Saturday, November 19, 2011

North American debut of Abarth 500 looks HOT



The Fiat Abarth 500 has arrived in the USA, courtesy of Chrysler, and this latest US Commercial for the Abarth 500 seems to be somewhat...HOT.

This ad's getting a bit naughty, and also the new Abarth 500. Speaking of which, what's the song on the 2012 Abarth 500 commercial? Okay, here's the answer: Smokescreen by Willis

Mama Said...

It was like it happened in rare basis when my mother point me out some kind of a weird car, mommy said that "Do you like this car?". If I look at my car where my mommy pointed, it was like this car's too ugly. I mean hey, that's my mom. She has no knowledge about cars.

Anyway, as I spent several moments watching Top Gear episodes, I just saw some of the most weird looking cars I have ever seen and imagine if my mom point out one of these...

1) Reliant Robin


I could only imagine that this three-wheeler was actually the car I saw on Mr. Bean as the blue car that keeps causing accidents. What makes it so weird that this car is seen on Top Gear. Most notable Top Gear Reliant Robin moments were when the Reliant Robin turned into a space shuttle (and ended in a failure)...


...and when Jeremy Clarkson's behind the wheel of the Robin, it made several crashes.


If most of the people saw the Reliant Robin, chances are that they will say that they saw this one on Mr. Bean. tsk...tsk...

2) Peel P50


Even weirder than the Reliant Robin is the Peel P50. Surely, it's just the same three-wheeler but the third wheel's on the back. Unlike the Robin, it doesn't do crashes, Mr. Bean style. The Peel P50 is built from the Isle Of Man in the 1960's and this is the world's smallest production car according to Guinness World Records. Sadly though, there's no Reverse Gear and if you're stuck, you should need help from someone to pull you out. In Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson drove the Peel P50 inside the BBC Television Centre while he was attending at some kind of a seminar. Wouldn't believe that this small car can get inside a building?

Too bad I'm fat and I can't get inside the Peel P50.


3) G-Wiz


This isn't a car, it's just plain rubbish. On TopGear, this G-WIZ is slower than a table.Imagine if this one's an RC car but hey, Top Gear already did made an RC G-Wiz. Rest assured that the G-WIZ is not a car, it's just as pointless as a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe.

4) Marauder


This behemoth is unstoppable on its tracks. It can ram through walls, outsmart the towing trucks, crush through cars, and it can even survive against explosions...almost. No wonder a country like South Africa made the world's most unstoppable car, at least when Top Gear said during the Season 17 opener. Imagine if the terrorists are using this Marauder...



5) Ariel Atom


This is the speedster that ruined Jeremy Clarkson's face. The Ariel Atom is definitely the next best thing for a go-kart but no. This is not a go-kart, this is the ultimate in British lightweights since the Caterham and the Lotus Elise. Back then, the Ariel Atom is powered from a supercharged Honda K20A engine, which produces almost 300HP of power. There was also the Ariel Atom V8 which produces about 500HP of power but it has a power-to-weight ratio of 900hp/ton. That's twice as powerful as you get from the Bugatti Veyron or a Ferrari Enzo.


...couldn't come closer. Big or small, they look weird on the roads ahead.

Episode 3 of Toyota Camry's The One & Only Takes advantage of its Blind Spot Monitor



In Episode 3 of the reinvented 2012 Camry's web drama, The One & Only, we witnessed how the 2012 Camry Hybrid's blind spot monitor works. It's advanced that provides drivers prevent a potential collision, especially when you're chased by goons riding motorcycles.

Skoda Citigo

2012 Skoda Citigo



2012 Skoda Citigo



2012 Skoda Citigo interior



This is Skoda's version of the Volkswagen up! compact car that is the first of its kind and this would be the cheapest Skoda ever built to address the likes of the triplets Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1, and Peugeot 107. Adopting the "City Clever" concept, the new Skoda Citigo is a nippy little compact car that changes the game.

This is the first production car to be fitted with the new Skoda logo and this new Citigo compact car is surely revolutionize the Czech arm of Volkswagen group forever. However, in terms of design, the Citigo is just another Skoda because of its familiar face. The rear view seems to be more like the designers are playing MineCraft because of its squarish proportions. Here on the interior, it seems to be a little simple with some extras such as a navigation system. However, on the three-door version, there is a new Easy Entry system that provides access to the rear seats. There are lots of conveniences on the Citigo such as the special handbag hook integrated in to the glovebox opening mechanism, and a photograph holder on the central console, are two clever interior elements.

The Citigo is powered by a 1.0L MPi petrol engine that produces 44 to 55 PS of power and 95Nm of torque. It can go 0-100km/h in 14.4 to 13.2 seconds and flat-out the Citigo can go as much as 160 to 171km/h. It is mated with 5-speed manual transmission only.

The Citigo is the first Skoda to imply Head-Thorax side airbag to protect the heads of both the driver and the front seat passenger and the new City Safe Drive with emergency braking that allows the Citigo to brake automatically to avoid collisions. This technology is similar to Volvo's City Safety implied on the Volvo S60 and V60.

At the start, the Skoda Citigo is available in four colors; Zelená Spring metalíza, Černá Deep s perleťovým efektem, Žlutá Sunflower, and Červená Tornado.

My Comment:
The Skoda Citigo is how you say "Volkswagen up!" in Czech and this is the cheapest Skoda offered. Sales will start on its home market, Czech Republic, before the end of this year and the rest of Europe in the second half of next year. Initially, the three door is offered but word is that there will be a 5-door version next year.

The cheapest Skoda may sometimes be not so cheerful because once you get inside, you might think that this micro-mini is a bit rubbish. Most people living in the Czech Republic are looking for some fuel efficient cars, then welcome to the future, young people. The Citigo can go as much as 22.2km/L (4,5 Liter/100 km) of combined fuel economy and this would be okay if you're on the long haul. This city compact is tiny, cheap, and sometimes, it saves you a lot of money, well almost.

Photo: ŠKODA AUTO a.s.

ZL1 Concerns

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1


2013 Shelby GT500

With the introduction of the 2013MY Ford Mustang range and with the 2013MY Shelby GT500's power output reached the 650HP mark, it seems that the upcoming, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on sale next year, has gotten some concerns, stating that this 580HP muscle car is now the victim and already got its butt kicked by the 2013MY Shelby GT500 because of the power output and the weight. Well, as for the concerns, Al Oppenheiser, chief engineer behind the Camaro ZL1 said that Camaro-Mustang arch rivalry are getting over the border since the Camaro returned in 2009. Yes, the days of "no replacement for displacement" is gone and the Camaro ZL1's not good enough for the drag race. He said that the upcoming ZL1 is promised to be a track-ready vehicle and he had to thank the Mustang fans because a car like the Chevrolet Camaro encouraged the Ford Mustang to throw everything they got.

Press Release:


Camaro Nation:

As you know, the blogs lit up with the announcement of the new 650-horsepower Mustang GT500, and I wanted to give you my perspective on the latest challenge from Dearborn.

The Mustang has been playing catch up since the moment the fifth-gen Camaro arrived in 2009. Since then, Camaro has been the best-selling sports car in America, indicating that consumers know which car offers the best performance, style and safety.

It is no coincidence that Mustang has introduced three 100-horsepower increases to keep pace with Camaro: First their V-6 was bumped to 305; then their V-8 went to 412, and now the GT500.

Even with the 100-hp increase, the 2013 GT500 will still not match the technology and sophistication of the 2012 Camaro ZL1.

The days of "no replacement for displacement," are over, and it's not enough to be fast in a straight line. With the Camaro ZL1, we set out to deliver integrated performance, and be equally good at acceleration, braking, grip, and turning. As you will soon see, that's why the Camaro ZL1 will set the performance benchmark for the segment.

Our approach was to make every Camaro ZL1 fully track-capable, from the factory. As we announced today, the ZL1 Coupe will start at $54,995 with standard Magnetic Ride Control, standard Performance Traction Management, and standard track-capable equipment such as a rear-differential cooler, brake cooling ducts, and an engine and transmission cooler.

None of our customers will have to buy extra options – or modify their ZL1 – for track-day usage. That is not the case for the current GT500, or their new car.

For Mustang fans, you're welcome. Clearly the Camaro has encouraged Ford to throw everything they can at us.

For Camaro fans, trust me, we are always listening to your feedback, and working hard to keep the Camaro in the lead.

Al O.

"Ligpit tayo later, ha?"

What just happened on the November 16, 2011 episode of Bubble Gang?

- Some Bubble Gags at the classroom to throw some crumpled paper at their heads

Baliw Ako!

- The couple bought themselves a brand new TV with voice recognition but it's not what you think...

Splash Report

- Hey Cheche and Bureche, who's going to play as the evil sister for the play? Beats us, we don't know who...

Cheche Bureche

- Word for the ventriloquist: What the puppet wants, the puppet gets!

- Anumang lutong ang pananalita ni Mommy, mas malutong parin ang kanyang fried chicken. Bubble Gang does the Alagang Magnolia Robot TV commercial for the Magnolia Fresh Chicken by spoofing this as Magnobia Fresh Chicken. Ligpit tayo later, ha?

Bubble Gang does Magnolia Fresh Chicken

- Ogie Alcasid explains the different effects of drinking beer aside from being drunk.

- Ayt! Ayt! Katahimikan! Katahimikan! Check out the BG Pick Up lines!

Gayuma

Sukli

1) Sana assignment na lang ako! Para I-take home na lang kita!

2) Bola ka ba ng basketball? Ayaw kasing maagaw ng iba!

3) Neneng! Aray ko! Sakit ng ngipin ko! Ang sweet mo kasi!

4) Kailangan natin ng MMDA. Kasi puso natin, nagbabangaan!

Boy Pick Up

5) Miss, pag nagtayo ako ng tindahan, lahat ibebenta ko mura. Kasi sa'yo lang nagmamahal!

6) Pagtatanggol kita lagi! Kasi...kasi...kasi...di dumating ang alaga kong kalapati!

7) Kailangan ko ng first aid! Kasi, na-injured ako nung nahulog ako sa yo!

8) Picture ka ba? Kasi, nagkabukol si Pedro!

- Meet Super Senior, the super old superhero reporting for duty!

Super Senior

Anna Manalastas' final day

After Anna Manalastas (Coney Reyes/Xyriel Manabat), Jopet (Neil Coleta), and Bart (Rafael Rosell) succeeded from rescuing Sophia (Jodi Sta. Maria), Anna's long lost daughter, from the clutches of Miranda (Valerie Concepcion), and facing off against the Tagasundo (Pen Medina), and then when Tagasundo transform himself into Jake Cuenca while Tagabantay transform himself into Coco Martin for a one-on-one duel while Anna and the gang race against time to reach her mother at the hospital, here it is. This is Anna Manalastas' last day, which means, time for the 100 Days To Heaven finale.

In the finale, Anna Manalastas has no choice but go to hell with Tagasundo. While Anna's in Hell, there is a problem. Anna can't get through because of some mysterious barrier. Because of the barrier, Anna said the Tagasundo that she's not capable of being entered to Hell because for the past 100 days on Earth, she done a lot of good things, good things that made Anna a changed woman after all of her darkest pasts. This is what the Tagabantay said.

After Anna winning the battle against the Tagasundo with Tagabantay on her side, she has to return to Earth to say farewell to the gang, especially Sophia, Andres (Joel Torre), Bart, and Jopet. After the farewell, Anna Manalastas goes to heaven and while she's on heaven, she meets up with old friends Bruce (Smokey Manaloto) and Kevin (Louise Abuel). Also, Bobby (Dominic Ochoa) showed up and yes, he forgive Anna for all of his sins. What completes is when Anna's mother showed up and thankfully, they were together.

Moments later, Sophia's starting her day as the new CEO of The Toy Company and seems she's off to a good start until she met up with some familiar looking little girl who definitely look like young Anna. That concludes the story of 100 Days To Heaven. This show may be the most memorable drama not only because of little Anna's cuteness and life-changing stories, but that whole Sophia magic is something I will surely miss...

100 Days To Heaven ending

Friday, November 18, 2011

When Doraemon characters are all grown up in latest Toyota REBORN ad.

Back when we were kids, we had fun watching an anime titled Doraemon and we enjoyed the funniest misadventures of Doraemon, Nobita, and the gang. What happens if the characters from Doraemon are all grown up? The answer is courtesy of Toyota Motor Corporation for its "ReBORN" campaign and the tagline "FUN TO DRIVE, AGAIN".

Firstly on the first ad, we saw Japanese actor Satoshi Tsumabuki playing as the 30-year-old Nobita and the Naoya Ogawa played as the 30-year-old Gian, now driving a Toyota Estima. Heh, even 20 years has passed, Gian still picking on Nobita but that's okay.

Later, on the latest ad, we witnessed Tomohisa Yamashita played as 30-year-old Suneo and Asami Mizukawa playing as the 30-year-old Shizuka. Here, we saw Toyota models like the RAV4, FJ Cruiser, Vellfire, Noah, and Wish. For an added surprise, actor Jean Reno (Wasabi, Leon, Ronin, Mission Impossible, Godzilla) for the first time being Doraemon. 

It was like what the heck? How did Mr. Alphard returned to be Doraemon for the Toyota REBORN commercial? It's like he's back! Never mind...

Glad we saw these Doraemon characters all grown up for the Toyota "ReBORN" campaign.

Speaking of which, what's that song played on the commercial? I'll give you the answer, it's Kiseki by GReeeeN.

Oreimo star in a reasonably priced Demio (and Axela)

Kuroneko's the star in a reasonably priced Mazda!


Seriously, it happened again at some newspaper ad for Chiba Mazda dealership and this time, it's Kuroneko's turn. Another Oreimo star in a reasonably priced Mazda, just like Kirino Kousaka from last time.

You could thank the guys who worked at the Chiba Mazda dealership teaming up with Oreimo characters to promote new Mazda models, especially the new Mazda Demio and the new Mazda Axela with SKYACTIV Technology.

Ambitious...but rubbish...

The new Swift RS

2012 Suzuki Swift RS


The special edition Suzuki Swift RS is tuned to be more European rather than being a Japanese compact car. The Swift RS uses the entry-level XG as its foundation but with Euro-tuned suspension for enhanced handling like a European car.

Special items in the Swift RS include a multi-reflector halogen fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fabric seats, and shift lever stitched in silver, reclining rear seat, rear wing, side skirts, front and rear bumpers, door mirrors with LED side turn lamp, and 16-inch rims.

It's all about being sporty for the new Swift.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Run of Pagani Huayra

Pagani Huayra



Nationality: Italian

Top Speed: 227 MPH (365kph)

0 - 60 time: 3.4 seconds

BHP: 700 @ 6,000 rpm

Performance: Tier 5

Handling: Normal

Class: Supercar

Drivetrain: RWD

Manufacture Year: 2011

Description:
The Pagani Huayra is the Zonda replacement that ushered in the new age of the Italian supercar brand and this was named after Huayra-Tata, the god of wind from the Aymara legends. It made a world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Auto Salon in March.

The Pagani Huayra is powered by a 6.0L Mercedes-AMG M158 V12 twin-Turbo engine that produces over 700BHP of power and over 1,000Nm of torque. It can go 0-60 in 3.4 seconds and flat-out, the Huayra blows away in 227 MPH (365kph). It is mated with a transverse sequential seven speed gearbox with AMT robotized system. The Huayra weighs 1.350 kg and it has a 44:56 weight distribution.

According to the founder of Pagani, this car is made of more than 4,000 components that requires creativity, patience, and passion that Pagani shared with a fantastic young team and with the most competent partner in various sectors.

When we last saw this car as a Limited Edition bonus of Need For Speed Shift 2 Unleashed, this car is now a Need For Speed exclusive and now it carries on to Need For Speed The Run. NFS fans should be familiar about the Huayra but for first-timers, it takes mastery to control the Huayra in order for players to get through New York, fast! I mean, can I explain the rear spitting fire as I hit nitrous on it? Pretty cool huh? I never know that the Huayra is the next best thing for Pagani! I am really amazed the raw ferocity of the Huayra and this car's just like the Zonda. It looks scary to drive but they don't.

The ultimate Panamera

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS


The Panamera to end all Panameras!

The new 2012 Porsche Panamera GTS is the ultimate Panamera ever made because of its upgraded 4.8L NA engine that produces 430HP, upgraded brakes, lowered body, improved suspension, and everything that makes this new model so special in the eyes of the big boys who are interested with super saloons. Still, the looks are not quite good...

Further reading: