Gran Turismo 6: The BMW M4 M Performance Edition

This is the BMW M4 except for one thing, it isn't. Of course, it kinda looks like an M4 but by the looks of it, it's becoming more of a safety car of some sorts. What this is is called the BMW M4 Performance Edition, and this special kind of M4 is playable in the world of Gran Turismo 6 via the current update.



Appeared at the 2014 SEMA Show and made for Gran Turismo fans, this Gran Turismo-original M4 is designed to recreate the image of safety cars used in certain motorsports. Underneath, it's still the BMW M4 we know. It still comes with the 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder engine developing 425HP of power and 405.9ft-lb of torque and it's mated with the 7-speed DCT gearbox.



I know it behaves like a normal M4 judging by its disappointed noise and its power steering issues but what's so cool about this special M4 is the optional lighting to the roof and you can buy this accessory for the M4 Performance Edition at the Custom Parts section on the My Home screen.

When they see one from behind, it feels like they're being pursued by a pace car for no reason and this special M4 with the lighting accessory on the roof really turns the hunters into the hunted and the hunted becomes the hunter on the road and on the track. Try not to mess with this one cause this one's coming at your six.



I decided to try the M4 M Performance Edition on the Suzuka Circuit, now with the 2014 update to replicate what's Suzuka Circuit looks like today. This 2014 update Suzuka Circuit features new replay angles, newly resurfaced west course, relocation of crashpads and guardrails, addition of circuit objects, and the revision of the final chicane. It supports time-of-day changes and with the guardrail at the Spoon Curve gone, getting through is now accessible to drivers.

Even with the new update, it still feels like the same Suzuka Circuit as we know it and this special kind of M4 enjoys warming up for the challenge I'm setting up for it. It looks like it's having a little free time in the real-world track over there.



Since this M4 M Performance Edition is a pace car made for the world of Gran Turismo, I decided to compare this one to another pace car made for the world of Gran Turismo and I think I got the answer.




This is the GRAN TURISMO SKYLINE GT-R Pace Car. It's based on the R34 Skyline GT-R, this Gran Turismo-original machine features a unique livery that you won't find anywhere else a long time ago and a bright rotating emergency lights on the roof that makes opponents think they're being pursued by this car. It still features the same RB26DETT engine as the R34 model producing 276HP of power and 289.3ft-lb of torque and it features Nissan's legendary 4WD drivetrain.

Even if it's a pace car, it feels like an R34 GT-R, which is still a favorite among speedo boys everywhere. The 4WD system really feels like it's sticking to the road and as a track-proven machine that lapped round the Nurburgring quicker than the R33, it's pretty impressive as well.

After one lap, the GRAN TURISMO SKYLINE GT-R Pace Car set a lap time of 2:29.148.



The M4 M Performance Edition maybe rear-wheel drive but it's lighter and more powerful than the GT-R Pace Car but is it any better? Although it has a big advantage against the GT-R Pace Car, its tendency to oversteer is one too many, spoiling your progress, but doing it well makes everything better and approaching to the finish line is as smooth as a baby's buttock.

And the time...2:22.214! In the end, it's official. This BMW M4 M Performance Edition makes it a perfect pace car even without the emergency lights on the top.



Uh oh...Looks like someone's busted. Well, I'd better get going now before I'll get noticed by these two. He he he...

Subaru Stella (LA150F/LA160F)

2015 Subaru Stella Custom

2015 Subaru Stella

Coinciding with the launch of the brand new Daihatsu Move, it seems that Subaru is following suit as well as they borrowed their recently-launched Daihatsu Move for their new Stella kei car and here it is now.

The new Stella, which is a Daihatsu Move borrowed by Subaru, features a more rigid body work, more technological features, and a more fuel-efficient engine that is almost a top-of-class for this magnitude. Like the new Move, the brand-new Stella, in normal and Custom variants, is now 10mm higher than the previous model while retaining its 3,395mm in length, 1,475mm of width, and 2,455mm of wheelbase.

Like the new Daihatsu Move, the new Subaru Stella features a lightweight high-rigidity body structure, which features a more high-rigid body structure and an reinforced underbody, improved suspension system, and a power mode-switching steering switch that allows drivers to change the control of the engine and CVT at the touch of a button.

2015 Subaru Stella interior

2015 Subaru Stella Custom interior

The new models come with the updated version of their KF-VE 660cc 3-cylinder DOHC engine which has an improved fuel economy of 31.0km/L while turbocharged models (Custom only) can get up to 27.4km/L. Yes. This is the same thing you'd expect from the recently-launched Daihatsu Move and with those numbers, it's maybe more than the Mitsubishi eK Wagon rival but a little less than its chief rival, the Suzuki Wagon R with S-ENE-CHARGE.

Lastly for now, the new Stella, like the new Move (yes, you get the idea), features an updated Smart Assist feature (as an optional extra) where, for the first time, not only it detects forward objects but also objects from behind and triggers a beeping noise that you're approaching to a near-collision situation and brings this car to an automatic halt.

The new Subaru Stella starts at 1,134,000 Japanese Yen while the Custom version starts at 1,404,000 Yen.

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries

Daihatsu Move - Sixth Generation (LA150/LA160)

Just before the Daihatsu Move reaches its 20th birthday next year, it has been given its much-awaited regeneration and for this sixth-generation model, the brand new Daihatsu Move features a brand new chassis as well as host of fuel-efficient and safety features that will keep them afloat for a few years before Japan has no room for their home-grown kei cars anymore.

2015 Daihatsu Move

2015 Daihatsu Move Custom

Like as always, the new Move features two different styles that suits your taste. There's the normal model if you're a bit budget-focused and there's the Custom model for those who think that style is what suits this kei car best. Whichever Move you'll choose, you'll be taking advantage of its improved chassis, improved fuel-economy, and some technological features that will enjoy you to bits.

2015 Daihatsu Move Custom

2015 Daihatsu Move

Even though it's a brand-new model, the dimensions are somewhat similar to the previous model. It's still 3,395mm in length, 1,475mm of width, and 2,455mm of wheelbase but the new model's height is somewhat 10mm higher than the previous model.

Behind the new look lies the lightweight high-rigidity body structure called "D monocoque" which features a more high-rigid body structure and an reinforced underbody, improved suspension system called "D suspension" and a power mode-switching steering switch that allows drivers to change the control of the engine and CVT at the touch of a button called "D assist". Those new improvements sounds fine but for the former's 810-890kg weight, it's now bumped to 820-900kg. Although the added weight sounds more of a smaller penalty for the new model, it still acts well for a city car and its minimum turning radius is maintained to the previous model's 4.4m. Not bad.

They still come with the same 660cc 3-cylinder engine as always but thanks to those upgrades inside and out, fuel consumption is now up to 31.0km/L while turbocharged models (Custom only) can get up to 27.4km/L. That maybe more than the Mitsubishi eK Wagon rival but a little less than its chief rival, the Suzuki Wagon R with S-ENE-CHARGE. It seems odd why Daihatsu's not fighting back in the fuel consumption stakes against Suzuki. Well, in the game of the two kei car makers, looks like Daihatsu really admits that they're not going to fight against Suzuki in the fuel economy stakes but they're doing it for quality or so they thought. Hmmm...

2015 Daihatsu Move interior

2015 Daihatsu Move Custom interior

As for quality-wise, the interior isn't half-bad compared to what its Wagon R rival looks like and it's spacious as well. The rear seats can be moved forward or backward and they can be folded to accommodate wide range of luggage space. It even has a secret compartment at the rear boot where you can store things in secrecy. That's another good stuff for this new model.

For the sake of technology, the new Move also has an updated Smart Assist feature where, for the first time, not only it detects forward objects but also objects from behind and triggers a beeping noise that you're approaching to a near-collision situation and brings this car to an automatic halt. Looks like this kei car never get even smarter than this.

The new Move starts from 1,134,000 Yen (around $11,400) for the base model while the Custom model stats at 1,404,000 Yen (around $14,100). Although not quite as affordable as the rivals but this kei car is heavily focused on quality you can trust and with a few more extras, the new Move knows that the future really is now thanks to science. Yes. You get the idea.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

#BGAngelVsDevil

On the December 12, 2014 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Angel vs. Devil gags

- Words to live by from Tata Lino:

a) Minsan, parang siopao ang pagibig. Akala mo asado pero bola-bola.

b) Pag gagawa mo ng kalokohan, wag mo nang kunan. Lumalabas ang katotohanan pag ikaw ay ninakawan.

c) Ang babaeng pakipot, bumibigay kapag natakot

d) Di baleng matakaw pero bawal magnakaw. Pag nagnakaw ang matakaw, nagiging halimaw.

- A different kind of pay-per-view on the paper!

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...baby pics!

- Bubble Gang does Payless Xtra Big by spoofing this commercial as PAINLESS XTRA BIG! Xtra dami! Xtra sarap!

- Someone's asking the Tolpu Bros. for a complaint about beaten up by a driver!

- Foreign beauty queens are getting lost in translation.

- Antonietta gets her new sidekick and she's against a little girl! 

- How Santa Claus and the Grim Reaper clashed each other at the mall...

Let's Do The News! (December 11, 2014)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- PAGASA, the Philippine weather bureau, said that when the LPA, as seen east of Mindanao, becomes a typhoon and enters the nation anytime soon, it will be named Seniang. The weather bureau predicts that there will be two more typhoons coming before the end of 2014 and this nation's still reeling from the aftermath of Ruby/Hagupit.

- According to a US think-tank, no further threats from North Korea were detected on radar.

- A singing nun met Pope Francis during his general audience and she gave him a music CD with the song "Like A Virgin".

- Environmental group Greenpeace apologized after the Peruvian government accused them from their stunt that damaged an ancient Peru site while protesting for action on climate change.

- A Magnitude 5.2 quake shook Cagayan earlier but no further aftershocks were expected.

- The Monaco Royal Couple, Prince Albert II and Charlene, welcomed their birth of their twin babies they've named Gabriella and Jacques to the world.

- THIS IS THE NEW SUZUKI ALTO. Japanese carmaker gives us our first look on the brand-new, eighth-generation Suzuki Alto kei car which is set to debut this month.

2015 Suzuki Alto

- BMW 6-Series LCI unveiled. The refreshed versions of current-generation 6-Series, in coupe, convertible, and 4-door Gran Coupe form, features an updated front face and some new standard tech.

BMW 6-Series LCI range

- The F56 Mini Cooper now spawned the John Cooper Works model in production form!

2015 Mini JCW

- The official theatrical teaser trailer for the upcoming Mad Max: Fury Road hits the web. Click here to check out what to expect on the latest installment of the legendary action movie franchise.

TTFN!!!

BMW X6 F16

2015 BMW X6

When the BMW X6 first came, it was their attempt to make a car which looks and goes like a coupe but with its tall driving position and the so-called offroad ability, it's a Sport Activity Vehicle, and for this brand-new, second-generation model, it still feels like the old model. At launch, it's available with one petrol engine, a 4.4L V8 TwinPower Turbo engine, and two diesel engines such as the 3.0L and the range-topping (for now) M50d featuring an improved version of the 3.0L diesel engine which delivers 381PS of power and 740Nm of torque.

2015 BMW X6 interior

Inside, it's all typical BMW interior and it can accommodate up to four to five people except the fact is that those in the back will feel cramped due to its sloping roofline, just like the previous X6. What's gone from the previous model is the split-opening glovebox lid and it was replaced with the traditional glovebox compartment, which is kinda sad because it kinda worked even in an upside-down country. What's also gone is the unresponsive paddle shifters from the old model where it does both ways and it's back to the one where one changes up and one changes down. Nothing says "back to normal" than having a responsive driver controls but you can still be bothered by the poor back visibility and the ConnectedDrive system which you don't have the time to fiddle with it while going. Trust me on this because while on a stop, best to fiddle with the ConnectedDrive because when the lights gone green, eyes on the road and not on the screen from the dashboard. Sigh...

2015 BMW X6

What about the way it moves? Well, with the refined suspension and with its lightweight, more rigid, bodywork, the new model's mobility is now way different than the old model, slightly of course. In the bends, it's not half bad for a big tall car but it feels a lot more heavy on the steering judging that it comes with electric power steering which makes it as buzzkill as...Buzz Killington himself. (annoyed grunt) Even if it's classified as an SUV, it still doesn't do offroading stuff, be it on the countryside or at the alps, because like the last X6, it doesn't have a low-range gearbox, locking differentials, and ride height control. Seriously. Why did BMW decided to regenerate this monstrosity and still made it worse than the last time? I promised the new model to be more all-rounder than the old one but I'm afraid it still feels like the same thing.

2015 BMW X6

Like the old model, the brand new X6 is too focused for being a road car and it's too focused to be tall and heavy. It's too cramped, too complicated, and too expensive with prices start at 82,500 Euros while waiting for the entry-level version coming next year.

Even if it comes with a boatload of improvements, it still behaves like the same thing so should you buy one? Who cares about it?

Photo: BMW AG

Let's Do The News! (December 10, 2014)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- While the nation's still reeling from Typhoon Ruby/Hagupit, state weather bureau PAGASA detected a low pressure area east of the Philippines. They also warned that there will be two more typhoons before the year ends.

- According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the cost of damage done by Typhoon Ruby reached over 2 billion pesos.

- Yesterday, there was a bombing occurred in Bukidnon. It was about a bomb that killed 11 people inside the bus while injuring almost 30 others but officials said it was believed to be a attack carried out by either a breakaway Moro rebel group or a band of extortionists.

- North Korea urged the United Nations Security Council to censure the US for its use of "inhuman torture" methods in response to the release of a schathing US senate report about the CIA's brutal treatment of Al-Qaeda suspects.

- In the Peruvian capital of Lima, where the UN global warming talks occurred, the world's economic superpowers pledged over ten billion dollars in climate aid for poorer nations.

- Mercedes-Benz unveiled the first ever GLE Coupe which features a range-topping GLE450 AMG model equipped with a 3.0L V6 Bi-Turbo engine delivering 362HP of power and 384lb-ft of torque.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe

- Infiniti teases their entry to the Vision Gran Turismo roster on the Gran Turismo 6 video game for the PS3.

Infiniti Concept VGT Teaser

- Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, France, demanded the government to rid the nation's capital from diesel-powered cars by the year 2020 in an effort to clean up the air quality.

- The Internet Movie Database or IMDb, revealed the Top 10 Stars of 2014 and all of them are actresses that dominate the list. These are:

1) Shailene Woodley
2) Jennifer Lawrence
3) Margot Robbie
4) Emilia Clarke
5) Scarlett Johansson
6) Nicola Peltz
7) Chloe Grace Moretz
8) Rosamund Pike
9) Emma Stone
10) Eva Green

- Apple's Best of 2014 revealed that "Elevate - Brain Training" is named App of the Year while "Threes!" is named Game of the Year.

TTFN!!!