Monday, June 25, 2012

Welcome Back: 2004 Porsche 911 GT3

996 911 GT3 is too old but it's very good!


Porsche's 996 GT3 uses the 996 as its base but it lost a lot of weight. Not only that, it comes with stiffer, adjustable suspension and upgraded brakes, and used the bodyshell of the four-wheel-drive version, which incorporated additional front-end stiffening. In 1999, 996 GT3 comes with a 3.6L flat six engine that generates 360bhp of power while in 2002, the GT3 was improved with even better aerodynamics and the 3.6L flat six engine was improved to generate 380bhp of power.

In Series 3 opener of Top Gear (U.K.), Richard Hammond test drives the Porsche 996 911 GT3 and this is the last car the original, black-colored, Stig drove around the Top Gear Test Track right before his death at the HMS Invincible. It lapped round the track in 1:22.3.

Outtakes: 2013 Viper GTS vs. Corvette C6 ZR1?

OUTTAKE:

You were saying that the 2013 Viper GTS is faster than the Corvette ZR1?

Maybe...When I checked out the stats of the car's power-to-weight ratio;

"DRY" HORSEPOWER TO WEIGHT RATIO:

Bugatti Veyron : 4.10
Ferrari F12berlinetta : 4.70
SRT Viper* : 4.91
Lamborghini Aventador : 4.96
Corvette ZR1 : 5.01
Porsche 911 Turbo : 6.22

* Dry Weight 3,143 lbs.

...that's what matters.

Uh...I think you've got terribly confused. You know, we pushed the 2013 SRT Viper against the Lamborghini Aventador round the Top Gear Mile for some experiment and you said that despite the SRT Viper's power to weight ratio is better than the Lamborghini Aventador, it's not quicker on the straights.

Yeah, you're right. Not as quicker as the Lamborghini Aventador as I tried.

Yeah and how about the thing against the Corvette ZR1?

ZR1 vs. 2013 Viper

You said that the Viper stacked up against the Vette ZR1. You said that the Viper is better than the Vette ZR1 because of the power to weight ratio.

Uh....uh...uh....

Well, moments later, you've conducted another series of experiments proving that the 2013 Viper is better than the Corvette ZR1. You did the old split screen experiment and what's the result?

Didn't realize that in stock terms, the Corvette ZR1 bested the new 2013 Viper...

Yep, but that's just a beginning. Later on, you started some kind of public lobby to further conducting this kind of experiment. What you did is stock only, only the C6 ZR1 and the 2013 Viper. Have a ZR1 driven by yours while the 2013 Viper will be driven by an online buddy. How was it?

It's kinda the same thing. Even in the Top Gear Mile, it seems that the Corvette stacks up against the Viper.

Uh-huh, then you decided to change locations. Then, you drove the all new 2013 Viper while an online buddy is driving the Corvette ZR1. How was the result of your TOP SECRET experiment?

ZR1 vs. 2013 Viper

It's still the same thing! The Corvette ZR1 stacked up against the all new Viper!

Ha ha ha! I believe that it was a mistake to make that claim. It seems that the Corvette ZR1 is still the king!

Yeah yeah but we can't do that claim. This debate of whole Corvette ZR1 vs. Viper '13 is just like the controversial Pacquiao-Bradley fight. Why don't we leave this to the experts? MOTOR TREND, perhaps?

Yeah! Motor Trend makes the best car reviews and the best drag races.


OUTTAKE END

Bulilits in the rain

On the June 24, 2012 episode of Goin Bulilit:

- Goin Bulilit music video of SUKOB NA

- Rainy day gags

- In the Goin Bulilit spoof of Aryana, called AROWANA, can Arowana's mom stop her daughter's 14th birthday because of the curse? It takes a chopped finger to figure that out!

- Bugoy compares what's NOON and what's NGAYON...

- Katulong Mutya gets confused when her amo asked her to buy some coffee!

- Pulot That Ball! That was the Ready Get Set Goin game of that week!

Alonso wins the European GP

This is the second time Ferrari's Fernando Alonso get first place on this 2012 F1 season and this time at the European GP held at Valencia, Spain. With all that potential, it seems that Alonso's in the lead, overtaking big timers such as Mark Webber, Lewis Hamilton, and Sebastian Vettel! How's that possible?!

Race - Alonso triumphs in Valencia thriller 24 Jun 2012
       
Ferrari's Fernando Alonso scored a sensational victory for Ferrari - and Spain - in an action-packed 2012 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe in Valencia on Sunday afternoon, despite starting only 11th. And on a day when neither Lewis Hamilton nor Sebastian Vettel finished, Alonso went back into a healthy world championship lead.

For the first 34 laps Vettel and Red Bull owned the twisty track round the Spanish port. The German lit off from pole position and could not be challenged as Hamilton kept Romain Grosjean bottled up behind his McLaren. Grosjean finally found a way by Hamilton on the 10th lap, but the Lotus driver could not then do anything about Vettel as a largely processional race went past its halfway point.

But then Jean-Eric Vergne's Toro Rosso collided with Heikki Kovalainen's Caterham on the 27th lap, prompting the deployment of the safety car on the 28th. It closed up the field until the 34th lap, when racing started again. Vettel immediately leapt back into the lead, but by the end of the lap his Red Bull was missing. It had coasted to a stop by the side of the track.

That wasn't all. Alonso had steadily been moving up ever since the start, when he had jumped into eighth place. He was up to third when the safety car came out, but grabbed a place from Grosjean on the 34th lap when the race restarted and thus inherited the lead upon Vettel's demise.

The Frenchman never gave up and kept the gap at less than a second, but just as a great battle came into prospect, he too suddenly slowed on the 40th lap and stopped by the side of the track with a suspected alternator failure.

That left Hamilton back in second place, delayed after yet another pit-stop drama, this time with the left-front wheel after the front jack appeared to fail. He was having to fend off a hungry Kimi Raikkonen in the other Lotus, who'd lost out to Williams' Pastor Maldonado at the start and then spent the afternoon getting back into a challenging position. He finally got by Hamilton with three laps to go as the McLaren's tyres were finished, but just didn't have time to challenge the Ferrari.

Hamilton was under extreme pressure from Maldonado in the closing laps as the Williams driver closed in, but after running side-by-side for several corners they finally collided, Hamilton's McLaren being pitched into the wall as at least 12 points disappeared.

All of that set the scene for Mercedes' Michael Schumacher and Red Bull's Mark Webber to come slamming through after late tyre stops, on the 44th and 38th laps respectively. They swept by Mercedes' Nico Rosberg, McLaren's Jenson Button and Sauber's Sergio Perez, then the Force Indias of Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg, before the demise of Hamilton and Maldonado elevated them to third and fourth places. For the German it was the first podium of his comeback, the first for a 43 year-old since Jack Brabham at Brands Hatch in 1970.

Hulkenberg clung on for an excellent fifth for Force India, but Di Resta lost sixth to Rosberg on the final lap. Jenson Button had yet another low-key race to eighth in the second McLaren, holding off Perez as Maldonado slumped to 10th minus his front wing after the Hamilton collision.

The Venezuelan was followed home by his Williams partner Bruno Senna, who got a drive-through penalty for a collision with Sauber's Kamui Kobayashi, who'd enjoyed a long spell in fourth place prior to the first round of pit stops. Senna later inherited his team mate's single point when stewards added 20 seconds to Maldonado's race time over his clash with Hamilton.

Daniel Ricciardo ran as high as third at the restart, due to being out of kilter as most of the main runners pitted under the safety car, but was soon shuffled back by those with fresher rubber. He survived a collision with Caterham's Vitaly Petrov to take 12th ahead of the Russian and his recovered team mate Kovalainen. That became 11th after Maldonado's penalty.

Behind them, Charles Pic was Marussia's only starter as Timo Glock remained unwell with his intestinal infection, and the Frenchman was 15th ahead of Felipe Massa, who was in the hunt for some good points until his Ferrari was attacked by Kobayashi's Sauber. The Japanese driver retired and was handed a five-place grid penalty for the next round in Great Britain.

The HRTs both finished this time, with Pedro de la Rosa leading Narain Karthikeyan home in 17th and 18th. After the race, Vergne received a 10-place grid drop for the next round and a €25,000 fine for his collision with Kovalainen.

Alonso now has 111 points, from Webber on 91. Then come Hamilton on 88 and Vettel on 85, as Rosberg moves to fifth on 75 and Raikkonen to sixth on 73.

In the constructors' chase, Red Bull have 176 to McLaren's 137, Lotus's 126, Ferrari's 122 and Mercedes' 92.


Verdict: It seems that Ferrari's back on track thanks to Alonso but can Ferrari keep up to get the title? Find out in the UK this July 8, 2012!

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Remembering the Xantia....

Xantia V6 at the Alps
 

This car seems to be an instant classic but not forgotten by many French car enthusiast. This is the Citroen Xantia, some say that this is somewhat a French executive sports saloon from the 1990's but for me, this isn't more of a French executive sports saloon. This is just something else...

The Xantia, when it was launched in 1993, was designed by Bertone, the same chaps who did the Lamborghini Miura and the Lancia Stratos. Unlike those, the Xantia isn't seems to be a bit sporty. In French fashion, the Xantia is just a 5-door liftback just like the Citroen BX it replaced.

Some say, the ace of its sleeve on the Xantia was its suspension and what's observed is an enhanced version of the XM's Hydractive, Hydractive II or H2, computer-controlled version of the hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension. With the Hydractive II suspension, the Xantia provides an unique ride quality and the body always stays flat even on various road conditions.

Most Xantia models have different sorts of engines such as the 1.6L, 1.8L, 1.9L, or even HDi engines offered but the one I have on Gran Turismo 5 is something else; a 3.0 i V6 engine, serving as the flagship model. Xantia V6....hmmmm....If you were the sort of patient and if you hear everyone saying XANTIA V6, your pulse keeps on going and going and going. Anyway, the 3.0L V6 engine, this produces about 140 kW (190 PS; 188 hp) @ 5500 rpm of power and 267 N·m (197 lb·ft) @ 4000 rpm of torque.

The Citroen Xantia became the final Citroen to come a common hydraulic circuit for suspension, brakes and steering like the pioneering Citroën DS. Not only that, Iit was also the last Citroën to use the green LHM hydraulic fluid.

There is a known reference that a 4WD turbo version of the Xantia was used for rallying at the Championnat de France and it won five times in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998 and 1999 with driver Jean-Luc Pailler. Never heard of it?

Anyway, the Xantia with the Hydractive suspension, does it really work even though in Gran Turismo 5? Sadly for me, it doesn't.... It kinda feels like I'm getting a bit struggling at handling through the Swiss Alps or even the corners of the Top Gear Test Track. It may be a French executive sports saloon but feels like it doesn't. This is a bit more harsh to drive, has the harshest engine for an old French car, and more importantly...what can I say? Terribly ugly. Well, whatever, at least the Xantia is dead now and it was replaced by the C5, which the first generation is getting a bit oblong but the second-generation gets it right, really right.

Let's Do The News! (June 24, 2012)

It is now time to do the news! And we begin with this! As you may know, most people saw the MINI CLUBVAN at some motor show but actually, it was a concept version. Say hello to the production version of the Mini Clubvan, a Mini targeted for small business purposes and it was here to lash out the likes of the Mercedes-Benz Citan and the Renault Kangoo.

2013 Mini Clubvan

Yep, this looks like a MINI CLUBMAN to you but remember, the Mini Clubman is made for small business purposes. It's all about building your own business. Imagine if the DHL, UPS, FedEX or the Royal Mail had to use one of these as part of their cost-cutting due to today's economy and finding out that they can't afford on Ford Transits. Anyway, what you get on the Clubvan are the 72 kW/98 hp MINI One Clubvan, the 90 kW/122 hp MINI Cooper Clubvan and the 82 kW/112 hp MINI Cooper D Clubvan.


I believe that the Clubvan is a perfect business machine for those who think they can't afford the Ford Transit but sadly...this is smaller than the business-oriented Ford Transit. Sorry.

(audience laughing)

So, um...have you watched THE X FACTOR Philippines yesterday?

X Factor? A reality show that is somewhat Simon Cowell-ish?

Uh, actually, what we're looking here was the Philippine version of the X FACTOR, even though it has some Noypi taste, it still stays true to the original even though it was hosted by KC Concepcion. The judges seem to be from different forms; we have Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Charice, and some old lady that I really forgot who that is....

I know who that is...

Who?

Pilita Corales.

Oh....

Anyway, those auditions for THE X FACTOR PHILIPPINES are highly immense! I even saw someone sang MY WAY and that made Charice cry. Many will enter, only one will win. That's the main purpose on THE X FACTOR. The reality series that rattled the USA and Great Britian is now in the Philippines!

Yeah and be sure to tune in on ABS-CBN every weekends for all X FACTOR.

Absolutely! Now hey, guess what? Bad news. Something's wrong with ZAMZAR.

What?

It was the URL stuff. When I paste the YouTube link, then convert it to either mp3 or wmv, then I type my e-mail, click Convert and I got this message that most of you haven't heard of it;


Sorry, we can't get that video

At the request of Google we have had to remove support for the downloading of YouTube videos on Zamzar.

You can still use Zamzar to convert hundreds of other file formats and we promise to continue introducing cool new features such as the ability to convert files by email.

See the problem? Zamzar removed the support for the downloading of YouTube videos at the request of Google! What's wrong?

(audience murmuring)

Well...It was this....


...and later on it was this...

"We recently became aware of your service, Zamzar, which is being offered at http://www.zamzar.com/. It appears from your website and other marketing materials that Zamzar is designed to allow users to download content from YouTube. We need to ask you to stop offering that functionality."

Well, that could be worse? What's next? RealPlayer will no longer support downloading YouTube videos? That seems to be lame, right?

Yeah, it is lame but I hope RealPlayer won't be on the same fate, I think. Anyway, another bad news. You remember Nokia?

(audience says YES)

Me too! I remember! I love that 7650, the cellphone that invented the art of MMS!

Anyway, enough happy talk and some sad talk. It seems that the Euro debt crisis, especially austerity measures, really took a toll on the Finland-based cellphone giant. It appears that Finnish production for Nokia cellphones are finished. Get it? FINISHED! Nokia bid goodbye to manufacturing in Finland

(awwww)


How sad isn't it? It's the end of NOKIA as we know it. The bad case of shutting down their Finnish plant in Salo is cutting down 850 jobs on top of 1,000 announced earlier in the year, and rob the town of 90 per cent of its tax revenue. 

It turns out that Nokia aren't that good in the game of smartphones dominated by Apple and Samsung. We use to like Nokia phones because of their style and functionality. Asians love it because they have it. Well, sadly, when it comes to smartphone technology, Nokia's hopeless.

Yeah, very very hopeless. Let's talk Nokia okay? Let's remember. Now when someone named Elise was subscribed to Globe Telecom, her first phone was the Nokia 3310. Anyone remembered the 3310?

(audience raising hands)

Well, they did remember. As for me, the 3310 is a bit more of a big fat version of the 3210, which is still one of the classic Nokias I can remember. When the 7650 went out, people went cameraphone crazy. I dreamnt of having one but later on, my sister has one moments before she bought someone which is way better than....ugh! I still remember the 6680!

What's a 6680!

I still remember the phone my sis have. It was a black one but later on back in my high school days, we lost it! We really really lost the 6680!

Oh, how sad.

Yeah, where did the last time you put it?

I think it was way back home but sadly...I don't know where it is...

(audience laughing)

Well, at least you moved on....

Yeah, I kinda moved on....My sis now has iPhones, my other sis has an Android smartphone, which is kinda rubbish, and I have no problem at all. At least that old 6680 phone will always remain part of the memory...

(awwwww)

What about you? Wish to have a smartphone?

I dunno....But it's still a process in the making. Don't disturb, okay?

(audience laughing)

Hey now, the SRT Viper, we drove it on Forza Motorsport 4 via a free DLC, it seems that the very first SRT Viper has been auctioned for $300,000 at the Barrett Jackson auction event.


Sold at $300,000? Congrats to that lucky chap who got the new SRT Viper!

Yeah, I have to give thanks to this guy who finally got the keys to the first SRT Viper. Anyway, I have to say that this car really regaining the crown of being the KING OF AMERICAN SPORTS CARS, not the Corvette ZR1. If you put these two on a drag race, the results are highly addictive. The Viper GTS stacked up against the ZR1 and I have to say this that this Viper rocks!

Speaking of which, have you seen the limited-time only SRT Viper GTS-R on Car Town? The one with the Forza livery on it, it was like what was that? Forza in Car Town? Uh oh....

Yeah, it's a big uh-oh....

That didn't happened, eh?

(audience laughing)

Anyway, a new IDOLM@STER PSP game under the banner THE IDOLM@STER SHINY FESTA, you guys saw the trailer at THE IDOLM@STER 7th Anniversary Concert at Yokohama Arena, right? It turns out that this upcoming IM@S PSP game is nothing more like Hatsune Miku Project Diva, except this time, 765Pro All Stars.

(audience laughing)


Wha....?! An IM@S PSP game that feels like Hatsune Miku Project Diva?!!!

Indeed it is my fellow petrolhead. Indeed it is....

(audience laughing)

Well, since you're a big petrolhead who likes IM@S as part of your driving songs, would you want one?

Uh....uh.....

Come on. Say it.

Actually, I haven't got plans for that.

(audience laughing)

Aw come on. Some say you like Haruka! Some say you like Chihaya! Some say you like Ritsuko! Some say....

(audience laughing)

Hammo's right. You're kinda in to that IM@S thing.

Shhhh!!! Enough IM@S stuff and let's talk about the TOYOTA 86 in the Philippines. You know what, we're terribly sorry that all Toyota 86 models have been sold out...quick!

(awwww)

Yep! It's too late to get your own 86 because....let's be honest. This car's has been wildly popular because of the pricing that is somewhat a Genesis Coupe territory.


Yeah, the TOYOTA 86's been wildly popular because, it's a car you'd been driven all day long on your Playstation.

(audience laughing)

Yeah... He he he he....But let's not laugh okay? And that's the news!

Banana Split HOT ISSUE (June 23, 2012)

What's the HOT ISSUE on the June 23, 2012 episode of ABS-CBN Banana Split?

1) Pambansang kamao, congressman Manny Poohkyaw, namigay ng tulong sa mga binaha niyang kababayan sa Saranggani!

2) Premiere night ng Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme, dinumog ng mga celebrities at mga fans!

3) Mga batang bibo at super talented magpapagalingan sa pinaka-aabangang reality talent show for kids ng ABS-CB ang I-SHINE!

The Super Ballers in FM4

The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, the Mazda Furai, and the Pagani Zonda R; those three are really what you called SUPER BALLERS (as coined from Car Town) because even though you can't use them for motorsport purposes, they really are fast. So what are those SUPER BALLERS?

1) Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

The Super Ballers

Sesto Elemento, which means 6th element in Italian, is the name of the Lamborghini that was derived from the periodic table of elements because carbon is classified as the sixth element. True to its name, the Sesto Elemento demonstrates the worldwide leading expertise of Lamborghini in carbon-fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) technology. The super sports car brand from Sant'Agata Bolognese is the only vehicle manufacturer in the world to have mastered the complete CFRP process across a range of technologies, from 3D design through simulation, validation, production and testing - all in a state-of-the-art industrial process that stands for the very highest quality standards.

The V10 engine that powers it generates 570HP of power, promises a power to weight ratio of 1.75 kilograms per hp and 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration of only 2.5 seconds.

Lamborghini plans to produce up to 20 Sesto Elemento models in 2011 but "...It will never be road legal", just like its stablemate, the Pagani Zonda R. Also, it is not made for motorsports purposes.




2) Mazda Furai Concept

The Super Ballers in Laguna Seca

Over the years, Mazda has a long reputation of making sensible small cars and the worst television commercials. At the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, this concept race car is something that Mazda wants to give it a name that packs aggression and anger but the name game has been handed to someone from Birmingham so the name was the FURAI (風籟). The chassis is from an American Le Mans racer and the body design is made by someone with a Batman fixation. It was powered by a 1.9L rotary engine that generates 460HP of power, fuel economy of 2.6MPG, and annoyingly broken as told by Jeremy Clarkson after the news segment of Season 11 finale of Top Gear.



3) Pagani Zonda R

The Super Ballers in Top Gear Test Track

Pagani's Zonda R is the track-only finale of the venerable Pagani Zonda hypercar. Some say that this is a test-bed of the next Pagani, which is the Huayra for sure. The Zonda R is powered by a 6.0 L AMG V12 engine found in the Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR, which produces 740HP of power, 523ft-lb of torque, top speed of 350km/h, 0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds, and it achieved a Nurburgring Nordschelife in 6:47.50, faster than the Ferrari 599XX. This is the first ever Zonda to be equipped with a 6-speed sequential transmission.

This car was featured on Jeremy Clarkson's DVD, The Italian Job, as he drives the Zonda R round the Imola Circuit. Then, it was featured in an Series 16 episode of Top Gear and when the Stig is behind the wheel, it set a lap time of 1:08.5 but subsequently removed from board because it is not a road-legal car.



So, you can't race those three, and you can't use it to go to the shops. Really then, they're just pure speed machines, those million dollar toys you love to play with them. The Furai is packed with aggression and anger that flows around its Nagare design but the howl of the rotary engine isn't as perfect as the 787B race car. The Sesto Elemento seems to be more of a racer wrapped up with carbon fiber body but it looks a bit more of a monster. When you look at the back of the Sesto Elemento, you might thinking that there is an internal organ planted outside. Creepy, isn't it? As for the Zonda R, well it is just right. Some people say that all Zondas can be terrifying to drive but they're not. They're easy. Because the Zonda R weighs less and grippy slick tires, this is the easiest of the Zondas. It doesn't really matter if you're not concentrating because it weighs less and because of the big ceramic brakes, it will stop from 125mph to none in 4.3 seconds. The only way to stop even faster is to hit the tree but forget about that. What matters is that the sound of the engine from the Zonda R is my favorite. When you start the engine, it sounds a bit more brutal and it gets even more brutal every time when your driving around race tracks. Sadly, even though it costs a million pounds, you might be even charge more due to race tracks' noise limits; think about... 6 BILLION GBP! BILLION!

Despite that, the Zonda R is my favorite super baller because this Zonda R is all about being brutal but sadly this track-only version served as the grand finale of the Zonda. However, the Zonda's lifespan got extended because of the special editions like the Zonda Cinque and the Zonda Tricolore. Whatever, at least the Zonda is dead now and the new Pagani Huayra took place.

Welcome Back: 2003 Ferrari Challenge Stradale

This is a bit of a lightweight version of the 360 Modena


The Ferrari 360 is one of the all time greats. They made a track-only version known as the 360 Challenge and on that bombshell, in a terribly confusing way, they made a road version of the track version of the road car. Think of the Challenge Stradale as a 360 GTi, a more tamer version of the 360 which is track-focused and road legal. With the pricing of 130,000 British Pound Sterling, which is 30,000 more than the standard model, that extra price made this model some weight loss programs such as carbon fiber door panels, removed carpets, carbon ceramic brakes, titanium wheel bolts, dual rear floor with F1-inspired flows, slightly longer nose, slightly modified sills, slightly necked boot and the rear is higher than the front. Some of these are all in the sake of aerodynamics. The 3.6L engine has been tweaked to produce 425BHP; 0-60mph in 4 seconds.

In essence then, the 360 Challenge Stradale is lighter, more aerodynamic, faster, and it's a great way of getting closer to Ferrari's motor racing. A greater way to telling all the Ferrari 360 Modena owners that you're a little bit richer.

When The Stig is in the 360 Challenge Stradale, it went round the Top Gear Test Track in 1.22.3

This car is listed as a unicorn car.


Saturday, June 23, 2012

Happy 1st Anniversary, SKYACTIV Technology!

In June 2011, Mazda Motor Corporation sold the very first car that comes with SKYACTIV Technology, which is essentially a facelifted version of the third-generation Demio. We celebrate the 1st anniversary Mazda's SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, which promises the best fuel economy without sacrificing performance. Let's have a brief moment to take a look at the Mazda SKYACTIV models but first...

What is SKYACTIV Technology?
Part of Mazda's vision to create a perfect harmony between ecology of the hybrid car and the performance of the gasoline-powered car, the term SKYACTIV was born. The SKYACTIV technology provides driving pleasure and outstanding eco-friendly and safely performance to customers with the fuel efficient engines, efficient transmissions, and "lighter and rigid" platforms. To learn more about SKYACTIV, visit http://www.mazda.com/mazdaspirit/skyactiv/

SKYACTIV No. 1: Demio

2012 Mazda Demio

The new 2012 Mazda Demio is the first Mazda to be equipped with the all new P3-VPS (1.3-litre SKYACTIV-G) engine. The new SKYACTIV-G engine is the next generation of Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine that is the first to attain the world's highest petrol engine compression ratio of 14.0:1, 15% increase of fuel efficiency and torque, and a 4-2-1 exhaust system, cavity pistons, multihole injectors and some of the technology that makes SKYACTIV "Only the sky is the limit" after all. The Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV provides 84ps/5400rpm of power, 11.4kg-m/4000rpm of torque, and the fuel economy of 30km/L (10-15 mode). With that, the new Mazda Demio SKYACTIV is the reigning "king" of fuel efficiency, dethroning the 27.0km/L cars like the fifth-generation Daihatsu Move and the third-generation Suzuki MR Wagon!

Good to know that Mazda's i-stop feature found on the second-generation Axela/3 and the third-generation Mazda Premacy/5 is included at the Mazda Demio/2 13-SKYACTIV model. With i-stop equipped, it will automatically shut-off the P3-VPS (1.3L DOHC SKYACTIV-G) engine when stopped at the red light. Also included is the CVT for enhanced fuel efficiency, good for those who want to take a long Japanese trip this summer.

SKYACTIV No. 2: Axela

2012 Mazda Axela

Marked as the 2nd Mazda to be equipped with SKYACTIV Technology, the Mazda Axela 20-SKYACTIV comes with the new PE-VPS (2.0L 4-cylinder DOHC 16-Valve SKYACTIV-G) direct injection engine that provides the best compression ratio, 4-2-1 exhaust system for the excellent knock-resistant technology, and combustion improvement. If the PE-VPS engine wasn't enough, a new SKYACTIV-DRIVE was equipped and this one has all the advantages of a conventional step CVT, Dual Clutch, and Step Automatic Transmission. The new SKYACTIV-DRIVE is the ultimate automatic transmission developed exclusively to the Mazda Axela SKYACTIV variants, which provides good fuel economy at both low and high speeds, easy start up (Launch feel), easy start up on hill (Creep), direct feel, and smooth shifting (Shifting Quality). This new transmission is "ideal for global market" like a region-free Playstation 3 if you know what I mean. With this region-free SKYACTIV-DRIVE, the fuel economy of the Mazda Axela SKYACTIV is good for 20.0km/L based on Japan's 10-15 mode scale and 17.6km/L based on Japan's JC08 mode scale. This has bound to be the best SKYACTIV-powered model ever made and it also comes with the exclusive i-DM (intelligent Drive Master) which provides real time information and some advices before you get off the Axela SKYACTIV.

SKYACTIV No. 3: CX-5

2013 Mazda CX-5

SKYACTIV Technology promises optimized fuel economy and uncompromising performance, so that's why the Mazda CX-5 has the best of both worlds. First, the 2.0 liter SKYACTIV-G i-stop engine (PE-VPS) engine produces 155PS of power and 196Nm of torque. This is equipped on the 20C and 20S 2WD variants and it provides them 16km/L of fuel economy, making it more efficient than its key rival, the Mitsubishi RVR. For the first time in Mazda history and it's available only on the CX-5 XD (Cross-D) variants is the brand-new 2.2 liter SKYACTIV-D i-stop (SH-VPTS) Common Rail diesel engine that produces 175PS of power and 420Nm of torque. It promises a record-breaking fuel economy of 18.6km/L. Depending on the variant, the new CX-5 comes with an improved 4WD for all round driving with fuel economy of 15.6km/L for the 2.0L petrol variant and 18.0km/L for the 2.2L diesel engine. Most variants do come with the 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE transmission that has good fuel economy, easy start up, direct feel, and smooth shifting, ideal for the world market.

The Mazda CX-5 is the first Mazda to come with the all new Smart City Brake Support that uses a laser sensor to detect a vehicle or obstacle in front and automatically reduces the extent of the brake rotor travel to quicken braking operation. If the driver fails to brake, SCBS automatically activates the brakes and reduces the engine output at the same time. It's like what the Volvo S60 and the Subaru Impreza Sport/G4 does.

To sum up then: The Demio is the first SKYACTIV model from Mazda. The Axela is the first Mazda model to have the SKYACTIV-DRIVE transmission. And the Mazda CX-5 is a full-fledged SKYACTIV vehicle that has everything SKYACTIV; SKYACTIV-D, SKYACTIV-G, SKYACTIV-DRIVE, SKYACTIV-BODY, and SKYACTIV-CHASSIS. Mazda's SKYACTIV Technology evolved the internal combustion engine, provide enjoyment, reduced weight, sportscar-like shift feel, world-class level of crash safety performance, and everything that made it great. Of course, most fuel efficient cars have taken away fun-loving performance especially is some have a little ECO buttons. For SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, they defied the limits; fun-to-drive characteristics with better fuel economy. Here in the Philippines, the only Mazda model we have with SKYACTIV Technology is the CX-5 but it puzzled me that as we all know, direct-injected cars won't work in the Philippines because our fuel is very dirty and it may cause knocks. Seems that they didn't care about the risk learned from an old GDi Pajero back in the 1990's.

Anyway, it's a MANY HAPPY RETURNS for Mazda's SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY but if I have to choose which of these three Mazda SKYACTIV vehicles is my type, I would probably go for the Mazda CX-5 because this is the first model to have everything SKYACTIV and the first model to adopt the KODO -Soul In Motion- design philosophy. It looks like the Minagi concept car a couple of moments ago and overall, I like it. I really wish I wanna have one of those.

"More Malt For Energy"

On the June 22, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang

- If you're gay, then how come you're a bit different? This guy pretends that his gay after peeking some girls' melons and her man got angry at him.

- Knight gags

- Pickup Lines!!!

1) Engineer ka ba? Kasi gusto kita pakasalan ENGINEER future!

2) Pag nilayuan mo ako, parang resulta ng laban ni Pacquiao at Bradley. Kasi di ko matanggap.

3) Di na ko naniniwala na LIFE IS SHORT, kasi pag nakikita kita, humahaba ang buhay ko!

4) Hindi na importante sa akin ang front view mo, back view mo, o side view mo. KASI KAHIT ANONG VIEW, I LOVE YOU!!!

5) Para kang isang sikreto. Kasi mahirap kang mapagkatiwala sa iba.

6) Pag kaharap kita, nawawala ako sa sarili! NAWAWALA AKO SA SARILI!

7) Asin ka ba? Kasi I LOVE YOU ALAT!

8) Sino ba ang hindi nababaliw sa kagandahan mo? Malay ko. Yung nga tanong ko sa yo!

- Bubble Gang does Milo by spoofing this commercial as HILO. More malt for energy. 

- Mr. Assimo at the church

- What awaits them after they climbed the top of the mountain? Serious consequences of course...

- Brod Pete and friends are there again to answer questions on ANG BAGONG DATING DOON!

1) Dennis Trillo asks "Meron po bang nasusulat tungkol sa na-in love sa alien?" From 1-2-3 of the book of I WILL SURVIVE; "First I was afraid, I was petrified, Kept thinking I could never leave without you by my side. And saw your back from outer space" Oh wait...this is different topic...

2) Brod Pete says that P-Noy was involved on the Pacquiao-Bradley fight because he thinks that he messed up with the scores. He thinks Bradley is from Grace Lee. Get it? Brad-Lee!

3) Antonio Aquitania asks "Meron po bang nasusulat tungkol sa pinakamasarap, yung da best sa pagluluto?" Ang Dating Doon says that "ang pinakaimportanteng sangkap sa pagluluto ay LOVE". From a song from Adele; "There's a fire starting in my heart, reaching a fever pitch and it's bringing me out the dark, we could have it all, rolling in the deep, you had my heart inside your hand, and you played it to the bit, throw your soul to every open door, count your blessings to find what you're looking for"

4) A Twit from someone keeps asking the same question. Guess what words were a bit wrong? Here;

 a) ALL CAPS - right but what about small caps? Small caps is wrong. No such thing as a small capital letter.

b) W - Nope, not double-u, double-v. Get it? Because it has two V's.

c) tuck-in - No such thing as tuck out. If you tucked your clothes in, how can you tuck your clothes out?

- This little boy's dream is to be a villain of some sort...

- IyoTube in Paparazzi

The Majestic Tale of the Mad Viper

Viper GTS ACR


Viper SRT10

Viper Competition Coupe

Viper SRT10 ACR

This whole Viper Week reminded me to look back at the history of the Dodge Viper and I have been given a week to sample the old Vipers right before I have the chance to try out the all new 2013 Viper GTS on Forza Motorsport 4. Well, I just did, I drove everything from Viper GTS ACR to Viper SRT-10 ACR. I have different tastes on those different generations and it appears I have learned a lot about the Viper legacy so now....

What machine is this?

It's coming!

...Now it's here. It's ready to go to work and show everyone who's the big boss. Venomous, slithering, and now ready for action. Everybody please welcome, 2013 SRT VIPER GTS!

Meet the 2013 SRT Viper GTS

The all new 2013 SRT Viper is yours to collect, race, customize, or explore in Autovista as a free DLC.

2013 SRT Viper GTS at the Top Gear Test Track

2013 SRT Viper GTS at the Top Gear Test Track

After hiatus, the return of the Viper no longer bears the Dodge Viper name but it was called SRT Viper when it was premiered at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. It was evolved to incorporate superior craftsmanship, a host of new technologies and ergonimic improvements while respecting its visceral legacy of performance.

8.4L V10 OHV engne

The new SRT Viper comes with the same 8.4L V10 OHV engine from the previous Dodge Viper SRT-10 but now it churns out 640HP of power and 600lb-ft of torque. It is mated with a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission with a shorter throw shifter, close gear ratio, and shorter final drive ratio of 3.07. With a triple-digit weight loss, the power-to-weight ratio is better than the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 and the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Stryker

1992-2003 Vipers have the logo called the "Sneaky Pete". 2003-2010 Vipers have the logo called "Fangs". For the new SRT Viper, it introduces a new Viper logo that looks intimidating to many and they called it "Stryker". What's it all about the new Stryker logo on the 2013 SRT Viper?

Designed by Vince Galante, the new "Stryker" logo is the third since Viper was launched in 1991 as a 1992 model, following earlier logos "Sneaky Pete" and "Fangs." This new logo provides a venomous detail that makes it a befitting take on a sports car that packs aggression and anger. Sadly however, this new Stryker logo took the idea from the logo of FLYING LIZARD MOTORSPORTS.

Excuse me but, you got our logo! Give it back!

Oops...Looks like we're facing an issue here. Despite that, there's something wicked about the Stryker logo. If the speedo reached through the red line, the Stryker logo shows up, and trust me on this, this is a warning sign that you have to change gear.

Stryker at the instrumental panel!

How cool was that? If you're scared about this Stryker logo coming out on your speedo, your best bet is to change gear before this shows up. My gosh, that logo was a complete nightmare, scaring kids of all ages. If you're not brave, then don't drive this car. We know that you're getting scared on this...scary looking Stryker logo.

2013 SRT Viper GTS' interior

Did I say scary? That new Viper emblem was in that steering wheel. If you're scared, then best to cover it with duct tape. He he he he.... But no, I'm brave enough to see that new Viper logo so it's fine for me. I like this new logo because it has some character on it. Anyway, on the interior, what you expect is handcrafted with some artisan spirit. For the Viper GTS model, all surfaces are fully leather skinned, and standard accent colors are applied to the seats, doors, center console and stitching. As for the seating, high-performance racing seats from Sabelt feature a lightweight Kevlar/fiberglass shell created by a state-of-the-art resin transfer molding technology for mass reduction and long-term durability.

The question of power to weight ratio is too inevitable. SRT says that 2013 Viper GTS has better power to weight ratio than the Lamborghini Aventador and the Corvette ZR1 but when you put the 2013 Viper against the Aventador, that's hopeless. However, we'll be focusing on the ZR1. As always, the rivalry between Viper and Corvette is a civil war that proves which of these two deserved to be "king of American sports cars". When the Viper was gone, the Corvette shines through as the undisputed king of American sports cars. Now that the Viper is back, this would be what happened when the ZR1 is pitted against the 2013 Viper...

See who stacks up now?

See who stacks up now? Does the Corvette stacks up against the new Viper? Nope! The Viper stacks up! Meet your new king! The 2013 Viper is now the KING OF AMERICAN SPORTS CARS! What SRT made is a masterpiece, not only it made a car that has better power to weight ratio than the ZR1, they made a car that promises nothing but humiliation against General Motors! Once again, General Motors will always be the losers. Anyway, enough bragging rights and for a bit of a downfall....

Now that the new Viper ditches the Dodge name, it appears that the 2013 Viper won't be in Dodge dealerships so what dealerships will carry on the new 2013 SRT Viper for its late 2012 sale? Some say, Chrysler Group LLC will challenge all dealerships with a series of tests. Those series of tests will prove that a certain dealership will be declared an SRT specialist dealership and that specialist dealership will feature the 2013 SRT Viper in their showrooms.

Which reminds me, I checked around Forza Motorsport 4 about the 2013 SRT Viper and there could only be one thing...That's all it could happen! Viper is now a stand-alone brand of Chrysler Group LLC! Even though this is SRT's first halo car, the fate can't be changed! Anyway, enough about that and figuring out how fast the 2013 Viper round the track and of course, hand it over to our tamed racing driver...




Our SRT Viper did it in 1:19.129, which means that this American sports car is a hypercar! It's a hypercar. If an exotic did below the 1:20 mark at the Top Gear Test Track, it's declared a hypercar and this SRT Viper just did! I'm amazed that this new SRT Viper really works. It's faster than the previous Dodge Viper SRT-10 but it's a few seconds slower than the old SRT-10 ACR. What an improvement. Triple-digit weight loss, improved V10 OHV engine, improved aerodynamics, this new Viper is just an astonishing masterpiece and this is surely became the KING of American sport cars, not the Corvette!