Sunday, April 20, 2014

Stars of 2014 New York Auto Show

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible

The 2014 New York Auto Show is in full circle right now and visitors got until next Sunday to check out what's new in the world of automotive industry as well as next-generation car technologies built for the future ahead so...what cars to expect in this year's car show?


  • 2015 Infiniti QX80
  • 2015 Infiniti Q70
  • 2015 Dodge Challenger F/L
  • 2015 Dodge Charger F/L
  • 2015 Subaru Outback
  • Ford Transit Skyliner Concept
  • 2015 BMW X4
  • 2015 Ford Focus Electric
  • 2015 Volkswagen Jetta F/L
  • 2015 Acura TLX
  • 2015 Nissan Murano
  • 2015 Ford Focus
  • 2015 BMW M4 Cabrio
  • Ford Mustang 50th Anniversary Edition
  • Scion FR-S Release Series 1.0
  • 2015 Chevrolet Cruze F/L
  • 2015 Chevrolet Trax
  • 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible
  • 2015 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe
  • Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept
...and more.

SIDE NOTES:

- Kia revealed their new MPV which will be the replacement for the Carnival minivan. We can't tell you what that name is because of search engine reasons but it's close. We just have to wait what would the Koreans call for Kia's new flagship MPV recently revealed at the New York Auto Show.

- The QX50 has been renamed into QX80 while the Infiniti M has been renamed into Q70 in part of Nissan's luxury brand's new naming scheme. For 2015, they're both updated with refined exterior, new trims and for the Q70 flagship saloon, a long wheelbase model is offered for the first time but only petrol models will take part to the extended wheelbase model of the Q70.

- Mazda celebrates the Roadster's 25th year featuring the past, present, and the future of the Mazda Roadster.

- The Ford Mustang 50th Anniversary Edition will be limited to 1964 units and it's made in honor of the Mustang's 50th birthday with its throwback looks and a commemorative plaque on the interior.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Subaru LEVORG (VM)

This is probably one of the most ideal cars to drive when you woke up at 3 o'clock in the morning and go out for an early cruise round the town. Sure, you have the roads with you at the time but in this new model I'll be tackling about, think of it like you're going away from your house in the suburbs, then travel round town until you reached your granny's house, which is about a few miles from a historic site. How lucky this scenario would be especially the car you were driving is an estate available only in Japan.

2015 Subaru LEVORG

This is the LEVORG and even though it has a very weird name, Subaru claims that this is a Real Sports Tourer as said in their advertising but come on, even though it's a sports tourer which is the size of the outgoing Legacy Touring Wagon, which will be phased out this year, I don't really hold much hope even though it's not going to be offered worldwide because it's available exclusively to the Japanese market.

Sure, it was similarly sized to the Legacy Touring Wagon but unlike the Legacy Touring Wagon, the LEVORG looks clean in the exterior design department and it looks handsome as well. The bonnet scoop adds a nice touch because what's underneath it are one of two DIT engines which I'll talk about it later but anyway, because it looks more like a European sports tourer, there's nothing to criticize about how the LEVORG looks and as for the interior...

2015 Subaru LEVORG interior

It's all typical Subaru interior in here, but when fully equipped, you get the same experience that you felt from watching a very erotic Danish commercial. While taking an early morning cruise on a Tokyo highway, the LEVORG really soothes my mind, and I don't need to worry about a single thing because it's a very comfortable ride. After all, it's as well-lubricated as a jar of Vaseline.

It's the first to offer Eyesight Ver. 3, which is the new and improved version of Subaru's very own pre-crash safety system. For Version 3, it integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. If you have any doubts, handle this stuff with care.

So, on the city highways, the LEVORG is brilliant because of its comfort zone and the clever suspension setup that makes this tourer feel like in a different league, but as dawn reaches and the open roads are in reach, the LEVORG starts to unravel.

2015 Subaru LEVORG

The LEVORG offers two turbocharged petrol engines, making it a fun car to drive. However, despite the turbocharged engines, the only available transmission is a LINEARTRONIC CVT gearbox. Different engine types provide distinct settings for this gearbox. 

 

First, there's the FB16 DIT engine, which generates a modest 170 PS of power and achieves a fuel economy of 17.4 km/liter (JC08 mode). This makes it quite suitable for longer drives. Models equipped with the 1.6L DIT engine feature two modes in the SI-DRIVE system, allowing you to choose between optimal fuel efficiency and enhanced driving enjoyment.

 

Then, we have the top-of-the-line FA20 DIT engine, producing an impressive 300 PS of power and 400 Nm of torque. For models featuring this high-performance engine, there’s an S# mode in the SI-DRIVE that enables drivers to use paddle shifters to shift through eight simulated gears. This SPORT LINEARTRONIC CVT gearbox enhances responsiveness compared to other CVTs, making for a more engaging driving experience.

 

With a new chassis and Subaru's renowned SYMMETRICAL AWD system, the LEVORG is a well-equipped sports tourer ready for the road ahead. While navigating speed bumps might cause some concern, the driving experience evokes the thrill of cruising in a Subaru wagon on adventurous roads. Subarus are designed to tackle any terrain, no matter how challenging it may be.


2015 Subaru LEVORG

If I have any doubts about the LEVORG, I would say that the interior feels a bit too stale, the CVT gearbox isn't a good fit for a turbo engine (if you're a Subarist), and the biggest issue with this car is the price. Starting at around 2,667,600 JPY (estimated $27,000), it's more expensive than its rival wagon from Toyota, the Avensis. However, unlike the Avensis, the Subaru LEVORG is much more fun to drive because of its turbocharged engine, and it has all the features a good sports wagon should have: being agile in the turns while still serving as a family or company car. You can even use it to run errands to the shops and take advantage of its larger trunk.

It might have a silly name, but the LEVORG is definitely a serious daily driver's car for serious drivers. Despite being a serious machine, the LEVORG can be taken lightly with care, and I just want one of those in my whole life.

Available colors: Crystal White Pearl, Steel Blue Grey Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Lightning Red, and Galaxy Blue Silica.

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries

Toyota Passo and Daihatsu Boon - Second Generation F/L

2015 Daihatsu Boon

2015 Toyota Passo

2015 Toyota Passo

The second generation Toyota Passo and the Daihatsu Boon may have been around for four years since their 2010 regeneration but these looks never make the grade and remained exclusive to the Japanese market as of now. Now, both these models underwent a minor change and this time, the updated second-generation Passo and Boon are now fuel efficient than even because they're now have a brand-new 1.0L petrol engine equipped which is 30% fuel efficient than the outgoing engine it replaces.

2015 Daihatsu Boon interior

Although the engine still retains the 1KR-FE designation, this brand new engine is developed jointly with Daihatsu. It achieves a maximum thermal efficiency of 37% thanks to the use of a tumble flow-generating intake, cooled EGR system, and an improved compression ratio. Couple that with the idling stop feature and the result is a record-high 27.6km/L fuel consumption as calculated by JC08 Mode standards. That's 30% more than the last one.

Of course, you can expect the new 1KR-FE engine to be equipped in both the Passo and the Boon but the 1.3L 1NR-FE Dual VVT-i engine? That's only available for the Passo (in normal and +Hana versions). The 1.3L petrol engine still develops a modest 95PS of power and 121Nm of torque while its fuel consumption is a meager 19.0km/L.

2015 Daihatsu Boon interior

2015 Daihatsu Boon interior

2015 Toyota Passo interior

2015 Toyota Passo interior

Of course, since both the Passo and Boon are low-cost Japanese eco boxes made for the average of customers, you can still expect the plasticky interior. Even though it has a radio and an aircon, it still feels like a low-cost car. However, in the +Hana versions of the Passo, the cozy two-tone seating really covers up its low-cost interior perhaps but even though with the +Hana, it's still feels cheap and you don't get the excitement that you get from other compacts.

Price wise, the new Passo costs from 1,098,655 to 1,652,400 Japanese Yen (estimated $11,000 to $17,000) while the Boon costs 1,263,600 to 1,549,800 Japanese Yen (estimated $13,000 to $15,500). You know both of these were manufactured at Daihatsu's Ikeda Plant in Osaka but why is the Boon costs more than its Toyota equivalent, the Passo, even though it doesn't have a high-end model and a 1.3L engine?

In the meantime, even though the updated versions are still terrible for the enthusiasts too many, the pricing is a fair start in the compact hatchback market in Japan.

Monday, April 14, 2014

Let's Do The News! (April 14, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Disney alum Bridgit Mendler is the new Save the Children Artist Ambassador! She recently kicked off the Baby Sit In campaign.

- There's a new show coming this Summer 2014 on ABC. It's called Sing Your Face Off and in this brand new show, we will witness celebs in their transformation into pop sensations. Hosted by John Barrowman (better known to you and I as Captain Jack Harkness from the world of Doctor Who), this show features China Anne McClain from ANT Farm, musician Sebastian Bach, basketball player Landry Fields, comedian and actor Jon Lovitz and soap opera actress Lisa Rinna on their road to transformation. The show airs this May 31st on ABC. Check your local listings.

SING YOUR FACE OFF

- YOUR TIME-WASTER FOR THE DAY: There's a new Family Guy game now available on the App Store and Google Play! Family Guy: The Quest For Stuff brings fans of the hit dysfunctional TV series to build their very own Quahog on the go! In the game, Quahog is destroyed after a fistfight between Peter and the Giant Chicken. What would Peter do? Simple, really! REBUILD QUAHOG! This free game allows you to create your own Quahog just the way you want, unlock most of your favorite characters from the show, unlock outfits, make them do some stuff, keep the town safe from imminent threats and much much more! It's available for free on the App Store and Google Play so run, run as fast as you can and tell them the news...just before you injured your knee and go ssssss....ahhhhh...


Sssssss…ahhhhh…ssssss…ahhhhh…sssssss….ahhhhh… #familyguy #questforstuff
Sssss....ahhhhh....

- Check out the latest commercial for Dannon's Danimals starring Austin and Ally's Ross Lynch and Shake iT Up's Bella Thorne.



- The US-Spec Chevrolet Cruze gets a minor change complete with an awkward-looking new front face, new interior, and an updated software for added convenience. It will set for its premiere at this month's New York Auto Show.

2015 Chevrolet Cruze

- In this week's Jay Leno's Garage webcast, presenter Jay Leno takes a look at the pristine 1925 Doble E-20 Steam Car.



- Because of the fire happened under the Quezon Bridge in Quiapo, the DPWH limits this bridge to light vehicles only. Top Gear Philippines has this story.

- As the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 continues, the Australian government will soon be deploying autonomous marine vehicles to help speed up the search.

- Holy Wednesday will be half-day for the University of the Philippines, in preparation for this year's Holy Week.

- Yesterday's Pacquiao-Bradley match was a blast with Pacman putting the end on Bradley's undefeated win streak...but Mommy Dionesia's the laughing stock during the match because...ah, you'll see.

TTFN!

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Latest episode of Kojima Station showcased some Ground Zeroes world records





In the fourth episode of the Kojima Productions' KOJIMA STATION (English version) webcast, our experts showcased some unbelievable records set by players who played the prologue to Metal Gear Solid V, titled Ground Zeroes. As of April 10, 2014, players from all over the world spent a grand total of 3650446:04:36 hours of gameplay, that's an equivalent of 416.71 years!

There are some impossible world records set by the most expert of players and that gave them a scratch in the head how in the world did they set such a record like this. 456.89m of the longest range headshot, longest two-wheel driving time is an unbelievable 34:338:41.990, farthest distance enemy sent flying is a whopping 290.38m and the most impossible of all...Longest Range Headshot (tranq.) is an impossible 301.10m! 

It's impossible to perform a longest range headshot using a tranquilizer gun in Ground Zeroes but is it?

Watch the latest at: http://www.konami.jp/kojima_pro/station/en/

Oh, and be sure to grab a copy of Ground Zeroes now and see if you can set some records...

Pacman wins and Bradley's undefeated no more!



The rematch between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Timothy "Desert Storm" Bradley has been one of the most long-awaited matches in boxing history and this match promises to make it right because two years ago, some mix-up snafu from the judges' verdict made Bradley a controversial win from Pacquiao. Now, we fast forwarded two years later and here it is, the rematch that will surely set things right.

With twelve rounds of fist fights from two of the biggest superstars, the stakes are high, very high, and even though it's a high stakes battle, both fighters showcased their strengths and weaknesses on the ring. After just twelve rounds, the judges' verdict is in and it's a unanimous decision for...yes, you guessed it...PACQUIAO!

Finally, that foul-mouthed Bradley faced his most upset moment in history as he's undefeated no more and Pacman's finally reclaimed his world welterweight title he's been longing to take it back from him.

Report: Spin.ph

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Yan ang Proudly Kuripot Kwento Niya...

On the April 11, 2014 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Faith healer gags

- This lady can't understand what he just said...

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...some honest status updates.

- Trying to cover from her husband, eh? Good plan...

- Bubble Gang does Ariel by spoofing this commercial as AERIEL

Bubble Gang does Ariel


-Another guest celeb takes on Antonietta!

- More wise words from Tata Lino!

- Friends sharing memories while taking shots...

- With only rice, the only way to enjoy a meal is by thinking one...

- She has a lot of followers...literally!