My GT7 Log: Reiwa no Super GT fighters

The Super GT 2024 season will see a matchup like no other in the Reiwa era. It's a clash between the Toyota GR Supra, the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34, and the Honda Civic Type R FL5. Here in GT7, I'm driving their road car equivalents predicting which car will win the 2024 season.

But first, let's get to know about these Reiwa-era JDM sports cars.

With the design borrows inspiration from the FT-1 Concept, the GR Supra shares most of the engines from the BMW Z4 G29 such as the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine and the 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine for the range-topping RZ variant producing 340PS of power and 500Nm of torque. All of the engines are mated to an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox.

In the spring of 2020, the GR Supra's 3.0L BMW-derived TwinPower Turbo engine on the flagship RZ variant was boosted by 47PS, resulting in a 387PS power output. In addition, the updated GR Supra features a revised chassis consisting of lightweight aluminum braces, front and rear bump stops, and new damper tuning.

The Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 features an eclectic mix of design cues inspired by past models as well as a cutting-edge interior featuring a GT-R-derived steering wheel, the signature triple pod cluster, and race-inspired gauges. Under the hood, the previous model's 3.7L VVEL engine was replaced by the VR30DDTT 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine derived from the Skyline 400R. It produces nearly 400HP of power and 475Nm of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed AT. It features optional launch control for the first time in a Z car and a mechanical LSD.

Apart from the performance it delivers, the RZ34 Fairlady Z features new monotube shocks, new front geometry, rear suspension tuning, and another first for the Z car, electric power steering. It even features increased rigidity and available sports brakes.

Based on the 11th generation Honda Civic hatchback, the FL5 Civic Type R eschews the obvious styling from its predecessor in favor of a more subtle approach while retaining the triple exhaust setup from the FK8. For the first time since the FD2, the FL5 Civic Type R is back to being a Japan-made hot hatchback.

It runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the previous FK8 but it's been boosted to produce 330PS of power and 420Nm of torque while mated exclusively to a 6-speed MT.

From the improved suspension setup, electronically controlled dampers, improved braking performance, and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires built exclusively for this car, it smashed the Suzuka Circuit's FF lap record in 2:23.120 and recently, the Nurburgring Nordschleife's FF lap record in 7:44.881.

The FL5 Civic Type R became the 2022-2023 Japan Performance Car of the Year winner.

Taking the idea from both Best Motoring and Hot Version, I decided to compare these three Reiwa-era JDM sportscars around Tsukuba Circuit and engage the one-lap time attack rite of passage, predicting which of these three has the potential to win the 2024 Super GT season.

In their road car guises, the RZ34 is the most powerful of the three but the FL5 is the dark horse because although it's the least powerful, boasting 325hp power output, it's the lightest of the three, making this comparison truly one-sided. Anyway, no time for jibber-jabbers. It's time to find out which of the three has the potential to win the 2024 Super GT season. Roll the tape.

And here are the results...

GR Supra - 1m05.227s

Z RZ34 - 1m05.767s

Civic Type R FL5 - 1m05.706s

The FL5 Civic Type R truly is the dark horse of the three. It barely defeated the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 by a crust but it's razor-thin slower than the GR Supra. The result is too close to call.

Based on my experiment, my prediction for the 2024 Super GT season will be a close call with the GR Supra expected to win the 2024 season. I'm not sure which GR Supra Super GT car will be but it's everyone's game. The Civic Type R FL5 is proven to be the dark horse of the three and I expect its Super GT equivalent to deliver razor-thin results compared to the other two. Both the GR Supra and the Fairlady Z RZ34 nailed titles but with the arrival of the Super GT Civic, will it be the first to win a Super GT title for the Honda Civic?

Expect the 2024 Super GT season to be as close as the elections, if you catch my drift. With the GR Supra expected to dominate the 2024 season as well as the Honda Civic's wild-card performance, it's going to be the tightest season ever. Get your popcorn ready because it's going to be a long fight.

My FM Log: The McLaren 650S

Having fought Update 3.0's Open Tour Series until the January 17th deadline, I got my hands on the McLaren 650S, an instant classic that made its way back to the new Forza Motorsport game.

McLaren Automotive presented the 650S, in coupe and spider variants, at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show and promises that this new model will be their fastest, most engaging, best equipped, and most beautiful series-production supercar yet.

Although some components came from the MP4-12C, McLaren says that the 650S is not the direct replacement for the 12C, even though production of the 12C halted due to the 650S' high demand. It also comes with some components from the now-sold-out McLaren P1 hypercar. The engine, as usual, comes with the same 3.8L Twin Turbo V8 engine, but the power output is a titular 650PS of power output and 500lb-ft of torque, mated to a ‎7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It will do 0-100kph in under three seconds and a top speed of over 333kph.

The 650S was replaced by the 720S in 2017.

It's time to have a one-lap time attack around Silverstone with the 650S and see if it's still as good as it was made.

It may be a 12C bearing the P1's front but the 650S got what it demanded; the demonstration of its track-honed capabilities you would expect from a McLaren.

Enjoy your new ride!

Let's Do The News! (January 16, 2024)

                                                       

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The Philippine envoy to China was summoned by the Chinese government to explain why President Bongbong Marcos congratulated newly-elected Taiwanese president William Lai.

- The Local Water Utilities Administration said the Philippines has enough water supply despite the El Niño season.

- Senator Nancy Binay said she is confident that the Senate can extensively review and hold public hearings on the various proposals to amend the economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution.

- A US cargo ship was hit by a missile launched by the Houthi rebels. The vessel reported no injuries or serious damage and is continuing its journey.

- Hamas releases a video purportedly confirming the deaths of two more Israeli hostages.

- Donald Trump won the first Republican presidential contest in Iowa, cementing his frontrunner status in the race for the 2024 presidential elections. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis beats Nikki Haley in battle for second place behind Donald Trump in Iowa Republican vote, according to US media projections.

- Elon Musk wants at least 25% shares in Tesla to continue work on AI and robotics innovation.

- Spanish rider Carles Falcon was killed during the Dakar Rally. Falcon suffered a heavy fall after 448km during the special on stage 2 from Al Henakiyah to Al Duwadimi.

- A new Aston Martin vehicle will be unveiled this February 12. It's possibly the Vantage minor change.

- The Lexus RZ 450e F Sport was unveiled, featuring unique aerodynamics and suspension upgrades. Only 100 units will be made.

2024 Lexus RZ 450e F Sport Performance

- Czinger confirms the production of a four-seat Hyper GT.

- Steam's new regulations allow games developed by AI. The company mandates AI disclosure for the evaluation of games, for display on the game's Steam store page.

- Comedian Yang Se Chan signs an exclusive contract with Antenna.

- Succession, Beef, and The Bear scored big wins at the 2024 Emmy Awards. Sir Elton John scored his first Emmy, earning his EGOT status.

- The Quezon City Police Department has apologized to the family of the late actor Ronaldo Valdez over a viral video regarding the actor's death. Janno Gibbs' family will not file a lawsuit against the QCPD.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (January 15, 2024)

                                                      

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- PH Senate President Migz Zubiri filed a resolution for both Houses, seeking to amend certain provisions of the 1987 Constitution. Zubiri says "This is to avert a constitutional crisis" between both chambers of Congress.

- Transport group Manibela announced yesterday that they will hold a transport protest on January 16th, protesting against the Philippines's PUV modernization program.

- The PH Department of Health announced that the diarrhea outbreak in Baguio has been contained.

- A volcano has erupted near the southwestern Icelandic town of Grindavik. Lava spilled onto the town's streets and covered a part of a house, which burst into flames.

- UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron told reports that "we are prepared to back our words with action" following the joint US-UK offensive against Houthi rebels in Yemen. UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he would consider whether to support further military action in Yemen "on its merits"

- Frederik X was crowned as the new king of Denmark, succeeding his mother Margrethe who abdicated for health reasons.

- The security forces in Ecuador launched an operation to regain control of prisons taken over by violent drug gangs.

- Amazon Prime Video, Twitch, and Unity are laying off hundreds of employees. Prime Video lays off "several hundred" employees, Twitch lays off 500, and Unity Software lays off 1,800.

- Love Live's Nijigasaki High School Idol Club gets a visual novel game coming soon to the Nintendo Switch. Also, the first part of the movie trilogy is coming this September 2024.

- Ji Suk Jin will return to the SBS TV show Running Man after his short hiatus.

- Philippine action legends Jeric Raval and Joko Diaz are joining the Korean movie The Guardian.

TTFN.

ABB FIA Formula E S10 - Mexico City ePrix

The ABB FIA Formula E's 10th-anniversary celebration has begun with the Mexico ePrix, the opening salvo of the tenth season.

Screengrab from Formula E

Just before the first race of Formula E's 10th-anniversary celebration kicked off, word from the ERT was that Sergio Settecama pulled out from the grid due to a technical issue. As the season opener kicked off, Pascal Wehrlein stormed in while Robin Frijns collided with the wall, marking his second DNF at Mexico City for the Envision Racing driver. As the race restarts, Wehrlein maintains his lead while Sebastien Buemi and Nick Cassidy are hunting him.

After a 35-lap opening salvo, Pascal Wehrlein drew first blood by winning the Mexico ePrix while Buemi finished 2nd and Cassidy finished 3rd.

The next race will be the two-part Diriyah ePrix on January 26-27.

Let's Do The News! (January 13, 2024)

                                                     

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- About 19.5 million Taiwanese are voting to elect a new president and legislature in an election that will determine Taiwan's fate with China. The ruling DPP is seeking a third term with its candidate William Lai, who was labeled by China as a "troublemaker", warning people against voting for him. Results show a tight race between the DPP and the Pro-China KMT.

- The United States carried out recent attacks against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, a day after a joint UK-US offensive that struck almost 30 Houthi-led areas.

- Mazda showcased the Roadster Mazda Spirit Racing RS Concept and the Mazda 3 Mazda Spirit Racing Concept, previewing Mazda Spirit Racing's potential as a sub-brand.

- Hyundai unveiled the IONIQ5 N NPX1 concept, previewing N Performance parts for the IONIQ 5 N.

- According to reports, the NBA will allow LaMelo Ball's controversial tattoo that previously had been considered a violation of league rules against commercial logos. Ball can now play with the LF initials distinguishable to the public.

- Radio personality Annie Nightingale passed away at the age of 83. Nightingale became BBC Radio 1's first female presenter.

- Singer Bugoy Drilon mourns the passing of his best friend Hansen Nichols.

TTFN.

Mean Girls (2024 movie)

A new generation of Mean Girls has arrived in the cinemas and just like the original Mean Girls, no. You still can't sit with them.

Mean Girls (2024 movie)

A new twist of a modern classic high-school comedy-drama by comedienne Tina Fey, the new generation Mean Girls stars Angourie Rice as Cady Heron, Reneé Rapp as Regina George, the boss of The Plastics, Bebe Wood as Gretchen, and Avantika as Karen. It also stars Christopher Briney as Aaron, Moana's Auli'i Cravalho as Janis, and Jaquel Spivey as Damian. Tina Fey returns to the reboot as well.

Life for Cady couldn't get even more miserable on her first day of school especially when she got invited to The Plastics and fell in love with the leader's ex-boyfriend. Well, that's high school, and in Cady's case, she's trying to prove that she can outsmart The Plastics, even the leader Regina George herself, by all means.

Like the original, the new generation Mean Girls showcases how modern high school girls behave these days with all the delusions of grandeur that put them at the top of the food chain. Not only that, it also showcases that even the most average of underdogs just like Cady can win the day if all goes to plan, almost. It's stylish, funny, emotional, and in a Mean Girls way, mean. Plastic if some would say.

Think you're ready to sit with the new generation of Mean Girls? Good luck with that.