Saturday, March 17, 2012

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

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

The IDOLM@STER MOBILE i


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



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


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

Anyway, let's start...

2013 Audi R8 teaser

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


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

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

2012 Lamborghini Aventador J

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


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


Well done, Lamborghini, well done.

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

2013 GMC Terrain Denali

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


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

2013 Subaru BRZ

2013 Toyota 86

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


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

Okay, I just read the news...

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


Very sad to see a pooch passed away...

Anyway and that's the news!!!

Third-generation iPad

The new iPad


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infiniti JX

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


2013 Infiniti JX


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


2013 Infiniti JX  interior


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

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

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

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

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

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

"Sagot sa headache"

On the March 16, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang

- Kung Fu gags

- Balitang News!

Balitang News


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

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

Bubble Gang does Saridon


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

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

Sumbong Sumbong kay Bonggang Bongbong


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

Ang Dating Doon


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- IyoTube in Stevie Wonder's Lately

Friday, March 16, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1) And now...

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

Whistle by Sporto Kantes

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


Welcome Back: 2010 Aston Martin One-77

A slightly obese front...


...a handcrafted interior...

...and a spectacular rear view.

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

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

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

Thursday, March 15, 2012

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

Honda NSX-R GT at the Top Gear studio


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Kaminomi Character CD.God Keima Katsuragi starring HIRO SHIMONO

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


Kaminomi Character CD.God Keima Katsuragi starring HIRO SHIMONO


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

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

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


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

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

Infinite Stratos VOCAL COLLECTION ALBUM

Infinite Stratos Vocal Best Album


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

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

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

TRACK LISTINGS:

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

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

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

Mahou Sensei Negima Volume 37


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

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

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



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

(Applause)

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

Let's Do The News (March 14, 2012)

It's White Day in Japan. Boys give their girls some biscuits, which is somewhat the opposite of what you've expect in Saint Valentine's Day last month. Anyway, now for the news! Let's start with something very sad....

Yesterday, rock legend Karl Roy passed away early morning Tuesday, March 13, at 1:01AM, at the age of 44. This was announced by Karl's sister, Kathryn Roy, on Facebook. Some say, he died in his home surrounded by members of his family. He died because of pneumonia according to his old colleague, the former drummer of Advent Call, Jay Alviar.


Very sad. Very sad to see one of Philippines' rock legends passed away in a blink of an eye. Also died was singer-composer, Bodjie Dasig, who's responsible for the song "Ale" and "Sana Dalawa ang Puso Ko". His death was announced by APO's Jim Paredes via Twitter. "Confirmed: Bodie Dasig, songwriter of 'Sana Dalawa ang Puso Ko', husband of Odette Quesada passed away today too. OPM just lost 2 greats,"


So, I was kinda disappointed that the Philippines has just lost not one but two music legends; the rock legend and the singer-composer. That really made me sad...

Okay, aside from making me sad, there's something that really bothered me. As you know, we really enjoyed watching the new fantasy show, Wako Wako. We've enjoyed it when it was premiered last week. I was getting bothered by someone asking who is the child actor in Wako Wako. Really wanna say who's that child actor who played as the main character of Wako Wako? Clue, he was in the Bear Brand Busog Lusog commercial and he was last seen in a GMA drama called Futbolilits.

Yogo Singh

Yes, that's Yogo Singh. No one else knows this child actor than I am.

Anyway, moving on...

2013 Renaultsport Clio 200 Red Bull Racing RB7

Just a few days left before the 2012 Formula One season starts in Australia, Renault launched a special edition Renaultsport Clio (Renaultsport Lutecia) 200 Red Bull Racing RB7 Edition that is colored in special matte black color with yellow accents on the F1-style splitter, side mirrors, and the rear diffuser. There are some Red Bull Racing decals as well. Now this is what happens when we see F1 drivers in their overalls driving for work. Let's not get excited yet because it's available only in France, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, and Austria, with pricing starts at 27,900 Euros.


Gosh that sweet, if I live in France. What about that one?

2012 Renaultsport Megane F1 Show Car

Those are Renaultsport Megane in F1 liveries but these are for show purposes only. You can't have them...

Anyway, I just watched a clip from Youtube that most of the sports cars are gathered in some airstrip in Subic Bay, most of them are members of an elite sports car club called "Trackhos". It's called THE MILE and this video is a 4-minute lust of exotics, luxury cars, sports cars, and more. Hey I can even see the RUF RT 12 from here! This clip is so good, it got an international recognition from Autoblog.




It's all about car lust and charity because proceeds from this event went to the Philippine Red Cross to help Sendong victims. What a generous treat from petrolheads in the Philippines. I really wish I want to be part of an elite car club of the Philippines, if I have the right car that is best suited for the club.

Listen, there are some utter bad news that a popular manga, Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei, is going to end in 9 more chapters. This was announced from the 15th issue of Kodansha's Weekly Shonen Magazine. Pretty soon, we really wanna say "Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei" in late May 2012.

Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei

Now for those who haven't know of that, it's about a depressed teacher who finds the deal with a class that really went absolutely and completely bonkers. This was launched in 2005 and last month, the 28th compiled book was published by Kodansha. It spawned three anime seasons and several OAD releases.


Ugh, now what? Poor us. Some of them think that it's their favorite but in May, it's all gone.

Also gone as Encyclopedia Britannica because for after almost two and a half centuries of publishing because the print edition became too difficult to maintain and wasn't the best physical element to deliver the quality of their database and the quality of their editorial.


Heh, seems that when Encyclopedia Britannica no longer makes print books due to today's trends but no matter. An encyclopedia will always evolve into new and exciting ways to meet up with today's standards. For a really good news, Britannica Online is now free for a full week beginning Monday.


Guess the internet is more better than books. Tsk. Tsk. I love books and I don't like e-books. Can the internet really be as better than old fashioned encyclopedia? Heh, can't tell...

...and that's the news! Coming up now, how do we say Sayonara to Mahou Sensei Negima!

The Wiesmann Identity crisis...

It may look British but it's handmade in Germany


Everybody knows this is the Wiesmann GT MF5, a cross-eyed curiosity that has the looks of a classic British sports car with German handcraft. There was a reason why the Wiesmann brothers shared their passion for classic British sports cars but don't be fooled by it's retro looks. This is somewhat the German equivalent to the Morgan Aero Supersport because both of them are retro-futuristic and the engines that powered were sourced by BMW. While the Morgan Aero has the engine of the BMW M3, the Wiesmann GT MF5 comes with a V10 engine sourced from the old BMW M5 E60, producing 507HP of power and 520Nm of torque. It was mated with a 7-speed sequential transmission connected to a variable differential lock. For safety, it comes with energy absorbing body parts, a stiff aluminum monocoque including a side-collision protection structure, and ABS combined with dynamic stability control. It was on sale since the second half of 2008 and the final production version will also be fitted with even more carbon-fiber aero parts at the buyer’s request.


With production of the BMW V10 engine ended in 2010, we thought that it would be hopeless for the production for the Wiesmann MF5 but "as life goes on" despite BMW no longer produced a V10 engine, Wiesmann remains optimistic that it would use the BMW twin turbo V8 engine for the GT MF5, which is exactly the subject I'll be tackling now...

Brand new or minor change? You decide...

Welcome everyone to the new Wiesmann GT MF5. When I say new, I would say that it was just some kind of minor change to Wiesmann's flagship sportscar that is handmade in Germany and packs exclusivity. At first look, it looks the same as the old GT MF5 but take a second look and you'll now have a front bumper spoiler, a new rear wing, and the 4.4L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine that powered the BMW M5 F10. It now has 555HP of power and 680Nm of torque. However, instead of a 7-speed sequential transmission connected to a variable differential lock, the new GT MF5 comes with a 6-speed sports automatic gearbox (steering wheel paddle shifters).

Does it really stick to the road like geckos?

Okay, the new Wiesmann GT MF5 may have been claimed that it's faster than the old GT MF5 because while the old one has a 0 to 100kph time of 3.9 seconds and top speed of 310kph, the new one has the same 0-100kph time but 1kph faster. On the downside, the new model is somewhat heavier than the old V10-equipped model. Despite that, it still comes with a Aluminium-monocoque body, bonded and riveted, high-quality glass fibre bodyshell, green tinted multilayer glass front window, and an arbitrary exterior paint. The front suspension still comes with an aluminum double wishbone suspension with coil springs and anti roll bar while the rear suspension also retains the aluminum double wishbone and trailing arm suspension with coil springs and anti roll bar.

Ready Set Gecko!

To see how did the new Wiesmann GT MF5 perform well with the engine that powered the BMW M5 F10, Forza Motorsport 4 invited me for a challenge at March's Rivals Event titled "Ready Set Gecko" where you have to drive the 2011 Wiesmann GT MF5 in STOCK ONLY, meaning no tuning allowed on this event. I was take part for some weekly Community Bounty Hunter event where I have to beat the lap time set by a new recruit from Turn 10 Studios, Community Writer John Schommer (Gamertag: Johniwanna), at the Ready Set Gecko event. The prize for beating johniwanna's lap time on the said venue was a unicorn car, which is the 2005 Honda NSX-R GT. However, I played using the settings that johniwanna used such as ABS ON, TCS ON, and ESC ON, but while he used the "Manual w/Clutch" setting, I used the "Manual" setting because sometimes I forgot to hit the clutch button sooner when I change gear. Don't worry because I learned how to used the "Manual w/Clutch" setting but that is enough. The 2011 Wiesmann GT MF5 has a 6-speed sports automatic gearbox so I'll stick to that. I only play with the settings recommended for the car. Here's what happened;

On the 1st day, I beat johniwanna's time.

On the 2nd day, johniwanna beat my time.

On the 3rd day, I beat johniwanna's time again.

On the 4th day, johniwanna beat my time again.

On the 5th day, I beat johniwanna's time...and that's it.

Mine was 02:10.589 while johniwanna's lap time is 02:11.598, so I was one of the lucky many to win that unicorn car...probably.

While I'm still waiting when will my NSX-R GT prize car arrive on my inbox, it's happy to say that the new Wiesmann has some potential. It maybe not as good as the old GT MF5 but it is keeping it up. It maybe more of a retro-futuristic sports car with a BMW engine but the Wiesmann is all about exclusivity and passion for the enthusiast. In reality, most Wiesmann models are built by hand and catered for the customer's individuality, no wonder why the Wiesmann's slogan is "Manufaktur Der Individualisten". Sadly, the new model is half-a-second slower than the old Wiesmann MF5.

As learned from the "Top Gear at the Movies" DVD, the Wiesmann makes it a perfect alternative as a James Bond car if Aston Martin doesn't exists.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Vauxhall Maloo VXR

2012 Vauxhall Maloo VXR


Students of Top Gear will remember this as the HSV Maloo R8 but this one's a little bit different from the one Top Gear fans saw because this one now is sold in Britain as a Vauxhall.

The Maloo naming is Aborigine for thunder but HSV's former managing director, John Crennan, said they coined the naming from a book of Aborigine places. Strictly speaking because it was made in the country that hadn't signed up to the Kyoto treaty, this isn't a pickup truck, it's a ute. It was the world's fastest ute ever made, with a top speed of 168mph. It lapped an impressive 1:27.1 round the Top Gear Test Track, on par with the Aston Martin DB9.

What's a ute? With thanks to Richard Hammond from Top Gear, it started out in the 1930's when a farmer's wife wrote to Ford Australia complaining that there was no car that can take her to the church on Sunday and the pigs to the market on the Monday. The answer was the ute and the Aussies have worshiped those ever since.

For the first time, the HSV Maloo R8 has arrived in the United Kingdom as a Vauxhall Maloo VXR and it's essentially based on the E Series 3 version of the Maloo R8. You now have a two-seater ute that features a unique shockwave grille on the front, daytime running lamps, quad exhaust outlets, remote locking hard tonneau with alarm protection, cargo bay liner and lamp, rear park assist, E3 sports alloys, and the Enhanced Driver Interface that was last seen on the latest version of Top Gear's favorite muscle cars, the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS.

Under the hood lies a 6.2 litre LS3 Generation 4 Alloy V8, the engine that once powered the Chevrolet Corvette. It produces 425bhp of power and 405lb-ft of torque. It would go 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds and top speed limited to 155mph. Combined fuel economy is 21mpg and CO2 emissions is 320g/km. It is mated with a 6-speed manual transmission.

You might think that this is just a piece of farm machine with a big engine on it, drag racing is all it can do. Not so because the Maloo loves corners thanks to its incredible traction, sportscar poise, a limited slip differential, and tuned suspension. However, the Maloo can be carried away and adding weight on the back doesn't work that well either.

My Comment:
This is the first time the Maloo has finally landed on the United Kingdom where it was sold now as a Vauxhall. Since it's encounter at Top Gear, we were very sure that the Maloo is the kind of Aussie muscle that definitely give us a laugh and it's here in the UK and it's available at selected Vauxhall dealerships rather than specialist importers. We like the Performance, Ride, Handling, and the safety features (perhaps this was governed by an electronic nanny). What I really don't like was the fuel economy but it doesn't matter. The Maloo is one heck of a party crasher and this Aussie muscle really made the rain transformed. Imagine that..."I am lightning, the rain transformed"

Mitsubishi version of the Nissan Fuga Y51 to revive the Proudia name?

2011 Nissan Fuga Hybrid


As we heard the news that a new Mitsubishi flagship sedan will be a rebadged version of the Nissan Fuga Y51, more news are speculating about the Mitsubishi version of the Nissan Fuga Y51. Some say, this Mitsubishi version of the Nissan Fuga Y51 will be named as the "Proudia", a name that you are familiar as the Japanese version of the Hyundai Equus when it was launched in 1999 up to 2001.

2000 Mitsubishi Proudia

About the Proudia, it is Mitsubishi's flagship sedan that was launched in Japan since the end of 1999. The Proudia name was coined from two words; proud and diamond (referring to the Mitsubishi logo), making it a perfect fit for Mitsubishi Motor's flagship. Under the hood, it comes with either a 3.5L V6 or a 4.5L V8 engine and both of them comes with Gasoline Direct Injection or GDi, that kind of technology we won't be getting that from the Philippines due to dirty fuel. Production ended in 2001 due to poor sales and when it was launched, no one got it until over 1000 units were sold for three years of existence along with it's Dignity limousine.

If those statements are true, count me in because we'll be expecting a Mitsubishi flagship sedan that was based on the Nissan Fuga...

Monday, March 12, 2012

I've never expected to get this...

In one episode of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond are on a challenge to find used cars that have similar pricing to the Nissan P_x_ (sorry, vowels bleeped to avoid search overload) compact car. Jeremy Clarkson bought a Mercedes-Benz CL600 W215 while Richard Hammond bought a BMW 850Ci, which makes it an extraordinary bargain and put them to a series of challenges, especially when Clarkson's CL won a drag race against Hammond's 850Ci. Also, Hammond's 850Ci is smothered with more germs than Clarkson's CL600. To find out, please purchase the Top Gear Season 17 DVD or Blu-Ray, out now.

This car is not Hammond's 850Ci but this one's way more of an enhanced version of the car Richard Hammond drove for the challenge. It was reviewed from the old Top Gear by Jeremy Clarkson. Some say this is the modern equivalent of the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL.

A perfect view to drive this classic German grand tourer

Yes, there was a BMW included on Forza Motorsport 4's March Pirelli Pack but I've never expected to get this...

This is the very rare, very beautiful BMW 850CSi, a car that was very close to the defunct M8 you can get. It may look staunch, very old, and went out of production, but this one is a modern classic car. Seems that I'm finally out from the ridiculousness caused by hours of driving the Renaultsport Clio 200 earlier in the game and this BMW is sublime. A car that can take you directly back to your childhood memories of playing this car from a very old video game to a very old gaming console. I think that this is definitely one of the most beautiful BMW sports cars ever made and I'll stick to that. That old 8-Series became the template of the 21st-century 6-Series when it came out in the market years ago.

Essentially, it was based on the 850i but the 5.0L V12 engine has been tweaked into a 5.6L V12 engine, producing 372 horsepower and 402lb-ft of torque. It can do 0 to 60 in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 184mph.

By modern-day standards, the 850CSi is not somewhat quicker than you asked but it was made to be more of a geek car. A two-ton supercomputer on wheels or a big V12 Game Boy might be best to describe the 850CSi but overall, it was just a wingless jet fighter.

In Forza Motorsport 4, if you have the March Pirelli Pack on board, the 850CSi is yours to keep for just 35,000 CR, making it cheaper than the 2010 BMW M6. What I got it here was just a hundred thousand's worth of dreams...

This would be perfect for the Japanese motoring magazine...

If you were some kind of a Japanese businessman driving this V12-powered BMW 8-Series and if you had a girl sitting next to you, she would say "You know what, I don't really understand what kind of a car you're driving" and he would show the scene; That Mt. Fuji, the touge, this car, and say "That's what makes a petrolhead". This is what I'm dreaming of; Driving the 850CSi at the twists and turns of Fujimi Kaido on FM4, doing this.

The 850CSi zooms away from the Kaido

As an advertisement for some Japanese petrol station, it's hard to think of anything which could beat this...probably...

Thank Forza Motorsport 4 for this ride that brings back my childhood memories...

Season 18 finale of Top Gear featured the BMW M5 F10!

BMW M5 F10 at the Top Gear Test Track


It was fun to enjoy the 18th season of Top Gear while it lasted. We witnessed the boys' struggles at Imola, we've introduced to The Stig's Chinese Cousin, Matt LeBlanc became the fastest star on a reasonably priced car, offroad mobility scooters, behind the scenes of the 2012 version of The Sweeney, Doctor Who meets Top Gear, Ferrari FF vs. Bentley Continental GT V8 on ice, Fisker Karma, Jeremy and James pays tribute to Saab, or we even meet up with the Brutus.

On the season finale of Top Gear, they have finally featured the much awaited BMW M5 F10 with such enthusiasm by Richard Hammond. If that wasn't enough, James May test drives the classic Ferrari 250GT California straight from Chris Evan's garage, Slash is the Star in a Reasonably Priced car, Top Gear goes rallying, and that's it.

That concludes Season 18 of Top Gear but they'll be back...soon. (Summer, perhaps?)

Annabelle Rama appeared on a Gandang Gabi Vice episode?

Gosh, I'm sure most of you already survived watching the March 11, 2012 episode of Gandang Gabi Vice because actress and talent manager Annabelle Rama showed up in front of Vice Ganda.

This is what happened when Petrang Kabayo meets Monster Mom for the very first time and reason why Gandang Gabi Vice is now rated SPG...remains unknown for now.

Still, it was fun to have Annabelle Rama guested on the March 11 episode of Gandang Gabi Vice...

Are you the third-generation Santa Fe?

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe sketch


So, could that be the new, third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe? Some say, it could be it and some say it will be premiered a the New York Auto Show this April. This new model will have a Storm Edge concept, which further evolves the brand's fluidic sculpture philosophy.

So, would that be enough to batter the Sorento R and the Captiva?

Sunday, March 11, 2012

On the Edge - Japan's 3.11 tragedy and one year later...

Tohoku region


On March 11, 2011, the Tohoku region from Japan has been heavily battered by the most powerful earthquake recorded in Japan and tsunami following a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi plant that caused much radiation and misery to many. There are compelling accounts of life before and after the 3.11 tragedy and some honest descriptions of their recovery, full of drama and incident.

Today marks the first anniversary of the massive earthquake and tsunami that destroyed Northeastern Japan but most people who live there are still working hard to recover from this mega disaster. As of yesterday, about 15,854 people died while 3,155 are remained missing. Most of the 340,000 evacuees are living in temporary shelter, mostly from Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefecture.


When that disaster happened, it seems that Japan has just went to their knees, considering the parts shortage, contamination concerns, power shortages, and most of the bad things happened in Japan. Moments later, it stood up again thanks to the generous support from all over the world.

For those from the Northeastern Japan, we are thinking about you and we wish you all the very best you can. That is my message to them and with one year passed, it seems that the Tohoku region still hasn't get away from their nightmares of last year's but I'm sure they'll find a way.

As a fan of all things Japanese, I surely wish for them to stood up again. The sun is rising for them.

Domo Arigato Mr. Zagato

Students of Top Gear will remember it as the Aston Martin V12 Zagato, the one that was seen on the news portion of one episode of Top Gear after James May test drove the new Aston Martin Virage. A letter from the boss of Aston Martin once said that the Nurburgring is the proving ground for every new Aston Martin model launched and there could be no better than the new V12 Zagato to be tested on that venue. That's why the Nurburgring is James May's least favorite place because there was a reason why most cars are getting uncomfortable because of their sessions at the Green Hell. Anyway, what is the V12 Zagato?

First off, its Aston Martin's endurance racer concept premiered on the shores of Lake Como, Italy at the 2011 Villa D' Este Concours D'Elegance, as a revival of a collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato since the original DB4GT Zagato.

The V12 Zagato pushing its limits at Catalunya
The Aston Martin V12 Zagato that was featured on Forza Motorsport 4 via the March Pirelli Pack, on sale now, aren't exactly what you supposed to be. This one is rather more of a Zagato racecar rather than the one as seen at the Villa D'Este Concours but never mind. What matters most is that we are finally getting to know more about the Aston Martin V12 Zagato as the stalwart of the March Pirelli Pack.

Basically, it was based on the Aston Martin V12 Vantage and it comes with the same V12 engine that powers the V12 Vantage. However, unlike the V12 Vantage, it's lighter because while the V12 Vantage weighs 3,704lbs, the new V12 Zagato racecar weighs 3,197lbs. so that is a lot of weight-stripping to make it a racebred car that was once tested at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. Naught to 60, it can do 4.1 seconds and top speed, it would go up to 189MPH. For braking distance, it would stop from 100mph to dead at 304.7ft. Those stats only tell half of the story.

There could be no better than the new V12 Zagato to
test through the Nurburgring

A certain lyric from a certain that goes "Secret, secret, I've got a secret" but there are no secrets under the skin of the V12 Zagato. When I tried this one on the Circuit de Catalunya, which of course the venue for this month's Rivals event, the Aston Martin's V12 Zagato's started to come alive. All that racing pedigree coming out after its experience from the Green Hell really pushed the players very hard through temptation, making it an absolute Forza 4 favorite since the Lamborghini Aventador last November, the Monster Sport SX4 last December, the Pagani Huayra last January, and the Audi R18 TDi last February. As for me, I love the Zagato's cornering thanks to its suspension and its rear spoiler to push the back. In fact, I would gladly not going to remove it's spoiler from the upgrade shop because it looks good on it.

The V12 Zagato in its Stig Sessions

Because this is just a racecar that needs some racing livery, most Forza Faithfuls love to spend their time creating unique liveries for the V12 Zagato. What I'm worrying now that there could be someone replicating the "Zig" or the "Zag" that were seen at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring last year. Yep, we're talking about the V12 Zagato racecars that went 5th and 6th in the SP8 class of the 39th ADAC Nurburgring 24-hour race. I'm getting nervous if I see one at the storefronts.

That doesn't matter because this V12 Zagato is all about being the most emotional racing machine ever built as a celebration of the original DB4GT's 50th Anniversary. When it showed up at the Villa D'Este since May 2011, it won the Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes, the award that triumphed the One-77 since 2009. It maybe a V12 Vantage converted into a endurance racer but this one really blows a punch through the opponents on the racetrack. I'm glad I was one of the lucky many to try one.