My FH5 Log: Glänzende Nova & Frischer Himmel

Although they both share the same four-liter vessel, the 911 GT3, and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS are two different sides of the same coin. Differences aside, these two are born to make bold statements on the road and the track.

Both the 911 GT3 and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS share the same 4.0L flat-six naturally aspirated engine as well as the seven-speed PDK but what separates them is the power output as the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is 10PS less compared to the 911 GT3. 500PS for the 718's vs. 510PS for the 911's. However, despite being less powerful than the 911 GT3, the 718 GT4 RS is 20kg lighter than the 911 GT3, 1415kg vs. 1435kg.

Both the 911 GT3 and the 718 GT4 RS lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife with the former at 6:59.927 and the latter at 7:04.511, meaning for Porsche fanatics, being RR is the way to go for a Porsche, not MR.

Since this is Forza Horizon 5, the 911 GT3 and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS deserved some quiet time on party grounds because, despite their sibling strife, they sure know how to entertain the festival goers with their unique race-inspired aerodynamics and performance that will keep them longing for more. 

There are too many variables between them but it's time to find out which is the best. In genuine Porsche fashion, I went to the streets of Guanajuato to give the 911 GT3 and the 718 GT4 RS their every day "need for speed "they deserve while figuring out which of these hardcore versions is pure alpha. Let's roll the tape.

And now, the results...

992 911 GT3 - 1m33.994s

718 GT4 RS - 1m34.361s

It may be a one-sided brawl but in the end, the 911 GT3 is still Code Alpha compared to its mid-engined sibling by nearly half a second. Close shave but touche.

No doubt about it, the 911 GT3, and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS are two different sides of the same coin but when you experience them both, their unique race-inspired aerodynamics and performance make you drive faster and harder for longer. It's the new taste for peanuts, the Porsche way.

EPILOGUE

Having grown my interest in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, which is one of the DLC cars in Forza Horizon 5, it's time for me to give this hardcore 718 a much-needed makeover before setting off for its one-car showtime.

Yes, I know. If Dorothy gets my 911 GT3 like last time, my 718 GT4 RS gets Reona. Get it? It's the new meaning for Fortune Party, and good things happen when you light up their fortunes.

Anyway, it's showtime for our Reona-chan as my 718 GT4 RS takes on a re-enactment of the famous Sydney Opera House by a certain FH5 player named China4567690. Shoutout to the master of this creation. Anyway, let's get the show rolling.

Man, the race-tuned suspension wasn't built for this but at least it had fun exploring the underbelly of the Sydney Opera House re-enactment.

On the road and track, you will forever be thankful that the GT4 RS is the ultimate version of the 718 that knows all asphalt. With its 4.0L naturally-aspirated engine, 7-speed PDK, and race-inspired aerodynamics, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is "perfectly irrational" in every way. When you pair this car with the 911 GT3, this is what the Glänzende Nova & Frischer Himmel looks like to you, the speedo boy.

The legend will never die...

Let's Do The News! (March 26, 2024)

       

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

- The Malacanang declares half-day work for government workers on Holy Wednesday.

- AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. arrived at Puerto Princesa to meet the wounded soldiers from the recent resupply mission at the Ayungin Shoal.

- Former UK Conservative MP Scott Benton has stepped down, triggering a by-election to replace him in the Blackpool South constituency.

- Millions of Americans' online accounts caught up on a "sinister" Chinese hacking plot that targeted US officials, according to the Justice Department and the FBI. Seven Chinese men have been charged with enacting a widespread "malicious" cyber-attack campaign.

- The UN Security Council has voted for the resolution calling for the ceasefire and the release of all hostages in Gaza. The United States, meanwhile, has abstained from the vote.

- Donald Trump's criminal trial over the hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels will begin this April 15th.

- Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun and other officials have stepped down by year's end amid a deepening crisis over the firm's safety record. The firm is under pressure after an unused door blew out of a Boeing 737 Max in January shortly after take-off.

- Genesis showcased its Neolun Concept as well as the G80 and GV60 Magma concepts. The Neolun Concept previews Genesis' flagship SUV while the G80 Magma and GV60 Magma concepts preview the luxury brand's Magma performance line.

- 81 Produce ends the contract of seiyuu Daiki Nakamura due to reported harassment at his school. The agency received complaints about power & sexual harassment, financial troubles in Nakamura's private school.

- Actor Lee Sang Yeob was officially married. Previously, Lee Sang Yeob’s agency confirmed plans for the actor’s March wedding.

- Shohei Ohtani says he never bets on sports and was shocked over reports that his interpreter stole his money. Ohtani spoke in his press conference with his new interpreter Will Ireton over his recent controversy.

- Washington State and Oregon State have finalized a settlement over financial distributions with the 10 schools leaving the Pac-12.

- Former child actress Krystal Reyes is now engaged to her non-showbiz boyfriend.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (March 25, 2024)

      

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

- About one million pertussis vaccines are expected to arrive in the Philippines this June. A certain health expert says that mandatory face mask wearing is recommended as the PH government and the public, Senator Bong Go said, need to cooperate against the spread of pertussis (whopping cough).

- The PH Department of Energy warns that the Luzon Grid will possibly be placed under "Yellow Alert" by April-May.

- NBI forces from Timor Leste have returned but no sign of former congressman Arnie Teves.

- The nationwide earthquake drill in the Philippines kicked off with the "ceremonial activity" at Camp Aguinaldo.

- Russia mourns victims of last Friday's concert hall attack that killed hundreds. People queued to lay flowers at a makeshift shrine to the victims of the atrocity. Two men have been charged with committing an act of terrorism. Four gunmen who attacked the concert hall in Moscow have been charged with terrorism.

- In a rare audio statement, the reclusive leader of the Afghan Taliban warns that the movement will toughen how they enforce their version of Islamic law.

- Senegal held its delayed presidential elections peacefully.

- Simon Harris is set to become the next Irish Prime Minister after being named leader of the Fine Gael Party. Harris replaces Leo Varadkar, who announced his resignation last week.

- The last Audi R8 rolled off the assembly line, marking the end of Audi's only supercar.

- The TV anime The Apothecary Diaries will return this 2025 for its second season.

- Shohei Ohtani briefly came into the Dodgers clubhouse and declared he would make himself available to reporters -- and address the illegal gambling and theft allegations levied against his former interpreter -- the following afternoon.

- TWICE member Jihyo and Physical:100 finalist Yun Sung Bin are reportedly dating. Both agencies respond to the dating rumors.

TTFN.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix

It's the first NASCAR road course racing of the season as they went to the Circuit of the Americas for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix. With former Supercars champion Shane Van Gisbergen and WEC champion Kamui Kobayashi joining in the fun, it became a Palm Sunday race to remember.

As the green flag waved, the Palm Sunday racing action began with Stage 1 saw Harrison Burton spinning off the front of Josh Berry in turn 11 on Lap 2. As Christopher Bell wins Stage 1, Stage 2 saw Josh Berry spinning in turn 11 in Lap 21 followed by Kyle Larson after contact with Christopher Bell a lap later. Lap 24 saw Shane Van Gisbergen penalized for speeding at the pits while Kamui Kobayashi spun a lap later after contact from Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

As Denny Hamlin won Stage 2, the last stage saw Kyle Busch spinning in turn 1 on Lap 41 while Erik Jones got penalized for speeding to the pits on Lap 49, Kamui Kobayashi spun again in turn 11 on Lap 53, and Brad Keselowski on Lap 60. The final lap saw a one-on-one clash between William Byron and Christopher Bell for the win.

Screengrab from NASCAR

After an intense Palm Sunday riot in COTA, William Byron wins the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next race is at Richmond Raceway for the Toyota Owners 400 this Easter Sunday, March 31st.

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Thermal $1 Million Challenge

This is IndyCar's equivalent of the NASCAR ALL-STAR RACE, the Thermal $1 Million Challenge. As the name implies, the winner gets half the prize while the other half will be donated to the driver's charity of choice.

As Felix Rosenqvist wins Heat 1 and Alex Palou wins Heat 2, the first non-points race in IndyCar history since 2008 has kicked off with 20 laps to decide who will win the $1 million challenge. With no single incident, this race became smooth sailing for Palou and he locked his eyes on the million-dollar prize.

Screengrab from IndyCar

Alex Palou wins the $1 Million Challenge in The Thermal Club. Half of his proceeds will go to the charity of his choice.

The next race is at Long Beach for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach this April 21.

F1 2024: Rolex Australian Grand Prix

The F1 24 season continues with the Rolex Australian Grand Prix and with Carlos Sainz back to work, Ferrari's back in fighting form as it tries to fend off Max Verstappen and the others.

As the lights went off, the action in Melbourne was underway with Max Verstappen's promising start until Lap 4 saw his car smoke, forcing him to retire on Lap 5. With Verstappen out, it's the turn of Lewis Hamilton to throw in the towel on Lap 17 due to engine failure. As the returning Sainz continued to maintain his lead, the final lap saw disaster for George Russell as his car crashed and nearly flipped but he survived.

Screengrab from Formula 1

The returning Carlos Sainz led Ferrari to a 1-2 finish with Charles Leclerc finishing 2nd. McLaren driver Lando Norris completes the podium with a third-place finish. Fernando Alonso was demoted to P8 after being given a 20-second penalty for the late-race incident involving George Russell.

After Australia, Verstappen remains in the lead with 51 points while Charles Leclerc is in 2nd with 47 points, and Sergio Perez is in third with 46 points.

The next race is the MSC Cruises Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka this April 6th.

2024 Repco Supercars Championship - MSS Security Melbourne SuperSprint

The 2024 Repco Supercars Championship continues in Albert Park, the venue that the Formula 1 camp will be using for its Australian Grand Prix campaign, for the MSS Security Melbourne SuperSprint.

Photo: Supercars

As expected, only those who were inside the track for Supercars action have witnessed it because due to international broadcast rights associated with the F1 2024's Australian Grand Prix, their usual highlights and live video coverage of the Repco Supercars Championship events are not available.

Here's the TL;DR summary of the four-part action in Albert Park, moments before the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix occurred; Broc Feeney won Thursday and Saturday's races, Will Brown won the Friday race, and Nick Percat won the final race of the Melbourne SuperSprint. Winning two out of four races, Broc Feeney earned the Perkins Trophy.

After Melbourne, Will Brown leads with 575 points, 17 points ahead of Broc Feeney, while Chaz Mostert's in third with 478.

The next event is the first-ever ITM Taupō Super400 this April 19-21 at the Taupō International Motorsport Park.