My Top 10 ICE-powered JDM Executive Midsize FF Sedans

The third-generation Mazda 6 will go down in history as the last JDM D-Segment front-wheel-drive saloon to be powered by internal combustion and with production ending this April, this race is now sadly extinct due to the never-ending rise of crossovers and SUVs.

The third-generation Mazda 6 is the last JDM FF
executive midsize saloon to be powered by internal combustion

As this species is set to be extinct in the springtime, it's time for me to jot down my top 10 JDM executive midsize front-wheel-drive sedans powered by internal combustion.

10) Sixth-generation Toyota Camry - At the end of 1996, the Camry Gracia was launched in sedan and estate variants. The Gracia is the luxury alternative to the Camry and it served as the replacement for both the Camry Prominent and the US-built Scepter. With the fifth-generation Camry's production ending in the summer of 1998, the Camry Gracia took its place and it was known as the sixth-generation Camry when it was facelifted in 1999. This is the last Camry to have a V6 engine offered in the Japanese market. A year later, Daihatsu sold the Toyota Camry as the Altis.

9) Suzuki Kizashi - Originally meant to be a US-exclusive model, the Suzuki Kizashi went on sale in Japan in the fall of 2009. With styling inspired by the three concepts, the Kizashi is powered by a 2.4L petrol engine producing 188PS while mated to a CVT with Manual Mode. The Kizashi is the last Suzuki sedan offered in Japan and production ended in 2015.

8) Seventh-generation Honda Accord - Launched in 2002, the seventh-generation Honda Accord features a sleeker design compared to its predecessor as well as improved dynamics. It was the first to feature Honda's Internavi Premium Club service, providing drivers the fastest route to their target destination. Powering the seventh-generation Accord is a choice of a 2.0L and 2.4L mated to a 5-speed AT. The Euro-R variant is powered by a 220PS 2.0L engine mated only with a 6-speed MT. This generation marked the last time to feature the Euro-R grade. The seventh-generation Accord was exported in Europe, in the US as the Acura TSX, and in Oceania as the Honda Accord Euro.

7) Nissan Cefiro A32 - Launched in 1994, the Nissan Cefiro A32 eschews its predecessor's FR layout in favor of a stable FF layout with comfortable driving in mind. Powering the Cefiro A32 is a choice of three VQ V6 petrol engines from 2.0L, 2.5L, to 3.5L. All are mated to either a 5-speed MT or a 4-speed AT.

6) Eighth-generation Mitsubishi Galant - Launched in late summer 1996, the eighth and final generation Mitsubishi Galant is no doubt one of the best-looking executive midsize saloons at that time with the sporty 4WD VR-4 variant the most aggressive-looking. It even spawned an Aspire twin two years later. The eighth-generation Galant is the first production car to be powered by a Gasoline Direct Injection engine for improved performance and fuel economy. It won the 1996 Japan Car of the Year award.

5) Sixth-generation Honda Accord - Launched in September 1997, the sixth-generation Honda Accord incorporates the Honda DNA through this D-segment executive midsize saloon, hence the car's slogan. Joining alongside the sixth-generation Accord is its Torneo twin and both of them are powered by a choice of 1.8L and 2.0L VTEC engines. In 2000, both the sixth-generation Accord and the Torneo received a minor change and gained the sporty Euro R variant powered by a 2.2L VTEC engine mated exclusively with a 5-speed MT.

4) Honda Inspire CP3 - Debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, the CP3 Honda Inspire is powered by a J35A 3.5L i-VTEC PGM+FI V6 engine that produces a power output of 280PS and 342NM of torque. This engine comes with Variable Cylinder Management that shuts half of its cylinders. Coupled with the 5-speed AT, it has a fuel economy of 9.9km/L based on Japan’s 10-15 Mode standards. 9.6km/L based on JC08 Mode standards. Production ended in 2012, making it the last pure V6-powered Honda saloon ever made.

3) MAZDA6 (GJ) - Launched in 2012, the third-generation Mazda6, formerly known as the Atenza, is the first Mazda saloon to be powered by the SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine mated to a six-speed SKYACTIV-MT, a first for a JDM Mazda in the SKYACTIV era. In addition, the Mazda6 is powered by a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine and the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine with Dynamic Pressure Turbo System. The Mazda6 was facelifted twice with the recent one in 2019 when Mazda decided to drop the Atenza naming in favor of the Mazda6 naming.

2) Nissan Teana J32 - Launched in 2008, the second-generation Nissan Teana is powered by a choice of a 2.5L and a 3.5L V6 engine mated to an XTRONIC CVT. Carrying over from the first-generation model, the Teana J32 comes with a signature front ottoman seat on the passenger side.

1) Nissan Teana J31 - Launched in 2003 as the replacement for the Cefiro, the Teana is Nissan's luxury premium midsize sedan that slots between the Skyline and the Cedric/Gloria sedans. While the styling is rather contemporary for a luxury sedan, the Teana's turning point is its luxurious interior which is about as cozy as the sofas and chairs you bought from the IKEA store. The Teana J31 is sold in South Korea as the Renault Samsung SM5 and SM7, and in other countries as the Renault Safrane.

It's a sad day in the world of motoring as there will be no more internal combustion-powered front-wheel-drive JDM executive midsize saloons on sale in the Land of the Rising Sun. If you want an executive midsize FF JDM saloon, you'll be going to make do with the hybrid ones. Actually, there are only two; the Lexus ES and the upcoming Honda Accord e:HEV.

Domo arigato, ICE JDM FF executive midsize sedans. They have served their purposes and now they're officially extinct because of SUVs. Although they're gone, they'll be never forgotten. 

My GT7 Log: Reiwa no Super GT fighters

The Super GT 2024 season will see a matchup like no other in the Reiwa era. It's a clash between the Toyota GR Supra, the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34, and the Honda Civic Type R FL5. Here in GT7, I'm driving their road car equivalents predicting which car will win the 2024 season.

But first, let's get to know about these Reiwa-era JDM sports cars.

With the design borrows inspiration from the FT-1 Concept, the GR Supra shares most of the engines from the BMW Z4 G29 such as the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine and the 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine for the range-topping RZ variant producing 340PS of power and 500Nm of torque. All of the engines are mated to an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox.

In the spring of 2020, the GR Supra's 3.0L BMW-derived TwinPower Turbo engine on the flagship RZ variant was boosted by 47PS, resulting in a 387PS power output. In addition, the updated GR Supra features a revised chassis consisting of lightweight aluminum braces, front and rear bump stops, and new damper tuning.

The Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 features an eclectic mix of design cues inspired by past models as well as a cutting-edge interior featuring a GT-R-derived steering wheel, the signature triple pod cluster, and race-inspired gauges. Under the hood, the previous model's 3.7L VVEL engine was replaced by the VR30DDTT 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine derived from the Skyline 400R. It produces nearly 400HP of power and 475Nm of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed AT. It features optional launch control for the first time in a Z car and a mechanical LSD.

Apart from the performance it delivers, the RZ34 Fairlady Z features new monotube shocks, new front geometry, rear suspension tuning, and another first for the Z car, electric power steering. It even features increased rigidity and available sports brakes.

Based on the 11th generation Honda Civic hatchback, the FL5 Civic Type R eschews the obvious styling from its predecessor in favor of a more subtle approach while retaining the triple exhaust setup from the FK8. For the first time since the FD2, the FL5 Civic Type R is back to being a Japan-made hot hatchback.

It runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the previous FK8 but it's been boosted to produce 330PS of power and 420Nm of torque while mated exclusively to a 6-speed MT.

From the improved suspension setup, electronically controlled dampers, improved braking performance, and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires built exclusively for this car, it smashed the Suzuka Circuit's FF lap record in 2:23.120 and recently, the Nurburgring Nordschleife's FF lap record in 7:44.881.

The FL5 Civic Type R became the 2022-2023 Japan Performance Car of the Year winner.

Taking the idea from both Best Motoring and Hot Version, I decided to compare these three Reiwa-era JDM sportscars around Tsukuba Circuit and engage the one-lap time attack rite of passage, predicting which of these three has the potential to win the 2024 Super GT season.

In their road car guises, the RZ34 is the most powerful of the three but the FL5 is the dark horse because although it's the least powerful, boasting 325hp power output, it's the lightest of the three, making this comparison truly one-sided. Anyway, no time for jibber-jabbers. It's time to find out which of the three has the potential to win the 2024 Super GT season. Roll the tape.

And here are the results...

GR Supra - 1m05.227s

Z RZ34 - 1m05.767s

Civic Type R FL5 - 1m05.706s

The FL5 Civic Type R truly is the dark horse of the three. It barely defeated the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 by a crust but it's razor-thin slower than the GR Supra. The result is too close to call.

Based on my experiment, my prediction for the 2024 Super GT season will be a close call with the GR Supra expected to win the 2024 season. I'm not sure which GR Supra Super GT car will be but it's everyone's game. The Civic Type R FL5 is proven to be the dark horse of the three and I expect its Super GT equivalent to deliver razor-thin results compared to the other two. Both the GR Supra and the Fairlady Z RZ34 nailed titles but with the arrival of the Super GT Civic, will it be the first to win a Super GT title for the Honda Civic?

Expect the 2024 Super GT season to be as close as the elections, if you catch my drift. With the GR Supra expected to dominate the 2024 season as well as the Honda Civic's wild-card performance, it's going to be the tightest season ever. Get your popcorn ready because it's going to be a long fight.

Shake It Up☆☆☆

Hot on the heels of Liella's 5th LoveLive concert, the official anthem of their 5th live concert, titled Shake It Up☆☆☆, has arrived. It's time to Shake It Up, get it?

Shake It Up☆☆☆

Liella!, the school idol group from Love Live! SuperStar!! TV series is back with the official anthem of their 5th live concert titled Shake It Up☆☆☆. It's your chance to listen to the song before getting prepared for January's concert event and if you are ready for more Liella goodness, so be it with their latest single because if you enjoyed this song, it makes you want to...shake it up. Pun intended.

In addition, there are two additional songs worthy to be added to your Liella playlist such as FANTASTIC and the 2023 version of Watashi no Symphony.

Ready to shake up for more Liella?

TRACK LISTINGS:

01.シェキラ☆☆☆

02.FANTASTiC

03.私のSymphony ～2023Ver.～

04.シェキラ☆☆☆(Off Vocal)

05.FANTASTiC(Off Vocal)

Mazda New Flair Wagon (MM94S)

Following the launch of the third-generation Suzuki Spacia range, it didn't take long for Mazda to borrow one for its Flair Wagon equivalent.

2024 Mazda Flair Wagon

Starting at 1,541,100 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the third-generation model features two different styles to choose from such as the all-familiar normal Flair Wagon and the stylish Flair Wagon Custom Style.

Apart from the revamped exterior design, the renewed interior features a wide array of convenient features such as the multi-use flap, independent rear seat slide, rear seat slide straps, and a personal table for rear passengers, not to mention lots of compartments to place, giving these new models plenty of uses in various situations. 

The third-generation Flair Wagon's Mild Hybrid technology features an Integrated Starter Generator linked to a lithium battery pack collaborating with its fuel-efficient R06D 660cc engine. Thanks to this fuel-efficient measure as well as the HEARTECT platform, the all-new Spacia has 25.1km/L of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards.

The Flair Wagon Custom Style's turbo variant features Power Mode, which makes it more responsive on slopes or when merging onto the highway. It sounds great but the fuel economy is around 21.9kmpl.

For safety, the all-new Flair Wagon comes with a suite of safety features such as a Lane Departure Warning function, wandering alarm function, high beam assist, sign recognition function provided by its optional Omni-directional monitor camera package, advanced car departure notice function, dual sensor brake support, false start suppression, brake support, backward error start suppression, and more.

If you want a third-generation Spacia but the nearest dealership is a Mazda, this is your answer.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Third-generation Suzuki Spacia

The Suzuki Spacia range is all-new for its third generation as Japan's most fuel-efficient kei minivan has been reloaded with new ways and means to keep its crown.

2024 Suzuki Spacia

2024 Suzuki Spacia Custom

Starting at 1,530,100 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the all-new, third-generation Suzuki Spacia continues to maintain its crown as Japan's most fuel-efficient kei minivan while donning its new and exciting ways and means to keep it afloat in the midst of the new normal.

2024 Suzuki Spacia interior

2024 Suzuki Spacia Custom interior

In Spacia tradition, the third-generation model features two different styles to choose from such as the all-familiar normal Spacia and the stylish Spacia Custom that is now highly reminiscent of a Solio Bandit from a long time ago. Whichever Spacia you're on, you'll be greeted with redesigned looks that show not just proof of maturity but also how far the Spacia has gone since the first-generation model came out a decade ago.

The renewed interior features a wide array of convenient features such as the multi-use flap, independent rear seat slide, rear seat slide straps, and a personal table for rear passengers, not to mention lots of compartments to place, giving these new models plenty of uses in various situations. 

2024 Suzuki Spacia

The third-generation Suzuki Spacia's Mild Hybrid technology features an Integrated Starter Generator linked to a lithium battery pack collaborating with its fuel-efficient R06D 660cc engine. Thanks to this fuel-efficient measure as well as Suzuki's HEARTECT platform, the all-new Spacia has 25.1km/L of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards. It's still the most fuel-efficient kei minivan ever made and Suzuki still keeps its laurel intact. 

The Spacia Custom's turbo variant features Power Mode, which makes it more responsive on slopes or when merging onto the highway. It sounds great but the fuel economy is around 21.9kmpl.

For safety, the all-new Spacia comes with the latest version of SUZUKI SAFETY SUPPORT, which is a suite of safety features such as Lane Departure Warning function, wandering alarm function, high beam assist, sign recognition function provided by its optional Omni-directional monitor camera package, advanced car departure notice function, dual sensor brake support, false start suppression, brake support, backward error start suppression, and more.

The competition tried messing with the Suzuki Spacia and they failed. The Spacia is still the most fuel-efficient kei minivan ever made and in this third-generation form, the title stands. With its all-new look, convenient interior, and improved efficiency, this is the Suzuki Spacia reloaded for the new normal.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

My GT7 Log: Know Your Legends - Suzuki Escudo Pikes Peak

Let's get to know about the legendary cars that are hard to get in Gran Turismo 7's Legend Cars not only because of their extreme rarity that appears once in a blue moon but also their outrageous price tag that takes almost forever to save one. Today, let's get to know about the Suzuki Escudo Pikes Peak Special, a compact SUV that morphed into a monster machine that became a Gran Turismo favorite since GT2.

Starting out in life as the Suzuki Escudo compact SUV, this monster machine competed in the 1996 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with Nobuteru "Monster" Tajima behind the wheel and won. Donning its extreme aerodynamics to help cope with its ultra-lightweight bodywork that weighs 800kg, the 2.5L V6 engine that was relocated aft of the front axle line for better weight distribution is bolted with two turbochargers, generating a monstrous 981HP of power and 687ft-lb of torque.

Time to unleash Suzuki's legendary monster machine around the Goodwood track and see if it's still the legend Gran Turismo fanatics remembered. Roll the tape.

It did it in 1m12.019s.

Back in Gran Turismo 2, this Escudo made them think they were invincible. Despite being overshadowed by the likes of the Red Bull X-car or even the SRT Tomahawk Vision Gran Turismo machines, the Escudo Pikes Peak is still the King of Gran Turismo cars because it's built for everything it can crush with its 4WD capability, be it asphalt, dirt, or even snow.

What other hard-to-get legendary cars should I drive next? Stay tuned for more.

My FH5 Log: BRZ-bub

Remember the Toyota GR86 back in the Forza Horizon 5 Summer Party? Guess what? Its Subaru BRZ equivalent made its way into the game during the Winter Wonderland update and things wouldn't get even more complicated than this.

Obtained as a prize car in Week 3 of the Forza Horizon 5 Winter Wonderland series update, the second-generation Subaru BRZ completes the Reiwa-era ToyoBaru coupe twins, giving players plenty of time to debate. I know the GR86 and the BRZ are built in the same factory, but truth be told, the BRZ is slightly older than the GR86. No need for the chicken and egg debate.

The Subaru BRZ ZD8 is the evolution of the entry-level FR sports coupe that became the stepping stone of the collaboration between Toyota and Subaru.

Running on the improved version of its bespoke platform, the second-generation BRZ delivers improved dynamics and handling compared to its predecessor. Under the hood, the size of the BOXER D-4S engine was increased from its predecessor's 2.0L to 2.4L, meaning the power output is now bumped at a dramatic 235PS of power and 250Nm of torque.

The second-generation BRZ is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AT. Both variants feature Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which consists of pre-collision safety tech, emergency rescue support, and secondary collision avoidance support.

A GT300-class Subaru BRZ was crowned the class champion at the Autobacs Super GT 2021 Series, a first for Subaru.

The added power and improved dynamics made the second-generation BRZ better to drive than its predecessor. Therefore, it feels so much more addictive and more fun to drive. I know. I said that while driving its GR86 equivalent back at the Summer Party but this is the Subaru perspective and because this is the only Subaru with the stick shift available, it feels like this is the only fun-to-drive Subaru to drive now that the WRX STI is officially dead.

Sounds sad but let's find out how much improvement the second-generation BRZ gained compared to its predecessor.

You may remember back in the summer, I tested the GR86 equivalents on a hill climb towards the caldera and found out that the new model is quicker than the first one. What about the Subie equivalents?

This time, we're going downhill and dirty, which is a challenge for a rear-wheel-drive car like the BRZ but hey, if Lia Block can rally the BRZ to victory, why not in Mexico? Putting faith in the Subaru badges donned in these rear-wheel-drive wonders, it's time to let them rip all the way down and dirty.

Roll the tape.

And now the results...

BRZ ZC6 - 4m15.038s

BRZ ZD8 - 4m07.581s

Talk about a massive improvement compared to the previous model! Guess the ToyoBaru collaboration really leveled up with this one.

The second-generation Subaru BRZ, the only Subie with the stick shift available in the Land of the Rising Sun, proved its worth with the added power and improved dynamics to keep up with the challenges of the new normal. Unlike the chicken and the egg, the Reiwa-era BRZ goes to show that it came first before the mega-popular Toyota GR86 steals its spotlight.

I was hoping for a little comparison between the two but for now, the Reiwa-era ToyoBaru coupe twins will be united because they held a grudge against this...

Yes, I know, it's a C8 Corvette, the one that stole the Japan 2021 Performance Car of the Year award from them. Still, this is going to be a payback I'm looking forward to...

Watch this space.

Lexus LBX

Lexus's first-ever compact crossover, the LBX, looks more like a glorified Toyota Yaris Cross but there's something more about this entry-level Lexus crossover.

2024 Lexus LBX

Starting at 4.6 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the first-ever Lexus LBX is ironically slightly more expensive than its big brother, the UX, but being the glorified Toyota Yaris Cross it was meant to be, the LBX prefers to keep it modest on the city streets even though it was classified as a luxury vehicle.

2024 Lexus LBX

Beginning with the design, the Lexus LBX is sized like its Toyota Yaris Cross derivative, making it easy to live with and park at its pace. With the front view reminiscent of the LM, the side view is highly reminiscent of today's Honda Fit and the rear view can be easily mistaken for an Aston Martin DBX so yes, it's classified luxury crossover from scratch but despite its luxury status, the LBX feels right at home at typical Japanese suburbs because of such sizing.

2024 Lexus LBX interior

Asked about the interior, the LBX adopts the Tazuna concept approach applied in "new normal" Lexus vehicles, giving it a more minimalist approach. Behind the wheel, the LBX features a 12.3-inch TFT liquid crystal meter, a rather flashy HUD with touch tracer operation, and a 9.8-inch touch display audio, among others. As expected on a new normal Lexus, the controversial e-latch inside door handles are present, which is good until the car battery dies, rendering these handles inoperable, and leaving you trapped. Bad mark for Lexus there.

On the spacing side, this five-seater features foldable second-row seats, giving it 330 liters of boot space for FF variants when not using a 2-tier deck board. The extra two-liter under-deck storage gives slightly more space for goodies when needed.

2024 Lexus LBX

The LBX is powered only by the 1.5L Hybrid Dynamic Force powertrain where the 1.5L M15A-FXE engine is connected to a 69kW electric motor and a Bipolar Nickel battery from the Aqua, producing a system power output of 136PS. Because all variants are mated to a CVT, the LBX's front-wheel drive variant can go up to 27.7kmpl of fuel economy under WLTC Mode standards while AWD variants get 26.2kmpl.

Running on the same GA-B platform as the Toyota Yaris Cross, the Lexus LBX behaves rather well on all walks of life even though it's a tad regular to drive on the open roads or with the AWD system that fits well on either tarmac, gravel, or snow. 

As for safety, the Lexus LBX is equipped with the evolved Lexus Safety System + and advanced parking assistance as well as Lexus Teammate Advanced Drive (Congestion Assistance), Lexus Teammate Advanced Park (with remote functionality), and Advanced Park remote functionality, among others.

It may be a glorified Yaris Cross that is slightly more expensive than its big brother, the UX, but the Lexus LBX is an entry-level crossover that prefers to be modest and down-to-earth not just on city roads but almost everywhere. Tackling through all walks of life and getting the job done is what the LBX does best, albeit not as exciting as expected, but still, it's all about keeping it plain and simple the Lexus way.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

SPYxFAMILY OPERATION DIARY

What does Anya Forger's best day ever look like? Only way to find out with this fun and relaxing video game from the world of SPYxFAMILY.

SPYxFAMILY OPERATION DIARY
(Nintendo Switch)

SPYxFAMILY OPERATION DIARY is a fun and relaxing video game from the world of SPYxFAMILY where players help little Anya Forger make her best day ever by taking part in a series of fun-filled activities and mini-games.

Reminiscent of the Wario games, OPERATION DIARY is packed with 17 various minigames to play with ten can be played with two players. From helping her pet dog Bond get away from a giant peanut monster, beating classmates in a game of trumps, hack-and-slash enemies as Yor, or a nice game of bowling, these minigames are fun for everyone, making it the ideal party game with your friends and...yeah...family.

Aside from the minigames worth turning this SPYxFAMILY video game into a party game for everyone, OPERATION DIARY gives players a chance to experience the Forgers in their hobbies and pastimes such as going to the aquarium, the beach, the park, or various points of interests.

If you need an anime game that is both relaxing and enjoyable at the same time, why not spend time with the Forgers in this SPYxFAMILY game?

OPERATION DIARY is now available on the Nintendo Switch and coming soon to PS4/PS5 this 2024.

SPYxFAMILY The Movie CODE: WHITE

The anime sensation of 2022, SPYxFAMILY, centers on the life and times of Agent Twilight, who is on a mission to prevent an all-out war, but to do so, he teams up with a psychic named Anya and an assassin named Yor and then formed themselves as the Forger family. As the whole world enjoyed the Forgers' little adventures, the time's come to shine on the big screen with their first movie adventure.

SPYxFAMILY The Movie
CODE: WHITE

Arrived in time for the holidays, the Forgers have arrived at the big screen with SPYxFAMILY The Movie CODE: WHITE. In their first movie escapade, Loid Forger is on a race against time to stop a terrorist plot before it sparks an all-out international conflict. So much for the cooking lesson Anya's taking at the Eden Academy in the hopes of getting another star, the family vacation to the Frigis region, and her accidental swallowing of a suspicious-looking confectionary that could threaten global balance.

Packed with chills, speed, drama, suspense, family values, and romance, not necessarily in that order, this movie pushed the Forgers into incredible heights right until the climax that proves that SPYxFAMILY is becoming one of the all-time anime greats in the age of the new normal.

Whether you enjoy Loid's action-packed moments, Yor's down-to-earth shenanigans, or the best of Anya Forger, along with the signature moments in store, this movie is SPYxFAMILY at its best and you can't hide away from the endless conversations this movie generates.

This is SPYxFAMILY at its glorious core.

Kamen Rider The Winter Movie Gotchard & Geats: Saikyou Chemy Gotcha Daisakusen

Having familiarized with the fifth Reiwa Kamen Rider TV show, Kamen Rider Gotchard, the time's come for Gotchard to put his fighting skills to the test as he and Geats team up to take on the most terrifying game orchestrated by a...Chemy?!

Kamen Rider The Winter Movie Gotchard & Geats:
Saikyou Chemy Gotcha Daisakusen

Kamen Rider The Winter Movie Gotchard & Geats: Saikyou Chemy Gotcha Daisakusen, the latest Kamen Rider crossover movie arrived in time for the holidays, sees Gotchard and Geats team up as they're trapped in a mysterious game orchestrated by a Level 10 Chemy named XWizard. If things couldn't get even more complicated, the surviving Desire Grand Prix Riders which are Geats, Buffa, Tycoon, and Na-go, got spawned into Chemys, mysterious creatures Gotchard and friends are after in the TV series.

Apart from XWizard, this movie features other Level 10 Chemy characters such as Exceed Fighter, Lixion, X Fortress, and Xeggdrasil. 

This movie is X crazy just like the year itself when everything's gone X since you-know-what. Still, even though it is an X-full of excitement, it's a chance to showcase how much experience Kamen Rider Gotchard has grown since the start of the series. He, Rinne Kudo, Valvarado, and the others join forces with Geats and the others, surviving the most perilous game orchestrated by a Level 10 Chemy, this pre-holiday treat for the whole family really is X marks the spot. Get it? It's the X.

Don't end the Year of the X without witnessing the most X-citing X-mas treat from the world of Kamen Rider.

Fifth-Generation Suzuki Swift

Fresh off the Japan Mobility Show, the all-new, fifth-generation, Suzuki Swift has arrived and it promises to be the most advanced Swift ever made for the age of the "new normal".

2024 Suzuki Swift

With prices start at 1,727,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the all-new Suzuki Swift marks a radical shift for the brand's world-proven compact hatchback that was enjoyed not just in Japan but also across the Silk Road. From the streets of Tokyo to the winding roads of Switzerland, this world-proven hatchback has turned for the greater good.

2024 Suzuki Swift

First, let's take a look at the design and in a rather un-Suzuki way, the new front face saw the Suzuki logo positioned above the grille rather than into it that most of its predecessors done, making it easily mistaken for a Honda ZR-V. Apart from the questionable front face, it packs familiar-looking front lamps, rear lamps, and the recognizable silhouette that makes a Swift, well, a Swift.

2024 Suzuki Swift interior

The interior's heavily revamped for this new version and it comes with the nine-inch touchscreen positioned above the dashboard as well as a new instrumental panel with multi-information display, climate control, heated seats, and others. On the passenger side, this five-seater is as roomy as its predecessor and with the rear seats present it can still carry up to 265 litres of boot space but with the rear seats folded down, it can carry up to 980 litres of boot space, more than its predecessor so job done.

2024 Suzuki Swift

Time to dig deep into the performance side of the all-new Swift. Under the hood, it's powered by Suzuki's brand new Z12E 1.2L three-cylinder engine with available mild hybrid technology. The new engine produces 82PS of power and 108Nm of torque. Equipped with a new and improved CVT, it has a fuel economy of 24.5kmpl based on WLTC Mode standards. 

The all-new Suzuki Swift is the first MHEV model to be mated to a manual gearbox, a five-speed one to be precise, and this gearbox promises 25.4kmpl of fuel economy, more than the CVT-mated model, which sounds good.

Coupled with the improved suspension and chassis setup, electric power steering, and the HEARTECT platform that adds lightness and rigidity, the all-new Swift has a turning radius of 4.8 meters despite its long wheelbase, making it easy to corner and behave like a European car. Give it 4WD and it's capable on taking on tarmac, gravel, or snow. Another reason why the Swift is a world-proven car.

As for safety, the all-new Swift comes with Suzuki Safety Support, a series of preventive safety measures such as traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, driver recognition, blind spot warning system, and others. It's compatible with the Suzuki Connect service where users can find their Swift or take advantage of emergency services in case of the inevitable such as accidents or car theft. It can even start remotely by smartphone as well.

A world-proven car not just in Japan but across the Silk Road from Peking to Paris, the Suzuki Swift has turned for the age of the "new normal", the first Suzuki Swift of the Reiwa era. From its radicalized looks, new interior, the new Z12E engine, and new technology, this is clearly the most advanced Swift ever made in this unstable world we live in and it tries to be as stable as stable should be.

Available colors: Frontier Blue Pearl Metallic, Cool Yellow Metallic, Burning Red Pearl Metallic, Flame Orange Pearl Metallic, Caravan Ivory Pearl Metallic, Pure White Pearl, Premium Silver Metallic, Star Silver Metallic, Super Black Pearl, Frontier Blue Pearl Metallic Black 2-tone Roof , Cool Yellow Metallic Black 2-tone Roof, Burning Red Pearl Metallic Black 2-tone Roof, and Pure White Pearl Black 2-tone Roof.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 (2024MY Minor Change)

The GOAT in the Land Cruiser history, the 70 Series, returns for the 2024 Model Year, and it's here to stay as the heavy-duty class of the Land Cruiser lineage.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

Starting at 4.8 Million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the reborn Toyota Land Cruiser 70 is the ultimate no-nonsense JDM offroader for those who believe that today's offroaders are too posh for them or they can't afford to buy a Jeep Wrangler. Whatever the reason, it's here to stay and ready to roll, ripping through the toughest places in Japan.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

Although it's still as good as it was nearly four decades ago, the Land Cruiser 70 features a new front face with a grille that spells TOYOTA on it as well as three horizontal slats below the grille, a tribute to earlier models. Even with a new look, it's still the Land Cruiser 70 the world knows.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 interior

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 interior

The familiar interior has been revamped with a new instrumental panel, a new steering wheel, a new cup holder design at the center console, USB-C ports, a rear monitor at the room mirror, and new switches below the dashboard, keeping this ancient offroader updated for the new normal. It still seats up to five people and comes with foldable second-row seats for added boot space for your essentials. Better be overprepared rather than underprepared, some say.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

Unlike the previous model nearly a decade ago, the 2024MY Toyota Land Cruiser 70 is powered only by a 1GD-FTV 2.8L common-rail turbodiesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. It produces 204PS of power output and 500Nm of torque while the fuel economy is 10.1km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Being an old-school offroader with a ladder frame, the Land Cruiser 70 is packed with front coil springs, rear leaf springs, Downhill Assist Control, VSC and Active Traction Control, an electronic differential lock, hill-start assist control, a part-time 4WD system, and a dual-mode automatic locking hub. Although it's still not suitable for your Tokyo trip, it's still a classic offroader fit to tackle through the path to Mt. Fuji or crawl through the end of the mountain road ahead of someone. That's off-road ingenuity, the Land Cruiser way.

The ancient Land Cruiser 70 Series now comes with Toyota Safety Sense with a suite of intelligent safety features including Lane Departure Alert, Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision System, and others.

It's great to have the Land Cruiser 70 back in the lineup as the heavy-duty member of the Land Cruiser family and this remastered classic is ready to tackle the challenges of the new normal, something that a modern offroader couldn't think of. If you're looking for an offroader but can't afford a Jeep Wrangler, the remastered Land Cruiser 70 is the one for you. It's still the GOAT.

Available Colors: Beige, Super White II, and Attitude Black Mica.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

My FM Log: Global Guts

The Chevrolet Corvette, the Porsche 911, and the Nissan GT-R are the most dominant names in the world of sports cars because of their heritage, performance, and racing pedigree that made them the global superpowers feared and respected the world over.

Here in Forza Motorsport, let's get to know the three kings of the sports car realm starting with America's finest, the Corvette C8 Z06.

By using most of its know-how from the C8.R racing machine, the Corvette C8 Z06 is a track weapon capable of slithering through the road and track with its race-inspired dynamics, available Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, and the Z07 Performance Package.

Powering the C8 Z06 is a smaller but more powerful 5.5L V8 naturally aspirated engine that produces 670HP of power and while mated to a standard 8-speed AT, it does 0-60mph in 2.6 seconds.

With its naturally aspirated V8 engine, C8.R-inspired dynamics, and sleek aerodynamics, the C8 Z06 has evolved from a typical Corvette into a proper purist's sports car.

Now, let's get to know the Nissan GT-R NISMO, the ultimate version of the soon-to-be-legendary Japanese sports car that was known to be the best Heisei-era JDM sports car. 

The result of Nissan's trial and error struggle to create a supercar that can compete against the world's best supercars, the GT-R NISMO, first launched in 2014, features track-honed aerodynamics akin to its GT3 racer and an improved 3.8L V6 Twin Turbo engine producing 600PS of power output, capable of lapping the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7:08.679. 

This is the 2020 Model Year GT-R and for this update, the GT-R NISMO features front fenders from the GT3 racecar, a new carbon-fiber roof, and improved dynamics. 

It is said that the improved GT-R NISMO lapped Tsukuba in less than a minute.

Lastly, the Porsche 911 GT3 (992), which is the better version of the 992-spec Porsche 911.

The 992 911 GT3 is a real, no-nonsense sports car with real, no-nonsense performance drivers who can get hooked for more. Race-inspired aerodynamics aside, the 911 GT3 is powered by a 4.0L flat-6 engine that produces 510PS of power and 470Nm of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed PDK, which lets the GT3 accelerate from 0-100kph in 3.4 seconds, which is slightly quicker than the previous model. 

It's got a double-wishbone front axle for the first time in a 911, a five-link rear axle, larger brakes, and extensive use of lightweight materials, among many others.

With such improvements, the new model lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 6:59.927 minutes, which is an improvement from the previous GT3.

Now that we get to know about the three sports car kings, it's time to take them to the ideal playground to flex their muscles; the Yas Marina Circuit. It's been recently added to Forza Motorsport and I got the chance to bring them there, which is good timing for me because this weekend, the F1 23 season finale will be held there.

Yas Marina's changed since I let their predecessors loose in FM7 a couple of years ago. Although some of the familiar bits got changed, it's still the Yas Marina the world knows and enjoys. It's still the ideal playground for speedo boys to let their sports cars rip through the most technical corners in style.

Anyway, with the C8 Z06, GT-R NISMO, and the 992 911 GT3 gathered at what's known to be the final venue of the F1 season, it's time to settle which side of the globe is the best.

America, Europe, and Asia. Which one is the best? Let's find out with a one-lap time attack around the recently-added Yas Marina track in Forza Motorsport. Let battle commence.

And now the results...

C8 Corvette Z06 - 2m14.234s

GT-R (R35) NISMO - 2m19.394s

911 (992) GT3 - 2m20.282s

It looks like the Americans were the superior ones this time as the C8 Z06 trumps the GT-R NISMO and the 911 GT3 by a long shot in the revised Yas Marina track.

I guess the engineers behind the C8 Corvette were wise about transitioning to a mid-engine layout at the beginning and with the Z06, it's capable of tackling down the world's best, even though this isn't really its final form, if you catch my drift.

This Vette's got guts and it managed to show the world it's capable of taking all comers in the same way its C8.R equivalent crushed the final LMGTE AM Class title in style. GT3, here we go.

Welcome to the new world order.