Saturday, July 19, 2025

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
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
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
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
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

Friday, July 18, 2025

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
SHADOW LABYRINTH (PS5)


SHADOW LABYRINTH
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.

Thursday, July 17, 2025

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
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.

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Ride the Wave!

The Nijigasaki High School Idol Club has introduced the Monthly Songs project, similar to Aqours' monthly birthday song singles. Each month, one of your favorite members will have the opportunity to shine. For the July edition of the Nijigaku Monthly Songs project, look out! Here comes Ai Miyashita!

Ride the Wave!

Ai Miyashita, voiced by Natsumi Murakami, takes over the July edition of the Nijigaku Monthly Songs project with her featured song "Ride the Wave!" The seventh installment includes this featured track and the additional song titled "まんまるお月さま".

Next time...Rina Tennoji.

Let's Do The News! (July 16, 2025)

                   

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

- A bill to be called the President Rodrigo Duterte Act is being introduced in the PH Senate, which would criminalize ‘extraordinary rendition’ as was done to former President Duterte, who was forcibly handed over for trial in a foreign country. Under Senate Bill 557 filed by Senator Imee Marcos, ‘extraordinary rendition’ refers to the forcible transfer of anyone present in the Philippines to another country or territory where he or she will be investigated, prosecuted, imprisoned, or executed.

- In PAGASA's recent Tropical Cyclone Bulletin #2, Typhoon Crising is moving west-southwest to the east of Catanduanes.

- The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) will deploy more than 2,000 police officers as additional security forces for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 28.

- UK inflation jumps to 3.6% in the year to June.

- Koenigsegg announced that a new car will be unveiled in 2026.

- Stellantis is ditching its hydrogen development to focus on hybrids and EVs.

- Nissan is shutting down its Oppama factory by March 2028, affecting around 3,900 employees.

- PENTAGON member Hui has left CUBE Entertainment after nine years.

- TV series Salon de Holmes confirms production of its second season.

John Torode sacked as MasterChef host after allegation he used racist language upheld.

TTFN.

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Lamborghini Temerario

Lamborghini is the last car manufacturer in history to sell a road car powered by a V10 engine. In 2024, at an automotive event in Monterey, Lamborghini invited the world to witness the end of the V10 engine era. As the audience looked on in shock, Lamborghini unveiled its newest V8-powered successor to the Huracán, the Temerario.

2025 Lamborghini Temerario
2025 Lamborghini Temerario

2025 Lamborghini Temerario
2025 Lamborghini Temerario

Positioned below the Revuelto, the Temerario completes Lamborghini's full hybrid lineup. The name translates to "brave" or "bold" in Spanish and is inspired by the legendary bullfight "Temerario" from 1875. This naming convention reflects Lamborghini's tradition of naming cars after famous fighting bulls from history.

The design of the Lamborghini Temerario remains faithful to the brand's signature style, featuring sharp headlamps, hexagonal fog lamps, striking side profiles, and a rear view that evokes memories of the classic Koenigsegg Agera. Inside, the Temerario features an interior similar to that of its larger counterpart, the Revuelto. Regardless of personal opinions, the Temerario leaves a lasting impression on anyone who gets behind the wheel.

It's time to take a closer look at what's under the hood. This is the V8-powered successor to the V10-powered Huracán, marking the end of an era for V10 road cars. The new 4.0L V8 Twin Turbo engine, which is developed in-house by Lamborghini, is not a carryover from the Urus SE. Instead, it's an all-new design that delivers 800 PS of power. When combined with three electric motors, the total output reaches an impressive 920 PS, with the ability to rev up to 10,000 rpm. The engine is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox, allowing for a 0 to 100 kph acceleration in just 2.7 seconds—matching the performance of the now-outdated Aventador—while achieving a top speed of 343 kph.

While driving the Temerario, the PHEV powertrain and standard All-Wheel Drive system made it feel less sharp than the Huracan, which was to be expected. However, as a PHEV sports car priced lower than the Revuelto, it is starting to come into its own. The Temerario offers various drive modes, making it suitable for everything from the streets of Rome to the corners of Monza. It also features launch control for quicker starts and a four-level Drift Mode for added excitement. Lamborghini applied many lessons learned from the Huracan, both in its road car and track-focused versions, to ensure that the Temerario performs as intended, despite its larger size.

As the world mourns the loss of the V10 engine, the Temerario stands out as an exceptional supercar, upholding the legacy of its V10-powered predecessors, the Gallardo and the Huracán. Lamborghini has made a significant shift from a V10 to a twin-turbo V8 hybrid engine, setting a new standard for the next generation of super sports cars. How will it fare? Only time will tell...

Photo: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.