Acura/Honda NSX NC1

Dubbed as one of the most anticipated models in the late 2010s, the legendary sportscar that made a mark in the history of Honda or Acura, after a ten-year absence, has been resurrected and the new-generation NSX is now ready to take on the world's finest sportscars with its unparalleled performance that will raise some eyebrows among speedo boys everywhere, although I'm not quite sure about the NSX's rebirth in any way that gave me some jitters.

2017 Honda NSX

2017 Acura NSX

Sticking true to the concepts, the all-new NSX features a striking design that makes it a perfect fit for a sportscar revived after a 10-year hiatus. It's like reviving a once-famous fantasy show that became a hit ten years ago and as a result, all the elements that made the new NSX one of the most anticipated sports cars in the late 2010s come full circle. One look and you'll know that the new NSX is ready to rewrite the hybrid history books even for a fact that this is actually a hybrid engine-wielding masterpiece that incorporates the knowhow of Honda's motorsport pedigree with a bit of Gran Turismo flair on it ever since its concept version got featured in Gran Turismo 6 three years ago, although unsure if or when this production-version NSX will make it to the upcoming Gran Turismo Sport game, but whatever it is, the new NSX's ties to the Gran Turismo video game will make me condemned that this is a serious hybrid sportscar for those who had enough of driving the hybrid hypercar trio or anything else.

As a hybrid engine-wielding supercar, the all-new NSX features a bold new powertrain that was inspired in most models from its stable. Take this, Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, for instance, the Legend/RLX has one but this is a different powertrain for the NSX rebirth because at the heart of it all lies a 3.5L V6 DOHC Twin Turbo engine bolted to three electric motors that take care of the Power Drive Unit and a li-ion battery that takes charge on the Intelligent Power Unit. With such power sources, the new NSX delivers an overall power output of 581PS, more than the recently-facelifted Nissan GT-R had, and it's mated to a 9-speed DCT built exclusively for the NSX. Nine gears in a hybrid sportscar? With such gears, it's starting to feel like a Fast and Furious gearbox, minus the dramatic shifting part that you saw from those flicks, you know what I mean?

Aside from its performance, the new NSX is made to be aerodynamic thanks to a clever feature that produces more downforce while retaining its sharp styling. As for the body, it was made entirely from aluminum, carbon fiber, and high-strength steel, to make it more rigid and light on the corners. 

Because this is a hybrid equivalent of the Audi R8, the new NSX takes things seriously through the corners with a precision that keeps this sportscar afloat, no matter how messy things are, and because this is a four-wheel drive car, just like a Nissan GT-R, the NSX is an ideal all-weather multirole that can take on various road conditions, be it dry, wet, or freezing, and whereas most supercars getting scared on a slippery-when-wet condition, the NSX is not afraid to feel the slip and with such dynamics, the NSX feels like a this is a take-on-all-comers on the supercar empire.

2017 Honda NSX interior

2017 Acura NSX interior

As a handcrafted sports car made by the finest materials forged by the artisanship of experts at the Performance Manufacturing Center in an American state considered a battleground for the two rivals who really run this world in a very dangerous game, the NSX is a delicate item for a prized collector who really values this car more than anything else and because of its handcrafted status, let me give you a tip...

In the US, the NSX will set you about $156,000, but here in Japan, because they consider it as an import from American soil, they will set you up for a mega-expensive 23,700,000 Yen, making it the most expensive Japanese car ever sold in Japan. It's about more pricey than the Nissan GT-R if you asked them regarding the car that can return up to 12.4kmpl of fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards. Also, selected Honda dealers across Japan, labeled as NSX Performance Dealers, will start accepting reservations and deliveries take place in the February of next year. That's a lot of time, but if I may disregard the mega-high price tag, the new NSX is going to be a flip-flop for me apart from its Gran Turismo ties that set me off. The performance is great for me but when it comes to gaining ties to this car, this will be a challenge because while some are getting jealous on wishing to get their hands on the NSX rebirth, there are a few who are opposed to it due to its ties with Gran Turismo. This should sound like a decent challenge for the hybrid sportscar masterpiece.

Photo: Honda/Acura

Porsche 718 Boxster vs. Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class

The Porsche 718 was once known to be a legend in its motorsport heritage and in 2016, the legendary name was been resurrected as the minor change for Porsche's open-top midship roadster, the Boxster.

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster

So, is this the Porsche fans are looking for? It can be a yes or a no because apart from its similar styling to the previous Boxster 981, the new 718 Boxster had its old naturally-aspirated engines thrown away and in place, this open-top sportscar had this; a choice of four-cylinder turbocharged engines that doesn't sound like what enthusiasts hoped for.

Let's start with the two-litre version, which replaced the old Boxster's 2.7-litre boxer engine. It produces 300PS of power and 380Nm of torque. Equipped with the PDK and the Sport Chrono package, it can do 0-100lph in 4.7 seconds and onwards to 275kph. So, if you need to compare the base 718 with that kind of performance, perhaps, let's pick a decent target for the purpose.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class

Perhaps, let's go for this. The all-new SLC-Class, the replacement for the twenty-year-old SLK. Specifically, let's try the range-topping SLC 300 for a while because I have something in store later on. This model comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, just like the base 718 Boxster, but it produces 55PS less power and 10Nm less torque, but unlike the 718's 7-speed double-clutch transmission, the new SLC comes with the brand new 9G-TRONIC gearbox, which sounds too much for an automatic gearbox but at least it's not as jerky as the 718's double-clutch gearbox, which shifts fasts but less enjoyable than the 718's manual gearbox.

Okay, enough about the lesser ones, what about the range-toppers? This is where the conversation gets super spicy, indeed. In the range-topping 718 Boxster S, it has the new 2.5L 4-cylinder turbo engine, which produces 350PS of power and 420Nm of torque. With that jerky PDK equipped, it can get through 100kph in less than 4.2 seconds and onwards to 285kph.

2017 Mercedes-AMG SLC43

Onto the brand new Mercedes-AMG SLC43, probably not the best AMG to keep in your garage, it comes with AMG's first ever 3.0L V6 twin-turbo engine which produces a more powerful 367PS of power and 520Nm of torque. With the 9G-Tronic mated, it can do 0-100kph in 4.7 seconds and top speed is normally limited to 250kph.

First and foremost, why 43? We get used to the 65s, the 63s, and the 45s of the AMG lineup but with the 43 naming on the hot SLC, which replaces the once graceful SLK55 AMG in the range, looks like the road for an all-turbocharged AMG lineup is complete but at what cost you may ask? Nope, not the downsizing stuff like I saw with the AMG GT and today's C63, it's this 43er that will soon cause misery for the AMG fans everywhere, and with the SLC43 AMG, feels like the AMG we all know is gone, and went into something hard water rather than faith in science.

Switch the engine on and what do you hear on its new 3.0L V6 twin turbo engine? Well, unless you get the roof open, it sounds like any other car rather than a mighty roar that harkens back to naturally aspirated V8s from the past. It's the same thing with the 2.5L version of the new 718 Boxster S because even when you engage in its sportiest setting while driving through the tunnels, nope. You hear nothing but a commoner's engine noise with no roar and no bite at all. Turbocharging for sportscars isn't as what the speedo boys hoped for, perhaps next time, they should learn from the speedo boys who are better at turbocharging cars than the manufacturers so they can get a better noise for their sportscars.

While settling down the noise issue, are these new roadsters cloaked in silence when it comes to dynamics? In the 718 Boxster, its dynamics are what you call "cloaked in silence" because, despite its volume lowered in the engine noise, its handling attributes are still as sharp as ever. It may have a name derived from the legendary 718 RS in the last century but the way it behaves, courtesy of its improved chassis and suspension, is something you can't deny.

What about the SLC43? Just like the old SLK55, the new V6-powered entry to the AMG clan is going to have a hard time mastering its handling capabilities. Underestimate with this car and you'll pay a very painful price when it spins off or goes off-course. It's going to remind you of the great V6-powered Jaguar F-Type convertible it sets its sights on. Although beautiful to look at, its dynamic character will prove too dangerous for the freshmen, unless they know how to use it.

Should you buy it? The Porsche 718 Boxster starts at 53,646 Euros for the base model while the S model starts at 66,141 Euros. The SLC, in its base SLC 180 meanwhile, starts at 34,927 Euros while the AMG SLC43 starts at 59,887 Euros. Yes, the V6-powered AMG is less expensive to own than the slightly less enjoyable 718 Boxster S, but truth be told, neither is enjoyable unless these two open-top machines know how to set things right to keep the drivers happy and want to drive one of them as long as they please.

Ferrari 488 GTB vs. McLaren 570S

Meet the two new prime specimens in the supercar league; first up, there's Ferrari's brand new replacement to the already perfect 458 Italia, the 488 GTB. Then, in the McLaren side, the much accessible but soon to be a classic 570S. With two new cars already arrived at the hearts of many car enthusiasts, everyone's going to be extra jealous, wishing they want to have a go in one of these.

2016 McLaren 570S

2016 Ferrari 488 GTB

First, let's take a look at the Ferrari 488 GTB, the latest replacement to the 458 Italia. At first glance, it looks nearly identical to the old 458 but with the LaFerrari-inspired nose, you can't really tell the difference between them. On the inside, it remains the same old Ferrari lunacy because there are buttons hidden in the back of the steering wheel, which makes the driver harder to memorize where the windscreen wipers or the headlights or any other stuff are. 

The inside job wasn't the least of the problem here because under the hood lies a newly developed 4.0L Twin Turbo V8 engine and before you can say sacrilege, this powertrain makes the 488 the first turbocharged mid-engined Ferrari since the legendary F40, which means it's got form. When you get the car running, you will notice how weak the exhaust note is unlike the sound from the 458. Despite all the turbocharging involved that resulted to its 670PS of power output (more than what you get from the Lamborghini Huracan and the McLaren 650S), you will still notice a faint hearing of the exhaust notes. Sounds good but there's no hint of snarling like most supercars do.

While you're still moaning about the noise of the 488's V8 twin turbo engine makes, you should know that with all that power and the Formula One-inspired 7-speed double clutch gearbox, the new 488 goes from 0-100kph in less than three seconds and onwards to over 330kph. This is a definite point why Ferrari still is the king of the supercar realm and whoever tries to dethrone it, will dethrone its rivals in retaliation.

With all that retaliation against McLaren's 650S and Lamborghini's Huracan, its Formula One-inspired dynamics really employed in the 488, delivering a racecar-like feel when used on the track and as a result, this is probably one of the best V8-powered Ferraris to drive if you're not complaining how weak the new V8's noise is.

Now what about McLaren's new baby supercar, the 570S? Well, this is the baby McLaren everyone's talking about and it slots below the 650S in the lineup. It still has McLaren's 3.8L V8 Twin Turbo engine but it produces a titular 570PS of power and 600Nm of torque. It will do 0-100kph in 3.2 seconds and onwards to 328kph, two less than the 488, but let's remember that the 570S weighs 57kg less than the 488,

When you pit these two in a drag race, you will see that it's going to be a close one between the McLaren and the Ferrari. And if by close one, I mean of course, an exciting one presumably.

What about dynamics? Well, with all the race-inspired tech that embraced most McLarens for decades, the 570S is no-brainer. It sure loves to slice through corners like a sharp scalpel with surgical precision and when it comes to fun, well, it's not half bad to have one a go. It maybe not as sharp as its big brother, the 650S, but for a baby McLaren, the 570S loves to rise from the challenges set by the track gods. Despite looking shoddy in terms of design, the 570S is a serious performer on the road and on the track. With all that tech implied, this feels like it's set from the futuristic world.

So, do you have a choice between those two? Well, for a recap, both the 488 and the 570S are well honed on the track thanks to its motorsports roots implied but because decisions can be as complicated as your social status quo, it's up to the drivers to decide which one is the best but under Ferrari's right, best to aware that the 488 holds no substitutes because Ferrari knows there's no turning back now when it comes to retaliate against the supercar oppositions.

Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4

The Lamborghini Gallardo, the supercar that has been the baby in the Lambo, and it was made for those who can't afford a flagship V12 Lambo. It may not be as awesome as its big brothers are but it was quite a successful feat to be part of the Lamborghini family and has been around for over a decade, looks like the Gallardo's tenure is past its prime and it's time for the V10 Lambo to be replaced by a new heir.

2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4

It's called the Huracan. It costs 169,500.00 Euro, excluding taxes, and on paper, it looks more like a potent supercar that is willing to risk everything to become one of the best machines ever assembled in the world where V10 engines starting to diminish like dinosaurs.

In the Spanish language, Huracan means "hurricane" but it was also referred to as the Mayan god of wind, storm, and fire. It was also a name given to a bull that fought in the 19th century, in tradition to most Lambos named after famed bulls. Of course, you don't want me to hear the whole story but what you do want to hear is how the Huracan performs in a dogfight on the road and on the track.

If by dogfight, it is a dogfight on the road because when you put your foot down, the Huracan is a monster ready to make grounds shake and mountains crumble until maps must be redrawn afterward. If this car rampages, it's going to change the very landscape we knew today and it really leaves a ground zero next to you.

2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 interior

Having evolved from the irate Gallardo, it still comes with the same 5.2L V10 engine from the Gallardo but now it has been upgraded to the titular 610PS power output and 560Nm of torque. The result is 0-100kph in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of over 325kph. That's about as similar as its chief rival, the Ferrari 458 Speciale. The gearbox is no longer the e-gear or the manual because it now comes with the same 7-speed s tronic as the Audi R8 V10 Plus and it shifts quicker than the one used on the flagship Aventador. Oh dear, this is going to be like the brothers from the Wafrets commercial.

Anyway, the interior feels more driver-focused than the Gallardo and it has the same experience that you expect from a fighter plane. There's a nifty-looking switch where you can lift the switch guard, push the start, and you'll hear the distant thunder from the 5.2L V10 engine. That sound takes me back...from the Gallardo only better.

2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4

If the Huracan is a baby Lambo that evolved from the Gallardo, does it act like a fully-evolved car? Well, it is more hostile than the irate Gallardo but it's not as brutal as its flagship Lamborghini Aventador, judging the fact that it comes with Lambo's 4WD system that lets you have fun regardless of the road and weather it'll face. It comes with a weirdly sounding "Anima" system which lets you choose three different driving modes. If you set it to CORSA which refers to Track, you can see how much potential the Huracan performs and to be honest, this is a lifelong struggle between you and this car on the track. If I know one thing this car is good at, it would be good at "snarling".

The Huracan loves to snarl on the track like most Lambos do in their free time but on the road, it's a lot nicer to drive. Who cares if the city streets are loaded with speed limits, I don't have to use most of it and I have to go with the flow like normal schoolchildren do after flag ceremonies. If I have doubts, the Huracan feels like the Ferrari 458 on the inside because it has that annoying part where the speedo and the sat-nav in the same place. It might be best to leave it here and forget about listening to the radio because it's too complicated to set it up on a weekend road trip to France.

2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4

So, the new Huracan may be the potent replacement for the Gallardo but for a supercar, it may take some time for its Oblivion Wing to grow until its ready to destroy every single opponent in the road and track until it becomes the perfect aggressor but it's still not quite ready for that act because rivals like the 458 Speciale and the McLaren 650S are all ready to do their stuff. The Huracan is just not quite ready to grow up like the Aventador but for a rookie in the lineup, this car is willing to grow up to become number one in its squadron.

I may not be as good as any other car connoisseurs around the world but that's my point because to me, the Huracan is a great car for a stop but it still doesn't show a shine in the face of roadside mayhem and that mayhem will have to wait for this car. There are so many things to learn for the Huracan over the coming years and I think it's time to head west for this young chap on the manor.

Available colors: Bianco Monocerus, Nero Noctis, Bianco Icarus, Blu Achelous, Grigio Lynx, Grigio Nimbus, Nero Serapis, Rosso Mars, Arancio Borealis, Giallo Midas, Verde Mantis, Bianco Canopus, Giallo Horus, Grigio Titans, Marrone Apus, Nero Nemesis, Blu Caelum, Grigio Admetus and Marrone Alcestis.

Photo: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

McLaren 650S

After spending three years with the 12C and last year with the limited-edition hybrid-engine wielding hypercar, the McLaren P1, the McLaren Automotive portfolio opened a new chapter by launching their newest supercar that McLaren says it sits between the 12C and the P1 but who cares? Even though this is a new supercar with a new name, the brand new 650S is the result of what happens when you give the 12C the front of the P1 and some new updates on it.

2015 McLaren 650S

So, what's it all about the newest creation from Woking, Surrey? I rather fancy the naming because look at that name...6-50-S...it sounds more like it came from the pages of science fiction books but with a bit of flair on it. Even though it sounds as fancy as Downton Abbey meets Mortal Kombat or maybe Namco vs. Capcom, the name 650S refers to the power output because even though it comes with the same 3.8L V8 Twin Turbo engine as the 12C, it develops 641HP of power output. That's more than what you get from the Ferrari 458 Speciale or the Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 and with such power, the 650S feels like it's on a class of its own. Not the bottom class or the middle class but a class of its own for the Woking newcomer that looks like a mashup of two of the greatest machines in McLaren history. It can do 0-60mph in under three seconds and a top speed of a dramatic 207mph, similar to the 458 Speciale and the Huracan even though those three are rigged with 7-speed dual clutch gearbox.

Although it may have the face of the P1, McLaren says that this is their new signature design and it seems that future McLaren sportscars will have that P1 look from now on because while the P1 is one of the best hybrid hypercars in history, it sold out quickly just as when it was reviewed by Top Gear Magazine or when Jeremy Clarkson tried one in Spa-Francorchamps so they decided to give their cars the same magic from the P1 and here's the result of all this brilliant experience they felt from the P1.

Of course, being a supercar, it has to be rough and tough as like playing a futuristic first-person shooter game in a ultra high difficulty setting in order to experience the thrills ahead but here on the 650S, it's as well-balanced and as refined like a British luxo barge cruising around Pemberley. It's majestic to drive, it fares well on the normal roads, and on track days...this is the one to have. There's loads of Formula One tech rigged on the 650S to give this car the same experience as a Formula One car because McLaren spent several man hours to incorporate their motorsports pedigree on their cars and for a fun fact, Jenson Button is one of the contributors to the 650S.

There's also a 650S Spider variant as well and although it offers the same thrills as the Coupe version, this open-top version sure looks come in handy for the long journey on the open road. However, since convertibles are heavier than their hardtop equivalents due to the rigidity needs, the 650S Spider is no exception. While the 650S coupe weighs around 1330kg, the Spider weighs 40kg more and as a result, top speed is dropped by 4mph but the 0-60mph time still at three seconds. Despite the added weight, it's still worth enjoyable to drive and when this car come face to face with the 458 Spider, it blows it away like exploding hydrogen bubbles from your head.

The 650S starts at £195,250 while its Spider version is £20k more and that's a lot to pay for a car that is more of an updated version of the 12C but for the sheer driving pleasure it delivers, I have to say that the 650S truly won my heart more than the 12C or the 458. Not only it looks great, it drives better and it doubles as a daily driver. You can use it to drive at the shops but as a warning, this is worthy of being a show off because it draws more crowds than a hot celebrity tripped on a red carpet premiere.

This car is a worthy contender of being one of the best cars of 2014 but frankly, I don't hold much hope because of the steep competition but I'm sure the 650S can manage this so here's a toast for Great Britain for now...

Available colors: Blue, Silver, Pearl White, Supernova Silver, Ice Silver, Fire Black, Volcano Orange, Volcano Red, Volcano Yellow, Tarocco Orange, Titanium Silver, Carbon Black, Sapphire Black, McLaren Orange, Storm Grey, Aurora Blue, and Mantis Green.

Photo: McLaren Automotive

Porsche Cayman (Typ 981c)

When you think about the Porsche Cayman, the first thought of you that this is just a ragtag hardtop version of the Porsche Cayman with the design that is not quite exciting to look at. Although, the design is rather bland, this is rather known to be one of the best handling cars in the history because like the Boxster cousin, the Cayman is the more agile car that gets you away from anyone before they discovered you're not. For this new version, the Cayman tries to become more tail-happy and more athletic than the previous model it replaces.

2014 Porsche Cayman

There's more to like about the new Porsche Cayman (Typ 981c) rather than noticing it has the same design as the latest Porsche Boxster 981 because being one of the most athletic and the most agile cars ever made for the market, the new Cayman really tries to open up some curves and grooves you like some New York jazz music with a hint of engine revving, a taste of Georges St. Pierre's flying punch on your face, and a bullet to the head that really ends all boring conversations you are facing with.

On the manifesto, the Cayman starts at 51,385 Euros and that pricing sure knows that it's cheaper than the latest Porsche 911 Carrera (Typ 991), that makes it good value for the Porsche fans around here. What you get on this standard model is a 2.7-litre engine mounted in the middle which produces 275PS of power and 290Nm of torque. Also, this is the first time this Porsche broke the magic 100 hp per litre displacement barrier for sports car engines because its specific power is 101.6 hp/litre. Sounds tempting to us but for those who want more power, the Cayman S model is offered with the improved 3.4L boxer-6 engine which comes with added 5HP more to the previous power output, therefore it's 325PS of power and 370Nm of torque.

In the S model, 0-100kph takes about five seconds and top speed of 283 km/h. in a 6-speed manual configuration. Sounds quick and if you're opting for the optional 7-speed double clutch transmission, the 0-100kph time is improved but the top speed with suffer. Still, who would want the double clutch as an alternative to the manual transmission because the digest shows that double-clutches shift faster than manual tranny? Neither do care about this mumbo-jumbo. He he he...

2014 Porsche Cayman interior

On the track, the new Cayman loves to eat corners more than Pac-Man munching a million dots. Every time when the new Cayman is ready on the track, it always goes "Eat em up! Yum yum!" every time when its overall enthusiasm is all fired up but what about on a normal day-to-day basis? Well don't get all "OVERALL ENTHUSIASM, OVERALL ENTHUSIASM, OVERALL ENTHUSIASM, YEE-HAW" on us because as a driver's car, the Cayman's not that desperately impractical because it has a boot on the front which is big enough to fit yourself of telling your friends that you've got a picture of yourself being bitten by Pac-Man.

Sadly though, like any other Porsches, the dashboard of the new Cayman is extremely confusing and it takes a man with an IT Qualification to operate the Cayman's features such as the ignition, the traction control, the parking brake, the optional Sport Chrono, or any other stuff you can find on the dashboard. This is a bit more complicating that operating a DSLR camera on the first try or a challenge from a Minute to Win It game.

Although despite a couple of drawbacks, the new Cayman is a reasonable machine that sure knows that OVERALL ENTHUSIASM really flows through your veins when its ready and thanks to some numerous track-munching enhancements and the comfort for day-to-day driving, the new Cayman sure knows how to balance it out. It's all work, all play, for this baby Porsche and I have to say, this car is more than welcome to become every man's dream car if they can't afford on the 911.

Photo: Porsche

Lotus Exige S V6

The power of three...what could possibly be? I'm not sure if we do live in the year of the slow invasion but anyway, that would be too wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey spacey-wasey to talk about that later so, for a three's a crowd, we found one that is worth THE POWER OF THREE...

2012 Lotus Exige S

Some people thought that the Lotus Exige is probably a hardtop hardcore version of the Lotus Elise but for this one, NOT ANYMORE IT ISN'T!

Welcome everybody to the all new Lotus Exige S, the hardcore hardtop Lotus now made even better and for starters, the Toyota engine that used to power the old Celica was been thrown away and replaced with the supercharged 3.5L V6 Toyota engine first applied on the Lotus Evora S. So then, what you're looking up here is a lightweight V6 rage racer. It does 0-100kph at around 3.8 seconds and flatout, it can crack it up to 271kph, about 6kph less than the Lotus Evora S.

Yes, I may want to call it a "rage racer" because look at it, from every angle, this new Exige S looks absolutely enraging. Even though it looks enraging, it's about as elegant as Takane Shijou and for the fun of it, this is about as real as the fictitious Fatalita. Look at the bodywork. If you manage to put some Fatalita livery on it, this is just astonishing and truly an envy of your crowd.

Of course, with all that beauty of a Ridge Racer do come with a price. Because the Exige is all about being a serious lightweight car with a Japanese V6 engine on it, the interior is all about being race-focused and what I expect here is the speedometer. It looks kinda like the one from the Evora. Sure it has an audio but I don't care about it. I don't care about the racer-focused interior. What matters here is the Exige S V6's elegance. Think of it as...Takane Shijou in Christie Monteiro's outfit. Here we go...

When I said Takane Shijou in Christie Monteiro's costume, I really do mean it because the handling is just fantastic for a car that weighs about two tons, about as similar as the Lotus Elise. It's not as mild as a luxury car and it's not as dynamic as an American muscle car. The handling is well balanced and easy to drive because of its lightweight body. Couple that with the 6-speed close ratio manual transmission and this car is a bit more fun. This car is not made for the noobs everywhere because this car's a serious track-day racer, doing the capoeira in every single corner. It is a good car but what about being an everyday car?

Sadly though, it isn't. Sure, the Exige may be track-ready and road legal but with all that sports suspension mounted on the Exige S V6, I'm sorry to say that you'll be going to have a very uncomfortable feeling. It maybe elegant on the track but on the road, this is a different story because when you use this car while going out on a date, this is a bit more wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey spacey-wasey and your girlfriend might think that you're driving a car that scares her the most. Funny thing is, there's no power steering. That's it.

Despite all that bonkers technology, this is really the Lotus I like. I am gladly want to ditch the Evora S for this because the Evora's too heavy and too complicating because of the monitor that I can't read in the sunshine. This car, it's all about THE POWER OF THREE. That is by being lighter, powerful, and aggressive than the old Exige.

Photo: Group Lotus

Ferrari F12berlinetta

2013 Ferrari F12berlinetta

The story about the rivalry between the Prancing Horse, that is Ferrari, and the Raging Bull, that is Lamborghini, have been baffling around for years. When Lambo launched the LP560-4 Gallardo, which was proven to be quicker than the Ferrari Scuderia, Ferrari combated with the utterly magnificent 458 Italia that packs more power than the LP560-4. Then Lamborghini responded to them with the LP570-4 Superleggera, which has similar power than the Italia, and the Aventador, which packs more punch than the Ferrari 599 GTO! Now however, the Prancing Horse revealed their brand new flagship which will surely hit the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 where it hurts...speed.

Welcome everybody to the all new Ferrari flagship that ushers in the new generation of the Prancing Horse's V12 engine and it has more power than the outgoing 599 GTO and the Enzo. The all new, all powerful Ferrari F12berlinetta is all focused on power that the Prancing Horse deserves. This new flagship once said it lapped faster in the Fiorano Circuit than the outgoing 599 GTO, making it the most powerful road-legal Ferrari ever made. At first glance then, the F12berlinetta is a bit more like the Ferrari FF taking some Viagra but all that Pininfarina styling is what made the F12 dramatic. And by dramatic, I mean of course, more pantomime than physics lesson.

For the cream of the crop, let us introduce to Ferrari's all new 6.3L 65° V12 engine, which is now hailed as the most powerful naturally aspirated engines...in the world. Wait, hold it...Is it really the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in the world and is it well enough to kick the Lambo Aventador where it hurts? Is the engine good enough for the late Enzo Ferrari to kick Ferruccio Lamborghini's buttocks? Let's see...

The 6.3L V12 engine on the all new F12berlinetta produces about 740PS of power, more than the Lamborghini LP700-4! That's one point for this one. Anyway, for the torque, they possess the same torque output of 690 Nm. So that's a draw for both the F12 and the LP700-4. For the transmission however, that's a challenge. While the LP700-4 has a 7-speed single clutch transmission, the F12 has only...6 gears but its an F1 dual-clutch transmission, which has closer gear ratios developed specifically for this car's performance. Well, double clutch is better than single clutch so it appears that they're neck to neck.

So, what about how they weigh? While the Aventador weighs only 1.575 kg, the F12 weighs about 1.630 kg but with the LP700-4's power to weight ratio is 2,25 kg/PS, the F12's ratio is 2,20 kg/PS, making it an impressive advantage because of its 740PS V12 engine.

Now, this is gets real. The Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4...0-100kph in 2.9 seconds and top speed of 350 km/h. On the new Ferrari F12berlinetta though...oh dear...0-100kph in 3,1 seconds and top speed of 340km/h. It's about 10kph slower than the LP700-4.

My comment:
This is awkward. 10kph slower than the LP700-4 isn't the least of the F12's problems but still, I will respect this car more than the LP700-4 because when it comes to big power in the new V12 engine, the F12berlinetta is my winner. This is the cream of the crop, a true Pininfarina masterpiece. Sure, it lapped quicker than the 599 GTO at the Fiorano test track but I'm afraid unlike the LP700-4, it doesn't even win my heart until I got the chance...to drive it. If I have the chance to drive it, I have the chance that I'm going to like this car more than the 458 or the FF.

Photo: Ferrari

Porsche Boxster 981

If the new Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (991) wasn't your type of Porsche, there is an alternative for you. Welcome everyone to all new Porsche Boxster 981, the 3rd incarnation of Porsche's mid-engined roadster that lives it up to its name because the naming is a portmanteau of the word "boxer", referring to the vehicle's horizontally opposed or "boxer" engine, and the word "roadster", referring to the vehicle's two-seat capacity and convertible top. For the pricing, that's a lot if you're on benefits but that's not a lot if you're a premiership footballer.

2013 Porsche Boxster

At first glance, the exterior of the new Boxster looks similar from the previous model but on the back, this isn't what you've expected, even when there is PORSCHE spelled it out. If you parked the new Boxster among the old 987 Boxster outside Monte Carlo's casino square and if someone is hideously drunk, you wouldn't guess that there's a lot of explanation to do. Clearly, there's more work to be done with the new Boxster.

2013 Porsche Boxster interior

The interior of the new 981 Boxster seems to be fine but it's almost the same as the old 987 Boxster. Think of it as an updated version but it was heavily influenced by the defunct supercar known as the Porsche Carrera GT. The new Boxster do come with a choice of two further sound systems as an alternative to the CDR audio system, featured as standard. First was the Sound Package Plus with seven speakers and the last was the one I'd quite like; BOSE® Surround Sound with 10 speakers. I would prefer the BOSE option because the sound quality is just astonishingly the best! Most cars like the Renault Scenic, Nissan Elgrand, Samsung SM7, or others do come with BOSE Sound System because it offers the best sound experience than any other but with the Boxster, this is much like the other BOSE-equipped cars.

2013 Porsche Boxster

In terms of performance, the new Boxster is like something else but unfortunately, no 7-speed MT found on the new 911. What you do get was either a 7-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or a 6-speed manual transmission. The base model comes with a 2.7-litre boxer engine with 265 hp of power and top speed of 262 km/h (PDK) to 264 km/h (6MT). The Boxster S comes equipped with the 3.4-litre boxer engine with 315 hp of power and top speed of 277 km/h (PDK) to 279 km/h (6MT). What's new is the Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical rear axle differential lock. The new Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), available in conjunction with PASM, goes one better: it improves cornering dynamics from the moment the vehicle enters the curve. It improves the steering behaviour and steering precision of the vehicle by selectively braking the inside rear wheel.

Available colors are schwarz, indischrot, carraraweiss, weiß, racinggelb, basaltschwarzmetallic, platinsilbermetallic, dunkelblaumetallic, aquablaumetallic, anthrazitbraunmetallic, mahagonimetallic, achatgraumetallic, GT-silbermetallic, cognacmetallic, limegoldmetallic, Verdeck schwarz, Verdeck blau, Verdeck rot, and Verdeck braun.

My Comment:

So, the new Boxster didn't come with the 7-speed manual from the new Porsche 911 but we did appreciate by the way it looks, it performs, and how comfortable it is but some sports settings will render the Boxster to be more uncomfortable. With the roof on, it doesn't look good and it will render the top speed lowered but with no roof, this is when it all starts to come good. The new Boxster is now evolved into something special not as a roadster but as an epic grand tourer for long distance cruising. I'd recommend you'll drive this to Transfăgărășan in Romania to see the Boxster's true self.

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

How did an owner of the Mitsubishi i MiEV goes Biribiri?

Biribiri lands to this i-MiEV

Spotted at the 2011 Ita-G Festa, what you see is not some kind of a Mitsubishi i-MiEV you would expect.

The owner of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV uses its "electric car" advantage to make an itasha i-MiEV fully loaded with everything BIRIBIRI! That is, Mikoto Misaka from the To Aru series. Obvious? Because she's BIRIBIRI, the owner took an advantage to her powers in order to create an i-MiEV itasha packed with everything Mikoto Misaka. You would wanna guess where would the i-MiEV charger attached? Simple, to a pile of Misaka Sisters figures.

If electric cars became a common, who can make an electric itasha?

Scoop: http://carview.co.jp/news/0/154582/

The Hours of Enzo Ferrari

Song played on my Personal BGM: Victory Drive (Magic Flute from The Queen's Aria) by Yucca
From the album: Prima donna

Explosive rivalry between Enzo and Viper ACR

Ever since the ultimate million dollar Ferrari, the Enzo Ferrari, launched in 2002 in celebration of the brand's 55th anniversary, it seems that most Ferrari fans love to call this the ultimate Ferrari ever made with the name paid tribute to the founder, Enzo Ferrari. Talk about namesake, huh? Sadly, this million dollar Ferrari made up to 399 units available and it produced from 2002 up to 2004. The first Enzo Ferrari was truly a collector's item.

Tearing down the tracks of Nurburgring GP Track

The Enzo Ferrari wasn't the first time to appeared on Gran Turismo 5. It was first appeared as a purchasable prize on Gran Turismo PSP with a price that will surely put a hole in your pockets. Despite the million credit pricing, the Enzo Ferrari is one of the coolest Ferrari models you can drive. One word of warning however that I think the Enzo is hard to control but this is the fastest Ferrari production cars in history. It can even be a fierce rival to the Ferrari 430 Scuderia.

Madrid will never be the same without Enzo

When I fully tuned this car, the Enzo Ferrari breaks to a mind-numbing 925 PS/8900 rpm of power output, weights 1044 kg, and it has a 644 Performance Points. Like I always said, its up to you to configure the LSD, Braking, and suspension. With results vary, the Enzo Ferrari can be the prancing horse with the force to be reckoned with.

Relaxing at the sunset

The Enzo Ferrari is branded as a Premium Tier car, meaning you can put some aero parts, change rims, and go out for a Photo Travel. I bring the Enzo out on a trip to Red Bull Hangar-7 and the Shoren-in temple in Kyoto and looks can be somewhat cool.

Japanese design is a fitting on the Enzo

Fast fact that the Enzo Ferrari's aggressive design was penned by a Japanese from Pininfarina, named Ken Okuyama. Italian performance with a Japanese design, what an impressive combination about this rare specimen! Anyways, I always love the tachometer because the numbers here are in a very sophisticated font.

Blaze through Monza

Since the car costs about 1,000,000 credits, it may take some races to win and snag this elusive Enzo Ferrari that is truly the ultimate prancing horse built for the elite drivers. If fully tuned, you can bring it in on some online races others allowing production cars only sans the Bugatti Veyron. Will they kick you out just by showing it your Enzo Ferrari at some online races? Who knows?

Peugeot iOn

2011 Peugeot iOn

Also under the partnership between Mitsubishi Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroen, the Peugeot iOn shares the same electric car status as the Citroen C-ZERO and the Mitsubishi i MiEV.

Since both the Peugeot iOn and the Citroen C-ZERO were both built by Mitsubishi Motors and sold for the European market, most European buyers can experiencing some confusions on which electric car they would buy. For Peugeot fans may choose the iOn and for Citroen fans may choose the C-ZERO.

More importantly, both the iOn and the C-ZERO are equipped with the Mitsubishi YF41 motor that can go for about 160km in one full charge. And yes, a full power goes from about 6 hours of charging. Power output is 64PS/3,000-6,000r.p.m. and torque output is about 18.4kg-m/0-2,000r.p.m.

MY THOUGHTS ABOUT THE ION:
I guess both the Peugeot iOn and the Citroen C-ZERO are the same coins for European customers, even when built from Japan via Mitsubishi Motors under their partnership. However, as for my point of view, I would either go for the Peugeot iOn or the Citroen C-ZERO for its eco-car status. 6 hours of charging may take up to about 160km, which means that this electric car can go places around the European continent.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

Citroen C-ZERO

2011 Citroen C-ZERO

Zero, meaning none or a blank, which also means no value. In hybrid car terms, the number "zero" refers to zero emissions, a huge step for the clean future of the automotive industry. At the center of the number zero, the Citroen C-ZERO is born to be a zero, zero emissions for Europe.

Under the partnership between PSA Peugeot Citroen and Mitsubishi Motors, the Citroen C-ZERO is based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric hybrid compact. Aside from that, Peugeot also uses the i-MiEV platform for its European OEM, the Peugeot i0n.

As a 100% Electric Vehicle, the Citroen C-ZERO is powered with the magnet synchronous motor, capable of releasing a power output of 64 bhp EEC/3,000-6,000 rpm and the torque output of 180 Nm/2,000 rpm. This motor is powered with the 330-volt lithium-ion battery system, which was sourced from Mitsubishi Motors in Japan.

Recharging the C-ZERO is simple as charging your portable devices. The C-ZERO comes with the 220-volt plug that can be charged to about 30 minutes to six hours.

My thoughts about the C-ZERO:
Since both the Citroen C-ZERO and the Peugeot i0n were made by Mitsubishi Motors, responsible for the i-MiEV, both of these eco cars were equipped with the YF41 electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. Both of these were offered exclusively for the European markets. Consider these a European-Japanese agreement when it comes for the future of the automotive industry going green.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

Mitsuoka Like

2011 Mitsuoka Like

With the inception of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (an electric vehicle based on the Mitsubishi i), and PSA Peugeot Citroen readies for the rebadged versions such as the i0n and the C-Zero, it seems that Mitsuoka is joining the OEM bandwagon as it released the i MiEV-based Like electric vehicle.

Like (Japanese: Raiku, 雷駆) is Mitsuoka's first electric vehicle that was based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. The front view of the Like is a different point of view because it's part of Mitsuoka's tradition to redesign cars out from existing ones such as the March-based Viewt, or the Corolla-based Galue 2-04. One glance at the Like's front view and you may be shocked by its eccentric face.

With the eccentric view, the Like is powered with the Mitsubishi YF41 electric engine. It operates at the power output of 64PS/3,000-6,000rpm and the torque output of 18.4kg-m/0-2,000rpm. The charge outlet for the Like hybrid can be about 100-200V, so its best to plug it in the right outlet.

My thoughts about the Like:

The Mitsubishi i MiEV-based Mitsuoka Like has an eccentric front view but with the heart of a true eco car becuase this is Mitsuoka's first electric vehicle designed for Mother Nature. I might think of it as a crowning glory of electric vehicles but the Like is the most eccentric electric vehicle designed for someone special...

Photo: Mitsuoka Motor Co., Ltd.

Lotus Evora

The question for sports car enthusiasts is, is this a next-generation Lotus Elise? Or is that the return of the Lotus Esprit? There is one big answer to these two questions: a plain solid NO. The truth is, this is neither an Elise nor the Esprit (which is gone a few years ago). This is the new age Lotus sports car named Evora. The Evora name remains the Lotus legacy of having their car names start with the letter E such as the Elise and the Europa and its Lotus' newest kind of sports car to bat out the likes of the Chevrolet Camaro and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe in the face of the diminishing sports car industry today.
How well do you know the Lotus Evora? Here’s a quick glimpse of this new age sports car;

1) Hydraulic-assisted power steering for some full cornering at all places, including city roads.

2) Interior features such as a flat-bottomed steering wheel, Air Conditioner, and a choice of an ALPINE sound system or an optional navigation system to reach the places of your choice.

3) Adjustable Recaro sports seats (optional for the 2+2seater variant.)

4) Modular lightweight bonded aluminium structure

5) Suspension system thanks to Bilstein

6) Powered with Toyota’s 2GR-FE 3.5-litre engine (found on the Toyota Alphard and the Lexus RX350) which has the maximum output of over 280PS at the fuel economy of 13.8km/L thanks to its fuel and CO2 emissions.

7) Superior braking system.

NEED TO SAY IT?
If you have no idea what this sports car was, well think twice before you encounter this new kind of sports car from the British sports car manufacturer. It might be new to the weakened market today but it sure packs a huge blast among sports car enthusiasts from all over the world. Aside from its good looks, enhanced suspension, good braking, and the performance you can almost had it with your old sports car.

Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/119