Volkswagen Passat B7

Most of them think that the latest Passat (in sedan and Variant wagon) was a full change, but they were wrong. Just like the Chrysler Sebring facelifted and changed its name into Chrysler 200, coming soon in North America, the Passat B7 is a massive facelift to the previous Passat B6. However, expect this B7 won't come to North America because VW USA plans a NMS (New Medium Sedan) as a replacement. I still do not know what could the NMS is but let us find out how the Passat B7 feels like.

2011 Volkswagen Passat

In the tradition of Volkswagen's new trademark design led by Walter de'Silva, the Passat B7 stays true to its fellow V-Dub models such as the Golf, the facelifted Phaeton, the second-generation Touareg, and the upcoming Jetta. However, the Passat B7 sticks to the same platform from the previous Passat B6, so nothing's untouched, except for the increased length of the wheelbase.

2011 Volkswagen Passat interior

There are some massive changes on the Passat B7's interior. It still looks more like the previous model, but modified to look at its best with the addition of the analog clock, newly improved instrumental cluster, automatic climate control, and every luxurious detail to have the Passat B7 maintain its premium status. It defines luxury in a completely new meaning.

The Passat B7 is now made into an eco car thanks to the 1.6L TDi and 2.0L TDi engine. These diesel-fed variants are now equipped with the new start-stop system and for the first time, a micro-hybrid system (similar to the e-HDi engine found on the new Citroen C4).There are also petrol engines offered such as the 1.4L TSi engine, 1.8L TSi engine, 2.0L TSi engine, and the new 1.4L TSi EcoFuel engine. What's EcoFuel? I think this is somewhat similar to Ford's EcoBoost technology. On the good side, the 1.4L TSi EcoFuel engine is twin-charged (Super Turbo?), capable of releasing a power output of 150PS/5500rpm and a torque output of 220Nm/1500-4500rpm. However, this twincharged engine is not a bigger deal for me because the most powerful Passat offered is the 2.0 TSi engine because of the power output of 211PS/5300-6200rpm and thr torque output of 280Nm/1700-5200rpm. Depending on the variant, the VW Passat B7 comes equipped with either a 6-speed manual, 6-speed DSG, or even a 7-speed DSG transmission.

There are several safety features offered on the new Passat such as the new city emergency braking function, and the new driver fatigue system (similar to the driver monitor found in most luxury Toyota models such as the Lexus LS and Toyota Crown). These new safety features keep the new Passat B7 safe and secured for the driver.

My thoughts about the Passat:

In the eyes of an North American VW fan, he/she will expect no driver fatigue system, and no city emergency braking function because there will be no Passat B7 in the North American market, but instead it will be replaced by the New Midsize Sedan coming next year. The new Passat B7 is now on sale in most European markets and soon in other markets. If I hope that Volkswagen returns in the Philippines (come on PGA Cars, give us back Volkswagen, please!), maybe we could try the most safest eco car Volkswagen has to offer. Think of Volvo S60 meets Honda Accord Inspire...

Photo: Volkswagen AG

Magic∞world

Magic∞world

For those who liked the opening theme song of To Aru Majustu no Index II (日本名：とある魔術の禁書目録II), titled No buts! by Mami Kawada, why not enjoy the closing theme song of To Aru Majutsu no Index II, titled Magic∞world, by Maon Kurosaki?

We all know that Maon Kurosaki was way famous for several closing themes from the killer survival action anime, High School of the Dead, and now, she will held responsible for the closing theme of To Aru Majutsu no Index II, the second season of the original continuing the quest of Toma Kamijo, Index, Mikoto Misaka, and the rest.

This song seems to be the great alternative from No buts, but the different flavor of this song captures the ears of every Index fans everywhere. Seems enjoyable, but there's a treat. For the first time, you can listen to Maon Kurosaki's song, ANSWER, from the upcoming To Aru Majutsu no Index PSP video game. That's two special treats at the price of one maxi single CD!

LIMITED EDITION:
A limited edition copy includes not just the maxi single CD, but also a special DVD with the music video of Magic∞world by Maon Kurosaki. Hurry up and buy one before its gone for good!

One Piece Serena collaboration puts the Ultraman-StepWGN team to shame...

Seen here is the Nissan Serena C26, debuted in November 8 and on sale in Japan this November 29, teamed up with One Piece, the world famous anime series highlights on a group of heroic pirates in search of the One Piece treasure. Everyone knows this popular anime right?

The biggest tie-up between the Nissan Serena C26 and One Piece really throw a curve on both anime fanatics and car enthusiasts alike.

What bothers me is this One Piece-Nissan Serena collaboration really puts the team-up between Ultraman and the Honda StepWGN to shame...

Back in October 2009, the month when the new Honda StepWGN released to the public, a commercial for this new model shows various Ultramen (oh, there's even Ultraman's baddies from the Spada commercial back then). That's how the collaboration between the car and the sentai hero begun.

We enjoyed watching the fourth-generation Honda StepWGN Japanese commercials starring Ultraman last year. What we will react if the special Nissan Serena C26 - One Piece Collaboration commercial airs this December?

Image source: Carview

Melai's tips to have your ex noticing you...

Let's see what just happened on the November 27, 2010 episode of ABS-CBN's Banana Split...

- Fresh batch of showbiz news on Balitang Siksik Showbiz Edition.

- Christmas decor jokes

- Jayson Gainza explains what if our number one Philippine boxer takes on new jobs like for instance; Magbubuko, Bouncer, and Rescue Worker

- John Prats explains the most "over active" stuff in another round of "Ang O.A. Mo!" such as; complaining on hot weather but you're hot because of the coffee, laughing on yourself by the mirror, and a bald guy using a bunch of shampoo.

- Everyone's favorite "good influence", Melai Cantiveros, shares some tips to have your ex noticing you on another M3: Melai Mo Magwork;

Tip no. 5: Pass a cell phone load until your ex replies you.

Tip no. 4:: Pretend your're sick and your death is near.

Tip no. 3: Rent a luxury car, wear formal clothing, and hire a bodyguard.

Tip no. 2: Pretend you're gay after the break-up

Tip no. 1: Fake Your Death! (But be careful not your ex!)

- Some dances

- Saving for best for last: This is your show, what is it? IT'S SHOW IT!

Hyundai Motor Company a proud sponsor of YG FAMILY CONCERT 2010

Check this article found at the Korean car enthusiasts' site, Megaauto (Korean only):

http://www.megaauto.com/contents/view.php3?menu_id=10&id=52803&cur_page=1

In translation, Hyundai Motor Company will be a proud sponsor of the upcoming 2010 YG FAMILY CONCERT coming this December 4 and 5.

This concert will be lead by the powerhouse of YG Entertainment talents such as Big Bang, PSY, 2NE1, and SE7EN.

Corsa Bingo!

The kind of Corsa is some kind of a Corsa that made us yell bingo! Opel's UK subsidiary brand, Vauxhall, outfitted the Vauxhall Corsa (the pre-facelift version) with loads of bingo balls and the body is wrapped with some bingo sheet, kinda like the bingo cars all piled up.

Called the Corsa Bingo Ball Special, this is some kind of an art car to be displayed at the Vauxhall Bingo Club at Manchester this December 1st.

Whoever says Bingo, gets one of these specially designed Corsa.

The Opel/Vauxhall Corsa (formerly known as the Opel Vita in Japan until Opel's Japanese demise in 2006) is a compact car that is more of an eco car targeted for the European market. there will be a minor change coming next year!

If I were living in Great Britain, I would have to get the free ticket quick because up to 500 people can get it.

Scoop:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/26/can-a-vauxhall-play-bingo-well-of-corsa-it-can/

Another Bubble Gang Jejemon sketch?! (and commercial spoofs are back by popular demand!)

On the November 26, 2010 episode of Bubble Gang Kin-Z:

- Gags with one question: Sinong Kausap Mo?!

- Jejemon News! Jeje Alehar (Ogie Alcasid) and Jenica Sosyow (Maureen Larrazabal) giving viewers some Jejemon-worthy news straight to the Jejemon world!

- Another Cheche Bureche episode involves on "Christmas tree" and who will put the star on the top. In the end, both Bureche (Michael V) and the Christmas tree are down! ARRRGGGGHHHH!

- Bubble Gang takes on Ultimate Fighter (UFC) in a sketch called TLC (Tender Loving Championship), a mixed martial arts championship mixed with massage?! For the first time, a UFC Spoof!

- The return of the Bubble Gang Commercial Spoof due to public demand! Starting with an Ariel OxyBleach commercial Bubble Gang spoofed as Aerial OxyBleach! Michael V impersonates as Boy Abunda on that commercial spoof! Good to have that old Bubble Gang favorite back!

- Pag-Usapan natin. When the electric chair is on, the shocking will leave him saying "Hindi ako ready!" With the electricity stop, he'll say "Ready na ako!" Eh?

- Bonggang Bonggang Bongbong is here again on Sumbong Sumbong kay Bonggang Bongbong to tackle the most annoying cases involve on Facebook users with handsome/beautiful profile pics except they're ugly in person, women wearing sandals but their feet exceeds the sandal size, and couples sharing the song played on iPod.

- A teacher (Jackie Rice) complains to the principal (Maureen Larrazabal) that her student (Boy2 Quizon) took pervert action on her. Why? Because Jackie Rice is hot you know.

- Office meeting lacks focus.

Jejemon eclipse on the Bubble Gang JejeNews sketch

For Philippine Guys Only...

Cue the music titled "Cold Rock the Mic" by Apollo 440 please because Top Gear Philippines told that HARI (Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc.) will bring the new, guys only, Hyundai Accent next month!

Scoop:

http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/hyundai-to-launch-accent-on-december-2

After its South Korean Debut since November 2, the new, fourth-generation, Hyundai Accent is made for young guys only. Like in the Korean TV CF, no gents, no lads, GUYS ONLY! Not too young, not too old, just the right age. The Accent is made for guys in their right ages and competes with the other cars from this category.

Let's see if how many Filipino guys can be attracted by the "Guys Only" Accent...

I hope its the Korean-spec, not the China-spec one.

Next-generation Mazda6/Atenza will be more Shinari-like?

Check this scoop (Japanese):

http://car.jp.msn.com/news/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4626704

In translation, a next-generation Mazda Atenza (known worldwide as the Mazda 6) will share a design based on the Mazda Shinari Concept '10,

Kodo, Japanese for Soul of Motion, represents the soul in motion, and the Shinari is one of them. Rumors or truth, I think the next Mazda6/Atenza will carry a Kodo design like the Shinari concept car...

Nanoha the Movie 1st DVD and Blu-Ray, debut!

Today, in November 26, 2010, most Japanese otakus are now ready to buy the DVD and Blu-Ray of Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st, a movie adaptation of the Lyrical Nanoha anime since 2004. The movie was been in theaters since January 23, 2010 and now, the DVD and Blu-Ray of this movie is now here!

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st Blu-Ray Limited Edition

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st DVD Limited Edition

Seen here is the limited-edition DVD and Blu-Ray of this movie. It packs not just the movie (Movie in Disc 1 and Special Features in Disc 2), but also contains an alternate cover and a booklet.

Experiencing the very first Lyrical Nanoha movie from the comfort of your home theater sounds exciting!

Availability in Japan starts now. For foreign customers, find it on CDJapan, YesAsia, and other sites where they sold this one.

DVD Standard Edition: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=KIBA-1822

DVD Special Edition: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=KIBA-91822

Blu-Ray Standard Edition: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=KIXA-73

Blu-Ray Special Edition: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=KIXA-90073

My GT5 First Impressions...

After double delays, at last, I finally got my hands on the much awaited GT5 for PS3! The one I bought is the Limited Collector's Edition.

This one's have limited availability. It features not just the game itself, but also an special book titled "Apex", a die-cast car, and loads of extras depending on what country. Mine got the U.S. version which not only has the ones mentioned but also I got some kind of a key chain, and the certificate. Plus, bonus five cars you can use it on the game, unless if you have a PSN account.

Now for my first impression, this game seems to be OK for me. I start the game using the 2007 Toyota Vitz RS 1.5 because of its starter price. As I progress, I gain more credits to buy my favorite cars such as the Subaru WRX STi 4-door and the Honda CR-Z.

Never realize that GT5 uses a "level system". In order to participate a race, you must be at the specific level. It applies both in A-Spec and B-Spec. It seems easy or difficult gaining a level before advancing through a certain level-restricted race. When you level up, you can race at certain level-restricted races and buy some level-restricted vehicles. For instance, the level required for buying a Subaru WRX STi 4-door (GVB) is Level 6. So, all I have to do is to keep racing to gain that kind of level. With the matched level and enough funds, I might be able to buy that car.

A-Spec races can be fun, but B-Spec races can be difficult because of your hired driver. At first, your newly hired driver may experiencing a hard time winning a race, but with the experience, it's a start. Either winning or losing, your driver can gain levels, but if the driver screwed up, the driver's experience may deteriorate. Also, pay attention to the driver's strength and mental strength while on the race.

I am already familiar with the difference between Standard tier cars (cars appeared from previous GT games) and Premium tier cars (cars that are new to the GT scene). However there is one car that ends all... the X1 Prototype.

You already know how it looks like and feels like, right? The X1 Prototype is made in collaboration with Red Bull Racing. It is a car exceeds all limitations and obtaining it can be a mystery for now. Only a true Gran Turismo maestro can obtain this mysterious king of racing machines. This car gives you wings, just like the Red Bull commercials; "Red Bull gives you wings". Opponents may surrender if the saw the X1 Prototype in a race, but owners of this prototype win always. Good luck finding that car!

I gotta say that this is the best installment ever made. Since this is on its first update, Polyphony Digital will post GT5 updates soon.

Don't worry, I'm not a KJ for online races.

Super cool special edition Honda models (but offered in Malaysia only)

2011 Honda Concept M Series

Three of the best Honda vehicles in the ASEAN market; the Civic, the Accord (Inspire in Japan), and the Jazz (Fit in other markets) are all kitted out with some aero kits and dubbed as the Concept M.

Concept M stands for two of the famous modifiers from Honda such as Modulo and Mugen. These Malaysian-spec Civic, Accord Inspire, and Fit/Jazz special editions made us so envy, we, Filipinos, wish to have one of these hot Honda models because these three were kitted out with aero parts!

Scoop: http://paultan.org/2010/11/25/honda-malaysia-introduces-limited-edition-concept-m-models-accord-jazz-and-civic-get-all-dressed-up/