Monday, April 14, 2025

F1 2025 - Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix

Formula 1's 75th anniversary celebration continues at the Bahrain International Circuit with the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. This race also marks Oscar Piastri's 50th start. Additionally, spectators have the opportunity to see F1 legend Jackie Stewart perform an exhibition lap in his championship-winning Tyrrell to support his charity.

F1 2025 - Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix
Screengrab from F1

Oscar Piastri celebrated his 50th Formula 1 race in style by defeating George Russell from Mercedes to win the Bahrain Grand Prix. Lando Norris, despite receiving a penalty for overshooting his grid box, managed to secure third place. 

This is good news for McLaren, as the team maintains its lead in the Constructors' Championship. Norris currently sits at the top of the driver standings with 77 points, three points ahead of Piastri.

The next race is the STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this April 19, 2025.

Sunday, April 13, 2025

Autobacs Super GT 2025 Series Round 1

The 2025 season of the Autobacs Super GT has officially begun, with Okayama serving as the starting point for this new season. As Toyota bids farewell to the GR Supra this year, it remains uncertain whether this will be the last time the GR Supra GT500 machines compete. Nevertheless, this season is expected to be a memorable one.

Autobacs Super GT 2025 Series Round 1

In the season opener, three GR Supra machines dominated the podium. The winner was the #1 au TOM'S GR Supra, followed by the #14 ENEOS X PRIME GR Supra in second place, and the #39 DENSO KOBELCO SARD GR Supra in third. 

In the GT300 class, the race was led by the #65 LEON PYRAMID AMG, which took first place. The #26 ANEST IWATA RC F GT3 secured second place, while the #56 REALIZE NISSAN MECHANIC CHALLENGE GT-R finished in third.

The next race is at Fuji Speedway this May 4, 2025.

2025 Repco Supercars Championship - ITM Taupō Super 440

The 2025 Repco Supercars Championship arrives in Taupō, bringing the Camaros and Mustangs together for a showdown on the island during the ITM Taupō Super 440.

2025 Repco Supercars Championship - ITM Taupō Super 440
Screengrab from Supercars

Ford dominated the entire Taupō race weekend, with Matthew Payne winning the first and third races while Chaz Mostert claimed the second.

Post-Taupō, Will Brown remains in the lead with 651 points while Cam Waters is in 2nd with 617 points, and Payne's in 3rd with 605 points.

The next event is the Snowy River Caravans Tasmania Super 440 this May 8 to 11, 2025.

2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship - Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach

The most iconic street racing event on the US West Coast is celebrating its 50th anniversary, with IMSA and IndyCar participating in the Golden Jubilee of Long Beach street racing. Let's focus more on the IMSA side, where GTD and GTP cars clash in the Long Beach Grand Prix's Jubilee Year.

2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship - Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
Screengrab from IMSA

Porsche achieved a double victory at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The #7 Porsche Penske Motorsport 963 won in the GTP class, while the legendary #177 AO Racing 911 GT3 R, affectionately known as Rexy, claimed victory in the GTD class.

The next race is the Monterey Sportscar Championship in Laguna Seca this May 9-11, 2025.

ABB FIA Formula E S11 - Miami ePrix

The United States may have become a troubled nation again with the return of the Trump administration, but that doesn't stop the ABB FIA Formula E from making a grand spectacle at the Miami ePrix. While Miami may be seen as a Republican stronghold, the GEN 3 EVO cars are as exhilarating as the Miami Heat.

ABB FIA Formula E S11 - Miami ePrix
Screengrab from Formula E

Due to the penalties that affected Norman Nato's first-place finish, Porsche claims the 1st and 3rd place podiums with Pascal Wehrlein and Antonio Felix Da Costa. LOLA secured its first podium finish with Lucas Di Grassi finishing in 2nd.

After the heat in Homestead-Miami, Nissan driver Oliver Rowland remains in the lead with 69 points, 15 points ahead of Da Costa.

The next race is the two-part Monaco ePrix this May 3-4, 2025.

How to dress as the AiPri idols...again

The currently airing "Himitsu no AiPri" TV series is entering its Ring Arc. In this new chapter, Himari and Mitsuki are taking on an exciting new challenge: the clash of the AiPriVerse duets. As they uncover the secret of the princess Ring Clover, they aim to prove they are the best duo in the AiPriVerse.

With the latest AiPri chapter in full swing, it's time to teach you how to be one of your favorite AiPri idols. With that, welcome to AiPriVerse Day!

Himitsu no AiPri Ring Arc
Himitsu no AiPri -Ring Arc-

As Himari Aozora - Himari Aozora is the main character of the show. She is a cheerful and energetic middle schooler who dreams of making a million friends. As the representative of the Poppin' Heart brand, she has a bright personality and an ambition to match. Having won the final AiPri Grand Prix in the previous season alongside Mitsuki Hoshikawa, she is ready to take on new challenges. If you want to transform yourself into Himari Aozora from Himitsu no AiPri, the first step is to get her highly long pink hair. This is an intermediate task. For those up for the advanced challenge, you will need to learn how to style her twin tails, which should be twirled just right and positioned above her head. This task is not easy, but to truly embody Himari, you must give it your all. Once you have nailed the hairstyle, you will officially be Himari Aozora! At that point, you can choose any costume you like for your cosplay.

As Mitsuki Hoshikawa - Mitsuki Hoshikawa is the kind of person who is charismatic, but also quiet and reserved. She’s also a viral sensation because of her AiPriVerse web show called Mii Channel. She is Himari’s childhood best friend. She represents the Miracle Moon brand. Having won the final AiPri Grand Prix in the previous season alongside Himari Aozora, she is ready to take on new challenges. If you’re interested in dressing up as Mitsuki Hoshikawa for an anime convention, the first step is to get a long blond hairdo. Then, you’ll need to tinker with it until you can match Mitsuki’s hairstyle. As long as you can get the hairstyle right, you pretty much have her look down.

As Tsumugi Suzukaze - Tsumugi is an AI-generated AiPri idol programmed by Himari's father to be her trusted friend for communication. In the previous season, Tsumugi sacrificed herself to prevent darkness from spreading throughout the AiPriVerse, but thanks to Himari and her friends, Tsumugi was revived. In the outside world, she appears only as Himari's plushie, Mugi-chan, allowing her to communicate with Himari and Mitsuki. Although Tsumugi is enigmatic, there's nothing enigmatic about her hairstyle. A long black hair is all you need and then slightly fix it to match Tsumugi's hairstyle. With that, you'll be the mysterious girl from the AiPriVerse. The costumes are up to you...if there's one.

As Chii Mamiya - Chii Mamiya is one of Himari's classmates and is known for her brash and outspoken personality. She aims to make a name for herself in the AiPriVerse. With the Quartet Star currently overseas, Chii has taken on the role of student council president, which presents its own challenges. She represents the Love My Music brand. To complete her look, she sports short lavender-colored hair and wears a light green headband.

As Julia Igarashi - Recently enrolled at the Paradise Private Academy, Julia stands out for her buzzworthy modeling antics and photogenic looks. To become Julia, all you need is long blond hair with some orange extensions on it and an indigo-colored bow. Do your best to match Julia's hairstyle and once settled, feel free to decide on the costumes.

As Elle Rokudo - Another new student at the Paradise Private Academy, Elle is Julia's roommate who is rather modest and busy with important things but as they say, good things come to those who wait. To cosplay as Elle, you need semi-long silver hair as well as two bows, the big indigo one and the small silver one upfront. The costumes she wore in the show are up to you once the hairstyle is done.

As Subaru Nanaura - Subaru is a newcomer in the AiPriVerse alongside his sister, Otome. His encounter with Himari is something...something. Anyway, to be Subaru, you need short dark blue hair and some silver starry hairpins to your left. Do your best to match his looks.

As Otome Nanaura - Otome is Subaru's sister and is new to the AiPriVerse scene. She is a self-proclaimed producer, and idols seek inspiration from her. She has short pinkish hair, but it's a different shade of pink than Himari's, think carefully. Additionally, you should wear a blue ribbon on the left side of your head in order to complete Otome's look.

As Vivi Hachioji - Another new student at the Paradise Private Academy, Vivi Hachioji is a major fan of Chii Mamiya and all she wants is to collaborate with her someday. To become Vivi, all you need is long bright blue hair and then give the top with some dog ear-styled twin tails. If you manage to match Vivi's hairstyle, feel free to work on the costumes.

...and there you have it. How to be your favorite idol from Himitsu no AiPri...again. Who needs to go to the AiPriVerse to see their favorite idols when you can become one yourself? With these tips on how to dress up as your favorite character from Himitsu no AiPri, cosplaying will be buzz-worthy!

Friday, April 11, 2025

Lexus GX550 (VJA252W)

The Lexus GX, the smaller sibling of the LX, has finally arrived on Japanese roads. Those who find the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 lacking in power should consider this powerful and luxurious alternative.

2025 Lexus GX
2025 Lexus GX

Priced at 11,950,000 Japanese Yen (roughly $120,000) plus additional costs, the Lexus GX is the more premium alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 where brute force and first-class comfort matter for this ultra-luxury off-roader capable of mocking Little Miss Sandping in style and comfort.

2025 Lexus GX
2025 Lexus GX

Starting with the exterior, the Lexus GX has a more rugged appearance compared to the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 on which it is based. It also boasts a sharp aesthetic. The same story goes for the offroad-oriented OVERTRAIL+ which comes with the exclusive Moon Desert exterior color, under guard, black arches, bridge-type roof rails, black door panels, and rear center protection. Lexus claims that the GX's design harks back to Toyota's offroad GOAT, the Land Cruiser 70 series. A homage done right, they said.

2025 Lexus GX
2025 Lexus GX interior

The interior of the Lexus GX is a huge contrast to the Land Cruiser 250 donor car because it's meant to be positioned at the Business Class rather than the Economy Class. On the driver's side, the GX features an optional HUD, a standard 12-inch Multimedia Touchscreen Display with Lexus Interface technology, a digital 12.3-inch multi-information display, and others. On the passenger side, the GX seats up to seven people (five for the OVERTRAIL+ variant), and the passenger seats can be folded down for spacing needs. You can fit up to four golf bags with this one.

For sound experience, the GX is offered with the available 21-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound for stage-level sound quality on the move.

2025 Lexus GX
2025 Lexus GX

The GX runs on its GA-F platform just like its big brother, the LX. With notable features such as the rigid rear suspension with extended rear wheel articulation, and electric power steering, it behaves like every luxury off-roader should. In the OVERTRAIL+ variant, it's well-armed with all-terrain tires and Lexus-first E-KDSS. The E-KDSS or Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System can lock or release the front and rear anti-roll bars independently for better offroading. It even comes with Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and the Multi-Terrain Monitor.

Under the hood, The GX is armed with the same V35A-FTS V6 3.4L Twin Turbo engine as the LX but it's detuned to produce 353PS of power and 650Nm of torque. Mated to the Direct Shift 10AT, fuel economy is around 8.1km/L based on WLTC Mode standards, the same as the LX.

The all-new GX comes equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes several advanced features: the Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA with SA), Road Sign Assist (RSA), and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA).

Those who have already owned the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 may feel regret because the Lexus GX offers many features that its Toyota counterpart lacks. Those who haven't owned one yet might feel envious, wishing they could experience the new GX someday.

From mocking Sandping in the daytime to a night trip to the City of Dreams at nightfall, the Lexus GX has it all. Comfort, technology, and an ounce of brute force. Nobody does it better than this.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation