Sengoku Collection Original Soundtrack SENGOKU SOUND COLLECTION

Sengoku Collection Original Soundtrack
SENGOKU SOUND COLLECTION

Sengoku Collection (戦国コレクション), it's an anime series based on the social networking service game developed by the brand that brought you Metal Gear, Silent Hill, Dance Dance Revolution, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and many others. It revolves on the Sengoku Era when military masters circle the figurative throne of Japan’s first shogunate.

Now if you would probably remember that in the game, there are six hidden treasures containing “God of War” cards and fighting breaks out among those who seek the treasures. You, as the new military master, you're on the mission to find the treasures through series of challenges and yes, boss battles are involved.

Here, on the anime series, you can expect a cute girly reinterpretation of the great warlord Oda Nobunaga and also a female interpretaion of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of Japan.

It's nothing more like the whole TOYOTA REBORN commercial where Oda Nobunaga was been reborn as the Takuya Kimura and Tokugawa Ieyasu was been reborn as the guy from Battle Royale movie, Beat Takeshi. Sadly though, none of them were involved. Something bothered me about that whole Nobunaga Oda and Ieyasu Tokugawa...are they from the Sengoku Basara video game? Oh....my gosh...It appears that the whole Sengoku era has been reinterpreted for the 21st century, like Sherlock Holmes who got reinterpreted for the 21st century as a movie that starred Iron Man actor, Robert Downey Jr. or even the BBC TV series titled Sherlock which stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes.

Anyway, enough diddling about that now because the original soundtrack based on the anime adaptation of the Sengoku Collection, which Konami claims that it has a user base of more than 2.5 million as of 2011. This 46-track compilation features all of the background musics from the Sengoku Collection anime series that was aired on TV Tokyo for 26 episodes when it was first aired on Spring 2012. Also on this OST are the opening theme song titled 目をとじてギュッしよ by ABCHO, the closing theme song titled UNLUCKY GIRL !! by Sweety, and for a bonus, the insert song titled MISTY MOON sung by Yuka Terasaki. Original music score by Tomoki Kikuya.

A contemporary take on the Sengoku Era that is a thrilling, funny, fast-paced adventure series set in present-day Japan which is like BBC's Sherlock, but sadly, it's a bit rubbish. Nobody remembered what just happened on the whole Senkore anime, not even Random Curiosity that didn't covered the whole Sengoku Collection anime series.

Track Listings:
01 我は信長
02 目をとじてギュッしよ
03 今日はパラダイス☆
04 アイキャッチH
05 HAPPY LIVELY!
06 黄昏センチメンタル
07 スマイリング!
08 準備はOK!
09 光の輪
10 風を切って
11 心の波紋
12 間違いピエロ
13 冷たい時間
14 ワナの匂い
15 やさしいカタチ
16 時を越えて
17 虹の向こうまで
18 EVERY TIME ATTACK
19 君はヒーロー
20 始まりはここから
21 イジワル計画
22 錆びつく手のひら
23 ロンリー・オブ・ヘブン
24 地獄のララバイ
25 キラメキ☆ヒラメキ
26 マジカルポップ
27 フェイキング シンキング
28 アナザーステップ
29 エレクトリカルワールド
30 路地裏ブギ
31 孤高の勇者
32 最大のピンチ!
33 ファイティング・ポーズ
34 早足の散歩道
35 舞い降りた風
36 白い瞬き
37 UNLUCKY GIRL !!
38 街へくりだそう!
39 アイキャッチA
40 アイキャッチB
41 アイキャッチC
42 アイキャッチD
43 アイキャッチE
44 アイキャッチF
45 アイキャッチG
46 MISTY MOON

Nissan Teana J32 Minor Change

Back in June 2008, Nissan launched the full model change of the Nissan Teana, which is designated as J32, and this adopted the term OMOTENASHI because of its hospitable character and the interior that calms your nerves. Now, for the 2013 Model Year, the Nissan Teana J32 gets its first minor change and well...not much of a minor change at all...

2013 Nissan Teana

2013 Nissan Teana

2013 Nissan Teana interior

Wanna know what changed on the Nissan Teana J32 for the 2013 Model Year? Well, what you can expect on the 2013 Nissan Teana are new design on the alloy rims (16-inch on the 250XL and 250XE model while the 350XV has 17-inch rims), taillamps, which already have LEDs arranged in a ‘C shape’, revised meter design, new instrument panel wood grain, and some new coloring on the switches that are responsible on the navigation, audio, and aircon. You would still expect the ottoman seat on the front that reclines but only if you're sitting next to the driver, the stylish glass roof, ventilated seats, and the BOSE Surround Sound System that delivers a well refined audio quality.

No change in the engine specifications here so you'll still have either the VQ35DE, the QR25DE, or the VQ25DE engine. For a quick summary, the QR25DE has a power output of 123kW(167PS)/5,600r.p.m. of power and 240Nm(24.5kg-m)/4,000r.p.m. of torque. It will get you through 10.4km/L of JC08-rated fuel economy and...annoyingly, it's available only in 4WD.

The VQ25DE though generates 136kW(185PS)/6,000r.p.m. of power and 232Nm(23.7kg-m)/4,400r.p.m. of torque, getting you through 11.4km/L of JC08 fuel economy and it is mated with the conventional XTRONIC-CVT.

Lastly, the top-of-the-line VQ35DE engine produces 185kW(252PS)/6,000r.p.m. of power and 335Nm(34.3kg-m)/4,400r.p.m. of torque. It is mated with the XTRONIC-CVT with 6-speed manual mode and promises 10.0km/L of fuel economy based on Japan's....10-15 Mode Test Cycle? Excuse me, Japan's now using the JC08 Test Cycle for comparing fuel economy but I'm afraid that Nissan never got the memo so the JC08 fuel economy of this....VQ35DE-powered Teana remains unknown for now...Sorry...

TEANA AXIS

2013 Nissan Teana Axis

2013 Nissan Teana Axis interior

For a bit of a VIP STYLE, Autech Japan provided a modified version of the Nissan Teana as part of the AUTECH AXIS range. This Autech-modified version of the Teana J32 gives you some bling on the blink of the eye and annoyingly, a massive show-off when this car parked at the Daikoku Parking Area. Specs remain the same but this unique look is what stands out the rest.

Available colors on the 2013 Teana are; Steel Blue, Franboise Red, Brilliant Silver, Deep Amethyst Gray, Sapphire Black, and Brilliant White Pearl.

My comment:

When I think of a Nissan Teana J32 minor change, it appears that the Yokohama-based carmaker didn't pay attention to the one they saw on China or Thailand when it comes to the front but when it comes to the J32's back, instrumental panel, rims, and....something, it appears that this is nearly half-perfect to be called a minor change. Sadly, nobody knows what is the JC08 fuel economy of the one with the VQ35DE engine and ahem, we don't involve on timing marks and engine curves because we don't do repair stuff!!! Anyway, this 2013 Teana is half perfect to keep the OMOTENASHI concept fresh and neat. And I'm sorry, with the base price of 2,821,350 Japanese Yen, I'm afraid that the price just went on the hike due to the strong Yen and I think that doesn't work even though the Teana competes against the Toyota Mark X and the Honda Accord.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Mazda Flair Wagon

2013 Mazda Flair Wagon

2013 Mazda Flair Wagon interior

2013 Mazda Flair Wagon interior

Back in January 2008, Suzuki launched a tall kei minivan that is said to be a competitor to the Daihatsu Tanto, the Palette. Then in December 2009, Nissan wants its own version of the Suzuki Palette called the Nissan Roox. Now, in June 2012, Mazda joins the Palette bandwagon with their debutante, the 2013 Mazda Flair Wagon.

Unlike the Palette and the Roox which has their stylish versions such as the Palette SW and the Roox Highway Star, the new Mazda Flair Wagon doesn't have that one. Too bad, no such thing as Mazda Flair Wagon Custom Style until further notice.

Anyway, you still expect the same thing you have on the Palette. You still have...the K6A engine which, in natural aspiration state, gets you through 20.8km/L of fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 Mode test cycle while in turbo state, gets you through 18.8km/L of JC08-rated fuel economy. They are all mated with CVT and the available 4WD feature gets you through the roads during the rainy days.

There's even a limited edition "IS LIMITED" model which is similar to the Suzuki Palette's IS SELECTION limited edition model and comes with idling stop that shuts off the engine when stopped at the red light and then start again when your foot is in the pedal, getting you through 22.2km/L of JC08 fuel economy.

Available colors are; Silky Silver Metallic, Bloom Pink Metallic, Bluish Black Pearl 3, Aqua Bell Blue Pearl Metallic, and Pearl White.

My comment:
Sure it may be the same as the Palette and the Roox but sadly, unlike the Palette and the Roox, the Flair Wagon didn't have the "Custom Style" variant like the Palette SW and the Roox Highway Star. Too bad...

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

#045 GT3-RSR or #4 ZR1? Who stacked up?

See who stacks up against them

We're kinda busy debating the whole General Motors vs. the world right now and while most of the ads said that their General Motors products stacked up against the competition and sometimes that's not really true.

Now, we have these; the #4 Corvette Racing ZR1 and the #045 Flying Lizard 911 GT3 RSR, both of them are came from the 2011 ALMS season but what made them stacked up against the competition?

The #045 Flying Lizard GT3-RSR is driven by Joerg Bergmeister and Patrick Long, who brought the car 3rd place overall in the ALMS GT Team Championship.

The #4 Corvette Racing ZR1 posed a bigger threat to the GT class of the American Le Mans Series 2011. Their record was one win and nine top finished in the ten races of the ALMS season. It was driven by Oliver Gavin, Jan Magnussen, and Richard Westbrook.

The #045 Flying Lizard GT3-RSR is powered by the 4.0L B6 engine that churns out 456HP of power and 332ft-lb of torque.

The #4 Corvette Racing ZR1 comes with an E85-fueled 5.5L V8 engine that churns out 485HP of power.

To balance it out, let's deliver these two to the genius we all know. Some say, he doesn't like to cut his nails because sadly he doesn't have nails and he has a collection of figures, mostly anime girls in their racing swimsuits.

The Corvette Racing ZR1, ours did it in 1:15.577 while the Porsche Flying Lizard 911 GT3-RSR, ours did it in 1:15.628, so we therefore conclude that the Corvete Racing ZR1 has a lot of records than the Flying Lizard GT3-RSR. One win and nine top finished in the ten races of the 2011 ALMS season, it appears that Corvette Racing team really had a brighter future at dominating the GT-class of Le Mans.

Question is, can they keep up? We might be seeing them at the American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park, Lakeville, CT this July 7.

FM4 reveals July Car Pack

The July Car Pack on Forza Motorsport 4 features 10 cars from the past to the present that shares one thing; SPEED

Here's the list;

2011 McLaren 59 GT MP4-12C GT3 

1973 AMC Gremlin X 

2012 Ascari KZ1R 

1998 Aston Martin V8 Vantage V600 

1952 Hudson Hornet 

1954 Jaguar XK120 

1956 Lotus Eleven 

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG 

1995 RUF CTR2

2012 Spyker C8 Aileron 

Those new 10 cars on the July Car Pack are all about speed and hey! Ascari's on the picture! Wow! Jaguar XK120? It's the one that defeated the steam train in the Top Gear 1949 episode! Uh better not complain what's the V8 Vantage from the 1990's and the RUF CTR2 doing here because they came from a rival video game but got robbed by Turn 10 for this. New SLK55 AMG with the M152 engine is here but when will Forza 4 feature a Mercedes-AMG model with the M157 engine? Never mind but those will be there this July 3 (July 4 if you're in Asia) for 560 MSP. Get ready with your spanners!

Scion FR-S: Bringing Twin Ring Motegi back to GT5

Twin Ring Motegi is back!

Now you may probably remember back in the final round of the recently ended GT Academy 2012, we were shocked that the Twin Ring Motegi was included on the event but only the east section of the Road Course. It was like we didn't get it but joy of joys, Twin Ring Motegi is back on Gran Turismo 5 as a DLC. What you have is the complete set; the Road Course, the east section of the Road Course, the west section of the Road Course, and the oval Super Speedway. Two tracks with four layouts. Little known fact that this Honda-owned racetrack has a Gran Turismo cafe on it. Anyone visited on the Gran Turismo cafe?

Anyway, it kinda feels like I forgot all about the Twin Ring Motegi but relearn the Twin Ring Motegi, I need a car that will do that kind of job. Something sporty, something boxer, something 2-door, something RWD.

THE BRAND NEW SCION FR-S!

Bringing Twin Ring Motegi back to GT5 is
provided by the new 2013 Scion FR-S

It maybe brand new but actually this Scion FR-S really is more than just brand new. Its FR layout, boxer 4 engine, and the joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation and Fuji Heavy Industries (makers of Subaru) really made it unique. I was hoping for the Subaru BRZ but who am I caring for? The Scion FR-S really is BRINGING THE SPORT BACK TO THE CAR! Ha ha ha ha!

FR-S drift!

Now you might be saying that this is just the Toyota GT86 with Toyota badges thrown away in favor of Scion badges but still retaining the 86 logo on the sides. I once drove the Toyota 86 last year and I really favored on its handling nature. This experience I had on the GT86 is the same thing I'd experience on the Scion FR-S. You still have the same FA20 engine that powered the TOYOTA 86. It churns out 200 hp @ 7,000 RPM of power and 151 lb.-ft @ 6,600 RPM of torque.

This is somewhat an Americanized GT86

FR Boxer Coupe loves to drift!

When you look at the heritage of the Scion FR-S, it appears that current Toyota CEO, Akio Toyoda, was heavily involved on that project. He's a motorsport enthusiast and he wanted to create a sports car that he would want to drive. Cars like the Sports 800, 2000GT, and the legendary AE86, that's how either the GT86 or the FR-S reminded me of those. You can feel the DNA all over it.

Surely, the GT86 and the FR-S are all the same thing. They have the same looks, they have the same engine, but to spot the difference, the GT86 was the right-hand drive while the FR-S was in the left-hand drive. There's something has to do with this....

You should admit that SONY has the exclusive rights for the TOYOTA 86 and the Scion FR-S because of what I heard, Toyota Motor Corporation will be developing a new feature that will record their 86/FR-S track-day progress through the Playstation. A PS3-capable track-day black box. That's what that is.

Scoop: http://www.leftlanenews.com/toyota-developing-ps3-capable-track-day-black-box-for-fr-s-gt86.html

If that became reality, the TOYOTA 86 would only work if you are in Tsukuba, Fuji Speedway, Twin Ring Motegi, and Suzuka Circuit. Scion FR-S? Well, it would only work if you're in the Daytona, Laguna Seca, or Indianapolis. Just saying...

Finished touring Twin Ring Motegi with the FR-S

And there we are, I have finally relearned the whole Twin Ring Motegi Road Course with the Scion FR-S. Oh and in case you haven't notice, the SCION FR-S is yours to collect, tune, and race as a free Gran Turismo 5 DLC. Be sure to get it ahead of everybody else because the SCION FR-S is the car that brought Twin Ring Motegi back to GT5. He he he....

Guess I should hand it over to the tamed racing driver....

The Stig's close-up with the FR-S!

Yep, The Stig was very happy, knowing that this close-up shot really is STIG APPROVED.

Welcome Back: 2010 Acura TSX V6

It does look like the Honda Accord to us...

This is a Honda Accord but except for one small thing; IT ISN'T. Sure it was made in Sayama, Japan but I don't how did this Honda Accord comes with a...V6 engine that powers the Honda Inspire, only this time without the Variable Cylinder Management. This is somewhat an un-Japanese Japanese Accord because of that V6 engine.

It does feel like a Honda Accord but it has
the V6 engine of the Honda Inspire!

This you see is the 2010 Acura TSX V6, a top of the line TSX model that comes with the 3.5L 280 hp V6 engine found in the Acura TL. It comes with a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and 18-inch alloy wheels, and is available in either Premium or Technology trims.

When the second-generation TSX (which is essentially the Euro-Japanese 8th Generation Honda Accord to you and me) was launched in America since 2008, the TSX has shattered sales records to become one of Acura's best-selling sedans. With this V6 engine introduced on the 2010 TSX, it adds even more sport to the already sporty nature of the popular Acura TSX sports sedan.

Driving through the Follow-Through with the Accord?

Even it it says ACURA and TSX, it's still the eighth generation Honda Accord, the one that was sold in Europe, Japan, or in China as the Dongfeng-Honda Spirior. It's still the one that is known to be "THE LAST OF THE HONDA SEDANS" ever made.

The instrumental panel is highly
familiar to Accord fans

The dashboard really does look familiar to Accord fans!

The interior would be familiar to Honda Accord fans but here, the Acura TSX V6 with Technology Package comes with a USB connector, memory seat function, and fog lamps. Not only that, it comes with a navigation system real-time traffic and weather, and a 10-speaker premium sound system with DVD-audio capabilities. Sadly, because this is an Acura, we really don't expect the HONDA INTERNAVI like what the eighth generation Accord do. Speaking of which, it has an audio system that the eighth generation Accord never had in Japan; a Panasonic-derived, Grammy award-winning ELS Surround Premium Audio. The 440-watt ELS surround-sound audio system is spectacular even with MP3s, let alone higher-quality CD and DVD audio tracks. Courtesy of Grammy award-winning music producer, Elliot Scheiner, the sound quality of the music I'm playing while driving the TSX is truly Grammy-award winning. It feels like most of my songs played in this car won the Grammy awards. He he he....

Second-generation Acura TSX really is
the eighth-generation Honda Accord from Japan

Having chickened on the ELS Audio System, this near-rich sports sedan is only as good as the blokes who put them together. I'm not going to pretend that this is as good as the JDM Honda Accord or even its twin, the Honda Inspire, but for the same reason that an Acura badged version of the eight-generation Honda Accord isn't nearly as good as the original but for its Honda Inspire-derived V6 engine minus the VCM, this was even quicker than the original 2.4L Honda Accord. Trust me on this, it's going to be that good.

Clearly then, it does look like the eight-generation Honda Accord with the Inspire-derived V6 engine and if we're honest, that's all that the Japanese want.