Peugeot 208

It maybe somewhat undignified as a direct replacement to the aging 207 but the brand new Peugeot 208 is all about letting your body drive away from your boring everyday moments. This is how you want to let your body out and go through bigger and better things. It's available in 3-door and 5-door models.

2013 Peugeot 208

The design of the Peugeot 208 derived from Peugeot's new design DNA first applied on the 508 and the 308 minor change. This provides more charisma and more flair but because this is French, it's somewhat too quirky to look at it. Hey, it's France and quirky brilliance is their design taste. What I'm looking up now is a design that is truly Peugeot identity that will stand out the rest and the new 208 progresses it even further.

2013 Peugeot 208 interior

On the interior, it's all about being luxurious but the best part of the 208's interior was it's iPad-like touch screen. Last year, I was amazed by having fun with the iPod-style "touch panel audio" on the third-generation Suzuki MR Wagon but now, the Peugeot 208, the iPad-style touch screen is much better to play with than the MR Wagon's "touch panel audio". This feature provides me some access to the following features such as radio, Bluetooth hands-free kit or playing music files via a USB connection or audio streaming. It also has access to reasonably priced navigation, which is less than 500 euros, placing it in a very competitive position in the motor vehicle domain of on-board navigation systems. Guess I have found myself my new companion...

The Peugeot 208 has a list of diesel engines available;

- 1.4l HDi PEF 50 kW (68 hp), 160 Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox; CO2: 98 g/km
- 1.4l e-HDi PEF 50 kW (68 hp),160 Nm,5-speed piloted gearbox,Stop & Start; CO2: 87 g/km
- 1.6 l e-HDi PEF 68 kW (92 hp), 230 Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox, Stop & Start; CO2: 98 g/km
- 1.6 l e-HDi PEF 68 kW (92 hp), 230 Nm, 6-speed piloted gearbox, Stop & Start; CO2: 98 g/km
- 1.6l e-HDi PEF 84 kW (115 hp), 270/285 Nm, 6-speed manual gearbox, Stop & Start; CO2: 99 g/km

It also has a list of gasoline engines available;

- 1.0 l VTi 50 kW (68 hp); 95 Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox; 99 g/km
- 1.2 l VTi 60 kW (82 hp); 118 Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox; 104 g/km
- 1.4 l VTi 70 kW (95 hp); 136 Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox: 129 g/km
- 1.6 l VTi 88 kW (120 hp); 160 Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox: 134 g/km
- 1.6 l THP 115 kW (156 hp), 240/260 Nm, 6-speed manual gearbox; CO2: 135 g/km

Part of this whole downsizing trend is the introduction of the new generation of 3-cylinder engines designed by PSA Peugeot Citroën Group and produced at its Trémery factory in France. Those 1.0L VTi and 1.2L VTi variants of the new 208 provide 99 g/km and 104 g/km of CO2. It's very eco though...

The 208 comes with numerous features for safety such as ESP, ASR (traction control), CDS (stability control), EBA (emergency braking assistance) and EBFD (electronic brake force distribution). This also comes with Peugeot Connect SOS and Peugeot Connect Assistance services free of charge and with no time limit. Bear that in mind that Peugeot Connect SOS, currently available in 10 European countries and in more than 600,000 Peugeot vehicles, permits location of the vehicle and dispatching of the appropriate emergency services in the event of an incident.

Four variants are offered; Access, Active, Allure, and Feline, with each different engine types, features, and options offered. What's more, it comes with nine exterior colors such as Blanc Banquise, Gris Shark, Blossom Grey, Spirit Grey, Bleu Virtuel, Rouge Noir, Rouge Erythrée, Noir Obsidien, and Gris Aluminium.

My comment:
Guess this brand new Peugeot 208 won my heart with its cool touch screen feature that turns out this is much better to play with than the MR Wagon's Touch Panel Audio. This is the only feature I really love to play with. Anyway, back to the 208, the quirky Peugeot design DNA really flourished this new age premium compact car to new and exciting ways to let yourself run free and do whatever he/she likes. If I have one, guess I should start playing with this...

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

Let's Do The News (March 29, 2012)

And now let's do the news and let's meet up with this big scamp. Yesterday, we were trying to guess what's up with this more sportier version of the Ford Explorer and guess what? Here's that big scamp,

2013 Ford Explorer Sport

It's the all new 2013 Ford Explorer Sport. Nope, it's no longer the 3-door thing of the past. It's just a trim level for the new Explorer that comes with the 3.5L EcoBoost, I mean GTDi (because of the naming that Ford Philippines would launch on the 2012 MIAS tomorrow), engine that produces 350HP of power. Although details remain slim for now, additional info will be at the 2012 New York Auto Show next week.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/03/ford-adds-some-oomph-to-new-explorer.html

Wait, looks like the full-size Chevrolet Traverse crossover is getting a minor change for the 2013 model year!

2013 Chevrolet Traverse

Oh my gosh! Seems that this 2013 Traverse now has a new grille that is not what we've expected. Some say, this will serve as the new look for Chevrolet's crossover lineup. Not just that, the interior's been heavily revised as well. More info will come at the New York Auto Show next week.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/03/2013-chevrolet-traverse-facelift.html

No way! Ford showed the Explorer Sport and Chevrolet's showing up their Traverse minor change!!! Now who's the boss now? Not sure but be patient, now moving on...

Toyota Hilux

Looks like Toyota Motor UK made a special Hilux for the Top Gear presenters to take on a brand new challenge. As we all know, the Toyota Hilux was proven to be indestructible. Then it crossed through the North Pole and braved through the Iceland volcanoes. But this new one, based on the Hilux Vigo Champ, is more than just a new chapter of the Top Gear Hilux chronology. With details remain scarce, we sure hope that it will make more milestones in Top Gear history.

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/toyota-uk-says-top-gear-boys-to-go-on-another-hilux-adven/

Okay, enough chitter chatter because I WENT ON THE INTERNET AND I FOUND THIS!

(audience laughing)

What is it?

It's an April 2012 issue of FHM Magazine featuring Michelle Madrigal. Sadly, I can't show you the whole picture.

Happily however, I WENT ON THE INTERNET AND I FOUND THIS!

The Filipinas from Miss Philippines

(audience laughing)

You wouldn't mind that they're the Miss Philippines from the past. There was Charlene Gonzales-Mulach, Miriam Quiambao, Venus Raj, and Shamcey Supsup.

Oh really?

Yes, they are. Please, kindly enough with this whole "I WENT ON THE INTERNET AND I FOUND THIS" gag that Jeremy Clarkson's used on the news portion of Top Gear. Can you please....

I WENT ON THE INTERNET AND I FOUND THIS!!!!

Racing Miku 2011 Version

That's a Racing Miku 2011 Figure! Good Smile Company did a good job on this and she's up for the pre-order books. It will be out this September with the pricing of 8,800 Japanese Yen.

Scoop: http://www.dannychoo.com/post/en/26480/Racing+Miku+2011+Figure.html

Now, that's what a Miku fan wants to put it on his/her cabinet with pride! Ha ha! You really got me! You really really got me, Miku!

Ahem, what's that smug on your face? Why are you smiling? Don't tell me...

2012 Jaguar XKR-S

You're getting thrilled to try that 2012 Jaguar XKR-S for next week's Forza 4 April Alpinestars Pack, do you? I know what you're doing...

No! No! I didn't mean that! (Groan) I'm outta here! That's the news!

I saw the Lexus CT 200h!

Lexus CT 200h parked near Kinokuniya Bookstore, Seattle

While shopping at the Kinokuniya Bookstore in Seattle and sadly, nothing's too interested showed up, I stumbled across a white Lexus CT 200h parked next to the store.

Yes I know, this is the Lexus CT 200h, the first compact hybrid hatchback from Toyota's luxury marque, Lexus. It was launched in Japan since January 2011. I drove one of these on Forza Motorsport 4. So, why am I meeting up with this again?

Well, there's a good reason why am I meeting up with this car again. I LIKE IT! It maybe more expensive than the Honda CR-Z, which is still my favorite hybrid sports car in the world, but this is less expensive than the ugly Lexus HS 250h, which pretty soon the US won't be selling these due to poor sales. When I taking a spin on Forza Motorsport 4, it handles very well and this will put the Prius into shame, even though they're from a different league. This car is what Lexus does...

Otomedius X (Excellent) Original Sound Track

Otomedius X (Excellent) Original Sound Track

Launched in 2011, Otomedius X (Excellent),by a terribly confusing way, is the sequel of the hit video game that was based on a hit arcade when Gradius meets girls but it still has the same Gradius shoot them ups that feels like you're playing some kind of Toho Project game that my little sister loves to do. Players can pit themselves as either Aoba Anoa, Erul Tron, Madoka, Diol Twee, Tita Nium, Arnval, and Gesshi Hanafuuma, each with their own firing styles that can be customized for quick high score getaways, giving an edge against their friends while saving the galaxy from the forces of evil. Oh, and those downloadable contents developed specifically for this game are there to give some edge on this game.

This here is the mega compilation of five discs that contains all of the BGMs heard from this game. Almost everything. It also includes the full version of the opening theme titled "fly" as well.

I repeat, there was the full version of the Otomedius X opening theme, the closing theme, all the BGMs, even the DLC BGM packs, were all here. Nothing more, nothing less. That's it.

To get this, this is only available at Konamistyle.jp under the designation of LC2130-2134, costing a hefty JPY4,600 price tag.

Let's Do The News (March 28, 2012)

It's time now for the news and you know what? Summer starts in the Philippines. It's going to be a fun filled long vacation for those who lived in the Philippines, except for those who are in summer classes because they're LOSERS! Ha ha! Kidding aside, I found something that really got our heads scratching. It's that North Carolina's Chapel Hill became the first USA town to ban hands-free calling while driving.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/03/north-carolinas-chapel-hill-is-first-us.html

Really? Which means, we can't talk while driving, especially hands-free? Bluetooth? Aw, bugger but that's just the start.

Anyway, moving on, 

It seems that Shelby's making the most powerful Mustang tuned by the boffins from Shelby. It's called the Shelby 1000, the most powerful Shelby yet.

2012 Shelby 1000

Says here that Carroll Shelby and his men used the 2012MY Shelby GT500 as its foundation, modified the 5.4L V8 engine, ditched the supercharger, improved the suspension, and the result is a choice between a 950HP street version or a 1,100HP S/C track version, which is suitable for track use. It will be revealed at April's New York Auto Show and it will commence a limited production run for this powerful muscle car.

Scoop: http://www.autoindustriya.com/auto-industry-news/the-2012-shelby-1000-the-most-powerful-shelby-yet.html

Yeah, and I also got word from Ford that they'll be revealing a more powerful version of the new Ford Explorer tomorrow. So, what could it be? Explorer Sport? Explorer SVT? Shelby Explorer? Can't guess but find out tomorrow!

Scoop: http://www.autoindustriya.com/auto-industry-news/ford-to-beef-up-the-explorer-family.html

Yeah, we'll find that out tomorrow and speaking of tomorrow...

THE IDOLM@STER G4U Vol. 6

Joy of joys, THE IDOLM@STER G4U Volume 6 is coming out tomorrow. Now I haven't talk about G4U since the PS3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 came out in late October 2011. Yep, we never had the chance to talk about G4U and in case you haven't know of it, G4U or Gravure For You, is an IDOLM@STER stand-alone game that allows you to take a picture of your favorite 765PRO idols. You can use commands to have your idol do some cute and cool poses. The fun fact is that the photos you've taken can be saved on the PS3 hard drive and you can do whatever you want on the photo you have taken. In Volume One, the theme is "Summer Time" and the girls are wearing swim suits. Volume One was included on the limited edition packaging of the PS3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2. Maybe I said it too much and that's why Namco Bandai Games are promising more of these G4U stand-alone games.

Since late November 2011, there was that G4U Volume 2 where players taking pictures of their favorite 765Pro idols in their school uniform or school swimsuit. The cover idol from Volume 2 was Mami Futami. Then on December 2011, Volume 3 saw idols in their winter attire or vivid bikini and the cover idol was Yukiho Hagiwara. Volume 4, that was launched in January 2012, saw idols wearing white bikinis on a pink studio showering in petals or with some Hawaiian-style getups and the cover girl was Takane Shijou. In February 2012, Volume 5 arrived and it's fully loaded with idols in pajamas or white school swimsuit and the cover girl was Yayoi Takatsuki. There was a secret feature that activates nekomimi mode for idols wearing white school swimsuit. Now on this Volume 6, we'd expect idols in their "My Dear Vampire" outfits or in a black bikini. The cover girl in Volume 6 was Makoto Kikuchi. Yep, Makoto Kikuchi.

That wonderful thing about G4U is when every time when I took a picture of my favorite idol, it saves on the PS3 hard drive and do whatever you like. This would be perfect to have Jeremy Clarkson see one of these and go "I WENT ON THE INTERNET AND I FOUND THIS". Simple as that. He he he he...

I WENT ON THE INTERNET AND I FOUND THIS!!

(audience laughing)

No idea what did Jeremy Clarkson found on the internet but mostly something else that blown us away...

Anyway, I WENT ON THE INTERNET AND I FOUND THIS!

(audience laughing)

What is it? It's a cover of an April 2012 issue of Esquire Philippines magazine with Bianca Gonzalez on it. Sadly, we can't show you the big picture but find one in your nearest magazine stands for 195 Philippine Pesos.

And that's the news. If you don't mind, I'll find something on the internet for more...

Wish I had that kind of job!

I watched tonight's episode of Top Gear, yep the episode where it is Rutledge Wood's time to shine (almost because he had Adam Ferrera on his side). The one that his SuperLite Mazda truck got rolled over, assign as a designated driver for those who left the bar, and something else that I don't know what it is. Anyway, that "designated driver" part in San Francisco, it sure wish I want that kind of job because I have a chance to drive their cars no matter how cool or odd they are, especially when driving someone else's New Beetle modified to be more Mad Max-ish, a Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Jeep Grand Cherokee, a Ford Mustang, a cheap Civic Coupe, or a Ram pickup truck.

No matter how odd the cars and the people are, being an assigned driver to those could just be my dream job...

Next week is the season finale! This could be the most explosive one, yet!

Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side 3rd Story Character Songs & Extra Soundtrack

Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side 3rd Story
Character Songs & Extra Soundtrack

The third installment of the Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side series, made for the Nintendo DS since June 2010, provides female players getting to know more about the hunks of this game, including Ruka Sakurai (CV: Tomokazu Sugita), Koichi Sakurai (CV: Junichi Suwabe), Arashi Fujiyama (CV: Eiji Miyashita), Junpei Niina (CV: Atsushi Kisaichi), Tamao Konno (CV: Susumu Chiba), and Keiji Shitara (CV: Shinnosuke Tachibana) in series of events that will keep the female players interested for hours after hours after hours. The original soundtrack for this game was launched two years ago but some found out that some of the BGMs heard from the game weren't included on the OST. So to solve this problem, this Konamistyle exclusive is a two disc compilation catered for those who've enjoyed this game, and also the new Girl's Side Premium 3rd Story for the PSP. On the first disc, you have six character songs sung by the men of Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side 3rd Story. On the second disc, it comes with 42 unreleased instrumentals never before heard from the OST!

TRACK LISTINGS:
【Disc1】
01. SHINE / 桜井琉夏 （CV：杉田智和）
02. Highway / 桜井琥一 （CV：諏訪部順一）
03. まっすぐ / 不二山 嵐 （CV：宮下栄治）
04. マジでスキ♥ / 新名旬平 （CV：私市 淳）
05. 明日も、君と。 / 紺野玉緒 （CV：千葉進歩）
06. 組曲 / 設楽聖司 （CV：立花慎之介）
07. SHINE [ Instrumental ]
08. Highway [ Instrumental ]
09. まっすぐ [ Instrumental ]
10. マジでスキ♥ [ Instrumental ]
11. 明日も、君と。 [ Instrumental ]
12. 組曲 [ Instrumental ]

【Disc2】
01. プラネタリウム
02. 博物館、水族館、他
03. 博物館、三原色展
04. 海水浴
05. 遊園地
06. 遊園地 ナイトパレード
07. 遊園地 ゴーカート
08. 温水プール、他
09. ショッピングモール、他
10. ボウリング場 ダーツ、他
11. 博物館 印象派絵画展
12. はばたき城
13. スキー、スケート、他
14. イベントホール シルク・ド・リューン
15. イベントホール KCH交響楽団
16. イベントホール ロックフェスタ
17. イベントホール TRAN-SPARK
18. 入学式
19. 体育祭
20. 体育祭 競技中
21. 体育祭 フォークダンス
22. クラブイベント
23. 修学旅行
24. ミニゲーム１
25. ミニゲーム２
26. 文化祭
27. 文化祭 演劇１
28. 文化祭 演劇２
29. 文化祭 演劇３
30. 文化祭 演劇４
31. 文化祭 吹奏楽 クラシック
32. 文化祭 吹奏楽 ゲームミュージック
33. 文化祭 吹奏楽 サード・ストーリー
34. 文化祭 手芸部 ファッションショー
35. クラブマスター
36. クリスマス１
37. クリスマス２
38. お正月
39. テスト
40. 卒業式
41. ショパン バラード第１番 / 設楽聖司 演奏１
42. ショパン バラード第１番 / 設楽聖司 演奏２

Available exclusively at Konamistyle.jp under the designation of LC-2099~100

New Love Plus Character Song & Extra Soundtrack

New Love Plus Character Song
& Extra Soundtrack

The latest album, New Love Plus Character Song & Extra Soundtrack, is a two-disc compilation that has no further relation to the New Love Plus video game that was launched for the Nintendo 3DS since Valentine's Day 2012.

What you get is the first disc that features three character songs courtesy of Rinko Kobayakawa, Manaka Takane, and Nene Anegasaki. Then on the second disc, it features BGMs from the Love Plus Arcade Colorful Clip as we haven't know it. This will have a grand total of 33 tracks offered and it's available only in Konamistyle.jp under the designation of LC2135-36.

TRACK LISTINGS

DISC 1
  1 もうちょっと / 高嶺愛花（CV:早見沙織）
  2 サンシャインラブ / 小早川凛子（CV：丹下 桜）
  3 三日月オレンジ / 姉ヶ崎寧々（CV：皆口裕子）
  4 もうちょっと
  5 サンシャインラブ
  6 三日月オレンジ
DISC 2
  1 Dites un nom
  2 愛花のテーマ・登場
  3 凛子のテーマ・登場
  4 寧々のテーマ・登場
  5 教室の風景
  6 Shopping Mall
  7 遊園地
  8 愛花のテーマ（A-Type）
  9 凛子のテーマ（A-Type）
  10 寧々のテーマ（A-Type）
  11 日常・初夏
  12 日常・休日
  13 まどろみ
  14 ガールズトーク
  15 スクールライフ
  16 永遠ダイアリー
  17 メインタイトル
  18 インストラクション
  19 ミニゲーム #1
  20 ミニゲーム #2
  21 ミニゲーム #3
  22 ミニゲーム #4
  23 ミニゲーム #5
  24 浜辺にて -Latin-
  25 リザルト
  26 ファッションショー
  27 スキンシップ

Welcome Back: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

James May's muscle car from the Top Gear
USA Muscle Car Road Trip episode

You see this is James May's actual car he drove on Top Gear's USA Muscle Car Road Trip episode. The car he found out he wasn't impressed and he started to make daldalan or moaning mile after mile after mile while Jeremy Clarkson's enjoying the ZR1 and Richard Hammond's getting decent while driving the Dodge Challenger SRT8 he bought because Chrysler can't lend him one due to bad taste for muscle cars. While James May plays something at the casino, Jezza and Hamster are making mischief around Reno, Nevada (and caused some heat to the cops). Sadly, I can't tell the entire story but if you have a DVD of Top Gear Season 12, you would probably know what that mean. However, I would go to the climax where James May's trial and error at the Bonneville Salt Flats beat the CTS-V's 160MPH record.

The Cadillac CTS-V may have been designated as an executive saloon car that competes against the BMW M5, Jaguar XFR, and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, but it has the heart of the Corvette, making it a 4-door all-American muscle car that feels like life is bigger in Texas. No wait, this car is not everything Texas, this is more of a Los Angeles kind of stuff. It lapped the Nurburgring in 7 minutes and 59 seconds, making it faster than the Aston Martin DBS or even the Porsche 911 GT3! This is the kind of car that will give Europe and Japan a run for its money, well kind of. For balanced handling, there was this Corvette-sourced Magnetic Ride Control system that digitally controls the suspension system within various situations like for instance; the mountain passes or circuit corners. That's the same thing I'd expect from the Holden HSV GTS (Vauxhall VXR8 GTS), which is one of my favorite Aussie muscles.

Thought I forgot about it? Nope because the Cadillac CTS-V sedan made its appearance on Top Gear Korea. Presenter Yeon Jang Hoon reviewed it and then it had a race against the outgoing BMW E60 M5 driven by The Stig. Due to the CTS-V's oversteering, The Stig and the BMW E60 M5 won the race. Despite that, I would still prefer the CTS-V rather than the old M5. Hey, since there was this brand new M5 on FM4, I wonder if this would be settled...

Never mind, but still, I'm glad I'm a big fan of James May anyway...

Welcome Back: 2010 Aston Martin Rapide

The Swan of the Amalfi coast

While waiting for the Maserati Quattroporte GTS (save it for the April Alpinestars Pack) and the Porsche Panamera Turbo (save it for the Porsche Expansion Pack, I hope...) to arrive on Forza Motorsport 4 soon, why not enjoying the only 4-door supercar offered on this game, which is the Aston Martin Rapide?

Although it's faster than the Maserati Quattroporte GTS but it's not as faster as the Porsche Panamera Turbo, the Rapide is definitely the super saloon in the middle of the power range came in the middle of the Top Gear 4-door Supercars episode where they drove these at the streets of London, thrashing through a business park in Hampshire (with Stig), and how does these super saloon act as proper bridal cars for the wedding.

Like most Aston Martins, the Rapide still has buttons that can be hard to see on the sunshine but this comes with Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and two rear monitors. This premium sedan is always classy when driving it on Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Paris. Because there is no such thing as an Aston Martin for sale in the Philippines, you don't expect bringing the Rapide on the streets of EDSA because you might attract more policemen and ask you to get out of the car because it's smuggled.

It's all about true power shared for everyone in Aston Martin's 4-door supercar and in Forza Motorsport 4, this applies the same principle as well.

Forza Motorsport 4 announces April Alpinestars Pack

So, April's here and Forza Motorsport 4 revealed their April Alpinestars Pack, on sale this April 3, 2012. Here's the list of cars you would be driving for April's DLC Pack.

2011 Mercedes-Benz #35 Black Falcon SLS AMG GT3

2011 Aston Martin #009 Aston Martin Racing AMR One

2012 Jaguar XKR-S

1995 BMW M5

2011 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S

1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE

1972 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible

1997 Volvo 850 R

2012 Scion tC

Scoop: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/167345/ldquoForza_Motorsport_4rdquo_April_Alpinestars_Car_PackBrings_Ten_New_Cars_to_Forza_Fans.php

To sum this up, this would be the last DLC to be covered on your FM4 Season Pass and if May comes, you should be start paying now. Better start saving your MSP now for future DLCs! Anyway, the new Jaguar XKR-S is now here! A 1995 M5 is just what we need to recreate an episode from Top Gear with a 1981 BMW M1 and the 1991 BMW M3 on it. With the Rapide on it and while we're still waiting for the Porsche Panamera to come on Forza 4 this May via Porsche Expansion pack, Maserati's 4-door supercar, the Quattroporte, has arrived. It maybe staunch and it maybe old but it is keeping up. The brand new Scion tC finally arrived for us to try!

Welcome Back: 2010 Gumpert Apollo S

Forest Gump-ert

The Gumpert Apollo S, hmmmm.... That name is too illiterate to remember because it's stupid to say it but despite that, this is probably one of the best Euro Boutique exotics ever made, with the pricing of 250,000 British Pound Sterling. This car has a 4.2L Audi V8 engine with two turbos glued on it and the body is packed with featherweight carbon fiber. Richard Hammond reviewed this on Top Gear and with Stig behind the wheel, the 1:17.1 lap time trounced the likes of the Ascari A10 and the Koenigsegg CCX with TG wing. If that wasn't enough, it set a Nurburgring Lap Time of 7:11.57, which is currently the third fastest, behind the Radical SR8. 

Actually, it's not a good car to park at Monaco's casino square with pride because there are so many exotics that can do that job well but the Gumpert Apollo S is all about pride based on its TG Power Lap Time. The Gumpert boffins really chose a route to see the Apollo's true potential and that is Hardcore Street.

"...old Quasimodo here will destroy every supercar alive" -Richard Hammond, Top Gear

It is a brilliant car with the best handling abilities but if you drive one in Manila, the MMDA officer, I'm afraid, will have to confiscate it because it's smuggled.

The Gumpert Apollo S is part of Forza Motorsport 4's AutoVista feature and you will learn more about this car and hear Jeremy Clarkson's reaction to the serious car that has a silly name.

Let's Do The News (March 27, 2012)

And now the news! Let's start off with a warning to all BMW owners out there...

It seems that BMW is recalling 1.3 million cars worldwide, ranging all 5-Series and 6-Series models produced from 2003 to 2010, due to battery problems that could in extreme cases result in a fire.

Scoop: http://www.interaksyon.com/article/27926/bmw-recalls-1-3-million-cars-worldwide

Hmmm...maybe those Filipinos who owned an old 5 and 6 produced from 2003 to 2010 here and abroad do really affected by this. Those who lived in the Philippines and owned those affected cars should get notified by this recall and rush to the authorized BMW service center to have them fixed. Uh-huh...

So, what's new on Top Gear USA tomorrow night?

Let's see, oh! Tomorrow's TGUSA episode is Rutledge Wood's time to shine! This is his episode now, almost. Rut's taking on the SuperLite Off-Road Racing Championship and he's in San Francisco (with the idiotic Adam Ferrera on his side) for his encounter with Zingo, a company that supplies folding electric scooters, and more. Also, Lake Bell is the Big Star on the Small Car, but can he lap better?

Scoop: http://transmission.blogs.topgear.com/2012/03/26/top-gear-usa-celebrates-its-25th-show-by-turning-the-episode-over-to-rutledge/

It happens tomorrow night 9:00PM/8:00PM central on History Channel.

Anyway, time for the next part...

So, the 2012 Bangkok International Motor Show has just begun and new cars that has strong potential to arrive to the Philippines soon are displayed, even the new 2012 Camry, the third-generation Focus that will be built in Thailand soon, new TrailBlazer, and the now-on-sale 2013 Mitsubishi Mirage. I would find it very amusing to see those on display and anyone who visit this motor show on the weekend would be wise to see new cars.

(Groan) I still hate Toyota Thailand for not launching the third-generation Yaris...Damn you, Toyota Thailand, for minor change the second-generation model.

(Laughing)

And I also hate the fact that the AnoHana TV Anime will get a PSP game this Summer.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-03-26/anohana-tv-anime-gets-psp-game

Oh come on! Why are some Japanese game makers still making PSP games based on anime series? When will anime series inspire PSVita games? And when will 5pb., who's going to create that AnoHana game, be start making games for the PSVita? The PSP is old! Oh wait remember last time, better calm down now, this is Japan, and the PSP is currently the best portable console for anime-based gaming and pantsu simulation...

I shouldn't let my guard down...

Anyway, just for an announcement, because Holy Week is upon us, let me just say that my blogging days will be temporarily offline when it's 11:54 PM Philippine Standard Time in Maundy Thursday, April 5, 2012, and I'll be back on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012.

Oooh, Holy Week. Too bad you can't blog on that date! That's okay though, I'm at Seattle, WA, and I still have Sakura-Con 2012 on April!

Wait, Sakura-Con?!

Yep, I've been a frequent Sakura-Con visitor for years and this year would be different. Define different, what would you expect for SC2012? Let's see uh, musical guests such as Moi dix Mois, Kanon Wakeshima, and STEREOPONY, Gothic Lolita tea party, Gundam Model contest, there's plenty to mention on the Sakura Con 2012, coming at the Washington State Convention Center this April 6 to 8, 2012. Got it? Oh yeah. Good luck with that, Capt. Slow!

You said it! I should be going to that! Oh dear, please there should be someone cosplaying Houki!!!

Anyway, our friends from Good Smile Company revealed new figures such as;

1) Twin Pack : Sena Kawashizaki & Kobato Hasegawa (Haganai) (Available 07/2012)

2) Ikaros : Bunny Ver. (Heaven's Lost Property) (Available 08/2012)

3) Kobato Hasegawa (Haganai) (Available 07/2012)

4) Maria Takayama (Haganai) (Available 07/2012)

5) Nendoroid Miu Takanashi (Papa no Iu Koto wo Kikinasai!) (Available 07/2012)

Interested having those? Okay, and that's the news! See ya!

P.S. : I'm bored at playing DRAW SOMETHING! I can't sleep well!

Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

Volkswagen really has a lineup that suits the category. They have the up! that competes against the Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1. Then, there was the Volkswagen Jetta that rivals against the Hyundai Accent. The Golf serves as the Renault Megane's proper rival. The Volkswagen Touareg serves as the German alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser. There's always a proper Volkswagen that suits the category of an average European customer but Volkswagen hasn't come up with a competitor that will rival against the Subaru Legacy Outback and the upcoming Peugeot 508 RXH. There hasn't been a gap, until now...

2013 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

Some say, this is a Passat B7 Variant but it isn't. Revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show last December 2011, the brand new Passat Alltrack is the crossover version of the Passat B7. Yep, you guessed it! It was made to compete against the Subaru Outback and the Peugeot 508 RXH but it takes a lot of time. So, what is it then, this VW Alltrack?

At first glance, it looks like a Passat Variant but with some crossover credentials on it to make it even more unique for this debutante. If this one is parked at a grocery store and if I was hideously drunk, I can tell that this is a Passat Variant with a different look. Anyway, how about the interior?

2013 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack interior

Yep, you still get the same Passat B7 interior and the added space to put around your BMX, canoe, surfboards, whatever you packed for your day off. What's more, you still have the analog clock, the same instrumental cluster from the Passat B7, automatic climate control, and every luxurious detail, just so you know...

The Volkswagen Passat Variant Alltrack comes with the following variants in the market launch in Europe this March such as the 1.8 TSi, 2.0 TDi BlueMotion Technology, and 2.0 TSi. Most come with either a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed DSG transmission with a flatter accelerator pedal characteristic makes it easier to meter engine power in offroad situations. On the 4MOTION variants of the Passat Alltrack, the front wheels are driven with the rear wheels only getting 10 per cent of propulsive power. This is done by an electrohydraulic all-wheel drive clutch. Don't forget that when you're out there. Also, there's this new Offroad Driving Programme in which the driver activates the programme by pressing the Offroad button on the centre console. Specifically, the settings for the safety and driver assistance systems and DSG control were modified such as anti-lock braking system, electronic differential locks, Hill Descent Assist, Dual clutch gearbox, Running gear, ESP with trailer stabilization, Front running gear, and Four-link rear suspension.

Oh, I kinda forgot about the specs! Here's how those grades stack up;

Front-wheel drive standard
1.8 TSI - 118 kW / 160 PS (6-speed)
2.0 TDI - 103 kW / 140 PS (6-speed, BMT)

All-wheel drive / 4MOTION standard
2.0 TSI - 155 kW / 210 PS (6-speed DSG)
2.0 TDI - 125 kW / 170 PS (6-speed DSG, BMT)

All-wheel drive / 4MOTION as option
2.0 TDI - 103 kW / 140 PS (6-speed, BMT)
1.8 TSI with 118 kW / 160 PS

For safety, the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack has such features as six airbags, daytime running lights and the ESP electronic stabilisation program. Additional features include fatigue detection, tyre pressure monitoring indicator (the driver is alerted if a tyre loses air) and the trailer stabilisation and countersteering support functions integrated in the ESP program. There's also the 2nd generation Park Assist that only supported parking parallel to the carriageway.

Available in seven colors; Tungsten Silver Metallic, Iron Grey Metallic, Light Brown Metallic, Tornadorot, Islandgrau Perleffekt, Night Blue Metallic, and Deep Black Perleffekt.

My Comment:

The new Passat Alltrack is all play and all work. If you want a crossover that you want to bring out in the summer and set off to visit an abbey, a pottery, an arts and crafts bungalow, and other vacation spots, this wasn't for you. There are other family carriers that can do that job better and sadly, this Passat Alltrack wasn't being a part of the crossover club. It needs some sheer evidence in order for this club to grant access for the Passat Alltrack and if that work out, this would be it. If that showed up in Tokyo Motor Show last year, would Volkswagen Japan start selling this one soon?



Photo: Volkswagen

Let's Do The News (March 26, 2012)

*To make this "Let's Do The News" segment more exciting, let's make it a fanfic with Top Gear's Jeremy, Richard, and James. This will probably speed up the process.

James: And now the news and before that, we just want to say goodbye to Zero No Tsukaima because earlier, the final episode of Zero No Tsukaima F was aired in Japan via AT-X by around 8:30 AM Japan Standard Time. Aw, that's it... It's over... Zero no Tsukaima is gone for good.

Zero no Tsukaima F ending

Sad for us who enjoyed the Zero no Tsukaima anime all the way to the very end. It really hurt my feelings to see Zero no Tsukaima gone but it rarely put a smile on our face. This goes to show...

ZERO NO TSUKAIMA...GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN...

Richard: Awww....but you still have Shakugan no Shana III left. If Shakugan no Shana III, the third and final season, ends, it's over. No more. Shana's gone for good. Just sayin...

James: Anyway, I never knew that someone named Leopaul took part of two parties in a weekend. In Saturday, he was part of his Lolo and Lola's 60th wedding anniversary held somewhere at American Legion, Moutlake Terrace, Washington.

See the pics: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3289525875766.2145669.1196293706&type=3&l=4a87e937d3

Also, he's been at his sister Elise's baby shower held at the Filipino Community Center!

See the pics: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3295006772785.2145801.1196293706&type=1&l=f41162be42

Never thought it was some kind of a double weekend celebration. Who would ever thought of that?

Jeremy: Beats me but anyway, you know what, making celebrations are a bit too lame. Roses, speech, tango, that's too gay for us to do that. Hopefully someone should be thinking better than that. I am so getting bored about parties. One party is enough but a party at a next day? We're stressed! Agh!

James: Don't get to cocky now. In the USA, Spring Break has just begun. We could expect some teenagers roaming around like idiots for a whole week. He he he....

Oh! Great news!

Jeremy: What?

James: The Hunger Games! It raked a $214 million gross sales globally since it's first week of showing!

Scoop: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/252728/showbiz/showbizabroad/hunger-games-gorges-on-214-million-global-debut

Jeremy: GREAT! Now, moving on...

You know some guy from Egypt who owns a BMW 1-Series Coupe? Yep, he's dreaming to have the BMW 1M but due to import taxes that are way higher than unexpected, he can't afford one but did you know what he did to his 120d Coupe? It's simple, he swapped it with an engine from a BMW M3 and mimic the exterior of the BMW 1M Coupe!

(applause)

Richard: WOW! WHO WOULD THOUGHT OF THAT?! It seems that it is possible to convert a simple BMW 1-Series Coupe into a BMW 1M Coupe on a budget!

Jeremy: Yep. It is. The Egyptian Bimmer owner said that he spent $45,000 worth of modifications done to his 120d Coupe in order to convert it into a BMW 1M Coupe on a budget.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/03/egyptian-refuses-to-pay-150000-for-bmw.html

James: Now imagine that if I have a Fiat 500 but I can't afford to buy a Fiat Abarth 500, this is what I should do! But no, we're not thinking of that...

Anyway, I'm glad someone's taking advantage to his PSVita. First glance, he thinks that how hard can it be to get used to the PSVita but now, he's getting used to! As of now, he's currently playing Asphalt Injection and Ridge Racer on the PS Vita! Wow, no wonder he's still a petrolhead after all. Heh heh heh...

Jeremy: You know what? He did bring it on those two parties and he use it as a camera.

Richard: The PSVita has a camera?

James: Indeed it has but it's not really clearer as what you think.

Richard: Well, not as what you call it his best work. (laugh)

James: Anyway, remember James Cameron? The director of Titanic and Avatar? Guess what? He went on his underwater journey by diving himself 10.9km and he made it to the ocean's deepest point.

Scoop: http://www.interaksyon.com/article/27867/james-cameron-dives-10-9-kilometers-reaches-oceans-deepest-point

Jeremy: Ooh! Looks like he's on to his Titanic journey. Amazing!

Richard: Perhaps this is what I want to put it on Invisible Worlds because that Titanic director became the first man to visit the ocean's deepest point in over 5 decades and to bring back data and specimens to scientists to learn more about the world's hidden secrets.

James: Uh-huh...

So, is that the kind of challenge we want? Three of us going underwater?

Richard: You know what? We haven't do that...

James: Hammond, you did. You were almost drowning on a submerged car! But okay, we haven't been to the ocean's deepest. Imagine that this would be a perfect TG special for us...

Richard: Ooohh, that would be risky...

James: And that's the news! Louise from Zero no Tsukaima, we will never forget you! You may be gone but you will never been forgotten!

Welcome Back: 2011 Mazda 2

Eco Car challenge!!

As I'm sure you know, this is the third-generation Mazda Demio. Yes I know. It was launched in Japan since July 2007 and a few years later, it was sold worldwide, even the USA and in the Philippines. It was facelifted since the summer of 2011. It was feature on the previous Forza 3 game. So, why then am I now driving it again?

Because I like it. This Mazda Demio is all about zoom-zoom concentrated in every aspect of this car. The Nissan Micra/March K13 I drove in the past when I got my hands on Forza 4 is just somewhat a so-so for me despite the fact that I'm impressed that I drove the Nissan Micra/March K13 but in every tangible way, the Mazda 2/Demio is somewhat better than the Nissan Micra/March K13 and most of all, it's better to look at.

This car is what Mazda made, except that now what players do to their Mazda Demio is outfit it with aero parts courtesy of Mazda specialist, AutoExe.

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 32

Oh no.... Whoever saw the Korean TV commercial for the Chevrolet Spark Tattoo and Spark Stripe, some petrolheads never knew they have ears too sharp to hear what's the lyric on that ad! Sorry but you won't find that song you've heard on that ad, even if you google the words like "freaky freaky boy tell me what you gonna do tonight", it's not gonna work. Please stop doing that, petrolheads.

Instead of fiddling around or suffer the case of "dispute rejected, claim has been reinstated", let me give some another set of five driving musics (car commercial songs) for us to enjoy;

5) Gesaffelstein by Viol - from the Citroen DS4 Just Mat French TV Commercial.

4) If we hold on together by Diana Ross - from the 1995 Isuzu Bighorn Japanese TV Commercial.

3) Don't Stop the Dance by BRYAN FERRY - from the 2002 Nissan Primera Japanese TV Commercial.

2) Porcelain by Moby - from the 2003 Nissan Primera Japanese TV Commercial

1) Porcelain by Julia Fordham - from the 1990 Toyota Corona Exiv Japanese TV Commercial starring Julia Fordham

..and there you have. Some another set of five Driving Musics to enjoy. If you have a chance, you may want to request Top Gear to feature on of those I've mentioned on their Ultimate Driving CD. For info, visit http://transmission.blogs.topgear.com/2012/03/22/help-us-out-with-our-new-top-gear-cd/

When it rains in Malaysia, it pours more F1 fury!

So, it's raining in Sepang Circuit, but the second round of the F1 2012 really pours it out! In an unexpected way, Ferrari's Fernando's Alonso emerged as the victor in Sepang, leading Sauber-Ferrari's Sergio Perez in 2nd place and McLaren-Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton placed 3rd.

Race - Alonso holds off stellar Perez for Sepang victory 25 Mar 2012

           

Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix was won by Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso from Sauber’s Sergio Perez and McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton, but it was a race of two halves, and how different they were!

The skies were already dark as cars went out on to the grid and 10 minutes before the start the rain came. Everyone bar the HRTs started on intermediate tyres, Hamilton led team mate Jenson Button off the line, with Lotus’s Romain Grosjean spearing between Mercedes’ Michael Schumacher and the Red Bulls to grab third until he was repassed further round the lap and then clobbered Schumacher into a spin and followed suit himself.

Within a lap Perez was in for wet tyres, followed by Ferrari’s Felipe Massa, Marussia’s Timo Glock and Charles Pic on lap three, then Button, Alonso, Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg, Caterham’s Heikki Kovalainen (who had made stunning progress from 23rd on Lap One to 17th on Lap Two) and team mate Vitaly Petrov.

Hamilton clung on until Lap Five, aquaplaning all over the place, and just skipped back out ahead of his team mate. Perez was up to a stunning third after Sauber’s great strategic move, and even a big off-course moment didn’t hurt him although it brought Red Bull’s Mark Webber within striking distance.

By Lap Six conditions were so bad that the race officials deployed the safety car for the first time officially here. The race continued behind the silver Mercedes until lap nine, when it was red flagged.

Thus Hamilton led Button to a halt on the start/finish line, followed by Perez, Webber, Alonso, Red Bulls’ Sebastian Vettel (who’d had an off), Toro Rosso’s Jean-Eric Vergne (who had yet to pit), Massa, Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg (who’d also been off), the amazing Narain Karthikeyan, who had not stopped thanks to starting his HRT on the full wets and was running a fabulous 10th, Hulkenberg and Force India team mate Paul di Resta, Lotus’s Kimi Raikkonen, Williams’ Pastor Maldonado, Schumacher, Sauber’s Kamui Kobayashi, HRT’s Pedro de la Rosa (who like Karthikeyan had started on full wets), Toro Rosso’s Daniel Ricciardo, Petrov, Glock, Kovalainen, Charles Pic and Williams’ Bruno Senna. Grosjean was thus far the only retirement, going off for good into the gravel in Turn Six on Lap Four.

It was Canada 2011 all over again, but with dusk approaching much faster in the already gloomy conditions.

At 17.01 it was announced that the race would be resumed at 17.15 behind the safety car, with all cars to be running Pirelli’s wet tyres. There was still some light rain, but conditions had improved sufficiently. The gamble now would be how soon to switch back to intermediate tyres, once the safety car had been called back in.

Button gambled on a change to intermediates at the end of Lap 13, even before the race had officially resumed. Alonso, meanwhile, fought by Webber and Vettel, and pitted for inters on Lap 14 together with Hamilton and Webber.

Sauber brought Perez in a lap later, when Button called in again after colliding with Karthikeyan’s HRT which he clipped with his front wing in Turn Nine. That was the end of the points leader’s chances, but Perez’s were just opening up.

From the 17th lap until the finish, it was Perez against Alonso, the youngster against the old stager, with Hamilton and the Red Bull drivers unable to do anything to challenge either of them.

For a while, Alonso opened the gap; it was as much as 7.7s on the 28th lap, half distance. But then Perez really got the bit between his teeth. More rain was forecast, so now the strategy for all of the drivers was to make their intermediate tyres last as long as they could. And the Sauber is kind to its rubber. Perez began to cut the gap to Alonso: 6.7s on Lap 33, 4.9s by Lap 35, 1.3s by Lap 39. The atmosphere, so drenched earlier, was now electric as everyone willed him on.

Alonso dived for the pits on the 40th lap and took on medium slick tyres, Perez came a lap later and took the harder tyres, as Sauber crucially added more front downforce. By Lap 42 the gap was 7.1s again, and the fairy tale seemed to be over, but nobody told Perez that. Lap by lap he ate into the Ferrari's advantage again; by Lap 49 he was only half a second behind and it seemed only a matter of time. But then he slid wide in Turn 14 leading on to the back straight, and this time the dream really was over. He recovered, and by the chequered flag on Lap 56 the gap was down from 5.3s to 2.2s, but Alonso had it made.

It was one of the best drives of the season thus far from the Spaniard, but though he thoroughly deserved all the plaudits going for grabbing the chance when he saw it, Perez was the 'man of the match' after a truly wonderful performance.

Behind the two leaders there was some great racing, but Hamilton had an untroubled run to third, unable to match their pace, as Webber came through to fourth after Vettel had made contact with Karthikeyan on the 48th lap and torn up his left-rear Pirelli. He was lucky that it happened on the back straight and he was able to pit quickly, but he dropped to 12th, which became 11th when Pastor Maldonado’s tenure of 10th place ended with an apparent Renault engine failure on Lap 54.

Behind Webber, Raikkonen drove a feisty race to fifth for Lotus, while Bruno Senna was another star as he hacked through the field from 22nd on the opening lap to an excellent sixth. Paul di Resta was another to put in an excellent drive in the hugely tricky conditions, finishing seventh for Force India after being unable to keep Senna at bay. The Scot was clear of a huge battle between Vergne’s Toro Rosso and his own team mate Hulkenberg, which Maldonado had been a part of until his engine problem.

That elevated Schumacher to the final points scoring position, on another very disappointing day for Mercedes, with Vettel 11th ahead of Ricciardo’s Toro Rosso, which kept Rosberg’s Mercedes and Button’s delayed McLaren at bay to the flag. Felipe Massa had another horrible day, made even worse by Perez’s performance, to finish 15th, ahead of Petrov who brought his Caterham home 16th ahead of Glock’s Marussia, team mate Kovalainen, Maldonado and Glock’s partner, Pic.

After his great early run Karthikeyan inevitably fell back, but he survived the two brushes with world champions to finish 21st, with team mate De la Rosa 22nd after getting a drive-through penalty after the restart as his team members were late leaving the grid. They later swapped places in the final classification after the Indian had 20 seconds added to his race time for causing the collision with Vettel. Besides Grosjean, Kobayashi was the only other retirement, but understandably it went almost unnoticed in the Sauber pit as they focused on the fight for the lead.

Scoop: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2012/3/13166.html

So, Ferrari has won that but the war goes on because in April 15, 2012, more excitement comes at the F1 2012 season in China!

Nandito ako lagi sa ulo mo pero hindi mo naman ako napapansin

Oh no! The March 25, 2012 episode of Lokomoko has been reverted back to Rated SPG!! Anyway, what's what?

- Baptism gags

- Delivery Room gags

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Kung ikaw ang bestman sa kasal, bakit hindi ikaw ang pinakasalan

- Kiddie playtime gags

- Lokomersyal in Joel Bangs Salon

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Ang keyboard at keypad ba nakakabukas ng kandado?

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Kailangan ba palaging masaya pag happyhour?

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...May nabibili bang junkfood sa junkshop?

- Who's Line Is It Anyhow?!

1) Masaya ako tuwing sinasayawan mo ako - Dance Floor

2) I've lived a life that's full, i've travelled each and every highway, but more, much more than this...I did it my way. - Bus Driver

3) I planned each chartered course, each careful step along the byway. And more, much more than this, I did it my way. - Hiker

4) Nandito ako lagi sa ulo mo pero hindi mo naman ako napapansin - Balakubak

Uh-oh....

5) Hindi lahat ng bola pinaglalaruan - Fishball

6) Kaya ka naliligaw ng landas ay dahil ayaw mong maniwala sa akin - Mapa

7) I've loved, I've laughed and cried, I've had my fill, my share of losing...and now as tears subside, I find it all so amusing - Sisa

Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (991)

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

The same goodness you would get from the new Porsche 911 Carrera (Type 991), is now carried over to the new Cabriolet version.

Forever being the king of European sports cars, the legendary Porsche 911 is became sacred to the brand since the first one came out in 1963. Now, 48 years has passed and after undergoing several model changes, this is it. The much awaited full model change for the king of European sports cars is made to be more stunning, sleek and stylish.

At first glance, the 991 looks the same as the outgoing 997 but take a second look and you'll see all the body panels are new as are the Porsche design DNA carried from the Panamera saloon. In fact, you can see the Porsche label spelled it out at the back. This design really more like an attractive swimming instructor in her racing swimsuit. That looks nice.

Now at the interior, it is well-sculpted and well-refined to meet up with its Porsche design DNA and this exactly looked like the Panamera and the second-generation Cayenne. What's amazing is the new high resolution multi-function screen for the best user-friendly experience. It can be somewhat very essential when it comes to navigation and this is the one that works, well kind of. This looks a lot nicer than the 997's interior that is somewhat "it's cool if you're an 11 year old boy" but it's certainly cool.

Seems that this one is perfect for the road and track because the Porsche 991 remains the same RR (Rear-engine, Rear-wheel-drive) layout that became the epitome of the 911 history for 48 years. At the normal 911 Carrera, it is powered by a 3.4L boxer engine that produces 350PS of power and 390NM of torque. The hardcore 911 Carrera S is powered by 3.8L boxer engine that produces 400PS of power and 440Nm of torque. With the 7-speed PDK is considered to be available, get ready for this because the new Porsche 991 comes with the world's first 7-speed manual transmission! That's right folks, a 7-speed manual transmission. Seven gear stickshift! This is definitely the first of its kind because over the years the maximum gear of a manual transmission is six, which of course we love it, but is there such thing in a world is a 7-speed manual transmission? Here in Porsche, it exists and its exclusive to the 991, providing combined fuel economy of 9,2 Liter/100 km at the standard 911 Carrera Cabriolet and 9,7 Liter/100 km at the flagship 911 Carrera S Cabriolet. We are very jealous to see this legend equipped with the world's first 7-speed manual.

Available in 14 colors: Schwarz, Indischrot, Carraraweiss, Racinggelb, Basaltschwarz, Aquablau, Platinsilber, Dunkelblau, Anthrazitbraun, Achatgrau, Rubinrot, GT-silber, Cognac, and Limegold.

My Comment:

So, this soft-top version of the 991 has the same feeling you would get from the original hardtop version. There's still more to come to the 991...

Photo: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

The Ultima(te) Story

Discovered from Forza Motorsport 4's March Pirelli Pack is a car I am not utterly familiar of. This car is known as the Ultima GTR, the quickest accelerating and decelerating supercar of all time and multiple world speed record holder.

The Ultima GTR vs. the Noble Works!

Unless I was on the MPH05 show in the NEC, Birmingham, or in Earl's Court in London, I wouldn't have the chance to encounter one. Oh, Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond and Fifth Gear's Tiff Needell were on that MPH05 show a couple of years ago and Clarkson wants to prove just how world proven the Ultima GTR is by challenging Tiff Needell to figure out the Ultima GTR's indoor speed record. Ultima Sports Ltd. Director, Richard Marlow, was impressed to see the presenters from Top Gear and Fifth Gear getting to know more about the Ultima GTR in front of a hundred thousand visitors.

Additional info: http://www.ultimasports.co.uk/Content.aspx?f=record5

Although it is a supercar, the Ultima GTR is a Do-It-Yourself car. By the time you ordered one as a "kit car" you can build it yourself and for an advantage, it is less expensive than the factory-assembled Ultima GTR. This is somewhat similar from the DIY Caterham I saw on Top Gear. Inside the box, what you'll get is the chassis, alloy panel set, pedals, master cylinder, suspension wishbones, suspension uprights, suspension toe link, front hubs,  brakes, brake lines, steering rack, cooling system, gear linkage, fuel tanks, dampers, drive shafts, wiring loom, glass and laminates, rear wing, exhaust, seats, wheels, and an instructional manual on how to assemble the Ultima GTR. If you take your time to assemble and if you're not fiddling with anything, you have assembled a supercar that comes with a Chevrolet 6.3L V8 engine that produces 534HP of power and 528ft-lb of torque. The standard gearbox was a Porsche G50 five speed transaxle.

"I really wish I were here" The Ultima GTR says

Now, there are numerous statements how the Ultima GTR is a world-proven speed demon. First up, they used a model that comes with a 640BHP American Speed engine, known as the Ultima GTR640, and there was a powerful model with a 720BHP engine, known as the Ultima GTR720. Later on, they have established their verified performance figures with the use of road tires and exhaust;

0-60mph: 2.7secs

0-100mph: 5.5secs

0-150mph: 11.8secs

30-70mph: 2.0secs

0-100mph-0: 10.3secs

100mph-0 Braking:  3.9secs

Speed Achieved: 204mph on the Bruntingthorpe straight

Top Speed : 231mph est. (gearing limited)

Source: http://www.ultimasports.co.uk/Content.aspx?f=record2

If that wasn't enough, Ultima sent one of their test drivers to lap the GTR720 round the Top Gear Test Track independently and it did it in 1:12.8 seconds, faster than every other cars The Stig tested on Top Gear, even the Ariel Atom V8, which is currently Top Gear's fastest car on the test track. Later on, it used the configuration that is not road-legal, which includes putting on racing tires, and it lapped round the track in 1:09.9, faster than the Ferrari FXX as seen on Top Gear. So the question is, how could Top Gear didn't feature this car that is much powerful than the Ariel Atom V8? Ask the producers why.

Ultima GTR in Japan?

The shadowy speed machine, the Ultima GTR, may not have a spotlight on Top Gear but on our books, we consider this as the greatest masterpiece ever to be assembled by hand. Although, I still don't know more about the Ultima GTR, I am started to like it more as a pure driving machine. It maybe a track-minded vehicle but it's road legal. There was one fact that I haven't remembered about the Ultima GTR and this was designed by Lee Noble with Ted Marlow alongside and it was designed and engineered by some blokes I haven't met in an industrial shed in Leicester. It may not be a supercar that you can park it on the Monte Carlo casino stand but this will surely give the elite supercars a run on their money...

"Now in a RETURNABLE GLASS BOTTLE"

On the March 23, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang;

- Graduation gags for the happy graduates!

- Mr. Assimo meets the school registrar...

- Bonding time with friends...

- Cheche's TV viewing was been messed up by Bureche!

- Hey! Lighten up! May mga moments na hindi mo na maibabalik pero ang Flipton Ice Tea Sparkling, nasa abot kayang returnable glass bottle na! Bubble Gang does Lipton Iced Tea Sparkling by spoofing this commercial as Flipton Ice Tea Sparkling! The lighter side of soda, now in a returnable glass bottle!

Bubble Gang does Lipton Iced Tea Sparkling

- Some say, Dahon (Antonio Aquitania) faces off against Bisugo (Betong) again. All we know is, it's PICKUP LINES!!!!

1) Library ka ba? Kasi pag nandyan ka, gusto ko nang lumagay sa tahimik!

2) Alam mo bang sobrang amazing ka? Kasi, parang magic ang ganda mo! AMAZING!

3) Kung driver ako, traffic aide ka. Kasi kapag wala ka, hindi ako makakapag-move on.

4) Bungang araw ka ba? Kasi pag nandyan ka, nangangati ako! Ang kati! AMAZING!

5) Sana HOLY WEEK na. Para kung busted na ako, sabay penintensya na ako!

6) Ikaw ang laging nasa isip ko! Kasi, ang taas ng sugar ng Ma'am Bestre!

7) Alam mo, para kang isang taong mahilig mang-utang! Kasi pag nakikita kita, kinakabahan ako!

8) Neneng, mahawakan ko lang ang kamay mo! Nasa langit na ako! Kasi, ang taas ng palit ng Australian dollar!

- A man in the men's restroom is making negotiations

- Imagine if your parents can't keep in touch with you clearly because they have something in their mouths...

- So, a troublemaker became a graduate? Really?

- IyoTube in Stevie Wonder's Knocks Me Off My Feet

Remembering the S2000

Just like in one episode of Top Gear, when Jeremy Clarkson caught you driving with a luxury roadsters, especially German, in the Isle of Mann, he would probably yelling "YOU GOT THE WRONG CAR! YOU GOT THE WRONG CAR! I GOT THE RIGHT CAR OVER THERE!" and chances are that you've encountered the Honda S2000.

S2000 in London

Looking for the world's greatest roads

Remembered as Honda's first and last rear-wheel drive two seater roadster, the S2000 is probably an all-time favorite among JDM fans because this the only Honda that can drift well because of its FR layout. Too bad they don't make one of these anymore, which is sad...

How did the Honda S2000 began? First of all, back in the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show, the Honda Sport Study Model was a concept car serving as a template for the production of the S2000. As years pass by, the Sport Study Model concept remain unchanged when appeared in most motor shows until Honda decided to produce the S2000 in the spring of 1999, serving as a spiritual successor of the classic S800.

Most enthusiasts nicknamed this as "S2" or "S2K" but that doesn't make any sense. Anyway, when it came out in 1999, it costs 3,380,000 Japanese Yen and for that, it comes with a 2.0L DOHC VTEC (F20C) engine that produces 250PS of power and 218Nm of torque. It was mated with a 6-speed manual transmission and limited slip differential. Other stuff includes a double wishbone suspension, electronically assisted steering, and integrated roll hoops. This S2000, designated as AP1, was produced in Honda's Takanezawa plant in Tochigi prefecture, Japan until 2003 and in the following year, production moved to Suzuka, Mie prefecture, Japan.

The AP1 S2000 is somewhat extraordinary for me because this is one of the easiest Hondas you can drive. The way you handle is somewhat very soft, very comfortable, and this is more of a spongecake but with added hot sauce on it. Don't know how to eat one but still, it's a skull-breaking sensation, something that you want to be completely bonkers on the open road.

When I first drive one in the past Gran Turismo video games, it felt like that the S2000 is somewhat very unique and I think its a rare opportunity for a car that is part of my childhood memories. Little known fact that the S2000 was featured on the Caltex Vortex commercial, remember that?

The Stig meets God Hand's S2000

That's how God Hand can do in the corners!

As production moved to Suzuka, Mie prefecture, Japan, the S2000 received some minor changes and the AP1 designation has now changed to AP2. The F20C engine was been replaced by a 2.2L DOHC 4-cylinder VTEC (F22C) engine. This engine produces about 242PS of power and 221Nm of torque. This comes with a drive by wire throttle, an electronic stability control system, new wheels, and one new exterior color, Laguna Blue Pearl. Interior changes included revised seats and additional stereo speakers integrated into the headrests. I should told that this AP2 S2000 went on sale in Japan since late 2005 and by the 2008MY, it comes with a new variant called the S2000 Type S, which comes with sportier exterior look. As the Lehman Shock affected the world market since the end of 2008, production of the S2000 was ended in the summer of 2009 with no direct successor whatsoever. You know that during its existence, it's still a fun to drive Honda and now, it's just a worthless litter due to the economy, the environment, tensions in the Middle East (especially Iran and Syria), and the relentless war on speed.

I have no regrets to this AP2 S2000. Even though it handles like the AP1, the 2.2L VTEC engine really copes it up with more power than the old 2.0L VTEC engine I found on the AP1.

No wonder the S2000 was served as a primary weapon for Initial D 4th Stage's "God Hand" Joushima...

God Foot vs. God Hand
at the Top Gear Test Track!

Even when the Honda S2000 was gone since the summer of 2009, it's hard to remember why did Honda want to get rid of the only FR sportscar in existence but for some enthusiasts, it's still considered to be a national treasure, a treasure that only made them laughed because it was made for one purpose; FUN.