Super GT 2014 - Sugo

In the fourth round of the 2014 Super GT held at Sugo, there's no wonder that one of the finest racing drivers won't hold back in the middle of the racing battleground and 79 laps later, winners do exist in Sugo. In the GT500 class, the winner is the #1 ZENT Cerumo RC F piloted by Yuji Tachikawa and Kohei Hirate, posting their 1'14.832 best lap time. 2nd place goes to the #37 Keeper TOM'S RC F driven by Daisuke Ito and Andrea Caldarelli and 3rd place goes to the #17 KEIHIN NSX CONCEPT-GT driven by Koudai Tsukakoshi and Toshihiro Kaneishi.

In the GT300 class, the winner goes to the #88 MANEPA Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 driven by Manabu Orido and Takayuki Aoki, while 2nd place goes to the #65 LEON Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 driven by Haruki Kurosawa and Tsubasa Kurosawa, and 3rd placer goes to the #21 Audi R8 LMS ultra driven by Richard Lyons and Tomonobu Fujii.

HIGHLIGHTS:

The next round of the Super GT 2014 season will be at Fuji Speedway this 10th of August.

F1 2014: German GP

It looks like Mercedes' Nico Rosberg tries to play catch-up against his teammate Lewis Hamilton a little further as in the Hockenheimring, the venue for the German GP of the Formula One 2014 season, he is the winner and leaving Lewis Hamilton on third place and rookie Valtteri Bottas of Williams placed 2nd. As the catch-up continues, looks like Hamilton's 14 points behind Rosberg in the standings while Ricciardo still in 3rd place overall with 106 points.

Next time as the F1 racers will be competing on Hungary this 27th of July.

Report: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2014/7/16124.html

Image: Top Gear

BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe

The 4-Series is the coupe version of the latest-generation 3-Series because of BMW's naming scheme to use odd numbers as saloons and even numbers for coupes but not at all. Last year, the 3-Series spawned a Gran Turismo model and it's not half bad unlike the rhetorically ugly 5-Series Gran Turismo which is a bit like an unholy product between a whale or a turtle. Now, in a terribly confusing way, the 4-door version of a 2-door version of a 4-door saloon, called the 4-Series Gran Coupe, has arrived and judging by the looks of it, the new model kinda feels like the twin car of the 3-Series Gran Turismo.

2015 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe

2015 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe

Oh dear, it looks like this car faced an identity crisis because in the view of many, since this is the 4-door version of the 4-Series, what on Earth did they think that BMW wants to stay true to their namesakes because with the case of having odd numbers as saloons and even numbers as coupes, looks like BMW begins to lie on us because I don't think they really did a good job on the naming scheme and if customers showed up on the dealerships, the theory is that the sales between the 3-Series Gran Turismo and the 4-Series Gran Coupe are on a balance because if they went to the 4-Series Gran Coupe, the 3GT will hurt in the sales department because what was the whole point about selling two cars with the same specs in one dealership? This is like when two identical objects suffer the same identical damages when dropped on each other.

What's the difference between the 3-Series Gran Turismo and the 4-Series Gran Coupe? Almost nothing except the 4GC is shorter than the 3GT in terms of wheelbase and it's shorter but despite being shorter than the 3GT, the 4GC is much roomier at the back and because the rear boot opens like a spaceback of some sorts, it's quite a versatile one.

2015 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe interior

Yes, because the 4-Series Gran Coupe feels more of an identical twin to the normal 3-Series saloon and the 3GT, expect the same engine choices from them ranging from the 2.0L TwinPower-Turbo petrol, a 3.0L TwinPower-Turbo petrol, 2.0L diesel, and 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel engine. Oh, and BMW recently added a new version to the 2.0L diesel engine. This recent diesel engine, to be added on most 4-Series models, especially on the Gran Coupe, develops 218PS of power, 450Nm of torque, and can go 0-100kph in 6.5 seconds when equipped with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Like its 2-door derivative, the 4-Series Gran Coupe comes with chassis improvements allowing this car for a more responsive steering  but can get some minor understeering issues if you going on the bends too quick. It maybe precise when driven carefully but it can be quite harsh in the ride comfort stakes.

2015 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe

Prices for the 4-Series Gran Coupe starts at 35,750 Euros for the 420i model up to 53,850 Euros for the 435i Luxury Line Steptronic. At that starting price, it's cheaper to own than the 3-Series Gran Turismo but more costly than the 3-Series saloon. The F30 one. The BMW F30 3-Series I'm referring. So, would you refer one than...well, you know what? They're all the same beings. You can use your mystic other-worldly powers to decide which.

Photo: BMW AG

#BubbleGangEnkantoGags

On the July 18, 2014 episode of Bubble Gang...

- An old man's date with a lady is going sweet...and sour.

- Enkanto gags

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...taking pics about your new phone!!!

- Lala Ytera bashes on someone at the bus stop.

- SUMBATAN

- Bubble Gang does Wafrets by spoofing this commercial as HEYFRETS! Basya Heyfrets, Panalo!

- Istambay, Istambay sa Looban, Makinig sa kuwentuhan kapekehan, may bagong nagangaraket sa tambayan, nagulo lahat ng...TAONG BAYAN!!!

- Don Cantoni gives orders from his criminal goons.

- Your wife really can recognize what you've been doing all night long...

- How come she gets her money while I don't?!

- A lonely man and an old lady truly have their own secrets to tell.

- A celeb explains to the cops that his showbiz career days are well and truly over.

Let's Do The News! (July 18, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- Cleanup for the debris caused by Typhoon Glenda is underway by the MMDA, DPWH, and the LGU.

- A Malaysia Airlines plane got hit by a SAM from Eastern Ukraine, killing all 295 people onboard.

- Former Ford Motor Company CEO Alan Mulally joins internet giant Google.

- Did you know that the creator of Yowamushi Pedal, Wataru Watanabe, was a guest commentator from the recently concluded 2014 Tour de France?

- Get to know about the Kanjozoku, Osaka's notorious street racing Honda Civic drivers who are causing havoc in the Kansai highways using heavily modified Honda Civics, in this clip courtesy of Bowls Films.



- OFFICIAL: The 2015 Ford Mustang's 5.0L V8 engine will be producing 435HP of power, 305 for the V6, and 310HP for the new 2.3L EcoBoost turbo engine. Go spread the word.

2015 Ford Mustang

- Lamborghini teases their race-spec Super Trofeo track car based on their new Huracan LP610-4 supercar.

Huracan Super Trofeo teaser

- While the Hamilton vs. Rosberg is still heating things up in this year's Formula One, looks like Nico Rosberg recently renewed his contract with the Mercedes F1 team.

- Honda Cars Philippines' Alabang dealership is now back to normal after the damage caused by Typhoon Glenda.

TTFN!!!

Cadillac Escalade (GMT K2XL)

2015 Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade, the SUV favored by the generation of hip hop and gangsta rappers from the ghettos, has been regenerated to an entirely new look complete with a brand new platform, new interior, and new features that will keep this new model back to its clean slate after years of being treated as a car for the ghetto goons or so we thought.

So, what's new about this new model?

The new model is kinda like its lesser cousins, the Chevrolet Suburban/Tahoe and the GMC Yukon, because they both wear the same underpinnings derived from its you-know-whats. Like these, this new platform will not spawn an EXT sport truck and its hybrid derivatives because...like it says on its books, this new Escalade will not spawn a hybrid model as well as its EXT sport truck. Dismissed.

Dismissed?

Dismissed. No Escalade Hybrid nor Escalade EXT for this generation. So sorry...

Anyway, like what I said, WHAT'S NEW?!

Oh! Okay! The new model now looks more well-tailored on the exterior, like a heavily armed bodyguard who is heavily armed to the teeth, guarding a social party for the VIP. Judging by the way the new exterior design looks, that is as first class as a cargo plane all smothered with some palace-like comforts fit for a tyrant.

Hmmm...what about the interior?

2015 Cadillac Escalade interior

2015 Cadillac Escalade interior

Although while the exterior is new to us, the new interior of the Escalade is pretty much like the Cadillacs of today. It's just like when BMW still using the same interior design to all models with absolutely no differences whatsoever. You still have the configurable cluster display, the Cadillac CUE, and those catastrophically difficult dashboard  which makes your fingers deemed to be confused. Apart from its cockpit confusions, the passenger comforts is pretty much like those Japanese luxury MPVs of today but of course, this isn't one of them. This is an all-American made SUV built for the crooks and cools.

When fully equipped, you can expect a rear-seat entertainment system that plays your favorite DVD (or Blu-Ray) movies while on the go. Of course, while some consider it a family car, no other family can afford the Suburban with a Cadillac badge on it. Only the gangsta rappers, MVP athletes, or the Men In Black from the CIA, NSA, or any government organizations snooping on us can drive those.

If you can opt in for the long-wheelbase ESV model, you can have extended luggage space fit enough for some man stuff to put in to your man cave at your home. Tough stuff, though.

Tough?

Well, yeah. It is kinda tough indeed thanks to its extensive use of high-strength steel and it's not just all about being tough on the outside, it's the inside that counts thanks to its host of safety features such as Lane Departure Warning System, Rear Cross Traffic, Side Blind Zone Alert, Safety Alert Seat and Forward Collision Alert. Combined with Rear Vision Camera, Rainsense automatic wipers, and IntelliBeam headlamps.

What about performance?

The new Escalade now comes with the new and more powerful 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 FlexFuel petrol engine, the same engine used to power the new GMC Yukon Denali models. It develops a class-leading power output of 420hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. It features Advanced Direct Injection, Active Fuel Management, and Variable Valve Timing. With that engine output, the EPA estimated fuel mileage is 21MPG highway. That sounds less but some say, it's an improvement from the last model.

Handling aside, the new Escalade comes with the Magnetic Ride Control, which lets the Escalade behave like a full-size saloon but honestly, being a big and burly car the size of five or six burly American football players, getting through the bends is an expert level worth unfathomable. When normally driven, it feels more comfortable like a luxury limo as long if there's someone not waving hands like a show off.

Should I buy it?

2015 Cadillac Escalade

At the start, the new Cadillac Escalade is priced from $71,695 to $92,840 so not only it's expensive than its GMT K2XX cousins, it's more expensive than its rivals such as the MB GL-Class and the Infiniti QX80 but on the upshot is that you can afford one rather than the Range Rover.

Sadly though, because this is too expensive, you can't afford one of these unless if you're working with the music industry or with the MIB.

Available colors: Dark Granite Metallic, Majestic Plum Metallic, Radiant Silver Metallic, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Silver Coast Metallic, White Diamond Tricoat, and Black Raven.

Photo: General Motors

Let's Do The News! (July 17, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Continuing on the Typhoon Glenda updates, the NDRRMC reported that at least 38 people died during the wrath of this typhoon.

- The Australian government gives ten million Philippine pesos of emergency aid to the Philippines. These funds were made to aid victims of Typhoon Glenda.

- Senator Bong Revilla's pre-trial has been postponed by the Sandiganbayan, giving way for the pending motion of the prosecution to amend the graft charge of Revilla over his alleged involvement with the PDAF scam.

- The United States and the European Union continues to escalate economic sanctions against Russia with US President Obama declaring that Russian leaders must see that their actions supporting Ukrainian rebels have consequences.

- The next generation of smart city cars, the fortwo and the forfour, was finally revealed!

2015 smart fortwo and 2015 smart forfour

- THIS IS THE NEW MAZDA DEMIO: The fourth generation of Mazda's city car, the Demio (known globally as the Mazda 2), was finally revealed and its set to go on sale in Japan this late 2014.

2015 Mazda Demio

- Good Smile Company revealed a new Nendoroid based on Rozen Maiden's Suigintou! A must have for every fan of Rozen Maiden!

Nendoroid Suigintou

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (July 16, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Focusing on the Typhoon Glenda updates, there was a major power outage occurred in most parts of the Metro Manila as the typhoon continues to ravage most parts of the Luzon region.

- As Metro Manila is still under Signal No. 3, Subic is the next area to get hammered by the wrath of Typhoon Glenda.

- Most of the LRT and MRT operations were suspended due Typhoon Glenda.

- During the wrath of Typhoon Glenda in Metro Manila, a fire broke out in the warehouse of the Wendy's fast food chain in a commercial-residential area in Marikina City, although no casualties were reported.

- Despite LeBron James' announcement that he'll be coming back to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat star player, Dwayne Wade, said that he'll be staying with the Heat.

- A nuclear power plant in southern Japan has received a passing grade for safety requirements raised after the March 11, 2011 disaster.

- The jury trial of a Filipino man named Igmidio Mista, who was suspected of killing three people in a Ohio bar shooting, was postponed to give the defendant's lawyers more time.

- The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S gets a Roadster model. Even though it comes with the same 565HP 6.0L V12 engine as the hardtop model and despite being heavier and slower than its hardtop equivalent, this is Aston Martin's fastest open top sportscar.

2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster

- Jaguar's 3-Series rival, the XE, will be revealed this September.

- The occupancy rate of Mazda's Hofu plant has been maintained and production of the next-generation Mazda Demio (or Mazda 2) has been commenced.

- The next-generation smart fortwo city car will be revealed this 16th of July.

- END OF AN ERA: Chevrolet's Express 1500 and GMC Savanna 1500 vans were officially discontinued, although its HD 2500 and 3500 models will continue to live on as expected.

- Production of Acura's new TLX sports saloon has commenced in Honda's Marysville Plant in Ohio.

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (July 15, 2014)

Things we learned so far...

- The facelifted Audi A7 gained a special edition 3.0 TDI competition model in celebration of the TDI's 25th anniversary. The 3.0L TDi engine develops 326HP of power, 650Nm of torque, and 0-100kph in 5.1 seconds.

Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI competition

- The supporters of both Marjorie and Julia Barretto have spoken about the petition set by Dennis Padilla to change the name of this teen actress.

- Because of Typhoon Glenda forecasted to hit Metro Manila, work at the Senate was suspended on Wednesday.

- Because of Typhoon Glenda, Camarines Norte declared state of calamity.

- Moments after the Philippine Basketball Team, GILAS, defeated Chinese Taipei and Singapore, they've defeated Jordan at the score of 71-70 and they've advanced to take on India in the elimination rounds of the 2014 FIBA Asia Cup in China.

- It is revealed that the Department of Health has used 3.3 Billion pesos worth of DAP funds to purchase medicines and improve health centers.

- IN CASE YOU REALLY REALLY MISSED IT: Elevator Girl Cheridel Alejandrino was the latest to be evicted from the Pinoy Big Brother House.

- Most of Wednesday's games of the UAAP were suspended due to Typhoon Glenda.

- Audi has built its 6,000,000th Quattro-equipped car and that 6,000,000th quattro car built was the SQ5 in Monsungrau Metallic.

The 6,000,000th Quattro car made is an SQ5

- On the latest Jay Leno's Garage webisode, Jay Leno tackles on Paul Jackson Jr.'s 1969 Oldsmobile 442 muscle car.

TTFN!!!

Cars GT6 Should Put (Volume 22)

In a galaxy far far away, just off our backyard, lies Leopaul's Blog; boldly pushing the boundaries of car culture because there's some CARS GT6 SHOULD PUT.



1) Daihatsu Copen Robe '14

The Daihatsu Copen has returned this year with a new look, new interior, and a customizable body frame. While it retains the concept look as seen from the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, the new Daihatsu Copen is one of the finest examples of what an affordable open-top sportscar could be and we, the fans of Gran Turismo, are more than welcome to try out the reborn Copen the way we want.



2) Ford Mustang GT '15

For its 50th anniversary offering, the Ford Mustang has reached its 6th generation and for this generation, it's now modernized, more civilized, and more Mustang unlike any other. The top spec model comes with the 5.0L V8 engine developing over 420HP of power and 390lb-ft of torque. Everyone from the Gran Turismo community wanted to know what is like to drive the latest-generation Ford Mustang in the world of Gran Turismo.

3) SRT Challenger SRT Hellcat '15

For 2015 model year, the Dodge Challenger SRT gained the new Hellcat version and this is now hailed as the king of American cars because of its supercharged V8 engine developing a whopping 707HP of power output. With that kind of power, the Hellcat will bring every single European machines down to its knees and we just want this car to be on GT6.

4) BMW i8 '14

The BMW i8 revolutionized the plug-in hybrid genre by providing space-grade materials and the joined forces of the 1.5L petrol and the hybrid synchronous motor developing a total output of 362PS of power while providing lower emissions than any sportscar in the world. This PHEV sportscar is one of the must haves for the year 2014 and I believe that this is a must have for every Gran Turismo fan because this game had some eco-cars to choose from. Come on PDI, the i8 needs a spot on GT6 and we're waiting for your verdict.

5) Lexus NX200t F Sport '14

The Lexus NX could be a potent contender to the fast-growing crossover segment but what made the NX a game changer is the application of Toyota Motor Corporation's brand new 8AR-FTS 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine, their first ever turbo engine since the Caldina discontinued in 2007. Although I'm kinda skeptical about Toyota going on the downsizing route but their new 2.0L turbo engine develops more than what you can expect from a 2.5L V6 engine mated to any Toyota or Lexus saloon. Let's hope this crossover gets the spot on GT6 any time because...I can't wait to hear the sound of the 8AR-FTS engine.

The results please? So when one of these cars showed up in future updates on GT6, you can't say I have a little bit to do with that.

Take that to Kaz Yamauchi!

Nissan Juke (2015 minor change)

2015 Nissan Juke

The Nissan Juke has been around since its June 2010 debut and gained pretty much mixed reviews from the global press. Other say that it's funky, some disregard for its bizarre looks, and a few got confused with it. Anyway, since it's already four years old, Nissan decided that this bizarro crossover needs a facelift and here it is. All warm and dry to take on the world.

Okay, so what's new about the 2015 minor change Juke? Well, look closely on the weird-looking front view and you will notice that it comes with a new front lamps reminiscent of the Z34 Fairlady Z's. That new headlamps look perfect but when it comes to its overall looks, there's no hiding from its bizarre looks and because it's still as hideous as its pre-facelift, it's going to stand out from any crowd more than Brainiac himself. Meh...They can spot one quicker than finding a stick insect.

2015 Nissan Juke

2015 Nissan Juke interior

What's also new, but even more noticeable, is the Personalization option for the Juke. Before buying a new Juke, customers can choose which color and which accents they can fit on their Juke, this is just like making a few tweaks of their blog's CSS to make it look neat and clean. First, they can choose which variant; either a 1.5L or a 1.6L DIG TURBO model, then select one of nine exterior colors (Sunlight Yellow, Super Black, Azurite Blue, Dark Metal Grey, Radiant Red, Passion Red, Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver, and Night Bell Purple), and then choose what colors fit for their door mirrors, door handles, and the interior. There are over 90 ways to personalize your new Juke and that's not science, it's how it's made to make the Juke exclusive to you.

2015 Nissan Juke speedometer

Yes. Like I've mentioned earlier, the new 2015 Juke still comes with the 1.5L and the turbocharged 1.6L direct-injected engine under the hood. The 1.5L engine, mated with the CVT gearbox and idling stop feature, now comes with dual injectors and it develops 114PS of power, 150Nm of torque, and fuel economy (by JC08 Mode standards) of 18kmpl.

The 1.6L DIG TURBO, on the other hand, is bolted with the ALL MODE 4x4-i with Torque Vectoring, which theoretically reduces understeering for more direct steering, and the XTRONIC CVT features a 7-speed manual mode. Seven fake gears that will keep you longing for miles. With 190PS of power output and 240Nm of torque output, this model is the Juke you would really wanna buy for the fun of it but for that power comes with the price; the fuel economy is a grumpy 14.2kmpl on the JC08 Mode scale. Don't think we're done about this because coming this fall, there's going to be a NISMO RS version of the Juke as well.

Prices for the 2015 Juke start at 1,737,720 to 2,678,400 Yen with tax included.

Photo: Nissan Motor Corporation

Let's Do The News! (July 14, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Images of Japan's Mitsubishi-made ATD-X experimental stealth fighter has surfaced through the airwaves. Set to fly this year, this prototype demonstrates the Japan's Ministry Of Defense's "Spirit of the Heart" slogan and leads Japan to a larger high-performance production aircraft with stealth capabilities...



...hopefully, some Ace Combat nerds would understand what that is before they'll go Fox Two.

- Top Gear got involved over an accident with two Peugeots, driven by Clarkson and May, on it!

- Johan de Nysschen left Nissan's Infiniti division and became the new head of General Motors' Cadillac brand.

- GET READY FOR THE NEXT BATTLE! Tekken 7 is announced during the Evolution Championship Series 2014. This next installment is their 20th anniversary present to the Tekken franchise and features a next generation gaming engine that will fit through any new generation console it wishes.



- The official full length TV trailer for Doctor Who Series 8, starring Peter Capaldi as The Doctor (now The Twelfth Doctor and he's now 2,000 years old) and Jenna Coleman as Clara, has emerged!



- There's a supermoon occurring on August 10, 2014 and September 9, 2014. A supermoon occurs when the elliptical orbit of the moon will bring it closer, and appear larger than usual.

- The threats from North Korea continue as they've fired artillery shells into the ocean.

- Some say that your iPad and other handheld devices might cause you some rashes.

- Typhoon Glenda has maximum winds of 95kph with 120kph of gustiness and moving west at 28kph. Signal No. 2 was raised over the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes and Sorsogon. It was forecast to hit Catanduanes Tuesday morning and would move towards the provinces of Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Southern Quezon, Laguna and Metro Manila.

TTFN!!!