Honda Stepwgn 4th generation facelift

2013 Honda StepWGN Spada

2013 Honda StepWGN

The 4th generation Honda StepWGN, launched since October 2009, is now on its minor change for the 2013 model year and with such changes comes with some improvements that is now proven to be much more fuel efficient than the Nissan Serena C26. The changes occurred for the 2013 StepWGN were very very specific. The normal StepWGN now has a new front grille while the stylish StepWGN Spada gained a much stylish front grille, some silver paneling below the grille, new front bumper, and the refined rear lamps.

2013 Honda StepWGN Spada interior

2013 Honda StepWGN interior

Although, the outside was new, the inside remains the same. It still accommodates up to eight people, which is a fitting take for an average Japanese family, and it can be folded for multiple seating arrangements suitable for any situation. Those who are looking for some navigation would be wise to choose an optional HDD with Honda InterNavi on it for real time navigation.

So, the question is, can the 2013 StepWGN really be more fuel efficient than the Nissan Serena C26?! Let's find out. The Nissan Serena's MR20DD has a fuel economy of 14.6km/L based on Japan's JC08 mode cycle. Here on the 2013 StepWGN, it still comes with the R20A engine but now, it comes with the idling stop system. The idling stop system is part of Honda's Earth Dreams Technology and this feature shuts the engine off when stopped and starts it again when the driver's foot is on the pedal, to save petrol. If I meant to say "save petrol", the fuel economy, if you go for the normal StepWGN, is 15.0km/L based on Japan's JC08 mode cycle, so on paper, there's a 0.4 gap between them. Even if the StepWGN Spada's fuel economy is 14.8km/L, it still trounced the Serena C26's fuel economy. What's more aside from the idling stop offered on the StepWGN, it comes equipped with the new generation CVT. Those features really made them attract the new and improved "Eco Car Genzei" system.

There are nine colors available on the StepWGN, depending on the variant, such as Super Platinum Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic, White Crystal Pearl, Premium Super Cool Black Pearl, Crimson Pearl, Premium Cosmic Violet Pearl, Aurora Suede Pearl, and Hidamari Ivory Pearl.

My Comment:



So, the facelifted StepWGN is now fuel efficient than the latest Nissan Serena thanks to its idling stop and the newly developed CVT. Those features did really attract the new and improved "Eco Car Genzei" system and these StepWGN variants, either the normal or the Spada, are a perfect fit for a typical Japanese families. If you're looking for a fuel-efficient minivan in Japan, this is the minivan to buy. Hopefully, this facelifted model would come in Hong Kong soon and I hope it won't be noticed by those Japan-MPV-attracting smugglers, most who are from Malaysia and Indonesia...the idiots...

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Let's Do The News (April 8, 2012)

Glitterfy.com - Easter Glitter Graphics

Happy easter, everyone! So, how's the long weekend? Anything discovered you want me to asked? If so, let's do the news, folks!

Right, and let's start with an obituary to the creator of the original Porsche 911. Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, grandson of Porsche founder Ferdinand Porsche, and the designer behind the first generation of the iconic Porsche 911, passed away on Thursday at the age of 76.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/designer-of-original-porsche-911-passes-away

Very sad for Porsche fans from around the world to mourn the passing of the 911's creator. It's very sad for us to see one of the legendary faces passed away but the legacy lives on.

Oh! Haven't you heard? Production of the BMW 1M Coupe has come to an end! This was announced by Karl Magsuci, marketing manager for BMW's authorized distributor in the Philippines, Asian Carmakers Corporation, at the recenly concluded Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/bmw-wraps-up-production-of-1-series-m-coupe

Oh, how sad for us! Sorry to see the BMW 1M Coupe came to an end but still it was the best car while it lasted but don't worry, there's something to cheer us up because...

THE VIPER RETURNS!

(applause)

That's right, folks! The Viper returns on the new name, SRT Viper. Nope, not the Dodge Viper SRT10 but it's now SRT Viper. It still packs the 8.4L V10 engine but with the triple-digit weight loss, this now has a better power-to-weight ratio than the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 or the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1! 

No wait, better power-to-weight ratio than the Lamborghini Aventador? Oh wow! That snake really bit my favorite car! Ho ho ho ho!

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/new-york-2012-return-of-the-snake

For a bigger treat, it's coming soon on Forza Motorsport 4 via DLC on the second half of this year! This will pack the 2013 SRT Viper and an Autovista feature where you'll learn more about Viper heritage and what's what about the SRT Viper.

Scoop: http://forzamotorsport.net/en-us/2013_srt_viper/

Well, it's a long time before the SRT Viper arrives on Forza 4 but for an alternative, I have found a way to indulge with the new SRT Viper. That's CAR TOWN

Because it's Viper Week on CAR TOWN, it seems that this Facebook game will returning every single Dodge Viper for a limited time and this is the first to feature the all new SRT Viper. Yep. CAR TOWN was the first to feature the SRT Viper but it has a limited inventory so get it while you can.

Excuse me, CAR TOWN has the new 2013 SRT Viper? Wow, I'll pass and wait for Forza 4's Viper Pack soon.

(laughing)

Anyway, the New York Auto Show occurred now and up until April 15. So, what's what you saw on that venue?

1) Acura RLX Concept - Acura imagines what would their RL replacement would look like if it went to production next year. Could this be the next Honda Legend?

2) BMW X1 minor change - It maybe a minor change but it's coming for the first time in the USA soon.

3) Buick Enclave minor change - This facelifted version is now an enlarged Encore

4) Cadillac SRX minor change - although some subtle changes in the front, we'd expect that it now comes with Cadillac's CUE infotainment system.

5) 2014 Chevrolet Impala - So, the Impala now getting its full model change and it will go on sale next year, with this new face? Wowies...

6) 2013 Chevrolet Traverse minor change

7) Dodge Dart Rallycross - Looks like the Dodge Dart is ready for some rallying! Woo hoo!

8) Fisker Atlantic - It's a new kind of an electric sports sedan that what would expect since the Karma.

9) 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe - Remember, the new Santa Fe is coming in Korea in April but will they have the LWB version? The Santa Fe now has two body styles; a normal version that accommodates 5-people while the LWB accommodates 7-people.  Hopefully, those two body styles should come in South Korea soon. Hopefully, don't smuggle those unless HARI got those.

10) Infiniti LE Concept - Infiniti imagines their electric luxury midsize sedan...

11) Mitsubishi RVR minor change - So, will this facelifted RVR would come in Japan soon?

...and more with that came from but we can't explain more because we're running out of time. That's the news!

Meeting up with the Scion tC...

The old Scion tC

Now, this here is the Scion tC. A few years ago, I drove one on Midnight Club 3 DUB Edition as a starter car and I found it a bit...lame but for those who are adrenaline junkies, they can improve the breed by modifying the tC into anything they like. It even has a racing pedigree and it has strong involvement on the Formula Drift, especially when Tanner Foust competed on it using the drift-spec tC with Rockstar livery. Anyway, I shall now explain with a bit noisy history lesson.

At the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, Scion, Toyota's youth-oriented brand, launched the tC, which serves as the main competitor to the Honda Civic Si and the Hyundai Tuscani. Originally, they could have called this the xC because of the Scion naming that goes like the xA (1st generation ist), xB (1st generation was based on the Toyota bB until the 2nd generation was more like the Corolla Rumion), and the xD (2nd generation ist) but the XC naming was trademarked by Volvo for their lineup of SUVs. However, there's nothing wrong with it because the tC naming stands for TOURING COUPE, according to Scion.

It went on sale in USA in the summer of 2004 as a 2005 model and it comes with a 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine that produces 160hp of power and 221Nm of torque. In 2006, the Scion tC received a 5-star NHTSA crash test rating of five stars for both Frontal Crash Test Driver and Side Impact Rating Rear. The first limited edition, dubbed as tC Release Series, was launched in 2005, limited to just 2500 units and finished with Absolutely Red.  Every year, there is always a Release Series for the Scion and resale values of Release Series vehicles command a premium because of their packaged options and scarcity but luckily, Scion's "Pure Price" MSRP prohibits dealerships from adding "market-demand" vehicle mark-up.

In 2010, the Scion tC got its full model change, it made a premiere at the 2010 New York Auto Show, and it went on sale in the autumn of 2010. Sadly, Forza Motorsport 4 didn't put the second-generation tC until now....

The new Scion tC in action

That's right folks. The April Alpinestars Pack did include the second-generation Scion tC (at long last!) and what you're looking at it now is a bit less radical than the first generation tC. For starters, the 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine from the old one has been replaced by a more potent 2.5L 2AR-FE engine. For the first time, the second-generation Scion tC was sold in China, Middle East, and Latin American markets as the TOYOTA ZELAS.

From every angle, I can see its robust angle straining to burst out of its bodywork and this was made to own and handle the streets. (Cue the Scion jingle!)

Old tC vs. New tC

How does the new tC stack up against the old tC? For starters, the old Scion tC comes with a 2.4L 2AZ-FE straight-4 engine that produces 160 hp (119 kW) @ 5700 rpm of power and 163 lb·ft (221 N·m) @ 4000 rpm of torque. 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds, 0-100mph in 19.7 seconds, and top speed of 136.4mph. The new Scion tC comes with the 2.5L 2AR-FE straight-4 engine that produces 180 hp (134 kW) @ 6000 rpm of power and 173 lb·ft (235 N·m) @ 4100 rpm of torque. 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds, 0-100mph in 19.2 seconds, and top speed of 139mph. On paper though, the new Scion tC is much more powerful and better than the old tC but how does it compare to other FWD coupes such as the Kia Forte Koup or the new 2012 Honda Civic Si? Almost impossible to say because these two completely trounced the new Scion tC in terms of performance figures!

It's the Scion tC RS 7.0!

Now, there was an available body kit for the new Scion tC and it was way too obvious to put it on my current car and I have to buy another 2012 Scion tC. This body kit will replicate the one you saw from the Scion tC RS (Release Series) 7.0 but for best results, equip it with WedsSport SA-97 F rims, paint that rims in black, and paint the body with something that is more like High Voltage Yellow. However, if you're more of a RACE REPLICA type, you might want to spend the rest of your life recreating the one driven by Fredric Aasbo for Team Need For Speed but that is way too obvious to show it. In the meantime, I should stick with my new Scion tC that has the look of the Release Series 7.0 because that is much better to look at and that's enough.

To sum up then, the Scion tC is much more better than the old one but if you think that the new tC is a bit boring and if the Kia Forte Koup is not the answer, get a new Honda Civic Si. That's it.

ITC280 Update 1

As some you know, I am currently taking ITC280 at the Seattle Central Community College. I'll be using this blog to save my progress during class. This will help my teacher, Mr. Bill Newman, keep tabs in my progress. All comments and suggestions are highly appreciated.

My current progress as follows:

- As of now, I made a blog post, which is part of ITC280's Assignment One and I did now.

- Yesterday, during class, I already made the ITC280 Staging Page, which you can see one at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zm_vU1CqCzqijl-H1Ip3NtyhI1w35GimO5H_DZeY5ro/edit

- Worked on the Time Tracker Spreadsheet

- I am still waiting for my ordered book, titled PHP for the Web: Visual QuickStart Guide (4th Edition)
by Larry Ullman, to arrive in my home

- Working on the Week 1 Class Exercises

...That is all.

That's all folks!

Noble M600

And, that's it! It's been eight weeks of seeing truck driving, muscle cars, dangerous cars, crossing through the continental divide, building their own limousines, Donald Trump vs. Top Gear, Rutledge took over the show, and of course, the very latest, driving the worst cars in America such as the Pontiac Aztek, Yugo, and the Ford Mustang II. So far, True Blood's Stephen Moyer was the fastest "Big Star in a Small Car".

Hope I've enjoyed that season of Top Gear USA. And thank goodness the American version of Top Gear did featured some of the Top Gear faves such as the Ariel Atom and the Noble M600.

Maserati's 4-door supercar - The Quattroporte

Although better late than never, the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S has arrived in Forza Motorsport 4 via the April Alpinestars Pack and so far, only two out of the three 4-door supercars featured on Top Gear were here. All we need now is the Porsche Panamera Turbo, which I hope that would be included on May's Porsche Expansion Pack on FM4.

They're getting away through some private jet!

So, Quattroporte, Italian for "four doors", it may be here for about eight years and it's due for a replacement next year but this 4-door supercar really keeping it up to its mojo. If I can remember correctly, the Aston Martin Rapide is more like the ballet dancer, while the Maserati Quattroporte is more like the hitman, and the Porsche Panamera was...um...eh...hmmm...it was somewhat like some dead man who got thrown through the river and then he got up. That Quattroporte is more like a mob car, a car that only the Don would be seating at the rear seat. Speaking of which, it was the Quattroporte's interior! On the Rapide, you still have Aston Martin buttons that can't read in bright sunlight. Then on the Panamera, the buttons are so complicated, it takes a rocket scientist to memorize those. Here on the Quattroporte, what should I say? This is none of these two but it's rubbish. For some criminal minds, there was some straps at the passenger side that once if you were held hostage and if your hands got handcuffed through these, you might be yelling "PLEASE DON'T TAKE ME TO THE WAREHOUSE!" or "PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!!!" or "GET ME OUT OF HERE!" or whatever the hostage might yell. Imagine if the highest ranking Yakuza or Triad would drive that and kidnap you?

They're escaping through the helicopter!

Under the bonnet was the 4.7L V8 engine that produces 440PS of power. 0-60MPH in 5.1 seconds, 0-100MPH in 10.9 seconds, and top speed of 179MPH. It also comes with the gearshift management software, with new features designed to increase driving enjoyment, front and rear suspension system featuring single-rate dampers, stiffer springs and lower ride height, and sports exhaust controlled by pneumatic valves for a deep, throaty and captivating sound. Those features really made this kind of Quattroporte more mob-like rather than being a ballet dancer. It's somewhat reminded me of the Maserati GranTurismo by some ways but that was just the beginning.

The ballet dancer vs. the hitman

This car is much more of a loudmouth than Annabelle Rama. When you hit the sport button, it generates much noise from the exhaust and also, it made it even more stiffer, turning this comfortable limousine into a torture chamber. Yep, you can better yell all you can and no one can hear you scream if the man who kidnapped you, driving the Quattroporte. Imagine if there was a convoy of Quattroportes driving around the streets of New York, that would be great but if ambush occurred, things get messy. Well, doesn't matter because this kind of car really made me think or laugh. If you prefer this Quattroporte, go get it but if you're not, get a Rapide, or if you're not interested on these, wait for the Panamera to arrive on Forza 4's Porsche Expansion Pack. It's your choice...

Let's Do The News (April 4, 2012)

So, how's the April Alpinestars Pack on Forza Motorsport 4? I know your grin on your face, buddy! Seems that you're enjoying the 2012 Jaguar XKR-S!

Exactly! It's powerful than the old 2009 Jaguar XKR-S, better looking than the old XKR-S, and best of all, it was the noise I was really pleased. Seems that every droplet of petrol has been turned into noise when I change gear via a 6-speed flappy-paddle gearbox. Oh, I like that.

2012 Jaguar XKR-S

You shouldn't forget that this was featured on Top Gear and it's not as faster than the 2012 Nissan GT-R that Jeremy Clarkson featured. Sadly, they didn't featured the 2012 Nissan GT-R on FM4 but luckily, I once tried it on GT5 and it was staggeringly quick. Don't think of it as a win, it's a demolition. A demolition of it's own right.

2012 Nissan GTR

Sadly, by the time I put my foot on the pedal of the new XKR-S at the Top Gear Test Track, I didn't beat The Stig's 1:23.3 lap time because I did it in a 1:24.116, making it meaningless. So, let's do the news but because, this is Holy Wednesday, this is our last before taking a break for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday. We'll be back on Easter Sunday.

Anyway, what really bothers me was this...

Is this an SRT Viper?

As we all now, the unveiling ceremony of the 2013 SRT Viper is tomorrow and based on these video stills, it could be it or is it? As I noticed on those....

URL: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/04/2013-srt-viper-now-appears-in-video.html

...it look like that it came out on Forza Motorsport 4. What the heck? Looks like this is somewhat a piece of a jigsaw puzzle, even that this is VIPER WEEK. That confused us with this question; Could this be a future DLC or is it just a concept movie for the upcoming SRT Viper? I'll nab something else once the SRT Viper made its world premiere at 11:55 am New York time. Did I mention that Car Town plans to bring the SRT Viper soon?

Anyway, for more news...

With the GMC Acadia and the Chevrolet Traverse got their minor changes, seems that the Buick Enclave finally gets its minor change for the 2013 Model Year. Take a look at this;

2013 Buick Enclave

This Enclave minor change is more like an enlarged version of the upcoming Encore, and the interior is all new as well.

URL: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/04/2013-buick-enclave-heads-to-new-york.html

I'm glad we see those GM Lambda platform triplets all grown up via minor change. He he he...

Okay, it seems that tonight's the season finale of American Top Gear and this season finale tackles on the worst cars only Tanner, Adam, and Rutledge restore it and sold it by auction. How hard could that be? Also, Tanner Foust flies to UK again to test out a TOP GEAR FAVORITE; the Noble M600!

Noble M600

The NOBLE M600?! Whoa there! Looks like Tanner Foust is out for some NOBLE WORKS!

Uh, NOBLE WORKS?

Yeah! It's Tanner Foust does NOBLE WORKS in Leicester and oh! Celebrity Kal Penn pushes his luck in the Suzuki SX4 for the Big Star Small Car segment.

URL: http://transmission.blogs.topgear.com/2012/04/03/americans-its-top-gear-usas-last-episode-of-the-season-uncool-cars-and-a-very-scary-200-mph/

It all happens tonight in Top Gear USA on History Channel! Anyway, let's move on to something else...

You know what's humiliating?

What?

There was a report that a priest accidentally played some gay porn slideshow in church. No, I'm not kidding. This is shockingly humiliating. Please don't laugh, okay? This is Holy Week, and we have to be ashamed.

URL: http://www.interaksyon.com/infotech/priest-accidentally-plays-gay-porn-slideshow-in-church

Wait! Priest accidentally plays gay porn slideshow in church? OH NO! OH NO! OH NO!

OH YEAH!!

Eh? What's that Kool-Aid guy doing here?! No Kool-Aid guy. You're not involved here, go away.

(laughing)

Anyway, about that, how did that thing happened?

First off, Father Martin McVeigh was showcasing his Powerpoint Presentation to the parents of First Communicants. He connected his USB to the PC to start his Powerpoint presentation when suddenly, some gay porn slideshow showed up thanks to Windows' autoplay.

Why would a religious person kept a dirty secret? What idea was that? Well, honestly, in my point of view, homosexuality can be good or bad but for me, I only prefer lesbians rather than gays. Why? Lesbians are cute to look at. If you see a girl kissed a girl to her cheek, that's okay. What about if you see two men holding hands? That's gross. Remember the "Hindi Pwede sa Lalaki" part from an old Bubble Gang episode?

That's a lesson to be learned. And it's also a Top Gear Top Tip for us then so here's a Top Gear Top Tip; Lesbians are cute to look at but if you see two men kissing together or holding hands, it's stupid.

Maybe perhaps that's the point why you kept saying the "I went on the internet" dialogue that Jeremy Clarkson sputtered out from Top Gear. If you weren't that kind, I would imagine myself throwing plates in the wall just like every Personalan episodes where throwing a plate on the wall is part of anger management.

You know what? Personalan is too pointless. I like watching TV5's Face To Face because this is the best show showing two people fighting at first and later befriended at the end.

I agree with that, Clarksie!

You said that, Hammo!

And that's the news! Have a good holy week, everybody!