Audi S3 Typ 8V and SQ5

Tonight, or today if you're reading this on the day, or this morning if you woke up, let's talk about the latest A3. Last year, I checked out the all new Audi A3 in the summer and I told that the all new model does look like an enlarged Audi A1 but because of its new MQB platform developed by Volkswagen, it's now lighter, more rigid, and it gets even more emotional in terms of performance and handling. Well, not much. One psychopath per review though. VW Group cars with MQB platform seems to be bringing the future to us but sometimes, it's not quite a dignity if you asked me. Anyway, there's a hotter version of the new A3 and what can I say?

2014 Audi S3

Turn left! No! Turn right! No! Turn left! Turn left! Ahhh!!! Now what an athletic hatchback indeed! Street athlete! It's like it went to the Ironman race! Swimming, cycling, and running! Now that's when blokes get dirty! Hoo-hoo!!

So, welcome, everyone, to the all new S3, Audi's street athlete for the road, redefined. First of all, what Audi did is to take a normal Typ 8V A3, make it more athletic, and then pump up with the long-stroke 2.0 TFSi engine that produces 300HP of power. That's about 20HP less powerful than its rival, the BMW M135i and in a game of catch up, the new S3 is nowhere near as good as the M135i in the corners. Don't think of it as Bruce Forsyth being a Die Hard hero or being inside The Shining. This is more than that. It's like some young woman in her stripey tank top trying to attack you with a P90 machine gun in your head and shoulders. Anyway, while this model's heavier than the BMW M135i, the quattro all wheel drive system really does not scare the driver as much. It's much more grippy but it's a much more stressful to drive.

Pricing? Let's have a look...38,900 Euros for the one with the manual transmission but that car will cost you 1,900 Euros more if a 7-speed double clutch transmission is added. Come to think of it that despite the double clutch transmission added, I would say that it's going to be rubbish, frankly. So, it may look like a half-decent hot hatch but sadly it doesn't feel like a half-decent hot hatchback.

Thing is though, the all new S3 is not the only Audi that doesn't understand my language and confuses me a lot, perhaps, there's another one that is much more confusing than the new S3...

2013 Audi SQ5

It may look like the recently facelifted Audi Q5 but this is, by far out, the most confusing Audi I have ever felt in my life. This is the new SQ5 and that name should have been called the Q5 S like the TT-S but question is...why SQ5? While that question is a bit confusing as of now, the engine that powers it is even more confusing than ever...

It has a 3.0 TDi engine with two turbochargers that produces 313HP of power and 650Nm of torque. I mean yes, this is the first ever Audi S model to have a diesel engine but that only works in European countries because overseas version may get a petrol variant, which sounds lovely but...AHHHH!!!!! WHAT AM I THINKING?!!!!

You know what? Never mind about that but still, Audi said that the zero to hundred kilo sprint takes about 5.1 seconds while fuel consumption combined is about 7.2L/100km. To differentiate the SQ5 from the normal Q5, this model has the platinum gray single-frame radiator grille with its galvanized dual struts in aluminum look, the roof spoiler and modified bumpers, meaning that the crossover that was once a crossover your posh mom would use for grocery shopping, has now turned into a naughty rascal. Imagine your mom driving one of these and when other mommies saw this ride, they would think that you're an inappropriate mother who was raising a spoiled brat for years.

In essence then, both the all new S3 and the all new SQ5 were not in my books because well I was gonna say horrid but such word is not used on such cars. Guess I should better make up a new word that is neither bad, nor good to describe what these two S-model Audis were but in the meantime, these two cars are open for discussion but because I'm ending this discussion right now, guess you'll gonna have to discuss about this car somewhere else.

Photo: AUDI AG

Opel/Vauxhall ADAM

ADAM&YOU. Ein Auto. Tausend Möglichkeiten.

When anyone think about the name "Adam Opel", it is sure know that he's one of the legendary faces in the automobile history because he's the man responsible for founding the Opel carmaker in Russelsheim, Germany. For this car though...ADAM...Opel ADAM...this is kinda like the name that when Ferrari called their car after the founder, Enzo Ferrari, a couple of years ago. But not as Enzo as its sounds you know...And by the looks of it, it's a bit misleading for a car to give a manly name.

2013 Opel ADAM

2013 Opel ADAM interior

2013 Vauxhall ADAM

2013 Vauxhall ADAM interior

I mean look at it...not as manly as it looks. It kinda looks like a modern Fiat 500, which served as its target for the new ADAM. Anyway, perhaps this car should have called EVE. Get it? Because this car's made for girls who love to spend their shopping mall money buying blouses, Prada bags, cowboy boots, or anything that makes them fashionable. This is the kind of city car targeted for those who want to be fashionistas and if girls are taking this cute city car for a spin, my oh my, guess how much trouble will be doing when this premium stylish city car is handed to shopping mall-loving girls in their 20's....Posh? I don't think so, perhaps this would be quite a thrill when they got chased by bad boys in hundred-thousand euro exotic in shopping centers and I don't mean that spitefully.

Because it's so little and the wide is much more than the modern Fiat 500, the only thing you can fit through is when you see a gap between the plant and the walls of the mall, something that a supercar can't fit through. Move over, Fat Albert! Am I making it sensible or is it just me? Sorry about that but anyway, let's make it serious about this Opel ADAM but to do that, I have to be in the mind of a normal 20-ish girl who has the keys to this car...

First, I have the key, then I get inside, slide the key, turn it on, shift the gear to first, gently step the accelerator pedal, turn left away from home and then I'm off. This is where ADAM and I are going somewhere...

Suppose that I wanna listen something to some FM radio like for instance Tambayan 101.9 or Home Radio or Crossover FM, I turned on ADAM's radio, well that is a standard feature but if I was in a more expensive model, I have a feature that is somewhat similar to General Motors' MyLink but this is what they called IntelliLink. It's the first for this Opel and it brings content from the smartphone (either iOS or Android alike) onto the seven-inch, high resolution, full color touch-screen display. Looks convenient though and you can connect it via USB or Bluetooth. I like Bluetooth better because wireless connectivity brings the future through us. He he he he.... Personal experience, though....

2013 Vauxhall ADAM

2013 Opel ADAM

After hours of fiddling with the audio system or with the navigation, it was time for me to park this car and then I'll start shopping at my favorite mall. Time to do my favorite thing in my favorite place but parking is the least favorite for me but not to worry about it because it's the first to come with Advanced Park Assist II. At the push of the button, the dashboard tells them when they reach a parking space large enough to accommodate the car. This system does the steering, you'll do with the brakes, clutch, and the transmission. Wait a minute...this isn't convenient though, not as convenient as the Ford Focus' parking style, well you know, the thing that parks itself...

Hours later after my shopping gig, it was time for me to head home. Let me tell you something about how it performs because for the ADAM, available engine choices were either a 1.2 ecoFLEX (A12XEL) engine that produces a modest 70PS of power, 1.4L ecoFLEX (A14XEL) engine that produces 87PS of power, and the 1.4L ecoFLEX (A14XER) engine that produces 100PS of power, all mated with a standard 5-speed manual transmission, which is the only transmission offered in this city car. While most of these engines are Euro 5 Compliant, the most fuel efficient was the one with the A12XEL engine on it because the fuel economy will get me up to 20kmpl combined. That seems fine but there's a general rule about fuel economy figures. Remember the EPA fuel economy fiasco by the Hyundai-Kia group? Yep, that was a totally different story but one word of caution though is this...DRIVING STYLES AFFECT FUEL ECONOMY FIGURES. That's a top tip you should remember though. Your driving style differs fuel economy. I felt disappointed to the guy who owns a Kia Morning complaining to the Kia booth at last year's Auto Focus Motorshow & Auto Expo at the Mall of Asia concert grounds. Oh well, long story short...

Moments later, home sweet home. And it's 5:00 PM sharp, it's almost dark here and here's a quick sum up on the ADAM. It maybe just a car made for those who have an urban lifestyle, especially girls who want to spend so much hours at malls but in terms of handling, it's not too shabby but it's a bit half-baked. Just like the souffle though, this car was too beautiful to live. Thing is though, this car has some personalization for first-time buyers. You can either JAM, GLAM, or SLAM it depending on your personal preferences but that's just a fashionista's car for the serious fashionistas from malls. You can't just take it on the nightclub or to the five-star restaurant because if you do, people will notice that you'll be the other John. Did you hear about our John? Our John's a gay man now. Ha ha ha ha....Even years goes by, this 'Our John's a gay man' joke still got it but you'll never gonna getaway with anything while driving this car...End of discussion. Babu!!! I'm getting late for my parlor game...at the beauty parlor...

PRICE LIST:

Ope ADAM price list

What's in our Car Town garage today? (January 21, 2013)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

2010 Nissan 370Z

"This is a racing hen!" Jeremy Clarkson describes how this 370Z feels like but anyway, the 370Z (Fairlady Z in Japan) is the powerful and nimbler version of the old 350Z and this was codenamed as Z34, serving this as the sixth generation of Nissan's legendary Z-car. It's powered by a 3.7L V6 VVEL engine lifted from the V36 Skyline and with manual transmission equipped, it even got this new SynchroRev match system that matches the sounds of the revs per gear. That's very simple and very clever. I like that....

One thing that they didn't know that this car was designed by a Filipino...

2010 Nissan 370Z

2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider

You're looking at James May's Car of the Year 2012 as read at the December 2012 issue of BBC Top Gear Magazine. The Spider model of the McLaren MP4-12C supercar packs the same goodness of the hardtop version with the open top goodness. Because no strengthening needs are required, McLaren managed to make it 40kg more than the hardtop version.

2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider

2009 Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust

In a Series 14 episode of Top Gear, the boys are trying to create an eco car that will rival against the G-Wiz. Jeremy's in charge of the design, Richard's in charge of the body, and James' in charge of the battery. They made an electric car named Geoff but sadly, it performed worse than the G-Wiz and ended up crashed at the tree but the boys weren't throwing off the towel yet. They've improved their creation by having James loaded with more batteries and even a diesel-powered generator that charges the batteries on the go, Richard give it some new tires to reduce friction, and Jeremy...eh....what can I say? The result is the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust, their best eco car creation...in the world!

When the boys took them to the MIRA Testing Grounds, the boys pulled some tricks against the tests to prove that the Hammerhead is better than anything. They did slowing down the car in a crash test, the pendulum test rewind-fast forward trick, any kind of test the EU that can possibly throw the boys at it. Slower than the Prius but more importantly, faster than the G-Wiz!

After several tests and The Stig's Vegetarian Cousin being suffocated to death, the boys sent The Stig to bring their invention at Autocar and when the boys read the advanced copies...it seems that Autocar throw some negative comments about the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust!

Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust

Let's Do The News! (January 20, 2013)

River's Diary

Right, what's the news today you spoiler-laden TARDIS journal?

Floods in Jakarta

Floods in Jakarta

Yep, it's real and it's about as serious as it happened in Thailand back in 2011 or somewhere in Metro Manila last year but it's a norm for every Indonesian living in the financial district of Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia because strong rains often flooded this city but for those living there, well, guess they should prepare for the worst because rains will continue all day. Some say, a dozen people were dead and nearly 20,000 homeless.

Algerian hostage crisis...

As I heard, there was a hostage crisis somewhere at the gas plant in a remote area in Algeria. Those Algerian extremists (I don't know if they were Al Qaeda-connected) attacked a bus full of foreigners and it took four days until 23 hostages and 32 terrorists died in the four-day standoff that ended yesterday at a natural-gas plant in the nation’s southeast.

God rest those souls who were lost in the Algerian hostage crisis...

URL: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-01-19/algeria-gas-plant-seizure-ends-as-militants-hostages-die

2014 Corvette Stingray Final Prototype auctioned at Barrett-Jackson

The Barrett-Jackson auction is one of the biggest car auctions in America and it has been a chock full of classic cars and more up for grabs. There was even a replica of the famous 1967 Shelby GT500 as seen on Gone in 60 Seconds, the original Batmobile from the classic Batman TV show (the one with Adam West on it), 300SL Gullwing, and others. Other than that, the lucky one to be featured in the auction was the pre-production prototype of the all new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and guess how much the bid is? The first C7 just sold benefitting charity for $1,050,000! That's right! A massive proceeds will go to the College for Creative Studies.

URL: http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/19/first-production-2014-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-draws-1-1-mil/



Alfa Romeo Spider successor to be built by Mazda alongside the next Mazda Roadster

Last year, we heard that Alfa Romeo and Mazda will be collaborating together that the successor to the Alfa Romeo Spider will be based on the next-generation Mazda Roadster (MX-5 Miata) and now, the deal has been sealed because Mazda will be holding its responsibility to create the successor to the Alfa Romeo Spider alongside the next generation MX-5 Roadster. These will occur sometime in 2015.

URL: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2013/01/mazda-and-fiat-sign-deal-for-new-alfa.html

Official Girls und Panzer Itasha Car at Toyota's AMLUX

Girls und Panzer...this anime was aired last year and with additional episodes to be aired this year but as I heard, Toyota's AMLUX collaborated with that said anime to create an itasha using the Toyota Vitz as its basis. This will run until February 11 and on that event, there's chock full of activities such as a stamp rally, a bingo tournament, 2000GT plastic model bulding, a Gran Turismo game simulation competition, a safety driving test via a simulator and more....

URL: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-01-19/toyota-unveils-official-girls-and-panzer-itasha-car

(Sigh) How come Gran Turismo never featured the third-generation Toyota Vitz, yet? Come on, we're waiting!!!!

National Rifle Association takes a stab against Obama's gun control policy

Since last year's mass killings in Sandy Hook Elementary at Newtown, CT, US president Barrack Obama take some drastic measures to reduce gun-related violence with a very serious gun control policy but then the National Rifle Association never like that idea and their ad shows that Obama's an elitist hypocrite...Here's the clip...



Hmmm...maybe this ad does have a point....Is the President's kids more important than ours? "Then why is he skeptical of putting armed security in schools, when his kids are protected by armed guards in their school?"

Honda GEAR Concept

Honda GEAR Concept

Betcha didn't know that in this year's Monteal Auto Show, Honda surprised the visitors with this GEAR Concept, which the Japanese carmaker says that this was made to capture the trends of youth lifestyles. Sadly though, not much info about this concept car and neither do I....

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/honda-surprises-with-gear-concept-in-montreal/

Forza 4: 2007 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Thriller? Not quite...

The 8C name was derived from the legendary engine which had made Alfa Romeo famous for their racing pedigree from the 1920's, that was designed by the famous Vittorio Jano.

It was the very first FR Alfa Romeo coupe ever made since the SZ and the front view of the 8C incorporates the brand's new signature look that adorned current Alfa models such as the MiTo. This car is limited up to 500 units (which sold out very quickly) and it was built at the same factory as its stablemate, the Maserati GranTurismo.

It weighs about 1575kg and its weight distribution towards the rear at 49 to 51, thanks to its steel frame with carbon. Most aspects of the power unit is shared with Maserati but Alfa Romeo tweaked its performance and sound. The 4.7L V8 engine generates 444HP of power and it's matched with a trans-axle Q select 6-speed semi automatic.

This car set a lap time at the Top Gear Test Track in 01:38.2 in very wet conditions as seen in Series 11 Episode 4 of Top Gear.

It was featured in Jeremy Clarkson's 2008 DVD titled Thriller alongside the Maserati GranTurismo and the Aston Martin DBS. Jeremy Clarkson said that this car is HORRID.

"For us, Tolmux!"

On the January 18, 2013 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Game show gags

- This girl likes to dance with the boys in line...and we're waiting for our turn!

- Let's face it dude, the Korean pop culture's invaded our thoughts...

- Bubble Gang does Pambatang Solmux by spoofing this commercial as PAMBATANG TOLMUX! For us, Tolmux!

- Mr. Assimo in the airplane

- PICKUP LINES!

- TATA LINO!

- Sana ay ikaw nganga...

Forza Horizon: A few good BMW's

Bimmers love the open road of Colorado, especially in a game of Forza Horizon but sometimes not all Bimmers are good, well they are better or BEST! There are a good bimmers, some better ones, and the BEST BMW cars offered on Horizon. For me, the best Bimmers I have ever drive were...

...the normal BMW M3 E92...

This is like a promotional video!

...the BMW Z4 E89, which is the dinosaur ravaging through Horizon...

Beware of the dinosaur with big meaty testes!

...the BMW 1M Coupe, which maybe old but still a goodie for the enthusiasts...

The other Annoying Orange...

...and the BMW M5 F10, which is definitely the best BMW 4-door high performance sports saloon which loves to pull some moves for the sake of its popularity...

This driver's had a cousin in Yorkshire!

Those beamers were the best! It really showed me how "Freude am Fahren" they are, sticking true to its BMW slogan and you know it.