Saturday, September 1, 2012

The horror....the horror....the horror....

Eastern Coastline of the Philippines
has been battered by a 7.6 magnitude

A couple of hours ago, I've heard that the eastern coastline of the Philippines got battered by a 7.6 magnitude and some terrible aftershocks. I never thought how could that happened but my God, please help us. WE REALLY NEED THEIR HELP!

As of now, tens of thousands return home in Samar after a tsunami alert was lifted following a 7.6 magnitude undersea quake, as local authorities began work to repair damages to public infrastructure.I really do hope that after that terrible nightmare occurred, I do hope that those who are affected will do their best to stood up again.

Scoop: http://www.interaksyon.com/article/42039/tens-of-thousands-return-home-in-samar-as-tsunami-fears-subside

Pond Life

While building the anticipation for Series 7 premiere of Doctor Who, BBC made a five-part webisodes set before Asylum of the Daleks. This is called Pond Life and this online exclusive highlights moments on The Eleventh Doctor, Amy Pond, and Rory Williams, along with some other familiar faces. Seems that the BBC has kindly let everyone witness this five-part web exclusives that build the anticipation for the Series 7 premiere set tomorrow.




In my point of view, parts 1 to 4 are fun to see. Who would have thought that The Doctor laid down some backing vocals, Ood on the loo, and Rory's lunchbox....which is the most awkward moment occurred in the whole Who history? At the end of the final part of this online exclusive, that's how it gets emotional...

Everything is all right, isn't it?

So then....see you tomorrow for Asylum of the Daleks! Bring your friends! Arm yourselves with knowledge!

Until then, GERONIMO!!!!

"100 brush strokes, 0 worries of hair fall"

On the August 31, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Bubble Gags see cowboys escaping with their carriages

- job interview

- Mr. Assimo had an accident...

- What to put on your chin to be good looking?

- Bubble Gang does Pantene Pro V by spoofing this commercial as FUNTWIN Pro-V. 100 brush strokes, 0 worries of hair fall...

- job interview part 2

- It's the Pinoy Henyo for gays - PINOY JENYO!

- Pick Up Lines with Push Back, Bagoong, and Boy Pick Up!

- job interview part 3

- Capital letters too loud? Small caps letters can't hear? What about medium letters?!

- A Bubble Gang dramatic cooking show called DI KA NA MAGGIGISA.


Double decker racing in American Top Gear?

Okay, no offense right? But how come there's double decker racing in American Top Gear?

In the original, double decker racing was occured in Top Gear vs. The Germans episode and The Ashes Challenge episode (UK vs Australia). Here in the American Top Gear, different story...

After Rut and Adam lost the cult classics challenge even though Rutledge bought Tanner's winning Merkur for $600, those two visited Irwindale Speedway and meet up with Dax Shephard and Sean Hayes, stars on the new movie Hit and Run. These two arrived in the 1967 Lincoln Continental, a true cult classic.

Anyway, a BMW 3 bolted on the top of the 7 is weird for a double decker Bimmer. Fans of the original maybe familiar about the double decker racing but here...it's Rut and Dax vs. Adam and Sean. Carnage and stupidity occured.

In the end, Rutledge and Dax won the double decker racing. What a pillock....

Friday, August 31, 2012

Let's Do The News! (August 31, 2012)

Let's do the news! And oh, have you guys been on the Metal Gear 25th Anniversary party?

(audience murmuring)

Uh...I don't know if I was here. You?

Uh...no. But on that party, Kojima Productions really showed up their bombshells on that party. This is one quite of an interesting bombshell that shocked Metal Gear fans many.

What's the bombshell that Hideo Kojima blown on that party?

First, and really a big one, Columbia Pictures will produce the much awaited live-action film of Metal Gear Solid!

(applause)

Wha.....what? A live action Metal Gear Solid film? Seriously?

Yes. That is a bombshell explained and yes, Avi Arad, who is the producer of Spiderman movies, will be served as the producer for the upcoming Metal Gear Solid movie!

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-08-30/metal-gear-solid-gets-live-action-hollywood-film

I didn't realize that Mr. Hideo Kojima had a dream of wanting his Metal Gear masterpiece to be adapted to a film but is it worth the wait or is it a flop?

I don't know. But we have to find out in the near future. Aside for the live action MGS film in the works, Metal Gear Solid also gets social with its first ever social game called METAL GEAR SOLID SOCIAL OPS.

(oooohh)

Social...Ops?

Yep. Social Ops. A smartphone game as told by GREE and it will be based on earlier stories of the METAL GEAR saga. Amazingly though, Mr. Kojima didn't really want to expand the franchise upwards but they want to be on the right direction. Also, this new social game takes advantage of its Unity engine for 3D graphics. This is another one of their bombshells offered...

Yeah. Another bombshell indeed.

(audience laughing)

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-08-30/metal-gear-solid-gets-social-game-with-global-plans

On one note on that is, because it's made possible by GREE, it could be somewhat Japan-only...

No, May. Not only Japan but Konami plans to expand the Social Ops from around the world!

Really?

Yeah! And oh, for one last bombshell....

What is it?

Well, while on the hype for next year's REVENGEANCE, Kojima Productions tries to put their most talked FOX engine to their next Metal Gear game but this time, this is an open world Metal Gear game called GROUND ZERO.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-08-30/new-fox-engine-demo-is-an-open-world-metal-gear-game

Don't you mean METAL GEAR SOLID GROUND ZERO?

Yes. GROUND ZERO. Kojima said he wanted to test drive their FOX Engine for their new work but seriously, can the FOX Engine really be a good try for this new Metal Gear game?

Uhh....I don't know. Maybe more details will follow on the 2012 Tokyo Game Show next month.

Yeah. Next month indeed. Now they're really a bombshells we're looking forward to.

Uh-huh and oh! Bad news!

What?

I've just heard that Season 6 of the hit MTV reality series titled Jersey Shore WILL BE THE LAST!

Oh no! And oh, about that Jersey Shore....That was my sister Elise's favorite. JERSEY SHORE, B**CH!

(audience laughing)

Oh...that was the reality about idiots fighting each other, showing muscles, and my gosh....I can't believe that this rated-SPG reality show became a cult phenomenon. Sadly though, I didn't like that for being too harsh and what's the point of those adults doing outrageous stuff on cam?

(audience laughing)

Well, there's that dialogue that's been stuck on my head...JERSEY SHORE, B**CH! (laughing)

Scoop: http://ph.omg.yahoo.com/news/mtv-pulls-plug-jersey-shore-174946631.html

Anyway, while waiting to see the end of JERSEY SHORE, which is the most insane of the SPG-rated realities, anyone heard about hapless workers drowned in a septic tank at Ali Mall on Quezon City? I know. That's horrible for those who got stuck in a septic tank.

(awwww)

Yeah, what tragic happening occurred. That septic tank at Ali Mall was too severe for someone to repair it. That made me wondering about the whole septic tank story....Could there be a woman at the septic tank?

What?

You know, Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank...starring Eugene Domingo. Remember that film?

(audience laughing)

Hey Hammond. Hey! No time for septic tank hooligans We've got four drowned workers to worry about. No time for your rowdy behavior. Shall we move on?

Right and because it's just a few days before Series 7 premiere, that gave us thinking what to do while on the day of the world television premiere of BBC Doctor Who Series 7. For Whovians like you and me, there are many ways to do.

- In the UK, watch the series premiere of Doctor Who on BBC One and BBC One HD this September 1 at 7:20PM.
- For Americans, watch it on BBC America this September 1 at 9PM ET
- For Canadians, watch it on SPACE this September 1 at 9PM ET
- For our Aussie Whovians, catch it on the ABC iView website on September 2 at 5:10AM AEST.
- Missed the premiere or want to watch it again, buy this episode on Amazon.com Instant Video or iTunes on the day after it airs!

Wow! So many ways to watch the new season. And then who do you want to watch with?

I would by my friends, my family, my loved ones, even an whole army of Daleks, and even an Ood on the loo...

(audience laughing)

Ood on the loo?

...awkward....

Ood on the loo...

(audience laughing)

Take it easy. I would bring everyone from across time and space, even with my Time-Space Warp powers to watch the new season. I would bring them all to witness the return of Who. As always, NEVER APPLY LOGIC TO WHO...

Yeah...never apply logic to who. You're really sounded like a Whovian now. No wonder when did you became one of them. Are those Jelly Babies, fish fingers, custard, tea, and Jammie Dodgers ready on your table?

Exactly!

Great! See you on ASYLUM OF THE DALEKS! If you're brave enough to yell GERONIMO....(laughing)

Anyway, on the Paris Motor Show, Citroen will unveil it's answer to the Fiat 500C and it's called the DS3 Cabrio. It's like a DS3 but with the canvas top on it. Here it is, look...

2014 Citroen DS3 Cabrio

Uh-huh, it maybe Cabrio but this Sport Chic gets a canvas top just like the Fiat 500C. No doubt about it...


Oh...speaking of which, could that be the successor to the stupid Citroen C3 Pluriel?

It's either a yes or a no but we'll see about that next year.

Okay then.

Now, at the Moscow International Auto Show, Jaguar unveiled a more powerful XFR and this was called the XFR SPEED PACK. It may have a 5.0L V8 engine that churns out 510HP of power but now, it can get a top speed of 280kph thanks to its modified ECU, a front apron and a rear diffuser.


Yeah, hate to admit it but this is 20kph slower than the XKR-S, which is still my favorite Jag to drive around the racetracks.

(awwww)

Uh...yeah....Hey! As we know, the London 2012 is over but now, there's the London 2012 Paralympics which was held on the same venue as the London 2012 a few weeks ago. It runs on 29 Aug to 9 Sept. Currently, China is on the lead that bags 15 medals while Australia bags 9 medals, and hosting country Great Britain bags 7 medals. As we told, this event runs until September 9 so we'll check out for more, okay?

Right. And on that bombshell, that's the news and we'll leave you with some interesting news straight from the roundabouts.



3) Senator Sotto said...he was being cyber-bullied? Is it because of the infringement about the RH Bill?: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/-sotto--i-m-the-first-senator-to-be-cyber-bullied.html


5) Is German hypercar maker Gumpert in financial troubles?: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/gumpert-declares-itself-provisionally-insolvent/

6) Third generation Mazda Atenza revealed in Moscow: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/2014-mazda6-mazda-6-reveal-moscow/

7) The final chapter of Okami-San manga has been published. : http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-08-30/okami-san-manga-final-chapter-published

2013 Ford Taurus and 2013 Lincoln MKS

2013 Ford Taurus

Here it is. This is the 2013 Ford Taurus and this is somewhat the Evos-fied facelift of the sixth generation Taurus, which is the best Taurus I have ever witnessed upon its three-year tenure. For this latest refresh, we'd expected a new face inspired from the Ford Evos concept car, new gizmos loaded depending on which variant, and some new choice of engines to expect. There is now the new and improved 2.0L Ti-VCT EcoBoost l4 engine, which generates about 240HP of power, 270lb-ft of torque, and estimated fuel economy of about 26MPG combined. A 3.5L 24-valve DOHC Ti-VCT V6 was offered and also the one that I quite like. It's the SHO Version which comes with the 3.5L Twin Turbo Charged Direct Injection EcoBoost V6 engine that peaks out about 365HP of power. All Tauruses have a conventional 6-speed Auto but the SHO comes with paddle shifters.

2013 Ford Taurus interior

Sure the interior remains the same but it appears the hard drive's have been completely new or in translation, Ford added the MyFord Touch with the a new head unit with 8" touch screen, steering wheel and interactive gauge cluster. There's more;  a heated steering wheel, all new Sony sound system featuring HD Radio and iTunes Tagging, Multicontour seats with Active Motion (massage), push-button start, auto high beams and a rear view camera were there to keep it a bit more luxurious. 

Anyway, word from the devil, the 2013 Taurus is a bit more refined for an average salaryman who wants to go out for work but for the SHO version this car is about as feistier as <! --metaphors involved!! -- > Nina Williams. Uh-huh, the sport-tuned shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars and strut mount bushings on the SHO really made it as sharp as a European sedan with added flying kicks. It's not as dynamic as an American muscle car but it's as mild as a Porsche and because it's 4WD, too much grip. No matter though, it's still more like a feisty female video game character I know but what if for those who don't want something feisty?

To put it this way, the standard 2013 Taurus costs about $26,600 up to $39,200 for the high-performance SHO. Actually this is a lot cheaper than any other European sports saloons I know but if the Taurus is not too luxurious, what's the point with this?

2013 Lincoln MKS

This is the 2013 Lincoln MKS. Even though this is a Ford Taurus in Lincoln's clothing, this facelift is a bit more...irritating to my eyes. It's like Cybermen vs. Daleks trying to design something but hey, this weird looking front face feels like it's even more scarier than the Weeping Angel but on the inside...well that's a different story.

2013 Lincoln MKS interior

That's a completely new interior for the 2013 MKS here. There's now the new MyLincoln Touch feature that allows me to make and receive phone calls hands-free, or even browse and play my favorite songs with voice recognition.

Although it uses the same platform as the Taurus, the MKS is offered with the 3.7L V6 engine or the high performance 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. Because I'm sticking on the EcoBoost story, that engine generates about 365HP of power, same as the 2013 Taurus SHO. While the 3.7 V6 is FWD (with the optional AWD), the EcoBoost variant is 4WD, same case but sadly, the Lincoln MKS doesn't have the adjustable suspension as the Taurus. I'm afraid the driving feel for the MKS is a bit of faff. A BIT OF FAFF. Didn't like how it behaves because it feels like a Japanese luxury car that was made for the accountants, geography teachers, and someone named Brian.

Another concern was its pricing as the standard MKS with the 3.7L engine on it costs about $42,810, twice as the normal Taurus. So then, it's your choice really, you can either have the feisty one or the one that is a bit of a faff. Sadly though, both of them will lose. Just saying...

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Renault Samsung SM3 L38 Minor Change

2013 Renault Samsung SM3

The second-generation Renault Samsung SM3 (L38) was been there for three years and this car deserves a minor change. Well, it happened now. The L38 SM3 now gets its facelift and this should be interesting.

SMART LIFE

For its facelift, the SM3 now has a new front design that provides modern dynamism for this car. This front grille on the facelifted SM3 seems like it came from the Kia Morning. Familiar? Afraid not but this new look is all about being stylish midsize sedan for the Korean yuppies. The 17-inch alloy wheels have given a new look to give it a bit more feel. Those redesigned front lamps, side mirrors, side body kit, refined door handles, and some cosmetic upgrades really try to keep the SM3 fresh and rejuvenated. On the inside, that's a different story because the instrumental panel's new to us and it's called Dynamic Color Digital Crystal. That seems to be somewhat familiar but this new instrumental really gives a clear view on the speed, the rev, the status, anything. However, the Dynamic Color Digital Crystal is not just new to this model, there's one thing that I really like and it's the new SM3's SMart Connect. This feature allows this navigation system's firmware to be updated via Wi-Fi and not just that, it gets you access to SK Telecom's MelOn mobile music portal service. That name is familiar for K-POP fans many because of the MelOn Music Awards but for those, MelOn is SK Telecom's mobile music portal service which is the world's first wired and wireless interworking music service that allows you to enjoy your favorite tunes anytime and anywhere. It's legal, you are first to listen the world's best songs, and SK offers real-time streaming and downloads through its Music Rental Service.


Speaking of music, the BOSE Surround System was equipped on the more expensive versions to provide a better sound quality while driving. Listening to your greatest hits never sound so good on an everyday midsize sedan. Also, there is a massager on the driver's seat, heated seats, Samsung Plasma Ionizer, perfume diffuser, 3 zone aircon, and this smart i navigation feature. All those conveniences really add a nice touch on the revised SM3.

We're now into the twilight zone which is the performance. As of now, the SM3 offers only the 1.6L gasoline engine generates about 117HP of power and 16.1kg-m of torque. Because it was mated with the new XTRONIC CVT, the fuel economy is now 15km/L and CO2 emissions of 114.0g/km. It's now even more economical than ever because what Renault Samsung says that this is the best-in-class fuel economy.

Available colors are; Ultra Silver, White, Black, Mars Gary, Pearl White, Ebony Brown, and Oriental Red.

My comment:
The 2013 SM3 is not just even more dynamic in terms of exterior design but it's now made to be more technological thanks to its SMart Connect feature that Korean yuppies would make sense of. Sadly however, I didn't like it. That's it.

Photo: Renault Samsung Motors

A Russian supercar is going to be featured in Most Wanted

Marussia B2

While every Need For Speed fan is craving for the upcoming Most Wanted video game, to be on sale in late 2012, there's another twist for this upcoming game. THEY'VE ADDED A RUSSIAN CAR! That's right! Need For Speed became the first to feature a Russian car! Specifically, this. the Marussia B2.

What's Marussia? Marussia was a Russian sports car maker founded by a former racing driver Nikolay Fomenko, renowned brand strategist Efim Ostrovsky, and award-winning technology entrepreneur Andrey Cheglakov in 2007. This company may be small but they have big dreams ever since the unveiling of its maiden car, the B1, in Moscow since 2008.

The Marussia B2 was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show and it serves as an evolution of Russia's first supercar.Under the bonnet lies a turbocharged 2.8L Cosworth engine that develops either 360 or 420HP of power and 600Nm of torque. In max power mode, this car can go 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds and it can go over 250kph (150mph) of top speed. A 3.5L V6 engine was also offered, which generates 300HP of power.

Because it only weighs about 1100kg and armed with a pushrod suspension, the Marussia B2 makes it perfect to slip past against your rivals. Not only that, this is perfect when you're being chased by the cops because of the handling that makes you slip past law enforcers.

Need For Speed Most Wanted is coming this October 2012.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Forza 4 announces September Pennzoil Car Pack

Summer's over and autumn's just around the corner. For a proper summer send-off, Forza Motorsport 4 announces September Pennzoil Car Pack featuring 11 cars ranging from legendary classics, two SRT Viper GTS-R's, a Citroen DS4, and the van from the A-TEAM, specifically the GMC Vandura. Available September 4, 2012 for 560MSP, you'll be getting...

2013 Viper #91 SRT Motorsport GTS-R
2013 Viper #93 SRT Motorsport GTS-R
1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
1958 Austin-Healey Sprite MKI
1953 Chevrolet Corvette
1965 MG MGB GT
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR
1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
1983 GMC Vandura G-1500
2011 Citroen DS4

Scoop: http://forzamotorsport.net/en-us/September_Pennzoil_Car_Pack/

Nissan Note E12

Anyway, we are very sad to say goodbye to the Nissan Tiida. No, we're not actually because this car's rubbish.

Right, we must unveil its replacement for the Tiida Nissan killed earlier. What do you think it is?

(audience talking)

Invitation? No. It looks like the Nissan Invitation concept car from Geneva, it isn't one.

Haven't learned of it at all eh? Can we show it?

Here we go!

This is the BIG moment!

2013 Nissan Note

It's a NISSAN!

(applause)

Specifically...the Nissan...

(applause continues)

...the Nissan Note E12, the second generation Nissan Note! This is the car that replaced the Nissan Tiida hatchback for good but made it redundant as a replacement. Anyway, the all new Nissan Note is the first ever Nissan to come with the all new HR12DDR supercharged 1.2L (DIG-S) engine that produces 98PS of power and it will go on with the class-leading fuel economy of 25.2km/L in the JC08 scale! The new Note also offers the HR12DE engine as offered from the Nissan March K13, which promises 22.6km/L of fuel economy! They're all mated with the new generation XTRONIC CVT that is now lighter, more compact, and surprisingly smoother!

2013 Nissan Note interior

Engineered in Europe, built in Japan, finished in blue, and its on sale next week to you for a reasonable 1,249,500 Yen!

2013 Nissan Note MEDALIST

That is reasonable but, the all new Nissan Note sees an all new variant and this trim level is familiar to Nissan fans many because that trim level name came from the deceased Nissan Laurel. It's called the MEDALIST and what you get on the Nissan Note Medalist are plated door handles, exclusive Beatnic Gold body color, suede-like cloth seats and artificial leather, piano-like center cluster finisher and genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel. This is when compact meets luxury!

For the first time ever, the all new Nissan Note now comes with the Around View Monitor, a first for this class, standard on MEDALIST and as a factory-installed option on X/X DIG-S/X-FOUR. This feature takes full use of four cameras installed in the front, both sides and rear. For an even bigger treat, the the Around View Monitor can be found...nope. Not on the sat-nav. It's on the rear view mirror! Fabulous!

2013 Nissan Note Autech Rider

For something sporty? Well, AUTECH Japan's got you covered with this Rider model. The Autech Rider version of the Nissan Note provides some sporty character thanks to its unique aero kit, 15-inch rims, available Fujitsubo muffler, and the AUTECH Rider emblem at the back to make sure this is the real thing.

Available colors? Well, because the Beatnic Gold Metallic being the exclusive color for the MEDALIST model, the available colors for the 2013 Note are Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Dark Metal Gray Metallic, Super Black, Radiant Red Pearl Metallic, Sonic Blue Pearl Metallic, and Aurora Mauve Multiflex.

PRICE LIST:
1.2 S - 1,249,500 Yen
1.2 X - 1,298,850 Yen
1.2 S DIG-S - 1,449,000 Yen
1.2 X DIG-S - 1,499,400 Yen
1.2 Medalist - 1,674,750 Yen
1.2 X FOUR - 1,557,150 Yen

Goodbye to the Tiida

Sorry if I had to get that stat from Top Gear, anyway, every year in Britain, over 2 million cars faced their deaths to the crusher and then, their parts got recycled into something else. Tires turned into carpets, dashboards turned into furniture, bodywork turned into washing machine. This whole recycle stuff is a bit cold and merciless to those cars who passed away.

That made us sad because cars are more than just tools to some, they're memories. One such example was the old Toyota Tamaraw. This car was not made to be displayed at the Concours D'Elegance in the Philippines but it was belonged to a long list of families for years. That car take mom from hospital when their kids were born. They took their kids to school, and then when the kids were grown up, it served as a one way ticket to freedom. Sadly, the old FX will face its maker because when a car dies, it serves as a death of a member of a family.

Now, we find ourselves in that very position because we now bid farewell to a certain Nissan.

Nissan Tiida

The old Nissan Tiida that was launched in Japan in September 2004. As a machine, it wasn't destined to set the automotive industry a light but it certainly set some memories. Think about The Secrets of Tiida. There are so many secrets why the Tiida is truly a global small compact. Compact meets luxury, that's why the Tiida was born to be. What a life has been....



But now, the Nissan Tiida is at the end of its life and because of the circumstances that Nissan will never ever sell the Tiida C12, as seen in last year's Shanghai Auto Show, in Japan, we regret that the TIIDA MUST DIE.


Tiida may die here...

But before we ever kill the Tiida, we decided to give it a proper send-off by lapping this car round the Top Gear Test Track. Are the annotations ready?



The Nissan Tiida did it in 1:43.876, so...we'll be killing the Tiida now because Nissan stop producing the Tiida in June 2012 and it will joining the list of this year's Japanese cars we bid sayonara and they're headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky such as the Honda Legend, Honda Inspire (Accord), Toyota Belta, Daihatsu Copen, Toyota Blade, Pajero Mini, and the Mazda RX-8. What should we do to say sayonara to our heroic Nissan Tiida?

Simple, we'll crash the Nissan Tiida, full speed ahead but no. We're not doing that. We'll be using Forza Motorsport 4 to kill the Nissan Tiida by our own bare hands. Apparently, this was the right thing to do for the Tiida because if I was a Japanese compact car being driven by customers worldwide a million times, this is fate I want to choose. The Nissan Tiida compact car will be doing seppuku (åˆ‡č…¹), which is a form of Japanese ritual suicide by disembowelment, but this is a different kind of seppuku. With enough speed, the Nissan Tiida will be easily disintegrate when crashed. That's right. It's a harakiri (č…¹åˆ‡ć‚Š) for the Nissan Tiida.

Nissan Tiida before its hara-kiri

With the assembled mourners looking resplendent in high-visibility jackets, the hara-kiri ritual commences...

Nissan Tiida
Nissan Tiida interior





The Nissan Tiida's dignified seppuku...nearly

And there we are. A dignified seppuku....nearly...

That's pretty shoddy. I was suppose to think that it should be disintegrated into many bits but I mean look at that...oh my God...

REST IN PEACE, NISSAN TIIDA

2004 - 2012

May the Driving Gods bless your soul

(applause)

You idiot...

What?

You idiot...

What?

This was supposed to be a seppuku for this car but what's this? It's lame! That's not what a seppuku the Nissan Tiida supposed to do...

Oh...

Anyway, we are very sad to say goodbye to the Nissan Tiida, but we're not because it's rubbish...

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Let's Do The News! (August 28, 2012)

And now the news, now Toyota's G's or G Sports is what Nissan is for Autech and what Honda is for Modulo. Earlier, we've examined the facelifted 2013 Toyota Mark X and just announced that there is now the much awaited Mark X G's sports conversion model. Here's the pic...

2013 Toyota Mark X G's

2013 Toyota Mark X G's

Hmmm...interesting bit Hammo, looks even more better than those prototypes we saw from the past Tokyo Auto Salons and hey...is this the final production model? Is this really the real Mark X G's?

Exactly. It's the real deal. Gazoo-related handling upgrades and aero kits were placed to give it some more sharpness to the Mark X and it's available on models such as the 350S and 250G S Package, the Sports Type as we know it.

So...how much were those?

About 4,200,000 yen for the 350S G's and 3,590,000 yen for the 250G S Package G's. They'll be in the TOYOPET showrooms this October, as Toyota said.


Speaking of which, is the G's sports conversion version of the Mark X looked even better than some of the customize car lineup? I mean look at these...

2013 Toyota Mark X

There's this exterior dress up parts for the 2013 Mark X. Does that satisfy you?

Uh no....

What about the TRD Sportivo version?

2013 Toyota Mark X

Uh...yes but sadly, it's a bit too flashy...

Then what about this? Modellista version of the 2013 Mark X?

2013 Toyota Mark X

Well yes, but specifically, I'd prefer the +M SUPERCHARGER  version. Toyota Mark X +M SUPERCHARGER adds supercharging on its 3.5L V6 engine and it produces about 360PS of power. That's the thing I like if the G's version is not good enough.

(oooohhh)

Yes, indeed. I'd agree to that but...OH!!!

What is it?

I've just heard that there's another DLC catalog for the PS3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 and guess what?

What?

For good news though; they picked up costumes as seen from the XBOX 360 version such as Hot Summer Citrus, Twilight Safari, and Honeycomb Astronaut. Bad news though, they had new costumes made specifically for the PS3 version such as the highlight of the DLC Caralog 11 known as...

Known as what? Is this going to piss them off?

Full Bloom Yukata Dress. Also exclusive for the PS3 version was the black bikinis as seen on THE IDOLM@STER G4U Vol. 6.



That really disappoints us. As we know, XBOX 360 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 has better costumes than the PS3 version. As we told, how come they're different when it comes to downloadable content? PS3 exclusive DLCs for THE IDOLM@STER 2 is a bit very very rubbish as we knew it...

Yeah...and in case you wanna know what I have in my hand....can you guess what I'm holding?

Uh....

SEVERAL GUESSES LATER...

Nope. You're wrong. Because, I have this!

TARDIS Self-Destruct Device?

A cookie?

Nope. It's the TARDIS Self Destruct Device. There's a TARDIS around this house and if you guys don't shut up, I might was well blow this whole place with you on it!! Get it? I'll blow you away with a push of a button.

TARDIS...Self Destruct device? Is that really a TARDIS self destruct device?

(eating) Uh no. Just a jammie dodger. Jammie dodgers.

(audience laughing)

TARDIS Self Destruct device is non existent. Just jammie dodgers.

(eating) Yeah, but I'd promise some tea. Imagine if I went head to head against the Daleks and showing these to them, thinking that I'm going to take them with me when I use this...TARDIS self destruct device....

...and Daleks know that it's not a real thing and then you eat it, saying that it's a jammie dodger. We saw that....Jammie dodger fan...

(audience laughing)

Speaking of jammie dodgers, the US screening of Doctor Who Series 7 opener titled Asylum of the Daleks went out very successful. Very successful indeed and oh, can you guess the ride that Matt and Karen rode to the premiere?

It's a DeLorean.

DeLorean? Taking The Doctor and Amy to New York for the premiere? Riding in another time machine? What a card. (laughing)

Yeah, kinda embarrassing to see Doctor Who riding shotgun in the DeLorean time machine from Back to the Future trilogy movies. But hey...speaking of jammie dodgers, are they ready for Saturday?

Yes. We're ready. From fish fingers, custards, jammie dodgers, and some tea. We're ready for Saturday's TV premiere of the 7th season of Doctor Who. BBC One, BBC One HD, BBC America, Space, they're all ready to go.

Okay. Enough about that now, and let's warn folks around the Philippines that Typhoon Igme returns to the Philippines and cause too much misery for us until Wednesday. Too much mystery...

Huh? Typhoon Igme returns? But why?

Fujiwara effect due to Typhoon Julian.

Oh, okay. Anyway, stay safe folks!

Right. Anyway, just only two races left for this year's IndyCar 2012 season and in Sonoma, there's been a drama out there. It seems that Ryan Hunter-Reay's been upset about Alex Tagliani's results in last week's Sonoma race. Here's the clip....



Hunter-Reay's reaction, the incident, and Tagliani's explanation really added the drama on IndyCar. Anyway,  have you guys seen the NASCAR IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway?

(audience murmuring)

Yeah, we've seen Danica Patrick's horrible crash on that venue but luckily though, she survived....just...



What luck for Danica Patrick to survive a horrible crash. Let's admit that NASCAR is definitely one of the most dangerous motorsports of all time because of crashes always occur because of racers getting too close for a slipstream. Glad I'm wasn't part of this race...

(audience laughing)

Me too...and speaking of which, we were kinda emotional for Atsuko Maeda leaving AKB48 for good. Right before she packed her bags and wave goodbye to Japan-favorite AKB48, she said that she wants to study in the USA, one part of USA to be precise, New York.

(oooohhh)

Uhhh....

...and speaking of which, because she left AKB48, the Atsuko Maeda's no longer being under AKB48's ban on romance. I mean seriously, it's the rule that no AKB48 member has romantic connections whatsoever unless you are graduated. I mean yeah, Atsuko Maeda now left AKB48 and now, she's free to do whatever she wants.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-08-27/akb48-atsuko-maeda-wants-to-study-abroad-in-new-york

Speaking of which....we just heard that in the authors' comments section for Square Enix's Monthly Gangan Joker magazine, the manga artist named Eito Chida said that the manga version of Hanasaku Iroha has come to an ending in the October issue this September 22.

(awwww)

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-08-26/hanasaku-iroha-artist-eito-chida-reveals-manga-end

Very sorry if we've seen you spitting your coca-colas in front of your desks or doing some unpredictable stuff but indeed it's bad news for the fans of Hanasaku Iroha. This really is a bombshell and that's the news!

Toyota Mark X Second Generation facelift

Anyway, the Toyota Mark X, when this second generation was launched in October 2009, the catchphrase "SAMURAI X" kinda stands out to its personality because when you look at its design, it feels a bit more razor-sharp but sadly though, the performance isn't a bit too razor sharp as expected. So now, there's a new version...

Drive New X.


2013 Toyota Mark X
2013 Toyota Mark X

For its latest facelift, it appears that the triplicate headlamp from the previous model is gone and now replaced with something a bit more knife-edged. On the rear view, everything's a bit changed now. It appears that this latest version of the second-generation Mark X is getting a bit more dramatic, a bit more razor sharp, and it kinda feels like it gets a different tint.

2013 Toyota Mark X
2013 Toyota Mark X

As before, the Mark X comes with three types to choose from; the Standard Type provides a well-balanced proportion; the Premium Type provides excellent comfort for executives, and the Sports Type, which is more suitable for seasoned car enthusiasts who are looking for real action.

2013 Toyota Mark X interior

Toyota didn't really bothered the interior at all. You'd still expect the 8-way adjustable front seats, luggage space, optional rear sunshade, climate control, smart entry and start system, optional sunroof, optitron meters whose speedo still reads up to 180kph, common to all Japanese-made cars, and an available HDD navigation system featuring G-BOOK Ver. 2.0. This is all fine but what's the point of having a mid-cycle facelift for a car that is as sharp as a...biro?

Engine choices? Well, as before, the Mark X still offers two engine types; one is the V6 3.5L (2GR-FSE) engine with the power output of 318PS at the fuel economy of 10.km/L JC08 and the V6 2.5L (4GR-FSE) engine with the fuel economy of 11.8km/L JC08. Furthermore, none of these cars are economical, even when you put them with a Super Electronically Controlled Transmission (Super ECT) 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

2013 Toyota Mark X's prices start at about 2,671,000 Japanese Yen for the 250G Four F Package up to 3,900,000 Japanese Yen for the top of the line 3.5L PREMIUM model. There are now 9 variants to choose from. 9 variants. That's it. No complaining. They're all available at your nearest TOYOPET dealerships.

As for the coloring, the 2013 Mark X has White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Ice Titanium Mica Metallic, Black, Dark Red Mica Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica.

My comment:
Sure, it maybe a minor change for the second-generation Mark X but even with its newly aggressive exterior, it's still not as razor sharp as a sword indeed and for the worst of all, it's a bit nasty and dry. Don't think that this car works fine on the road because...it's still a bit dry and feels like a normal boring executive saloon. If you're driving one of these to the restaurant, people think you're a bit too nerdy and this car only works if you're an accountant, if you're going out on a country club, and only if you're a sempai.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Audi A3 Typ 8V

2013 Audi A3

2013 Audi A3 interior

On the front, it does look like the Audi A1. On the interior, it's also looked like the A1. The back? Same issue, looks like the A1. I know, I know, this kind of Audi though, it kinda looked like the A1 but...this is somewhat an enlarged A1 in my mind. What it is, is the first Audi to come served with the Volkswagen Group's new MQB platform. This is the all new, third generation Audi A3, the compact hatchback targeted for the yuppie generation has been regenerated to look like the A1 but it so isn't!

What exactly is this MQB platform anyway? It probably is the acronym for Modularer Querbaukasten or modular transverse matrix, which means that the engine is transversely mounted. In the future, Volkswagen Group says that over 60 vehicles will use this new generation platform and best of all, this new platform is flexible enough to allow individual models to have a variety of wheelbase, track and external dimensions. Seems that Audi's should be positive enough to regenerate the TT in the not too distant future, he he he....

Anyway, on to that Audi A3, one of the Volkswagen Group cars to be fitted with this new flexible MQB platform that the next Seat Leon and the next Volkswagen Golf will be wearing, I was so amazed that the length, width, and the wheelbase has been extended and even more wider than the previous model and there's more; Audi ultra lightweight technology propelled this new A3 on a diet that lost 80 kg (176.37 lb) in weight. Sounds like the A3's regeneration does involved on bulimia and anorexia perhaps.

The interior wasn't pretty bad either even though it's still a typical Audi interior. In the more expensive versions, most yuppies do get tons of gadgets inside such as this lovely Bang & Olufsen sound system, Audi MMI navigation plus, and get this, wi-fi hotspot so I have some time Facebook-ing, twitter-ing, or instagram-ing something special while I'm stuck on traffic. Oh wait, I would better instragram a picture of me in the new A3. Come on, wacky! Wacky! Wacky!

2013 Audi A3

For the engine choices though, well, thanks to the MQB platform on the new A3, we're expecting newly developed engines to be fitted by choice. There was this 1.6 TDi and 2.0 TDi variants that sport with the newly developed EA288 range of diesel engines with lowered friction, better thermal management and relocated twin-balancer shafts to reduce vibration. 

The 1.8 TFSi and the 2.0 TFSi though, they do come with the EA888 range but with Valvelift on exhaust cam and variable cam plus, some dual injection system that makes the more powerful....um guess only the 1.8 TFSi was implemented with these changes.

Lastly though and the most vital in the new A3 was the EA211 range. The VW up! was first to use this range but Audi came first to have the four-cylinder grade of the EA211 range. On the 1.4 TFSi variant, we're expecting about 122HP of power and 147lb-ft of torque.

Most models are equipped with the 6-speed manual but the 1.8 TFSi variant is served with the 7-speed double clutch transmission which promises quicker shifting than conventional paddle shifters.

By the tallies, the most fuel efficient of the A3 lineup was the one with the 2.0 TDi engine that consumes about 4.1L/100km. Most powerful was the one with the 1.8 TFSi engine that generates about 180PS of power. End of message.

Prices start at around 22,500 Euros for the entry level variant with the 1.4 TFSi engine while the top of the line model will cost you 29,700 Euros.

Colors to choose from? AmalfiweiƟ, Brillantrot, Brillantschwarz, Belugabraun Metallic, Dakotagrau Metallic, Eissilber Metallic, GletscherweiƟ Metallic, Monsungrau Metallic, Scubablau Metallic, Shirazrot Metallic, Misanorot Perleffekt, and Phantomschwarz Perleffekt.

My Comment:
The newly regenerated Audi A3 does look like an enlarged Audi A1 but because of its new MQB platform developed by Volkswagen, it's now lighter, more rigid, and it gets even more emotional in terms of performance and handling. It can be as cool as a fez your wearing on but sometimes it can be as pointy as a yardstick your dog would love. If you were a college student driving with one of these, don't think that it will attract more attention on you. They'll think that you're a massive show-off and here's another thing; if you're driving this one at some reunion party, your friends think you're a bit of a schlep. Although, I find it very pleased about this new A3 but for me, I think it needs a bit more refinement. I would rather go for the Volvo V40 instead...

Photo: Audi A.G.

Let's Do The News! (August 26, 2012)

Location: Someone else's office
Date: August 26, 2012
Time: 04:00 (Philippine Standard Time)

One day...someone went in to someone else's office. We won't know his name but on that office, he turned on the lights and it turned out that it's that man who's in charge of the office. In his office, he opened the safe using the right combinations and inside the safe comes with a confidential documents. He carefully inspect one of the confidential documents and then...

Hmmm....let's see now...hmmmm....This looks new...

The confidential documents turned out to be the NEWS and it begins with this....

File No. 1:
Philippine president, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, appointed Maria Lourdes Sereno as the country's first female Supreme Court chief justice, replacing Renato Corona after he was impeached due to constitutional violations.

Scoop: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/aquino-appoints-sereno-to-be-the-philippines-1st-female-supreme-court-chief-justice/2012/08/24/10bdaa46-edd4-11e1-b624-99dee49d8d67_story.html

File No. 2:
The "Man on the moon" legend, Neil Armstrong, died at the age of 82. He was well known as the first human to step on the moon.

Scoop: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/neil-armstrong-first-man-to-step-on-the-moon-dies-at-82/2012/08/25/7091c8bc-412d-11e0-a16f-4c3fe0fd37f0_story.html

File No. 3:
Cyclist Lance Armstrong stripped off his 7 Tour de France titles by the USADA after he refuses to take doping tests. Gets worse, the USADA banned Lance Armstrong to race...forever. A lifetime ban for Lance Armstrong is still an issue for everyone...

Scoop: http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/usada-strips-lance-armstrongs-titles-bans-him-from-cycling/2012/08/24/d6f7d382-ee04-11e1-afd6-f55f84bc0c41_story.html

File No. 4:
Char Aznable, the famed villain from the Mobile Suit Gundam series says "my other car is a Toyota". There was a one-off special MS-186H-CA Auris displayed at the 2012 Chara Hobby. Modellista made a memo to modify the all new 2013 Auris into something sinister only Char Aznable would want to have...

Toyota MS-186H-CA Auris for Char Aznable


File No. 5:
Ever since Atsuko Maeda's graduation from the AKB48 and the first day of the AKB48's 3-day concert at the Tokyo Dome, the teams of AKB48 had their members shuffled and now, it reverts back to its 3 team system. Not only that...Takajo Aki and Nakagawa Haruka have been transfered out to JKT48, Miyazawa Sae and Suzuki Mariya to SNH48. Ota Aika was also transferred permanently to HKT48, the five of them will no longer be part of AKB48. Kitahara Rie and Yokoyama Yui have also been appointed as dual members, and will participate in both AKB48 and SKE48/NMB48 activities. Here's the list:

AKB48 General Manager:
Takahashi Minami

New Team A
Captain: Shinoda Mariko
Takahashi Minami (ex Captain of Team A)
Kasai Tomomi (ex Team B)
Sato Sumire (ex Team B)
Sato Natsuki (ex Team B)
Watanabe Mayu (ex Team B)
Kikuchi Ayaka (ex Team K)
Nito Moeno (ex Team K)
Nakatsuka Tomomi (ex Team K)
Matsui Sakiko (ex Team K)
Yokoyama Yui (ex Team K) [Also a member of NMB48]
Iriyama Anna (ex Team 4)
Iwata Karen (ex Team 4)
Kawaei Rina (ex Team 4)
Nakamata Shiori (ex Team 4)
Takahashi Juri (ex Team 4)
Tano Yuka (ex Team 4)
Izuta Rina (Formerly w/o team)
Kobayashi Marina (Formerly w/o team)
Morikawa Ayaka (Formerly w/o team)
Oshima Ryouka (Promoted)
Kotani Riho [Also a member of NMB48]

New Team K
Captain: Oshima Yuko
Akimoto Sayaka (ex Captain of Team K)
Itano Tomomi (No change)
Uchida Mayumi (No change)
Matsui Jurina (No change) [Also a member of SKE48]
Kuramochi Asuka (ex Team A)
Maeda Ami (ex Team A)
Matsubara Natsumi (ex Team A)
Nakata Chisato (ex Team A)
Nakaya Sayaka (ex Team A)
Chikano Rina (ex Team B)
Kitahara Rie (ex Team B) [Also a member of SKE48]
Kobayashi Kana (ex Team B)
Masuda Yuka (ex Team B)
Miyazaki Miho (ex Team B)
Sato Amina (ex Team B)
Suzuki Shihori (ex Team B)
Abe Maria (ex Team 4)
Nagao Mariya (ex Team 4)
Shimada Haruka (ex Team 4)
Fujita Nana (Formerly w/o team)
Mitsumune Kaoru (Promoted)
Muto Tomu (Promoted)

New Team B
Captain: Umeda Ayaka (ex Team K)
Kashiwagi Yuki (ex Captain of Team B)
Ishida Haruka (No change)
Komori Mika (No change)
Watanabe Miyuki (No change) [Also a member of NMB48]
Oya Shizuka (ex Team A) 
Iwasa Misaki (ex Team A)
Katayama Haruka (ex Team A)
Kojima Haruna (ex Team A)
Fujie Reina (ex Team K)
Minegishi Minami (ex Team K)
Nonaka Misato (ex Team K)
Tanabe Miku (ex Team K)
Ichikawa Miori (ex Team 4)
Kato Rena (ex Team 4)
Nakamura Mariko (ex Team 4)
Oba Mina (ex Captain of Team 4)
Shimazaki Haruka (ex Team 4)
Takeuchi Miyu (ex Team 4)
Yamauchi Suzuran (ex Team 4)
Kojima Natsuki (Formerly w/o team)
Natori Wakana (Formerly w/o team)
Ishida Anna [Also a member of SKE48]


SKE48
Kitahara Rie [Also a member of AKB48]

NMB48
Yokoyama Yui [Also a member of AKB48]

HKT48
Ota Aika (ex Team A)

JKT48
Takajo Aki (ex Team A)
Nakagawa Haruka (ex Team A)

SNH48
Miyazawa Sae (ex Team K)
Suzuki Mariya (ex Team B)


File No. 6
Hey pal. If you're reading this...have you seen an episode of Banana Split about spoofing on an MMDA officer mauled by a motorist? Kinda funny, huh?

File No. 7
Apple defeated Samsung in the patent case. Samsung will pay Apple over $1 billion in damages due to patent infringement that Samsung's Galaxy cellphone copied the iPhone. Conundrum solved...?


...after scooping for some news. He put it back to the safe...He kinda gasped about that other part and hey...on that bombshell, that's the news....

The best Golf in Forza 4?

Which Golf is the best?

Hello, and back with some more then and now comparison on Forza Motorsport 4 and this time I'm figuring to find out which is the best Golf on this game. Sadly though, there is no Golf I GTi here but the Rabbit GTi offered on this game...well, some people say this is the North American equivalent of the European Golf I GTi. Anyway,  let's get cracking, figuring out which is the best Golf on this game...

Are the annotations on? That's right because the lap times are there...

Rabbit GTi



Golf GTi Mk2




Golf GTi VR6 Mk3



Golf IV R34



Golf GTi Mk5



Golf VI GTi



Golf VI R



Now, I have the results...


VW Rabbit GTi: 1:40.426
VW Golf GTi Mk2: 1:37.521
VW Golf GTi VR6 Mk3: 1:36.069
VW Golf IV R32: 1:30.293
VW Golf V GTi: 1:32.457
VW Golf VI GTi: 1:32.891
VW Golf VI R: 1:29.063

So...so...by such research, the best Golf on Forza Motorsport 4 is the 2010 Volkswagen Golf R because...well, I was gonna say quicker than the old R32 Golf or the GTi but hey, I was right. I was gonna think that comparing different generations of the Golf will serve as the send-off because next month, the Volkswagen Golf compact gets regenerated. Yep, it will be regenerated into a new Golf using the MQB platform....