Saturday, September 27, 2014

VW Golf Sportsvan vs. BMW 2-Series Active Tourer

2014 Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan

The brand new Golf Sportsvan maybe more of a replacement to the old Golf Plus MPV but for the newest version of the MPV version of the new Golf, it's not what you called a proper people mover for bigger families because the Sportsvan is a 5-seater just like the old Golf Plus but unlike the Golf Plus, the new Sportsvan is 134mm longer than the old one. It's also 83mm longer than the normal Golf hatchback but 224mm shorter than the Golf Variant.

2014 Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan interior
Of course with all that added dimensions than the Golf Plus, you might think that the brand new Sportsvan has more room for the family but it can be a yes or no. Although the Sportsvan doesn't have more space than the Golf Variant, the rear seats can slide forwards and backwards and can be folded so you can have 1520 litres of boot space, just enough to fit just two macho-sized balikbayan boxes for keeps but it can be quite as bothersome as littering those undelivered ones in your grandma's house.

2014 Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan

Because it utilizes on the flexible VW MQB platform just like on the regular Golf and most current and future VW Group models, the new Sportsvan is slightly lighter than the old Golf Plus but it is punishingly heavier than the Golf Variant estate, which is kinda of an annoyance but as an MPV with a plan, the Sportsvan is not bad considering the use of multi-link rear suspensions and its wonky electric power steering. Although uncomfortable to drive on the twists or at the spiraling roads like the ones that lead to to the rooftop of some parking lot from the airport, the Sportsvan's mobility and stability is beyond average. Not quite good but not quite bad either so it's more of an okay for the European families.

As for engine choices, the Sportsvan can be offered with two 1.2L TSi petrols, two 1.4 TSi petrols, a 1.6L TDi, and a 2.0L TDi diesel engines. Depending on the engine choices, it can be mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG which shifts faster than the manual.

So, what about pricing? The Sportsvan starts at 19,625 Euros, about 200 Euros more than the Golf Variant but for an MPV of that magnitude, it can be a smart buy.

2014 Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan

The Golf Sportsvan may not be a proper alternative than the Golf Variant estate but in the world of MPVs, this German baby MPV tries to fare out from the rest with its legendary VW quality but how German is this when it matches up with its new challenger, only a bit more posh?

2015 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer

This is BMW's first ever, and by no means a plot twist, front-wheel drive vehicle and their first ever baby MPV in the lineup. It's called the 2-Series Active Tourer.

For most BMW fans like us, a true BMW has to be RWD no matter which shape or form will be. Be it a hatchback, sedan, or an SUV, it doesn't matter because being RWD is what BMW's all about. For this new one here, this is a plot twist that we don't like. 

We hate plot twists because while we all want our TV shows to move smoothly as planned, the producers often want to add plot twists to keep the story longer and longer until the edge of the universe. Yes, BMW has a naming structure to have even numbers for two-doors, convertibles, and Gran Coupes while odd numbers for four-doors, estates, and Gran Turismos. When BMW decided to call this the 2-Series Active Tourer, this situation is as confused as what Toyota did when they've used the Mark X name for their front-wheel drive MPV called the Mark X Zio.

2015 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer
Mind you, this isn't like the Mark X Zio because the 2AT is much more good to drive but for a BMW, this is not a good sight. Even though BMW says that they've added some multi-link rear suspension, that's not gotta work, although the 2AT did used the same UKL1 platform as the new Mini.

The new Mini? Isn't the one I called it "Wumbo" because of the added size? Well, while this is just a Wumbo underneath, the 2AT is just nothing personal. Although it doesn't feel like a proper BMW, it still fare well when it comes to its stability. Because this is a front-wheel drive, it feels very much as civilized as a well-behaved student and while most rear-wheel drive BMWs are somewhat afraid to the elements Mother Nature throws at them, be it snow or rain, the 2AT is not quite bad at all.

If you opted for the xDrive model, the 2AT is well prepared for the wet or snowy roads ahead at all cost, although the weight penalty can slightly suffer its mobility but never mind.

2015 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer interior

On the inside, it's much more different than the typical BMW interiors that most models have but only just. Just like the VW Sportsvan, the rear seats can slide forward or backward and it's foldable for added space and it even comes with the hidden underfloor bin where you can store more stuff as much as your want especially discreetly ones that you don't want to expose it to your families.

On the driver's side, it's not so bad, especially the dashboard itself. It's high-tech as it pleases you when you want to use the radio, music player, sat-nav, or whatever it has in its disposal. I can toy around with this as much as I want until someone wants me to get out.

2015 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer

At launch, the 2AT is offered with a turbocharged 1.5L petrol engine for the 218i, 2.0L turbo petrol engine for the 225i, and the 2.0L diesel engine for the 218d. It's a good thing they're all turbocharged just like what most BMWs do now and forever...minus the forever part. On the top range 225i model with xDrive, this engine develops 231PS of power, 350Nm of torque, 0-100kph in 6.8 seconds, and top speed of 235kph. If you're fuel-conscious, the 218d's your best bet because while this have more torque than the petrol equivalent, combined fuel economy is around 24.4km/L. Good stuff though, and depending on the model, it can be mated with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed auto gearbox, although this gearbox has one more than the VW Sportsvan's DSG except it's a little less complicated.

To you, Bimmer fanatics, don't think the nightmare ends here because in the near future, BMW will expand their FWD lineup ranging from a new compact crossover, the next X1, the next 1-Series, and a possible FWD convertible that's going to be as tad dull as the Renault Megane CC. The 2AT is the start of BMW's diminishment as "freude am fahren" but because most models, regardless of powertrain, will always have turbos in their lineup, looks like it's not going anywhere, although there is potential fear that BMW maybe making naturally aspirated engines but hey, aren't BMW put an end into natural aspiration engines? Oh yeah... They really want to make an all-turbo lineup but with some added consequence like those fake engine sounds from the M3, M4, M5, and M6. Did you get me?

Should you buy it? Sadly, nope for this kind because the starting price for the 2AT is 27,200 Euros, meaning that not only it's expensive than the 1-Series hatchback, it's much more expensive than the VW Sportsvan or even the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. Ouch...

To sum up these two, the VW Sportsvan is the better bet because not only it's cheaper to own than the 2AT, it's also sportier to drive, has the most wheelbase, the tallest, the widest, and much roomier. The BMW 2AT may not be a good family MPV for a start because of its pricing and it's going to be hatred by most BMW enthusiasts because of its FWD powertrain but its turbocharged engines surely add some life to it, has some luxury car comforts, and you can do better if you try.

But we don't really want to drive in these two because, let's be honest, we want to stay single because we all have the freedom to do whatever we want because if we got married and had kids, this is what we'll end up with. Bummer...

Photo: Volkswagen Group, BMW AG

Bubble Gang - September 26, 2014

On the September 26, 2014 episode of Bubble Gang...

- "Pakawalan niyo yan" gags

- Lala Ytera's bothering with the hairs

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...posting your wounds!

- Istambay, Istambay sa Looban, Handa na ba kayo sa daldalan? Kuwento ng babae sa tambayan, lahat ay...NAKAKALIMUTAN!!!

- Spoof trailers!

- Antonietta still has some drama cliches to bother with...and now she's messing with the staff!

- Namutla

- More wise words from Tata Lino.

- One of the boys are showing his feelings to a girl...

- This man's facing one nutty problem when a nut gets through his ear!

- People are complaining about a businessman ruining their businesses and the businessman defends!

Desk

Friday, September 26, 2014

Gran Turismo 6: FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo

Circuito de la Sierra - Time Rally_6

Premiered at the Detroit Motor Show several months ago, the Toyota FT-1 Concept envisions the future of Toyota sports cars following with the success of the 86. I once compared with the final-gen Supra round Fuji Speedway and I strongly believed that with such speed and mobility, it was the suitable candidate as the next Supra or so I thought.

Circuito de la Sierra - Time Rally_7

We all love the FT-1 Concept but we are wondering what would this concept be like when it has some involvement in the world of motorsports. Thanks to Vision Gran Turismo, the folks from Toyota created a racing version of the FT-1 Concept.

City of Arts and Sciences - Night

Here it is and by the looks of it, the FT-1 VGT looks more of a racing version of the said concept and because this is a racing version, it's only suitable for race-day use. It's kinda like a futuristic version of those Toyota Supra used on JGTC (Super GT) races in the past but this is no JGTC racer because while this maybe concept, the FT-1 VGT showcased Toyota's potential and passion in the world of motorsports.

Circuito de la Sierra Circuito de la Sierra_1Circuito de la Sierra_2

What the folks from CALTY, the design team responsible for the original Toyota FT-1 Concept from the Detroit Motor Show a couple of months ago, did is pushing their dream machine a step higher by giving their brilliant creation some more added spice. It's like combining the world's spiciest condiments and make it on par with a volcanic lava. This racecar isn't a spicy condiment nor a volcanic lava but when the FT-1 VGT shows its true potential as a race car in the world of Gran Turismo 6, it really shows how scorching this monster of a machine is.

That gave me an idea because while this car can be attainable on a time-limited special seasonal event held in Mount Panorama, Bathurst, let's take a moment to consider how I took the challenge and mastering the FT-1 VGT's true capabilities not as a concept racing machine but an ideal waiting to become the truth in the not-too-distant future.

Mount Panorama Motor Racing CircuitMount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit_1Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit_2Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit_3

Just like the normal FT-1, no one knows what powers the FT-1 VGT because this concept doesn't even have a proposed powertrain. In the game, it's a turbocharged one but this racing version is powered by a turbocharged-hybrid powerplant. I can't believe I've actually driven a hybrid that doesn't feel like the Toyota Prius but by GT6 standards, it would do 0-100kph by around 3.2 seconds (I think) and a top speed (I think) is around 340kph. I know this data is unofficial but believe me, it's one quick Toyota.

Apart from being a quick car, the mobility or handling is just epic. All that added aerodynamics on this car and the downforce thanks to the added fixed rear wing, this racing machine is always stuck on the ground and it really doesn't matter when you're not concentrating because this FT-1 VGT always entertain me like a Japanese game show where pain are involved rather than questions and answers. It's like I survived a Japanese game show...but only just.

The gold target time for this event is 2:02.000 but after numerous trial and error upon trying the FT-1 VGT, I got a hang of it and I set a lap time of 2:01.307, meaning I beat the Gold target time but only just.

Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit_4

Having managed to beat the target time, I am very pleased by what Toyota have done to give the future of Toyota's sports cars the racing credentials it deserved and this FT-1 VGT is their crowning prediction on what comes next to fulfill the Japanese carmaker's "FUN TO DRIVE AGAIN" slogan. It's been such an honor to get behind the wheel of the FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo.

Gemasolar

There are still more VGT cars waiting to be unveiled on future updates. Stay tuned for more!

Let's Do The News! (September 26, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- According to Iraqi premier Haidar al-Abadi, the ISIS militants they've detained are plotting to destroy the US and Parisian rail networks but French and American officials said they had no such information.

- Despite his alleged PDAF Scam charges, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile has been granted by the Sandiganbayan for hospital arrest.

- The car belonged to a TV5 reporter was reported hijacked in Quezon City earlier.

- The Renault Espace has been given a full model change and for this fifth-generation, it's now transformed from a large MPV into a full-size crossover. Eh?!

2016 Renault Espace
- Based on the 458 Spider, the new Ferrari 458 Speciale A is a hardcore convertible equivalent that comes with the same 597bhp V8 engine as the hardtop one but with the added weight like most convertible supercars do. Only 499 units will be made and sold.

2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A

- Saleen Automotive began working on the S302, a tuned 2015 Ford Mustang GT that comes with different variations with the top-of-the-line Black Label that develops 640HP of power and 565Nm of torque from its tuned 5.0L V8 engine. Orders are now open for booking with a $2,015 reserve deposit.

- Back in Spring 2011, Subaru collaborated with animation studio GAINAX for their Hokago no Pleiades animated web short. Now, there's still more to come where our love for boxer engines and Symmetrical AWD kicks in as Fantasista Doll designer Anmi starts manga on October 27 in Comic Rex magazine.

- Scientists have discovered a new extinct dinosaur species that could have had the largest nose in prehistoric times. Known as the Rhinorex condrupus, those 30-foot-long, 8,500lb dinosaurs were existed during the Late Cretaceous period. Their noses can't smell but it may have used to "recognize members of its species, or as a large attachment for a plant-smashing beak".

- The stars of the Disney Channel hit series Dog With a Blog have been interviewed by SweetyHigh about what to expect in the third season of the hit TV series!

TTFN!!!

Thursday, September 25, 2014

REPORT: Senate may arrest Jejomar Binay after snub



Moments after Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay snubbed the Senate on his corruption allegations, the Senate has given him a strong warning against him; they can arrest any person who will not comply with its subpoena.

This is according to a report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer that Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said why there are some alleged people turned their backs in time for investigations on corruption allegations. However, the arrest or subpoena would not be used against the nation's vice president out of courtesy to his office.

The next hearing will take place at 2:00 PM Philippine Standard Time on the 2nd of October and 9:00 AM Philippine Standard Time on the 9th of October, according to Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, who is presiding over the hearing, then reiterated the Makati officials to be invited to the hearing, which Cayetano noted, were absent at that time.

Report: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/640581/senate-dangles-arrest-vs-mayor-binay-after-snub
Image: Philippine Daily Inquirer

Forza Motorsport 5 - 2014 Renault Spark SRT_01E at Mount Panorama

Part of taking the Spark-Renault SRT-01E to the world's best race tracks in Forza Motorsport 5, I sent this zero-emission racing machine to one of Australia's finest racetracks that was served as the backdrop for the V8 Supercars race that is Mount Panorama, Bathurst.

srt01esrt01e_2srt01e_3srt01e_4



The V8 Supercars has a very serious fan base because most of the Aussie race fans are against each other on whichever which carmaker is the best. They don't matter about the teams or the driver anymore. It's just Ford and Holden clashing against each other for who's the best maker in the race. With the economic climate and the fall of Australian car production, looks like foreign carmakers such as Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Nissan are joining in on the V8 Supercar fray.

Driving a Formula E car on a V8 Supercar racetrack may be a bummer experience but should this race happen in the future, the spectators will fall silent literally because you can't hardly imagine how silent these machines are except when there are crashes occur like most motorsports happen.

On this experiment, looks like the Formula E car is showing clear signs of bravery through the dreadful elevation of this V8 Supercar racetrack. It maybe a quiet car but it still makes the rounds.

So, with Australia done looks like USA is next and last for this experiment and since there are so many American racetracks to choose from, it's hard to decide which American racetrack is perfect to continue experimenting with the Formula E car.

Let's Do The News! (September 25, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- According to the Department of Energy, the emergency power set by Philippine President Benigno Aquino III will only last for just one year.

- The Metro Manila Development Authority showcased their new vehicles that will help speed up their rescue efforts in times of calamities.

- French president Francois Hollande is strongly against the beheading of tourist Herve Gourdel by a jihadist group in Algeria that were allegedly linked to ISIS.

- The United Nations has stepped up their efforts to prevent jihadist recruits in an ongoing effort to defeat the ISIS militants.

- Mercedes-Benz showcased the future of autonomous truck driving by showcasing their Future Truck 2025 at this year's IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover. This is just another clear sign that humanity has declined and robotics are taking over our future.

Mercedes-Benz FT2025 Concept

- Meet the brand new Mercedes-AMG C63 saloon and estate which is powered by the same 4.0L V8 turbo engine from the Mercedes-AMG GT sportscar in two flavors with the C63s model delivers 510bhp of power.

2015 Mercedes-AMG C63

- The third-generation Audi TT now comes with the Roadster version that is set for next month's Paris Motor Show debut.

2016 Audi TT Roadster

- Also coming on next month's Paris Motor Show, the Volkswagen Golf VII will have its first ever Alltrack model which is kinda like a jacked-up version of the Golf VII Variant estate.

2016 VW Golf Alltrack

- Meanwhile, Malaysia's biggest carmaker, Proton, has unveiled their first ever compact hatchback called the IRIZ. The new Proton Iriz is powered by either a 1.3L and 1.6L VVT petrol engine and prices start from around 42,438 to 62,888 Malaysian Ringgit or around $13,100 to $19,400, more expensive than the recently-launched Perodua Axia.

2015 Proton Iriz


- With Cadillac now under Johan de Nysschen's command and their HQ will be relocated in New York, General Motors' luxury brand will have a new naming scheme much like Kias in their K's, Renault Samsungs in their SM/QM, Citroens in their C's, Lincoln in their MK's, well you get the idea but Cadillac will go with their new naming scheme in their CT's (with the exception of the Escalade) starting with the upcoming flagship saloon soon to be called the CT6.

TTFN!!!

Fourth-generation Mazda Demio/2 (DJ)

When the Mazda Demio was in its third-generation, it became the first car in Mazda history to introduce the game-changing SKYACTIV Technology which combines efficiency and performance that most drivers want. So far, SKYACTIV Technology was applied in most models ranging from the CX-5 crossover, Axela compact sedan and hatch, and the Atenza executive saloon and wagon.

2015 Mazda Demio

Now, the first Mazda that introduced SKYACTIV Technology to the world has been regenerated with a new and improved style that demands to be a top-seller in this category. The folks from Mazda really had high hopes into selling this new, fourth-generation, Demio globally because of its fuel efficiency and performance SKYACTIV Technology delivers and I strongly believe on that...almost.

So, the brand new Demio (known in the world market as the Mazda 2), what's changed for the first Mazda to introduce such technology? Keeping in tune with the times, the new Demio employs the carmaker's KODO -Soul in Motion- design philosophy and it was heavily inspired from the Hazumi Concept from the Geneva Motor Show last Spring. With its new look, looks like the new Demio really stands out being a city car in its own right. Most of your neighbors from the suburbs or from the rural area you were living on think you are something special, even your college buddies as well.

2015 Mazda Demio interior
2015 Mazda Demio interior
On the inside, the new Demio was heavily influenced by the interior design of the latest Mazda Axela and it's now roomier than the last one thanks to its wheelbase that is now 80mm longer. Sounds good to us but if you're getting busy while getting caught in a traffic gridlock, don't fret because the new Demio comes with MAZDA CONNECT where, at the turn of the dial, allows you to stay connected with some apps, navigation, and entertainment. There has been some software changes to the MAZDA CONNECT to make it more user-friendly than ever and on the new Demio, you don't have to get bored while stuck on the traffic jam.

Thanks to its longer wheelbase and length, boot space is now decent than the last one but if you need more, you can fold the rear seats as well. Mazda really knows that the added space is just one of the trump cards the new Demio had and that really sets them apart from its rivals such as the Toyota Vitz, Nissan March, Honda Fit, and the Mitsubishi Mirage.

2015 Mazda Demio
Now, the main course for the Demio is its performance and two engines are available as of now: a P3-VPS 1.3L SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder DOHC Miller Cycle engine and the newly-developed S5-DPTS 1.5L SKYACTIV-D 4-cylinder diesel turbo engine. The 1.3L petrol model with be mated with a 6-speed auto and a 5-speed manual while the top-of-the-line 1.5L diesel model can be fitted with a 6-speed auto or 6-speed manual.

Since Mazda believes that its diesel variant is going to be top pick, let's talk more on this engine. This Euro-6 compliant engine has a power output of 105PS and 250Nm of torque output (220Nm for the 6MT model). Fuel economy for the diesel? About 30km/L on the JC08 Mode scale.

Since there are no JDM compacts with diesel engines, the new Demio is a class of its own with no competition but since this sounds unfair, let's compare this fuel economy with the Europeans. Let's remember, 30.0km/L of fuel economy came from its 1.5L SKYACTIV-D engine.

When compared against a Peugeot 208 with a 1.6L e-HDi engine equipped, that's about .3km/L short. Against the Citroen C3 with the same 1.6L diesel engine and the new Demio is 2.2km/L more. VW , Polo with the 1.4L TDI BlueMotion Technology? The Demio beats by a gap of 0.6km/L. So, there you go. That new 1.5L SKYACTIV-D engine on the new Demio poses an even greater threat to the Europeans...by about 2 out of 3, as a theory.

Okay, we had enough about that engine but what about the 1.3L SKYACTIV-G? Let's cut this short because there isn't much time to talk more. Anyway, the 1.3L SKYACTIV-G engine develops 92PS of power and 121Nm of torque. Fuel economy is a decent 24.6km/L on the JC08 Mode scale.

What about handling? The old Demio tries to fight against its catastrophic understeer but arguably, it tries to hold you back. It's not quite as dynamic as its Euro rivals. So, what Mazda did is improve it by giving it MacPherson Struts on the front and thanks to its extensive use of the SKYACTIV-BODY and SKYACTIV-CHASSIS, the new Demio has its handling slightly improved. It feels good to drive but not quite matched to its Euro rivals, maybe because they've added 40kg of weight I presumed. Despite all this, the new Demio still has the Mazda factor, being a fun car to drive that guaranteed a small smile on your face and with all of this improvements to the handling department, I'm glad to say that this is probably a good contender to the list of cars Gran Turismo 6 should put. Why there are no racing video games of today featuring Mazda cars with SKYACTIV Technology and Kodo design on it? Are they afraid?

Should you buy this? The new Demio starts at a reasonably-priced 1,350,000 Japanese Yen (around $14,000) for the 13C model while the XD model (the one with the 1.5L diesel on it) starts at 1,782,000 Japanese Yen (around $18,000). Although this is more expensive than the Toyota Vitz, Mitsubishi Mirage, Honda Fit, and the Nissan March, this is still one of the most advanced hatchbacks from Japan at this moment in time.

In Japan, sales of petrol models will start on the 26th of September while diesel models will be on Mazda, Mazda Efini, and Mazda Autozam dealerships on the 23rd of October, and 4WD models will arrive this December.

Available colors: Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Aluminum Metallic, Meteor Gray Mica, Jet Black Mica, Soul Red Premium Metallic, Titanium Flash Mica, Blue Reflex Mica, Dynamic Blue Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, and Smokey Rose Mica.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Let's Do The News! (September 23, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- A majority congressman said that the House of Representatives will assure "tolerable" power rate hikes in the event of the emergency powers from President Benigno Aquino III due to the Philippines' imminent power crisis.

- Air strikes from the US has commenced in Syria in an effort to take down the ISIS militants.

- A French tourist named Herve Gourdel was been abducted by militants from Algeria that have close ties with ISIS.

- Imagine if the VW Transporter became a pickup...Volkswagen showcased their Transporter-based Tristar Concept at the 2014 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover.

Volkswagen Tristar Concept

- Now, imagine if the Citroen C1 supermini became a crossover... The C1 Urban Ride Concept will make an appearance at this year's Paris Motor Show.

Citroen C1 Urban Ride Concept

- The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept S was fully revealed ahead for its Paris Motor Show debut but...would this preview an upcoming minor change for the latest Outlander crossover?

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept S
- Yes! Cartoon Hangover's Bee & Puppycat web series is set for its November 6, 2014 premiere! Set your calendars or you don't want to get burned by TempBot.

- Actress Cherry Pie Picache cries for the brutal murder of her 75-year-old mother. Some say, the brutal death of her mother could serve as a wake-up call to bring back the death penalty.

- Here's the first look on the upcoming anime version of THE iDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS mobile game that is set for its early 2015 airing.



TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 5 - 2014 Renault Spark SRT_01E at Yas Marina Circuit

Continuing on the Spark-Renault SRT_01E's global shakedown experiments on Forza Motorsport 5, it's time for this electric racing machine to take on the Yas Marina Circuit, located at the man-made Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Opened in late 2009, this racetrack was heavily influenced by the vividness of the city of Abu Dhabi itself and it has become one of the melting pots of the Abu Dhabi experience. It is the second F1 track in the Middle East with the first in Bahrain. The Yas Marina Circuit has 5.554km of length, 21 corners, and little known fact that the fastest lap in this track was set by Red Bull Racing's Sebastian Vettel since the first Abu Dhabi GP took part in the F1 2009 season, with the time of 1:40.279.


srt01e_4srt01esrt01e_2srt01e_3



This is probably one of the trickiest tracks in the game and judging how far the SRT_01E can push through, looks like there has been some struggling while facing tight corners. On the straights, it's electric power doesn't give the oomph like you would expect on the normal F1 car. Despite its struggle, looks like the Spark-Renault SRT_01E has done a pretty good job taking its first steps in the Middle Eastern racetrack.

Next time, the SRT_01E will take on the Land Down Under. That's Australia to you and me but which part of Australia? One answer: Bathurst! If Bathurst is one of the natural home of the V8 Supercars, will the SRT_01E like it there?

Monday, September 22, 2014

How I spent my Summer 2014 vacation

So, Summer 2014 is officially well and truly over and kids from all over the world are getting on their beds and ready for their first day of school. It's back to our boring lives working, studying, and more busy stuff rather than spending our own free time doing everything. Still, this season brought us lots and lots of memories so what's it all about for me? How did I spent my summer 2014 vacation?

- We "Rode the Ducks" in Seattle's "Ride The Ducks" moving attraction that roams around the roads and the seas of Seattle.

Day 1: Enjoyed my ride at the duck in Seattle! #summer2014 #93daysofsummer #onaduck

- Got myself some Graduation pics from our mailbox.

Day 5: My graduation pics have arrived! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #graduation

- Reading some Lonely Planet books we borrowed from the library

Day 12: Borrowed some Lonely Planet books from the library…and my Vivillon toy has arrived! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #lonelyplanet #vivillon #pokemon

- Enjoying the Vintage Races at Pacific Raceways because I love cars

Day 15: Enjoying the Vintage Races #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #lovecars (at Pacific Raceways)

- Had to attend my cousin Marie's baby shower

Day 16: Went to Ate Marie’s baby shower! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #babyshower

- Enjoying my time alone at DragonFest at Seattle's Chinatown district...

Day 22: Enjoyed my day at Seattle Chinatown’s Dragonfest. #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #dragonfest #seattle

- I discovered myself playing the PS3-exclusive, free-to-play Ace Combat Infinity game and I found my newfound likeness for aviation...

Day 27: Gotta love that free-2-play Ace Combat Infinity game. Works best when played co-op online! Fox Two! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #gaming #namco #acecombat #ps3

- I dressed myself as Gravity Falls' Dipper Pines and took part at the Seattle Chinatown Seafair Parade.

Day 30: Attended the Seattle Chinatown Seafair parade! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #seattle #chinatown #seafair #parade

- Attended my cousin Marie's baby shower...again...

Day 36: Attended Ate Marie’s party! #93daysofsummer #summer2014

- Attended the annual Pista sa Nayon at the Seward Park Amphitheater because most Filipinos are having a good time there...

Day 37: Attended the Pista sa Nayon at Seward Park #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #pistasanayon #sewardpark

- Enjoyed the Seafair and watch the Blue Angels dancing through the skies...

Day 43: Enjoyed Seafair! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #seafair

- I bought some Pokemon plushes such as Sylveon, Espurr, Dedenne, and Goomy...and ended up sharing to my sister Cecille because she loves Pokemon.

Day 50: My sister Cecille’s here. Should I give her Dedenne as well as Espurr and Sylveon? Hmmm…Let me think… #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #pokemon #pokemonXY #ポケットモンスターXY

Day 61: Goomy GET! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #ポケットモンスター #Pokemon #PokemonXY #ポケットモンスターXY #ヌメラ #Goomy (at Westfield Southcenter)

- Watching the Ninja Turtles movie with my mom and dad...

Day 60: Went to the movies, watching TMNT. Love it! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #shareAMC #tmnt (at Westfield Southcenter)

- Bought myself a new bed and frame and ended up being too high...

Day 67: My new bed’s too tall but no matter… #newbed #93daysofsummer #summer2014

- Introducing my cousin Marie's newborn baby Kobe...

Day 74: We went to visit Ate Marie’s newborn baby. #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #newbaby (at Group Health Capitol  Hill)

- Enjoying the annual Aki Matsuri at Bellevue College

Day 78: Went to #BellevueCollege for this year’s #akimatsuri festival! #93daysofsummer #summer2014  (at Bellevue College)

- I bought myself a 2DS, a copy of Pokemon Y (because my little sis has Pokemon X), some more Pokemon toys, and my new Chespin plush because Chespin's very cute.

Day 82: Went shopping for a day and now I got a Mega Charizard X figure, Chespin plush, 2DS, and my very own Pokemon Y since my sister has X. #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #PokemonXY #Pokemon

- Eating at a steak house I never heard of called Sizzler...

Day 88: We’ve gone eating to a steal house I never heard before and we gone for the salad bar choice! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #sizzler (at Sizzler)

- And to top it all off, me and my family went to Puyallup for the Washington State Fair.

Day 89: Me and my family are having fun at the Washington State Fair at Puyallup! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #WeAreWA (at Washington State Fair)

These are the things I have done in my whole summer vacation. What's yours?