Toyota Mark X Second Generation facelift

Anyway, the Toyota Mark X, when this second generation was launched in October 2009, the catchphrase "SAMURAI X" kinda stands out to its personality because when you look at its design, it feels a bit more razor-sharp but sadly though, the performance isn't a bit too razor sharp as expected. So now, there's a new version...

Drive New X.

2013 Toyota Mark X

2013 Toyota Mark X

For its latest facelift, it appears that the triplicate headlamp from the previous model is gone and now replaced with something a bit more knife-edged. On the rear view, everything's a bit changed now. It appears that this latest version of the second-generation Mark X is getting a bit more dramatic, a bit more razor sharp, and it kinda feels like it gets a different tint.

2013 Toyota Mark X

2013 Toyota Mark X

As before, the Mark X comes with three types to choose from; the Standard Type provides a well-balanced proportion; the Premium Type provides excellent comfort for executives, and the Sports Type, which is more suitable for seasoned car enthusiasts who are looking for real action.

2013 Toyota Mark X interior

Toyota didn't really bothered the interior at all. You'd still expect the 8-way adjustable front seats, luggage space, optional rear sunshade, climate control, smart entry and start system, optional sunroof, optitron meters whose speedo still reads up to 180kph, common to all Japanese-made cars, and an available HDD navigation system featuring G-BOOK Ver. 2.0. This is all fine but what's the point of having a mid-cycle facelift for a car that is as sharp as a...biro?

Engine choices? Well, as before, the Mark X still offers two engine types; one is the V6 3.5L (2GR-FSE) engine with the power output of 318PS at the fuel economy of 10.km/L JC08 and the V6 2.5L (4GR-FSE) engine with the fuel economy of 11.8km/L JC08. Furthermore, none of these cars are economical, even when you put them with a Super Electronically Controlled Transmission (Super ECT) 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

2013 Toyota Mark X's prices start at about 2,671,000 Japanese Yen for the 250G Four F Package up to 3,900,000 Japanese Yen for the top of the line 3.5L PREMIUM model. There are now 9 variants to choose from. 9 variants. That's it. No complaining. They're all available at your nearest TOYOPET dealerships.

As for the coloring, the 2013 Mark X has White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Ice Titanium Mica Metallic, Black, Dark Red Mica Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica.

My comment:

Sure, it maybe a minor change for the second-generation Mark X but even with its newly aggressive exterior, it's still not as razor sharp as a sword indeed and for the worst of all, it's a bit nasty and dry. Don't think that this car works fine on the road because...it's still a bit dry and feels like a normal boring executive saloon. If you're driving one of these to the restaurant, people think you're a bit too nerdy and this car only works if you're an accountant, if you're going out on a country club, and only if you're a sempai.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Audi A3 Typ 8V

2013 Audi A3

2013 Audi A3 interior

On the front, it does look like the Audi A1. On the interior, it's also looked like the A1. The back? Same issue, looks like the A1. I know, I know, this kind of Audi though, it kinda looked like the A1 but...this is somewhat an enlarged A1 in my mind. What it is, is the first Audi to come served with the Volkswagen Group's new MQB platform. This is the all new, third generation Audi A3, the compact hatchback targeted for the yuppie generation has been regenerated to look like the A1 but it so isn't!

What exactly is this MQB platform anyway? It probably is the acronym for Modularer Querbaukasten or modular transverse matrix, which means that the engine is transversely mounted. In the future, Volkswagen Group says that over 60 vehicles will use this new generation platform and best of all, this new platform is flexible enough to allow individual models to have a variety of wheelbase, track and external dimensions. Seems that Audi's should be positive enough to regenerate the TT in the not too distant future, he he he....

Anyway, on to that Audi A3, one of the Volkswagen Group cars to be fitted with this new flexible MQB platform that the next Seat Leon and the next Volkswagen Golf will be wearing, I was so amazed that the length, width, and the wheelbase has been extended and even more wider than the previous model and there's more; Audi ultra lightweight technology propelled this new A3 on a diet that lost 80 kg (176.37 lb) in weight. Sounds like the A3's regeneration does involved on bulimia and anorexia perhaps.

The interior wasn't pretty bad either even though it's still a typical Audi interior. In the more expensive versions, most yuppies do get tons of gadgets inside such as this lovely Bang & Olufsen sound system, Audi MMI navigation plus, and get this, wi-fi hotspot so I have some time Facebook-ing, twitter-ing, or instagram-ing something special while I'm stuck on traffic. Oh wait, I would better instragram a picture of me in the new A3. Come on, wacky! Wacky! Wacky!

2013 Audi A3

For the engine choices though, well, thanks to the MQB platform on the new A3, we're expecting newly developed engines to be fitted by choice. There was this 1.6 TDi and 2.0 TDi variants that sport with the newly developed EA288 range of diesel engines with lowered friction, better thermal management and relocated twin-balancer shafts to reduce vibration. 

The 1.8 TFSi and the 2.0 TFSi though, they do come with the EA888 range but with Valvelift on exhaust cam and variable cam plus, some dual injection system that makes the more powerful....um guess only the 1.8 TFSi was implemented with these changes.

Lastly though and the most vital in the new A3 was the EA211 range. The VW up! was first to use this range but Audi came first to have the four-cylinder grade of the EA211 range. On the 1.4 TFSi variant, we're expecting about 122HP of power and 147lb-ft of torque.

Most models are equipped with the 6-speed manual but the 1.8 TFSi variant is served with the 7-speed double clutch transmission which promises quicker shifting than conventional paddle shifters.

By the tallies, the most fuel efficient of the A3 lineup was the one with the 2.0 TDi engine that consumes about 4.1L/100km. Most powerful was the one with the 1.8 TFSi engine that generates about 180PS of power. End of message.

Prices start at around 22,500 Euros for the entry level variant with the 1.4 TFSi engine while the top of the line model will cost you 29,700 Euros.

Colors to choose from? Amalfiweiß, Brillantrot, Brillantschwarz, Belugabraun Metallic, Dakotagrau Metallic, Eissilber Metallic, Gletscherweiß Metallic, Monsungrau Metallic, Scubablau Metallic, Shirazrot Metallic, Misanorot Perleffekt, and Phantomschwarz Perleffekt.

My Comment:

The newly regenerated Audi A3 does look like an enlarged Audi A1 but because of its new MQB platform developed by Volkswagen, it's now lighter, more rigid, and it gets even more emotional in terms of performance and handling. It can be as cool as a fez your wearing on but sometimes it can be as pointy as a yardstick your dog would love. If you were a college student driving with one of these, don't think that it will attract more attention on you. They'll think that you're a massive show-off and here's another thing; if you're driving this one at some reunion party, your friends think you're a bit of a schlep. Although, I find it very pleased about this new A3 but for me, I think it needs a bit more refinement. I would rather go for the Volvo V40 instead...

Photo: Audi A.G.

Let's Do The News! (August 26, 2012)

Location: Someone else's office
Date: August 26, 2012
Time: 04:00 (Philippine Standard Time)

One day...someone went in to someone else's office. We won't know his name but on that office, he turned on the lights and it turned out that it's that man who's in charge of the office. In his office, he opened the safe using the right combinations and inside the safe comes with a confidential documents. He carefully inspect one of the confidential documents and then...

Hmmm....let's see now...hmmmm....This looks new...

The confidential documents turned out to be the NEWS and it begins with this....

File No. 1:
Philippine president, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, appointed Maria Lourdes Sereno as the country's first female Supreme Court chief justice, replacing Renato Corona after he was impeached due to constitutional violations.

Scoop: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/aquino-appoints-sereno-to-be-the-philippines-1st-female-supreme-court-chief-justice/2012/08/24/10bdaa46-edd4-11e1-b624-99dee49d8d67_story.html

File No. 2:
The "Man on the moon" legend, Neil Armstrong, died at the age of 82. He was well known as the first human to step on the moon.

Scoop: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/neil-armstrong-first-man-to-step-on-the-moon-dies-at-82/2012/08/25/7091c8bc-412d-11e0-a16f-4c3fe0fd37f0_story.html

File No. 3:
Cyclist Lance Armstrong stripped off his 7 Tour de France titles by the USADA after he refuses to take doping tests. Gets worse, the USADA banned Lance Armstrong to race...forever. A lifetime ban for Lance Armstrong is still an issue for everyone...

Scoop: http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/usada-strips-lance-armstrongs-titles-bans-him-from-cycling/2012/08/24/d6f7d382-ee04-11e1-afd6-f55f84bc0c41_story.html

File No. 4:
Char Aznable, the famed villain from the Mobile Suit Gundam series says "my other car is a Toyota". There was a one-off special MS-186H-CA Auris displayed at the 2012 Chara Hobby. Modellista made a memo to modify the all new 2013 Auris into something sinister only Char Aznable would want to have...

Toyota MS-186H-CA Auris for Char Aznable

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-08-25/gundam-char/my-other-car-is-a-toyota

File No. 5:

Ever since Atsuko Maeda's graduation from the AKB48 and the first day of the AKB48's 3-day concert at the Tokyo Dome, the teams of AKB48 had their members shuffled and now, it reverts back to its 3 team system. Not only that...Takajo Aki and Nakagawa Haruka have been transfered out to JKT48, Miyazawa Sae and Suzuki Mariya to SNH48. Ota Aika was also transferred permanently to HKT48, the five of them will no longer be part of AKB48. Kitahara Rie and Yokoyama Yui have also been appointed as dual members, and will participate in both AKB48 and SKE48/NMB48 activities. Here's the list:

AKB48 General Manager:

Takahashi Minami

New Team A

Captain: Shinoda Mariko

Takahashi Minami (ex Captain of Team A)

Kasai Tomomi (ex Team B)

Sato Sumire (ex Team B)

Sato Natsuki (ex Team B)

Watanabe Mayu (ex Team B)

Kikuchi Ayaka (ex Team K)

Nito Moeno (ex Team K)

Nakatsuka Tomomi (ex Team K)

Matsui Sakiko (ex Team K)

Yokoyama Yui (ex Team K) [Also a member of NMB48]

Iriyama Anna (ex Team 4)

Iwata Karen (ex Team 4)

Kawaei Rina (ex Team 4)

Nakamata Shiori (ex Team 4)

Takahashi Juri (ex Team 4)

Tano Yuka (ex Team 4)

Izuta Rina (Formerly w/o team)

Kobayashi Marina (Formerly w/o team)

Morikawa Ayaka (Formerly w/o team)

Oshima Ryouka (Promoted)

Kotani Riho [Also a member of NMB48]

New Team K

Captain: Oshima Yuko

Akimoto Sayaka (ex Captain of Team K)

Itano Tomomi (No change)

Uchida Mayumi (No change)

Matsui Jurina (No change) [Also a member of SKE48]

Kuramochi Asuka (ex Team A)

Maeda Ami (ex Team A)

Matsubara Natsumi (ex Team A)

Nakata Chisato (ex Team A)

Nakaya Sayaka (ex Team A)

Chikano Rina (ex Team B)

Kitahara Rie (ex Team B) [Also a member of SKE48]

Kobayashi Kana (ex Team B)

Masuda Yuka (ex Team B)

Miyazaki Miho (ex Team B)

Sato Amina (ex Team B)

Suzuki Shihori (ex Team B)

Abe Maria (ex Team 4)

Nagao Mariya (ex Team 4)

Shimada Haruka (ex Team 4)

Fujita Nana (Formerly w/o team)

Mitsumune Kaoru (Promoted)

Muto Tomu (Promoted)

New Team B

Captain: Umeda Ayaka (ex Team K)

Kashiwagi Yuki (ex Captain of Team B)

Ishida Haruka (No change)

Komori Mika (No change)

Watanabe Miyuki (No change) [Also a member of NMB48]

Oya Shizuka (ex Team A) 

Iwasa Misaki (ex Team A)

Katayama Haruka (ex Team A)

Kojima Haruna (ex Team A)

Fujie Reina (ex Team K)

Minegishi Minami (ex Team K)

Nonaka Misato (ex Team K)

Tanabe Miku (ex Team K)

Ichikawa Miori (ex Team 4)

Kato Rena (ex Team 4)

Nakamura Mariko (ex Team 4)

Oba Mina (ex Captain of Team 4)

Shimazaki Haruka (ex Team 4)

Takeuchi Miyu (ex Team 4)

Yamauchi Suzuran (ex Team 4)

Kojima Natsuki (Formerly w/o team)

Natori Wakana (Formerly w/o team)

Ishida Anna [Also a member of SKE48]

SKE48

Kitahara Rie [Also a member of AKB48]

NMB48

Yokoyama Yui [Also a member of AKB48]

HKT48

Ota Aika (ex Team A)

JKT48

Takajo Aki (ex Team A)

Nakagawa Haruka (ex Team A)

SNH48

Miyazawa Sae (ex Team K)

Suzuki Mariya (ex Team B)

Scoop: http://melosnomichi.blogspot.com/2012/08/akb48-tokyo-dome-concert-team-shuffles.html

File No. 6

Hey pal. If you're reading this...have you seen an episode of Banana Split about spoofing on an MMDA officer mauled by a motorist? Kinda funny, huh?

File No. 7

Apple defeated Samsung in the patent case. Samsung will pay Apple over $1 billion in damages due to patent infringement that Samsung's Galaxy cellphone copied the iPhone. Conundrum solved...?

Scoop: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/apple-samsung-smartphone-clash-heads-jury-094011811.html

...after scooping for some news. He put it back to the safe...He kinda gasped about that other part and hey...on that bombshell, that's the news....

The best Golf in Forza 4?

Which Golf is the best?

Hello, and back with some more then and now comparison on Forza Motorsport 4 and this time I'm figuring to find out which is the best Golf on this game. Sadly though, there is no Golf I GTi here but the Rabbit GTi offered on this game...well, some people say this is the North American equivalent of the European Golf I GTi. Anyway,  let's get cracking, figuring out which is the best Golf on this game...

Are the annotations on? That's right because the lap times are there...

Rabbit GTi

Golf GTi Mk2




Golf GTi VR6 Mk3



Golf IV R34



Golf GTi Mk5



Golf VI GTi



Golf VI R



Now, I have the results...


VW Rabbit GTi: 1:40.426
VW Golf GTi Mk2: 1:37.521
VW Golf GTi VR6 Mk3: 1:36.069
VW Golf IV R32: 1:30.293
VW Golf V GTi: 1:32.457
VW Golf VI GTi: 1:32.891
VW Golf VI R: 1:29.063

So...so...by such research, the best Golf on Forza Motorsport 4 is the 2010 Volkswagen Golf R because...well, I was gonna say quicker than the old R32 Golf or the GTi but hey, I was right. I was gonna think that comparing different generations of the Golf will serve as the send-off because next month, the Volkswagen Golf compact gets regenerated. Yep, it will be regenerated into a new Golf using the MQB platform....

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 42

Oh no! We've been attacked again! Yesterday, we've been attacked but now, we've been attacked again! Our blog's been under attacked! It's an outbreak of idiots who keep searching what is the title of the song heard from a car commercial and this time, those monsters attacked me with words like "volvo v40 commercial song" or "not authority but auris spot music". Oh God, please help me....

What to do with these...idiots wanna spend time stealing music without permission and doing Grand Theft Auto? This is somewhat....GRAND THEFT AUTO: CAR COMMERCIALS...grrrrrr.....

One of these days....one of these days....this madness has to stop but it's still to pandemic. To keep em busy, time now for another set of five Driving Musics....

5) Little Notes by Ben Hartley - from the New Volvo V40 "Different Journey" 2012 commercial

4) Magic (Oh Oh Oh) by Mozella - from the Nissan USA Quest "Magic" 2012 commercial

3)  Have Love, Will Travel by The Black Keys - from the Lexus Australia CT200h 2012 commercial

2) Get Some by Lykke Li - from the Lexus USA CT200h "Miles" 2012 commercial

1) Each Coming Night by Iron and Wine - from the Chevrolet Sonic "Night Swimming" commercial

...and that does it, ladies and gentlemen. So now, if you don't mind, better stop doing that ridiculous moment that scared both the music and the automotive industry. YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN INFORMED...

World's Greatest Drag Race - The Sequel

World's Greatest Drag Race 2
(image: Motor Trend)

Last year, Motor Trend magazine puts the world's greatest supercars from Asia, America, and Europe for the world's greatest drag race in history. On that drag race to end all drag races, the 2012 Nissan GT-R, the one with launch control, triumphed against the world's greatest superpowers. We were amazed from this but the question is....has the Nissan GT-R keep up against its new opponents?

Ranging from the Jaguar XKR-S, 2013 GT500, Lamborghini LP700-4 (!!), MP4-12C, 991 911, ZL1, C63 Black, and the Subaru BRZ (?), could the Nissan GT-R, with even more power, keep up or there will be a new winner? Let's watch!

Well....after watching the whole clip....guess what?

They found themselves a new winner! A NEW WINNER!

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
(image: Motor Trend)

It's the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4! No way! It's Italy that won the battle! (laughing) Faster than the MP4-12C and even the Nissan GT-R! No freaking way! It's true but hey, at least it's the 700PS of power coming from its 6.5L V12 engine and AWD layout that slipped past the supercar world cup!

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 41

WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED? Another intrusion happened on my blog and this time...I've been picking up some attacks such as...

cadillac ats commercial song...bmw 5 series commercial song...bmw commercial song say ooh.....

HELP! I've been attacked! Carnappers and idiots stealing music because of car commercials! HELP! HELP!!!!

(panting)

Anyway, better fix that blog with a little help of another five driving songs to fix those damages done from those who are trying to kill me. Be warned, those who are trying to kill me...

5) Back For Good by Take That - from the Hyundai Santamo Plus commercial

4) Phenomena by Yeah Yeah Yeahs - from the Cadillac ATS vs. The World trailer. We seen that during the London 2012 commercial breaks.

3) Move On by Riccitelli - from the BMW USA X1 "become one" commercial

2) Sail by AWOLNATION - from the BMW "The Feeling Remains" commercial

1) If I Should Fall From Grace With God by The Pogues - from the latest Subaru USA Forester ad...the one with hockey mom, little kids playing hockey, fall asleep with trophy...

...and there you are. Another set of five driving musics to find and...well, you know what to do....