The one with...The M152 engine

The fastest, most outlandish SLK ever made

This is the new Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG, the R172 model, and this is it. The most powerful and the most outlandish of the SLK range. Did I said "powerful and outlandish"? Oh no. What I meant was this was the "baby" of the Mercedes-AMG range because this has the new 5.5L V8 engine which looks like the new M157 engine, the kind of engine Forza boffins didn't want to feature because of their "LESS CURRENT, LESS FUTURE, MORE PAST MEMORIES" scheme, but what they done here is thrown away two turbochargers in favor for Variable Cylinder Management, which is the same technology you'd expect from the Honda Inspire. What this engine was is dubbed the M152, a newly developed Mercedes-AMG engine that...I really never liked.

The M152 engine is a bit too shady for this car...

Let's remember that this one was based on the current-generation R172 SLK-Class, the latest model that comes with a...Magic Sky Control roof that can be shaded from light to dark at the touch of the button. This is more of a hassle-free idea than sliding something for the sunroof visibility. Nice job though. Anyway, let's not talk about the whole MAGIC SKY CONTROL thingamajig, shall we? Let's concentrate with the biggies...

AMG Handling Package nowhere near as good...

This new M152 engine, which is related to the M157 engine, trades turbo with the new AMG Cylinder Management that allows this engine to shut off four of the eighth cylinders under partial load, which lowers fuel consumption considerably. This similar technology was also used in the 750-hp V8 engines used in Formula 1 because efficiency plays a major role in motorsports, One example is when during Safety Car laps or for pit stops two or four of the eight cylinders are off. With such technology, this new SLK55 AMG promises about 33.6MPG and 195g/km of Carbon Dioxide emissions.

Um...we're not in a mood to drive it here, aren't we?

Another thing that drives me up the wall about this new M152 engine is aside from the AMG Cylinder Management, it comes with the fuel-saving ECO-Start/Stop system that stops the engine when I stopped and then starts again when my foot is on the gas pedal. Kooky, isn't it? Not only that, if I see the "ECO" word in the main menu, the Controlled Efficiency stop/start function is active. How come something so sporty gets so compromising? Anyway enough about the whole ECO peripherals and about how it goes...

The new SLK55 AMG generates 415HP of power, it can go 0-60 in 4.6 seconds and top speed electronically limited to 155MPH. This maybe the baby in the lineup but judging by its terms, it's more powerful than the old R171 SLK55 AMG, the one that Jeremy Clarkson got shot more by the Irish Guards. He he he....

As for the handling, you may wanna watch out for this because it can be quite twitchy at first even though it has the...AMG Performance Package, a package that make you feel uncomfortable if you were on the streets of London by day. It's also feels uncomfortable if you take it for track day purposes. Even though it can be usable on the road & track, this AMG Performance Package feels like my arms got an aching feeling every time I turn the steering wheel violently. I felt like I was a dog in a leash and no matter how hard I move, the leash just keeps pulling me back. I'm guessing about it's as sharp...as a jungle bolo those men trying to kill me. Sharp as a bolo, tough as an arnis.

This car is as sharp as a bolo...

Things I like about the new SLK55 is the noise of this new engine, still has the MAGIC SKY ROOF, the same SLS AMG-inspired interior that I get from the standard model, and it's as sharp as a jungle bolo. Things I don't like, AMG Handling Package made it even worse for me, costs more than the BMW Z4 sDrive35iS, not good enough in today's economy, behaves the same as the old model, and badly, who would rather need a 5.5L Natural Aspiration engine on the Mercedes-AMG lineup?

Even though it is an all new model, it failed to impress me in terms of performance. In fact, for an alternative...I would rather look for something that is more expensive than this, does the similar noise as this, and satisfied me a lot. I would rather go for the Jaguar XKR-S...

We would rather choose the one on the right...

The Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG R172 is part of the Forza Motorsport 4 July Car Pack, available now for 560MSP. Willing to try out the one with the M152 engine?

The end of an era for Sergio Pininfarina

Very sad moment to hear one of the finest in the automotive industry is gone without a reason. Now, we heard that famed car designer, Sergio Pininfarina, passed away at the age of 85.

Back in 1966, Sergio took over the Pininfarina when his father passed away. During his reign, Pininfarina was collaborated with other car makers such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Chevrolet, Bentley, Volvo, and others even the Hyundai Lavita MPV.

PRESS RELEASE:

Turin, July 3 2012 - Life Senator Sergio Pininfarina, Honorary Chairman of the Pininfarina Group, passed away last night at his home in Turin. Until the last moment his wife Giorgia and sons Lorenza and Paolo were close to him.

The Board of Directors and the Company gather around the family in the undying memory of the entrepreneurial figure of Sergio Pininfarina, who led the Company for many years with steady hand bringing the business in the world, following the tradition of elegance and style constantly renewed with the highest standards of innovation and harmonious beauty.

Sergio Pininfarina was born in Turin on September 8, 1926. He graduated in mechanical engineering from the Polytechnic of Torino in 1950, then he began his career in the family firm, Carrozzeria Pinin Farina; in 1960, he undertook the responsibility of General Manager of the firm; in 1961 he became also Managing Director and in 1966, at his father's death, he took over the Chairmanship of the Company; in 2006 he became Honorary Chairman. In 1961, the President of the Italian Republic, Giovanni Gronchi, changed by decree the name Farina in Pininfarina. In 2005 he was appointed Life Senator for honouring the Country by high merits in the social field.

Among the most significant stages of his activity in Pininfarina: from 1955 to 1958, the planning and the construction of new facilities at Grugliasco (Torino); the construction of the new Studies and Research Centre inaugurated in 1966; in 1972, the Wind Tunnel on 1:1 scale started its activities, the first in Italy and one of the few in the world; in 1979, Pininfarina took the form of an holding Company; in 1982, a new company "Pininfarina Studi e Ricerche S.p.A." was settled at Cambiano (Torino); in 1986, a new plant in San Giorgio Canavese - near Turin - started operating; in the same year, Pininfarina successfully entered the Italian Stock Exchange; in 1986, with the setting up the company "Pininfarina Extra S.r.l.", the Pininfarina Group enlarged its design activities towards all the areas of the industrial design, beyond the traditional one of the means of transport; in 1987 a new plant in Bairo Canavese is acquired; in 1991 "Pininfarina Deutschland GmbH" was set up; in 2002 it is inaugurated in Cambiano the new Engineering Centre; in 2003 the incorporation of the new Company "Pininfarina Sverige AB".

Main past positions include:

From 1974 to 1977 he has been professor of "Car Body Design" at the Polytechnic of Torino. President of the Industrial Association of Torino (1978-1984);

Member of the European Parliament (1979-1988);

President of the Federation of Industrial Associations of Piedmont (1983-1988);

President of International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (1987-1989);

President of Confindustria (1988-1992);

Board Member of AUME (Association for the Monetary Union of Europe, 1989-1997);

Vice President of UNICE (Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations of Europe, 1990-1994);

President of Comitato Leonardo - Italian Quality Committee (1993-1996);

Co-President of "Comitato per la Direttrice Ferroviaria Europea Transpadana" (1991-2001);

President of Banca CRT (2001-2002);

Chief of the Italian delegation in the Intergovernmental Italian- French Commission for the new high-speed railway link between Lyon and Turin (2001-2005);

Chairman FIDIA S.p.A. (1996-2006);

Co-President Italy-Japan Business Group (2004-2007);

Chairman Editrice La Stampa S.p.A. (2004-2008);

Member of the Board of Directors of Ferrari S.p.A. (1969-2011).

Sergio Pininfarina received numerous honours. The main are: he was appointed "Cavaliere del Lavoro" by the President of the Italian Republic (1976); Légion d'Honneur (Chevalier, 1979, and Officier, 1997), "Honorary Royal Designer for Industry" (1983), Foreign Member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (1988), Designer Lifetime Achievement Award (1991), Super Trophée de l'"Automobile Magazine" (1992), "Guglielmo Tagliacarne" award (1994) , the "Italy in the World" award (1994), the Career Award Compasso d'Oro (1995), the "France-Italie" Award (1997), "Lion d'Oro" (1998), "Trophée du design" (1998), Premio Leonardo (1999), "Head of the Century in the International Automotive Hall of Fame" (2001), the award "Torino libera" (2001), Business and Culture Award (2003), Palme d'Or du Festival Automobile International (2005), Automotive Hall of Fame of Dearborn, Michigan (2007); European Automotive Hall of Fame of Geneva (2008).

He received 4 Honorary Degrees: in 1993 the Honorary Degree in Economics and Commerce by the LUISS-Rome; in 2002 the one of the Royal College of Art of London and the one in Industrial Design of the Polytechnic of Milano; in 2004 the one as Doctor of Fine Arts from the College for Creative Studies-CCS of Detroit;

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/legendary-designer-sergio-pininfarina-passes-away/

Jormungand Original Soundtrack

Jormungand Original Soundtrack

Jormungand (ヨルムンガンド) seems to be a weird title of this anime but this adaptation of Keitaro Takahashi's manga packs a darker side of its storyline and it's a thriller. It highlights the story of child soldier Jonah who joins a group of arms merchants led by the charismatic Koko. For 12 episodes, this anime seems to be bogged down in conflicting impulses. The first half wants to be somewhat enjoyable and thoughtful but the other half is one heck of a thriller.

This original soundtrack packs 24 tracks in one disc, perfect enough to relieve the Jormungand tale with their ears. The original music score is made possible by Taku Iwasaki, the same chap that brought you Yakitate Japan, Read or Die, GetBackers, and others where he work with, making it very enjoyable to listen on your CD player. Because this was distributed by Geneon Universal Entertainment, it would be best to play it on your car audio and enjoy listening the entire Jormungand BGMs while on the move. Some can be a chill, some can be a bit a thrill, and some packs huge suspense in every corner, just like watching the whole Jormungand anime.

TRACK LISTINGS



01 Jormungand 3:57
02 Time to Rock and roll 3:46
03 Jonathan 2:50
04 cul-de-sac 2:58
05 Hard drive music 2:45
06 H.W.Complex no'3 2:36
07 Colmar 2:58
08 Insert 2:22
09 H.W.Complex No'4 2:46
10 “Cogito,ergo sum" 2:51
11 Masala Dosa 3:08
12 Mad symphony 2:45
13 The crafty jewelry 2:52
14 Poached egg 2:17
15 Mania Butterfly 1:50
16 Lamento 3:59
17 Essentia 2:35
18 Alligator 2:46
19 MIM-40-12 3:15
20 H.W.Complex no'5 2:48
21 Rock'n roll boobs 3:41
22 Tristeza 2:57
23 Meu mundo amor 2:46
24 Time to attack 3:32

For English-speaking customers:
http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=GNCA-1335

Let's Do The News! (July 3, 2012)

Time now for the news! And oh! Remember the time you talked about Sengoku Collection, which recently ended in 13 episodes, regarding this whole Sengoku era got a modern twist? You said you were comparing it to Sherlock Holmes.

Uh, did I said that?

Yes, you said that Sengoku Era has been  for the 21st century. You said that Sengoku Collection is a contemporary take on the Sengoku Era set on modern day Japan, just like Sherlock Holmes which was reinterpreted for the 21st century as a movie that starred Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr. or as BBC's TV drama, Sherlock, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. Watson.

Oh....it's kinda hard to see some historic tales got a modern 21st century twist. Comparing Sengoku to Holmes is a bit too rubbish for me. The Sengoku Era from Japan provided us Nobunaga Oda and Tokugawa Ieyasu while the Sherlock Holmes in Britain provided us Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.

What about King Arthur? The medieval tale of Camelot? It's got  reinterpreted  as the cartoon series or that King Arthur movie, or that Disney Channel original movie Avalon High, or even that TV series titled Merlin.

I'm glad you told about that...

(audience laughing)

...and yes it was. Anyway, back to this whole Sherlock thing...I saw the first episode of the first series and it turned out to be fine because of Steven Moffat, who was responsible for Doctor Who, or the eccentric acting of Benedict Cumberbatch. I also heard that the upcoming sequel to the Star Trek movie will feature Benedict Cumberbatch as the baddie. I wonder what Star Trek villain will Benedict Cumberbatch play on that sequel film? Any ideas?

(audience murmuring)

Well, as a matter of fact, we really don't know about it...yet. Anyway, enough of this whole Sherlock because...the only Sherlock I want is...

What? Is it the movie with the Iron Man guy? The books? The TV drama with Benedict Cumberbatch on it?

Nope. Even better....

What? What? What?

Sherlock Shellingford

(audience laughing hysterically)

Who?!!

Sherlock Shellingford. From Milky Holmes!

Nendoroid Sherlock Shellingford

(audience laughing)

Who? She...Sher....Sherlock Shellingford?!!!

Some say she's a descendant of Sherlock Holmes and one of the favorites of Milky Holmes.

Oooohh!!! Mr. Cumberbatch's not going to like this!!! >_<

(audience laughing)

Yep! Anyway, take note, Tantei Opera Milky Holmes 2 is coming to PSP this August 23, 2012. Limited edition includes a Nendoroid and a Weiss Schwarz card. On the other hand, filming for the next season of BBC Sherlock is underway in January 2013. Moving on, we went through the internet and notice something that I'm not kinda familiar of...

Renault Clio/Lutecia Mk4

I still don't know what that car is but some say....

Some say this is a new generation Renault Clio/Lutecia.

...the what?

Yes, it's the fourth generation Renault Clio/Lutecia.

Really?

Yes.

(audience laughing)

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/07/u-find-first-official-photo-of-all-new.html

....Oh...is that how the Renault Clio IV looked like...okay. Now moving on...

(audience laughing)

I went through the official BBC America blog titled ANGLOPHENIA -British Culture with an American Accent- and I love this when it comes to see something BBC, something Top Gear, something Doctor Who. Now, on their latest ANGLOPHENIA entry, I read something that most Doctor Who fans would love...if you're from 2005 (sorry...) It's um... HOW TO DRESS LIKE ROSE TYLER.

Wha....?! How to dress like Rose Tyler? The former Doctor Who companion when this show was returned on the telly since 2005 when Christopher Eccleston took place for the whole series before David Tennant takes over for Series 2?

Exactly. According to the ANGLOPHENIA blog, says here that...

1: Hair – Blonde, straight, centre-parted, no bangs, collar-bone length.

2: Jacket – deep purple leather windcheater with elasticated cuffs and a zip-up front. Waist length.

3: Top -  deep pink sweater, scoop-necked and long enough to pop out of the bottom of the jacket to keep your bum warm.

4: Trousers – black. Straight legged or boot cut. Something a bit swishy around the ankle, is what we’re after here.

5: Shoes – black and shiny, round-toed and ready for running about it. Let’s not go mad with the heels.

6: Accessories – well apart from the massive Dalek-shooting gun, everything else is pretty minimal. No necklace or rings, some gold hooped earrings which remain tucked behind the hair. Warrior Rose keeps things simple.

Scoop: http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2012/07/how-to-dress-like-rose-tyler/

Aw man...I really don't like being Rose Tyler because...it's too old for them...it's too seven years ago...and it's too Billie Piper-ish...

Billie Piper is the Swindon-born actress who played Rose on Doctor Who. Don't forget that...

Also don't want to be Martha Jones because...I'm not as spunky as her. I really want to be...

AMELIA JESSICA (AMY) POND?!

Exactly! Because...Rose is a bit too...rubbish as well as Martha. Amy Pond's just right because she has the balance.

(audience laughing)

Anyway, remember the time when Top Gear did the Deadly 720 for the Top Gear Festival in Durban? Guess what? HOT WHEELS responded to that matter by doing the DOUBLE LOOP DARE courtesy of Tanner Foust and Greg Tracy. The success led them a Guinness World Record for "racing two vehicles through a six-story double vertical loop."

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/team-hot-wheels-successfully-completes-double-loop-dare

Top Gear did the DEADLY 720 but HOT WHEELS countered it with the DOUBLE LOOP DARE? Touche!

(audience laughing)

Seems that the Double Loop Dare did won my heart more than Top Gear's DEADLY 720. Sorry Clarkson. Sorry Hammond. Sorry May. You have to do better than that!

HEY!!!!

(audience laughing)

Speaking of Top Gear, it seems that Series 12 of Top Gear aired in South Korea's XTM channel and narration by TGK's Kim Jin Pyo. It was the one with....The lorry driving adventure. Yep.

Seems that Koreans had a chance to watch Series 12 of Top Gear on XTM.

Exactly. It's 10:45PM Korea Standard Time. That's how Koreans going to watch the good times of Clarkson, Hammond, and May.

HEY!!!!

(audience laughing)

Anyway, you know that Subaru Exiga 7-seater MPV? Okay, for the 2013 Model Year, the Exiga now has a variant that comes with the Subaru Eyesight Ver. 2 driving support system that avoids collision or reduces collision damages. The stereo camera design that detects moving objects, Lane Departure and Sway Warning feature can detect if the car begins to wander outside the intended lane without a turn signal being used, or if the car begins to sway within the travel lane, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a feature that automatically brakes when an object is detected, to help mitigate collision damage.

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/1106227/

Subaru Exiga...with the Eyesight Ver. 2 driving support system? ぶつからないミニバン？

(audience laughing)

Indeed it is but also for the 2013 MODEL YEAR, the Exiga comes with a special limited edition model tuned by STi, it's called EXIGA tS.

(oooohhh)

2013 Subaru Exiga tS

2013 Subaru Exiga tS

2013 Subaru Exiga tS interior

2013 Subaru Exiga tS interior

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/1106219/

URL: http://www.sti.jp/product/exigats/

Subaru Exiga tuned by STi! Exiga tS!

Indeed! Anyway, this special model is limited to 300 units and it's available only in Japan. What you got here are some special tS badges, STi steering wheel, STi seats, tuned suspension, 18-inch rims, special exhaust, and loads of extras to keep the 2013 Exiga tS unique for the customers. A hot MPV shouldn't get any hotter than this...for the rainy season...

(audience laughing)

Anyway, still has 2.0L boxer 4 engine, 225PS of power, 326Nm of torque, Symmetrical AWD, 5-speed AT with paddle shifters, 3,748,500 Japanese Yen.

3,748,500 Japanese Yen? Sounds pretty shabby for a minivan tweaked for sporty purposes but to me I think it's not too sporty if you're a dad carrying the kids, taking them to school, and something something something....

(audience laughing)

Yeah, sporty minivans like the Spada, Voxy, Serena Highway Star, they're wasn't really sporty when it comes to their practicality. I mean, sure, they have mean looks but sadly they're not meant to be oriented for the single men but only for the dads. This Exiga tS, this is just made for dads, not for young 20-ish single men. Who cares about it?

Oh, and you might be guessing that only dads would drive it?

Exactly.

(audience laughing)

Hey now, Ssangyong Rodius, launched in 2004, most ugliest minivan in the world, a minivan "that looks like it got bottled in a pub brawl and stitched back together by a blind man" according to Top Gear Magazine, discontinued late last year. Guess what? The Rodius is back under the new pseudonym "RODIUS EURO" (로디우스 유로)

2013 Ssangyong Rodius Euro

(oohhh)

What....the world's ugliest people carrier, the Ssangyong Rodius, is back with a vengeance as the RODIUS EURO?! How's that possible?

I don't know, maybe he demanded the maker to deserve a second chance. This Rodius kinda never giving up on its fight even though it looks a bit ugly. Anyway, RODIUS EURO comes with the e-XDi200 diesel engine that produces 155PS of power and it's available in either a 6-speed MT or a E-Tronic Benz 5-speed AT. Available colors are GRAND WHITE, FINE SILVER, and SPACE BLACK.

URL: http://www.smotor.com/kr/showroom/rodius.html

Even though it's back with the vengeance and with the price tag of 23,990,000  Korean Won for the RD 400 2WD M/T up to 32,990,000 Korean Won for the Platinum 4WD A/T, we really don't want one.

Why?

Because it's UGLY.

(audience laughing)

Everybody knows that the Ssangyong Rodius is "the ugliest car ever made". The end. (laughing) THAT'S THE NEWS!!!!

The one with.....211mph (340kph) of top speed

We begin with a letter from someone who is from Japan...

(Japanese accent)

Dear Forza,

We're from a rival video game. Back in February, you took us our Mazda 787B for your upcoming DLC but now, you taken us this!

This Japanese man's right! They did it...again!

As with the Mazda 787B we have back in February, we shall be driving this car straight from THE MEGUIAR'S CAR PACK; the RUF CTR Yellowbird.

Yellowbird flaps its wings at the Top Gear Test Track

Based on the 1987 911 Carrera 3.2 as opposed to the 930, the RUF CTR Yellowbird features an enlarged and highly tuned version of Porsche's 3.2L boxer 6 engine as well as lightened body panels, integrated roll cage, upgraded suspension, and braking systems, custom-designed 5-speed MT, and unique trim pieces such polyurethene bumpers and fender-mounted oil filter.

This car was nicknamed "Yellowbird" when tested by ROAD & TRACK magazine. With record breaking speeds such as 0-60mph time of 3.7 seconds, and top speed of 211mph (340kph), this was the FASTEST machine in the world back then, outperforming greats such as the Ferrari F40 and the Porsche 959.

There is another fun fact about this majestic Yellowbird is that it lapped round the Nurburgring in 8 minutes and 5 seconds so we believe that it's as quicker as the BMW M3 E92 and more importantly, faster than the BMW Z8 E52 or even the old Audi RS4! 8:05? Really? Is the Yellowbird lapped the Nurburgring in 8:05?! Here: http://jalopnik.com/5216411/faszination-nurburgring-ruf-ctr-yellowbird-reminds-us-to-keep-it-real

As for the pricing, the RUF CTR Yellowbird costs $223,000 in 1987, over twice the price of a Lamborghini Countach! But with all that pricing...is it possible for this RUF-tuned 911 be any better than the 911 of some other era? Because it based on the 1987 911 Carrera 3.2 as opposed to the 930, Porsche's factory turbocharged version of the 911, we're looking for a 930-type Porsche and we have one...sort of....

Don't be deceived...

What we have here is the Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3 (930) and what we gonna do is compare them. On the 911 Turbo 3.3, this has the 3.3L boxer 6 engine that churns out 300PS of power and 430Nm of torque. The RUF Yellowbird comes with the highly tuned version of Porsche's 3.2 litre flat-six cylinder engine that churns out 469 hp (350 kW) of power and 408 lb·ft (553 N·m) of torque. The Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3 weighs 1335kg while the Yellowbird weighs 1,170kg.

In the straights, the Yellowbird can easily trounce the 911 Turbo 3.3 but what about on the Top Gear Test Track? To find out, we lend it over to Sir Arthur Conan Stig...

Our Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3 (930) did it in 1:29.716 while our RUF CTR Yellowbird did it in 1:19.622, which means it's faster by a huge margin even the fact the in terms of handling, it takes a driver with a higher skill to master the Yellowbird. Because most 911's always have their engines in the back, it's pretty hard to handle but with practice, you'll get the hang of it. No wonder Richard Hammond loves the Porsche 911 from different eras...

Anyway forget about this and word from the players that this car dominated June's Community Monthly rivals event titled Twin-Turbo Drag. Most experienced players who take on that event were using RUF Yellowbirds but the top 10 players who drove tuned Yellowbirds on that event were;

1) [IWSU] WSR MSACE - 0:09.241

2) JUGGIN MD - 0:09:249

3) [fass] brace4implosion - 0:09.250

4) [xWSR] BigCal3000 - 0:09.250

5) [IWSU] SMOKEYx561 - 0:09.250

6) [FZM] xWFOxTryME - 0:09.254

7) [FZM] MS AMANDA01 - 0:09.255

8) [FZM] MrCASSIUS CLAY - 0:09.256

9) [IWSU] vw Jerr - 0:09.259

10) [IWSU] SmokedOutRacing - 0:09.259

WSR MSACE's Yellowbird

Even though it came from the late 1980's and even though it was a limited-production mode which is based on the 1987 911 Carrera 3.2, this car is somewhat quicker in today's standards! With the top speed of 211 mph (340 km/h), you should be grateful that this blast from the past is a must have for the Forza faithfuls. Trust me on this, this is even QUICKER than the biblical terrible Porsche 911 GT2 RS which has a top speed of 328 km/h (204 mph)!

Welcome Back: 2009 Holden HSV w427

We're simply imagining that we're in
Holden's top secret proving grounds....

We really do miss Top Gear Australia. Can't believe they've got cancelled because...um...let's just say after their humiliating loss against Clarkson, Hammond, and May in THE ASHES challenge. Yep, Top Gear Australia was cancelled after their loss at THE ASHES challenge episode. Anyway, there are some past memories only TGA fans remembered. We're also remembering this when Steve Pizzati, who was Top Gear Australia presenter back then, visited Holden's top secret testing facility somewhere in Australia where he test drove the limited-edition flagship of the HSV range which is called the w427.

HSV's w427 is a special-edition model based on the E Series lineup made by Holden Special Vehicles. It was launched in 2008 in celebration of the company's 20th anniversary. It was based on the HSV GTS but it has the 7.0L LS7 V8 engine lifted from the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. This produces 375kW of power and 640Nm of torque.

The naming is somewhat a combination of factors; W refers to Tom Walkinshaw and thr 427 refers to the engine capacity in cubic inches but it was a tribute to the HRT 427C, which won the 2002 and 2003 Bathurst 24 Hour.

Even when production of the w427 was ended and even when Top Gear Australia was axed for good, they're still one of the most fondest memories only a Top Gear Australia fan would love.

Welcome Back: 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The challenge; go flat out in one gear!

This is the kind of car that set the Top Gear Test Track on fire...literally. Well, Mr. Clarkson, don't even blame Tiff and Vicky for being responsible on the barn arson that destroyed Top Gear TV props back in 2007 (such jealousy of course...). Don't even blame the man who previously owned a Toyota pickup that with several tortures, it's still alive and immortal. Don't even blame the Southerners since the US Special. And don't even blame someone from the English Channel. Blame it on the one that once set the Top Gear props on fire; the fiery 7.0L-powered Corvette Z06.

Seven liters of American-friendly fire, over 500BHP of power, weighs less than the standard Corvette, and cheaper than the Ferrari 575M Maranello by a 100,000 Pound margin (WOW), that's how Corvette Z06 did set the Top Gear Test Track on fire...literally.

While this seven-litre monster no Ferrari, it does manage to set a seriously impressive time when its handed over to the the Stig, 1:22.4 to be exact. Sadly though, Jeremy Clarkson made fun of the Corvette's sat-nav system for being TOO American like for instance; it will only find a nearest Burger King, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, or any other fast food chain nearest you.

Anyway, this 7.0L monster makes the most BRUTAL noises and it feels like it was fueled with The Fury. The Z06 is perfect enough to set every racetracks in Forza 4 to its reign of fire. We really wonder if this one caused the barn arson that destroyed most of the Top Gear props back in 2007, way before Series 10 began.

Hot Wheels Ferrari 250GT California Spyder 1:18 scale

I bought something at the Northwest Historics events as a souvenir from my trip...

It's a HOT WHEELS 1:18-scale model of the legendary Ferrari 250GT California Spyder.

Pretty, isn't it? I didn't realize that Chris Evans has a 250GT California. Really? I saw it in one episode of Top Gear when James May take a visit to Chris Evans' car collection and James May even have a chance to drive his childhood favorite, which is the 250GT California Spyder!

From every angle, this diecast model of the 250GT California Spyder really looks good. The doors opened very well with my fingers and such beauty really makes it a collector's item! Yum!

I once have a 1:18-scale SLS AMG in my closet and when I compare these two...ooh!!! It was like nostalgia meets modernization! Even that they're not from the same league, both the 250GT and the SLS AMG really looked nice in my mind. For now, I have two diecast cars in my collection. Wonder what I'll get next?

I think I just hear someone leaking about the 2013 Mitsubishi Proudia and Dignity!

Some Japanese blogger snapped photos of his acquired brochure about the upcoming 2013 Mitsubishi Proudia (which is based on the Nissan Fuga Y51) and the upcoming 2013 Mitsubishi Dignity (which is the LWB version of the Nissan Fuga Y51...which is the Cima we think). Take a look..

So to expect...the 2013 Mitsubsihi Proudia will have the same 2.5L and 3.7L V6 engines as the Nissan Fuga Y51 while the 2013 Mitsubishi Dignity will have...the 3.5L V6 engine with hybrid powertrain...that's about the same you'll get from the Fuga Hybrid or the new Cima.

Scoop: http://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid/323567/blog/26986564/

24th Annual Pacific Northwest Historics Vintage Races

Despite that it rained at the Pacific Raceways, we visited the 24th Annual Pacific Northwest Historics held at Pacific Raceways and sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Seattle. I was greeted by a bunch of car clubs present at that venue...

From Fiats, Fairlady Z's, MG's, Minis, Alfas, Lotuses, even the mighty DeLorean from the Back To The Future trilogy, those car clubs of all sorts really wowed me since my visit to the Pacific Raceways.

There was one car I'm not utterly familiar off...it was a 1962 KELLISON but sorry, I have no idea what is this classic racer...

This one looks cool, a Smart Fortwo smothered with Rosso Corsa color and some Ferrari badges on it! Whoever owns this must have been a Ferrari fan who couldn't afford a Ferrari. He he he...

Vintage racers are the stars of the race. They came from various eras with various classes but the glorious noises from the classic racers are truly epic. They're more of a GOLDEN GOODIES and it feels like I went back in time to watch a race! Woo-hoo!

There's the Mercedes-Benz of Seattle booth!

This is the E63 AMG but...

This one has the all new M157 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine, the kind of engine Forza blokes don't want to feature a single Mercedes-AMG model with the M157 engine on it.

This is the SLS AMG but that's the Roadster model. Sure, this model was featured on Top Gear.

The AutoCenter Northwest booth does feature the hottest luxury cars but for me, they're not as hot as this...

The all new Range Rover Evoque. Basically one of my favorites....

For my full gallery: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3869181566796.2156815.1196293706&type=3&l=f0c5ad332a

This trip to the Pacific Raceways will serve as my one step further for being a petrolhead. Those car clubs present, those classic racers, that's what amazed me at the 24th Annual Pacific Northwest Historics Vintage Races