Let's Do The News! (December 9, 2013)

The big scoop today...

1) Hyundai Avante goes one-off race in PH

2014 Hyundai Avante

Hyundai Asia Resources Inc is planning a one-off race series with the facelifted Elantra (Korean Name: Avante) soon. This was announced by HARI president and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo during the awarding ceremonies for the 2013 Lateral Drift Pro-Am Championship Series and this "Hyundai Circuit Series" will commence next year featuring the facelifted model with the 1.8-liter M/T as the basis for the racers.

Report: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/racing-news/hyundai-ph-to-stage-one-make-elantra-race-series-next-year

2) Bubble Gang on hot water over "naughty gag"

That's not gone well for GMA. Moments after MTRCB summoned the Kapuso network over newscaster Arnold Clavio's behavior in Unang Hirit, another one takes the toll and this time it's Bubble Gang. This was because of the new segment called "D Adventures of Susie Lualhati" and on that segment as seen on the November 29 episode, Ruffa Mae Quinto as Susie Lualhati demonstrates to a group how to make puto bumbong, which according to the MTRCB, gave the impression that she was simulating "male self-abuse". What does it mean?!

Report: http://kickerdaily.com/govt-censorship-body-looks-into-bubble-gangs-naughty-gag/

3) Miriam asks: Should Enrile be suspend or fired?

It seems the whole Defensor-Santiago vs. Enrile debate has been around the talk right now and looks like the angered senator, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, filed a complaint against Senator Juan Ponce Enrile over the use of offensive language at his November 27 speech.

Report: http://n5e.interaksyon.com/top/16A21B795EF74C6/1001/miriam-suspension-o-sibakin-si-enrile-sa-senado

4) Future Pinoy Astronaut back home

Chino Roque, the soon-to-be-first-Pinoy-astronaut thanks to AXE APOLLO SPACE PROGRAM, is back to the Philippines after being selected one of the aspiring hopefuls to go to space. What's his inspiration for him to take the biggest challenge yet?

Find out by watching this report: http://n5e.interaksyon.com/top/430E01637A48487/1001/future-pinoy-astronaut-balik-pinas-na

5) Naruto manga reaches its final SHINOBI WAR arc

“The battle of Naruto and his comrades is in it’s final phase, in the truest sense of the term. About the Ten Tails, about Madara, and then, about Sasuke…I will continue to raise the tension without restraint, in every way I can! Please follow this story of a boy named Naruto a little while longer, I will greatly appreciate it.” 

This was stated by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto in a TV interview that the Naruto manga series, the world's most-talked about franchise in the history of anime, reaches its finale as the Shinobi War will serve as the final arc. Is this time to say farewell to the famed ninja franchise?

Report: http://www.kzone.com.ph/blog/?p=11189

Last 50 Veyrons left...

Bugatti Veyron GSV Jean-Pierre Wimille

The Bugatti Veyron inventory is now 50 units left and when it's sold out, it's goodbye to the world's fastest car. The 400th Veyron has just rolled off the Molsheim plant and the model in question is the Jean-Pierre Wimille edition, one of the Legends specials. Since 2005, Bugatti produced 300 Veyron coupes and as of now, 100 roadsters, leaving 50 Veyron Grand Sport models to come before its grand finale.

Report: http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/bugatti-veyron-nearly-sold-out-2013-12-06

Sherlock Series 3 on New Year's Day

Mark the date: January 1, 2014. NEW YEAR'S DAY. Sherlock returns on BBC One this New Year and for the new series, it's all in the terror levels ever since Sherlock Holmes came back from the dead. Yes, we wouldn't mind landlady Mrs. Hudson screaming on the clip. Anyway, here's the trailer in question and oh, unlock exclusive clips and pictures from the new series with their interactive trailer at http://bit.ly/BBCSherlock3.

TTFN!!!

Vice Ganda meets Kael

In case you missed it, the December 8, 2013 episode of Gandang Gabi Vice sees presenter Vice Ganda having a good time with his special guest, Aaron Villaflor. You may remember Aaron Villaflor as Kael, Juan's formidable rival and the so-called heir to the villainous Haring Aswang in the fantasy-action drama Juan Dela Cruz. It's horse meets aswang in last night's episode and we had fun watching this show.

BMW i3

2014 BMW i3

This is quite a bizarre treat for BMW though. Having managed to create some sort of a zero-emission vehicle for the posh people, not to mention that BMW is a luxury car brand like the others, the new BMW i3 is one heck of a posh compact for those who think that the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt are so...(clears throat)...not their type.

It's the first of BMW's new BMW i sub-brand, which in their philosophy, represents visionary electric vehicles and mobility services, inspiring design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability. The i3 is more than just a city car peddling its zero-emission smug for the masses, it's just another one of those eco cars that goes "smug alert" owners would go for. I said smug, get it? Smug! Desolation of the smug! Oops! I said it again!

Anyway, while eco cars like the Prius, the Insight, the Leaf, and the Volt, among many others continuing their desolation of the smug alert, would the BMW i3 be part of it or is it? First, let's start with the basics but best to hurry up or else I'm totally tripping balls over this one.

2014 BMW i3

At its normal form, the i3 is generated by an electric motor placed in the rear axle which generates 170PS of power and 250Nm of torque. Yes, I see what they did there, that's more than the Nissan Leaf got by about 61PS but 4Nm less. 0-100kph takes 7.2 seconds and top speed limited to 150kph.

What really amazes me is unlike any other electric compacts which runs on front wheels, the i3 runs on rear-wheels, meaning that in theory, you can really make a mess in your neighborhood without knowing it's you. It's like you're doing the whole "it's not me cubicle shoe trick" where people think you're taking a tinkle instead of pooping at the toilet which you just did. Because it's smaller than any other normal EVs but a bit bigger than the ridiculously boring Mitsubishi i-MiEV, I can only imagine a few idiots willing to risk their lives driving one of these at their nearest shopping center. Get it? Amazing!

The normal version looks great when you're looking for some high-voltage hijinks. No, not the whole Brainiac stuff about electricity but you know what I mean. However, if you're looking for some extended trips, BMW offers the i3 an optional range extender engine, meaning you're turning this from Leaf to Volt because the Volt is a PHEV unlike the Leaf which relies on electricity only. Anyway, the REx option uses the 647cc engine direct from one of BMW's mopeds, the C650 GT. Wait a minute, do you really need an i3 with the option of using a petrol engine from a moped?

For the i3 with the REx option, the petrol engine only kicks in when it's low-batt, serving this as a generator to produce electricity to extend the range by about 320km. It may not be qualified as a suitable car that takes you to a trip from your house in Muntinlupa to a park in Baguio but the optional moped engine is quite handy when you need it until it's time for a recharge.

The BMW i3 has the maximum total range when treated right is up to 200km while the one with the REx option, can last up to 340km. As for the batteries, a DC fast charging will take less than 30 minutes, about the same length as two 15-minute episodes of your favorite cartoon, while charging in AC takes about 3 to 6 hours, and it takes 6 to 8 hours when you charge it at your house via an ICCB outlet. Depending on your schedule, it might be best to plan your charging accordingly because if you left with an i3 with less than what you expect, this is like an embarrassing exit from your house to your school with your toast in your mouth.

2014 BMW i3 interior

I'm starting to think that the BMW i3 is becoming the city car that defies the conventions of what a zero-emission electric cars of today have. I think it's becoming more fun to drive not only because it's rear-wheel drive but maybe because of its zero emission that most idiots would do to drive one of these at the malls without causing too much smoke belchings and its compact sizing which makes it very unique. I do really wish to have one of these but because of its 34,950 Euro pricing, I'm afraid that this is too much to pay for this very enjoyable green car which sends Dr. Bunhead into questioning what in a world would he do for this.

2014 BMW i3

Available colors: Ionic Silver mit Akzent BMW i Blau, Arravanigrau mit Akzent BMW i, Blau, Solarorange mit Akzent Frozen Grey metallic, Laurusgrau mit Akzent BMW i Blau, Andesitsilber mit Akzent BMW i Blau, and Capparisweiß mit Akzent BMW i Blau.

Photo: BMW AG

Top Gear Awards 2013

Top Gear Awards 2013

The latest issue of BBC Top Gear Magazine listed the winners of the Top Gear Awards 2013 as they crowned the best cars of 2013 across 20 categories including picks from Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May.

McLaren P1 - Hypercar of the year, Clarkson's COTY
Ferrari 458 Speciale - Supercar of the year, May's COTY
Porsche 911 GT3 (991) - Hammond's COTY
Jaguar F-Type - Convertible of the year
Honda Mean Mower - Thing of the year
Citroen C4 Picasso - Family Car of the year
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series - Lairy Car of the Year
Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray - Not The Muscle Car of the Year
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222) - Luxury Car of the Year
Rolls Royce Wraith - Rather Splendid Motor Car of the Year
Hyundai i10 - Bargain of the Year
Peugeot 208 T16 - Racecar of the Year
BMW i3 - Green Car of the Year
Range Rover Sport - SUV of the Year
VW XL1 - Innovation of the Year
Porsche - Manufacturer of the Year
Ford Fiesta ST - Hot hatch of the Year, TOP GEAR COTY 2013 Winner

2014 Ford Fiesta ST

Source: http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/top-gear-magazine-awards-winners-2013-12-04

SUPERSTORM YOLANDA: New homes for 2,800 families by Christmas

According to the report from The Philippine Star, more than 2,800 families of Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan survivors will have new homes by Christmas as stated by the DPWH. On Christmas Day, it shall have complete the construction of 119 temporary shelters or bunkhouses each comprising 24 units.

119 out of 142 bunkhouses being built by the DPWH for Yolanda survivors in Eastern Visayas and when 2014 hits, the agency is targeting to complete the construction.

Report: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/12/08/1265556/new-homes-2800-families-christmas

Gran Turismo 6: HELLO EVOQUE

This is the luxury crossover in question. It's called the Range Rover Evoque, one of the many new cars you can drive on Gran Turismo 6 and it's also one of the cars I demanded GT6 to feature it...well sort of because the one I have in the game is the sportier Dynamic version...in three-door Coupe trim.

Anyway, the Evoque, what is it? Why would the Evoque just wanna say HELLO GT6?  Here's a little story about this posh spice...

Premiered in 2010 and went on sale in the Autumn of 2011, the Evoque is basically the production version of the Land Rover LRX Concept, as seen on the 2008 NAIAS. It may look like an SUV but it also looked like a sports car, therefore it went against conventional SUV looks and feels.



Unlike its bigger brothers, the Evoque doesn't have a huge separate chassis, a low-range gearbox, and a big engine. It's based on the Freelander 2 platform and just 90% of the parts were revised for road clearance purposes. There are numerous engines for the Evoque to choose from such as a 2.2L diesel engine or the one I have in my Evoque in GT6 is a 2.0L turbo engine which produces 236HP of power and 250.9ft-lb of torque.

Legend has it that to compensate for the lack of a low-range gearbox, the Evoque features a clever tech called TERRAIN RESPONSE and even though the Evoque doesn't look like an off-roader, it still behaves like any off-roader. It even has magnetic iron filings in the suspension to quickly adapt the shock absorber firmness regardless of any road.





I had to admit that by the time I drove this crossover on GT6, it's good to say that the ride is pretty much excellent and even though it's just a mini-RR with a bit of posh spice in mind, not to mention the whole Victoria Beckham gig, I find the Evoque to be rather amusing to me. Despite being a bulk of a crossover, the Evoque still fares like a sportscar in the handling stakes and as for the off-road stakes, the Evoque still fares surprisingly well...but only just.



I love this car. It rides excellent, it's better off-road, and it has a charismatic appeal to stand out. The Evoque may not be quite a stunner in the world of Gran Turismo 6 but it's still a crossover well played to face the world.



Is it a proper Range Rover or just a big designer's purse? You decide the outcome in case you have one in your GT6 car collection.

Things to know about the Evoque:
1) It's a crossover that sees the departure of SUV conventions most Land Rovers had.
2) JLR invested over 27 million British Pounds Sterling worth of government grants to produce this at their Halewood plant
3) Former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham was heavily involved in the Evoque's detailing.
4) It scored five-star overall in the Euro NCAP rating
5) Since its launch, JLR received over 18,000 pre-orders for the Evoque

Gran Turismo 6: The maiden voyage

Hello, welcome to my first ever blog regarding what's what in the world of Gran Turismo 6. Day One involves the first playable car in the game and that's none other than the second-generation Honda Fit RS.



Things to know about the 2010 Honda Fit RS:

1) This is the facelifted version of the second-generation Fit
2) This is the sporty model
3) The facelifted second-generation model was launched in Autumn 2010
4) This is the only beginner car in GT6



Reason why this is the only beginner car in Gran Turismo 6? Well, when you start up the game, there's the tutorial where at the start, you'll drive the 2010 Renault Clio RS one lap round Brands Hatch and then after, you are at the main menu where the tutorial will direct you to the 2010 Honda Fit RS at the dealerships. Well, you get the idea but what's like driving in the only starter car in the game? The car served as Page One of your GT6 career?



Well, as a beginner's car, it's not half bad but it's not half good either. It maybe more of a sportier version of the Fit but once I face this car to the corner, I get a fair bit of understeer. It's as swift as a jungle bolo trying to cut through a full-grown thorn. Ouch. Perhaps no wonder the Fit supplanted Honda's lineup in Japan while the Civic was removed from the list, therefore this compact hatchback doesn't feel a bit too much of a hot hatch.

Although it weighs about a thousand kilos, it feels a bit heavier. I'd never seen a sporty Honda hatch like this that doesn't feel as sporty as its rivals. However, this first impression was just the tip of the iceberg and for that, I gave the second-generation Fit RS a bit of a challenge, just to find out how good this thing is...



For that, I take on the first Seasonal Event of the new game and oh, to access the Online Features such as Lobby and Seasonal Events, you must have the National A License first before accessing it. Well, you get the idea but anyway, onto the first Seasonal Event...

On this event, my 2010 Fit RS should be wearing Comfort Soft tyres or less, has a PP of 380 or below, and no nitrous allowed. Quite amazed that the Nitrous feature from GT4 make a comeback in GT6 but anyway, I tuned my 2010 Fit RS to meet the 380 PP regulations and for me, it's all power to me because in theory, more power will make me win but who cares.

Despite my added power, it seems I made my 2010 Fit RS' handling a bit worse, even in the small corners of the GT Arena Layout A, the one where you race with your go-karts. Despite my catastrophic understeers, I manage to beat the Gold target time and my record is 0:34.164. I think my Fit RS needs improvement but this is the best I can do today.



So, while the 2010 Honda Fit RS may not be the only beginner car you are relying on but hey, this is the car that served as the first page of your GT6 legacy. Here in GT6, you have so much to expect, so much to see, new places to go, new cars to try, and new challenges to face. It's all up to you to progress your GT6 journey just the way you are.

Good luck on your GT6 maiden voyage, racers! Perhaps no wonder the Honda Fit RS' 10 served as the maiden voyage on your GT6 journey.