My GT7 Log: Skoda VGT

Typically, car manufacturers available on Japanese roads, whether local or international, can only showcase their designs in the Gran Turismo franchise through their Vision Gran Turismo concepts. However, the inclusion of Genesis, a Korean luxury car brand that is not sold on Japanese roads, altered this precedent. Following Genesis, another carmaker that isn't available on Japanese roads has joined the Vision GT lineup: the Czech manufacturer Skoda.

The Skoda Vision Gran Turismo marks the Czech carmaker's debut in the world of Gran Turismo, showcasing its "simply clever" philosophy to the virtual world.

A simply clever project that began even before the COVID pandemic, Skoda designers were debating whether to restore the 1100 OHC, a Le Mans racer that never was, or create a futuristic iteration for the digital age. They went for the latter, and this is it.

Paying respect to the legendary 1100 OHC, the Skoda Vision Gran Turismo incorporates Skoda's new design language, first seen in the Vision 7S Concept in 2022. The concept car's styling mimics that of today's Formula E race cars in the name of active aerodynamics. Underneath its carbon monocoque bodywork, it features independent wishbone push-rod suspension for better high-speed stability, reduced body roll, and low center of gravity.

Powering the Skoda Vision Gran Turismo is a dual-motor setup with one electric motor on each axle, producing a total power output of 1071HP of power. It even features a 4WD system with intelligent torque distribution for a balanced and responsive driving experience.

To fully demonstrate the capabilities of Skoda's Vision Gran Turismo Concept, I went to Le Mans to fulfill the duty it never carried out by its ancestor, the 1100 OHC Spider. Let's roll the video.

My experience with the Skoda Vision Gran Turismo has been somewhat nerve-wracking. Its electric drivetrain gives it impressive speed on the straights, but the grip is challenging, and I find it struggles to navigate corners even after braking. Despite these difficulties, I managed to record a lap time of 3 minutes and 44.797 seconds, proving that the Skoda VGT is a worthy successor to its Le Mans racer that never came to fruition.

The Skoda Vision Gran Turismo concept, created by Skoda for the Gran Turismo series, highlights the Czech carmaker's "Simply Clever" philosophy. This concept car embodies a blend of heritage and modernity, showcasing Skoda's unique approach. With this design, you truly take center stage.

WRC 2025: Rally del Paraguay

The Latinoamerican country of Paraguay made its debut in the 2025 World Rally Championship with the Rally del Paraguay. Being a new battleground for WRC's best, it's going to be a long day to end the summer season with intense rally action on uncharted territory.

Screengrab from WRC

As both Adrien Fourmaux and Kalle Rovanpera experienced misfortunes during the lead, Sebastien Ogier took the opportunity to storm his way to the lead and emerged as the first to win the all-new Rally de Paraguay, ahead of Elfyn Evans, a fellow Toyota Gazoo Racing driver, making it a first 1-2 finish by Toyota Gazoo Racing in Paraguayan soil. Hyundai driver Thierry Neuville, thanks to his rallying hiccups, settles for third place.

The next event is the Rally Chile Bio Bio this September 11-14, 2025.

F1 2025: Heineken Dutch Grand Prix

After a three-week void, F1's 75th anniversary celebrations continue in Zandvoort for the Heineken Dutch Grand Prix. This is where the real action is.

Image: F1

The Dutch Grand Prix was highlighted by Lando Norris's heartbreaking engine failure at the climax, which ended McLaren's streak of four consecutive 1-2 finishes. The race was also marked by misfortunes for Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, both of whom crashed out. Hamilton's crash occurred on Lap 23, while Leclerc crashed on Lap 53 after an incident involving Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Amid these game-changing events, Oscar Piastri secured victory at Zandvoort, moving him to the lead in the standings. Red Bull's Max Verstappen finished in second place, and Isack Hadjar achieved his first-ever Formula 1 podium finish for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls by finishing third.

The next race will be in Monza for the Pirelli Gran Premio D'Italia this September 7, 2025.

F1 Academy 2025 - Zandvoort

After a long summer break, the 2025 F1 Academy season returns in Holland's Zandvoort. For this season's Dutch campaign, Esmee Kosterman is the Wild Card entry representing TeamViewer, one of its sponsors.

Screengrab from F1 Academy

This race weekend featured a "Double Dutch" highlight, with two Dutch drivers achieving significant victories. In the first race, Nina Gademan celebrated her first win on home soil, while Lia Block secured her first-ever podium finish in F1 Academy by coming in second. Maya Weug followed closely in third place. 

The final race showcased Maya Weug's triumph on her home turf, with Alisha Palmowski and Doriane Pin finishing in second and third place, respectively.

Post-Zandvoort, Doriane Pin leads with 127 points, while Maya Weug is in 2nd with 107 points and Chloe Chambers is in 3rd with 93 points.

The next place will be Singapore this October 3-5, 2025.

2025 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship - ELEVATED

Utah is the penultimate stop for the 2025 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship with ELEVATED. This Labor Day Weekend drifting action is the decider whether James Deane has the right to be named this season's champion.

Screegrab from Formula DRIFT

By sending Adam LZ to third place after a heated Semis and defeating Matt Field by unanimous decision in the final round, James Deane not only won ELEVATED but earned the right to be named the 2025 Formula DRIFT Pro Champion.

James Deane's title fight is checked, but this season has one last weekend left: the SHORELINE SHOWDOWN at Long Beach this October 17-18, 2025. Don't miss it.

Let's Do The News! (August 29, 2025)

            

                                        

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

- Senator Raffy Tulfo questions about the Chinese telecom tower installed at Camp Aguinaldo.

- The Thai Constitutional Court dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtam Shinawatra from power for ethics violation after only a year in power.

- Minneapolis officials provided update on yesterday's shooting at a Catholic school that killed two and hurt 19. The shooter, identified as the transgender Robin Westman, was found dead due to self-inflicted gunshot wound.

- US President Donald Trump canceled Secret Service protection for former vice president Kamala Harris.

- Bryan Herta Autosport is moving to LMP2-class racing for 2026.

- Seiyuu Takaya Hashi dies at the age of 72.

- A live-action adaptation of the webtoon A Man's Man was announced.

- The Ranma 1/2 reboot's second season airs this October 4th.

- Veteran filmmaker Mike de Leon passed away.

TTFN.

Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater

The secret origin of Big Boss, redefined for the new generation of players. The genesis of the Metal Gear saga, born again. This is Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater.

Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater (PS5)

Metal Gear Solid Δ, the rebirth of the 2004 video game, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, brings a bold new vision to the secret origin of Big Boss, courtesy of the Unreal Engine.

Fans who played the original Snake Eater game a million times should be familiar with the game's story. Set in the year 1964, in the heat of the Cold War, CIA agent Naked Snake's mission to rescue a captive Soviet scientist, Sokolov, failed when his mentor, The Boss, defected to the Soviet Union. Accused of its unprecedented nuclear attack on Soviet territory, the US government has one week to prove its innocence or else face nuclear retaliation by the Soviets. They had no choice...but to send Snake to eliminate The Boss.

Every iconic Snake Eater moment from Snake's failed Virtuous Mission to his "Last Showdown" has been recalibrated and recharged thanks to the full capability of the Unreal Engine. Playing on either the PS5 Pro or the Xbox Series X, surviving through enemy territory never looked and felt so ultra-realistic. Although the looks and feels are new, Konami managed to keep the original voices (Japanese and English dub) and BGM from the original Snake Eater intact.

There are two ways to enjoy playing MGSΔ. The New Style gives you a brand new third-person action perspective to the Snake Eater experience, with new controls to master. The Legacy Style, meanwhile, features classic MGS3 gameplay setup fans are familiar with. Whichever style you're playing, it's all about revisiting this classic.

In addition to the unlockable camouflages and the hidden Kerotans to shoot, the new Snake Eater game has hidden Ga-kos hidden throughout the game. Shoot them all to obtain a secret reward. Oh, and if you complete the game, you can unlock the Secret Theater feature, featuring memorable Snake Eater moments gone wrong. There are enemies carrying films scattered throughout the game. Holdupping them is the only way to get those blooper reels. Collect enough of these reels will unlock new ones made specifically for this remake.

Exclusive for PS5 and PC users, the hilarious "Snake VS Monkey" mini-game returns. The apes from Ape Escape are back to cause mayhem. For those playing with the Xbox Series consoles, it's Snake VS Bomberman.

Remember the "nightmare game" from the original MGS3 game for the PS2 that didn't pop up in the HD Edition? Guess what? Guy Savage is back with a new twist made in collaboration with PlatinumGames.

Later this fall, there's a new Fox Hunt online multiplayer game where players go hide-and-seek against each other. Optimal use of camouflage and the environment is a must in this new multiplayer game.

The secret origin of Big Boss, reloaded at long last. Metal Gear Solid Δ looks and feels better than the original while maintaining the familiar Snake Eater experience. It's a must-play for Metal Gear fans who've enjoyed the original Snake Eater a million times.

Kept you waiting, huh?