Friday, September 6, 2024

My FH5 Log: HEMIxSTORY

The third-generation Dodge Durango is the last Dodge powered by the HEMI V8 engine. Stellantis' scorched earth policy has led to the extinction of the V8 engine from its stable. 

The Dodge Durango Hellcat that I won from the High-Performance Dailies Hot Season Playlist reminds me that it ain't over until it's fully over.

2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

So, what's it all about the most powerful Durango that ever existed?

2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is the most powerful production seven-seater SUV ever. It was unveiled during the COVID lockdown. It has the same 6.2L HEMI V8 engine as the Challenger and Charger Hellcats, which produces 710 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque. This enables it to go from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 180 mph.

The Durango SRT Hellcat is available only for the 2021 model year but demand prompted to return it for the 2023 model year. As Dodge ended production of the third-generation Challenger and the upcoming Charger not having a V8 engine, the third-generation Durango is the last in the Dodge lineup to have a V8 engine.

2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

Let's give the last V8-powered Dodge a proper send-off by tackling the last of the four new sprint races added to the update; the Cloverleaf Sprint. Roll the tape.





Statement, made.

2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

The third-generation Dodge Durango proved that the "Sports" word in the Sports Utility Vehicle term means a lot, delivering sportscar-like performance with multipurpose capability. With the Hellcat, this is literally the king of high-performance SUVs. Europeans can fudge themselves whenever they see one.

Because of Stellantis' scorched earth policy to get rid of V8 engines from its stable, it really is the Last Call for Dodge's last V8-powered vehicle. Sad to see Dodge removing the V8 engine that made them a force to be reckoned with as demonstrated by the Charger Hellcat Redeye and the Challenger Demon but the Brotherhood of Muscle will be forever remembered.

See you in hell, Dodge Durango.

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Let's Do The News! (September 5, 2024)

            


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

- Dismissed mayor Alice Guo is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines tonight, according to Senator Raffy Tulfo. She was aboard a chartered flight RP-CG188 with DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos and PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marble.

- 4 people were killed in a shooting at a high school in the US state of Georgia. The 14-year-old male suspect is in police custody and he will face murder charges. US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the recent shooting.

- Pope Francis is in Indonesia, calling for inter-faith unity.

- A 14-year-old male is charged with the murder of 80-year-old Bhim Kohli, who was attacked while walking his dog in a park in Leicestershire, UK.

- Formula 1 announced a multi-year partnership with Santander, making them the official retail banking partner of the sport. As part of the partnership, Santander will feature on trackside signage in numerous races for the 2025 season.

- The ABB FIA Formula E Season 11's Jeddah ePrix will be held at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

- The second-generation Volvo XC90 received a minor change for the 2025 model year with a redesigned exterior and interior plus new tech. Volvo also teases its upcoming ES90 flagship EV saloon.

2025 Volvo XC90

- Discord is reducing the upload limit to 10MB for free users.

- A Sony exec admits that there isn't enough PlayStation IP built from the ground up.

- The Twilight franchise is getting a Netflix animated series adapting the franchise's Midnight Sun.

- Actor Yoo Ah In is sentenced to one year in prison for drug use.

TTFN.

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Let's Do The News! (September 4, 2024)

           


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

- Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo was caught by Indonesian authorities at Tangerang. This was confirmed by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission. Guo is currently in the custody of the Indonesian Police. Upon her return, she will face multiple charges.

- A magnitude 5.6 earthquake hits Jomalig, Quezon, causing the early dismissal and suspension of classes in affected areas.

- At least 12 people died, including a pregnant woman, after a boat carrying migrants sank in the English Channel.

- 50 were killed and 180 hurt in a Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Poltava, President Volodymyr Zelensky says. President Zelensky says Russia will be held accountable for a deadly missile attack in Poltava.

- The Cupra Terramar was unveiled. Serving as the flagship crossover, the Terramar is powered by a choice of a 2.0 TSi and 1.5 TSi eHybrid with up to 272PS of power.

2025 Cupra Terramar
2025 Cupra Terramar

- Sony's online multiplayer shooter game Concord will be taken offline this September 6th and all players will receive a full refund.

- Korean band DAY6 will become the first to hold a concert at the Gocheok Sky Dome.

- The 2024 Melon Music Awards will take place at the INSPIRE Arena in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, this November 30th.

- Joey Chesnut set a new world record for the most hotdogs eaten with 83 in under 10 minutes, beating Takeru Kobayashi who ate 67 hotdogs.

TTFN.

Infiniti QX80 (Second Generation)

The all-new Infiniti QX80 is a second-generation full-size luxury SUV that rewrites the rules for what an SUV should be. It can go off-road while delivering fancy living for high rollers from Dubai to New York. Let's take a look at the new model.

2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80

With prices starting at $82,450 plus additional costs, the all-new QX80 is cheaper to own than the titanic Range Rover, although this is the most expensive Infiniti emerged. Still, this new look signaled a new era for the luxury brand of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80

The second-generation Infiniti QX80 is the first to wear the new Infiniti logo. This one shines up front, which may be a bit too flashy for some observers. After all, an illuminated front badge is about as flashy as Christmas lights on a pine tree but it's not as flashy as the available Infiniti underglows. While incorporating the new Infiniti design language, the squarish looks are now edgier than its predecessor, giving an idea of what is life to be like in the mega box.

2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80

Inside, the all-new QX80 improves the first-class experience from its predecessor, giving both the driver and passenger the same experience they expect from a business-class flight. The driver's side is packed with tech arsenals such as the panoramic widescreen that features the digital instrumental panel to the left and the touch screen to the right, the class-first available Biometric Cooling technology, Tri-Zone Climate Control System, kabuki-inspired 64-color interior lighting design, and Klipsch sound system with up to 24 speakers, including ones at the headrest.

Yes, it has third-row seats that can accommodate seven or eight people, standard heated and available climate-controlled first- and second-row seating complemented by available heated seating in the third row, and a power-sliding panoramic moonroof featuring one-touch open/close technology. It has up to 22 cu.ft. of interior cargo volume, making it spacious enough for a perfectly straightforward shooting weekend.

2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80

The real treat of the all-new QX80 is what's under the hood as the old model's V8 engine was scrapped and replaced by Infiniti's brand-new 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo engine that produces 450hp of power and 516lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 9-speed AT, it has a combined fuel economy of 17MPG and a towing capacity of 8500 lbs.

In terms of dynamics, the all-new QX80 features independent double wishbones, speed-sensitive rack-pinion electric power assist steering, all-season tires, INFINITI All-Mode 4WD, brake-actuated LSD, and available Dynamic Digital Suspension. It's still bulky to drive but it's now surprisingly more civilized and classy on and off the road.

Redefining the rules of safety, the all-new QX80 is the first Infiniti to feature the optional ProPILOT Assist 2.1 technology for hands-free driving on the motorways. It even features Steering Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control, Front Wide View, Invisible Hood View, Smart Rearview Mirror, 3D Around View Monitor with Spin Capability and Moving Object Detection, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Blind Spot Intervention, and leading-edge far-side airbag technology.

The all-new Infiniti QX80 rewrites the rules for what an SUV should be. It's the most expensive Infiniti in the range, but its price is lower than today's Range Rover. This means that the "out-on-a-limo" feeling is within reach, even if you're a super-rich high-roller who prefers cruising downtown from New York to Dubai. This is first-class luxury reasserted, the Infiniti way.

Available Colors: Anthracite Gray, Mineral Black, Coulis Red, Black Obsidian, Radiant White, Grand Blue, Dynamic Metal, Radiant White/Black Obsidian Two-Tone, Mineral Black/Black Obsidian Two-Tone, Coulis Red/Black Obsidian Two-Tone, Grand Blue/Black Obsidian Two-Tone, and Dynamic Metal/Black Obsidian Two-Tone.

Photo: INFINITI

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Let's Do The News! (September 3, 2024)

          


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

- Typhoon Enteng has strengthened again as it was last spotted 100km from the western side of Laoag, Ilocos Norte. It is moving westward at 25kph and has gusts of up to 210km near the center.

- The PBBM administration declared a National Day of Mourning over the passing of "Manlilikha ng Bayan" Federico Caballero.

- The United States seized a plane belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, claiming it was bought illegally and smuggled out of the country.

- The Israeli court ordered an end to the general strike as thousands marched and blocked roads to demand the Gaza hostage deal. Meanwhile, the UK is suspending some arms exports to Israel.

- The all-new Bentley Flying Spur will be unveiled this September 10 and it will be powered by the same V8 Twin Turbo PHEV powertrain as the new Continental GT.

- The Aston Martin Vanquish returns as the most powerful Super GT in its range. Powered by the new 5.2L V12 Twin Turbo engine, it produces 835hp of power and 1000NM of torque. It will do 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds and flat-out at 214mph. It's the most powerful and fastest production Aston Martin ever made.

2025 Aston Martin Vanquish
2025 Aston Martin Vanquish

- Dragon Ball DAIMA TV anime premieres this October 11th at 2340 hours JST.

- The Birdie Wing TV series' app game was put on hold. The game was originally slated for fall last year.

- YG Entertainment announces legal action against deepfakes.

- Girl group Lovelyz will celebrate their 10th anniversary with their first full-group concert in 4 years.

- Senator Raffy Tulfo thanked Manny V Pangilingan for taking action over the complaint from a TV5 "Talent".

TTFN.

Monday, September 2, 2024

Let's Do The News! (September 2, 2024)

         


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

- Typhoon Enteng is last spotted in the Northern Aurora-Southeastern Isabela area. The storm is strengthening as it entered the area from the North Northwest at speeds of 20kph. It packs winds of 85kph and may reach 105kph.

- PHIVOLCS warns the public of lahar flow across the Mayon Volcano.

- The far-right Alternative for Germany is celebrating a "historic success" with a big win in the eastern state of Thuringia. The AfD won almost a third of the vote, nine points ahead of the conservative CDU, and far in front of Germany's three governing parties. The AfD came second in the elections in the neighboring state of Saxony.

- Israeli trade union calls general strike as the government faces pressure to agree on Gaza hostage deal.

- Kevin Magnussen is banned from racing at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after being penalized for his clash with Pierre Gasly in Monza.

- The new-generation Formula 3 car was unveiled during the Italian Grand Prix. Compliant with FIA 2025 standards, the new machine is powered by a 6-cylinder 3.4L naturally-aspirated Mecachrome engine that produces 380HP and is planned to run on Aramco's advanced fuel compliant with the FIA's 100% sustainable fuel standard in 2025.

- The third-generation Audi Q5 was unveiled. The SQ5 brings back the 3.0L V6 TFSi engine producing 362bhp of power.

2025 Audi Q5
2025 Audi Q5


2025 Audi SQ5
2025 Audi SQ5

- Barnes & Noble founder Leonard Riggio passed away. Riggio also co-founded GameStop.

- Actress Nana signs with the new agency after 15 years at PLEDIS.

- TV Patrol Weekend reporter Alvin Elchico is now promoted as a weekday anchor as Henry Omaga-Diaz's replacement.

TTFN.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Cook Out Southern 500

It's the last race of the regular season as the Cook Out Southern 500 race of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series will decide who will enter the playoffs. Let's find out!

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Cook Out Southern 500
Screengrab from NASCAR

As the green flag waved at Darlington Raceway, the final race of the regular season began. As Kyle Larson won Stage 1, Stage 2 saw Tyler Reddick get sick but couldn't take any medicine from his pit crew, followed by Todd Gilliand colliding with the wall on Lap 129, and Denny Hamlin making contact with William Byron on Lap 224. As Larson nabbed Stage 2, and Martin Truex Jr. was playoffs-bound, the final stage saw Carson Hocevar spinning on Lap 314. followed by a Lap 322 disaster for Chris Buescher and Todd Gilliand, and The Big One on Lap 344.

After a chaotic fight for the playoffs, Chase Briscoe wins the Cook Out Southern 500 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The list of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoff contenders is complete. Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick, William Byron, Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Austin Cindric, Daniel Suarez, Alex Bowman, Chase Briscoe, Harrison Burton, Ty Gibbs, and Martin Truex Jr. are locked in for the fight to Phoenix.

The Round of 16 kicks off with the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway this September 8th, 2024.