Previewing the Seat Ibiza Cupra Minor Change

2012 Seat Ibiza Cupra Concept

Now, back at the AUTO CHINA 2012 in Beijing and Volkswagen's Spanish division, SEAT, began selling in China because their offensive on this growth market is a further stepping stone in the development of the brand and just as important as our investment in the highly attractive, new products that we will introduce in the near future according to SEAT chairman, James Muir.

Their opening salvo in China also previewed what might look like a facelifted version of the Seat Ibiza Mk4 Cupra. The facelifted version of the Seat Ibiza Mk4 was unveiled in Geneva last March and this hotter version is gone up in the world. Some say that the production version of the facelifted Seat Ibiza Mk4 Cupra will go on sale in Europe in Q4 2012.

Further reading: http://www.netcarshow.com/seat/2012-ibiza_cupra_concept/

Nissan Cima HGY51

Two years ago, Nissan's flagship sedan, the Cima, was gone due to the economy. With the Cima gone, Nissan no longer selling cars with V8 engines on it, in fact, there is no such thing as a Nissan Fuga Y51 with a big V8 engine. For over two decades, the Nissan Cima served as the brand's flagship model that lasted for about four generations. For four generations, where does the Nissan Cima heading next?

2013 Nissan Cima

Actually, this is how they've gone next. It's the fifth-generation Nissan Cima, now designated as HGY51, and this is now more of a Fuga LWB or an Infiniti M35hL upon our encounter at the AUTO CHINA 2012. For starters, the magnificent V8 engine has been thrown away and replaced with a more "polar bear friendly" V6 engine with a hybrid powertrain on it. The all new Nissan Cima rides on a chassis that has been stretched 5.9-inches (150mm). Despite the increased length, the new Cima retains its familiar styling thanks to a sloping roofline and extended rear doors.

2013 Nissan Cima interior

2013 Nissan Cima interior

The new Nissan Cima HGY51 is elegantly equipped with semi-aniline leather upholstery, a Bose Surround Sound System with 16 speakers and 14-channel digital amplifier and an "auto intake control" system which remove allergens and bacteria from the air. The world's first forest air conditioner was also in the Cima, providing the fresh air of the forest come inside to give owners the freshness of the outside world they need. Rear passengers are also treated with reclining seats, a dual-screen entertainment system and separate audio / climate controls. On paper, this extended legroom is a fit for a Japanese politician who want to relax after a day's meeting for something something. Oh, and if you were a wealthy Japanese high school student, why don't you watch your favorite episodes of your favorite shows with the best sound quality? You could be getting interested on those...

Safety features for the new Cima? Let's take a look...there was safety shield that takes away the scratches from the car, intelligent pedal that was accompanied with the navigation system, intelligent cruise control, cornering stability assist, Lane Departure Prevention and Lane Departure Warning, and DSSS. (Driving Safety Support Systems) These features bring the owner come closer to safe and pleasant trip on the road.

Classified as part of Nissan's Pure Drive because of its hybrid-ness, the new Cima comes equipped with the 3.5L V6 hybrid VQ engine that produces a power output of 306PS/6,400rpm and the torque output of 35.7kg-m/4,400rpm. Nissan's original one-motor two-clutch parallel hybrid system named "Intelligent Dual Clutch Control" was also included on the new Cima that connects the high-response electric motor and the 3.5-liter VQ35HR V6 engine directly to the transmission, without the use of a traditional torque converter. This results the Cima a JC08 fuel economy of 16.6km/L, that's more than the Lexus LS600hL! That's incredible...

Available colors are Garnet Black, Brilliant Silver, Super Black, Crystal White Pearl, and Blade Silver.

My comment:

2013 Nissan Cima

The fifth-generation Cima is now the synonym of the Nissan Fuga Hybrid but with extended wheel base and a different face. Think of this car like...um...David Tennant...but with an anime look on him. Sorry if I had to say that but anyway, the new Cima hybrid premium sedan is no longer the Cima of yesteryears. There's nothing to explain more about this revival of Nissan's flagship sedan but I might consider it to be a bit more, well let's be kind, let's say meaningless. Once again, Nissan is stuck without a V8 car on their lineup but as the line from Torchwood says that this is the 21st century and you have to be ready but what's Nissan readying with? A flagship hybrid sedan that looks exactly the same as the Fuga Hybrid? I'm sorry but in the land of the Rising Yen, a car like this, would be rather pointless but I can't deny that this flagship sedan is all about being true to its 24 year heritage, then next year it would be the 25th year for the Cima.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Let's Do The News (April 25, 2012)

Right, the news! And last week, despite tensions in Bahrain, the Bahrain GP was happened. Sadly, due to constraints, I won't be telling the whole story about the Bahrain GP but I'll tell you who won; RED BULL RACING'S SEBASTIAN VETTEL.

Really? S. Vettel won the Bahrain GP? Don't care at all...I don't care about Bahrain GP at all, so normal operations resume in May 13, 2012, for the Spain GP. Moving on...

Ah, Jeremy?

Yes, Hammond?

There's more development regarding Doctor Who and some say, Season 7 will be the last for Karen Gillan (as Amy Pond) and Arthur Darvill (as Rory). We kinda disappointed but Karen Gillan's too cute and too pretty to be...(clears throat). Pretty sad that the upcoming Season 7 will be her last but there's more where this show come from because there will be a new companion coming soon on Doctor Who.

Really? Who will replace Karen Gillan after Season 7?

Says here its Jenna-Louise Coleman, the actress from Captain America: The First Avenger and Dancing On The Edge for BBC Two. Some say, she nailed the auditions to become Matt Smith's new companion in Doctor Who, in celebration of the program's 50th anniversary.

Scoop: http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/dw/news/bulletin_120321_02/Jenna-Louise_Coleman_Announced_as_New_Companion

Uh, Hammond, if I have to ask, is it the perfect substitute for Karen Gillian?! Would the Eleventh Doctor benefit her during his mission?

Clearly, more work before Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary (in late 2013) is underway. Right, moving on...

Uh, those DLC Packs from THE IDOLM@STER 2...it seems that it has a difference between the XBXO 360 version and the PS3 version. When the PS3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 came out late last year, it only included the first three DLC packs derived from the original XBOX 360 version. Sadly, there's some lacking on the PS3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2, regarding DLC packs but all that's about to change! The DLC Pack 4 you'd expect from the XBOX 360 version of iM@S 2 is now on Playstation3 for the very first time!!!

(whoa!)

URL: http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/idolmaster/im2/ps3/dlc/catalog7.php

Whoa, James! What?

I kinda think that all those DLC Packs on the XBOX 360 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 are complete so what Namco Bandai decide that they want to fill the gap so both the PS3 and the XBOX 360 versions of THE IDOLM@STER 2 have all the DLC Packs for user satisfaction. The DLC Pack for the PS3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2, the one with the...マイディアヴァンパイア, will be out this April 27, and by next month, they'll be putting...the one with the...ビビッドビキニ on the PS3 version.

Oh! I get it now, James! Speaking of which, have you played iM@S 2?

Nope, Hammond, but I'm planning to buy one...

Okay!

Moving on...

I just heard that there was one woman from Virginia found out that she won a lottery, not once but twice! TWICE! Unbelievable!

Scoop: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/virginia-woman-wins-1-million-twice-same-lottery-123020129.html

No way! How could that woman won a lottery twice? That's 200% luck for her, touche! Imagine, if you won a lottery twice, what would you do with those winnings?

I bet I could buy everything the world desires! Woo hoo hoo!

Anyway, forget about the whole lottery thing and that's the news!

Welcome Back: 2010 Morgan Aero SuperSports

The Morgan's interior is truly bespoke

Retro-futuristic looks is a plus one for the Morgan

In one episode of Top Gear USA, Tanner Foust flies to United Kingdom to try out a car that was made out of wood and that car was none other than the Morgan Aero but only this one, the MORGAN AERO SUPERSPORTS.

What's exactly is the Morgan Aero Supersports? For starters; it is a high-performance targa-roofed variant of the Morgan AeroMax, using the same bonded aluminium chassis and lower bodywork with the coupe. It makes select use of parts sourced from other companies, including the Lancia-sourced rear lamps. Like other Morgan cars, it was made from laminated ash, making it lightweight and strong. Exclusivity aside, the Morgan Aero has one of the most customizable interiors on the market, with 80 leather colors and 4 wood colors. It comes with a 4.8 litre BMW V8 engine and a choice of 6 speed automatic or manual gearboxes.

When I tried this car, I strongly believed that this is not as powerful as the Wiesmann but despite this, I believe that the Morgan is much more better looking than the Wiesmann even though their looks look more like vintage British cars from the past. There's no denying that this retro-futuristic curiosity is much more better looking from the eyes of car connoisseurs worldwide. I just can't simply lay my fingers on this bespoke beauty that is much more better looking than the Morgan that Richard Hammond owns...

Forza Motorsport 4 announces May Top Gear car pack

So, Series 18 of Top Gear was aired on BBC America, and for that, Forza Motorsport 4 announces the May Top Gear pack, coming this May 1 for only 560MSP. However, this whole "Top Gear" pack is a bit of an irony...No Ariel Atoms, no Caterhams, no Ascari, nada... It's just...

1) 2012 Hennesey Venom GT

2) 1977 AMC Pacer X

3) 2011 Ford Transit SuperSport Van

4) 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

5) 1992 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4

6) 2012 Smart ForTwo

7) 1990 Subaru Legacy RS

8) 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

9) 1966 Lotus Cortina

10) 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk.III

...that's it.

Scoop: http://venturebeat.com/2012/04/24/forza-motorsport-4-gets-10-new-rides-including-the-venom-gt-and-1977-amc-pacer-x-gallery/

Peugeot 508 RXH

2013 Peugeot 508 RXH

2013 Peugeot 508 RXH interior

Using the technology learned from the 3008 HYbrid4, which is dubbed as the world's first diesel-hybrid engine, the 508 RXH continues this new trend that sends the rivalry between diesel and hybrid to a screeching halt and into their joint custody.

Although, it uses the 508 SW as its basis but with added aesthetics to provide its robust and feisty character lines, the 508 RXH was made for those who are adventurous enough to travel around the world but caring about the environment. Under the hood was the 2.0 l HDi FAP diesel engine that produces 120 kW (163 bhp) but with the electric motor active, it generates 147 kW (200bhp) of power. Up to 300 Nm of torque is delivered to the front wheels by the HDi diesel unit and up to 200 Nm to the rear wheels with the electric motor.

Thanks to its HYbrid4 technology, this provides the driver with four unique drive modes such as Zero Emission Vehicle, 4WD, Sport, and Auto. In ZEV mode, the 508 RXH provides quiet operation and zero emissions for eco driving. Put it on 4WD mode, and the RXH would go anywhere from tarmac, gravel, and snow. And in Sport mode, it makes the RXH more agile on the corners. The HYbrid4 technology provides 67.2 mpg of combined fuel economy and CO2 emissions of less than 109 g/km. The only available transmission was a 6-speed paddle shift transmission.

Available colors are Blanc Banquise, Gris Thorium, Noir Perla Nera, gris Haria, Brun Calern, and Blanc Nacre.

My comment:
Can the 508 RXH be an eco car that can go offroading and be kinder to the environment? PSA Peugeot Citroen says yes and with the teachings from the 3008 HYbrid4, the 508 RXH continues the trend of uniting diesel and hybrid in today's standards. This is something that only PSA Peugeot Citroen's been capable of since the 3008 HYbrid4 and the Citroen DS5.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

Dawn of the Super SUVs

At the AUTO CHINA 2012 in Beijing, something strange occurred with Lamborghini. It seems that they envisioned what will their crossover look like by showcasing their URUS CONCEPT...

Lamborghini Urus Concept

Seen here? Nope, that's not your "LAMBO RAMBO" in the yesteryears but this has the weirdest name that you might expect going in the hospital for some "anal probe". Yep, that's disgusting and for those you think that the Urus name is disgusting enough, perhaps you should turn away and look at this...

Eterniti Artemis

When we last heard of Eterniti Motors back in last year's Frankfurt Motor Show with the Hemera Concept, we kinda never heard of this new brand nor is this "Super SUV" more like a tuned Porsche Cayenne with the R8's back on it but now, they're showcasing a potential production version of the Hemera concept, called the Artemis. Artemis, huh? I like that name better than the Lamborghini Urus, which is disgusting...

Anyway, what we're looking here are something more of a "Super SUVs" and this is the breaking dawn of this new category...