Volvo V60

2011 Volvo V60

2011 Volvo V60 interior

If you taught that the second-generation Volvo S60 was naughty enough with its innovative City Safety and Pedestrian Detection system, wait until you will get a load on Volvo's naughtiest sport wagon that North Americans will never get. The Volvo V60 does everything naughty as its sedan counterpart do when it comes to stay safe on the road, aside from being the naughtiest wagon ever built.

The design part of the V60 truly celebrates to the new Volvo design language as seen on the Volvo XC60, but in relationship terms, the V60 is the sports tourer version of the second-generation S60. Back then, the V70 used to be the wagon version of the first-generation S60. Now, the V70 looks more like the latest S80 luxury sedan. The V60 name is somewhat new and it is a nice addition to the Volvo wagon line ranging from the S40 and the V70. In conclusion, the V60 seems more like a five-door coupe rather than being called a sports tourer.

As for the interior, the V60 shares the same luxury from the new S60 sedan, only this time, spacing is the prime aspect for the V60. Perfect enough for the adventurers who are going for some trailblazing moments

The Volvo V60 features a wide array of engines available to suit your adventurous needs of naughtiness. With the range consisting of five gasoline engines (T3, T4, 2.0T, T5, T6) and two diesel engines (D3, D5), choosing which naughty engine for the naughty wagon can be a decent strategy. The naughtiest for the naughty Volvo V60 is always the turbocharged engines because not only it delivers a good speed, but also delivers a fun to drive experience. Depending on the engine a six-speed manual, six-speed auto, or Powershift transmission can be equipped. Finding which naughty transmission for the V60 is a great key, but the naughtiest is always the manual transmission.

My thoughts about the V60:
Expect this wagon never come to North America for now because no word for Volvo on bringing this naughty wagon to the U.S., as for the Philippines, no word for Viking Cars yet because the V60 seems too blurry to sell. Do not fret, the S60's City Safety feature will take place being Philippine's naughtiest car, which means, there is no need for us having the V60. However if we want this V60 very soon, could we make a simple request to Viking Cars to distribute the new V60 soon? The answer has yet to be determined, as for that, you have to go all the way to Europe to indulge ourselves in the naughtiest Volvo wagon built for safety.

Imortal - ABS-CBN's answer to Twilight

As teenagers like us getting interested on why vampires and werewolves are bitter enemies, just like the rivalry of favorite Twilight hunks, Edward and Jacob. This time, ABS-CBN's going to premiere the new TV drama about a tale of two lovers from rival beings, a girl who is a werewolf, and a man who is a vampire.

Seems that the rivalry between vampires and werewolves, as remembered by Twilight fans, will be bringing to ABS-CBN in the new drama, Imortal, starring John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin.

It's a coincidence that Angel Locsin will be playing as a wolf again since the 2008 TV drama, Lobo. Never realized it's her second time, while John Lloyd plays as a vampire, but in an Edward kind of way.

This drama also stars one of the finest artists in Philippine TV drama, including Johnny Revilla, Jaime Fabregas (Here Comes the Bride), Jomari Yllana (Palos), Jake Roxas, Rico Blanco, and more. It was directed by Chito S. Rono and Jerry Lopez-Sineneng. Most think that Imortal was a sequel of the 2008 TV drama, Lobo. It portrays about a girl named Lia, daughter of the once-known taong lobo named Lyka. Back in Lobo, this story is about a soldier and a woman who is a werewolf. Imortal is the second part of Lobo.

Expect to see that new drama tonight after Noah! Imortal is the answer to Twilight and Vampire Diaries.

Daihatsu Tanto and Tanto Custom Mk.2 - Minor Change

2011 Daihatsu Tanto

2011 Daihatsu Tanto Custom

No cheese please, because both the second-generation Tanto and Tanto Custom received a mild facelift, that is when you check both of these tall kei cars out from top to bottom. The regular Tanto doesn't do more of a mild refresh, that is that it gain a new color called "Muscat Green Metallic". This lime-like color is perfectly suitable enough to be called cute. On the sportier Tanto version called the Tanto Custom, the front view gets even more aggressive with its new grille and bumper. A new color is added on the Tanto Custom, that is called "Bronze Olive Pearl Metallic, giving this sporty kei car a touch of class.

Now, all Tanto variants offer in just one transmission, CVT. What remains is the same fuel efficiency of 21.0km/L (18.2km/L for the Tanto Custom RS) in both FF and 4WD variants.

My thoughts about the Tanto:
Keeping the only kei car with the "Miracle Open Door" up-to-date is a key point for the Daihatsu Tanto and Tanto Custom. New look, same features, so no cheese for me please. As always, the regular Tanto is suited for the simple Japanese family while the Tanto Custom is preferable in the eyes of a sophisticated enthusiast looking for some style. My pick would be the Tanto Custom because of its handsome look only this kei car would offer, but the Tanto Exe Custom's look declares "I'm a flagship kei car" for sure.



Photo: Daihatsu

Renault Megane III Berline/Coupe/Estate/Coupe-Cabriolet GT

2011 Renault Megane III Berline/Coupe/Estate/Coupe-Cabriolet GT

Following the success of the Renault Sport Megane last year, Renault unleashed a completely new breed of Megane that releases the sporty character within reach. The Renault Megane III GT range (in 5-door hatchback, 3-door coupe, estate, and coupe-cabriolet) releases a sporty character ranging from its aggressive exterior, sporty dark interior, and two engine types available to show how good are those French soldiers are on the streets of Paris.

On the design side, the Renault Megane GT shows its aggressive character via bumpers, GT badge, dark interior, sports pedal set, analogue rev-counter, 18-inch dark metal rims, and everything similar to the Renault Sport Megane. For those who cannot afford a 30,000 Euro Renault Sport Megane, this might be a good chance to try its cheaper alternative to the sportiest Megane ever built by the French automaker.

Two available engines are available for the Renault Megane GT such as the TCe 180 gasoline engine and the dCi 160 diesel engine. A TCe gas engine is built for maximum enjoyment while the dCi diesel engine is built for fuel efficiency. Both are Euro 5 compliant and equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission. With the manual transmission armed and ready for the Megane GT, this car will surely be a fun to drive experience for adults.

My thoughts about the Megane GT:

The wow factor for the Megane GT is somewhat be 85% and our pogi points for this ride would go as much as 85 points because only hardcore Europeans are welcomed to try out the exciting addition of the Renault Megane series. These fun factors will surely leave you sweating with excitement once you step inside the Renault Megane GT. Forget about getting the air conditioner on; the sporty character will leave you scorched and makes you want to drive it again for maximum enjoyment.

MR. GEMBALLA FOUND DEAD IN S. AFRICA!!!

Terrible news for those who are a big fan of Gemballa, the famous Porsche tuner as seen in video games such as Shutokou Battle Zero-One (Tokyo Xtreme Racer 3), Midnight Club 3 DUB Edition, and other racing video games that has a Gemballa featured on it.

I found news about Mr. Uwe Gemballa, the founder of Gemballa currently missing on South Africa. Authorities told.

Mr. Gemballa's dead!!

Full scoop: http://www.gtspirit.com/2010/10/03/uwe-gemballa-found-dead-in-south-africa/

Other scoop: http://jalopnik.com/5654064/uwe-gemballa-found-dead-in-south-africa

Side note: He was involved by some criminal from the Czech Republic? How could we, car addicts and racing game sims alike, been so blinded by that. Time flies fast. Hope the new Gemballa owner will clean the name's reputation.

First the master test driver, then the Segway tycoon, now the founder of Gemballa! Who would be next?! Hope nothing's happen bad to the wealthy men involved in the world of transportation.

Rest in piece Mr. Gemballa and Arigato Gozaimasu.

Sayonara, Gemballa-san. (Sorry if I had to put Japanese phrases because Japanese car enthusiasts took a liking over Gemballa because of video games)

Need a help passing a job interview? Just ask Krissy!?

Last night's Banana Split episode hammered us with fun thanks to some showbiz updates from the real to spoof in Balitang Siksik Showbiz Edition, job fair jokes, a sketch about a golfer throws some expletive words when he didn't accurately hit the ball, Mutanglawin short version with Kuya Keem (John Prats) and Igor (Ryan Bang) about "Sipon", "ready to use tissue" and "built-in trash can", dances, more job fair jokes, Tagalog-Italian-Japanese sentence swapping with Ryan Bang, Jayson Gainza, and Pooh in Tongue Tarang Tongue, and a game of Huwag Kang Lilingon

Krissy (Angelica Panganiban) and her "management team" are here to show you the best way to pass an interview in the segment called Krissy For You. (Krissy laugh)

In this segment, Krissy gives them tips on how to pass a job interview:

1) Try to look cute at the interviewer

2) Smile (and oh... try to keep showing your teeth!). An example by Melai freaked us out for LOL

3) Be prepared! An example would be bringing treats to the interviewer! LOL

4) Show your sexy legs to the interviewer! (It's effective if you are female, Jason Francisco's example got us backfired for fun)

5) Fill the resume with an amazing experience, like ex-marine, boxing champ, a magna cum laude at over 10 universities, or even directed a Coca-cola ad! Be careful, or else, the interviewer will recognize it!

Remember, a problem is not a problem if we try to hold on together.

♫If we hold on together...♫

Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Third-Generation - Phase II

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class facelift

In 2006, the third generation of Mercedes-Benz's flagship luxury coupe, the CL-Class, defines the combination of luxury and sporty in a bold statement. Now, in 2010, things are going to be different as the third-generation CL-Class receives a huge minor change from the mainframe to its features to match up the recently face-lifted S-Class last year.

Two distinctive flavors are available for Mercedes-Benz's flagship sports tourer coupe; the regular CL-Class variant (CL500, CL600) provides exquisite luxury that is above the ante of becoming the most prestigious luxury coupe, and the aggressive AMG variant (CL65 AMG, CL63 AMG) provides unstoppable power perfect for the successful men who are ready to take on the world.

From its exquisite exterior, the CL-Class' interior boasts an impressive comfort that you can also find it on the S-Class, but since this is a coupe form of the S-Class, expect differences from the rear legroom.

Various engines are offered for the CL-Class, such as the 4.663 cc V8 engine, 510hp V12 engine, 630 PS V12 engine (CL65 AMG), and the newly developed 5.5L V8 Bi-Turbo AMG engine (CL63 AMG). Choosing which engine suited for you depends on your outcome of having your macho status around you. As for that, depending on the engine type, various transmission types offered for the newly face-lifted CL-Class, such as the 7G-TRONIC Transmission, 5-speed automatic (for V12 models) or the 7G-TRONIC Speedshift MCT (CL63 AMG).

My thoughts about the CL-Class:
The redesigned third-generation CL-Class was more of a manly factor for those who have their bodies sprayed in their leather-scented cologne, wearing the most manly clothes, and get behind the wheel of the CL-Class. I personally prefer the new CL63 AMG because of its new V8 Bi-Turbo engine that keeps me cool and hopping mad at the Autobahn. If someone has one, who knows, they will be the envy of everyone, even the rich college kids, powerful politicians, celebrities, and mostly adrenaline junkies. Try not to be ticketed when the policemen saw your newly face-lifted CL-Class speeding through the roads! Hope I can find one of those at Subic, Cagayan, or Cebu as a grey market import, just to be sure some Pinoy car addict might say the coolest two words, "Grabe! Bilis!"

Believe it or not, its Cheche Bureche again.

Last night's Bubble Gang episode with gags telling them what just happened, a male shopper looking for something macho to ease out his gay status, Cinderella's fairy godmother faces the jury, a K-Pop song played at the Iyotube segment with Moymoy Palaboy and Roadfill, polite drinkers according to Ruffa Mae Qunito, life of a newbie celebrity, and a real honeymoon gone weird.

Believe it or not, Cheche and Bureche are here again to play with us on Cheche Bureche. In this episode, remember what Dad says if who's a good girl deserves an ice cream. Bureche wants an ice cream, not Cheche. So, Bureche asks Cheche to hurt Bureche! Cheche hit Bureche with a vase? Whoa! Then, Dad comes and tells Cheche what just happened to Bureche. He realized that Cheche put Bureche to sleep. Dad deserved Cheche an ice cream. So much for a failed attempt for Bureche!

Also, Bonggang Bonggang Bongbong strikes back on Sumbong Sumbong kay Bonggang Bongbong, which the most annoying cases involve which cellphone rings even the text message is not theirs, a foam padding added to a person's thighs, and a well-dressed woman criticized by others.

Battle of the Brainless The Musical Round 2

Last night's episode of Lokomoko U on TV5 got student gags, prehistoric times gone twisted because of the invention of the ladder, another episode of Bahaw Ikalawang Hain, another Star Factory focuses on getting your banana without harvesting, and another Keso City episode that got us laughed with some jokes from the rats and mice.

In case you missed this episode, there is round two of Battle of the Brainless The Musical hosted by Valeen Montenegro!

On that round:

"Apir Tayo, Sumakit ang Ulo Ko, Sumakit ang Baywang Ko Sex ______"

The answers:

1) Bulaga

2) Balloon

3) Baril

4) Bazooka

5) Bulkan

6) Burles

7) Banyo

"Sampung mga daliri _____ at paa, dalawang tenga, dalawang mata, ilong na maganda."

The answers:

1) Kilikili

2) Kasukasuan

3) Kuyukot

4) Kuko

5) Kalyo

6) Kulugo

7) Kamao

Hope we'll see more of Brainless! Those wrong answers made me ROFL over and over!

Renault Latitude

Prior from the new, third-generation, Laguna-based, Renault Samsung SM5, launched since January 18, 2010, the French automaker decided to bring this premiere luxury medium sedan to Europe as the Renault Latitude.

Latitude, in scientific terms, is a straight line that goes north and south, or in irrelevant terms, freedom from restrictions. The Renault Latitude is beyond limits when it comes to its luxury car status, becoming Renault's new flagship sedan that suits the European executives everywhere.

Step inside the Latitude and glad to know that the Latitude's interior is a haven of hospitality. Since it was sourced from South Korea, the Renault Latitude comes with the Samsung Super Plasma Ionizer, providing the breeze of a Samsung Air Conditioner from your homes, to the Latitude's hospitable interior. The Super Plasma Ionizer helps remove allergy-causing bacteria, so stepping inside can be somewhat a clean getaway. Unlike the Nissan Fuga Y51's forest air conditioner, the Renault Latitude comes with the available air freshener, good enough to bring a fresh scent around the Latitude. I may not know what scent is inside but the Latitude's air freshener is no match for the Nissan Fuga's forest air con. To relax the driver, the Latitude comes with the massager to help relax the driver while being stuck at the harsh traffic conditions. This seat can be adjustable depending on the driver's conditions.

The Renault Latitude comes with different kinds of engines available as of launch. First off, the entry-level Latitude dCi 150 comes with the 2.0L dCi engine (sourced from the Nissan X-Trail and the Euro-spec Nissan Qashqai) that produces a power output of either 150 or 175 hp. The 150hp variant is the most ecological, yet economical, Latitude variant because of its part of the Renault Eco2 line, giving this flagship French sedan a true eco-car status. For those looking for more power, a V6 diesel engine is available for the new Latitude. The high-end V6 dCi240 variant comes with the power output of 240 hp and it consumes for about 7.2km/100L. For those who are looking for an eco-car can choose the the 2.0L dCi engine with the Renault Eco2 quality, but for those looking for power can choose the Latitude V6 variant. Which Latitude will you drive?

A host of safety features, including the Electronic Stability Program, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Adaptive Front Lighting System, Parking assist, fog lamps, and airbags, are available for the Renault Latitude. With those safety features, you can be sure that there is a "peace of mind" around you. For convenience, the audio system truly kicks it up to the passenger's sense of hearing. With the Arkamys 3D Sound Radio and the Bose audio system, assuring this combo would be a perfect time to listen your favorite tunes while relaxing with the Latitude.

My thoughts about the Latitude:

Now it is about time Renault decided to bring their newest flagship to Europe, prior to this year's Paris Motor Show. Completely sourced from South Korea, there is much assuring that their a 50% chance to expressing dramatic feelings while driving the Renault Latitude, since it was from South Korea, meaning a piece of Korean drama is lying inside the Latitude. The other 50% chance would be rather go French. With the suggested retail price of about 32,500 euros (about 4.5 million pesos), experiencing the Latitude first hand can be a dramatic attempt to tackle on the Versailles by night. The Latitude makes a perfect rival to the Toyota Mark X, Kia K7, Nissan Teana, Lincoln MKZ, Buick Regal, and the upcoming Hyundai Grandeur HG.

Lexus LFA to be cost around 40 Million Pesos, in just, only one color, and one LFA itself

During the Press Day of the 2010 Mondial de l'Automobile (Paris Motor Show), Toyota Motor Philippines and Lexus Manila decided to bring the ultra-powerful Lexus LFA to the Philippines early next year, in just one unit, in one color, RED

According from an article from Top Gear Philippines, this red LFA will cost about a whopping 40 million pesos! This car needs some Filipino, rich enough, to buy this ultra-fast Japanese sports car coming to Lexus Manila this 2011.

Note to someone who is willing to own the new LFA, be careful. Don't end yourself like this:

                                                        Photo Courtesy of Rhein-Zeitung

Look at the picture future Pinoy Lexus LFA owner. This is the Lexus LFA's first crash at Germany. The chief test driver of Toyota Motor Corporation, Hiromu Naruse, died on the crash. Please be careful to avoid such an outcome happened since June 2010.

Good luck, and drive fast, future Pinoy Lexus LFA owner.

When worlds collide...

Just when you thought that the upcoming Gran Turismo 5 for the PS3 is the only game to have something Top Gear on it (probably because of the Test Track with The Stig on the E3 2010 trailer), think again.

The fastest-selling Forza Motorsport 3 teams up with BBC's car enthusiast show and magazine, Top Gear, for one unique package, and its only available at the "Ultimate Collection", coming this late October, the same date when Forza 3 arrived last year.

The Forza 3 Ultimate Collection (in limited availability) contains all of the content, from regular to DLC packs worth tens or hundreds of dollars on it! Also on the Ultimate Collection, 90 minutes of Top Gear content!

To add fun of it, "Stig's Garage Pack" includes the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (also appears on GT5), Lexus LFA (first time players can try this!), and the Koenigsegg CCX (familiar?)

Hope I can trade in my regular Forza 3 for that one, but first come, first serve because this one's limited availability!