Saturday, February 25, 2012

Chrysler 300S meets will.i.am.

Chrysler Group, LLC. streamed a latest commercial for the Chrysler 300S with a celebrity named will.i.am. The commercial is titled "The Hardest Ever" and it seems that will.i.am is now one of the few people who endorsed on Chrysler such as rapper Eminem, football player Ndamukong Suh, fashion designer John Varvatos, and celebrity turned entrepreneur Dr. Dre. Clint Eastwood was also involved for the Super Bowl 2012 commercial with the "Halftime in America" tagline.


Welcome Back: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The ZR1 is sunbathing at the Top Gear Test Track,
the track will soon be raining pianos...


The interior of the Corvette ZR1

The Chevrolet Corvette (C6) ZR1 is brutally fast and it hailed as the flagship of the car that was once hailed as the king of American sports cars. In Top Gear (UK), the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 served as Jeremy Clarkson's car of choice on the presenters' USA Muscle Car Trip. Surely, that car caused too much trouble in Reno, Nevada, the Corvette ZR1 is definitely a favorite if you're a big fan of Jeremy Clarkson himself. At the Bonneville Salt Flats, Jeremy Clarkson's trial and error struggled the ZR1 to achieve the 170mph record set for this car and he did it in 176.5mph! When Clarkson drove the ZR1 in California, he loves it! It might have been a whole of a romance but on the Top Gear Test Track, let's be honest, it's difficult. Although it might have more firepower than the Audi R8 V10 on a straight line, the Corvette ZR1 (C6) is having a hard time catching up against the Audi R8 V10 on the corners.

What did Top Gear said about the ZR1? It's insanely vulgar, it's available only in left-hand drive, the luggage cover looks like a motel shower curtain, it's much too wide, and in the corners, it's a complete mad man. Despite the terrible danger, the ZR1 is more fun and you'd have to be bonkers to have one.

When The Stig drove the Corvette ZR1 round the track, it set a lap time of 1:20.4, about the same lap time as the Koenigseggisseggggnignigsegigisegggg CCX (without the Top Gear wing) but it's quicker than the Mercedes SLR McLaren, Ferrari 599, and the Audi R8 V10.

In Top Gear USA, the Corvette ZR1, as tested by Adam Ferrera, was lost to a drag race against the Ferrari 458 Italia, as tested by Tanner Foust. However, at the hands of The Stig, the ZR1 is quicker than the 458 on the Top Gear USA Test Track.

Think of this car is like when an Irish Bar Fight happened and this is one of my personal favorites on this game. I'm glad that this car is back on Forza Motorsport 4 and I have to be bonkers to drive one and that is why I should....

The most primeval supercar of all time

If you think that the Bugatti Veyron and the McLaren F1 are the ones to be remember for because of their top speed, well, sorry to disappoint but there is something way before these two were born.

Not quite good at the streets of London


This car is the genesis of the supercar marketing ploy, but in truth this is the world's fastest production car when it was launched in 1987 with a top speed of 201mph. Not 200mph but 201. 2-0-1 because the 1 is a very significant to command a certain German automaker that overtook Ferrari with the words "Get back in your box, know your place". The Ferrari F40 is as simple as a Bugatti Veyron but it's complexed. It is also the essence of the Ferrari petulance and passion. The Ferrari F40 was launched in 1987, as part of celebrating the brand's 40th anniversary and this is the last car to be commissioned by the founder, Enzo Ferrari, before his death. Originally it was made for a limited run of 400 units but because this car is a whopper, about 1,315 models were produced, with the last one being produced in the year 1992.

On the open roads, it's an epic long distance cruiser

The Ferrari F40 has it's own problems. The car's a bit too wide, the suspension's too hard, it clunks, the engine's too noisy, it causes much heat, the gearbox's too stiff, and the steering wheel's too sticky. Yes, it would be very problematic to drive the F40 at the urban roads (especially at the City Courses at Gran Turismo 5) but on the open road however, the Ferrari F40's starting to come alive. This F40 comes with a 2.9L V6 twin-turbo engine that produces 478BHP and it can go 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds. It may not sounds convincing in today's standards but the F40 is very light and it weighs about 1100kg thanks to the body that was composed of carbon-fiber and Kevlar. For such lightness comes with a price. There's no standard equipment on the F40! No carpets, no glovebox, only basic instruments, wind-up windows, piece of string for the door handles, and the only comfort are the air-condition and in the 1980's Italian air-conditioning doesn't work. This car is the genesis of the supercar marketing ploy. Take out everything and it costs more.

The most memorable Ferrari ever made...

This car is worth over 300,000 British Pounds Sterling when it came out in 1987 and this is made to be the most memorable sportscar adorned by most Ferrari fans but this became the template of the world's fastest sportscars such as the McLaren F1 in the 1990's and the Bugatti Veyron in the mid-2000's.

"Before the bomb went off, this car was worth over 300,000 Pounds. But now, it's a piece of roadside litter. Good though. No regrets. That was the right choice..." - James May, Top Gear

"Lasts up to 6x longer"

What just happen at the February 24, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang?

- Alien Invasion gags!

- When they see a lady crossing, their conversation stops every single time!

- Technology changes fast, especially the marriage!

- Bureche eats the spoiled foods from the refrigerator without warning...

- Bubble Gang does Duracell by spoofing this commercial as DORACELL! Now, enjoy the joy much longer with Doracell! Lasts up to 6x longer so you save up to 104 pesos!

Bubble Gang does Duracell


- This while meeting gone a bit HAVEY and WALEY...

- There are two idiots at the ledge arguing to the death

- Some say that members of the PEP.ph guested to celebrate their 5th anniversary and Dahon faces off against someone named Bisugo. All we know is, it's called PICKUP LINES!!!!

Bisugo


1) Marupok na tulay ka ba? Kasi pag dinadaanan kita, kumakabog ang dibdib ko...

2) You're so beautiful but my question is, jackhammer ka ba? Kasi pag kausap kita, nanginginig ako.

3) Sana, gitara na lang ako. Kasi pag kumakanta ka, yakap-yakap mo.

4) May timba't basahan ka ba? Kasi, umaapaw ka sa kagandahan!

5) Baka ka ba? Kasi, cow! Cow lang ang mahal ko!

6) Diwata ka ba? Kasi, ang kyat-kyat ay anak ng ponkan!

7) Nerbyos ka ba? Kasi pag kausap kita, na-uutal ako...

8) Survivor ka ba? Kasi, una-una, binabati ko ang mga PEP-sters, happy 5th Anniversary sa PEP at ang Ingles ng tambay ay bam!

- Mr. Dreamboy talks about everyone's dreams and figuring out what are those dreams meant...

- IyoTube in Roadie Fernandez's P.A.

Friday, February 24, 2012

TOYOTA INNOVA 2012MY DEBUT!

2012 Toyota Innova


The special moment is finally upon us. If you think that didn't make it to the Philippines but the 2012 Toyota Innova has ARRIVED! YAY! The 2012 Innova features a more modern and advanced design. It has a front grille similar to the Toyota Alphard to make it more advanced, new front bumper, turn signals on the side mirrors, new rocker panels, new 15-inch rims, steering wheel that looks like from the Toyota Mark X Zio, integrated remote switches, dark wood grain paneling, and a new instrumental paneling.

For the pricing, it all starts to 813,000 Philippine Pesos for the base 2.0 J up to 1,235,000 Philippine Pesos for the flagship 2.5 V diesel wrapped in White Pearl.

You don't get a racetrack if you buy the next car I lined up...But you do get just about everything else...

Autumn drifting with the 599


Sorry for that title because that was a reference from Jeremy Clarkson's 2007 DVD titled "Clarkson: Supercar Showdown". Anyway, this is a Ferrari 599 and offers just about everything just about everyone they want for a supercar. The Fiorano name from the 599 GTB Fiorano comes from Ferrari's private test track called the Fiorano Circuit, located next to the global headquarters of Ferrari. Designed by Pininfarina under the supervision of Ferrari's Frank Stepheonson, it was premiered at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show in 2006. The exterior was designed by Japanese designer, Ken Okuyama, who took various cues from the 250GT and incorporated them with some modern interpretation. You know, by looking at the ingredients of this exotic might seem to be convincing but this car is something special...

The 599 and the cherry blossoms

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano comes with a 6.0L V12 engine that was derived from the legendary Enzo Ferrari but it has been toned down to have 620PS of power, 608Nm of torque, and a power-to-weight ratio of 362hp per tonne. It can go 0-100kph in 3.7 seconds and top speed over 330kph. But that's not all just to performance figures, this car has over 5 decades of racing pedigree, a doll-up of Pininfarina styling, leather seats made from half a dozen cows, and computing power that NASA would only dream about such things. It even has a suspension system that is so complicated, that Jeremy Clarkson can't say the name of it. It goes like Magneto...Mani...Manietto...Mag...Magnetoholog...o...anyway the dampers are filled with iron filings and when you hit them with an electrical current which runs around the outside of the damper, they became firm. It comes with a gearbox that can disengage the clutch, change gear, and reengage it in less than a hundred milliseconds and they called it "F1 SuperFast". Under the 599 GTB Fiorano, it has some aerodynamic aids which provides 160kg of downforce, and it comes with an all-aluminum chassis for enhanced strength and weight loss.

The Stig knows how to drive the
599 in Tokyo, Japan!

When you drive the Ferrari 599 at Gran Turismo 5, you realize that it is just full ahead of its rivals. You might think that it's just an expensive version of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and you're darn right! While the Corvette C6 Z06 may cost about 94,500 CR, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano costs about 320,300 CR. As a general rule, I really don't like the styling of the Ferrari 599 because it looks like a dinosaur politely chuckling. It's a Dino! That's what that is! It may have a V12 engine on the front but it's behind the front axle as well as the transmission, making the weight distribution very perfect but it doesn't respond to such brutal treatment. You have to be gentle with it where the smallest input makes a difference. If you get it wrong, you might crash it. If you get it right, it feels like bathing in six million gallons of double cream. This is much easier to drive than the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.

This is an epic long distance cruiser but I'm very pity that Ferrari has lost some of its sense of humor when making this car.

Opel Ampera

2012 Opel Ampera



2012 Opel Ampera interior


Some say this is the Chevrolet Volt but it isn't. It's the Chevrolet Volt's European cousin, the Opel Ampera, Europe's first electric car with a range extender that can run on both gasoline and electricity. This car demonstrates GM's commitment in the electrification of the vehicle and the Voltec electric propulsion system is the game-changing technology in the motoring industry in today's standards.

Like its Chevrolet Volt cousin, the Opel Ampera comes with an electric drive unit and a 1.4L petrol engine combined, which makes it essential on your long journeys. If the Chevrolet Volt knows that "gasoline when you need it, electric when you want it", the Opel Ampera does the same thing. If the electric drive unit's battery is out of charge, the 1.4L petrol engine serves as a backup. The electric drive unit equipped on the Ampera generates 111kW of power and 370Nm of torque. Once you're driving on the Ampera's EV mode, it's really quiet and it doesn't shout, bellow, or roar. It just sort of humming like happy monks. Hmmmmmmmm....... Anyway, it can go 0-100kph in 9 seconds and top speed limited to 161 km/h. The EV range is accumulated to 60km in the MVEG cycle and the total range will cover over 500km, thanks to the lithium-ion battery, which is a first for a European car.

The Opel Ampera's available colors are Schneeweiß, Nachtschwarz, Cybergrau, Argonsilber, Powerblau, and Impulsrot.

My comment:
The Chevrolet Volt's European cousin changes the future of the European motoring industry thanks to the combination of an electric drive unit that generates 111kW if power and a 1.4L petrol engine that produces less power than the electric drive unit but it's served for emergency purposes. I wouldn't believe that the pricing of the Opel Ampera is about four times as expensive as the most affordable Opel Europeans can by, which is the Opel Agila but doesn't matter. Despite the heavy pricing, this is the only car you would rely on because it runs on both electricity and petrol.

Photo: Adam Opel AG

Audi A1 Sportback

2012 Audi A1 Sportback

Two years ago, Audi wants to spice things up to the compact car craze by presenting the Audi A1. It started only as a 3-door compact designed for the urban egoists and it uses the platform derived from its VW cousins such as the VW Polo, Skoda Fabia, and the Seat Ibiza. Now this time, the Audi A1 gets even more even because additional two doors are added to the A1 and this is known to be as the AUDI A1 SPORTBACK. It may be the same as the original A1 but it comes with 5-doors. 5 DOORS! Well, yeah but on the inside, it can accommodate up to 4-people. However, you can have a maker option to provide you an additional seat in order to accommodate five people, which sounds convincing if you know what I mean.

Joy of joys, it comes with an array of technological features to keep you interested such as Audi connect, MMI navigation plus, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WLAN hotspot to surf the internet while stuck at traffic.

Available engine types for the Audi A1 Sportback includes the 1.2 TFSi, 1.4TFSi, and the 1.6 TDi engine, which all of these are Euro V Compliant. Depending on the variant, you might be getting a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, or even the 7-speed S tronic transmission. Because that's a lot of engine types offered on the new A1 Sportback, let's choose from the most economical to the most powerful. Okay, so the most economical A1 Sportback model is the one with the 1.6 TDi engine that provides a fuel consumption of 3.8L/100km and 99g/km of CO2 emissions. The most powerful A1 Sportback variant (as of now) is the one with the 1.4 TFSi engine that produces 185PS of power and 250Nm of torque. It will go 0-100kph in 6.9 seconds and flat-out, it would go up to 227kph.

The Audi A1 Sportback is available in several color variations such as Brillantschwarz, Amalfiweiß, Kumulusblau, Eissilber Metallic/Brillantschwarz, Eissilber Metallic, Gletscherweiß Metallic, Gletscherweiß Metallic/Daytonagrau Perleffekt, Scubablau Metallic, Scubablau Metallic/Eissilber Metallic, Shirazrot Metallic, Shirazrot Metallic/Eissilber Metallic, Sphärenblau Metallic, Sphärenblau Metallic/Eissilber Metallic, Teakbraun Metallic, Teakbraun Metallic/Eissilber Metallic, Samoaorange Metallic, Samoaorange Metallic/Daytonagrau Perleffekt, Daytonagrau Perleffekt, Daytonagrau Perleffekt/Brillantschwarz, Misanorot Perleffekt, Misanorot Perleffekt/Brillantschwarz, Phantomschwarz Perleffekt, and Phantomschwarz Perleffekt/Eissilber Metallic. That's a lot of color combinations to choose from, to single color and two-tone!

My Comment:
The same Audi A1 fun for the youth now with two additional doors to fit your barkadas. This Audi A1 Sportback is somewhat a good alternative to the 3-door variant and it's cool if you're a fashionista who want to bring your friends to the mall for some shopping spree. I couldn't help it but that was somewhat an interesting vehicle that we wish to have. With the starting price of 16,950 Euros, the Audi A1 Sportback seems to be somewhat reasonably priced but you may need 25,100 Euros for the powerful A1 1.4 TFSi S tronic variant.

Photo: AUDI AG

Alphard G Sports?!

2012 Toyota Alphard G's Concept


This is somewhat might have look like when the Toyota Alphard deserved the G Sports (G's) treatment. Anyway, this here is the Toyota Alphard G's concept. It hints us of a hotter Alphard model and wow, it looks good. It made a surprise appearance at the 2012 Osaka Auto Messe and it looks even more better than the Vellfire G Sports Concept as seen at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon. Because this is a concept, there's not much to say about now but if both the Alphard G's and the Vellfire G's went into production, this would be interesting...

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Let's do the news! (Feb. 23, 2012)

And now the news. And let's begin with something that is a bit too far. Seems that British television authorities are letting go of Clarkson's "should be shot" comment from last year's The One Show. Well, some say that Clarksie didn't violate any broadcasting rules and this whole "should be shot" comment against the union workers was just a satire. Well, pretty soon, his life is started to rain pianos, pianos that crushed countless Morris Marina cars. Heh...

Oh, and remember one episode of Top Gear Series 18? The one with mobility scooters? Yep but guess what, there's a new one on the block! A man named Colin Furze fitted his mobility scooter with a 125cc engine from a motorcross bike that allows him to go up to 70mph and leave him completely bonkers!


Sorry chaps. Colin's mobility scooter kicked your butt. But anyway, let's move on.

2013 Bentley Mulsanne Mulliner


The Grand Bentley Mulsanne has a new variant called the Mulliner and it will premiere at this year's Geneva Auto Salon this March. What to expect on the Mulsanne Mulliner? Let's see uh... 21-inch rims, race-derived titanuim fasteners, drilled alloy pedals, new Mulliner treadplate plaques on the door sills, and the Drive Dynamics Control featured SPORT MODE! Oh, can't this luxury cruiser be any more uncomfortable when set into SPORT MODE?! Uh oh...


While the Mulliner is somewhat the most uncomfortable Mulsanne ever made, here's something a bit more uncomfortable than this so sit down, here it is.

Nendoroid Generation and Boku Wa Tomodachi Ga Sukunai Portable were out now for the PSP. Gosh, why did they launched new PSP games in Japan even though the PSVita is here and replace the PSP once and for all? Oh wait! Wait! Remember what they said. Better calm down for a while because we'll talk about those later. Anyway, moving on...

Hey, turns out that the Philippines wasn't the only ASEAN country who got hooked on Top Gear. Malaysia and Singapore were got hooked on Top Gear as well.

For the Malaysian Top Gear site: http://www.topgear.com/my/

For the Singapore Top Gear site: http://www.topgear.com/sg/

Ohohoho! Top Gear is definitely a global favorite just like The Simpsons and PokeMon!

Okay, while we diddling about that, how's New Love Plus? Yes, we know that this is definitely the most "ambitious but rubbish" 3DS game in Japan. We hope they won't happen like what happened to some otaku who married to Nene Anegasaki since 2009. Report shows that New Love Plus sold 104,969 copies a week when it came out in Valentine's Day. It overtook Binary Domain, which is the best selling PS3 game in Japan for the week.


Sadly, I'm out of time and that's the news!

In Forza 4, no one can hear you scream...

Yes, no one can hear you scream while playing Forza Motorsport 4 online with your mic on, especially for this car. The car you might remember it while you were an 11-year-old boy. The car that is designed by Chris Bangle and Pininfarina. This is the Fiat Coupe.

It started when Chris Bangle and Pininfarina collide...

This car was originally called the "type 175" but the official name is the Coupé Fiat. It made a world premiere at the 1993 Brussels Motor Show and there's something odd about the design. The exterior design was penned by Chris Bangle (you may remember him for BMW) while the interior design was penned by Pininfarina. Pininfarina, hmmmm.... Think of it as Giugiaro's bigtime rival but still, I love the designs penned by either Giugiaro or Pininfarina. Okay, it was produced from 1993 to 2000, with over 72,000 units made and this one is a modern classic. The model featured on Foza 4 is the one with the 2.0L 20V Turbo engine mounted on it. It comes with a Viscodrive limited slip differential to prevent understeer. The 2.0L 20V Turbo engine produces 220HP of power and 310Nm of torque. This helps the car to go from 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and top speed limited of 155mph. Wait, 155mph? Seriously? It's like a German car because why would high-performance German cars are limited to 155mph? It's because if it allow to run free, it would go 200mph so it would need a 200mph tyres, 200mph brakes, 200mph suspension, and that would cost a fortune. I learned that from Clarkson Supercar Showdown.

Jeremy Clarkson's Police Car!

Speaking of Clarkson, this Fiat Coupe is Jeremy Clarkson's car of choice for Top Gear's Police Car Challenge. What he done on the Fiat Coupe is add some Polizia livery with the words "IN JAIL, NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU SCREAM" and some weird-looking contraptions on the rear wheels that James May claims that "it would chop their feet off". For a comic relief, Clarkson's siren is all "animal sounds", which is much more rubbish than the "ice cream truck" jingle from James May's Lexus police car. I wouldn't explain about that because that's too long and instead check the vids from the Top Gear's COP GEAR challenge.



Now you know. But still, I really prefer Clarkson's police car because IT'S THE FILTH. Sorry. Anyway, Clarkson's police car livery is somewhat the trending design for the Fiat Coupe and if you were bringing it on the game of Tag, it's either eat or be eaten for the Fiat Coupe with Clarkson cop car livery and oh, somebody's got wrong with the handling!


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Zero no Tsukaima F Original Sound Track

Zero no Tsukaima F Original Sound Track


In the beginning, there was the Zero no Tsukaima/The Familiar of Zero (日本名:ゼロの使い魔) and we saw it and we saw that it was good. And then on the second season, they made Zero no Tsukaima ~Futatsuki no Kishi~, which was even more gooder. Then, they made the third season, Zero no Tsukaima ~Princesses no Rondo~, which caused much wailing and mashing of teeth. And now, is this, Zero no Tsukaima F, the best of the best OF THE BEST. It seems that the fourth season is somewhat ashamed that we waved good-bye to the anime that is absolutely brilliant but also completely useless. F is actually means fourth, referring to the fourth season but it's actually means farewell because this is the last hurrah for Louise de La Valliere and her familiar, Saito Hiragi on their final quest to save the nation of Tristain against a rebel group known as Reconquista.

The original soundtrack contains the TV-sized versions of I'LL BE THERE FOR YOU by ICHIKO, Kiss shite agenai by Rie Kugimiya, and in-anime BGMs composed by Shinkichi Mitsumune. Some say, there's a bonus that contains four "minus one" versions of the opening themes from the four Zero no Tsukaima seasons, from the beginning to the end.

About the Zero no Tsukaima F, when it aired on January 2012, just 12 episodes will be made at all, despite the 8:30AM JST timeslot every Saturday on AT-X. I'm not surprised though. It features an all-star cast of Rie Kugimiya, Satoshi Hino, Yuka Inokuchi, Yui Horie, Mamiko Noto, Ayako Kawasumi, Nanako Inoue, Yuka Iguchi, among many others. This final season weighs not that much more than Shakugan no Shana III. Well now, this isn't a bad way of earning a living. It is truly epic, a masterpiece of flair, power, and engineering.

Available at: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=COCX-37221

Let's do the news! (Feb. 22, 2012)

Okay right! The news! Let's begin with something tragic because I read a report about an executive of a scandal-wrecked Japanese company, Olympus (brand that specializes on digicams), committed suicide in some playground just outside of his flats near New Delhi. All we know is that his name is Tsutomi Omori, aged 49, the managing director of Olympus Medical Systems in India. He was found hanging from iron railings within his luxury apartment complex in Delhi's satellite city of Gurgaon, a report said. Some say, he left two suicide notes written in Japanese, which the police handed them over to the Japanese embassy.


Ouch, it's hard working for the digicam company that was wrecked by numerous scandals last year, especially if the digicam company used to be operated by some British businessman who was battered by the media. Very sad day. Deepest condolences to the family of the managing director of Olympus Medical Systems. Anyway, we found something that I'm completely ruined. Nope, we're not talking about that "Stewie Ruined Evening" joke. It's this...

Now, you would probably know that if it's 12:00 midnight in the USA, the Playstation Vita is on sale. So, who's excited for this? Gosh, if you were an OFW working at the USA, this would be a good pasalubong to your kids living in the Philippines. However, hold your horses. If you were an anime otaku, you might be wondering how the heck someone going to make a new game based on the anime and put it on the Vita's predecessor, the good old Playstation Portable. Take this, it seems that the hit anime series Bakemonogatari is going to have a PSP game this August but how? Why would they make games based on anime series placed on the old PSP even though that the PSVita was launched in Japan last year? Why did they didn't put it on the PSVita instead? Gosh, that's insufferable...


That's a wrong move. Even when the PSVita's out in Japan, seems that most Japanese game makers still making games for the PSP, especially the 2nd Oreimo game, Madoka Magica PSP game, Nendoroid Generation, Strike Witches, and that new Milky Holmes PSP game which a limited edition includes a Nendoroid. Stupid thing...

Well, maybe not because a website called "WIRED" interviewed Sony's Game Design Chief, Shuhei Yoshida, about the PSVita. He was right. Many developers and publishers in Japan decided to shift focus to portables. He also said that if you were looking at some release schedules, you would expect that there will be still lots of PSP games coming out in Japan this year. No wonder that most Japan has the most demand for PSP games and they prefer the UMD ones rather than the digital downloads.


Guess he's right but hey, it's Japan. Sony is Japanese. The PSP, PS3, and the PSVita is made in Japan, so it's okay. It's your thing there.

Mosler MT900S Photon


Now, you may probably remember the Mosler MT900, it's the exotic that is made in the USA when the first one came out in 2001 and later updated as the MT900S in 2003. It's the car featured in Forza Motorsport 3 and 4! Anyway, the hardcore Photon version. Mosler limits the production of the hardcore MT900S Photo by "one unit per year", which sounds a bit more awkward. Guess this exotic's going to be a modern classic...

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG


Now, this one's based on the new R231 SL-Klasse and this comes with the 5.5L V8 Bi-Turbo engine. That is the all new 2013 SL63 AMG! Now, I have realized that Mercedes-AMG's ditching V12s in favor of V8's because why? the V12 BiTurbo engine is not compatible to the AMG MCT SpeedShift. Anyway, it was unveiled at the Mercedes-Benz W03 event where they've launched Benz's Formula One 2012 entry. Guess this one's mouth-watering. Oooh! Can't wait to have one!!!


Anyway, while because of Bandai Entertainment scaling down their businesses and they'll no longer releasing new DVDs this year, we're getting ruined about the second-season of K-ON not coming to North America but fear not because Sentai Filmworks licensed the second season of K-ON, making it a very good news for the North American fans!

If that wasn't enough, word from Mercedes-Benz Japan is that they'll be offering test drives for the Madoka Magica-itasha Smart EV!

Madoka Magica Smart EV


They'll be on display at the 15th Japan Media Arts Festival in Tokyo from February 22 to March 4, 2012 and also, Mercedes-Benz Japan allow visitors to test drive those itashas for free (wow!) but you mush have a driver's license and a free Mercedes-Benz Connected Card membership. Also, you must be 20 years old or above to initiate it. Guess we find it better than the Amlux Idolmaster campaign. Ho ho ho ho! So, if you're an otaku having a choice, which one do you want to test drive? A Madoka Magica-itasha Smart EV? Or the Idolm@ster-itasha Toyota Prius and Toyota Ractis Verso? I should have told you that for about 1,000JPY, visitors can have a one hour test drive in either the Prius or the Ractis Verso while listening to the original IDOLM@STER radio program but those must be reserved in advance. I told that before.

Okay, it seems that the Kia Sorento R is planning for a minor change this year as a 2013 Model Year, next-generation Lexus ES snapped in China, you can fit a gun rack at the Chevrolet Volt PHV, singer Adele wins two BRIT Awards and she gives a middle finger when her speech cut short, so on, so forth. I'm getting bored right now and that's the news!

Reasonably Priced Cars from Top Gear

Every week when a celebrity guested on Top Gear, he or she laps around the Top Gear Test Track using a "Reasonably Priced Car". So what's a reasonably priced car? It's not somewhat powerful nor fire-spitting but they're a bit more of a city commuter with a pricing over the 10,000 Pound mark. Here at Forza Motorsport 4, they featured the "Reasonably Priced Car" from the past and the "Reasonably Priced Car" from today. First, let's start with a blast from the past.

Gambon Corner - The corner that nearly killed Dumbledore...

This is the Suzuki Liana, the original Reasonably Priced Car of Top Gear when the show began in 2002, a year before James May debuted on Season 2 of the hit UK TV show. The Liana is known as the Suzuki Aerio. The Aerio was launched in Japan since January 2001 as a 5-door then later with a 4-door sedan in November 2001. The Liana name is just an acronym for "Life In A New Age". It served as the replacement to the Suzuki Esteem/Cultus (Chevrolet Cassia) and it sold in most parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Production of the Liana ended in 2006 because the SX4 replaced it but despite that, the Liana is still in production in China (Changhe-Suzuki) and Pakistan (Pak Suzuki Motor). The model featured was a 4-door sedan that was powered by a 1.6L engine that produces 104HP of power and 106lb-ft of torque. It has a curb weight of 2,557lbs.

Okay, where was I? Oh yeah. There are numerous celebs drove the Liana round the Top Gear Test Track from the first season to the seventh season, when the eighth season replaced the Liana with a Chevrolet compact sedan that I'm afraid I can't tell you due to search overloads. Names include Ellen MacArthur, Jimmy Carr, Ian Wright, Chris Evans, Rob Brydon, Justin Hawkins, Paul McKenna, Jodie Kidd, Jay Kay, Patrick Kielty, Trevor Eve, Neil Morrissey, Roger Daltrey, Sir Cliff Richard, Martin Clunes, Jamie Oliver, Patrick Stewart, Lionel Richie, Chef Gordon Ramsay, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Christian Slater, Stephen Fry, Ross Kemp, Geri Halliwell, Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore from the Harry Potter movies), Harry Enfield, and much more to list. Okay, there was the reason why the last corner of the Top Gear Test Track is called the "Gambon Corner" because of this...



Now you know. Just because the Suzuki Liana was replaced by a reasonably priced Chevy doesn't mean that the Liana's gone for good because it was reserved for a segment when the Formula One driver was guested on Top Gear.

Anyway, I once did my own Star in a Reasonably Priced Car with the Liana and I did it in 1:47.5, meaning that I was slotted between Ronnie O' Sullivan and Ian Wright but knowing is just half the story.




Now, let's take a look at the current Reasonably Priced Car...

Am I faster than Mr. Bean? Oh wait, there's
someone faster than Mr. Bean!

At the start of Top Gear's 15th season, the reasonably priced Chevy was dead because it was crushed under a demolished chimney and it was replaced by a reasonably priced Korean hatchback which is known as the Kia Cee'd. That's CEE-APOSTROPHE-D to you and me. This reasonably priced Korean hatchback marked as the second Kia ever to be featured on the video game and it was powered by a 1.6L engine that produces 123HP of power and 114lb-ft of torque. On Forza Motorsport 4, it's yours for just 14,000 CR. When the Kia Cee'd became the new Reasonably Priced Car, Top Gear invited back the celebs to try out the new Cee'd and their results are somewhat similar to the one they've set on the old reasonably priced Chevrolet. Now, most notable celebs drove the Cee'd round the track includes Alastair Campbell, Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley from the Harry Potter movies), Andy Garcia, Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, Jeff Goldblum, John Bishop, Boris Becker, Jonathan Ross, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, Amber Heard, John Prescott, Alice Cooper, Ross Noble, Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean), Sir Bob Geldof, and Louis Walsh from The X Factor.

I once tried it round the test track and my record is 1:44.3 but that's different because mine is tuned to the Performance Index of F200. But on the bright side, I am bridged between Tom Cruise and Nick Frost.



Those reasonably priced cars gave me an idea for a real-life situation. Every time if someone has a party, all we do is playing some parlor games that we find out to be boring. But for a soon-to-be Top Gear presenter, you may want to add "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" as part of their Parlor Games list because you may want to find out which of your guests is the fastest. However, most of your guests don't know the controls, knowing where to accelerate or brake. Not for long because Forza Motorsport 4 works best in Kinect. I once play this game using Kinect but one thing, your chosen car automatically accelerates and brakes while you let your left and right hands do the steering. This is somewhat a good idea.

If you are a part of someone's birthday, tell them to add "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" in their games list because this beats more than karaoke, Trip To Jerusalem, Pinoy Henyo, and others that you would normally do on parties. Before initiate this, be sure to tell someone who hosted the party if he/she have HDTV because XBOX 360 works best in HDTV (HDMI Cable sold separately). If they have one, be sure to bring the XBOX 360 console, Kinect, and the Forza Motorsport 4 game. Oh, and be sure to bring some scratch paper if you want to record their lap times. Be sure that either the Suzuki Liana or the Kia Cee'd is the recommended car and the Top Gear Test Track (Full Circuit) is the best track. I repeat, use the Top Gear Test Track (Full Circuit) because this is the perfect venue. You're going to find out which of your guests is the fastest. Is it your Ate? Your Kuya? Your Mom? Your Dad? Your Lolo? Your Lola? Your Ninong? Your Ninang? Your Tito? Your Tita? Anyone around you?

This whole Star in a Reasonably Priced Car game could be the perfect parlor game not just for parties but on someone else's debut or a high school reunion.

This should be fun, perhaps Richard Hammond didn't mentioned it on his Top Gear Uncovered DVD.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 28

Yesterday, I already addressed to some French man saying what was the song from the Renault Samsung QM5 Korean TV Commercial back in 2009. Seems that he's been looking for the song right now...

Now, however, there's been a problem right now. Someone who lives at Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, attacked me with the words "Hyundai 5g Grandeur hg commercial music title". I'm sorry but we tried looking for those but there's no results. In the meantime, feel free to look at some another five Driving Musics (car commercial songs) for you to enjoy.

5) Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz - from the 2006 Nissan Wingroad Japanese TV Commercial.

4) TRY by 清水由貴 ×THE PULSAR - from the 1990 Nissan Pulsar Japanese TV Commercial.

3) Sonic Fireworks by avengers in sci-fi - from the 2011 Mazda SKYACTIV Technology JAPAN DRIVE FAIR TV commercial

2) Don't it drive you crazy? by POINTER SISTERS - from the 2008 Nissan Tiida Japanese TV Commercial.

1) GOING THE DISTANCE (from Rocky Original Soundtrack) - from the 2007 Honda StepWGN Spada "Super Daddy" Japanese TV Commercial.

...and there you go. These are another set of Driving Musics. Goodbye! Drive Safely...

Let's do the news! (Feb. 21, 2012)

It is now time to do the news! As for that, Good Smile Company announced the Yozora Mikazuki (三日月夜空) 1/7th scale PVC figure. That figure will go on sale this July with the pricing of 6800 Japanese Yen (plus tax).

Good Smile Company
Yozora Mikazuki figure


We could say that this figure is somewhat cool if you're more of a Marina Inoue fan because Marina Inoue played the role of Yozora Mikazuki from the Boku wa Tomodachi Ga Sukunai (or Haganai for short) (僕は友達が少ない) anime. However, it's cool if you're a loner. I'm sorry but, Yozora? We even tried Google image search for the word "Yozora" and the results revealing several pics of Yozora Mikazuki! That's not necessary! Not as worse than this!

Porsche Macan sketch


Reports saying that they're will be a new Porsche crossover coming very very soon and this is somewhat a mini-Cayenne. Firstly, they used to call it Cajun but Porsche decided to call their new addition, MACAN. Macan? It's Indonesia for tiger (is it Bahasa?), right? When reports circulated, we even Google search for the keyword "Macan" and gosh, Porsche-related reports pop up! R U KIDDING ME? Ows, hindi nga?! If you're Indonesian, you should probably know how to pronounce the M-A-C-A-N word, right? It's Ma-chan but we're not sure if this pronunciation would probably fit it. With details remain scarce for now, all we know is that it's coming in 2013 as a 2014 model.

For something German-related, someone finally waited for this...

WAVE Beach Queens
Laura Bodewig


Yes, we know, you've been waited for this and it does look right! It does look exactly accurate from the one from the Infinite Stratos anime series! Seems that you might gonna need a 3990 Japanese Yen for the all new WAVE Beach Queens Infinite Stratos Laura Bodewig, coming this September. Wow, seems 4 out of 5 WAVE Beach Queens Infinite Stratos figures really got it right. Charlotte Dunois' BEACH QUEENS figure, no it wasn't. Nope, it's not from the anime, so sorry but don't worry, if you think that the Charlotte Dunois BEACH QUEENS figure is rubbish, there is an alternate arrangement because...

AlphaMaz Infinite Stratos Charlotte
Dunois Swimsuit figure


Some boffins from AlphaMax showed the error of WAVE's ways by creating a very accurate Charlotte Dunois swimsuit figure, which will go on sale this August with the pricing of 7560 Japanese Yen, which is twice as expensive than the WAVE Beach Queens Charlotte Dunois figure. That's a lot for a toy but it can be a perfect alternative arrangement to be honest, if you know what I mean? Tee-hee...

2013 Ferrari California


The Ferrari California? Remember this FR convertible you seen on Clarkson Duel as Vicki Butler-Henderson's car of choice for the second round against Jeremy Clarkson's DBS Volante? Remember this one from Top Gear Korea where Kim Jin-Pyo chauffeured actress Kang So-Ra after her Busan International Film Fest gig? Guess, what? Some minor alterations occurred for the 2013 Model Year California, which will be premiered at Geneva this March. The first fuel-injected V8 engine was improved to provide 490HP of power and 505Nm, 37hp more than the old California! Naught to 60 is now in 3.8 seconds, which is good!

2013 Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati


Remember the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari? Surely, we remember that but there's a new one and it's called the Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati. This was based on the highly seductive Fiat 500C Abarth, but in my opinion was a mistake. But no, this was inspired from the Maserati GranTurismo from the looks of it. It uses the Pontevecchio Bordeaux color sourced from Maserati for the exterior color, Maserati-style rims, Maserati-style exhausts, and some Maserati-style interior! Ain't that convincing?! However, it is limited to 499 units with additional info coming at the 82nd Geneva International Auto Salon next month.

Ferrari FF burned


Okay, about the Ferrari FF, that's a good car, the first to have four-seats, the first to have 4WD, best Ferrari I have ever tried when I drive it on Forza Motorsport 4 but it's not as quicker than my 458 Italia. We seen this one on Clarkson Powered Up. There was a report in China that a Ferrari FF sparked fire while the owner is driving the FF. That's gonna hurt. Some Ferrari's causing fire while cruising. The FF wasn't the only one. There was a Ferrari F430 burst fire while driving in SLEX, then there was an fire issue for the Ferrari 458.

Speaking of which, if you live in USA and if you love US version of Top Gear, don't be surprised because the official Top Gear site explained what would this be on the next Top Gear USA. Firstly, USA Muscle Cars of the present come together for a challenge. The Mustang GT, Camaro SS, and the Challenger SRT-8 392 come together for the challenge. Actor Patrick Warburton gets a chance to drive the Suzuki SX4 on a "Big Star on a Small Car" segment, and the Mustang Boss 302 duels against the horse. 


So, uh, comedian Ogie Alcasid spoofed DJ Mo Twister's controversial v-log about Mo's ex-girlfriend named Rhian Ramos right? That spoof was part of Regine and Ogie's concert titled "Mr. and Mrs. A" where the real-life couple creating their own v-logs to share their experiences. So, Mo Twister noticed Ogie's take on his controversial v-log and he got mad and he said that Ogie made fun of Mo Twister crying in the abortion video. Whoa, never seen that thing coming, didn't he?


And that's the news!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 27

Hello. And we begin with a non-relevant letter to someone who doesn't know how to comment on my site says "what happened to wow mali". Well, you stupid idiot. As you know, your favorite show will be on a short hiatus for a while because of the show TV5 called "The Biggest Game Show in the World Asia". Happy that TV5 was selected to cover up the coverage of Philippines participating in The Biggest Game Show in the World Asia, even though we're not very good at. With coverage by Richard Gomez, Joey De Leon, Mr. Fu, and Long Mejia, they tackling what's going on with our Filipinos participating The Biggest Game Show in the World.

Oh wait, hang on. That's not right. We're talking non-relevance. Let's read a letter from someone..

Hello Leopaul,
I discovered your blog of "Driving Music " on the net, and I was impressed of how many details you may find about car advertising music ... 
Therefore let me try to give you a new challenge : for a while, I'm looking for the music of Renault Samsung QM5 2009 Korea
http://search.wn.com/?template=cheetah-search-adv%2Findex.txt&action=search&results_type=videos&search_string=renault+samsung+qm5
Do you know it ?
In case of, thank you in advance for your answer (by mail or on your blog).
Thanks
Best regards from France
Serge Saintilan

Okay, Mr. Saintilan, before telling what's that music, let me give you 4 randomly selected Driving Musics (Car Commercial Songs) to listen to and the fifth and last one will be the answer to your question. Let's get on with the show...

5) Iron (Gucci Vump remix) by Woodkid - from the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 TV Commercial.

4) No No Darlin' by Chage and Aska - from the 1992 Subaru Impreza Japanese TV Commercial.

3) WALK by Chage and Aska - from the 1992 Subaru Vivio Japanese TV Commercial.

2) Desperado by The Eagles - from the Hyundai Avante Touring Korean TV Commercial.

1) Tango Forte by Dublex Inc - from the Renault-Samsung QM5 Korean TV Commercial back in 2009!

There you go, Mr.Saitilan from France. If you're looking for the song from the Korean Renault Samsung QM5 TV Commercial back in 2009, the title of the song is Tango Forte by Dublex Inc. Thank you very much. Good-bye!

MP4-12C tuning by Wheelsandmore

Wheelsandmore MP4-12C


German tuning firm, Wheelsandmore, modified the McLaren MP4-12C to provide more power than the standard model. With such engine tweaks, this modified MP4-12C will generate over 800HP. As reported, it includes electronic hydraulic suspension system, lightweight forged alloy wheels, Continental Sport Contact 5P tires, and some stripes to complete the look of this modified MP4-12C.

Aventador tuning by REMN Performance

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 LE-C Program
by RENM Performance


Essentially then, what we see here was a modified Lamborghini Aventador courtesy of REMN Performance. This here made the Aventador feels like this bull is on steroids and this car can be used on the road and on the track. Following modifications include but not limited to:

• Road/race specification inconel/titanium exhaust system, re-designed air intake, ECU recalibration resulting in a 7-10% increase in engine output;

• Light-weight carbon fiber body sections, revised aerodynamics with adjustable rear wing;

• Suspension and chassis improvements, lower ride height, r-specification tyres;

• Exclusive LE-C light weight center-lock forged wheels;

• Modified brakes with air flow inlets, rear engine cooling chambers;

• Re-designed interior with alcantara/carbon fiber sections, steering wheel, race seats and seat belts.

Trending Worldwide: #GandangGabiViceFinale

Gandang Gabi Vice was definitely one of the best talk shows aired on ABS-CBN every Sunday night when it first aired on May 22, 2011. However, ABS-CBN regret that this program has finally drawn to a close on the February 19, 2012 episode.after 9 months of fun and excitement. The celebrities who've guested on Gandang Gabi Vice says "Thank You" to Vice Ganda for such fun and excitement.

This program was originally intended to have a lifespan of 13 weeks but due to the respect to Vice Ganda's loyal fans, this show continually pushed back the deadline in order to support the viewers worldwide.

All of the staff involved offer their deepest thanks for the support Vice Ganda got when this program launched in a month before School Year 2011-2012 started. He thanked everyone that allowed Gandang Gabi Vice grow and mature. His journey might be ended but he's sincerely hope that he will have to serve them again in the next three months.

Think of this as a season finale, not a series finale because Vice Ganda will be back in the next three months while next Sunday, his timeslot will be filled by Sarah Geronimo for her new show titled "Sarah G: Live".

7 years of Goin Bulilit!

February 19, 2012 marks the 7th anniversary of ABS-CBN's longest-running kiddie gag show, Goin Bulilit! This special reunites our former Goin Bulilit presenters through the years, especially notable ones like Nash Aguas, Sharlene San Pedro, Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes, Igi Boy Flores, Miles Ocampo, and others. They relieve the very first ANO DAW joke that is related to the word, "SHOW", Kathryn "hit backs" the Goin Bulilit music video of "Bulaklak" and "Kiliti" mashed-up with female Goin Bulilit presenters from the past, some reunion gags to bring the good times roll, Sinetch Itey, Ginulungang Palad Rewind, and some Tita Glue on it.

That special 7th anniversary celebration episode made the former Goin Bulilit presenters' time to shine, bringing back their golden goodies that run the ABS-CBN kiddie gag show we love.

Goin Bulilit 7th anniversary

Sunday, February 19, 2012

...a public service announcement from Buwaya Foundation

What just happened on the February 19, 2012 episode of Lokomoko?

- Order! Order! The Lokomoko Gags are now in session! Guilty! Not Guilty! (The Court of Appeal may not mind this...)

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Bakit ang munggo kapag tumubo ay toge na ang tawag?

- Lokomerysal in a public service announcement from Buwaya Foundation

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Nagkakasakit din ba ang ipis kapag nadapuan sila ng kapwa ipis?

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Ano ang tawag sa tutong kapag nasunog ito?

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Malakas ba ang appeal ng mga taga Court of Appeal?

- Sinong may sala?

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Bakit sa hearing kailangan kang sumagot, 'di ba dapat nakikinig lang?

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Bakit nakaup ang taong nasa witness stand?

- Who's Line Is It...Anyhow?!

1) Lagi niyo nalang akong pinapakagat - Pustiso

2) Bakit pag tinitignan mo ako, lagi ka na lang napapaisip? - Kisame

3) Huwag niyo akong tawaging aso! Hindi ako aso! - Hotdog

4) Kailangan mo ba akong tapaktapakan para makarating ka sa pupuntahan mo? - Tsinelas

5) Eh ano kung hindi kita mapatawad? Tao lang din kasi ako! - Tindera

6) Basta hindi mo kakalimutan ang cut ko sa sweldo mo, magkakasundo tayo - B.I.R.

7) Listen, do you want to know a secret? Do you promise not to tell? Woooh...closer, let me whisper in your ear, say the words you long to hear. - Tsismosa

Volkswagen CC

2013 Volkswagen CC
2013 Volkswagen CC interior



Now, do you probably remember the Passat CC? Yes, this is Volkswagen's very first four-door coupe and considering as the poor man's CLS. Now, in my understanding that coupes are meant to be a sportscar with two doors but when the CLS was dubbed as the 4-door coupe, I really don't get it. The CLS is not a coupe because it is a 4-door premium sedan. The whole 4-door coupe thing was just a marketing gig but we're not doing a bit of history lesson shall we? We're talking about the Passat CC until now, you may no longer call it the Passat CC anymore because the new name for this updated version is simply "VOLKSWAGEN CC" so think of it as a debutante that is perfect for the rigodon dance. A DEBUTANTE. May be a minor change to the Passat CC but no, it's no longer be called Passat CC. Please don't be confused or you are going "search overload" for this.

Anyway, the Volkswagen CC features a distinctively new face that was derived from its big brother, the Phaeton, and it's younger brother, the Volkswagen Passat B7. This new face really provides more of an "exclusive taste" for the CC and I'm very impressed about how it looks. Much better than the old Passat CC in my opinion. The same old Passat CC back gets reworked with a new rear lamps and a new rear bumper. Now that is an improvement to keep it mountain dew fresh for today's standards.

Now, chances of playing a game of "Dashboard Spot The Difference" would become very high because the the old Passat CC interior was ditched and reworked to make it more user friendly for the new CC. The T-shaped gear lever was been thrown away to somewhat conventional and shaped like a hotdog. The air-conditioner gets reworked too and for the new CC, an analog clock was now been placed at the middle of the dashboard to add some luxuriousness on it. However, the CC still has the old Passat CC instrumental panel, that in my opinion, is not too understandable. With the CC accommodate four (or five) passengers, it's a very different story and for the best sound experience, 10 Dynaudio loudspeakers and advanced digital, powerful amplifier technology were applied as well.

Engines available on the VW CC includes a 1.8 TSi, 2.0 BlueTDI, 2.0 TSi, and 3.6 V6 engine. Most diesel-powered CC variants comes with an idling stop function and battery regeneration mode that recovers braking energy. Gasoline-powered CC variants will get battery regeneration functions but no idling stop. Most variants come with a 6-speed manual transmission while some come with a 6-speed DSG while the VW CC 1.8 TSi comes with a seven speed DSG transmission. The most powerful CC variant is the one with the V6 engine (the one with the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive technology) that produces 300PS of power while the most frugal CC variant is the one with the VV CC 2.0 TDi BlueMotion, the one with the fuel economy of 4.7L/100km. Those are all about choices for the new VW CC.

Interestingly, the VW CC comes with numerous features for some peace of mind, including the all new Side Assist Plus. The new Side Assist Plus combines the uses of Side Assist and Lane Assist, providing the combination and represents the functional extension due to its reliable and urgent warning in case of a specific hazard. This is important work. Also, it comes with fatigue detection system that detects waning driver concentration and alerts the driver with a sound that lasts for five seconds or a visual message displayed at the instrumental panel, telling the driver to take a break from driving. Numerous features include Light Assist (or optional Dynamic Light Assist), XDS transverse differential lock, and the next generation Park Assist system.

Available colors are Candy-Weiss, Reflexsilber Metallic, Light Brown Metallic, Black Oak Brown Metallic, Islandgrau Perleffekt, and Deep Black Perleffekt.

My comment:
It maybe a Passat CC facelift, but this car is no longer the Passat CC because the Passat naming has been dropped and it is known as VOLKSWAGEN CC. As I told you, don't be confused on the naming and think of this car as the debutante in the Volkswagen lineup. For every little piece, the poor man's CLS was redefined to be more luxurious as its siblings.

Photo: Volkswagen

Mazda CX-5 meets Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

2013 Mazda CX-5 in Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

Now this is somewhat interesting. Mazda USA pitches in Dr. Seuss' The Lorax for promoting the all new Mazda CX-5 crossover with SKYACTIV Technology! This is somewhat a collaboration between Mazda USA and Universal Pictures and this new Mazda CX-5 has uncompromised driving and it's TRUFFULA TREE FRIENDLY! Cute!

PRESS RELEASE:

IRVINE, CA - February 17, 2012: Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced its strategic partnership in support of the launch of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, in theatres March 2. From the creators of Despicable Me and the imagination of Dr. Seuss comes the much anticipated feature Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, a 3D-CG adaptation of the classic tale of a forest guardian who shares the enduring power of hope. Mazda was chosen as a strategic partner for the animated adventure because of its innovative SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY and commitment to empower consumers to make more informed choices for their families and the environment.

To activate the partnership, Mazda will launch a co-branded national Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax-themed commercial spot based around Mazda’s SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, which increases fuel economy without sacrificing performance. Mazda was able to work directly with the filmmakers to create a :30 and :45 version of the spot, featuring the all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 small crossover SUV travelling through the “Truffula Valley” featured in the 3D feature.

Mazda’s U.S. Director of Design, Derek Jenkins, contributed to the look of the commercial by working with his design team, which is based at Mazda’s R&D facility in Irvine, Calif. The team reviewed early sketches and, working closely with the filmmakers who created Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, delivered an animated version of the Mazda CX-5. This design was able to capture the proportion and basic look of the Mazda CX-5, while lending it a “Seussian” aesthetic that worked organically with the characters and the feel of the animated adventure.

The development of the spot was a unique collaboration between MNAO as a corporate partner, MNAO’s advertising agency, Garage Team Mazda and Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment and the Paris-based animation house Illumination Mac Guff.

The narrative of the spot features the “Seuss-ified” Mazda CX-5 travelling through the “Truffula Valley.” Around each curve in the road viewers see one of the animals featured in Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax and hear the benefits of Mazda SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY. The Lorax also is featured in the spot, and he is brought to life through the vocal talents of Danny DeVito, who voices the title character in the film.

“We’re proud to be working with so many talented individuals to bring to life this wonderful partnership with Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax movie,” said Don Romano, chief marketing officer, MNAO. “We take a strategic approach when it comes to partnering with other companies and with the launch of our all-new, fuel-efficient, performance driven SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, this seemed to be a natural fit. The collaboration and integration that went into creating these custom-animated spots featuring the Mazda CX-5 with SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY driving through ‘Truffula Valley’ is unprecedented.”

“The Lorax character’s view of the environment fits in exactly with Mazda and SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, so the two were a perfect match for a commercial,” said Illumination Entertainment founder and CEO Chris Meledandri. “By staying true to who the Lorax and other Truffula Valley animals are we were able to create a fun and engaging spot.”

Beginning tonight, the custom commercial will air nationally on targeted television networks and on March 2, the :30 spot will run in all theatres playing PG titles.

In addition to the TV and theatrical spots, the campaign will incorporate digital assets and social media applications to promote the film partnership. These include a dedicated co-branded Facebook page, a shareable applet and a banner on www.mazdausa.com, MNAO’s official website.

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax opens in theatres nationwide on March 2.


Video:

Audi A4 (B8) Range Minor Change

Audi's answer to the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the A4, was the kind of entry level luxury car that you may want to scoff and laugh about because unlike its rivals which are RWD, the Audi A4 only comes with either a FWD or quattro. This latest generation, designated as B8, is one step further to this entry-level Audi sedan and tourer that are targeted for the selected few. And now, at last, the Audi A4 B8 range deserved the big minor change it deserves.


2013 Audi A4
2013 Audi A4 Avant
2013 Audi A4 allroad
To keep the A4 B8 mountain dew fresh for the 2013 model year, Audi revamped the front and back to match the brand's "Vorsprung Durch Technik" slogan. The new front lamps were carried from the Audi A5 facelift and it comes with a slight wave at the bottom edges but customers would be interested in Xenon plus headlights as an option. Those LED daytime running lamps on the new A4 now creates a narrow, homogeneous band that takes advantage of the xenon lens. The rear lamps are also new as well. It was shaped to be more like the new Audi A8 in order for the new A4 to be one step ahead of its class. For the A4, it has three available models to choose from; one is the saloon version, the A4 Avant for those who need some space, and there's the Audi A4 allroad for those who are looking for some recreational machine.

2013 Audi A4 interior

The change is also implemented on the interior as well. There will be a selection of steering wheels with chrome and high-gloss inlays, with the leather sport steering wheel available by request. This would be somewhat a pick-and-mix choice for the customers to find the interior that well suits their personality. Aside from that, the MMI navigation plus system now offers four buttons to make a bit less complicating. Also, it can do Bluetooth connection with your smartphones, voice-controlled Google searches for points of interests and navigation with Google Earth pics, as well as Google Street View, which sounds convenient for the tech-savvy drivers. Lastly, the interior serves as a WLAN hotspot, providing passengers to surf the internet while they're stuck at traffic. Good mark for Audi, there.

So, what about performance? At the start and depending on the variant of your choice, the new Audi A4 is available in 1.8 TFSi, 2.0 TFSi, 3.0 TFSi, 2.0 TDi, 3.0TDi, and the 3.0TDi engine with clean diesel technology. The most fuel efficient of the Audi A4 range is the one with the 2.0L TDi engine that produces 136HP of power and it will have a fuel consumptions of 4.2L/100km on average, CO2 emissions of 112g/km. The new 1.8L TFSi engine on the new A4 comes with variable valve lift, thermal management, and direct fuel injection aside from its turbocharger that uses waste gases to force air into the engine more efficiently. Basically, it will have 120HP of power but other variants using the new 1.8L TFSi engine170HP of power and 320Nm of torque. Fuel efficiency, it is limited to 5.6L/100km and it has CO2 emissions of 134g/km. It's very eco. Oh, and I almost forgot. Most variants do come with a six-speed manual transmission but some may offer a multitronic CVT as an option. The quattro versions may come with an optional seven speed S tronic tranmissions.

Audi S4




2013 Audi S4



2013 Audi S4 Avant



2013 Audi S4 interior


The hardcore Audi S4, in sedan and Avant form, also gained a minor change as well, inside and out. It carries a 3.0L TFSi engine that produces 333HP of power an 440Nm of torque. It can go 0-100kph in 5 seconds and top speed limited to 250kph, which sounds too cheesy.

My Comment:
Keeping the Audi A4 B8 fresh is somewhat too cheesy for Audi to keep the "Vorsprung Durch Technik" tagline one giant leap ahead from its competitiors like BMW and Mercedes-Benz but still, it would always getting scoffed and laughed. With the introduction of the new BMW 3-Series F30, this Audi A4 facelift would be nothing more than a useless tool to me. I'm sorry Audi but neither you built a better A4 nor a good looking medium sedan for the chosen few. I could have hope for that...

Scoop: AUDI AG