2013 Ford Taurus and 2013 Lincoln MKS

2013 Ford Taurus

Here it is. This is the 2013 Ford Taurus and this is somewhat the Evos-fied facelift of the sixth generation Taurus, which is the best Taurus I have ever witnessed upon its three-year tenure. For this latest refresh, we'd expected a new face inspired from the Ford Evos concept car, new gizmos loaded depending on which variant, and some new choice of engines to expect. There is now the new and improved 2.0L Ti-VCT EcoBoost l4 engine, which generates about 240HP of power, 270lb-ft of torque, and estimated fuel economy of about 26MPG combined. A 3.5L 24-valve DOHC Ti-VCT V6 was offered and also the one that I quite like. It's the SHO Version which comes with the 3.5L Twin Turbo Charged Direct Injection EcoBoost V6 engine that peaks out about 365HP of power. All Tauruses have a conventional 6-speed Auto but the SHO comes with paddle shifters.

2013 Ford Taurus interior

Sure the interior remains the same but it appears the hard drive's have been completely new or in translation, Ford added the MyFord Touch with the a new head unit with 8" touch screen, steering wheel and interactive gauge cluster. There's more;  a heated steering wheel, all new Sony sound system featuring HD Radio and iTunes Tagging, Multicontour seats with Active Motion (massage), push-button start, auto high beams and a rear view camera were there to keep it a bit more luxurious. 

Anyway, word from the devil, the 2013 Taurus is a bit more refined for an average salaryman who wants to go out for work but for the SHO version this car is about as feistier as <! --metaphors involved!! -- > Nina Williams. Uh-huh, the sport-tuned shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars and strut mount bushings on the SHO really made it as sharp as a European sedan with added flying kicks. It's not as dynamic as an American muscle car but it's as mild as a Porsche and because it's 4WD, too much grip. No matter though, it's still more like a feisty female video game character I know but what if for those who don't want something feisty?

To put it this way, the standard 2013 Taurus costs about $26,600 up to $39,200 for the high-performance SHO. Actually this is a lot cheaper than any other European sports saloons I know but if the Taurus is not too luxurious, what's the point with this?

2013 Lincoln MKS

This is the 2013 Lincoln MKS. Even though this is a Ford Taurus in Lincoln's clothing, this facelift is a bit more...irritating to my eyes. It's like Cybermen vs. Daleks trying to design something but hey, this weird looking front face feels like it's even more scarier than the Weeping Angel but on the inside...well that's a different story.

2013 Lincoln MKS interior

That's a completely new interior for the 2013 MKS here. There's now the new MyLincoln Touch feature that allows me to make and receive phone calls hands-free, or even browse and play my favorite songs with voice recognition.

Although it uses the same platform as the Taurus, the MKS is offered with the 3.7L V6 engine or the high performance 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. Because I'm sticking on the EcoBoost story, that engine generates about 365HP of power, same as the 2013 Taurus SHO. While the 3.7 V6 is FWD (with the optional AWD), the EcoBoost variant is 4WD, same case but sadly, the Lincoln MKS doesn't have the adjustable suspension as the Taurus. I'm afraid the driving feel for the MKS is a bit of faff. A BIT OF FAFF. Didn't like how it behaves because it feels like a Japanese luxury car that was made for the accountants, geography teachers, and someone named Brian.

Another concern was its pricing as the standard MKS with the 3.7L engine on it costs about $42,810, twice as the normal Taurus. So then, it's your choice really, you can either have the feisty one or the one that is a bit of a faff. Sadly though, both of them will lose. Just saying...

Renault Samsung SM3 L38 Minor Change

2013 Renault Samsung SM3

The second-generation Renault Samsung SM3 (L38) was been there for three years and this car deserves a minor change. Well, it happened now. The L38 SM3 now gets its facelift and this should be interesting.

SMART LIFE

For its facelift, the SM3 now has a new front design that provides modern dynamism for this car. This front grille on the facelifted SM3 seems like it came from the Kia Morning. Familiar? Afraid not but this new look is all about being stylish midsize sedan for the Korean yuppies. The 17-inch alloy wheels have given a new look to give it a bit more feel. Those redesigned front lamps, side mirrors, side body kit, refined door handles, and some cosmetic upgrades really try to keep the SM3 fresh and rejuvenated. On the inside, that's a different story because the instrumental panel's new to us and it's called Dynamic Color Digital Crystal. That seems to be somewhat familiar but this new instrumental really gives a clear view on the speed, the rev, the status, anything. However, the Dynamic Color Digital Crystal is not just new to this model, there's one thing that I really like and it's the new SM3's SMart Connect. This feature allows this navigation system's firmware to be updated via Wi-Fi and not just that, it gets you access to SK Telecom's MelOn mobile music portal service. That name is familiar for K-POP fans many because of the MelOn Music Awards but for those, MelOn is SK Telecom's mobile music portal service which is the world's first wired and wireless interworking music service that allows you to enjoy your favorite tunes anytime and anywhere. It's legal, you are first to listen the world's best songs, and SK offers real-time streaming and downloads through its Music Rental Service.

More info:  http://www.sktelecom.com/eng/html/service/WirelessInternet/Music.html 

Speaking of music, the BOSE Surround System was equipped on the more expensive versions to provide a better sound quality while driving. Listening to your greatest hits never sound so good on an everyday midsize sedan. Also, there is a massager on the driver's seat, heated seats, Samsung Plasma Ionizer, perfume diffuser, 3 zone aircon, and this smart i navigation feature. All those conveniences really add a nice touch on the revised SM3.

We're now into the twilight zone which is the performance. As of now, the SM3 offers only the 1.6L gasoline engine generates about 117HP of power and 16.1kg-m of torque. Because it was mated with the new XTRONIC CVT, the fuel economy is now 15km/L and CO2 emissions of 114.0g/km. It's now even more economical than ever because what Renault Samsung says that this is the best-in-class fuel economy.

Available colors are; Ultra Silver, White, Black, Mars Gary, Pearl White, Ebony Brown, and Oriental Red.

My comment:

The 2013 SM3 is not just even more dynamic in terms of exterior design but it's now made to be more technological thanks to its SMart Connect feature that Korean yuppies would make sense of. Sadly however, I didn't like it. That's it.

Photo: Renault Samsung Motors

A Russian supercar is going to be featured in Most Wanted

Marussia B2

While every Need For Speed fan is craving for the upcoming Most Wanted video game, to be on sale in late 2012, there's another twist for this upcoming game. THEY'VE ADDED A RUSSIAN CAR! That's right! Need For Speed became the first to feature a Russian car! Specifically, this. the Marussia B2.

What's Marussia? Marussia was a Russian sports car maker founded by a former racing driver Nikolay Fomenko, renowned brand strategist Efim Ostrovsky, and award-winning technology entrepreneur Andrey Cheglakov in 2007. This company may be small but they have big dreams ever since the unveiling of its maiden car, the B1, in Moscow since 2008.

The Marussia B2 was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show and it serves as an evolution of Russia's first supercar.Under the bonnet lies a turbocharged 2.8L Cosworth engine that develops either 360 or 420HP of power and 600Nm of torque. In max power mode, this car can go 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds and it can go over 250kph (150mph) of top speed. A 3.5L V6 engine was also offered, which generates 300HP of power.

Because it only weighs about 1100kg and armed with a pushrod suspension, the Marussia B2 makes it perfect to slip past against your rivals. Not only that, this is perfect when you're being chased by the cops because of the handling that makes you slip past law enforcers.

Need For Speed Most Wanted is coming this October 2012.

Scoop: http://games.cnews.ru/lenta/1739293

Forza 4 announces September Pennzoil Car Pack

Summer's over and autumn's just around the corner. For a proper summer send-off, Forza Motorsport 4 announces September Pennzoil Car Pack featuring 11 cars ranging from legendary classics, two SRT Viper GTS-R's, a Citroen DS4, and the van from the A-TEAM, specifically the GMC Vandura. Available September 4, 2012 for 560MSP, you'll be getting...

2013 Viper #91 SRT Motorsport GTS-R
2013 Viper #93 SRT Motorsport GTS-R
1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
1958 Austin-Healey Sprite MKI
1953 Chevrolet Corvette
1965 MG MGB GT
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR
1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
1983 GMC Vandura G-1500
2011 Citroen DS4

Scoop: http://forzamotorsport.net/en-us/September_Pennzoil_Car_Pack/

Nissan Note E12

Anyway, we are very sad to say goodbye to the Nissan Tiida. No, we're not actually because this car's rubbish.

Right, we must unveil its replacement for the Tiida Nissan killed earlier. What do you think it is?

(audience talking)

Invitation? No. It looks like the Nissan Invitation concept car from Geneva, it isn't one.

Haven't learned of it at all eh? Can we show it?

Here we go!

This is the BIG moment!

2013 Nissan Note

It's a NISSAN!

(applause)

Specifically...the Nissan...

(applause continues)

...the Nissan Note E12, the second generation Nissan Note! This is the car that replaced the Nissan Tiida hatchback for good but made it redundant as a replacement. Anyway, the all new Nissan Note is the first ever Nissan to come with the all new HR12DDR supercharged 1.2L (DIG-S) engine that produces 98PS of power and it will go on with the class-leading fuel economy of 25.2km/L in the JC08 scale! The new Note also offers the HR12DE engine as offered from the Nissan March K13, which promises 22.6km/L of fuel economy! They're all mated with the new generation XTRONIC CVT that is now lighter, more compact, and surprisingly smoother!

2013 Nissan Note interior

Engineered in Europe, built in Japan, finished in blue, and its on sale next week to you for a reasonable 1,249,500 Yen!

2013 Nissan Note MEDALIST

That is reasonable but, the all new Nissan Note sees an all new variant and this trim level is familiar to Nissan fans many because that trim level name came from the deceased Nissan Laurel. It's called the MEDALIST and what you get on the Nissan Note Medalist are plated door handles, exclusive Beatnic Gold body color, suede-like cloth seats and artificial leather, piano-like center cluster finisher and genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel. This is when compact meets luxury!

For the first time ever, the all new Nissan Note now comes with the Around View Monitor, a first for this class, standard on MEDALIST and as a factory-installed option on X/X DIG-S/X-FOUR. This feature takes full use of four cameras installed in the front, both sides and rear. For an even bigger treat, the the Around View Monitor can be found...nope. Not on the sat-nav. It's on the rear view mirror! Fabulous!

2013 Nissan Note Autech Rider

For something sporty? Well, AUTECH Japan's got you covered with this Rider model. The Autech Rider version of the Nissan Note provides some sporty character thanks to its unique aero kit, 15-inch rims, available Fujitsubo muffler, and the AUTECH Rider emblem at the back to make sure this is the real thing.

Available colors? Well, because the Beatnic Gold Metallic being the exclusive color for the MEDALIST model, the available colors for the 2013 Note are Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Dark Metal Gray Metallic, Super Black, Radiant Red Pearl Metallic, Sonic Blue Pearl Metallic, and Aurora Mauve Multiflex.

PRICE LIST:

1.2 S - 1,249,500 Yen

1.2 X - 1,298,850 Yen

1.2 S DIG-S - 1,449,000 Yen

1.2 X DIG-S - 1,499,400 Yen

1.2 Medalist - 1,674,750 Yen

1.2 X FOUR - 1,557,150 Yen

Goodbye to the Tiida

Sorry if I had to get that stat from Top Gear, anyway, every year in Britain, over 2 million cars faced their deaths to the crusher and then, their parts got recycled into something else. Tires turned into carpets, dashboards turned into furniture, bodywork turned into washing machine. This whole recycle stuff is a bit cold and merciless to those cars who passed away.

That made us sad because cars are more than just tools to some, they're memories. One such example was the old Toyota Tamaraw. This car was not made to be displayed at the Concours D'Elegance in the Philippines but it was belonged to a long list of families for years. That car take mom from hospital when their kids were born. They took their kids to school, and then when the kids were grown up, it served as a one way ticket to freedom. Sadly, the old FX will face its maker because when a car dies, it serves as a death of a member of a family.

Now, we find ourselves in that very position because we now bid farewell to a certain Nissan.

Nissan Tiida

The old Nissan Tiida that was launched in Japan in September 2004. As a machine, it wasn't destined to set the automotive industry a light but it certainly set some memories. Think about The Secrets of Tiida. There are so many secrets why the Tiida is truly a global small compact. Compact meets luxury, that's why the Tiida was born to be. What a life has been....

But now, the Nissan Tiida is at the end of its life and because of the circumstances that Nissan will never ever sell the Tiida C12, as seen in last year's Shanghai Auto Show, in Japan, we regret that the TIIDA MUST DIE.

Tiida may die here...

But before we ever kill the Tiida, we decided to give it a proper send-off by lapping this car round the Top Gear Test Track. Are the annotations ready?

The Nissan Tiida did it in 1:43.876, so...we'll be killing the Tiida now because Nissan stop producing the Tiida in June 2012 and it will joining the list of this year's Japanese cars we bid sayonara and they're headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky such as the Honda Legend, Honda Inspire (Accord), Toyota Belta, Daihatsu Copen, Toyota Blade, Pajero Mini, and the Mazda RX-8. What should we do to say sayonara to our heroic Nissan Tiida?

Simple, we'll crash the Nissan Tiida, full speed ahead but no. We're not doing that. We'll be using Forza Motorsport 4 to kill the Nissan Tiida by our own bare hands. Apparently, this was the right thing to do for the Tiida because if I was a Japanese compact car being driven by customers worldwide a million times, this is fate I want to choose. The Nissan Tiida compact car will be doing seppuku (切腹), which is a form of Japanese ritual suicide by disembowelment, but this is a different kind of seppuku. With enough speed, the Nissan Tiida will be easily disintegrate when crashed. That's right. It's a harakiri (腹切り) for the Nissan Tiida.

Nissan Tiida before its hara-kiri

With the assembled mourners looking resplendent in high-visibility jackets, the hara-kiri ritual commences...

Nissan Tiida

Nissan Tiida interior

The Nissan Tiida's dignified seppuku...nearly

And there we are. A dignified seppuku....nearly...

That's pretty shoddy. I was suppose to think that it should be disintegrated into many bits but I mean look at that...oh my God...

REST IN PEACE, NISSAN TIIDA

2004 - 2012

May the Driving Gods bless your soul

(applause)

You idiot...

What?

You idiot...

What?

This was supposed to be a seppuku for this car but what's this? It's lame! That's not what a seppuku the Nissan Tiida supposed to do...

Oh...

Anyway, we are very sad to say goodbye to the Nissan Tiida, but we're not because it's rubbish...

Let's Do The News! (August 28, 2012)

And now the news, now Toyota's G's or G Sports is what Nissan is for Autech and what Honda is for Modulo. Earlier, we've examined the facelifted 2013 Toyota Mark X and just announced that there is now the much awaited Mark X G's sports conversion model. Here's the pic...

2013 Toyota Mark X G's

2013 Toyota Mark X G's

Hmmm...interesting bit Hammo, looks even more better than those prototypes we saw from the past Tokyo Auto Salons and hey...is this the final production model? Is this really the real Mark X G's?

Exactly. It's the real deal. Gazoo-related handling upgrades and aero kits were placed to give it some more sharpness to the Mark X and it's available on models such as the 350S and 250G S Package, the Sports Type as we know it.

So...how much were those?

About 4,200,000 yen for the 350S G's and 3,590,000 yen for the 250G S Package G's. They'll be in the TOYOPET showrooms this October, as Toyota said.

URL: http://toyota.jp/markx/gs/index.html

Speaking of which, is the G's sports conversion version of the Mark X looked even better than some of the customize car lineup? I mean look at these...

2013 Toyota Mark X

There's this exterior dress up parts for the 2013 Mark X. Does that satisfy you?

Uh no....

What about the TRD Sportivo version?

2013 Toyota Mark X

Uh...yes but sadly, it's a bit too flashy...

Then what about this? Modellista version of the 2013 Mark X?

2013 Toyota Mark X

Well yes, but specifically, I'd prefer the +M SUPERCHARGER  version. Toyota Mark X +M SUPERCHARGER adds supercharging on its 3.5L V6 engine and it produces about 360PS of power. That's the thing I like if the G's version is not good enough.

(oooohhh)

Yes, indeed. I'd agree to that but...OH!!!

What is it?

I've just heard that there's another DLC catalog for the PS3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 and guess what?

What?

For good news though; they picked up costumes as seen from the XBOX 360 version such as Hot Summer Citrus, Twilight Safari, and Honeycomb Astronaut. Bad news though, they had new costumes made specifically for the PS3 version such as the highlight of the DLC Caralog 11 known as...

Known as what? Is this going to piss them off?

Full Bloom Yukata Dress. Also exclusive for the PS3 version was the black bikinis as seen on THE IDOLM@STER G4U Vol. 6.

URL:  http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/idolmaster/im2/ps3/dlc/catalog11.php

That really disappoints us. As we know, XBOX 360 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 has better costumes than the PS3 version. As we told, how come they're different when it comes to downloadable content? PS3 exclusive DLCs for THE IDOLM@STER 2 is a bit very very rubbish as we knew it...

Yeah...and in case you wanna know what I have in my hand....can you guess what I'm holding?

Uh....

SEVERAL GUESSES LATER...

Nope. You're wrong. Because, I have this!

TARDIS Self-Destruct Device?

A cookie?

Nope. It's the TARDIS Self Destruct Device. There's a TARDIS around this house and if you guys don't shut up, I might was well blow this whole place with you on it!! Get it? I'll blow you away with a push of a button.

TARDIS...Self Destruct device? Is that really a TARDIS self destruct device?

(eating) Uh no. Just a jammie dodger. Jammie dodgers.

(audience laughing)

TARDIS Self Destruct device is non existent. Just jammie dodgers.

(eating) Yeah, but I'd promise some tea. Imagine if I went head to head against the Daleks and showing these to them, thinking that I'm going to take them with me when I use this...TARDIS self destruct device....

...and Daleks know that it's not a real thing and then you eat it, saying that it's a jammie dodger. We saw that....Jammie dodger fan...

(audience laughing)

Speaking of jammie dodgers, the US screening of Doctor Who Series 7 opener titled Asylum of the Daleks went out very successful. Very successful indeed and oh, can you guess the ride that Matt and Karen rode to the premiere?

It's a DeLorean.

DeLorean? Taking The Doctor and Amy to New York for the premiere? Riding in another time machine? What a card. (laughing)

Yeah, kinda embarrassing to see Doctor Who riding shotgun in the DeLorean time machine from Back to the Future trilogy movies. But hey...speaking of jammie dodgers, are they ready for Saturday?

Yes. We're ready. From fish fingers, custards, jammie dodgers, and some tea. We're ready for Saturday's TV premiere of the 7th season of Doctor Who. BBC One, BBC One HD, BBC America, Space, they're all ready to go.

Okay. Enough about that now, and let's warn folks around the Philippines that Typhoon Igme returns to the Philippines and cause too much misery for us until Wednesday. Too much mystery...

Huh? Typhoon Igme returns? But why?

Fujiwara effect due to Typhoon Julian.

Oh, okay. Anyway, stay safe folks!

Right. Anyway, just only two races left for this year's IndyCar 2012 season and in Sonoma, there's been a drama out there. It seems that Ryan Hunter-Reay's been upset about Alex Tagliani's results in last week's Sonoma race. Here's the clip....

Hunter-Reay's reaction, the incident, and Tagliani's explanation really added the drama on IndyCar. Anyway,  have you guys seen the NASCAR IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway?

(audience murmuring)

Yeah, we've seen Danica Patrick's horrible crash on that venue but luckily though, she survived....just...



What luck for Danica Patrick to survive a horrible crash. Let's admit that NASCAR is definitely one of the most dangerous motorsports of all time because of crashes always occur because of racers getting too close for a slipstream. Glad I'm wasn't part of this race...

(audience laughing)

Me too...and speaking of which, we were kinda emotional for Atsuko Maeda leaving AKB48 for good. Right before she packed her bags and wave goodbye to Japan-favorite AKB48, she said that she wants to study in the USA, one part of USA to be precise, New York.

(oooohhh)

Uhhh....

...and speaking of which, because she left AKB48, the Atsuko Maeda's no longer being under AKB48's ban on romance. I mean seriously, it's the rule that no AKB48 member has romantic connections whatsoever unless you are graduated. I mean yeah, Atsuko Maeda now left AKB48 and now, she's free to do whatever she wants.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-08-27/akb48-atsuko-maeda-wants-to-study-abroad-in-new-york

Speaking of which....we just heard that in the authors' comments section for Square Enix's Monthly Gangan Joker magazine, the manga artist named Eito Chida said that the manga version of Hanasaku Iroha has come to an ending in the October issue this September 22.

(awwww)

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-08-26/hanasaku-iroha-artist-eito-chida-reveals-manga-end

Very sorry if we've seen you spitting your coca-colas in front of your desks or doing some unpredictable stuff but indeed it's bad news for the fans of Hanasaku Iroha. This really is a bombshell and that's the news!