Sunday, July 7, 2024

DTM 2024: Norisring

The DTM's 40th-anniversary celebration continues in Norisring. As the summer season intensifies, the fight for the title rages on.

So far, it’s been an action-packed year for the race. The competition has been fierce, the drivers have been impressive, and the cars have been magnificent. Every year, the DTM never disappoints.

DTM 2024: Norisring
Screengrab from DTM

The battle for the DTM title continues at the Norisring as part of the series' 40th-anniversary celebration. The first race ended with Rene Rast in first, followed by Franck Perera and Luca Engstler. Meanwhile, in the final race, Nicki Thiim, a relatively unfamiliar driver, achieved a dominant pole-to-win finish. Maro Engel and Mirko Bortolotti rounded out the top three.

After the Norisring event, Bortolotti leads the standings with 104 points. Kelvin Van Der Linde sits in second with 98 points, and Rast is close behind in third with 93 points. The DTM never fails to disappoint, and this season has been no exception. The competition has been intense, the drivers have been impressive, and the cars have been magnificent.

The next event is at the Nurburgring GP Circuit this August 15-18.

2024 Repco Supercars Championship - NTI Townsville 500

The city of Townsville witnessed some Supercars mayhem as the 2024 season continues with the NTI Townsville 500.

Screengrab from Supercars

In the first race, Cam Waters overtook Chaz Mostert for the win and Will Brown climbed from 13th to 3rd. But the biggest surprise came in the final race when Matt Payne took home the trophy. It's the seventh different winner of the season. With Will Brown's crash in the final race, the race for the championship is now wide open with Brown leading by just 78 points over second place Broc Feeney.

The next event will be the Panasonic Air Conditioning Sydney SuperNight this July 18-21.

How to dress as your favorite PriPara idols

PriPara, the second generation of the Pretty series, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year! The show aired on TV Tokyo from the summer of 2014 to 2017 and had a fourth season called Idol Time PriPara. The anime series follows the life and times of Laala Manaka, a little girl who dreams of becoming the best PriPara idol.

In honor of PriPara's 10th anniversary, PriPara fans from all over the world are celebrating by cosplaying their favorite characters. Since you are itching to become one of your favorite PriPara characters, it's time to teach you how to be one of your favorites. Time to do something our Meganee-san and Meganii-san don't want you to do.

PriPara
PriPara

As Laala Manaka - Laala Manaka is the star of the PriPara series. She's an elementary-grade little girl who dreams of becoming the best PriPara idol. Her catchphrase is "Kashikoma!" To become Laala, all it takes is an extremely long light-purple hairdo and then give it some twin-tails to match Laala's look. It's complicated but if you did it, you're now Laala Manaka. Be sure to work on whatever costumes she wore in the series and also the Kashkoma pose. Kashkoma!

As Mirei Minami - Mirei Minami was a smart-minded student and the head of the school's disciplinary committee until she got promoted to student council president in the second season. She's known for her strict personality but in PriPara, she is a cute idol with a pop personality. Her catchphrase is "Pop Step Getchu". If you’re looking to cosplay Mirei, you’ll need a midsize yellow wig. You’ll need to add some triangular "cat ear" buns to the top (rubber bands work great for that), and then attach ribbons: blue on your right, and red on your left. Once you’ve got the hair right, it’s time for the finishing touch: the Pop Step Getchu pose! You're now Mirei, pri!

As Sophy Hojo - Sophy Hojo may be a highly-talented idol who has an intense fanbase dedicated to staying by her until the end of time, but she's usually lethargic in her daily life, even in PriPara. However, when she eats "red flash", which is a different term for umeboshi, Sophy reveals her cool self. Don't "pushu" yourself too hard because a long red wig is all you need to be Sophy.

As Dorothy West - Dorothy West is one of the West twins who is known for her tomboyish attitude, Dorothy's catchphrase is "Tension MAX". To become Dorothy, you'll need a short sky-blue wig and then give it the braids to your right. With the hairstyle settled, you're now Dorothy West. Feel free to decide on the outfits she wore.

As Reona West - Reona West, one of the West twins, is a rather enigmatic person who is shy but often matches the actions of her (his?) twin sister Dorothy. Unlike Dorothy, who has a tomboyish attitude, Reona is more relaxed. And while Dorothy's catchphrase is "Tension MAX", Reona's is "Tension Relax", although she (he?) often just says "relax" when Dorothy says "tension max." To become Reona, you'll need a short pink wig with braids to your left.

As Sion Todo - Sion Todo was originally a Go champion who stopped playing Go and became a PriPara idol, proving that no one can stop her. To become Sion, first, you'll need long dark purple hair and give it a side ponytail to your right to match her hairstyle. With you as Sion, feel free to decide on her outfits. Let's ¡Go!

As Falulu - Falulu is a mysterious vocal doll lurking around PriPara but thanks to the girls, Falulu can freely become herself. To become Falulu, you'll need an extremely long bright lime green wig. With the wig ready, here comes the extremely difficult part; replicating Falulu's hairstyle. Either the baguette-shaped hairstyle when she was purely a vocal doll or the ultra-wavy quad twin-tails when she became a free girl, replicating either of her hairstyles is an arduous task. If you're herculean enough, you're now officially Falulu. Feel free to decide on the outfits she wore in the show.

As Cosmo Hojo - Cosmo Hojo is Sophy's big sister who is a renowned dress designer. To become Cosmo, you'll need a sky-blue short wig and then fix it to match Cosmo's hairstyle. With Cosmo your gal, feel free to decide which of the costumes she wore in the show.

As Aroma Kurosu - Aroma Kurosu is one of the Aromageddon duo with a penchant for conjuring devilish acts. Just long brown hair should do the trick and then tinker it to match Aroma's hairstyles. With Aroma's your girl, feel free to decide on the outfits she wore in the show. A Gaaruru plush is optional.

As Mikan Shiratama - Mikan Shiratama is one of the Aromageddon duo who is an angel idol who loves eating steamed buns. All you need is a long light reddish hairdo for this one, then give it the ponytail to match Mikan's hairstyle. You're now officially Mikan, the heaven-sent but hell-bent member of Aromageddon. Feel free to decide on the outfits she wore in the show. A Gaaruru plush is optional, although it's hard to decide which of you will be holding little Gaaruru.

As Hibiki Shikyoin - Hibiki Shikyoin is a high-profile PriPara idol with a prince-like personality whose ultimate goal is to radically change PriPara and ruthlessly cut off those who stand in the way, especially Laala Manaka. To become Hibiki, all you need is light grayish short hair. That's it. Then, decide on whatever fancy outfits Hibiki wore in the show.

As Fuwari Midorikaze - Fuwari Midorikaze is a transfer student from Europara who was invited by Hibiki Shikyoin to come to Japan. At first, she never got the chance to debut in PriPara because she did not fit the image of any existing brand but thanks to Cosmo Hojo, she debuted under her Coco Flower brand without problems. Her relationship with Hibiki is complicated. To become Fuwari, all you need is a short midsize blond wig and then do the complicated braids at the top of the hairstyle. Sounds challenging but if you can pull it off, you'll be Fuwari Midorikaze in no time. Good luck with the costume choice.

As Ajimi Kiki - Ajimi Kiki is the art class teacher and she's Hibiki's worst nightmare. Her catchphrase is "Da Vinci!" To become Ajimi, you'll need an extra-long pink wig and then go for the braided twin-tail approach to replicate Ajimi's hairstyle. Don't forget her glasses! With that settled, you're now Ajimi Kiki. Just don't approach the nearest Hibiki Shikyoin cosplayer because "all hell breaks loose" within contact. DA VINCI!!!

As Non Manaka - Non Manaka is Laala Manaka's little sister. In Season 3, with the competition to become Divine Idols in full swing, Non joined the fray in the form of the TRIANGLE unit consisting of Kanon, Junon, and Pinon. Sadly, the TRIANGLE unit is nothing but a scam busted and Non starts over at PriPara...by finding proper friends worthy of creating her own unit. To become Non, all you need is an extremely long light-purple wig and then give it the ponytail to match Non's look. Feel free to choose any of the costumes she wore in the show. Just be sure to have fun and enjoy your time!

As Chili Tsukikawa - Chili Tsukikawa may be a shy girl living with a wealthy family but in PriPara, she's a high-and-mighty idol who demands respect. To become Chili, all you need is a long dark green wig. With the wig ready, prepare for the hard parts because of the noodle-ish hairstyle with the rounded braided bits on the sides. With the complicating parts settled you're now Chili Tsukikawa.

As Pepper Taiyou - Pepper is a jungle idol who came from Aprika and was raised by lions. To become Pepper, you'll need a rather short midsize sand-colored wig and then pepper it to match Pepper's hairstyle. Pun intended. You'll become the jungle idol Pepper in no time and the outfits she wore are up to you. Just don't eat the Scout Mascots, please.

As Jewlie - Posing as Jururu, the little baby Laala Manaka adopted and raised, Jewlie is of course the legendary PriPara goddess. Prepare the extremely long light green wig because replicating Jewlie's hairstyle is going to be a long day. The front parts have the look of a Basset Hound's ears with the round part at the top. Below, the braids will pose the biggest challenge while replicating Jewlie's hairstyle. This is going to be the toughest task if you want to cosplay as the PriPara goddess Jewlie but have faith. You can do this.

As Janis - Janis is a PriPara goddess just like Jewlie but both are in the middle of a sibling strife. To prove Jewlie wrong, Janis assists the Non Sugar team in the hopes of crushing the competition and Jewlie herself. Just like Jewlie, expect extreme difficulty if you're to replicate Janis' hairstyle with the extremely long white wig. The front parts have the look of a Basset Hound's ears with the round part at the top. Don't forget the braids below.

As Yui Yumekawa - Yui Yumekawa is a sixth grader at the Avocado Private Academy who dreams of becoming the best idol in the hopes of surpassing her brother Shogo. Teaming up with Laala Manaka, they're on a quest to reshape the Paparajuku PriPara by all means. To become Yui Yumekawa, all you need is a long light blond wig and then give it some short twisted twintails. Yumekawa! You're now Yui Yumekawa!

As Nino Nijiiro - Nino Nijiiro is the Avocado Private Academy's star athlete with a can-do spirit. She became a PriPara idol in the hopes of surpassing Sion Todo. Becoming Nino requires a turquoise-colored wig that is not too short and not too long. Just the right size. Then give it a light green gradient while matching Nino's hairstyle. A big yellow ribbon is a must!

As Michiru Kouda - Michiru Kouda is a second-year middle schooler whose luck often runs out. Thanks to the Gaarmageddon antics, she enters PriPara as Miichiru, the princess of the so-called long-lost kingdom of Puu and known for her high-and-mighty attitude. If you want to cosplay as Michiru Kouda, you will need a very long gray wig, which must be at least waist-length. You should braid the front side of the wig and style it to match Michiru's hairstyle. You can also choose to dress up in any of the outfits she wore in the series.

As Shuka Hanazono - Shuka Hanazono, the primadonna who believes “Idol Time is Money,” runs a Rich Venus shop in Paparajuku’s PriPara. She sees Yui Yumekawa as her arch-nemesis and while she is the little sister of the legendary idol Mia Hanazono, Shuka has more priority than her big sister. If you’re going to cosplay as Shuka, all you’ll need is a super long dark purple wig, and then give it the bangs to match Shuka’s hairstyle. Her outfits are all over the place, so pick the one you like the best.

As Falala A Larm - Falala A Larm is the mysterious goddess who pops up during the concert's Super Idol Time segment where she invites the idols to the Time Garden. She usually continues to sleep in the clock tower of Paparajuku's PriPara but she can be only awakened when the clock's hands move by the power of the idols' stage performances. To become Falala, all you need is an extremely long light green wig, give it the twin-tail look, and twirl the bottom half of each tail. This is extremely tricky but if you can pull it off, you'll become Falala A Larm.

As Garara S Leep - Garara S Leep is also a mysterious goddess who resembles Falala A Larm but she's the villainess who is responsible for putting Falala to sleep and the destruction of the ancient PriPara that was in present-day Paparajuku a long time ago with her scout mascot, Pakku. Becoming Garara requires an extremely long dark blue wig. That's the first step. The difficult bits involve giving it a twin-tail look and twirling the bottom half of each tail.

As Amari Katasumi - Amari Katasumi is an average high-school girl doing average things until her fateful encounter with Laala Manaka dragged her to Idol Land. In the past, she loved PriPara, but now, she's up to save it, although unsure of what to do around Idol Land. The first thing you’ll need for your Amari Katasumi cosplay is a long, light turquoise wig. Her hairstyle is not for the faint of heart. Amari’s twin tails have a wrap-around bottom half on each tail. If you can pull that off, you’re basically there. Don't forget the pink ribbon to your top left. The rest is just a matter of choosing the right costume. Whatever you do, don’t forget to have fun!


And there you have it. How to be one of your favorite PriPara idols. If you’re a fan of PriPara, then you’ve probably spent some time dreaming about becoming one of your favorite idols. Well, here’s how you do it: pick a character, study their hairstyles, and then decide which of their costumes you want to wear.

Goodbye and Happy 10th Anniversary to the world of PriPara!

✌️😉

KASHIKOMA! 

Saturday, July 6, 2024

Peugeot 3008 III

The Peugeot 3008 is now in its third generation, and it comes with a brand-new all-electric version: the e-3008. What's it all about the all-new model?

2024 Peugeot 3008
2024 Peugeot 3008

Starting at 34,700 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new third-generation Peugeot 3008 pens a new chapter in Peugeot's "new normal" era with its new design language fit for future Peugeots, a new Peugeot i-Cockpit, and the addition of its new electrified variant.

2024 Peugeot 3008
2024 Peugeot 3008

The all-new Peugeot 3008 has a futuristic coupe-like design inspired by its smaller sibling, the 408. It’s a radical change from its predecessor. The new face of the 3008 is proof of Peugeot’s latest design language. Its front face was inspired by the Inception Concept. The 3008 is the first model to feature this new look.

2024 Peugeot 3008
2024 Peugeot 3008 interior


Aside from its polarizing exterior design, the all-new 3008 features the all-new Peugeot i-Cockpit featuring a 21-inch curved touchscreen display standard on the GT variant or a pair of 10-inch displays for lesser variants like the Allure, customizable touch-sensitive buttons, spacious center console, and the gear lever positioned inboard of the steering wheel just like today's Hyundais. It even comes with Peugeot-first front seats with adaptive side bolsters which can inflate or deflate to adapt the occupant's body.

But what’s the scoop on the boot space? It can accommodate up to 520 liters with the rear seats in place, but when folded down, it can fit up to 1,480 liters, which is two liters less than the previous model. This could be because of its new coupe-like form. What do you think?

2024 Peugeot 3008
2024 Peugeot 3008

The all-new third-generation Peugeot 3008 is offered with a choice of a 1.2L hybrid with 136PS of power and mated to a 6-speed e-DSC, and of course, the electric powertrain with a 73kWh Lithium battery pack. The e-3008's electric powertrain has 210PS of power output and 345Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 8.8 seconds and flat-out in 170kph. The driving range is 524km in one full charge and it will take half an hour to reach 80% while charging at a public charging station. You get the point.

Because it now runs on Stellantis' STLA platform, the all-new 3008 behaves better than the previous model thanks to its low center of gravity. It may be front-wheel-drive only as expected but it feels just okay for a French car.

Peugeot’s new Drive Assist Plus, an optional feature for the 3008, makes it easy to navigate tight spots and other potential hazards. It includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. It can even automatically change lanes and correct lane departures. You can also add on speed limit notifications and hill descent control.

The Peugeot 3008 is back with a bang for its third generation. It now comes with an electric version, and the design is more futuristic than ever, inspired by its smaller sibling, the 408. It may be slightly less spacious than the previous model, but the Inception-styled front, new i-Cockpit, the additional electric variant, and a host of new packaging are a sign of things to come from Peugeot under the thumb of Stellantis.

Available Colors: Gris Titane, Bleu Ingaro, Noir Perla Nera, Bleu Obsession, Gris Artense, and Blanc Okénite.

Photo: Peugeot

My FH5 Log: Keep Toyota GReat Again

The new era of JDM sports cars is here, and it's being led by the GR Supra, the GR Yaris, and the GR86. These three models are the first of their kind in this current era, and they're all from Toyota, a Japanese motoring giant. 

Toyota has always been at the forefront of automotive innovation, and they're continuing that tradition with these three new sports cars. They're all designed to be fun to drive, and they all have the performance to match. If you're looking for a new sports car, one of these three is sure to be a great option.

The GR Supra is the first of the Reiwa-era JDM sports cars. It was launched in May of 2019 and hailed as the return of "The Sports of Toyota." This car has been met with mixed reactions, but it’s definitely the first JDM sports car of the new era. 

Though it’s a Supra, it's basically a BMW Z4 G23 underneath due to the connection between BMW and Toyota. Its design borrows inspiration from the FT-1 Concept and shares most of its engines with the BMW Z4, like the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine and the 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine for the range-topping RZ variant. The RZ variant produces 340PS of power and 500Nm of torque. All of the engines are mated to an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox.


Next up is the GR Yaris that I won from Forza Horizon 5 Modern Horizons Dry Season Playlist. The new Toyota GR Yaris is a road-legal rally car, and it’s the second JDM sports car of the Reiwa era. It’s based on the fourth-generation Yaris, but it’s wider and has two fewer doors. It’s powered by a 1.6L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, and it has a GR-FOUR four-wheel-drive system. There’s also a cheaper RS variant with a 1.5L engine and a CVT.

Lastly, but not obviously the least, is the Toyota GR86. The GR86 is a worthy successor to the GT86. It keeps all the qualities that made the GT86 so popular, while also improving upon them in many ways. The updated platform and suspension give it better handling than ever before, and the larger engine provides a noticeable boost in power. If you're looking for an affordable sports car that's fun to drive, the GR86 is definitely worth considering.




Here we go again. It's time to give these Reiwa-era Toyota sports cars a quick lap around the Lookout Circuit located near the Horizon Rush site. As the trio of Reiwa-era Toyota sports cars flex its Japanese muscles, it's time to give them a one-lap time attack just to find out which one is best. Roll the tape.


And here are the results...

GR Supra - 1m04.548s

GR Yaris - 1m06.633s

GR86 - 1m06.667s

The Supra is still the king of Toyota sports cars even in its modern form. I have no judgment here. It's a great car, and it's easy to see why it's so popular. If you're looking for a new sports car, the Supra should definitely be on your list.


The Reiwa era has shown signs of what the future holds. In the case of sports cars, will the future include them, or will they be wiped out? It’s going to be a tough battle for companies that still make sports cars, including Toyota, but an exciting one nonetheless.

So thank you, Toyota, for creating sports cars that enthusiasts will love in the midst of the new normal.

EPILOGUE

With the GR Yaris completing the Reiwa era JDM sports car First Three in Forza Horizon 5, it's time to give this road-legal rally car the spotlight it deserves. This calls for a makeover.





And here she is. Ann from Aikatsu Planet, come on down!

With Ann's name written all over the GR Yaris and I made some rally-spec calibrations to match the GRMN Yaris Rally Package's specifications, it's time for its one-car show as my GR Yaris takes on a complex rallycross creation made by a certain Forza fanatic. If by complex, it really is, especially while battling against a horde of old cars preparing to meet their makers. Send in the video.


Complex as expected, but the Rally Package on my GR Yaris worked wonders.


The GR Yaris is definitely a rally weapon, but it's still an enjoyable sports car. It's every bit as much fun to drive as the GR86, and it's even more exciting than the king of Toyota sports cars: the GR Supra. If you're looking for a road-legal rally car that's fun to drive nearly everywhere, the GR Yaris is a great option. It's a well-rounded car that can do it all.

KEEP TOYOTA GREAT AGAIN!

Friday, July 5, 2024

Aston Martin Vantage (2025MY Minor Change)

Currently in its second generation, the Aston Martin Vantage received a big minor change for the 2025 model year and this will be the most powerful Vantage in existence.

2025 Aston Martin Vantage
2025 Aston Martin Vantage

The new Aston Martin Vantage is a total prizefighter. I'm not being hyperbolic, it's just the truth. Priced at 165,000 Pounds with no end in sight for added costs, the Vantage is the most powerful iteration in the car's history. I can't help but feel sorry for those envious souls who end up with an old pre-facelifted model.

2025 Aston Martin Vantage
2025 Aston Martin Vantage

2025 Aston Martin Vantage
2025 Aston Martin Vantage interior

Beginning with the exterior, the new Vantage retains the sidelines and the rear from the previous model but on the front, it sports a DB12-styled nose. Although flashy compared to the pre-facelifted model, the new face makes a huge statement for the Vantage. The interior is all-new and it came from its DB12 big brother as well. It even packs new sports seats for your driving pleasure. If Fernando Alonso approves this new version, so do you.

The 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG has been given a massive power bump. It now produces 656bhp. Mated to an 8-speed AT, it does 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 205mph. Finally, a V8-powered Vantage that smashes the 200mph barrier. Not bad for a GT car with Supercar performance.

Aside from the heavily improved performance that made the new Vantage a must-drive for the privileged, the chassis saw a major improvement with the added bracing, the adaptive Bilstein DTX dampers, a centralized advanced vehicle dynamics control system, and an eight-stage TCS. With improved dynamics, it's becoming a proper track weapon that is still usable on public roads.

With its heavily improved performance, DB12-inspired design and interior, and improved dynamics, the Vantage's big minor change is a work of art that is too awesome to be ignored. If some idiots lend you the keys to the old Aston Martin V12 Vantage or the old Vantage AMR, tell them to go eff themselves. This is the Vantage to go for. Nothing more, nothing less. This is the car the Forza people should take note. Trust me. This is the best Vantage ever made and I would have one over the Porsche 911 or the Ferrari Roma.

Photo: Aston Martin

Despicable Me 4

Gru and the Minions are back for another round of Minion Rush with Despicable Me 4!

Despicable Me 4
Despicable Me 4

You heard it right, the Minion Rush is back for more in Despicable Me 4, the continuing saga of the life and times of Gru, a former supervillain turned Anti Villain League agent played by comedian Steve Carrell as he, Lucy (played by Kristen Wiig), and the girls Margo (iCarly's Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), and Agnes (Madison Polan) welcome the birth of their newborn baby boy named Gru Jr. However, their time as a family is tested when supervillains Maxime Le Mal (voiced by Will Ferrell) and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina (voiced by Sofia Vergara) are plotting to take over the world and ruin Gru's life.

Of course, this is not Despicable Me without the iconic Minions, and for this installment, viewers new or old are greeted with the addition of Mega Minions such as the rocket-shaped Mega Gus, the luchador-esque Mega Dave, the Cyclops-copycat Mega Mel, the stretchable Mega Tim, and the super-strong super-weird Mega Jerry. Trust me, that Mega Jerry gives me the creeps. The Pit Crew Minions and the AVL Minions also join in the fun. No problemo!

The newest Despicable Me movie offers a fantastic mix of hilarious comic mischief, mind-boggling action, suspenseful drama, and family values. It's one of the must-watch movies of the summer. 

Need some Minion Rush? Watch this newest Despicable Me adventure. It's worth the wait.