Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Welcome Back: 2011 McLaren MP4-12C

MP4-12C meets the Red Bull Mini Cooper


This is the fax machine you're seeing in your mirrors. Although, that may sound like a fax machine, it has proven to be better than the Ferrari 458 Italia. Not only that, it set an astonishing lap time of 1:16.2 at the Top Gear Test Track because it was developed for this track. To make James May's "wasn't developed at the Nurburgring" dialog wrong, it set the Nurburgring lap time of 7:28, eclipsing the likes of cars such as the Koenigseggisseggggnignigsegigisegggg (my apologies for the spelling, those Top Gear wazzocks done that) CCX, RUF RT12, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, Corvette ZR1, Lexus LFA, and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. All we know is it's called the McLaren MP4-12C and I'm glad that this car is back on Forza Motorsport 4 and it hasn't changed a bit since the last one.

Sadly, when I first pitted the MP4-12C round the Top Gear Test Track, with the performance index of S700, it seems that my fax machine couldn't achieve the Power Lap Time of 1:16.2 even though I tweaked my suspension settings. So far, my personal best on this car is 1:17.2, but who cares? It's still a great car.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

St. Valentine's Day...

Hey there, it's me! Today is Valentine's Day! To spice things up, Elsie gave me this nice chocolate box for us to enjoy. In fact, in Japan, Japanese girls give their boyfriends some chocolates and to repay the debt, boys will give cookies to girls on March's White Day. You know that drill but who cares? I would LOVE to say HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL!!! ^^

Elsie


Elsie

TNP27 beware. Suzuki's MR Wagon Eco reaches 27.2km/L

2013 Suzuki MR Wagon ECO


Suzuki's 2013 MR Wagon Eco features an improved R06A engine, CVT, and idling stop function promises a fuel economy of 27.2km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode Test Cycle. This fuel economy puts an extreme caution on Daihatsu's TNP27 Move, even though this latest Daihatsu Move comes with e:S Technology that provides 27km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode Test Cycle. Sorry, TNP27, but that wasn't enough because a car company named Suzuki's throwing whatever they can to be the most fuel efficient car company in Japan. Could the Suzuki-Daihatsu rivalry get any better?

New Love Plus

NEW LOVE PLUS


When I've arrived home, everything look promising. That is my Valentine's Day gift. Ah, there's a note. It's from Konami. It says "Dear ********, hope you enjoy taking this to the max. P.S., it was developed at the most advanced hand held console." Oh, gosh. This wasn't what I had in mind, but since I was here, and they're payed for, I have no choice but to get on with it.

Well, it's certainly good. Same as Love Plus but it features new features developed for the Nintendo 3DS. This is NEW LOVE PLUS!

NEW LOVE PLUS is a beefed up version of the hit 2009 Nintendo DS dating sim game and it's now been coupled with new features to have players enjoy taking this to the max. You could expect enhanced graphics compared to the original 2009 Nintendo DS Love Plus game, then you can take advantage of the 3DS' gyro sensor to peek around your favorite gal (Rinko Kobayakawa, Manaka Takane, and Nene Anegasaki), take a picture (Photo Travel works fine), secure your gal with the new lock feature, bring your gal to life with the augmented reality feature and a flick of a 3D Depth Slider, and more. It's good in that.

It's actually better than good and I have to admit that this is one of the best 3DS dating sims you can buy and NEW LOVE PLUS is brilliant...at home but on public places, feels like it's ruined because most people think you're obsessed with it, finding your nearest date spots all over Japan. It's not just ruined, it's expensively ruined because it costs 6,980 Japanese Yen for the game alone but you may need about 33,850 Yen for the complete bundle that features the Nintendo 3DS (specially marked), Love Plus Art Book Complete Box, New Love Plus Original Soundtrack, a poster of your gal of choice (Rinko, Manaka, and Nene), 3D Clear File, and pins.

The origin of the supercar - The Lamborghini Miura

It's rare to see a Miura in Tokyo, Japan


This is the origin of Lamborghini as we know it today but it's more than that. This is where the modern supercar begins. The first of its kind. The Lamborghini Miura. It was 1963 when Lamborghini was founded by Ferrucio Lamborghini and they've created earlier models such as the 350GT and the 400GT. Then in 1965, they've announced the TP400 platform at the 1965 Torino Motor Show and then the Miura was born at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. The Miura wasn't really an official project name, but a lesson learned from Top Gear knows that seven people were behind the creation of the Miura and they were at their 20's. One of them who's aged 22 back then was Marcello Gandini the then-chief designer of Bertone. Imagine what are you doing at the age of 22, you wouldn't realize that you have to give birth to the supercar that sparked a revolution.

The Miura turning the tides at Tsukuba

Most exotics come with big powerful engines but the Miura set a centerstage when it comes with a 4.0L V12 engine that produces 345HP of power and 271.2lb-ft of torque. This V12 engine was placed at the rear, setting the template of midship rear-wheel drive supercars. They also mounted the V12 engine sideways rather than lenghtways to keep it compact and oh, they got that idea from the Mini but we're not talking about that. What they didn't put was a three-seater layout like the McLaren F1 and the glass engine cover like the Ferrari but the surprising fact that when the Miura's doors are opened, the doors really shaped like the horns of the bull. Nice touch, that. Because this was made in the 1960's where traction control and ABS hasn't invented yet, the Lamborghini Miura isn't an easy car HARD TO DRIVE! WOOOH! But who cares? It's still a great car! The engine sounds so great especially the engine start up noise. Now that's classic!

Hope he's not late for the show...

However, the Lamborghini Miura has a very small lifespan, produced from 1966 to 1972, with over 760 units built but the Miura is the exotic that established the birth of Lamborghini in style. If that wasn't enough, it became the first car to win the first ever Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Polyphony Digital Trophy in 2008. That's right. The Lamborghini Miura P400 Bertone Prototype CN.0706 was handpicked by Gran Turismo creator, Kazunori Yamauchi at the first ever Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Polyphony Digital Trophy in 2008, setting the standards of classic cars.

An instant classic

My journey with the Miura is somewhat very difficult at the beginning. For a car that costs 15,000,000 Cr, that car is definitely the most expensive Lamborghini in Gran Turismo 5 but when I had my hands on it, I am highly impressed about the Miura's heritage and styling but when it comes to driving, IT'S HARD TO DRIVE! HOO HOO! Although I might be scared to drive the Miura, I felt more mature as I'm driving this classic car that gave birth to the exotic car scene.

"Concorde did it for planes. The Miura did it for supercars. As a car, it was floored but as a concept, it was truly a masterpiece" - Richard Hammond, Top Gear 

Monday, February 13, 2012

Those therapeutic shampoos...

Hello there. This is Leopaul again.

Seems that every morning when I woke up, my hair keeps on itching or perhaps I have traces of dandruff left on my pillow? No idea how the heck happened to me but is it because my hair's a bit too problematic that I spend most of the time twirling my hair with my fingers? Anyway, I once take a bath and I used the shampoo that my sister, Bea, used in case all of those vinegar and mouthwash trick won't work.

It's not just any ordinary shampoo, it's some kind of shampoo they called it THERAPEUTIC SHAMPOO. I once used it and oh, the smell of the Therapeutic Shampoo is very horrible. Can't believe that this is the worst shampoo I have ever used in my whole life especially if a shampoo smells a bit worse.

Next time, I should have bought Head and Shoulders because this shampoo is better to use but I would prefer the menthol variant of H&S because my hair loves it.

Therapeutic Shampoo

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1


Think of this machine as Bumblebee's evil twin because the all new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is positioned as the hardcore version of the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro, a modern muscle car that was adorned by many thanks to its popularity as Transformers' Bumblebee. This car is a one-track mind, you can use it on the road or you can use it on the track and this ZL1 promises to be quite a thriller for petrolheads around North America.

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is powered by a Supercharged LSA 6.2L engine that produces about 580bhp of power and 556lb-ft of torque. What's more, it can be mated in two transmission types such as the 6-speed Hydra-Matic 6L90 Automatic Transmission and the Tremec 6-speed manual transmission with a revised short-throw shifter. The Hydra-Matic 6L90 Automatic Transmission comes with a TAPshift mode that reduces delay time and aggressive gear changes, making it smooth and silky as a pair of boxers. The 6-speed MT on the ZL1 comes with a revised short-throw shifter that provides smooth transfer on the engine's power and torque. Okay, when it comes to 0-60m time and flatout, the Camaro ZL1 6AT can go for about 3.9 seconds and 184mph while the Camaro ZL1 6MT can go for about 4.0 seconds and 180mph. By results, it seems that the TAPshift technology on the Hydra-Matic 6L90 transmission means that it can do better than the manual variant but it doesn't matter because it lapped the Nurburgring in 7:41.27, that's quicker than the Lamborghini Murcielago SV! What's the secret of the ZL1's success?

The ZL1's suspension comes with the Magnetic Ride Control, the same feature you've encountered from the Corvette and Australia's Holden HSV range, allowing drivers to change the suspension settings; Tour, Sport and Track, providing magnetorheological fluid for damping levels adjusted up to 1,000 times per second. What provides the handling is the Performance Traction Management that takes advantage of the MRC, Launch Control, Traction Control, and Active Handling systems. It was made for lower inertia and friction, creating a direct steering feel and great response. Also, it comes with a Brembo Brake System that provides stopping power that can get yourself out from the tights.

It may look like Bumblebee but this is the bee's evil twin because of its Mohawk hood air extractor, large lower grille openings, and lower splitter, providing aerodynamics for the ZL1. The interior looks the same as the original model but the steering wheel is derived from the Chevrolet Cruze but it has the words ZL1 on it. It even comes served with red stitching provide contrast on the once dark interior but I like that. Red and black is just a menacing combo on the inside. To enjoy the best in music and information, an available SiriusXM Satellite Radio comes served on the ZL1 and the all new Boston Acoustics Premium Nine-Speaker Sound System gives you a top quality audio experience. Imagine if The Stig listens to something nonsense while driving the ZL1 round the Top Gear Test Track...

Seven colors are available for the ZL1 such as Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, Black, Victory Red, Rally Yellow, Inferno Orange Metallic, and Ashen Gray Metallic.

My comment:
I was getting a bit more interested on the ZL1 because it lapped the Nurburgring faster than the Lamborghini Murcielago SV but on such stats, it is hopeless to kick the bumper of the 2013 Shelby GT500. Who cares? This is the kind of Camaro that will leave you completely bonkers and this is somewhat the younger brother of the hardcore Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. With prices start at around $54,995 (or in Top Gear math, about 4.3 million Philippine Pesos), the Camaro ZL1 provides you with the 6.2L supercharged engine, Magnetic Ride Control, 6-speed manual, 20-inch rims, and that's it. This ZL1 is the perfect Camaro royalty for the enthusiasts.

Photo: General Motors

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Jango Katol!

Special guest Wendell Ramos hangs out again on the February 12, 2012 episode of Lokomoko with some moments include;

- Flower shop gags

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Paano pinatutuyo ang super dry beer?

- Lokomersyal in Jango Katol

Jango Katol


- Tanong Ko Lang, Kulang...Nangingitlog ba ang eggplant?

- Tanong Ko Lang, Kulang...Pwede bang kainin ng mabagal ang fastfood?

- Johnny Bobo strikes back and this time, he's dealing with a woman who loves a laugh

- Tanong Ko Lang, Kulang...Bakit kahit hindi pasko, may parol sa bilangguan?

- It's BUANG FOR ALL, ALL FOR BUANG again...

- and it's WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYHOW?!

1) Makibaka! Huwag matakot! - Baka

2) Sorry kung makapal ako lahat kasi alam ko - Dictionary

3) Nasasaktan ako tuwing tinatanong mo kung mahal ka niya o hindi - Petals ng bulaklak

4) Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ako? - Adik

5) Lagi akong may ka-table - Chair

6) Kadalasan, hndi maganda ang balita ko sa'yo, pero yun ang binabayaran mo sa akin, hindi ba? - Doctor

7) Ako ang tunay na number 1! - Number One

GetBackers vs. Lupin the Third...sort of

The scene of the ultimate showdown.
A straight fight between GetBackers and Lupin III


Sorry folks. We're not comparing two anime shows that you know. We're comparing the two cars that were seen in anime shows. The original Fiat 500 which was Lupin the Third's car of choice while the memorable Subaru 360 was the car of choice for the Getbackers. How can we settle those classic minis? Let's find out, "Top Gear at the Movies" style.

Firstly, let's start with the Subaru 360. Ah yes. The little Subaru...The little Subaru 360....It maybe the first Subaru kei car ever built but undeniably, this car is the brainchild of the Subaru brand. This is the pride and joy of Fuji Heavy Industries when they're starting the Subaru brand in the 1950's. Even in today's standards, the Subaru 360 is still unique in the eyes of car enthusiasts. The Subaru 360 is powered by the 356cc engine, which was the standard kei car displacement in the 50's, that produces about 16HP of power and it was positioned at the (wait for it) back! Nope, the 360 is not a midship but it is the first and only rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive production car from Subaru. I have no wonder why did Ban Mido and Ginji Amano prefer that machine so much on their missions but still a great car for many. That model was launched in 1958, two years after the post war period was declared over, and production ended in 1971, replaced by the Subaru R-2. There is just one fact that this car is nicknamed the "ladybug", just when the original Volkswagen 1100 was called, and once approved, Beetle. So, are there any Subaru 360 owners clubs around the world? If there's any, well, count me in because I want to see how people love their Subaru 360 so much, they retain it in their garages even by today's standards.

Okay, we've done about the GetBackers' ride, how about the ride of our favorite master thief and a misfit that is Lupin the Third? If you were the kind of dashing debonair who spends most of the time at the heist of the world's most precious artifacts and treasures, be sure that your heists are not complete without this nippy little Italian rascal, the original Fiat 500. It looks similar to the ride Lupin III and the gang rode on The Castle of Cagliostro, which is a Hayao Miyazaki masterpiece but due to constraints, we can't show you the film, perhaps if Hammond and May didn't feature it on 2011's Top Gear at the Movies DVD. If that was featured, imagine if Hammond or May recreate the scene after the Monaco casino robbery from The Castle of Cagliostro film.

Anyway, for a quick history lesson, the original Cinquecento was launched in 1957 and it was heavily inspired from the Topolino compact but this compact car can accommodate up to four people, two more than the Topolino. Like the Subaru 360, the original Fiat 500 is a rear engine, rear wheel drive compact, meaning that its 479cc engine was at the back of it. As for the 479cc engine, it produces 15HP of power and it has a top speed of just 90kph. Not quite good for the highway trip but it looks perfect on the city streets. The one I featured here is the 1968 Fiat 500 F, it has a 499.5cc engine that produces 17HP of power and 22.4ft-lb of torque. This car weighs 520kg, which is somewhat heavier than the Subaru 360.

Okay, if I was going to be more like "Clarkson Duel", let's just say...Who is better? GetBackers or Lupin the Third? To find out, I've fully tuned both of my Subaru 360 and the 1968 Fiat 500 F and I chose "The Top Gear Test Track" as the venue. Both are fitted with Comfort Medium Tires and let's find out which of these two anime shows are better.

I started with the Subaru 360, which is the GetBackers' car of choice, and it did it in...

2:03.8

...then, it was the turn of Lupin the III's car, the 1968 Fiat 500 F. Guess my tuned 500 F has more power than my tuned Subaru 360, which makes it a bit more painful to ask. So then, same track, same driver. Lupin III's car is underway and it did it in...

1:47.1

...which means, the oldies anime was proven better than the anime that was aired in the 2000's! It was proven that Lupin the Third was better than GetBackers! The 1968 Fiat 500 F was proven to be quicker than the Subaru 360! No wonder! A very old anime that was beaten by a very very very old anime! Oh bugger! If only Top Gear made a DVD about the anime cars with Richard Hammond and James May on it, this would be it and this would be called TOP GEAR AT THE ANIMES! I hope Andy Wilman, executive producer of Top Gear, got that memo!

Whitney Houston Dies At The Age Of 48

Whitney Houston


Yes, that is a very sad news for those who are enthusiast to one of the greatest singers of all time. Whitney Houston, a pop music legend whose fame was ravaged from the case of her drug use and her marriage to Bobby Brown, was died at the age of 48. Her cause of death was not known as investigation found the body of Whitney Houston at the fourth floor of the Beverly Hilton hotel at Beverly Hills. We can't believe she died before the Grammy Awards tomorrow! That was tragic but we surely miss Whitney Houston for such memorable songs. Guess my Dad sometimes likes songs from the late Whitney Houston...

The Run of Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale


Name: Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

Nationality: Italian

Top Speed: 187 MPH

0 to 60 Time: 4.6 seconds

BHP: 444 @ 7,000RPM

Performance: Tier 4

Handling: Normal

Class: Exotic

Drivetrain: RWD

Manufacture Year: 2012

Description:

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is the most powerful Maserati ever built for the hardcore car enthusiasts and it is known to be the softened, firmed-up, street-legal version of the track-only Maserati GranTurismo MC and the MC GT4. This hardcore version is all work, all play, suitable for track day use or as a long-distance cruiser if you want to go out for a stroll at the country club. The inspired race-car technology derived from the GranTurismo MC GT4 produces more aerodynamic downforce and more power, without sacrificing the original GranTurismo's ride quality. Under, the hood, the MC Stradale comes with the 4.7L V8 engine that was improved to have 450HP of power and 510Nm of torque. It can do naught to 60 in 4.6 seconds and top speed of 187MPH. To make it more race-oriented, the GranTurismo MC Stradale retains the original 48:52 weight distribution for balanced handling and even tyre wear. The rear seats from the original Maserati GranTurismo has been stripped off, all in the case of saving weight and this is the first to have Race Mode that even sharpens throttle response and gear changes.

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is part of the all new Need For Speed THE RUN Italian Edition Pack, now available at the PlayStation Store and XBOX Live Marketplace. Go back to THE RUN and experience this racecar-oriented long distance cruiser!

The new Polo GTi - It's Explosive

Imagine if the guys from Top Gear Korea went
to Switzerland to drive the new Polo GTi...

Those hot hatches in Forza Motorsport 4 such as the Ford Focus RS, Volkswagen Scirocco R, Renaultsport Megane, and the SEAT Leon Cupra R are seem to be massive. Surely, I was very contended driving with turbocharged micro-minis, especially the Fiat 500 Abarth, but I found out that none of these hot hatches satisfying me for its performance. What I need now is a very "hot" hatch that satisfies my craving and this could be a contender. Representing the Forza Motorsport 4 February ALMS Pack, this is the all new Volkswagen Polo V GTi. The only hot hatch that comes with a supercharger and turbocharger all rolled into one. Those days of driving hot hatches in Forza Motorsport 4 are becoming one of my "Engineering Connections" and with this, this is Richard Hammond's Engineering Connections to the next level.

INSANELY BONKERS!!!

About the Polo V GTi, this is the high-performance version of the fifth-generation Volkswagen Polo, the Golf's little brother. What it lives it up to its name was its superior handling and uncompromising engine dynamics. This is the only Volkswagen hot hatch that comes with the direct-injected 1.4L TSi Twincharger engine, an engine that combines two of the most powerful attributes of the performance world; a supercharger and a turbocharger. This is just like the Japanese hatchback with the words "Super Turbo" from the past. The 1.4L Twincharger engine produces 177HP of power and 184 lb-ft of torque. This allows the car to go from naught to 60 in 6 and a half seconds and it can flat out in 147mph. Those figures really made the Polo V GTi go neck-and-neck with its big brother, the Volkswagen Golf VI GTi.

It's explosive...(Sorry VW Scirocco)

This Polo V GTi made me found the answer I was looking for when it comes to observing the "Engineering Connections" of a hot hatch but it always made me completely bonkers because of its 1.4L Twincharger engine and a 7-speed DSG that makes shifting smooth and silky as my polo I'm wearing for my night classes. This car is not a hot hatch, much like the others, but it is a hyper hatch that is purely demonic and explosive. Some say, it will get you into trouble easily, it will get you out with a smile on your face, and it will soothe your brow, all the way home. As a matter of fact, (sigh) I love it! (Mwah)