Lexus LFA's Atlanta Games

Seen here is the first Lexus LFA, under the serial number 003, sold in the United States running around at the Road Atlanta racetrack. Ever since the Lexus LFA really thrown the curve worldwide as the greatest sports car Toyota Motor Corporation has ever made for 500 people who wanted to buy.

That was a cool video though, reminds me of the days of driving the Lexus LFA on Forza.

NISSAN GT-R 2012

2012 Nissan GT-R

It's been around for about four years and it crushed the competition with its supercar technology and the pride of Japan. For the 2012 Model Year, the Nissan GT-R R35 gets an upgraded VR38DETT engine which produces 550PS of power and 632Nm of torque, thanks to its improved intake efficiency, better air flow resistance, improved exhaust emissions efficiency, reduced air flow resistance, and improved exhaust valve cooling performance.

The fuel efficiency is now 8.7 km/L based in Japan's JC08 Mode test cycle and the 6-speed paddle shift transmission is improved thanks to its strengthened design of the shift fork arm and firmer fixing for the flywheel housing.

Exclusive in Japan is the "For TRACK PACK", which enhances the driving feel for the Nissan GT-R. In collaboration with NordRing Company, it features suspension settings, extra brake cooling, aluminum-alloy wheels from the Spec V variant created by RAYS. The "For TRACK PACK" converts the interior into a two-seater to reduce weight.

Further reading: http://www.netcarshow.com/nissan/2012-gt-r/

Lexus for Emotional Sports

2011 Lexus LFA

It's departure is its arrival, and the Lexus LFA made its arrival at the Philippines courtesy of Lexus Manila.

Just one LFA has arrived with "Whitest White" exterior color with "Red & Black" interior you can expect to meet at Lexus Manila face to face.

"This is a Lexus. We know - doesn't look like one does it? It doesn't sound like a Lexus from the details either. It has a 4.8-litre 552bhp V10. It also has a carbon-fibre body. Andit does 0-60 in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 200mph." - Jeremy Clarkson, Top Gear

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/lexus-lfa-arrives-in-the-philippines

SLS AMG Matt Black Edition

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Matt Black Edition

This is not your average Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG...

The only way to get this kind of SLS AMG is in The Land of the Rising Sun, or in short, JAPAN!

Yes, Mercedes-Benz Japan launched a special-edition SLS AMG under the name "SLS AMG Matt Black Edition" (SLS AMG マットブラックエディション) and this Japan-only special edition features a special matte black color from designo "Magno Night Black" and you can see something silver has been replaced with something RED. This is surely the dark side of the SLS AMG, that is if you were living in downtown Tokyo. A high-gloss black interior adds a nice touch to the SLS AMG Matt Black Edition.

It costs 29,000,000 Japanese Yen and it will be on sale in Japan this October 10, 2011.

This is the kind of SLS AMG that made us jelly (which in fact a meme for jealous)

Scoop: http://carview.co.jp/news/0/153036/

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Now you would probably remembered Mercedes-Benz's Super Bowl ad that this SLS AMG Roadster made a surprise appearance along with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, new SLK, and the new CLS. Does that Super Bowl ad shocked the world? Worry no more, because the SLS AMG Roadster has arrived.

After last year's success of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, it seems that this ultimate AMG exotic wants to spawn a new sibling but this is a different sibling because the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster ditches the signature Gullwing doors in favor of a soft top roof. It may sound to be disappointing to the Mercedes-Benz fans but this is for their own right. Even though the Roadster model doesn't have the wings as its Coupe brother, the main mission is to deliver open-air goodness to those who own it, but hey, it's Autumn season, you may save the soft top for next Summer.

One major catch is that the SLS AMG Roadster's soft top roof can be opened or closed in as little as eleven seconds. That's a one second gap against the Renault Wind so consider it one heck of a fastest finger to the roadster enthusiasts.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster interior

Despite the differences, the SLS AMG Roadster offers the same interior comfort as for the SLS AMG coupe version. It can still accommodate up to two people only so as a matter of fact, only a middle-aged man can get through the driver's seat while for the passenger seat at his left (or to the right if the SLS AMG Roadster is RHD), anything goes. Even though it has an available HDD Navigation System and the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system, a special AMG Performance Media is added to keep the drivers informed about what's what on the SLS AMG Roadster such as real-time displays, recording of individual lap times, and integration of DRIVE UNIT controls.

The SLS AMG Roadster is powered with the M159 6.2L V8 engine that delivers 571PS/6.800rpm of power, 650Nm/4.750rpm of torque, top speed limited to 317 km/h, 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds, and combined fuel economy of 7.6km/L (estimated 18 MPG). It even comes with the all new AMG Ride Control suspension that gives the driver a wide variety of choices depending on the track conditions. It can be set to either COMFORT, SPORT, or SPORT +, varying on track conditions this car face. I might say that the SPORT + on the AMG Ride Control suspension is the best to tackle technical corners, especially at the touge. Use it wisely though because some settings can be a little bit frustrating.

The SLS AMG Roadster's color variation includes AMG alubeam silber, AMG alubeam silber, AMG Le Mans rot, AMG Monza grau magno, AMG Sepang braun, Iridiumsilber metallic, and Obsidianschwarz metallic. It can be outfitted with four different rims to choose from such as AMG LMR 5-Doppelspeichen-Design, 48,3 cm (19'')/50,8 cm (20''),AMG Schmiederäder 10-Speichen-Design, 48,3 cm (19'')/50,8 cm (20''), AMG Schmiederäder im 10-Speichen-Design 48,3 cm (19'')/50,8 cm (20''), and AMG LMR 7-Speichen-Design, 48,3 cm (19'')/50,8 cm (20'').

My comment:
To be fair, it's all about choice for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG range. For those who want some Gullwing doors should prefer the coupe version but for some who want some open-air goodness should consider the all new SLS AMG Roadster. Either way, they have the new AMG Ride Control suspension that adapts to various corners of the earth. Considering the corners of Monaco, Belgium's straight roads, the forests in Canada, and the Eiger in Switzerland, good to know that the new AMG Ride Control suspension tackles them all.

Photo: Daimler AG

"An Die Freude" for Toyota...

Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition

Both the 2011 Nissan GT-R R35 Phase II and the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will be passed out because the Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition clocked the Nurburgring Nordschleife within a lap time of 7:14.64, making it the 4th fastest Production Vehicle in the Nurburgring!

Toyota Motor Corporation brought in test driver Akira Iida to conduct a Nurburgring time attack with the Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition, equipped with Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires developed specifically to this car. A roll cage was installed for this car as well.

I am surely got my mind blown away upon seeing this result. As a matter of fact, we were passed out because of such lap time achieved by the most powerful Lexus LFA ever made.

Scoop: http://lexusenthusiast.com/2011/09/07/official-lexus-releases-video-of-714-64-lfa-nurburgring-lap/

Ferrari FF

2012 Ferrari FF

The Ferrari FF sparks the revolution of the Prancing Horse because when you heard the word "FF", this is not a Front-Wheel Drive Ferrari. In Ferrari terminology, FF means "Ferrari Four" and this is the first Ferrari shooting brake and the first with the new All Wheel Drive technology, which is called 4RM.

In the past, Ferrari never created a 4WD car because most 4WD systems are too bulky for their Prancing Horses. To resolve it, Ferrari created a new ALL WHEEL DRIVE technology called 4RM. The new 4RM system provides FR dynamism in normal conditions, sending power to the front when slip is found. A new Power Transfer Unit (PTU) is a necessity to deliver torque straight from the crankshaft to the front. In other words, power is distributed between the left and right sides of the rear and front axle for superior grip unlike other 4WD sports cars. The 4RM system is light, compact, and it has a low center of gravity which makes them its strengths.

The Ferrari FF is powered with the new direct-injected 6.3L V12 engine that produces 660PS/8000rpm of power, 683NM/6000rpm of torque, 335km/h of top speed, and 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds. It is armed with the seven-speed F1 dual-clutch gearbox for a shifting feel like a Formula One car. With the HELE (High Emotions, Low Emissions) System that provides idling stop, it has a CO2 emissions of 360 g/km, which is lower than other Ferraris and the fuel economy of the Ferrari FF is 6.5km/L. This car is all about keeping its eco-car promise because of the eco-friendly HELE System. As of that, the GDI V12 engine is Euro V compliant.

2012 Ferrari FF interior

Inside, the Ferrari FF is all about luxury in a new dimension. This car can seat up to four people and it provides an exceptional luggage compartment if you are taking a break. For an added bonus, there's even a rear-seat infortainment system with a premium audio system packed with Dolby Surround Sound. You wouldn't believe that people at the back will enjoy watching their DVDs while having fun driving the Ferrari FF. This can be the most generous offer for the brand's first AWD hatchback.

My comment:
The first 4WD hatchback from Ferrari, the FF, really throws the curve in the world of Grand Tourers, but for me, I think it needs a little bit of time to master the fundamentals of the new 4RM ALL WHEEL DRIVE system mounted on the Ferrari FF. This is the only Ferrari that can take you anywhere from tarmac, gravel, snow, sand, anywhere that no other supercars can.

Ferrari aims to build 800 FF models...but it sold out fast just like the Lamborghini Aventador. Can the Ferrari FF be worthy enough to take down a 4WD sports car which is the Nissan GT-R?!

Photo: Ferrari

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

2012 Lamborghini Aventador

Last year, the V12-powered Lamborghini Murciélago ended production, giving a grand total of over 4,000 units built. The death of the Murciélago is somewhat spilled with criticisms but until now, the successor of the Murciélago has arrived under the name, Aventador, named after a legendary Spanish bull which Lamborghini has a tradition of naming exotics after raging bulls.

Like the legendary bull, the Lamborghini is fierce and deadly. The design was borrowed from the limited edition Reventon and the Estoque concept car, providing some futuristic cues to the Aventador, making it a sharp-dressed exotic designed and engineered at Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. On the interior, the Aventador boasts overall luxury that puts the McLaren MP4-12C to shame.

2012 Lamborghini Aventador interior

Of course, the dashboard kinda reminds me of the McLaren MP4-12C but that's different for the Aventador. These fighter jet-like cues really put the Aventador in versus mode and ready for some massive fistfights against the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Lexus LFA, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, or even the Nissan GT-R R35. Whoever drives that must have called him a very aggressive businessman, leaving all the IT guys behind in the business world.

Under the bonnet, the new Lamborghini Aventador is fully armed with the newly-developed L539 (6.5L V12) engine that produces a power output of 700PS/8250rpm, torque output of 690 N·m/5500rpm, CO2 emissions of 398 g/km, and combined fuel economy of 5.8km/L (17,2 l/100 km). This new engine is Euro5 compliant and by the numbers, the newly developed L539 engine gives the Aventador a maximum top speed of 350 km/h and 0-100kph in about 2.9 seconds. Since it's a midship 4WD exotic, launch is the Aventador's biggest forte.

A special transmission, a 7-speed Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) transmission, is engineered because no existing semi-auto transmission can handle the torque of the L539 engine. The ISR transmission provides the fastest shifting time of 50 milliseconds, making it one of the best features the Aventador does not live without it.

The Aventador is offered in 13 exterior colors such as Nero Aldebaran, Giallo Evros, Bianco Isis, Nero Pegaso, Grigio Estoque, Grigio Antares, Blu Hera, Arancio Argos, Arancio Atlas, Giallo Orion, Nero Nemesis, Bianco Canopus, and Marrone Apus.

My Comment:
The Aventador's biggest strength was its aerodynamics, design, new V12 engine, new transmission, MR-4WD combo, jet-like design, and the raw power that keeps fans salivated for more. Ideally, Lamborghini limits its production to more than 4,000 units but unfortunately, it was already spoken for. Did you know, before PGA Cars started distributing Lamborghini cars in the Philippines at the end of 2011, about eight mega-wealthy Filipinos were the ones who placed an order for the Lamborghini Aventador? Being sold out after its unveiling, the Aventador turned out to be more profitable for the company. There's also a roadster version coming soon next year. Whoever has one, must have been called a very bad businessman.

Because there is no Best Motoring since it was axed after the June 2011 issue, there is no chance we can see the Lamborghini Aventador making the turns on Tsukuba Circuit or Fuji Speedway.

8 Filipinos placed orders for the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

2012 Lamborghini Aventador

The Murcielago successor, the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 debuted on the Geneva Motor Show earlier and it was sold out for the first half of the year, making it the most successful Lamborghini built. Did you know, that about 8 wealthy Filipinos already placed orders for the Aventador, each costs 30 million Philippine Pesos. It was a good start for PGA Cars, which is now the official Lamborghini distributor of the Philippines.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/pga-cars-reportedly-takes-orders-for-8-lamborghini-aventadors

One day at Barrier Audi - About the R8 Spyder

Audi R8 Spyder front

Audi R8 Spyder rear

I gotta admit it that the convertible version of the hot Audi R8 sports car, the Audi R8 Spyder looks brilliant to see a drop-top version of the blockbuster midship quattro sports car. Fast fact that it was featured in the Iron Man 2 movie.

Audi R8 Spyder interior

Practice shifting the R-tronic tranny

Practicing driving this exotic

With the roof open, I can assume that the R8 Spyder is one heck of a 2-seat roadster, something only the elite can get through. It's amazing that this one is loaded with the MMI and the R8 exclusive R-tronic transmission.

And proud of it, man!

Good thing the R8 Spyder is one of my favorite Audis that was offered in Bellevue's Barrier Audi dealer and I believe this one's progress as much as the slogan's "Luxury has Progressed" that was made to be unbelievable.

This R8 Spyder is hot and I like it!

SWEET! Lexus LFA to be featured in Fast Five!

Lexus LFA

The Lexus LFA, created by Toyota Motor Corporation that is limited to 500 units worldwide, is much more famous since it was featured in XBOX 360's Forza 3 and PS3's Gran Turismo 5! Now, the Lexus LFA is going to be featured on the fifth installment of the Fast and the Furious franchise, called Fast Five, starring Paul Walker and Vin Diesel.

Seen on the latest Fast Five trailer, there was a smoke-colored Lexus LFA on it! Looks like it's making its first big screen debut! Fast Five will be showing in North America this late April!

True Power Should Be Shared

Aston Martin Rapide '11

Aston Martin's first premium sedan, the Rapide, is quite possibly the best premium saloon built for those who are sensing lap of luxury. Because of the success, the Rapide starred on the special three-part web movie titled "True Power Should Be Shared" made possible by Aston Martin. Trust me, I saw it. It was quite a thriller for this Aston Martin Rapide web movie.

Best web special for the Aston Martin premium saloon, the Rapide. A soon-to-be-Bond-car without the famous James Bond himself performed how thrilling and fun-to-drive it is before you whisk your way back at the beginning! How's that? Impressed?

The Amazing Nismo GT-R RC!

What an epic day! After watching the finale of the Banana Split mini-series, The Amazing Microwave Pandesal Rangers, now it's time to focus the grand unveiling of a heavily modified GT-R R35 from the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon!

NISMO GT-R RC

Hours of having myself eating Pan De Sal has finally payed off to see the true identity of NISMO GT-R RC!

RC stands for Racing Competition and yes, there's no way Godzilla can't be this awesome!

Guess its pogi points will skyrocket right now!

Scoop (Japanese Only):

http://www.nismo.co.jp/news_list/2010/news_flash/100018.html

Lexus LFA

2011 Lexus LFA

After years of extensive R&D, Intel, and testing through world famous racetracks, including the Nurburgring, the Lexus LFA revealed its true self after years of being a concept car several times. It was unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show and production for the LFA starts at the end of 2010 to 2012, limited to just 500 copies worldwide (with 165 available in Japan).

This LFA faced many struggles, including the death of its own Godfather, Hiromu Naruse, at a car accident, driving an LFA Nurburgring Prototype, then crashed with some BMW test vehicle face to face. It seems this will take some time for the LFA to heal its own wounds after the loss of its creator.

This LFA project began in 2000 under the supervision of Mr. Haruhiko Tanahashi, chief engineer, during the Sugo Test Drive. It took 10 years, and a process of trial and error to create an ultimate masterpiece only Toyota Motor Corporation has to offer. In 2005, at the North American International Auto Show at Detroit, the first Lexus LFA was unveiled, following with the sculptured LFA concept at the 2005 Design Week Milan. After showing the concept, the team continues for another trial and error process, and right until 2007, an LFA Concept Type-II is shown at the 2007 North American International Auto Show at Detroit, showing its work in progress. After times of showing its concept form, the LFA prototype joined the legendary Nurburgring 24-Hour Endurance in 2008 and 2009. After prototype testing, the true LFA was unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

Powered with the new 1LR-GUE engine, this 4.8L V10 masterpiece can go to about 560PS/8,700r.p.m. and the torque output of 48.9kg-m/6,800r.p.m. It's armed with the 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox. Judging with this new engine, this LFA is truly a Japanese masterpiece under Toyota's right. It's biggest rival was the Nissan R35 GT-R. At first, the LFA defeated the GT-R barely, but this was just the beginning. With the newly facelifted GT-R armed with the improved VR engine, will this rematch between the LFA and Godzilla became a reality? I think I hope so because I can't wait to see this kind of rematch very soon.

LFA customers can choose which color of the LFA suits their taste. There are normal colors and special colors (available in early 2012) available to mix and match for their own personal preference. There are dozens of interior color combination offered which is mostly like the Lexus LS' L-Select customization program offered for Japanese customers or the Godzilla (Nissan GT-R) version of the Lexus L-Select offered from its EGOIST variant. For me, the LFA's car color would be "Whitest White" and the interior should have contained black paneling and red leather seats.

My thoughts about the LFA:
In the Philippines, Toyota Motor Philippines and Lexus Manila will bring the LFA in just one WHITE copy at the cost of over forty million Philippine Pesos. Who would buy that rare item, but they'll have to leave it on display at Lexus Manila. Those who are dreaming to try the Lexus LFA can also try Forza 3 Ultimate Collection (with Stig's Garage Pack DLC) for the XBOX 360 and Gran Turismo 5 for the Playstation3 to test out the capability of the Lexus LFA. It's hard buying the limited-production LFA but thanks to racing video games, they had their first taste.

The Lexus LFA is limited to just 500 models worldwide and remember the saying, first come, first served. But most customers already served their orders since the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Anyway, my impression about the LFA is its remarkable 1LR-GUE engine that has a remarkable power that can blow away the likes of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG!

Guess I already had my taste on the Lexus LFA courtesy of video games such as Forza 3 Ultimate Collection and Gran Turismo 5, so there is nothing to worry about how the Lexus LFA feels like. Besides, the starting sound of the Lexus LFA sounds awesome, I just want to record that sound and be my cellphone's ringtone all day!

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation
Official Site: http://www.lexus-lfa.com/

Luxe

Aston Martin Rapide Luxe

A more luxurious grade for the Aston Martin's flagship sedan, the Rapide, called the Rapide Luxe... geez, this trim sounds classy.

Scoop:

http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1051522_aston-martin-releases-more-bespoke-rapide-luxe

If this Rapide Luxe is out soon, I bet someone will hop on on the more flagship variant, especially James Bond! ^_^

Again, What's an EGOIST?!

Yesterday, Nissan launched the redesigned and level-upped R35 GT-R, which will be expected to be sold in Japan this November and soon in other countries, and how this upgraded VR engine stack up against the likes of the Lexus LFA coming soon.

Today, my mind gets me upon witnessing the newest addition of the GT-R R35 lineup, which consists in regular and Spec V. Just what in the JDM world is the GT-R EGOIST?

Following the launch of the R35 GTR minor change, this new addition, the GT-R Egoist, can be the most luxurious version of the Nissan GT-R lineup. Today, I am going to write my first impressions about the GT-R Egoist.

Formerly this car would have been called the Spec M, due to the past about the R34 Skyline GT-R M-Spec, but the Egoist name is just a perfect fit to name this luxurious version of the King of Japanese sports cars. Now onto the details, the GT-R Egoist is somewhat identical to the GT-R Spec V in terms of performance but here's a quick surprise about the GT-R Egoist.

The EGOIST has choice of over 20 interior color combinations that can be a similarity to the Lexus LS' L-Select interior customization. Those interior combinations felt like I've been eating various ice cream flavors while taking a joyride with the GT-R.

The brown interior in the GT-R Egoist really tastes like Coffee-flavored ice cream. Yum!

Orange-colored seats on the GT-R Egoist kinda gets more of an Orange Juice. In other words, when I seat here, it felt like I'm drinking orange juice.

But the most eccentric color combination for the GT-R Egoist is:

PINK! Pink-colored seats can be an oddity for the R35 GT-R Egoist. I mean who would order the GT-R Egoist with that kind of interior color? Pink with the black/red dashboard? Not that type for a hardcore car enthusiast but I bet only a woman can drive that car with that kind of interior.

Those 20 interior combinations can be more like the flight stewardesses saying "Coffee, tea, orange juice" all the time. The main question is, if you have the chance to buy the GT-R Egoist, which interior combination do you want? Some like it brown, some like it white, some like it coffee, and few like it pink. But everything's OK because this is an exclusive Egoist treat you will never forget.

For a trivia, the Egoist interior were made possible by Seton Company, Inc., in Muelheim, Germany, a company specializes in leather. Take note that the Wajima Lacquer badging for the GT-R was made possible by the renowned Japanese lacquer craftsman, Sakae Kubota. 

Needless to say that this Egoist carries every single world-class detail from world-class people.

In Japan, when if its on sale this November, there are eccentric dealer options available for the GT-R Egoist, such as the Tote Bag (with a choice of brown or white) and a racing suit hanger to hang your clothes.

The Egoist is the best GT-R variant for those who want to customize the GT-R's interior the way they want the same was as what they did on the Lexus LS' L-Select program. It's so sweet, that the interior color can be mixed and matched depending on your type. Do you think someone would go for the GT-R Egoist with the pink interior? I think so, but there are other interior combinations offered to give out its "coffee, tea, orange juice" experience for the wealthy. 

Now all we need is some in-flight meal to enjoy ourselves.

More info (Japanese only):

http://www2.nissan.co.jp/GT-R/m.html

Nissan R35 GT-R and GT-R Spec V Facelift and GT-R Egoist

Since 2007, the return of the mythological beast, the GT-R, was a legendary success and proves that this mythological king of monster sports cars, as legendary as Godzilla, is the stuff of legend. With the introduction of the Lexus LFA, time for Nissan to do some drastic changes around this mythological machine.

2011/2012 Nissan GT-R R35

What you see now is the upgraded version of the R35 GT-R, or in JDM terms, a Kouki R35 GT-R, armed with the modest upgrades offered for those who want to witness the reborn power of the Kouki R35 GT-R. For over three years, commanding and conquering the deadly corners of the Nurburgring, the Shutokou, hot desert roads, world-class racetracks, and city streets, nothing matches up to the power of the legendary king of Japanese sports cars. Today's minor change for the R35 GT-R is now armed with the upgraded VR38 engine. Previously, this turbocharged V6 engine has a power output of 485 PS, now this engine received an upgraded power output of a whopping 530 PS. Sadly, that is 30 PS less than the Lexus LFA's 1LR-GUE engine, but the twin-turbo capability of the Nissan GT-R makes it an advantage to outperform the Lexus LFA. Expect these two Japanese street kings come clashing on the Shutokou! I cannot judge which of these two will reign supreme as the fiercest Japanese sports car of the decade.

There are changes to the performance enhancing features for the new R35 GT-R. If you notice something on the three Setup switches, one of them got the change. Check the first switch, you will notice that Snow has been renamed into Save. The Save mode provides this supercar an efficiency of a normal sports car, perfect for the city roads. As you may now, every sporty details on the GT-R such as the ATTESA E-TS, GR6 Dual Clutch Transmission, Run-flat tires, Multi-Function Meter, Combination meter, USB Data Logger, and every other GT-R equipment are always welcomed to beef up this mythological beast.

The Spec V

2011/2012 Nissan GT-R R35 Spec V

If the regular GT-R does not suit your demands as the king of the road, a high-performance variant of the R35 GT-R, the GT-R Spec V's got your back. The Spec V features a high-geared boost, Carbon Ceramic Brake, Carbon Bucket Seats, and every Spec V exclusive privileges offered to make the asphalt suffer, not your overall enthusiasm.

The GT-R Egoist

2011/2012 Nissan GT-R R35 Egoist interior

Originally, they would have to call it the Spec M, but the Egoist name sounds perfect to be the luxurious version of the R35 GT-R. Armed with the light-colored Nappa leather (and some interior color combination of your choice), BOSE Precision Sound System, Fabric Floor Carpet, and every luxurious detail, rest assured that the GT-R Egoist will always show that there is beaut outside of battle. Just a reminder, there's a leather cleaner and wiping cloth included on the GT-R Egoist, just to keep the beautiful Egoist interior fresh and clean.

My thoughts about the GT-R:

The normal GT-R is built for balanced manner, the GT-R Spec V is armed to be fierce and deadly, and the GT-R Egoist is built as a gentle-mannered sports car. Those three types are the stuff of legend offered by the legendary Japanese automaker behind the legendary GT-R nameplate. I got to admit it that this latest minor facelift really got us drooling for more because we just want to get our JDM hands on this legendary myth that became a sensational from the rest of the world. Oh, and FYI, Richard Gutierrez drove one until he faces a car accident and some raps from the public about the said accident that got him messed up.

The best GT-R variant is always the Spec V because of the performance-enhancing features only this GT-R has to offer. With its reborn power, can the facelifted GT-R stack up against the Lexus LFA?!

Kore ga R35 GT-R ni sugoii wake ga nai! That's Japanese for this R35 GT-R can't be this cool.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Lexus LFA to be cost around 40 Million Pesos, in just, only one color, and one LFA itself

During the Press Day of the 2010 Mondial de l'Automobile (Paris Motor Show), Toyota Motor Philippines and Lexus Manila decided to bring the ultra-powerful Lexus LFA to the Philippines early next year, in just one unit, in one color, RED

According from an article from Top Gear Philippines, this red LFA will cost about a whopping 40 million pesos! This car needs some Filipino, rich enough, to buy this ultra-fast Japanese sports car coming to Lexus Manila this 2011.

Note to someone who is willing to own the new LFA, be careful. Don't end yourself like this:

                                                        Photo Courtesy of Rhein-Zeitung

Look at the picture future Pinoy Lexus LFA owner. This is the Lexus LFA's first crash at Germany. The chief test driver of Toyota Motor Corporation, Hiromu Naruse, died on the crash. Please be careful to avoid such an outcome happened since June 2010.

Good luck, and drive fast, future Pinoy Lexus LFA owner.

Aston Martin Rapide

2011 Aston Martin Rapide

The premier British supercar manufacturer, Aston Martin, famous for the cars shown in James Bond movies such as the DB5 from Goldfinger, V12 Vanquish from Die Another Day, and the DBS from two Bond movies, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, has just unleashed the brand's first four-door machine. This machine is blessed with the Bond spirits that brings its Porsche Panamera rival into shallow grave, and this is Aston Martin's ultimate masterpiece in the epitome of the premium sedan category. The Rapide was born.

Even this British car manufacturer creates Bond machines, this brand reveals its firsts to bring Aston Martin fans some twists and turns, just like Bond movies filled with some twists and turns, such as the Toyota iQ-based Cygnet compact, and for the Rapide, you can compromise that this premium sedan is the perfect prop for the upcoming Bond movie. (Hope that current Bond actor, Daniel Craig, might have a fistful of fistfights on this one)

Despite the Rapide is a four-door coupe, the spirit of the James Bond machine lives on, thanks to its design DNA that is truly the heart and soul of the brand that made vehicles reserved by Her Majesty's Secret Service. For many years of hard work done by the engineers, especially tested on the Death Valley to Kuwait, the Rapide possesses as rapid-fire performance only a true Bond star might impress on his missions. Powered with the 6.0L V12 engine, the Rapide boasts almost 500PS of power and achieve regulated top speed of 303km/h, with the 5.3 second split time from the 0-100km run. However, the Rapide's top speed could not catch up against the Porsche Panamera Turbo's top speed, (Because the Panamera Turbo can reach 4.2 seconds on the 0-100km/h run) but despite its disadvantage, the Rapide weighs less than the Panamera, thanks to the use of its lightweight materials used in this premium 4-door coupe. A six-speed automatic Touchtronic II transmission is equipped on the Rapide, providing this sports car less impact on its frugal fuel economy.

For the edge-of-your-seat excitement for the big men, the Rapide is armed with the finest rear entertainment system. This system fulfills most of its qualities only executives want to relax on the long and winding road. With Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, the Rapide utilizes realistic sound and quality compared to a live performance. Once more, you can watch your favorite DVD movies such as Transformers, Final Destination, ID4, Saw, 2012, and Titanic, with its rear monitor mounted behind the front seats, with clearer picture than other premium sedans. For added fun, wireless headphones are placed on the Rapide, giving the word "listening time" to the next dimension.

My thoughts about the Rapide:
What really needs for Aston Martin's first four-door coupe is to have Daniel Craig get behind the wheel on enemy territory. For me, what I will put on the Rapide's wish list is the motion seeking missiles, rapid-fire machine guns, smoke screens, nitrous oxides, and every fancy gadget as I saw on other Bond movies. As for the Rapide, the true spirit of the legendary British spy lives on. It is perfect to rescue the dames from the evil masterminds' plot to destroy humanity. Maybe men like us has the James Bond inside of our hearts, and the Aston Martin Rapide truly has the heart and soul of the two-door Bond cars inside.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Mercedes-Benz's ultimate successor to the classic 300SL and the striking but now defunct SLR McLaren might not have been as hot as its predecessors, but the performance truly makes it the "new age lightspeed goddess" of this generation. The SLS AMG brings the AMG powerhouse up the antes even further and mostly gained the spirit of the legendary 300SL at the same pace.







To make men drool to the SLS AMG's style, the gullwing doors makes it a perfect combination of yesterday and tomorrow in the eyes of the Mercedes-Benz universe. To top it all, the style that was inspired from the 300SL is the root of hopes and dreams driven by fate and the engineering of Mercedes-Benz's AMG division, the powerhouse behind the ubiquitous "6.3 AMG" line. Not only that, the retractable spoiler that rises on high speeds or braking makes it a lovely feature for this lightning machine.







For the eyes of the owner, the interior gets most of the fun factor, despite the seating capacity is fitted for two adults. With only two seats equipped on this car, the SLS AMG is perfect for men who want to take a long-legged dame on a highway date 24/7.







To top it all off, the SLS AMG is equipped with the M159 V8 natural aspiration engine that has over 500 PS of power, accumulating the top speed of 315km/h and 3.8-second time from the 0-100kmh run. To bring most of the SLS AMG's majestic performance, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed Getrag dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission gives men to shift freely from turn to turn. As for the braking, an optional carbon ceramic disc brakes give this "new age lightspeed goddess" improved stopping power from the regular brakes.

My thoughts about the SLS AMG:
Former Ferrari F1 driver, now Mercedes-Benz F1 driver, Michael Schumacher was really surprised by the raw power of the SLS AMG, even the question "is it still a car?" really confuses Mercedes-Benz fans from across the globe. Now, it needs to be tested by the men from BBC's Top Gear to see how the SLS AMG will achieve from their power lap times. If Pocholo Ramirez were still alive, he would give this German Mauser a true roar on the Subic racetrack. Anyway, the SLS AMG's explosive packaging makes it a grand comeback of the legendary Gullwing machine that makes men drool all the way to the Nurburgring.


Photo: Mercedes-Benz