi 4WD

This is somewhat strange. This Ppoggugi 4WD is somewhat a Santa Fe and Sorento mashed-up. Care to see? It has the face of the Santa Fe with the rear of the old Sorento! Can't they think anything worse?!

Pyeonghwa Junma

So, those communist cars in North Korea aren't good when it comes to their looks, reliability, and performance. How about this? This is somewhat far from equal. This is the Pyeonghwa Junma. It is essentially based on the Ssangyong Chairman and it was served as the brand's flagship from 2005 to 2006. This car once said is the perfect limousine for the North Korean officials.

Pyeonghwa Samcheonri

Lastly, there was this. The Pyeonghwa Samcheonri, this van is somewhat familiar to the Super Grandia. This van is powered by a 2.4L petrol engine that produces 101hp of power and fuel economy of 9.8km/L.

So, have we find a proper communist car in North Korea? The answer is no. We are truly scared about North Korea but we aren't scared to their cars because they seem to be completely useless.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Kia Pride/Rio UB, now in the Philippines

2012 Kia Pride


Last September 2011. Kia launched the all-new Pride to the Korean market and it comes complete in either a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback. Now, the all-new Kia Pride/Rio has arrived in the Philippines courtesy of its official distributor, Columbian Autocar Corporation. Of course, they're available in 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback, the new Kia Pride/Rio comes available with a 1.4L MPi engine and the entry level 1.2L engine. Prices start at 598,000 for the 4-door 1.2 LX variant up to 838,000 Philippine pesos for the 5-door 1.4 EX. There are four variants available. I bet this is surely a good value for those who are looking for cheap Korean-made compacts available in the Philippines. And I hope whoever read this should better leave some comments for some questions.

RUF XL

RUF XL


World-renowned Porsche tuner, RUF, made a long-wheelbase version of the Porsche Panamera called the RUF XL, developed for the Chinese market. Now it may sound weird but can the RUF XL be any "video-game material"? I mean it seems that RUF's heading in the right direction but can the RUF XL be more materialistic because this is a Panamera modified to be LWB? Unveiled at the 2011 Guangzhou Auto Show, the RUF XL has a length of 3,320mm and it comes with a V8 engine producing 414HP of power.

I sure hope the RUF XL has a place in video games because RUF's well known for being featured in video games.

WALD Panamera Black Bison

WALD Panamera Black Bison


Another modified luxury saloon that is part of WALD's Black Bison lineup. This time, the Porsche Panamera's deserved the Black Bison treatment. With a new aero kit, new set of rims, rear spoiler, fender panel, DTM Sports Muffler, and a Velour Floor Mat, this modified Panamera would stop at nothing to be more...annoying.

Yes I know, it's bad, I'm sorry

Megaupload


Seems that the protest against SOPA and PIPA became highly recognizable and successful but feds can't keep up. Seems that the penalty for a successful protest leads to the closure of a file-sharing site you've already familiar with...MEGAUPLOAD!

Today, Megaupload, one of the world's popular file-sharing service, was shuttered and the founder of Megaupload is charged of facilitating millions of illegal downloads of films, music, and other content. Some say, that caused over $500 million of damages and the creator of Megaupload, Kim Dotcom, as well as other employees were apprehended in New Zealand by request of U.S. officials.

Yes I know. It's bad, I'm sorry...

Ford Focus ST-R meets Tanner Foust

Racer and Top Gear USA presenter, Tanner Foust, visits the Homestead-Miami Speedway to check out the Ford Focus ST-R in motion. We sure know that this race-ready Focus is just one of the things Tanner Foust's been excited about. Check out the clip:

Korean Toyota Camry CF ditches Lee Min Ho in favor for Kim Tae Hee?!

Kim Tae Hee meets
the 2012 Toyota Camry


Last year, when the 2012 Toyota Camry came out in North America, there was a special 4-episode web drama titled "The One and Only" which stars Lee Min Ho as a man who lost his memory races against time to save his loved one from his twin brother who was an ex-convict. That web drama features the many features of the 2012 Toyota Camry but that only work on Asian Americans. I should know that the USDM 2012 Camry arrived in South Korea this January 2012 and this is somewhat different. There was a Korean TV Commercial for the US-sourced Camry and that starred none other than IRIS celeb, Kim Tae Hee. I can't help myself but this Korean TV commercial really ditched Lee Min Ho in favor of Kim Tae Hee. That seems to be inappropriate but fun to see.

BMW 1M Coupe production extended until mid-2012

2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe


As we all know that the BMW 1M Coupe is truly a hardcore version of the 1-Series Coupe. We were kinda worried that production of the 1M Coupe will end at the end of 2011 but there is some good news that production of the BMW 1M Coupe has been extended until the second half of 2012, according to one report from Top Gear Philippines because of the increasing demand. Talk about an encore performance!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Centennial-aged man's secret to happiness

We saw this on YouTube. It's a long Coca-Cola commercial about a 100-year-old man from the Philippines, whose name is Lolo Mario, shares his secret to happiness. That clip made us touched after learning the 100-year-old man's secret to happiness.

R230 SL-Class tuning by PP Exclusive

PP Exclusive R230 SL-Class


The R230 SL-Class still has a little months left before the next SL-Class arrives this year so to make things up for the R230, the tuning experts from PP Exclusive prepped up a souped-up R230 SL-Class to cater its short lifespan for fun, turning yourself a clumsier and more annoying driver at the Autobahn. It comes in either 20 to 23-inch rims equipped in Dunlop tires, lowered suspension, new exhaust system, White Nappa leather seats with black stitching, and some wood trim covered with piano lacquer to make it more luxurious. This kind of tuning is not giving up on this kind of SL.

A GT5 Mini Countryman/Crossover Getaway

Song played in my Personal BGM: リゾラ by Iori Minase (CV: Rie Kugimiya)
From the album: THE IDOLM@STER MASTER ARTIST 2 -SECOND SEASON- 01 Iori Minase

This is freaking sweet. I've never tried the MINI Countryman (known in Japan as the MINI Crossover) before but thanks to Gran Turismo 5's 3rd DLC, it made me possible to try out the all new MINI Countryman/Crossover on this game and this car's about to say "Hey Diddle Diddle" because this cow's about to jump over the moon! Or maybe just throw it.

Hey Diddle Diddle! This Countryman's about to
jump over the sun! Or maybe just throw it.

Not bad driving at the snow...

Despite being an FF car, the MINI Countryman can perform well on dirt and snow because the SUV look really make it up to its name. However, despite it's offroad fun, the Countryman finds it struggling on wet courses and a little Scandinavian Flick won't do a thing either. Remember, don't overcook it unless you're a professional MINI Countryman owner at GT5 because the handling is too delicate to overcook it or it will ruin it.

Mini Countryman meets the original Mini Cooper S

What makes the MINI Countryman differ to the 2011 Mini Cooper S is its weight. You see, the 2011 Mini Cooper S weighs 1140kg, the MINI Cooper S Countryman weighs about 1310kg, that's 170kg heavier than the original despite they're both equipped with the 1.6L engine that produces 181HP of power and 177.2ft-lb of torque.

Stig takes a day-off with the Mini Countryman in Italy

Yes! Stig's coming home!

For a pint-sized crossover, the MINI Countryman is all about being adventurous and with that being featured in Gran Turismo 5, I wonder what adventures will the Countryman take, especially when it takes on the top speed at Special Stage Route X or set a lap time at the Top Gear Test Track! When your online players saw your Countryman, they'll think you're more annoying than orange! 

I'm glad that this is the first time driving the MINI Countryman right here on GT5, and that made me as adventurous as an explorer. MINI's first 4-door crossover is definitely big reason why you're calling it the "Hey Diddle Diddle" because you just want to find a dirt course to make a leap for it. Sadly though, this MINI Countryman is not track-ready and it needs some professional care to make it more fast and agile as the original MINI but a bit more sensible to annoy your pals.

Peugeot announces Le Mans withdrawal

Peugeot 908 HDi FAP - Team Peugeot Total


This is surely a bad news for those who are big fans of the 24 Hours of Le Mans because PSA Peugeot-Citroen announces its withdrawal at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, effective now, because of the financial troubles. It's a shame that the European Debt Crisis really put a massive toll on the French carmaker that is famous for its 908 HDi FAP Le Mans Prototype that won the 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans against the Audi R10, following with another win with the 908 at the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans.

PRESS RELEASE:


Peugeot brings down the curtain on its endurance programme so as to ensure the success of its numerous launches in 2012

After 14 victories in the last 16 races, including a double at the Le Mans 24 Hours 2009 as part of the ILMC championship won by Peugeot two years running, in 2010 and 2011, the Brand has decided to close its 2012 endurance programme and will not be taking part in the next Le Mans 24 Hours.

This decision has been taken against the backdrop of the challenging economic environment in Europe coupled with a particularly busy year for the Brand in terms of new vehicle launches. In this context, Peugeot prefers to concentrate its 2012 resources on its commercial performance and, in particular, ensuring the successful launches of the 208, 3008 HYbrid4, 508 RXH, 508 HYbrid4 and 4008 which will take forward the Brand's strategy of moving upmarket and extending its global presence. In keeping with its social responsibility obligations and as part of the GPEC (forward management of jobs and skills) agreement signed by 5 trade unions, all of the employees concerned will be offered redeployment solutions within the Group thanks to a special system set up to oversee and lead occupational training/retraining as well as internal mobility.


*Photo shown for illustrative purposes only

Leopaul's Heaven and Hell: SOPA Bill. Why do we hate this...

Wikipedia Blackout


Earlier, a popular website, Wikipedia, was one of the websites that commenced a blackout is part of the protest against the most terrifying bill that if once passed, could destroy the internet for real. That bill was known to be the SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) Bill.

The SOPA Bill and the PIPA (Protect IP Act) Bill are the kind of bills that can destroy the internet and lose more jobs quickly when voted by the Senate this January 24. I don't exactly know what are these but these two bills made me scared and if implemented, my blog would become extinct and I could get locked up in jail just like a bunch of Japanese people who got jailed for unauthorized downloads via Share file-sharing software. Still, it could be worse, I want to get out from the USA and hide myself from the law.

Here's a clip of how SOPA or PIPA works:


Scary, right? Especially YouTube is not safe here. For instance, I upload some video in YouTube, then I often leave a message saying "NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED", it's still not working even with that magic word and this whole "Matched Third-Party Content" is annoying especially for a car addict like me who loves car commercials. It's true. SOPA and PIPA destroys free speech and it is the violation of the First Amendment, the right of free speech.

SOPA and PIPA could make the world economy even worse. The Strong Yen, Euro debt crisis, SOPA and PIPA bills can't solve those and that's why these bills won't work in the fight against online piracy. This is a load of rubbish, ladies and gentlemen. This would be much worse than a bunch of MMDA men demolishing shanties around the metro. Pretty soon, The Stig will have nothing to hear it when he was testing new cars round the Top Gear Test Track, as long as the new car has a stereo on it.

That's why I'm one of the million people who hates SOPA and PIPA bills as long as we keep fighting. All is not lost for us and we still have plenty of time to stop it.


We're hoping to have the very best we can't to save the internet from the dreaded SOPA and PIPA bills that if once passed, would cause the internet to become extinct and economies will took on a nosedive. What's worse, it will not solve the Euro debt problem. Thank You and keep on fighting.

Hyundai i40 Saloon

2012 Hyundai i40 Saloon


Last year, Hyundai released the i40 at South Korea, in station wagon form only. It is believed that the i40 serves as the wagon alternative to the Hyundai YF Sonata even though the i40 is essentially based on the YF Sonata. With two engines available such as the GDi 2.0L engine and the 1.7L CRDi-VGT diesel engine, it's hard to say that the Hyundai i40 is clearly not available in the Philippines because there are two reasons; the diesel engine is fit for Euro V countries and it's unfit for a Euro II country like the Philippines and the GDi 2.0L engine is unfit for the Philippines' dirty fuel.

To make matters worse or better, Hyundai Motor Company launched the sedan version of the Hyundai i40 dubbed as "Hyundai i40 Saloon" (한글: 현대 i40 살룬). Would that be possible for a country like South Korea to sell both the YF Sonata and the i40 Saloon? Don't worry though, while the YF Sonata is available only in Theta-II 2.0L MPi and GDi 2.0L turbo engine, the i40 Saloon is available only in GDi 2.0L engine and the 1.7L CRDi-VGT diesel engine, the same engines you'll get from the wagon version.

The i40 Saloon still features a 6-speed automatic transmission and based on Hyundai's observance, the GDi 2.0L engine produces 178PS of power, 21.6kg-m of torque, and 13.1km/L of fuel economy while the 1.7 VGT engine produces 140PS of power, 33kg-m of torque, and 18km/L of torque.

Like the wagon counterpart, the Hyundai i40 Saloon still comes with nine color variations such as White Crystal, Sleek Silver, Titanium Silver, Stone Gray, Red Merlot, Eco Beige, Blue Spirit, Blue Passion, and Total Black.

My comment:

The same features you'd get from the i40 wagon, now in a stylish and luxurious sedan look that will serve as an alternative arrangement to the YF Sonata. Because there is no such thing as a diesel Sonata in Korea, the i40 Saloon will bridge the gap to the lineup and yes, it's all about decisions. Sad to say, both the i40 wagon and the i40 Saloon are NOT AVAILABLE in the Philippines. Sorry, but it's the rule. No i40 in the Philippines. Gray market imports are truly annoying but not recommended. Sorry Filipinos, you can't get those.


Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The Aventador in Gran Turismo 5

Song played in my Personal BGM: arcadia by Chihaya Kisaragi (CV: Asami Imai)

From the album: THE IDOLM@STER MASTER ARTIST 2 -FIRST SEASON- 05 Chihaya Kisaragi
Are we doing that again, Stig?



Welcome to the first all-new Lamborghini for over a decade, the Aventador. Premiered at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 served as the replacement of the Murcielago and served as the Lamborghini flagship model. With the success of the past Lamborghini V12 cars that span a half of century such as the Miura, Countach, Diablo, and the Murcielago, the new Lamborghini Aventador comes equipped with an all-new 6.5L V12 engine, the first in almost 5 decades, producing 700PS of power and 690Nm of torque. It is the first that features a new 7-speed Independent Shifting Rod transmission that has the fastest gear change time of 50 milliseconds and a new push-rod suspension that handles like a F1 car. This is the ultimate Lamborghini ever built because their customers asked for it. As a matter of fact, when it was premiered at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, a full-year supply was already sold out, making it the most successful model ever made. In the Series 17 finale of Top Gear, the Aventador scored a lap time of 1:16.5, 0.3 seconds slower than the McLaren MP4-12C.

An epic battle between
Aventador vs. Godzilla

A true Lamborghini heritage passed on
from generations.

The Aventador is now a fan favorite and nearly a few video games featured this car and now, Gran Turismo 5 started the year 2012 with a bang by adding the Aventador on their 3rd DLC Car Pack. This is just good news and since there was a Speed Test Course Pack available now, players can now find out the Aventador's true self in the new racetrack called "Special Stage Route X", a new proving ground that can test their cars' top speed. This is very crucial because this is the place to judge how fast is your car is. What bothers me that this new Aventador is much quicker than the 2012 Nissan GT-R. Simple, I have two stock cars; one is the Aventador and the other is the 2012 Nissan GT-R. I used the "Route X" course and when it started, the Aventador rocketed ahead and it stayed on to the very end.

The Aventador relaxes in Japan

Venta's gone full throttle!

Unbelievable for a car that has a 0-60m time of 2.9 seconds and 217mph top speed and this Aventador is the ultimate thriller on this game. It will get you into trouble quickly and it will leave you a cheeky smile on your face. That's what this does, everything.

Welcome Back: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco GT

The new VW Scirocco. It's explosive.


In one episode of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson and James May come up with ideas to create a TV commercial for the diesel version of the new Volkswagen Scirocco. That Top Gear "Ad Men" challenge was undeniably one of my favorite Top Gear moments I've ever seen and it's definitely funny to watch that segment over and over again. Surely their attempts to create that commercial were failed, even with some explosions, mother-in-law jokes, man who lost an arm from an accident, being overtaken by the Mazda RX-8 and Alfa Romeo Brera, man committing suicide, and a funeral with a hint of a woman in a black bikini and some explosions at the end. At the end, Jeremy and James creating their own ads but instead of showing it to the ad agency because they'll reject those, they've showed it at the Top Gear studio and let the audiences decide which ad is better. James May come up with a plant ad while Jeremy Clarkson come up with a Poland mass exodus ad with the tagline "Berlin to Warsaw in one tank".

The return of the 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco on Forza Motorsport 4 is truly a deserving treat since we already tried it in the previous installment but this Scirocco featured doesn't do "Berlin to Warsaw in one tank" because it has a 2.0 TSi engine on it. Despite that, it's still has "Power with responsibility". It doesn't stink as James May's failed advert jingle attempt. LOL


Subaru Impreza Sport spotted nearby!




This is the 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport. I recently spotted this kind of model just a few walks in my house and I'm sure know that this really is the new, 4th generation model of my absolute favorite Subaru.

I guess this new model looks better than the Mazda Axela but the front view needs a bit more styling because that looks rubbish. However, it's still a great value.


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

How Hard Can it Be? It's hard being Clarkson!

Jeremy Clarkson


It's hard being Jeremy Clarkson, from BBC Top Gear presenter into a social pariah, you wouldn't know that this presenter at his 50's really took the raps from various groups. Recently, he offended most Indians during the Top Gear India special. So what? Most people around the world HATES Jeremy Clarkson! The Indians, the Arabs, the Mexicans, the Morris Marina owners club, The Stig, gosh he's more annoying that what you might think!!

Anyway, UK's Telegraph listed the 10 Clarkson mishaps that offended the global scale, making him the most annoying human being of the world.

1) The Mexicans (February 2011) - BBC apologized to the Mexican Ambassador over the comments from Top Gear saying that Mexican cars are "lazy, feckless, flatulent oaf with a moustache, leaning against a fence asleep" just like the Mexicans, well that's what Hammo said. The Mexican government demanded a formal apology to the BBC because what Top Gear said to the Mexicans are derogatory, cruel, xenophobic, discriminatory, and racist.

2) Special needs (just like Budoy) (August 2010) - In one episode of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson commented on the Ferrari F430 Speciale (which in fact, the Ferrari SP1 made for the Japanese client) and he said that this care is a "simpleton" and this should have been called the Ferrari F430 "Speciale Needs", which in fact made the National Autistic Society angry.

3) Muslims (July 2010) - Jeremy Clarkson claims that burkas and lingerie are the biggest distractions on the roads. The burka part wasn't a good idea for him and while he got out from the taxi at Piccadilly, a woman in burka tripped Clarksie on the pavement. Besides, most countries in the Middle East are not included in the 170 territories where Top Gear's been broadcasted.

4) Black Muslim lesbians (October 2009) - One issue of Top Gear Magazine made readers so angry about when Clarkson is accusing the producers of being fixiated with having "black Muslim lesbians".

5) British Prime Minister Gordon Brown (February 2009) - Back when Gordon Brown is UK's prime minister, Clarkson's "one-eyed Scot" comment really made Gordon Brown angry during an Aussie press conference.

6) Truck drivers (November 2008) - Lorry drivers are the British term for truck drivers. In one segment about truck driving, Clarkson described about the truck's gear change. "Change gear, change gear, change gear, check mirror, murder a prostitute, change gear, change gear, murder. That’s a lot of effort in a day.” Clarkson called those truck drivers as murderers and that's very offensive.

7) BBC;s governing body (July 2008) - The Top Gear Polar Special sparked fury by the BBC when Jeremy Clarkson caught drinking liquor while he and James May are driving the Toyota Hilux all the way to the North Pole.

8) The anti-smoking movement (October 2007) - Jeremy Clarkson's idea of lighting up a Porsche Design pipe caused anger by the anti-smoking movement. Also, he was accused of breaking a law but puffing on the pipe in the Top Gear studio.

9) Malaysians (October 2007) - In Clarkson's DVD titled "Heaven and Hell", Jeremy Clarkson destroyed the Perodua Kelisa, which is made in Malaysia. Clarksie said that this Malaysian micro-mini is the worst car in the world and he said it was made by "jungle people who wear leaves as shoes". Ouch!

10) Germans (December 2005) - One part of some Top Gear episode made Jeremy Clarkson does a Nazi salute to the BMW and he commented that one of the cars needs to have a navigation system that "only goes to Poland". What with? Berlin to Warsaw in one tank?


Verdict: Yes I know. It's bad, I'm sorry. It's hard being a Jeremy Clarkson when your comments sparked fury among race, sex, gender, and most of it. Pretty soon, if parents caught their kids watching Top Gear, they should said that this show is a bad influence to them because of Clarkson. Rubbish!

Opel Zafira Tourer

2012 Opel Zafira Tourer


Like the Nissan Lafesta Highway Star, the Opel Zafira Tourer does not replace the 2nd generation Opel Zafira (although renamed as Zafira Family). This is somewhat a spin-off to the brand's mainstream minivan but still it looks more like an enlarged Meriva minus the suicide doors. This minivan stays true to the 2011 Zafira Tourer Concept car as seen at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and this design really shake it up to this category. The Zafira Tourer has much more better design than its rival, the Volkswagen Touran and it seems that Opel's design language really pushed it even further for the love of cars.


2012 Opel Zafira Tourer interior


Aside from its attractive design, the new Zafira Tourer offers first-class interior comfort fit enough for the whole family and it comes with various seating arrangements under the Flex7 seating concept. The second row seats are now changed and it can slide longitudinally by 210 mm (100 mm forwards, 110 mm backwards) independently of each other and can be folded flat. That's a nice touch for that. Also, it features the new Lounge Seating System that transforms from three seats at the 2nd row into two seats with extended legroom for first class comfort. What completes the feel is the panoramic sunroof that gives you a clear full view of the sky and the stars.

At the start, the new Zafira Tourer comes in four available petrol engines such as the 1.4 Turbo 120PS engine, 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX 120PS engine, 1.4 Turbo 140PS engine, and the 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX 140PS engine. Other engines such as the 1.8L and the 1.6 CNG turbo ecoFLEX engine may follow later. For now, the 1.4L Turbo ecoFLEX variant comes with an idling stop function that allows the engine to shut off automatically when stopped at the red light, reducing carbon emissions and providing combined fuel economy of 15.9km/L (6,3 L/100 km). On the diesel side, 2.0 CDTI 110PS, 2.0 CDTI 130PS, 2.0 CDTI 165PS, and 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX 165PS are offered while the 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX 130PS may follow later. Depending on the variant, the Zafira Tourer is equipped with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. The FlexRide suspension equipped on the Zafira Tourer allows excellent riding comfort while maintaining excellent vehicle stability on any condition.

The Opel Zafira Tourer is available in 10 colors such as Schneeweiß, Royalblau, Powerrot, Graphitschwarz, Argonsilber, Karbongrau, Fresh Mint, Silbersee, Ozeanblau, and Mahagonibraun.

My comment:

The Opel Zafira Tourer is like the Nissan Lafesta Highway Star, it doesn't replace the outgoing model and it was served as the spin-off model. The overall design is just perfect enough for a minivan like this and there is a feature that you can carry up to four bikes at the back, which makes it a perfect outdoorsman for the job. The Volkswagen Touran would become upset against this!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Persona-fied Audi S5 caught attention

Persona 4 Audi S5 itasha


There was one modified car at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon that caught attention of most otakus everywhere. This Persona 4 Audi S5 itasha was the perfect example of modified cars went wrong. If anyone's behind this Persona 4 Audi S5 experiment, then it's the tuning firm, MASA Motor Sports, who took responsibility.

GT5 EV Day Trip with i-MiEV

Mitsubishi i MiEV at Ahrweiler


The introduction of electric cars really put a twist on Gran Turismo 5. One of them is the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, the first mass-produced electric car from Mitsubishi Motors. It was launched in July 2009 for fleet customers in Japan and in April 1, 2010 for the general public.  Mitsubishi once said that they would expect 1,400 units sold in March 2010 but when the i-MiEV became sold to the general public, they've expected 5,000 units sold per year.

Essentially based on the Mitsubishi "i" kei-car, this electric vehicle is powered by a YF41 electric motor that produces 64PS of power and 18.4kg-m of torque. Upon driving the i MiEV, I realize that this car is very silent. You can't hear it shouting, yelling, bellowing, or roaring. It's like a flying car from the future. Because this is an electric car, you can recharge the batteries at home or at your nearest charging station. One full charge takes about 7 hours with 200V and 14 hours with 100V.

Some say, he doesn't like electric vehicles.

A game like Gran Turismo 5 is not all about racing, it's all about mobility to a whole new level but the i MiEV wasn't such a good car for me to try it. Because it's electric, no power upgrades are available. What you can make it up is the Limited Slip Differential, Suspension, Tires, and weight loss. There is nothing beneficial about driving the i MiEV except when you're planning a historical i MiEV-only race with your online pals on GT5.

Guess this road trip was too long, eh?
Despite that, a game like GT5 had given us the opportunity to test drive the i MiEV virtually and it has given the future of mobility to a whole new level. However, this car was not the future. We're petrolheads and we know why...

If the Nissan Leaf comes on GT5 via DLC this week, I'll compare these two very soon...

Lokomoko in Palawan

Those guys in Lokomoko are taking a day off at Palawan on this January 15, 2012 episode and yes, while they were enjoying their Palawan getaway, they still yank out some laughs while they were there.

They can pull out some gags while riding a boat, a Tanong Ko Lang, Kulang question that goes "Nauuhaw ba ang isda?", an ordinary life at Microtel Puerto Princesa, another Tanong Ko Lang, Kulang question that goes "Meron bang crash course sa driving school?", then "Kaanu-ano ba ni Dora the Explorer si Internet Explorer?", after that, the Lokomoko gang pull out some gags at the resort, then another Tanong Ko Lang, Kulang question that says "Bakit tinawag na bubble gum yun? Nakakabula ba ng gilagid yun pag nginuya mo?", and Awesome Marie Chan returns for some more talk in The Awesome Show.

These are some of the things the Lokomoko cast spend their time-off in Palawan.

Wow Mali pranks - January 15, 2012

Those pranks pulled on the January 15, 2012 episode of Wow Mali really made your IQ physically dropped as you saw those;

1) Road Widening - This was all planned by those three hoodlums who spend their time nothing but rattling themselves.

2) Doray Alaskadora - Warning! "Pesado" objects like hollow blocks and a giant hook come closer that they appear!

3) Pamatay Tsinelas - Never underestimate the sandal without the pair because this can be used for something like "KILL THE IPIS"!

4) May Toyo - This freaking man has some soy sauce on his pocket...

5) Star Confusion - Celebrities like Mocha and JM De Guzman go from "?" to "?!" to "!!!" in another Star Confusion segment.

Mocha

JM De Guzman

6) This guy's not selling taho, he's just scraping it off on you.

7) Para Faucet - This faucet hates to wash your hands...

Sunday, January 15, 2012

The car Tanner Foust used on Top Gear USA's Old GM Car Challenge

The Stig tries out the iconic Fiero


Why did the Pontiac Fiero got featured in Forza Motorsport 4's December IGN Pack? It's simple really because it has a place in Top Gear history, that is if that car's featured in an episode of Top Gear USA when the presenters have to bought an old GM car for a series of challenges. As a matter of fact this Pontiac Fiero GT is Tanner Foust's car of choice. Despite its looks, the Fiero failed most of the challenges.

Okay, enough Top Gear crud right now. About that Fiero, this car is been made to be kind of a "poor man's Ferrari" even though that the Pontiac Fiero is a mid-engine all-American sports car. This is how when Americans built a midship sports cars...and then lost it. This here is the GT version, a more hardcore version of the American midship sports car, no wait, this is the 1988 Model of the Pontiac Fiero GT. It features some Lotus-style suspension system made by Pontiac to enhance the handling of the Fiero GT. Too bad, the 1988 Model Year is the last of it even though Pontiac made a 1990 pre-production model of the Fiero.

What surprised me about the Fiero is the exterior design because that looked like the cars of racing video games, especially a game you used to have...RIDGE RACER!


The idiots are back!!!

Top Gear


Confirmed at the January 2012 issue of Top Gear Magazine, our favorite three idiotic presenters; Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, as well as our favorite Stig are back for the 18th series of the hit British UK motoring TV magazine, Top Gear. As said, Series 18 will premiere this January 29, 2012, 20:00 GMT, at BBC Two.

Details remain slim for now but what's coming for Series 18 is when the presenters are in Rome with supercars such as the Aventador, MP4-12C, and the Noble. Also, there will be Chinese Clone Cars on this series. And what new cars will be featured on Series 18?! Hope it's the new Porsche 911 (991), Pagani Huayra, Veloster, MINI Coupe, and others I want to see on that show. Who knows, they're going to have more wreckage than the past series....

As said; TG18 premieres January 29, 2012, 20:00 GMT, at BBC Two.