Let's Do The News! (June 22, 2012)

(Audience applause)

Oh that was too close! That was really close for Oklahoma City Thunder! Can't believe that Miami Heat became the champion!

I should be feeling smug about that.

What?

They have failed to beat my fave but I have to say, both of these times are incredible.

Yeah Captain Slow, they're really incredible. Both Oklahoma City and Miami are like two sides of the square. They're highly incredible I should say. Oklahoma City Thunder may be incredible but Miami Heat's BURNING UP for the win. It's like Fire beats Electricity.

Uh-huh, but we couldn't just forget about this moment so to all of Miami Heat, Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and coach Erik Spoelstra, can we just say CONGRATULATIONS for winning the NBA FINALS after 5 games and 4-1 against Oklahoma City Thunder.

CONGRATULATIONS, MIAMI HEAT!!!

YEAH! CONGRATULATIONS MIAMI HEAT! YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST! As for coach Spoelstra, who turns out to be a big fan of Manny Pacquiao, can we just say that you really get what you deserved. You are now the BEST HEAD COACH of this season!

Scoop: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/pacquiao-fan-spoelstra-cherishes-first-nba-title-as-head-coach

(audience applause)

That reminds me the time when the big boys of Miami Heat planned for something if they win the Finals. It's like "Hey! If we win, let's sing WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS on Kevin Durant's face!"

(audience laughing)

Well, they did! And they're going to humiliate Kevin Durant! How lucky was that for the head honchos of Miami Heat? They'll going to celebrate Oklahoma City's humiliation at the basketball court!

Oh and one more thing, imagine that, if Boy Pick Up does a pickup line to Lebron James, it will be like this...

Boy Pick Up meets Lebron James

(audience laughing)

He's right. Seems that we can smell the champion! CHAMPION!!! Lebron James smell like a CHAMPION...detergent!

(audience laughing)

Or for the better...CHAMPION CIGARETTES!!!

(audience laughing)

Now anyway, enough smug right now. Enough smug about Miami Heat's win and let's move on, but again CONGRATULATIONS TO MIAMI HEAT for winning the championship! Now, sad news okay, you may have heard that one of our classic Doctor Who actresses, whose name is Caroline John, was passed away. Very sad but yes.

Rest in pieces Caroline John. You're still one of our all time Doctor Who greats for being a companion of The Doctor during the time Jon Pertwee was the third incarnation in the 70's.

Yeah, rest in pieces...Let's put this sadness behind us and now this...

2013 SRT Viper

Do you see this? The 2013 SRT Viper?

Yeah. We're almost here...

Almost here...

Right. We're almost here. Tomorrow, we'll be getting this on Forza Motorsport 4 and we'll drive this car round the Top Gear Test Track. If you got it on the game, feel free by twitting this experience with this hashtag #firstSRTViper because we want this one to be TRENDING TOPIC WORLDWIDE.

I should point out that this hashtag is going to be something else because at the Barrett-Jackson auction tomorrow, SRT Viper #1 that came out from the production line will be auctioned off and proceeds will go to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer.

Scoop: http://www.drivesrt.com/news/2012/04/first-2013-srt-viper-heads-to-barrett-jackson-in-orange-countyto-benefit-austin-hatcher-foundation.html

Yeah right. But still we want the hashtag #firstSRTViper to be trending because...this is the first time we'll be driving the all new 2013 SRT Viper on Forza Motorsport 4 tomorrow. ARE YOU READY?

I'M READY!!!!

(audience laughing)

Good luck with that! Hey now, Scion FR-S, what the American of Toyota 86, in case you want to know how does the FR-S' limited slip differential works, here's a clip:

Uh, something's bug me....As you may know that last year, when the TOYOTA 86 premiered at the Tokyo Motor Show, Gran Turismo 5 did featured it on an update but rest assured, SONY has the rights of the TOYOTA 86 (Scion FR-S) and always will be. Please, SONY HAS THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO THE TOYOTA 86/SCION FR-S. Have you seen the NHK World article about the Toyota 86?

Yeah, and there was the part that Toyota will soon be making a feature that records the TOYOTA 86/SCION FR-S' progress on the Playstation, which serves the point. Speaking of which, this is the last time to try out the soon-to-be-on-GT5 Twin Ring Motegi at the GT Academy 2012 because it will be gone this week. As in, GT Academy 2012 is over in 2 days. Better have your last taste of Motegi-ness.

That's right. Uh...it is weird that why did Twin Ring Motegi is not featured on Gran Turismo 5. You know there is a Gran Turismo Cafe on the Twin Ring Motegi. Feels like that the Japanese race track has been betrayed by a Japanese racing video game, which is somewhat ironic.

There was a Gran Turismo Cafe at Twin Ring Motegi? Oh....

URL: http://www.twinring.jp/foods_m/gran-turismo.html

Gosh, they should be really featuring the Twin Ring Motegi on GT5 soon and also new cars. What I'm really wish to see were those SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY models from Mazda or even the Ferrari FF or the new Swift Sport or the Vitz RS or something else...It would be like...Dressy Alice...

(audience laughing)

...Rainy Suzuran...Random Color Beauty...Digital Spacecraft....

(audience laughing)

....March’s Usagi Ears...Wonderland Key....Fairytale Flower Breath....

(audience laughing)

...Colorful Caterpillar...Fairy’s Pointed Ears...Fairy’s Charming Wings...Fairy’s Magical Wand....and Fairy’s Magical Shoes...

(audience laughing)

Hate to say this James but you're mentioning something from a DLC of the Playstation3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 (laughing)

Yeah, those things are the things you can't put some vinyls on it...

Did I said something?

(audience laughing)

As a man who wants something we really don't prefer something more of a DRESSY ALICE, RAINY SUZURAN, DIGITAL SPACECRAFT, and RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY. It's like....driving a MINI COOPER S COUNTRYMAN on the streets of Tokyo, which is rather a car you want to make an IM@S itasha of...

Speaking of which, itasha....can we do some itasha based on British pop culture?

British itasha?

Nah, I'm talking about that. Never will....

(audience laughing)

Anyway, have you seen ROAD&TRACK's comparison between the Cadillac CTS-V and the BMW M5 F10? If not, here;

The verdict is simple; GM Sucks, BMW wins.

(audience laughing)

Oh really?! The BMW M5 F10 stacks out against the Cadillac CTS-V?

Indeed it is as observed on that clip! AND THAT'S THE NEWS!

In Loving Memory: Caroline John

Caroline John and Jon Pertwee

Fans of the classic Doctor Who may remember Caroline John, the actress who played Liz Shaw, one of the classic Doctor Who companions since the Jon Pertwee years. It's sad to say that this memorable actress who became The Doctor's companion in the past has passed away.

"Caroline was a brilliant actress and in her role as Liz Shaw, a tremendous co-star for Jon Pertwee in his first year as the Doctor.  She was not just a sidekick but a scientist in her own right and a match for the universe's number one know-all. The Doctor's companions should never be his assistants - they're the people who keep him on his toes, and that's what Caroline did.  From everyone at the show, our thoughts go out to Caroline’s family." said Steven Moffat, the lead writer and Executive Producer of Doctor Who.

R.I.P. Caroline John, 1940 – 2012.

She'll be joining the ranks of other deceased personalities who are greatly involved in Doctor Who, especially Elisabeth Sladen who died last year but still one of the all time Doctor Who greats.

Scoop: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/articles/Caroline-John

Photo: BBC Worldwide

1 Day Before SRT Viper!!!!

This is it! Tomorrow, the all new 2013 SRT Viper arrives on Forza Motorsport 4 as a Free DLC! Right now, because this is my last Viper to drive before the new model tomorrow, the Viper SRT-10 ACR makes it a perfect sendoff for this countdown.

Viper SRT-10 ACR at the Top Gear Studio

The ACR name (means American Club Racer) was introduced in 1999 but for  the 2008 model year, the ACR name was resurrected as the striped-out race-ready version of the Viper SRT-10. Upgrades include street-legal racing tires, two-piece brake rotors, adjustable suspension, and significant aerodynamic revision. There was an optional "HARDCORE PACKAGE" feature that strips away the aircon, radio, speakers, amplifier, carpet, hood pad, or tire inflator, in favor of saving weight and a lap timer.

A year later after production of the Viper ended in 2010, a 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR lapped the Nurburgring in 7:12.13.

To bid farewell of the Viper's tenure, a track-only version of the ACR, dubbed the ACR-X, was launced to compete in the Dodge Viper Cup Series. It has a 40HP increase to the V10 engine, a new set of downforce-enhancing front canards, and new materials that, along with a stripped interior, reduced weight to 3,300 lb (1,500 kg). When the ACR-X arrived at the Nurburgring, it set a lap time of 7:03.058, a full 9.072 seconds faster than the regular ACR.

So, that concludes it! Tomorrow, the SRT Viper arrives on Forza Motorsport 4. Question is, what should we do with the 2013 SRT Viper? For me, I'll drive this one round the Top Gear Test Track! If you have the SRT Viper on Forza Motorsport 4, feel free to share experiences. For the Twitter geeks, best to leave the hashtag #firstSRTViper

Si Pidol, kritikal na siya!

I have been a long time fan of Dolphy since Home Along Da Riles. He's the legendary comedian who was been in several movies and his "Banayad Whiskey" joke is definitely one of my all time favorite Dolphy moments. Even though he's in TV5 for Pidol's Wonderland, that Dolphy tries to edge out the competition. Sadly, I read some news that the legendary Pinoy comedian is in critical stage while he was hospitalized at Makati Medical Center and his vital organs are deteriorating. How worse was it?

Eric Quizon, who was one of Dolphy's kids, said "It can happen anytime. The doctors have been very truthful to us, although walang oras pa na ibinibigay. Sa ngayon his vital signs are stable, pero it can change anytime,”

It is revealed that Dolphy has COPD or chronic obs­tructive pulmonary disease. If you don't know what COPD means, it is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. "Progressive" means the disease gets worse over time. It can cause coughing that produces large amounts of mucus (a slimy substance), wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and other symptoms.

Let's offer a few minutes of silence to pray for the recovery of our dearly loved and admired Tatay Dolphy.

Scoop: http://www.pep.ph/news/34555/comedy-king-dolphy-in-very-critical-condition-vital-organs-deteriorating

2 Days before SRT Viper on FM4...

We are almost there! 2 days left before the new 2013 SRT Viper arrives on Forza Motorsport 4 so for a quicker heat, it is time to take the wheel of the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, a race-spec version is a bit more GTSR Concept-ish...

Dodge Viper Competition Coupe

Although, it looks more like the Viper GTS-R Concept, this track-only version costs $129,000 and the V10 engine churns out 520HP of power.

Dodge's plan was to create a profitable, self-sustaining racing program for these cars that is similar to Porsche's. It was legal for the SCCA Speed World Challenge (later called Pirelli World Challenge) and made an appearance when the late Paul Mumford, amateur racer, defeated the factory Audi and BMW teams and most of the rivals at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. 

The Competition Coupe welcomed Viper Club of America races for Viper aficionados everywhere.

This racing version of the Viper takes 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds and take you to a top speed of 193mph. Its anti-lock brakes takes 70mph to nothing in 134 feet and this has a G-force of 1.19.

Tomorrow, we'll be driving the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR, making it our last Viper to drive before we move on to the main event which will be in two days; driving the SRT Viper on Forza Motorsport 4. Remember, 2 Days before SRT Viper on FM4...

Let's Do The News! (June 21, 2012)

Now, we will do the news and we'll start with this. It's a new Aston Martin and this served as the replacement of the DBS. The name of the Aston Martin that was used on the 2002 Bond movie, Die Another Day, which is the Aston Martin Vanquish is back under the new pseudonym: AM310 Vanquish.

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish

What you're looking here is a masterpiece or rather more of a muscled version of the Virage but the rear view and the interior is suspiciously similar to the ultra-expensive One-77. The 6.0L V12 engine now churns out 565bhp and 457lb ft of torque. It will go 0-60 in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 183mph, which is 8mph less than the old DBS. Prices start from £189,995, with first deliveries expected later this year.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/aston-martin-am-310-vanquish-2012-06-20

Oh what's wrong? Looking all over photos of Rie Tanaka?

Yeah. Can't believe she got married...

(laughing)

Indeed she is. Her official fans club was shut down, which kinda saddened fans everywhere.

Yeah and actually you know what? By tomorrow, we'd expect heavy storms coming in Japan due to Talim.

What? Tomorrow? But....but....

See here?

Typhoon Talim

Oh wait. That's Saturday but....um....that's when the iM@S 7th anniversary starts! Oh my gosh!

Yeah, can't deny it. That whole Talim could jeopardize that concert held at Yokohama Blitz...

So...what are we gonna do?

Let's just wait till further notice, okay?

Right...speaking of IM@S, there's going to be a new PSP game coming up..

(awwww)

Okay, what is it?

It's just like that old IDOLM@STER SP PSP game but it's new. It's called SHINY FESTA. It's got three versions featuring different idols per version. Idolm@ster Shiny Festa: Honey Sound will include Chihaya Kisaragi, Haruka Amami, Ritsuko Akizuki, and Azusa Miura. Idolm@ster Shiny Festa: Funky Note will feature Yayoi Takatsuki, Hibiki Ganaha, and Iori Minase as well as Ami and Mami Futami. Idolm@ster Shiny Festa: Groovy Tune will have Miki Hoshii, Yukiho Hagaiwara, Makoto Kikuchi, and Takane Shijou.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-06-20/idolm@ster-shiny-festa-revealed-for-psp-in-3-versions

Even when they're going through the wrong direction, that IDOLM@STER franchise actually keeps on going.

Right.

Hey? You guys watched Game 4 of the NBA Finals?

Yeah, we watched it...

.....

HA HA HA!!!

What?

In your face! Miami Heat leads 3-1 against Oklahoma City Thunder! Even without Lebron James (because he got sprained), my favorite Heat guys heated up the fight and yes! This is it. Just one more for Heat and they....

Yeah right, Captain Slow, Miami Heat wins the championship. Oklahoma City Thunder, if you're reading this, please don't mess this up. Tomorrow is Game 5 and if you screw this up one more time, you're done. Miami takes the heat.

Yeah and Miami Heat (especially Wade and James, even the Filipino coach), if you're reading this, keep trying. You're getting more rewarding. You are almost a win away for the trophy! You can do this! This is a message from Captain Slow who's rooting for Miami Heat because of the Filipino coach.

(laughing)

You really pull this out, do you?

Yes. Yes I do...

(laughing)

Anyway, Bentley got even more pragmatic with their new variant of the Continental GT, it's called Speed and it comes with a host of mechanical and to a much lesser extent, styling upgrades, the most important of which are hidden under the hood. The 6.0L W12 engine gained a 49hp and 74 lb-ft increase and it will go 0-60mph in 4 seconds and top speed of 205mph.

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/06/new-2013-continental-gt-speed-coupe.html

A little bit too dramatic for the Continental GT, right? For this speed increase, it is worth it but hey, we just saw the new Continental GT V8 in one episode of Top Gear and it was proven to be quicker than the Ferrari FF in the ice version of Silverstone Racing Circuit. Still, they're not good for ski vacations.

(laughing)

Yeah right. You can't bring them to your holiday ski vacation and go for the Range Rover.

Exactly. I still go for the Range Rover because it is perfect for all sorts. This is the kind of car the Top Gear cameramen are using while filming.

Now anyway, BMW 1M Coupe, it might feel stodgy, it might be old, it went out of production, but it's keeping up because this car's get tuned by Alpha-N.

Alpha-N 1M RS

What they did from this old chap is boost the power from 335hp (340PS) to 404hp (410PS) through software optimization, a new air duct as well as a specially developed exhaust system. Plus, a high-performance braking system from MAC with 380 mm large disks and 6 piston calipers, and a new set of lightweight O.Z. Superforgiata 19-inch alloy wheels shod in Michelin Cup tires size 245 up front and 265 at the back.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/06/alpha-n-reveals-404hp-bmw-1-series-m.html

Kinda impress about this 1M RS machine. It's dark, it's loud, and it's more terrifying to scare away HEALTH AND SAFETY men. Also cool is when I brought in to those MS13 men, it was like hey what a nice ride! Let's go scare them! Cool, isn't it? He he he

(Laughing)

Ha ha ha...Right. Perfect if you're a TRIAD or a YAKUZA. Now anyway, let's move on to something...

Okay, Citroen are in the edge of revealing two new sedans...that are targeted for the emerging markets such as the Citroen C-ELYSEE and the new Citroen C4 L. I repeat, both of them are made for the emerging markets, especially China.

Citroen C-ELYSEE

Citroen C4 L

Yeah, both of these sedans are made for emerging markets. Too bad they won't be selling those to French people and furthermore, they're just French cars that don't speak French, just like the Peugeot 301.

As a rule, we don't cover cars sold to their home countries. Isuzu is now focused on commercial vehicles and the lineup consists of ELF, Forward, Giga, and the Como, which is essentially a Datsun van. ELF and Forward are commercial trucks and the Giga is Isuzu's bus. That's why I don't cover Isuzus because they don't made cars that not only for businesses but for private use. いすゞのトラック is the jingle of Isuzu. Official site is http://www.isuzu.co.jp/

Enough about Isuzus because to you, they are your perennial enemies because there are no Isuzus made for private use. The Isuzus you saw in Thailand, Philippines, and other countries are not Japanese. They really don't speak Japanese because they're not made in Japan.

Correct, and that is why I hate Isuzus.

Indeed it is...

Now anyway, I picked up some news that Good Smile Company, makers of Figmas, Nendos, and other figures, moved their headquarters from Matsudo City to the Tokyo Skytree Tower Complex.

(wow)

That's right. 17th floor of the Tokyo Skytree tower will be the new home of Good Smile Company. It seems that this figure maker will be taking advantage of this recently opened Tokyo Skytree, which I believed that this is Japan's biggest and trounced the Tokyo Tower once and for all, making it the new Tokyo icon of the year.

So, you're saying that Tokyo Skytree is more fun than the Tokyo Tower and now GSC is taking advantage of the Tokyo Skytree? I'm amazed. They guys really are ambitious.

They really are ambitious and soon to be successful. Right now, Good Smile Company revealed their newest entry to the Nendoroid lineup and it was Kuma from the video game turned TV anime, Persona 4.

URL: http://www.goodsmile.info/product/en/3578/Nendoroid+Kuma.html

Kuma? From Persona 4? Ha ha ha, first time ever to see this character inspired for a Nendoroid. And that's the news!

Cadillac XTS

In the beginning when the Cadillac CTS was launched in 2002, this whole Art & Science philosophy was made to save Cadillac from extinction and it worked...sort of. It was made to take on the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class but when the time they made a full model change in 2007, it was graduated from entry-level to executive middle class and it was made to tackle the A6, E-Class, and the 5-Series. That category that the old CTS once were will be filled by an upcoming ATS and for the flagship...Back then there was the STS and the DTS, both of them are very luxurious but they all turned out to be a complete flop so they decided to axe them both. Cadillac's flagship model is remained blank until they come up with a new model that is off the hook...

2013 Cadillac XTS

Meet the new XTS, Cadillac's so-called answer to the BMW 7-Series, Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and the Lexus LS. It was heavily influenced from the 2010 XTS Concept as seen at the 2010 North American International Auto Show and my gosh, what Cadillac made is some full-size sedan made by some nerd who has a "Ridge Racer" fixation. A luxurious interior and unmatched comfort is something that the XTS had and when you see the letter X in the XTS naming, it really means that there's no other car like it.

2013 Cadillac XTS interior

If you said a luxurious interior and unmatched comfort, yes because the Cadillac XTS deserved to have one. At nighttime, the Ambient Interior Lighting kicks in and oh my goodness, it looks good. What surprised me is the XTS has the same feature that you get from the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and this is...how they called it the SECRET CUBE, a smartly placed mobile device holder to the center control panel. I'm sure that they have iPod connectivity here on the XTS's secret compartment hidden behind the touch screen. Now that my iPod's been plugged and stored at the SECRET CUBE, it's time to listen one of my favorite BGMs from various Ridge Racer soundtracks.

It appears that most of my favorite Ridge Racer Soundtracks I'm listening got even better because the all new XTS comes with the the available 14-speaker Bose Studio Surround Sound system with two Personal speakers on the top of each front seat that delivers high quality sound experience like no other. BOSE was used on Renault, Nissan, Mazda, or even Porsche but here on the XTS, this is just something else. For a real giggle, I would be listening to some songs from the Ridge Racer 6 direct audio while driving the XTS round Los Angeles....

The new XTS is one of the new Cadillacs to feature a new kind of feature called CADILLAC USER EXPERIENCE or CUE. CUE serves as your personal assistant for the road or your own personal DJ while shooting hoops in Los Angeles. Provided by the 8-inch touch screen, CUE provides drivers some ease-free navigation, music, news, Pandora Radio, or some Bluetooth connectivity. Sounds juicy to me but wait until I get to the real part on the XTS which is known to be the instrumental panel which is reconfigurable in many ways. A RECONFIGURABLE GAUGE CLUSTER! COOL! There are various gauge settings to choose from and no matter which style, the gauge style you chose looks cool on your XTS because reconfigurable gauge cluster is cool as your bowtie and fez.

2013 Cadillac XTS

Enough bowtie and fez and let's head back for some shooting hoops in a little bit HEAVEN AND HELL. The new Cadillac XTS is powered by a 304 HP 3.6L direct-injection V6 engine that is mated with an Electronically Controlled 6T70 6-Speed Automatic Transmission. It will have an EPA estimated fuel economy of 28 MPG highway. Unlike its European and Japanese rivals which as bound to be RWD (or 4WD), the XTS is uh-oh....Front Wheel Drive. There's bound to be too much grip in here especially if the XTS comes with a suspension system you'd get from the Corvette; dual-mode Magnetic Ride Control works in tandem with cutting-edge HiPer Strut technology. If I hit the XTS on its sports setting, this car will get a bit uncomfortable but still retains its mild driving feel so you'll feel absolutely unpleasant, it's like waiting for your last minute to go to the comfort room. That is not nice for a premium sedan that is FF. If you're opted to go for the 4WD option, you'll have a Locking Rear Differential for better traction.

The XTS do come with a Brembo brakes so it can have a stopping power of a...Cadillac CTS-V Race Car you saw from the Pirelli World Challenge. As a result, the XTS will have the perfect balance of agility and composure.

The XTS comes with available colors; Graphite Metallic, Radiant Silver Metallic, White Diamond Tricoat, Silver Coast Metallic, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Sapphire Blue Metallic, Black Raven, and Black Diamond Tricoat.

My comment:

The Cadillac XTS seems to be the only premium American sedan I have ever saw that was made by some otaku who has a "Ridge Racer" fixation and the unmatched luxury that made the XTS unique but the front-wheel drive and the part where it made it uncomfortable is a bit of a drawback. It appears that the most famous celebrities are trying to get their hands on Cadillac's luxurious masterpiece but with the pricing of $48,690, it's cheaper than the Benz E350 but not as affordable as the Audi A6.

In essence then, the Cadillac XTS is a premium sedan that was made for the businessmen who loves a slam dunk and it's called M.T.T.B.

Photo: General Motors