Mercedes-Benz New SLK55 AMG (R172)

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG interior

You would hope that all AMG models are turbocharged because most models like the S63 AMG, CLS63 AMG, and the E63 AMG. However, this one is not and unlike non-turbo AMG models like the C63 AMG and the SLS AMG, it doesn't carry the 63 moniker. It retains the "55" moniker even though this new SLK AMG is based on the R172 SLK Roadster. This new SLK55 AMG from Mercedes-Benz's sport division, AMG, wasn't made to be more powerful than the rest. Why?

Under the hood, the new SLK55 AMG is powered by an all new M152 5.5L V8 direct injection engine. This all new engine provides 422PS of power output and 540Nm of torque, allowing the new SLK55 AMG reaching 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds and flatout in 250kph. That new model may have been faster than the normal SLK but in my points of interests, this SLK55 AMG would have become the weakest of the AMG bloodline.

Despite being the weakest of the AMG range because of its engine, the new SLK55 AMG comes with an all new, and I'm not joking, variable cylinder management you commonly noticed it from the Honda Inspire. This variable cylinder management allows the M152 engine to run on four cylinders, providing maximum fuel efficiency and less emissions than the rest. This new feature made the new SLK55 AMG the most fuel efficient in the AMG lineup, Overall, it has CO2 emissions of 195g/km, making it the lowest of the AMG range. This new cylinder management is done if the driver has switched the transmission mode to Controlled Efficiency.

The new SLK55 AMG comes ready with the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic transmission that comes with the manual mode to take full advantage of its paddle shifting technology, providing the free will to shift the way you move.

For enhanced fairness in cornering, the new SLK55 AMG won't be done without an available AMG Handling Package engineered for the track racing in mind. Thanks to its AMG Performance suspension, AMG rear axle differential lock, two-piece brake discs at the front and a three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel, you should say that this package should be enough if you're tackling against the tight corners of the Nurburgring.

The new SLK55 AMG is available in 11 exterior colors such as Diamantweiss, Indiumgrau, Tenoritgrau, Cavansitblau, Schwarz, Perlbeige, Palladiumsilber, Obsidianschwarz, Iridiumsilber, Glenitsilber, and Feueropal.

My Comment:
Remaining the 55 moniker for this hardcore version of the SLK-Class is too rubbish because I thought the Mercedes-AMG division is supposed to be an all-turbo lineup but no. Last year, we just hoped that the facelifted C63 AMG range will use the 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine but no, they still stick with the old 6.2L Natural Aspiration V8 engine. This SLK55 AMG used the 5.5L V8 engine but stripped out its twin-turbo aspiration and switched with some kind of variable cylinder management that allows this new model to run on four cylinders. RUBBISH! I DON'T WANT THIS!

Photo: Daimler AG

"Tuloy-tuloy ang Araw"

What just happened at the January 6, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang?

- "Di kita mahal" gags

- Can Ms. Galactic winner carry all of her winnings by herself?

- What will Bureche's New Year's Resolution be?

- Three shepherds encountered an angel bringing in some good news but that's not what they meant...

- Sira ang araw mo sa allergies. Bubble Gang does Benadryl One by spoofing this commercial as Buenadryl One! Sa Buenadryl One, tuloy-tuloy ang araw!

Bubble Gang does Benadryl One

- Start the New Year right with a fresh dose of Bubble Gang Pick-Up Lines!

1) Wag kang gagalaw! Para going steady na tayo!

2) Si Josh Groban ka ba? Kasi, you raise me up!

3) Di ako gumamit ng paputok ngayon New Year. Kasi pag naiisip kita, sumasabog ang mundo ko.

4) Humps ka ba? Kasi, pag nakikita kita, napapahinto ako

5) Ako si Juan Tamad at ikaw ang bayabas. Kasi, aantayin kitang mahulog sa akin.

6) Ikaw ang kumukumpleto sa araw ko! Sorry! Wrong number!

7) Anong tagalog ng I love you? Mahal kita!

8) Ikaw ang toyo sa kanin ko! Kasi, kasi, kasi, tape!

- There are different styles of "panguutang" told by Ogie...

- Those secret lovers are too tasty to be discreet, especially if someone's is James Wang!

- IyoTube in Auld Lang Syne

- A Security Guard who is too INSECURE!

Subaru receives 7000 orders for the new Impreza range!!!!

2012 Subaru Impreza Sport

The new 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport and the new 2012 Subaru Impreza G4 is the evolution of one of the most recognizable Subaru models ever made and when it went on sale since December 2011, it scored a record-breaking 7000 units sold across Japan, exceeding the 2200 unit per month target and making this latest generation a complete success.

Scoop: http://www.carview.co.jp/green/news/0/4523/

Unfamiliar Tuner

Song played on my Personal BGM: Mommy Complex by Peaches

From the album: I Feel Cream

Opera S2000 and Opera 350Z hanging around
at the Top Gear Test Track

In the days of GT4, there was one tuner that I am not utterly familiar of. You may never heard of it or seen it but this tuner has a strong affiliation with the Gran Turismo crew. That was Opera Performance, a tuner name you are not familiar with but getting familiar with their tuned versions of the S2000 and the Z33.

With Gran Turismo 5 on the run, we are now getting knowledgeable about the Opera S2000 and the Opera Z33. Firstly, let's go over with the Opera Z33. It maybe more of a 350Z to you but this Z33 modified by Opera Performance features an enhanced body kit to make it more aggressive, toughened chassis, improved suspension, lightweight titanium exhaust, and aerodynamics created by the Gran Turismo team. Under the hood, it produces about 335HP/7600rpm of power and 249lb-ft/5500rpm of torque. The Opera Z33 only weighs about 1340kg so I could say about somewhat lighter than the normal Z33.

Now, on the Opera S2000. This Opera-modified Honda S2000 might be lacking more power than the Opera Z33 because of its 261HP power output but what it makes it up for its lack of power is the weight that is somewhat lighter than the Opera Z33 because it is 930kg, allowing the Opera S2000 to corner more efficiently than the Z33 thanks to its improved aerodynamics. Scientifically said that the Opera S2000 is the car developed using GT data for performance figures.

So, the Opera Z33 is excelled to be the most powerful Z33 ever made while the Opera S2000 is made to be the lightest S2000 ever made, with Gran Turismo-inspired technology on it because Opera Performance was a Gran Turismo affiliate. With Gran Turismo technology, these two tuned JDM cars are made with science and shaped to be more track-ready and competitive.

Renault Scenic Collection 2012

2012 Renault Scenic

2012 Renault Grand Scenic

For the 2012 model year, both the Renault Scenic (5-seater) and the Renault Grand Scenic (7-seater) receive subtle upgrades. For that, you should expect new front lamps, new front bumper, new rear view design, two new Renault Energy dCi engines and get this, the limited edition BOSE Edition becomes a regular variant for the 2012MY Scenic and 2012MY Grand Scenic.

What's more, the interior has been tweaked with a beige trim on the Expression and Privilege versions and dark charcoal trim for the Privilege versions.

At least that's not raving mad...

Available this January 2012!

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/12/renault-facelifts-scenic-mpv-range-on.html 

Renault Megane Collection 2012

2012 Renault Megane Coupe

2012 Renault Megane

2012 Renault Megane Estate

2012 Renaultsport Megane

For the 2012 Model Year, the Renault Megane range gets refreshed with minor exterior updates and engine tweaks. That's right. you could expect LED daytime running lights, revised front bumper, two new colors such as "Majorelle Blue" and "Pearlescent White", optional two-tone leather-Alcantara combination on the interior, and the ever popular BOSE Edition is now an official new variant.

Megane GT and GT-Line variants will get "boomerang" LED lights, red upholstery stitching, sports steering wheel, dashboard trim strip, and Renaultsport-badged doorsill guards.

Expect new engines on the Renault Megane Collection 2012 such as the 1.2L TCe 115 Energy engine that provides more power and torque than the 1.6L engine it replaces. Also available is the all new Energy dCi 100 diesel engine.

The Renaultsport Megane and the Renaultsport Megane Trophy gets power upgrades when the driver selects the Sport mode in the Dynamic Management system.

On sale in Europe this March 2012.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/01/renault-rejuvenates-megane-for-2012.html

The 107-C1-Aygo triplets' Phase III

2013 Citroen C1

2013 Peugeot 107

2013 Toyota Aygo

The triplets from Czech Republic; the Peugeot 107, the Citroen C1, and the Toyota Aygo, were all given a second facelift for the 2013 model year. Those minor changes will be making their debut at the 2012 Brussels Motor Show on January 10.