Forza Motorsport 6: AWD Bipolar Opposites

Ever since Subaru launched the WRX S4 in the Japanese market two years ago, its main purpose was intended to be a chief rival to the Volvo S60. Now with hotter versions like the WRX STi and the S60 Polestar in the picture, these all-wheel drive bipolar opposites are going head to head round the Top Gear Test Track to see which one is the best.



But before I tackle this unique comparison between the two all-weather super saloons, let's get to know more about these two.



A year after the Subaru WRX made its world premiere at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, the long-awaited return of the high-performance WRX STi sports saloon made its premiere at the 2014 North American International Auto Show.

For global markets, including the US, the new WRX STi comes with the EJ25 engine developing 305HP of power and 290lb-ft of torque while mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox. New for the 2015 WRX STi is the Active Torque Vectoring, which joins alongside other tech such as Driver Controlled Center Differential, Symmetrical AWD, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control, and Brembo Performance Brake System with Super Sport ABS.

In Japan, two kinds of WRX models are offered such as the S4 model which features a brand new FA20 Direct Injection Turbo engine developing over 300PS of power while mated with a Sport Lineartronic gearbox as seen in its station wagon derivative, the Levorg, and this one equipped with the smaller EJ20 turbo engine which produces a similar power output of over three hundred horsepower. Both these models were launched in August 2014.



Based on the facelifted second-generation Volvo S60, the high-performance Polestar edition is a Volvo that is born on the track, and built for the road. With its responsive handling, smooth shifting, and precise stopping, the S60 Polestar is made with the experience and engineering of nearly two decades of Volvo's motorsport activity and it has undergone extensive development to become a super saloon worthy of wearing the Polestar badge. It was made to be a limited-edition model.

The 2015MY Polestar model uses the T6 variant of the S60 as its foundation and thanks to Polestar, it develops 345HP of power and 369lb-ft of torque, while mated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, tweaked by Polestar. Apart from the engine, the Polestar S60 comes with stiffer springs, Öhlins shock absorbers, a high-capacity brake system, and other chassis upgrades.

The S60 Polestar is an impressive, agile, and extremely responsive complete package as each component is designed and crafted to maximize drivability and control everywhere, no matter the odds.



Now that we get to know more about these two, it's time to take them two for a spin around the Top Gear Test Track because...it's fun to try out the hottest rides here. It's a great thing we have a game that features this iconic testing ground as seen on TV.

Here's a quick tidbit. In terms of performance, the S60 Polestar has more power than the WRX STi's because its T6 engine develops 345HP of power. However, the S60's almost 300 lbs heavier than the Subie, meaning it's going to be one-sided. Anyway, no time to explain because it's time to get some answers around the track.


At the end of their one-lap session, the results are in. The WRX STi did it in 1:27.809 while the S60 Polestar, despite its high power advantage and quicker shifts, did it in 1:29.221, almost two seconds slower.

It's quite amazing that despite its aged performance in a more modernized look, it's not surprising that the old-school Japanese tuner saloon beats the high-tech Swedish luxury saloon by a slight margin reserved for forensics and mediums alike, and with the WRX STi, it's still Subaru's coup de grace.

It's been fifty long years since Subaru had its first boxer engine-powered car in history but with a car like the WRX STi's, the history of Subaru boxer engine remains one heck of a fight club because of its low center of gravity compared to others, a Subie like this can squeeze itself out from the cold and it's great to have a living legend like this.

Gyakuten Winner

Gyakuten Winner, the latest single by the hit J-POP boy band Johnny's WEST, now added to the court record.

Gyakuten Winner

It's the single from a very popular JPOP boy band featuring the opening theme song from the Gyakuten Saiban (Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney) TV series. The brand new Gyakuten Saiban TV show is part of the franchise's 15th anniversary when the first game was launched in 2001 for the Game Boy Advance and spawned different installments, a live action film, stage plays, and many more. The TV show will coincide with the upcoming 3DS release of Gyakuten Saiban 6 for the 3DS this summer apart from the upcoming Gyakuten Kenji (Ace Attorney Investigations) stage play as well. There is a limited edition release in the form of two alternate front covers and each limited edition features a music video of the new single. One is the Story Version and the other is the Cool Version, as well as behind the scenes of each version.

Present this evidence to your friends who love the Gyakuten Saiban (Ace Attorney) TV show? OBJECTION!

TRACK LISTINGS:

01 逆転Winner

02 100% I Love You

03 逆転Winner (ｵﾘｼﾞﾅﾙ･ｶﾗｵｹ)

04 100% I Love You (ｵﾘｼﾞﾅﾙ･ｶﾗｵｹ)

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: NoKor foreign minister visits New York

North Korean foreign minister has departed for New York for the signing ceremony of the Paris Agreement adopted at a UN climate conference last year.

Ri Su Yong left Pyongyang on Tuesday and arrived in Beijing. He will head to New York later in the day. Ri's visit to the United States follows North Korea's nuclear test in January and rocket launch in February. His last US visit was to attend the UN General Assembly late last year.

Reports state that North Korea wants to stress its willingness to collaborate with the global community on issues in order to ease off pressure, including UN Security Council sanctions.

Source: NHK World

Let's Do The News! (April 19, 2016)

- Despite his apology regarding his "rape jokes", several women's groups condemned presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte. The Davao City Mayor drew international criticism after making a remark about an Australian lay minister rape victim, comparing the latter to a beautiful AMerican actress and saying that he should "have been first". The groups refused to accept Duterte's apology and said that it was not sincere.

- Hackers defaced the website of ABS-CBN's radio dzMM and leaked its database. Hacktivist groups Bloodsec International and Anonymous Philippines claimed responsibilities for the recent cyber attacks, which is it said was a call for media to be objective in its reporting. 

- Onto the Kumamoto quake, aftershocks from last weekend's quakes are taking a toll on survivors. Tens of thousands have evacuated their homes and many are sleeping in emergency shelters or their cars. The death toll is now up to 46. One of them is a 51-year-old woman who died from economy class syndrome. She became ill on Monday while staying in her car in Kumamoto city, taken to hospital and treated for a pulmonary embolism, or a blocked artery in her lungs, but died about an hour later.

- The death toll from last weekend's Ecuador quake is now up to 413 while over 2,000 people were hurt.

- Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has vowed to fight moves to impeach her, denying speculation that she may resign. The nation's first female leader has been accused of involvement in manipulating government accounts and the lower house of Congress voted in favor of proceeding with her impeachment on Sunday. At a news conference, Rousseff said she is indignant over the congressional vote. She said previous administrations used the same fiscal maneuvers and denied doing anything illegal. She added that she is the victim of what she described as a coup plotted by her enemies.

- The US Defense Department has denounced what it says was a dangerously close encounter to a US reconnaissance plane by a Russian fighter jet. Pentagon officials said that a Su-27 jet flew within 15 meters of an RC-135 aircraft in international airspace over the Baltic Sea on the 14th of April. They said the US aircraft at no time crossed into Russian territorial space. The officials described the Russian jet's flight as unsafe and unprofessional, saying it conducted a barrel-roll from the left side of the US aircraft, going over the top of it, and ending up on the right side.

- Companies from the global defense and security sectors appeared at an international arms fair in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ASEAN countries are prioritizing spending on maritime military equipment amid rising tensions in the South China Sea. About 1,200 manufacturers from 60 countries and regions are taking part in the biennial Defense Services Asia in the Malaysian capital, showcasing their latest technologies, including Chinese reconnaissance drones and US aircraft with anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

- Check out this publicity stunt pulled off by the FIA Formula E Championship as a stuntman became the first to pull a blind car-dodge on a fast-approaching Formula E car and backflip over it at the last second.

- The Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Tech Line Top Gear Edition, the last reasonably priced car used in the Top Gear TV show during Clarkson, Hammond, and May's tenure, has been auctioned for 17,800 pounds. Proceeds will support BEN, which helps unemployed automotive industry workers.

- Subaru will ready a specially-prepped WRX STi to challenge against its own record at the upcoming Isle of Man TT.

TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 6: Omigosh, What the FXX K?!

Did you kiss your mother with that mouth? Anyway, let's introduce you to the one car that deserves to have your mouth washed with soap because this car bears a curse word that needs to be burst out to the world. So, the question is...What The FXX K?!



No wonder Ferrari named their LaFerrari-based experimental racing machine after an infamous curse word everyone's not afraid to say but whatever the heck is, this car, part of the Top Gear Car Pack, has speeds capable of unleashing curse words straight from your mouth. So, what the FXX K is this FXX K?!!!



Based on the LaFerrari, the Ferrari FXX K experimental track car is an evolution to the previous Enzo Ferrari-based FXX while featuring Formula One-inspired KERS. Although not suitable for motorsport use, the FXX K was made for the exclusive group of Client-Test Drivers with whom Ferrari will commence a test program over the next two years.

With the V12 engine and electric motor working together as one, it develops a record-breaking 1050PS of power output while torque output is over 900Nm. Apart from its performance, the FXX K's aerodynamics benefitted quick lap times. Its aerodynamics resulted in a 50% improvement in downforce in the low drag configuration and a 30% increase in the more aggressive downforce configuration, resulting in a figure of 540kg at 200.

The E-Diff, F-Track, Racing Side Slip Angle Control, optimized to suit its Pirelli slick tires, and the high-performance anti-lock brakes can be adjusted using the Manettino on the steering wheel.

Using its motorsport know-how, the FXX K, never intended to be used in motorsport purposes, delivers unbiased track day performance well made for the Client-Test Drivers who want to know more about this machine.



Trying to act like the client-test driver who grows interest in Ferrari's FXX K experiment, I went to Circuit of the Americas, home of the Formula 1 US Grand Prix (good thing it's part of this season, right?!), to try out Ferrari's motorsport experiment that was never intended for motorsport use but incorporates most of it. With such speeds, handling the FXX K really sounds challenging, and mostly curse words coming out of my mouth. Perhaps no wonder this car was named after a curse word. Wanna see how I tried with the FXX K?





Bottom line: I survived, barely. The FXX K may be a fast machine full-stop but because of its unpredictable behavior, drivers will have a challenging time mastering the FXX K's characteristics. In fact, some curse words came out from the drivers' mouths in the driving of Ferrari's hybrid racecar made for experimental purposes. No matter how many curse words burst from their mouth, having a mastery with the FXX K will prove that this car can FXX K it right up in its rear bumper.

FXX K Yeah!

F1 2016 - Chinese GP

Photo: Getty Images

The classic qualifier, after what the racers demanded following the failed elimination-style qualifiers that plagued the first two races, is finally back into the Chinese leg of the 2016 Formula One season and let's hope the old-school qualifying formula sticks to this season as long as their is feedback. Anyway, onto the Chinese GP, this race sees another win for Mercedes' formidable Nico Rosberg as his win became the fourth driver in history to win six successive world championship races. Red Bull Racing's rookie Daniil Kvyat tasted another podium finished by placing third while Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel placed 2nd. Other races who made it to the end of the race are Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo, Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, Williams' Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, Toro Rosso's Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz.

Onto the driver standings, we can see that Rosberg still leads by 75 points while Hamilton's 26 points behind his teammate and Red Bull's Ricciardo in 3rd place with 36 points.

The next race will be in Russia on the 1st of May.

Let's Do The News! (April 18, 2016)

- International media are giving a stab to "rape" remarks from Davao City mayor and presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte. Singapore's The Straits Times, UK's BBC and The Guardian, and Australia's ABC published reports about the Philippine presidential candidate and the online outcry that followed after he made what appeared to be a joke about the missionary.

- Senator JV Ejercito entered a "not guilty" plea on the graft case filed against him before the Sandiganbayan. Ejercito and 19 other former and incumbent officials were charged with graft and technical malversation over their alleged involvement in using calamity funds to purchase P2.1 million pesos worth of firearms eight years ago.

- So far, about 272 people reported dead in last weekend's Ecuador quake. Ecuador's VP Jorge Gias told a news conference on Sunday that 2,527 people were hurt in the quake which occurred shortly before 7PM. The USGS said it measured a magnitude of 7.8. The government declared a state of emergency for six badly affected provinces.

- Returning on the Kumamoto quake, rescue workers are racing against time in search for the missing people after two powerful quakes struck the Japanese southwestern town. Authorities say 42 people were killed since Thursday. Many were found in collapsed houses.

- The lower house of Brazil's Congress favored the proceeding with the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff. In Sunday's voting, 2/3rds of the lower house members supported the move. The lawmakers have been debating the issue since opposition members demanded in December that impeachment proceedings be launched. The president has been accused of being involved in the manipulation of government accounts. If the upper house favors the impeachment court, Rousseff will be suspended from duty during the trial.

- Thousands of people in Brussels have took part in a march against terrorism and hatred, as well as to remember victims and call for solidarity. About 7,000 people participated Sunday's rally almost a month after the attacks that killed 32 people and injured 340 others. People marched over two hours, some holding banners and placards while others carried flowers. Most Muslims took part in the march, one of them shares the grief with others and show solidarity.

- Signatech-Alpine uncovered their entry to next year's World Endurance Championship, the A460. This LMP2 prototype features the same 4.5L V8 engine as last yea'rs A450b, delivering 550HP of power while mated with a 6-speed sequential gearbox. Two A460s, a #35 and a #36, will run under the Signatech-Alpine name but crewed under two different countries.

Alpine A460 Race Car

- Something big is happening in THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE mobile game. Check it out...

- The hit Doctor Who spinoff action drama series Torchwood may soon return, only this time as comic books published by Titan Comics.

- Actress-presenter Toni Gonzaga confirmed her pregnancy on national television. She announced it during last Sunday's ASAP show.

- At last night's Binibining Pilipinas 2016 coronation night, Maxine Medina is named as the Philippine representative for this year's Miss Universe. Meanwhile, Kylie Versoza was named Bb. Pilipinas-International, Joanna Eden as Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational, Jennifer Hammond as Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental, and Nicole Cordoves as Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International. Nichole Marie Manalo, the sister of Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2009 Bianca Manalo, was named as Miss Globe Philippines. Angelica Alita was crowned 1st runner up while Jehza Huelar is 2nd runner up.

TTFN!!!