A few moments ago, I've invited a selection of Lexus vehicles that went on sale to the Japanese market for ten years in honor of 10 years of Lexus' Japanese launch. The Lexus LFA, as it turned out, will be the Lexus every Japanese car enthusiasts will remember for because it is the pinnacle of Lexus' pursuit of perfection. Well, with the LFA returned to me, looks like all this LFA wants to do is to have one last go in a very familiar racetrack, namely the Sonoma Raceway, which is formerly known as the Infineon Raceway.
A few years ago, back when Forza Motorsport 4 was launched, Top Gear USA's Tanner Foust give it a go round Sonoma in real-world perspective while Rutledge Wood and Adam Ferrera spent most of the time playing Forza Motorsport 4 at the paddock in the same track at the same car. No one said that it's all in the matter between real-world and virtual reality but hey, anyone can tell, right?
Now, with the familiar racetrack back to Forza Motorsport 6, looks like I want to give the currently-departed LFA supercar its one last breath round Sonoma just like what happened a few years ago at the minds of American Top Gear presenters.
With its day at Sonoma has ended, looks like the LFA became very happy that has reminisced one memorable moment from its lifespan and that involves retracing what the American Top Gear presenters done to this car at this track a few years ago. But still, even though the LFA's production ended a few years ago, it has now proven that it's ready to be part of the supercar hall of fame as well as the JDM hall of fame, if there are any.
There will simply be no other Lexus in the world that would match the legendary LFA supercar for its presence and power.
- In his 2nd day of his Papal Visit in the US, Pope Francishas arrived in Washington DC to address the nation's biggest issues including climate change, Cuba, and traditional marriage.
- Meanwhile, on his 2nd day of his state visit, Chinese president Xi Jinpinghears tough complaints from the world's top company leaders, including Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, Apple's Tim Cook, IBM's Virginia M. Rometty, and many others.
- VolkswagenCEO Martin Winterkorn resigned from his position amid the recent scandal over the diesel-powered cars cheating through emission tests.
- Onto the migrant crisis, the top European leaders have agreed on measures to stem the stream of migrants and refugees from the Middle East and Africa by stepping up border controls after some nations being inundated by people escaping from conflicts.
- Tropical Storm Dujuan(known as Jenny) has intensified its strength by slowed down as it continues to move west northwest according to PAGASA. It was spotted 1,280km east of Calayan, Cagayan, and expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by weekend.
- GILAS Pilipinasbasketball team was defeated by the Palestinian basket ball time by 75-73 during the opening of the FIBA Asia Championship in China.
- The third-generation Buick LaCrosseluxury premium saloon was teased before its debut at the 2015 Los Angeles Motor Show. The upcoming generation will inherit styling cues from the Avenir Concept as well as adopting a new signature grille design.
- Check out this latest behind-the-scenes clip for the upcoming 007: SPECTRE film where the film's action scenes are shot.
- In case you missed the latest Eat Bulaga kalyeserye, Lola Nidora (played by Wally Bayola) allowed Alden Richards to visit her so-called mansion this Saturday, which is by pure coincidence is National Pabebe Wave Day! Yes. She allowed Alden to visit her mansion just to court Maine "Yaya Dub" Mendoza on a much smaller table. So, what could possibly go wrong? Find out soon! Speaking of which....did Yaya Dub just yelled "Alden"!? Also find out soon!
- Pope Francishas arrived in the USA for his historic six-day visit that will highlight his humbleness among the Catholic Americans and his willingness to take on America's biggest issues facing today.
- Meanwhile, Chinese president Xi Jinping, during his US visit, said that the PRC is ready to open a high-level dialog with the US to combat cybercrime, while insisting his government has never engaged in hacking.
- Earlier, Saudi Arabian forces tightened security for the start of the annual Hajj rites to protect pilgrims from possible Islamic Stateattacks.
- On the ongoing diesel engine crisis with Volkswagen, reports told that the scandal over fraudulent vehicle emission tests in the US could affect over 11 million cars globally.
- Tropical storm Dujuan is expected to enter the Philippine Area od Responsibility by late Wednesday, according to PAGASA.
- Actor Coco Martin, who is set to star in the upcoming TV drama based on the Fernando Poe Jr. movie, Ang Probinsyano, received the FPJ Memorial Award from this year's FAMAS Awards.
- Peugeotis ready to have another go for next year's Dakar rally by presenting their new 2008 DKR16 rally raid car.
- In an PEP exclusive clip, Alden Richards, everyone's favorite bae in Eat Bulaga, was very excited to pair up with Maine "Yaya Dub" Mendoza for their upcoming MMFF film.
- McLaren Formula One driver Jenson Buttonis expected to announce his retirement at this weekend's Japanese GP in Suzuka, Japan.
- A very special BAC MonoMarine Edition was unveiled. It features the same track-day and road-legal essentials as the normal BAC Mono, only now it has a capability to have its owner fitted it in the yacht and lifted out via a carbon-fiber crane and drive it on the road. Perfect on a Monaco holiday.
The year 2015 isn't about celebrating ten years of the Forza franchise, it's also celebrating the tenth anniversary of Lexus' Japan launch. It was late August 2005 when Toyota introduced Lexus to the Japanese market with the IS, GS, and SC. Hard to believe it's already been ten years, huh? So much stuff happening in the world are in their tens this year but let's not talk about those, okay?
Anyway, I'll honor Lexus' 10 years of Japanese sales with a selection of Lexus vehicles lapping round the Top Gear track on Forza Motorsport 6. Remember, only the Lexus cars offered in Japan since 2005. I'm not going to send the old 1997 Lexus SC300 here because apparently, it's only a Toyota Soarer offered in Japan and Lexus hasn't been introduced in Japan yet although the Lexus brand was offered to the world market. Only focus on the Lexus-branded cars offered in Japan.
The Lexus IS F, a potent version of the second-generation IS, the first Lexus IS offered to the Japanese market since Lexus was introduced in Japan in 2005. It signalled the birth of Lexus' F division that would combat the likes of BMW's M division, Mercedes-AMG, and Audi's quattro GmbH, responsible for their RS models. Launched in the end of 2007, the IS F was powered by a 5.0L direct injected 2UR-GSE V8 engine producing 423PS of power and 503Nm of torque. It was mated with an 8-speed paddle shift transmission.
The Lexus LFA, the pinnacle of Lexus' pursuit of perfection. With 500 units built from its two-year lifespan, the LFA comes with Japan's first ever V10 engine producing 552HP of power and 354lb-ft of torque. Even with production has ended three years ago, the LFA is a legendary JDM supercar in its own right.
The GS 350 F Sport. On its fourth-generation, the Lexus GS wants to be a serious competitor to BMW's 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz's E-Class, and Audi's A6. It's the first Lexus to introduce the Spindle Grille, which became a trademark to present-day and future Lexus models.
The IS350 F Sport. On its third-generation, the IS introduced a much radical evolution of Lexus' L-Finesse design philosophy and it gave us a much rakish look of the luxury brand's signature Spindle Grille.
And finally, the RC F. Using Lexus' involvement in the world of Super GT, the RC F is made to take on the race track thanks to its improved version of the 5.0L V8 derived from the IS F as well as other track-essential improvements that will keep it more potent in track days.
Now, most of the Lexus models are here to celebrate 10 years of Lexus' Japanese launch, and in honor of such ubiquitous occasions because 10 is becoming a lucky number for the year 2015, these Lexuses are ready to take on the Top Gear track, using whatever means necessary to attain the quickest lap.
All right, let's show them what they can do. For Lexus' 10th anniversary of Japanese sales!
The results:
1:26.418 - ISF
1:22.407 - LFA
1:30.713 - GS 350
1:33.250 - IS 350
1:27.047- RCF
Well, I have to say, these cars did a heck of a job honoring Lexus' 10th anniversary of Japanese sales and even though they did very well setting lap times, looks like the Lexus most Japanese will remember for for the past ten years of tenure is the Lexus LFA because it's the Japanese supercar that defined the breed and set the template for Lexus' F models for many years to come.
The RC F may not be a decent heir to the LFA but because of its circuit-based knowledge thanks to its involvement in the Super GT series, it tries to stay true to its AMAZING IN MOTION slogan. Only problem is when I took this one off, it ended up lapped slower than the IS F even though it has more power and that's definitely because this car's heavier than the IS F, I presume.
Onto the normal models like the GS350 and the IS350, feels like they're way much of a different league when compared against its German rivals but they're not half bad to impress its owners with its dynamics. Sure they maybe luxury cars but they felt like they're becoming as sporty as it hoped for...well, sorta.
If I had to pick which is the best Lexus for 10 years, my best pick would be the LFA because even though its production has ceased, its fame has been elevated as a cult classic, a legend in its own right.
It's an honor to celebrate Lexus' 10th anniversary since its Japan launch.
Spectators enjoying last weekend's Singapore GP of the F1 2015 season is like a plot twist of their favorite show because with Lewis Hamilton retired at the 33rd lap due to some failures with his F1 car, looks like Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel scored himself another win for this season. Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo placed 2nd and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen placed 3rd. This is the first time the Ferrari F1 team taste a double podium finish since two years ago.
Onto the overall standings, Hamilton's still in the lead with 252 points, Rosberg's in 2nd with 211, and Vettel, thanks to his latest win, is now eight points behind Rosberg's.
The next race is set at Suzuka, Japan, on the 27th of September.
- Pope Francismet up with former Cuban leader Fidel Castro during his visit to the South American island after celebrating Mass in front of numerous people in Havana. The two men discussed world affairs and religion in their so-called informal and friendly encounter. It's his first visit to the Communist-ruled island, on a trip that will later take him to the USA.
- The recently-resigned Greek PM Alexis Tsipras and his ruling Syriza partyhas won an unexpectedly decisive victory in Sunday's parliamentary election, resulting to more seats in the Parliament than it had before. The Syriza Party won over 35% of their votes counted, giving them 145 seats out of 300.
- Meanwhile in the refugee and migrant crisis, an inflatable lifeboat with 46 refugees and migrants onboard capsized after colliding with a cargo vessel in the Aegean Sea in Greece. About 13 people were killed, including six children.
- In the aftermath of Japan's security laws that allows its self-defense forces to expand overseas, a group of Japanese scholars criticized the new security legislation, calling it an outrageous act of abandoning Japan's pacifist policy.
- House leaders sought yesterday the backing of medals to some, if not all of the SAF 44who survived the anti-terrorism operation against terrorist Marwan in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, last January.
- Volkswagenis currently in the hot seat right now regarding their 2.0L TDi engine didn't meet US emissions requirements and the CEO, Martin Winterkorn, issued a statement regarding the EPA and CARB allegations and orders further investigation into their diesel emission setback.
- The brand new Audi S4was unveiled and it's now powered by a turbocharged V6 engine producing more power than the previous S4. However, the only transmission available is the 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Odd...
2017 Audi S4
- Mazda discontinues the Verisacompact hatchback after eleven years since its debut in 2004.
- The world's largest hourglass is verified by the Guinness World Records at a sand museum in Shimane Prefecture, Japan. This hourglass is 5.2 meters tall and has a diameter of 1 meter. It takes a year for one ton of sand to drop from top to bottom.
- On the latest update for the PS3-exclusive Free-To-Play ACE COMBAT INFINITY, four vintage "Piston Fighters" are joining the fray such as the Supermarine Spitfire Messerschmidt Mk.IXe, Bf 109 G-10, A6M5 Zero, and the P-38L Lightning. Piston Fighters may be old, equipped only with machine guns (and other ground-based weapons), slow, and weak, but they are easy to master and easy to fly with. Because of the addition of Piston Fighters, a new aircraft restriction is added on the multiplayer as well as the new Retro Combat Evaluation mission where Piston Fighters are allowed. Also, expect a much harder Alps Air Corridor Mission as well as two new fighter planes added to the lineup such as the Tornado and Ace Combat 6's CFA-44 Nosferatu.
- Glu Games announced a new app game made by Bond people for Bond people. Called James Bond: World of Espionage, this official app game allows you to run your own agency, recruit agents, engage on missions, and fight off against iconic Bond villains. It's coming soon on Google Play and the App Store.
- You may remember that last week, AlDub had their first date on Eat Bulaga. Their first date lasted for a precious minutes until her alarm clock rang and she had to rush back to Lola Nidora to give her "chewables" until a car accident that spiraled most viewers into questioning. Don't worry folks. In the latest #KiligPaMore, Yaya Dub's still alive...with a bandage on her head. Now, viewers are facing a bigger problem. Yaya Dub unexpectedly fainted and if things get even worse, an unexpected voice has heard. A voice that says "Lola". Who could it be? Keep watching Eat Bulaga and find out!
The Pokemon Mystery Dungeon is back and it's bigger than ever imagine in this brand new installment called Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon (日本名：ポケモン超不思議のダンジョン).
Like past installments, players have been given a chance to play as a Pokemon and as a Pokemon venturing to the world of Pokemon, you can take on quests, team up with other Pokemon, and save the world from impending destruction. It's been quite a childhood dream for most kids who want to live a dream as a Pokemon and step to the unknown with a little help from their fellow Pokemon pals.
Because this is SUPER, you can expect 720 Pokemon featured in the game from commoners, legends, to mythicals, even Mega-Evolved Pokemon spanning from six regions. At the start, you can choose two of the twenty starter Pokemons. One as yourself and the other one's your partner. You can choose as Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu, Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile, Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip, Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup, Riolu, Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott, Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie. You can choose it for yourself or take on a random personality test to see which Pokemon fits you for your new adventure.
Your adventure begins at Serene Village as you woke up and unknowingly you became a Pokemon and then you met your partner Pokemon and became friends. Later on, you will notice some string of chaotic events in the Pokemon world, including an unknown phenomena where Pokemon turned into stone. You are tasked to find out what caused these string of events and put a stop to it to become the hero of the Pokemon world.
As you keep playing, you'll be able to befriend other Pokemon to turn the tides on endless dungeon variations because with every obstacles you'll face on every area, you'll always be prepared with the right Pokemon for the right opportunity. In the world of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, no two dungeon are the same so keep an eye for enemy Pokemon and traps you'll encounter and make sure you have adequate amount of moves and items at your dispersal in order to complete your journey.
If you find out that your next journey is tougher to go on it alone, remember, you're not alone because thanks to connectivity features, journeying never been so...cooperative. First, you can help out your friend to rescue you when all of your playable Pokemon are fainted in the dungeon. Send them your code or use the IR feature on your 3DS to call out another explorer to find you. If a player reached your call, you'll be able to continue your journey and keep your hard-earned items. Also, you can use StreetPass to pass another Super Mystery Dungeon player and use one of their helper Pokemon to help you. Be in mind that your helper Pokemon you used from other players are non-playable.
With so many fun features, Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon is a sure fire way to keep your Pokemon fantasies alive and kicking and this turn-based RPG never fails to excite Pokemon fans, new and returning, young and old, whoever are they. However, even though this is the biggest Pokemon Mystery Dungeon adventure yet, expect bigger things to come.
