My GT7 Log: Summer Like It's 2008

When you think of 2008, what comes to mind? The Beijing Olympics? The global financial crisis? Barack Obama? It could be anything as long as it is associated with the memorable events of the year 2008. However, in the Peugeot catalog, there is a car not made in a year 2008. It's a car that was named the 2008. THE PEUGEOT 2008. Here in Gran Turismo 7, I got the chance to drive one, the second-generation Peugeot 2008.

Launched in 2020, the second-generation Peugeot 2008 eschews its sleek looks that draw resemblance to the 208 for a sleeker design that is utterly mistaken for its big brother, the 3008.  The new model offers a choice of a 1.2 petrol and a 1.5 diesel engine, as well as the first ever electric powertrain that can go up to 320km on one full charge according to WLTP standards. The model featured in Gran Turismo 7 is the one with the 1.2L petrol engine with 129HP of power and 170ft-lb of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Like its predecessor, the second-generation 2008 is front-wheel drive only by default, but the Advanced Grip Control makes it more capable on either tarmac, gravel, or snow.

To test out the capabilities of the FF-only Peugeot compact crossover, I went to Brands Hatch for a one-lap time attack. It may not be as exciting as such, but I need to keep it active. Let's roll the tape.

My performance in 2008 at Brands Hatch resulted in a time of 2m05.466s. While it may not be particularly exciting, it clearly demonstrates what this front-wheel-drive Peugeot compact SUV is capable of.

As I noted some time ago during my first encounter with the second-generation Peugeot 2008, it's a modern crossover that may not be worth the wait for everyone, but it's certainly worth considering for those seeking space, technology, eco-friendliness, performance, and versatility. Its inclusion in Gran Turismo 7 may also not be worth the wait, but it’s definitely worth a try.

A Peugeot crossover named after the year the Beijing Olympics took place, the world financial crisis struck, and Barack Obama became US President... Just don't call it a 2008 Model Year Peugeot car. Just call it the Peugeot 2008. That's it.

Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Jyo-hen Chapter I

The final battle kicks off with the first chapter of the Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Jyo-hen trilogy, which aims to achieve the same level of success as the original Star Wars trilogy. Tanjiro Kamado and his friends are ready to face the seemingly impossible challenges ahead.

Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Jyohen
Chapter I

The first chapter of the Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Jyo-hen (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Infinity Castle arc) trilogy begins with Tanjiro Kamado, his sister Nezuko, their friends, and the remaining members of the Demon Slayer Corps embarking on an impossible mission. They will face the most powerful demons located within the Infinity Castle. This marks the beginning of a high-stakes final gambit.

This truly marks the beginning of an all-or-nothing final gambit. From the start to the gripping cliffhanger, no character is safe from some of the most explosive moments this film offers. The thrilling fight scenes, heart-wrenching tragedies, and classic "Demon Slayer" moments are what made the first "Infinity Castle arc" movie a must-watch of the summer. After experiencing the first film from the beginning to the cliffhanger scene, audiences will find this movie to be a conversation starter that’s impossible to ignore.

The final battle begins. Get your breathing exercises ready because nothing can prepare you for the start of the impossible mission.

DS Automobiles N°8

2025 marks DS Automobiles' 10th Anniversary, and the French luxury brand of Stellantis is celebrating the occasion with...an all-electric coupe-crossover serving as the brand's flagship.

2026 DS N°8

DS Automobiles has introduced its latest flagship model, the all-electric coupe-crossover known as the N°8, priced at €59,500. The name N°8 signifies a new beginning for DS Automobiles, which has been in operation for a decade. It's high time for the brand to adopt a new naming structure, as previous names like DS3 and DS9 have caused considerable confusion. Some models ended up being associated with the Dark Souls series, while others were mistakenly linked to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

2026 DS N°8

Beginning with the exterior, the N°8 is the first to don DS Automobiles' new design language, judging by the implementation of the new DS logo on the front grille and the DS AUTOMOBILES lettering at the back. Although the front is as sharp as any other DS vehicle you come across, the side profile and the rear view can be easily mistaken for the Kia EV4. Long story short, but you get the point.

2026 DS N°8 interior

Inside, the N°8 showcases the brand's reflection on French contemporary art in motion. Although it looks more like an abstract painting than a typical interior, the N°8 features an X-shaped steering wheel, bespoke center console, and a 16-inch integrated central display powered by DS IRIS SYSTEM 2.0, not to mention the panoramic glass roof and FOCAL Electra 3D Hi-Fi sound system. True to the DS mantra, the passenger space showcases its "out-on-a-limo" feel while offering boot space up to 620 litres.

2026 DS N°8

The N°8 is the first all-electric vehicle from DS, incorporating the expertise of the DS Penske Formula E team. It is available in Front-Wheel Drive (FF) and All-Wheel Drive (4WD). 

The Front-Wheel Drive Short Range variant, with 258 PS and a 73.7 kWh lithium battery, offers a driving range of 550 km. In contrast, the All-Wheel Drive Long Range variant delivers 375 PS and features a 97.2 kWh lithium battery, providing a range of 664 km. This variant accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, outpacing many standard Japanese cars and current Volvo models.

Although not as exciting to drive as expected, the comfort-tuned dynamics gave the DS N°8 a similar driving feel to a German luxury saloon, and being a French-made car full-stop, even with AWD, it feels exceptionally comfortable everywhere, even on tarmac, gravel, or snow, courtesy of its DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION system. 

The DS N°8 features a one-pedal mode for drivers, allowing them to accelerate or brake without using the brake pedal. Regenerative braking is advantageous for this feature.

Being the most technologically advanced DS model to date, the N°8 is packed with night vision, digital rear vision, DS PIXELVISION, and DS DRIVE ASSIST 2.0, among others.

While it may seem disappointing that luxury car brands' first EVs are crossovers, the DS N°8 stands out in this trend. As another luxury EV crossover from Europe, the N°8 marks a bold beginning for DS Automobiles in its 10-year history. This is the DS that deserved to be auto-focused because it's a DS. Not those Dark Souls or Star Trek Deep Space nonsense, simply DS.

Available Colors: Bleu Topaze, Noir Perla Nera, Gris Palladium, Cristal Pearl, and Blanc Albatre.

Photo: DS Automobiles

Lancia Ypsilon L21

Being the first all-new Lancia model after nearly a decade and a half, the all-new Lancia Ypsilon L21 marks the beginning of the Lancia revival project spearheaded by Stellantis.

2025 Lancia Ypsilon

Starting at €19,900 plus additional costs, the all-new Lancia Ypsilon represents not only a complete model change but also the revival of an iconic Italian nameplate from scratch.

2025 Lancia Ypsilon

The exterior design speaks for itself because the Ypsilon dons the reborn Lancia design language first seen on the Pu+Ra HPE Concept. From the T-shaped front face to the new Lancia logo at the edge of the side, and the Stratos-inspired rear lamps, the design traces its roots back to Lancia's fabled history. Judging by its size, since this is Stellantis doing the talking, the all-new Ypsilon bears a similar size to today's Opel Corsa and Peugeot 208 equivalents.

2025 Lancia Ypsilon interior

The new interior is also a sign of things to come from the Lancia revival plan. Powered by the S.A.L.A. infotainment system, everything on the Ypsilon's interior, from radio, air conditioner, navigation, and other essential features, is controlled via its touch screen. Some would find it difficult to master on their first attempt, the high-tech gadgetry is one of the signs to expect for the new Lancia interior. As for space, this five-seater can accommodate up to 352 liters of boot space with the rear seats in place, which is more than the previous model.

2025 Lancia Ypsilon

The all-new Ypsilon shares its components with the current Opel Corsa and Peugeot 208, offering both hybrid and electric variants. The Ypsilon Hybrid is equipped with a 1.2L petrol engine paired with a 48V electric motor, producing a total of 110 PS. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 9.3 seconds and has a top speed that is 10 kph faster than typical Japanese cars. It also boasts a fuel economy of 4.6 L/100 km. 

On the other hand, the Ypsilon Elettrica features a 156 PS electric motor connected to a lithium-ion battery, achieving a 0-100 kph time of 8.2 seconds and a maximum speed of 150 kph.

When it comes to driving, the all-new Ypsilon is an improvement over the previous model, behaving similarly to today’s Corsa and 208. Despite its larger size, it remains as playful as any other city car currently on the road, making it easy to navigate tight turns. You can truly relax while driving, and the car's dynamics make the new Ypsilon enjoyable to maneuver. 

After a long day at work, you’ll appreciate the wide range of safety technology, including Level 2 Autonomous Driving, which helps keep the new Ypsilon in check. How you feel about these features can vary; they can be either surprising or annoying, depending on who is at the wheel.

The all-new Lancia Ypsilon marks the beginning of the brand's revival project initiated by Stellantis. While it might be seen as a rebranded Opel Corsa or Peugeot 208, this model represents the first step towards restoring Lancia from the brink of extinction. With the introduction of the new Ypsilon, we can look forward to future Lancia models based on Stellantis' European offerings, including the Gamma—rumored to be a crossover—and the anticipated return of the Delta. All that is to come, but for now, please enjoy the return of Lancia with the all-new Ypsilon, whether you like it or not.

Photo: Lancia

SHADOW LABYRINTH

In celebration of PAC-MAN's 45th anniversary, Bandai Namco presents the dark side of its beloved video game icon in this terrifying side-scrolling action-adventure game with one purpose: EAT OR BE EATEN.

SHADOW LABYRINTH (PS5)

SHADOW LABYRINTH
(Nintendo Switch 2)

"SHADOW LABYRINTH" is a thrilling action-adventure game from Bandai Namco, the creators of the legendary PAC-MAN series. In this game, players find themselves trapped in terrifying mazes filled with deadly monsters, challenging puzzles, and hidden truths waiting to be discovered. You play as a swordsman of unknown origin, awakened by a mysterious yellow sphere known as PUCK. Together, you must uncover the secrets of the mysterious planet you have landed on while battling fierce monsters and navigating through the intricate mazes to escape.

By all means, players must use various battle styles to confront terrifying enemies along the way, as well as solve puzzles and collect items useful for exchanging them for power-ups that will prove useful for tougher situations. Whether you will fight through monsters as the swordsman, fight through familiar mazes as PUCK, or confront bosses as GAIA, surviving by all means is what SHADOW LABYRINTH is all about.

The game not only highlights the darker side of PAC-MAN but also features classic Namco games that have been given twisted fates, such as Dig-Dug, Bosconian, and Galaxian, among others. It's a nostalgic experience that takes a dark turn. Will you find those classic Namco video game references in this game?

SHADOW LABYRINTH offers terrifying gameplay that will make your skin crawl. It's not just a dark twist on celebrating PAC-MAN's 45th anniversary; it's a way to revisit video game nostalgia in a hauntingly meaningful manner. Are you brave enough to escape the maze? As PUCK says, "eat or be eaten." You are The Chosen.

Let's Do The News! (July 18, 2025)

                     

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

- The PH Department of Justice is seeking help from Japan for DNA testing of the recovered bodies at Taal Lake.

- The PH Department of Health has reported 32 cases of filariasis that were monitored from January to May this year.

- The DFA has lowered the alert level in Iran to Alert Level 2.

- PAGASA issued a storm surge warning in provinces around northern Luzon due to Typhoon Crising.

- PHIVOLCS recorded about five volcanic earthquakes around Mt. Bulusan and four volcanic quakes around Kanlaon Volcano within 24 hours.

- UK MP Diane Abbott was suspended by the ruling Labour Party after comments about racism.

- One child dead after a school bus crash in Somerset, according to authorities.

- NASCAR will host a San Diego race in the 2026 season.

- Nolan Siegel is now cleared to return for this weekend's IndyCar Toronto race.

- A life-size moving replica of the legendary Pokémon, Koraidon, made in collaboration with Honda, was revealed ahead of its Suzuka 8 Hours appearance this August 1-3, 2025.

- Publisher HarperCollins will acquire Crunchyroll's manga publishing operations in France and Germany.

- YG Entertainment's Yang Hyun Suk received a suspended prison sentence as the final verdict for threatening an informant in the drug case.

- Norwegian Olympian Audun Gronvold was killed by a lightning strike.

- Singer Connie Francis dies at the age of 87.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (July 17, 2025)

                    

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

- Senator Alan Peter Cayetano clarified that the proposed house arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte will not mean his deportation. Cayetano explained that the proposed house arrest of FPRRD is equivalent to strict detention outside the International Criminal Court (ICC), but it is still in The Hague, The Netherlands.

- The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC) has been placed on red alert status due to the threat of Typhoon Crising. The alert was raised effective at 12 noon, July 17.

- Bicol Saro Partylist Rep. Terry Ridon is asking the House Committee on Public Accounts to investigate the Manila Bay Dolomite Beach project, which was funded with ₱389 million. Ridon's move came after the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it was among the causes of flooding in various parts of Manila.

- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has accepted the resignation of ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta. Atty. Francis Saturnino San Juan was appointed as the new head of the commission.

- A magnitude 7.3 quake hits off the coast of Alaska, triggering tsunami warnings.

- The Nissan Caravan was updated for the 2026 Model Year with the implementation of the Intelligent Cruise Control.

2026 Nissan Caravan

- Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will star in the live-action The Legend of Zelda movie as Zelda and Link.

- The live-action Wind Breaker movie hits cinemas on December 5th.

- Disney and Pixar's new movie, Hoppers, will hit theaters this March 6, 2026.

- Meet the winners of this year's ESPYs.

- A discounted rate for reviewing restored Filipino films was approved by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).'

TTFN.