Cocoa or Lapin?

Suzuki's Alto Lapin

and Daihatsu's Mira Cocoa

Both are JDM, both are kei cars, and both are targeted for the young and fashionable women. In my feminine side, I wonder which of these are the best?

CASE ONE:

The Suzuki Alto Lapin is a spin-off of the world-famous Suzuki Alto and it doesn't share the Alto's mainframe. This car was launched in 2002 and followed with a full model change in late 2008. There used to be a Mazda OEM of the Lapin, called the Spiano, but it was discontinued after the Lapin gained its second-generation. Two engine types are offered on the Lapin; a Natural Aspiration K6A engine and a Turbocharged K6A engine. Whoa! A turbocharged Lapin! Seems that someone would go for the Lapin rather than the Cocoa because of the turbo variant!

There is something cute about the Lapin, the interior... When you start the Lapin's engine, you will be greeted by some animated display on the Lapin's dashboard. How cute!

CASE TWO:

The Cocoa is a spin-off car from the Daihatsu Mira. Although it replaces the Mira Gino and the Move Latte, feminine side is always go first for the Mira Cocoa. Unlike the Lapin, the Cocoa is equipped with just only one engine, the KF-VE engine. No turbocharger included. On the bright side, this engine has more power output than the Lapin's Natural Aspiration K6A engine, but not quite fuel efficient than its rival even when both of them have CVT. There is one feature that the Lapin didn't have; the back monitor equipped on the Cocoa's room mirror.

For styling, I think I'll go for the Daihatsu Cocoa, but for performance-wise women, the Suzuki Lapin takes the bet. It depends on how Japanese women think about these two super-cute kei cars targeted for a certain young Japanese woman.

Lexus LFA

2011 Lexus LFA

After years of extensive R&D, Intel, and testing through world famous racetracks, including the Nurburgring, the Lexus LFA revealed its true self after years of being a concept car several times. It was unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show and production for the LFA starts at the end of 2010 to 2012, limited to just 500 copies worldwide (with 165 available in Japan).

This LFA faced many struggles, including the death of its own Godfather, Hiromu Naruse, at a car accident, driving an LFA Nurburgring Prototype, then crashed with some BMW test vehicle face to face. It seems this will take some time for the LFA to heal its own wounds after the loss of its creator.

This LFA project began in 2000 under the supervision of Mr. Haruhiko Tanahashi, chief engineer, during the Sugo Test Drive. It took 10 years, and a process of trial and error to create an ultimate masterpiece only Toyota Motor Corporation has to offer. In 2005, at the North American International Auto Show at Detroit, the first Lexus LFA was unveiled, following with the sculptured LFA concept at the 2005 Design Week Milan. After showing the concept, the team continues for another trial and error process, and right until 2007, an LFA Concept Type-II is shown at the 2007 North American International Auto Show at Detroit, showing its work in progress. After times of showing its concept form, the LFA prototype joined the legendary Nurburgring 24-Hour Endurance in 2008 and 2009. After prototype testing, the true LFA was unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

Powered with the new 1LR-GUE engine, this 4.8L V10 masterpiece can go to about 560PS/8,700r.p.m. and the torque output of 48.9kg-m/6,800r.p.m. It's armed with the 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox. Judging with this new engine, this LFA is truly a Japanese masterpiece under Toyota's right. It's biggest rival was the Nissan R35 GT-R. At first, the LFA defeated the GT-R barely, but this was just the beginning. With the newly facelifted GT-R armed with the improved VR engine, will this rematch between the LFA and Godzilla became a reality? I think I hope so because I can't wait to see this kind of rematch very soon.

LFA customers can choose which color of the LFA suits their taste. There are normal colors and special colors (available in early 2012) available to mix and match for their own personal preference. There are dozens of interior color combination offered which is mostly like the Lexus LS' L-Select customization program offered for Japanese customers or the Godzilla (Nissan GT-R) version of the Lexus L-Select offered from its EGOIST variant. For me, the LFA's car color would be "Whitest White" and the interior should have contained black paneling and red leather seats.

My thoughts about the LFA:
In the Philippines, Toyota Motor Philippines and Lexus Manila will bring the LFA in just one WHITE copy at the cost of over forty million Philippine Pesos. Who would buy that rare item, but they'll have to leave it on display at Lexus Manila. Those who are dreaming to try the Lexus LFA can also try Forza 3 Ultimate Collection (with Stig's Garage Pack DLC) for the XBOX 360 and Gran Turismo 5 for the Playstation3 to test out the capability of the Lexus LFA. It's hard buying the limited-production LFA but thanks to racing video games, they had their first taste.

The Lexus LFA is limited to just 500 models worldwide and remember the saying, first come, first served. But most customers already served their orders since the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Anyway, my impression about the LFA is its remarkable 1LR-GUE engine that has a remarkable power that can blow away the likes of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG!

Guess I already had my taste on the Lexus LFA courtesy of video games such as Forza 3 Ultimate Collection and Gran Turismo 5, so there is nothing to worry about how the Lexus LFA feels like. Besides, the starting sound of the Lexus LFA sounds awesome, I just want to record that sound and be my cellphone's ringtone all day!

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation
Official Site: http://www.lexus-lfa.com/

Leaf is 2011 Europe Car of the Year even it hasn't been in showrooms yet!

The Nissan Leaf is haven't been on sale in Japan before the end of the year, but it got something that makes it proud.

The Nissan Leaf is awarded 2010-2011 Europe Car of the Year!

Scoop: http://paultan.org/2010/11/30/nissan-leaf-is-the-2011-european-car-of-the-year/

Honestly, it's Japanese. But how did one Japanese electric car beat against Europe's finest such as the Alfa Romeo new Giulietta, Citroen C3 and DS3, or even the Opel/Vauxhall Meriva?

I don't know, but anyway, congrats to Nissan for winning the holy grail for European cars. The Japanese car that won the Europe Car of the Year made it the biggest competitor in the new age of electric cars.

Sadly, we can't get the Nissan Leaf to the Philippines yet unless the PH Government has to approve the law that allows sale of Electric Cars to our country.

Ractis vs. Trezia

Toyota's new Ractis (soon in Europe as the Verso-S)

and the Subaru version of the new Toyota Ractis, the Trezia

Wait a minute, both of them have the same engine, same interior, and same platform. Why would I compare them if both have the same traits? Don't worry, it's the style I'm comparing...

CASE ONE:

With Yui Aragaki leading the commercial for the new, second-generation, Toyota Ractis, this is truly every Japanese families' answer to the question "Korette, Ari?" (これって、あり, does that mean, there?) The answers on the new Ractis include, but not limited to; a choice of a 1.3L and 1.5L engine, three types (Standard, L'epice, and Sporty Type), and convenient tax cuts due to Japan's "Eco Car Genzei" system. The new Ractis is built as an everyday compact hatchback for the everyday Japanese, and soon Europeans. Take note, the new Ractis arrived in Hong Kong as the Ractis Verso. 

CASE TWO:

The commercial from the new Subaru Trezia pits Japanese male actor, Tetsuji Tamayama, ala, Top Gun. It feels like you're in a jet fighter. But let me explain about the Trezia. With the same engine offerings from the new Ractis, convenient tax cuts from the Eco-Car Genzei, and the special specification Trezia dubbed the Type Euro, it seems both the Trezia and the new Ractis are the same. The main difference is the face. The Trezia has an Impreza-like face that looks like a photoshopped Ractis, but it is a reality.

I would really go for the looks of the new Ractis because it strikes a pose more than the Trezia. The Trezia's face seems decent because of its chubby Impreza face. I observed why most Japanese prefer the Trezia rather than the new second-generation Ractis. Is it because of the face? The commercial? The marketing? Doesn't matter. I hope both of these come to the Philippines with different names. The Ractis will be on Europe as the Verso-S while the Trezia, there's a rumor that it may come as the replacement of the Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon-based Justy.

Athena drama coming to SBS on December 13!

Check out this news:

http://www.hancinema.net/-athena-to-sneak-into-homes-this-month--26331.html

Officially official! The spin-off from the hit 2009 Korean action drama IRIS, titled Athena: Goddess of War, will be exploding to SBS starting December 13!

December 13!!

Can't hardly wait! With Jeong Woo-seong returning on Korean TV after a decade and a half, will his comeback to Korean TV made this new Korean drama to topple off KBS's The Fugitive Plan B?

I'm sure Athena will topple off Fugitive, that's for true....

On the 12-01-10 episode of Banana Split...

OK, what happened earlier on Banana Split?

- Jokes that are too cold and too funny!

- Episode Two of the new Banana Split mini-series: The Amazing Microwave Pandesal Rangers.

- Jayson Gainza explains more on what jobs will the People's Champ take on, such as wine maker, construction worker, and wood cutter.

- Pinoy-Spanish-Japanese fun with Ryan, John, and Pooh on Tongue Tarang Tongue. On today's Tongue Tarang Tongue:

Pinoy: Maraming Lechon
Spanish: La Loma

Pinoy: Naiinis
Japanese: Ike-Banas

Pinoy: Di ka kasali
Spanish: Hetsa Puwera

Pinoy: Pautang
Japanese: Pahiramoko

Pinoy: Nahuling Nambababae
Spanish: Me marka sa cuello

Pinoy: Pakonti konti lang ang tikim
Japanese: Pakurot-kurot

Pinoy: Mga mahilig maglasing
Spanish: Tomador

Pinoy: Nakakabato
Japanese:Wakomagawa

The Fugitive Plan B Original Sound Track

The Fugitive Plan B Original Sound Track

The hit Korean action drama from KBS, titled The Fugitive Plan B (한글: 도망자 PlanB), is truly the next big thing for Korean superstar, Rain, as Jiwoo, a private investigator administrator who travels around the world to solve the most grueling cases, including the pursuit of Melchidec, the man who killed Jini's adoptive parents and she was next to be killed.

This Korean drama is so popular, most of them think that "The Fugitive Plan B" puts its rival Korean action drama "Athena: Goddess of War" to shame.

There is a soundtrack of the hit Korean action drama. It includes the BGMs from the drama, plus songs such as Running and Running by Mblaq, Chaos A.D. by 4minute, Mayday by Oran-G, and more. Guaranteed to relive Jiwoo's globe-trotting cases at the comfort of your own home.

TRACK LISTINGS:
01 Running & Running 엠블랙
02 사랑같은건 믿지 않지만 신승훈
03 Chaos A.D. 4minute
04 Poison 제아
05 Mayday Oran-G
06 Crazy Bounce
07 Gun Likes A Girl
08 Gloria
09 Dragon Of China
10 잿빛 노을
11 Break Out
12 I Like To Move It
13 Bullet Dance
14 천국으로의 편도
15 Born To Run
16 No More Cigarette
17 Unlimited

Opel Astra Sports Tourer

2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer

Since 2009, Opel launched the new fourth-generation Opel Astra for European markets. It seems North America may not be able to get its own Astra since the Saturn Astra disappeared, following with the disappearance of the Saturn brand, and succeeded with the Chevrolet Cruze. This situation is somewhat similar with Holden, as the Holden Astra removed from the Holden lineup with the launch of the Holden Cruze.

In 2010, after its debut in the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the full model change of the Astra Caravan received a new name; the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer. The Sports Tourer naming is mostly similar to the Insignia Sports Tourer.

Although this is the same as the hatchback cousin, the Astra Sports Tourer represents true spacing on the rear, giving rivals such as the Mazda Atenza Sport Wagon, Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon, and the Renault Megane Estate a run on their money.

The Opel Astra Sports Tourer still offers different engine types as the hatchback did; from the 1.4 ecoFLEX, 1.6 ECOTEC, 1.4 Turbo ECOTEC, 1.6 Turbo ECOTEC, 1.3 CDTI, 1.7 CDTI ECOTEC, and 2.0 CDTI ECOTEC. It still offers some cool features like the Astra hatchback have such as FlexRide and AFL+ adaptive forward lighting.

My thoughts about the Astra Sports Tourer:

Despite being a tourer, the Opel Astra Sports Tourer still shares the same fun from the new Opel Astra. With the rear carrying different luggages that suit your lifestyle, you can rest assure that the new Astra Sports Tourer is a different kind of Astra only an European car enthusiast can expect.

Photo: General Motors

Shoutout - The "That's Entertainment" of 2010

Shoutout (ABS-CBN TV Show)

Monday, November 29, 2010, the exact date when ABS-CBN unknowingly aired its pilot episode of the new show "Shoutout", the next generation of That's Entertainment.

Shoutout is just like That's Entertainment, there was a Monday group (Shoutout calls it Mondeerifics), a Tuesday group (Tuesdelicious), Wednesday group (Miyerkulitz), Thursday group (Friends-Thurs), and an all-star Friday group combining all of the groups to one (T.G.I.F). Of course, since Shoutout started on Monday, it begins with Mondeerifics! (Thank goodness, the funny guy Ryan Bang from Banana Split was included! ^_^)

Hosted by Erich Gonzales (Chloe from Magkaribal), Empress (Rosa from Rosalka), Enrique Gil, Sam Concepcion (Boy Bawang from Super Inggo), Robi Domingo, Arron Villaflor and Enchong Dee (Caloy from Magkaribal), Shoutout is going to be the best party show every late afternoon after Down With Love on ABS-CBN.

Aside from the main hosts, there will be a group of teen stars every day.

On Mondeerifics (Monday): Ryan Bang (I can see him on Banana Split, especially he's Igor Stojokovic Krystic from the Matanglawin spoof and the Pinoy from the Tongue Tarang Tongue), Jenny Kim, Julia Montes, Ann Li, Tippy Dos Santos, Martin Del Rosario, Aria Clemente, Makisig Morales (Super Inggo), and Rhap Salazar.

On Tuesdelicious (Tuesday): James Reid, Devon Seron, 3AM, Imelda Schweighart, Emmanuel Vera, Inno Martin, and Piero Vergara.

On Miyerkulitz (Wednesday): Bret Jackson, Fretzie Bercede, Miles Ocampo, Jane Oineza, Mikylla Ramirez, Kathryn Bernardo, John Manalo, Paul Salas, and Sue Dodd.

On Friends-Thurs (Thursday): Ivan Dorschner, Trisha Santos, Nel Gomez, Young JV, Jaco Benin, Benjamin De Guzman, Anna Bianca Casado, Yen Santos, and Linn Oeymo.

All of the hosts, the Mondeerifics group, the Tuesdelicious group, the Miyerkulitz group, and the Friends-Thurs group all joined into one at T.G.I.F (Friday).

Shoutout is truly the next generation of That's Entertainment. It airs on ABS-CBN after Down With Love.

Busou Shinki Character Song & Special Radio Rondo

Busou Shinki Character Song and Special
Radio Rondo

The Konamistyle exclusive Busou Shinki Character Song & Special Radio Rondo is the next best thing to your music CD collection if you are an avid fan of the Busou Shinki toys, the online Battle Rondo game, and the Battle Masters video game. This Konamistyle exclusive CD features some of the character songs from your favorite Busou Shinki toys at disc one. Disc two features remixed versions of the Busou Shinki character songs. The third and final disc is a DJCD hosted by Eri Kitamura as Howling and Kana Asumi as Arnval. The Busou Shinki featured on Busou Shinki Character Song & Special Radio Rondo are Arnval Mk.2 (CV: Kana Asumi), Strarf Mk. 2 (CV: Minori Chihara), Altlene (CV: Megumi Nakajima), Altines (CV: Kaori Mizuhashi), Babyrazz (CV: Aya Hirano), and Sharatang (CV: Ayahi Takagaki).

TRACK LISTINGS:
DISC 1
1 Promise
歌/天使型 アーンヴァルMk.2（CV：阿澄佳奈）
2 Destination
歌/悪魔型 ストラーフMk.2（CV：茅原実里）
3 超Happyなのです
歌/戦乙女型 アルトレーネ（CV：中島愛）
4 永遠のトレモロ
歌/戦乙女型 アルトアイネス（CV：水橋かおり）
5 イイじゃん♪
歌/エレキギター型 ベイビーラズ（CV：平野綾）
6 you&me
歌/ヴァイオリン型 沙羅檀（CV：高垣彩陽）
7 Promise（instrumental）
8 Destination（instrumental）
9 超Happyなのです（instrumental）
10 永遠のトレモロ（instrumental）
11 イイじゃん♪（instrumental）
12 you&me（instrumental）

DISC 2
1 Promise (MK Remix)
MK
2 Destination (Hommarju Remix)
Hommarju
3 超Happyなのです（mitsu Remix）
mitsu
4 永遠のトレモロ(Trance Core Remix)
Dizzi Mystica
5 イイじゃん♪(Hommarju Remix)
Hommarju
6 you&me (MK Remix)
MK
7 Promise (MK Remix) （instrumental）
8 Destination (Hommarju Remix) （instrumental）
9 超Happyなのです（mitsu Remix） （instrumental）
10 永遠のトレモロ(Trance Core Remix) （instrumental）
11 イイじゃん♪(Hommarju Remix) （instrumental）
12 you&me (MK Remix) （instrumental）


DISC 3
1 オープニング
2 ふつおた
再び復活した「武装神姫RADIO RONDO」に皆さまから届いたたくさんのメールを紹介するコーナーです。
3 教えて阿澄先生！
犬子とリスナーの皆さまからの武装神姫についての疑問・質問に、阿澄先生が優しく教えてくれるコーナーです。今回もコナミのあの人が登場します！
4 武装神姫ラジオ劇場
ミニドラマを通して、武装神姫の世界観をリスナーの皆さんに知っていただくコーナーです。
5 神姫リング de BATTLE
パーソナリティの二人が「武装神姫 BATTLE MASTERS」をガチンコ勝負します。
勝利の女神はどちらに微笑むのか！？
6 エンディング

Subaru Trezia

2011 Subaru Trezia

With the partnership between Toyota Group and Fuji Heavy Industries because of the "Toyobaru FT-86" project, most of the cars built from Toyota and Daihatsu such as the bB, Coo, Atrai Wagon, Tanto Exe, and Mira were rebadged as Subaru OEMs such as Dex, Dias Wagon, Lucra, and the new Pleo. Now, the partnership between the two companies goes even further as Subaru launched their own version of the new Toyota Ractis (Ractis Verso in Hong Kong and Verso-S in Europe), called the Trezia.

Trezia, coined from the word "treasure", is just one of the precious memories both Toyota and Subaru collaborate each other because of the FT-86 project they promised to work on. And if I said "precious memories", there are some key points you can check on the Trezia. The Subaru Trezia goes like this, a Ractis/Verso-S with the Impreza's face because on the front size, that looks more of a fat Impreza. Since this is one of Subaru's OEM cars since the bB-Coo-based Dex, you may be familiar about how the Trezia looks like because you already noticed on the new Toyota Ractis/Verso-S.

2011 Subaru Trezia

I am very familiar about the Trezia's interior. After checking on the new Ractis' awesome panorama roof, this panorama roof can also be applied on the Trezia, and its applicable on the 1.5L variant.

Since the Trezia is the Subaru version of the new Toyota Ractis/Verso-S, it still offers two different engine types; a 1NR-FE (1.3-litre) and a 1NZ-FE (1.5-litre) engine. However, there's a catch; the Trezia 1.3L variant offers only a normal CVT while the Trezia 1.5L offers a CVT with a 7-speed Manual Mode, providing an edge of sportiness. If the Toyota Ractis has a Sporty Type (take note: The Toyota Ractis 1.5 S), the Subaru Trezia offers Type Euro. The Subaru Trezia 1.5i Type Euro offers a Euro-tuned suspension, sporty rims, orange stitching on the dark interior, Type Euro instrumental cluster, rear disc brake, and Muffler Cutter. The Subaru Trezia Type Euro is guaranteed to be the real hot hatch designed to be more European.

My thoughts about the Trezia:

It is somewhat suspicious that some Japanese car enthusiasts prefer the Trezia rather than the new Ractis. Despite both the Trezia and the second-generation Ractis were made under the partnership between Toyota and Fuji Heavy Industries, I never thought why some Japanese like the Trezia rather than the new Ractis because of the Impreza-like front view. I think the new Ractis is much more stylish than the Trezia, but that depends, both the Trezia and the new Ractis are the same.

There is a probability that this may come to Europe to replace the Passo-based Subaru Justy. But we will never know about that. This could be a double whammy! Could Toyota Motor Philippines bring the Toyota Ractis to the Philippines as the new Verso or MotorImage Pilipinas (the official Subaru distributor for Asia, including the Philippines) bring the Subaru Trezia? I could get confused if both the new Ractis/Verso-S and the Trezia clash against each other...

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Third-Generation Audi A8 L

2011 Audi A8L

As you may know, the Audi A8 is Audi's flagship premium sedan and the first sedan to be equipped with the special navigation system that has Google Earth on it. I really like how the A8 feels like because only a combat businessman can wield the true art of Audi's prestigious premium sedan that welcomes the year 2010 with a bang. Now, there is an addition to the prestigious A8 sedan that makes it the king of A8s. Enter the new Audi A8 L.

L stands for "Long" referring to its long wheel base. Using the third-generation Audi A8 as a base, the A8 L is the stretched version of the Audi A8, suitable for the corporate warriors looking for some sense of comfort.

2011 Audi A8L interior

For a corporate mercenary, the new A8 L is designed for comfort amidst the corporate battlefield. The executive rear seat is an exclusivity on the A8L, providing comfort and hospitality for the corporate mercenary to take time to relax on the road. This interior is way more comfortable than the Toyota Crown Majesta because of the high tech features on the rear. On the driver's side, a wide array of features such as a handwriting recognition, Google Earth navigation, and automatic climate control are added to ensure an user-friendly convenience unlike any other premium sedans. The most fun part on the Audi A8 L is the wi-fi interface. You can use your Wi-Fi gadgets to surf the internet while riding on the Audi A8L. Have fun Facebook-ing and twitter-ing everywhere!

Just like the short wheel base Audi A8, the Audi A8L offers four different engines; from two petrol engines (3.0L TFSi, 4.2L TFSi) and two diesel engines (3.0L TDi, 4.2L TDi). Coming soon is the A8L exclusive; a 6.0L W12 quattro that will be the top tier A8L as we know it. Most of them are equipped with the standard quattro all-wheel drive technology.

My thoughts about the A8L:

A sovereign treat for the corporate mercenary, the Audi A8L provides exceptional comfort and can be a suitable car of choice for wealthy people who want to escape the corporate battlefield. It can be a perfect limousine or a powerful war machine, whatever floats your boat.

I really hope that PGA Cars brings the new Audi A8 to the Philippines soon so most of the Philippine wealthy people can indulge the comfort inside the Audi A8 and A8L.

Photo: Audi AG