Ford Explorer Mk.5 (U502)

2011 Ford Explorer

From mid-size SUV to full-size crossover SUV, the new fifth generation Ford Explorer is now evolved to take on all sorts of grounds and it will be the best Explorer ever made after months of countless teaser photos.

Consider this a rival to the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 or the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Explorer's full model change surprised us with its new unibody structure, new engine choices, new conveniences, and everything that is new to the latest Explorer.

On the design flow, the new Ford Explorer sports a corporate grille on the front, staying true to its roots. On the side view, the new Explorer looks more like a Toyota Fortuner, the Philippines' favorite Toyota full size SUV. On the rear view, what else? The rear view looks sharp at every angle. With its sharp design, the new Explorer will topple away against the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The main engine on the new Explorer is the 3.5L TiVCT V6 engine. This V6 engine that powers the new Explorer is the better than its predecessor thanks to its EPA rating of 17MPG City/25MPG Highway. Its power output is 290HP/6500rpm and the torque output is 255lb.-ft/4100rpm. This engine is much more powerful than the GMC Acadia but not powerful enough against the Toyota Land Cruiser 200. The fifth-generation Explorer comes with the Intelligent 4WD System that provides exceptional traction at every corner. There is also a Terrain Management System that allows the driver to take a pick on four options; Normal, Mud/Ruts, Sand or Grass/Gravel/Snow. Choosing the right option on the right terrain is the key to attain better cruising for the new Explorer.

While destined to be the safest SUV built for the American family, the new Ford Explorer has a wide array of safety and security features that provides the peace of mind for the owner and family. First off, there's Curve Control. The Curve Control system is a world's first, it will automatically slows down the new Explorer in case of an incoming tough curve. Next, is the Adaptive Cruise Control system that functions like conventional cruise control system, except now, let the sensors do the cruise control for you. The innovative Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert is a smart feature to monitor blind spots and seeks approaching vehicles. There is even a Collision Warning system that detects slow moving traffic and it flashes a warning signal. The biggest safety feature is the world's first inflatable air bag seat belts. There are so many safety features made the new Ford Explorer the safest SUV built for everyone.

In the convenience side, the new Ford Explorer provides exceptional hospitality for everyone. The third-row seats can be easily folded at the touch of a button without the stress. For entertainment purposes, the MyFord Touch is included, keeping you entertained with SYNC, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Advanced Navigation System. To keep the passengers entertained, there is even a Dual Headrest DVD Players that allows them to watch their favorite movies everywhere even when they're stuck at traffic No wonder the interior of the new Explorer is built to be on its premium status.

My thoughts about the Explorer:

I just really hope this new Explorer may come to the Philippines soon and it will be bought by wealthy people because of such heavy pricing and premium features that provide a touch of class among the rich and famous, even politicians. Consider this an American alternative to the Nissan Patrol Royale when it arrives in the Philippines soon.

The new Ford Explorer is the best Explorer ever made to surprise its rivals with its convenience, the safest features, and the premium status only Ford has to offer. Think of Grand Canyon, Mt. Pinatubo, Dubai, Hokkaido, and other places where tough terrain are a common oddity, this Explorer is a perfect bet for off-road enthusiasts!


Photo: Ford Motor Company

On the 12-03-10 episode of Banana Split...

On the 12-03-10 episode of Banana Split...

- Our newest superheroes, The Amazing Microwave Pandesal Rangers, springing in action. For those who haven't heard of it, this is about four siblings (Jayson Gainza, Jason Francisco, Nina Jose, and Badji Mortiz) who want to start their own baking business after their father's death. With the encounter of some mysterious microwave oven and when they put the flour on the oven, something strange happening to them and transformed into our breakfast's newest superheroes that is "THE AMAZING MICROWAVE PANDESAL RANGERS". On this episode, the Pandesal Rangers trying to stop the man who is going to commit suicide. After that, some villain saw the Pandesal Rangers, and the villain approached our heroes because of the microwave oven. Will the Rangers survive against this enemy? Find out in Monday!

- Kuya Keem (John Prats) tells more about Obesity and Igor Stojokovic Krystic (Ryan Bang) invents some crazy inventions such as the "i-Barbel 4" and "Dehydration Treadmill". The i-Barbel 4 part is darn hilarious.

- Jayson Gainza tells what another new jobs will our famous Pinoy boxer can take on such as being an interrogator, getting the buko, and becoming a MMDA officer.

- The Melason tandem is at it again as Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco (as Cheche and Monmon) tries to record a domino dropping sequence for YouTube. Oops! Cheche forgot to hit "record" on the video camera! LOL

Goodbye, Pinyoko (AGAIN) :-(

December 3, 2010 marks the finale of Kokey@Ako. What?! Aw man! We had fun with our alien pal!

Kokey@Ako ending

Aw man! We had all the good times with Bruce (Vhong Navarro), Princess/Jackie (Toni Gonzaga), Josa (Melai Cantiveros), Adonis (Jason Francisco), Kekay, and everyone's favorite alien buddy, Kokey!

The ending is simple. The final battle is set at the mansion where our friends now reside after Jackie was reunited with her family. Annie showed up and wants to take out Jackie and her family! The battle ends where Jackie used the mirror to reflect Annie's alien power against her.

After the battle, it was the day where Bruce and Jackie were finally married.

I never knew our alien buddy left before Christmas again! Just like the past three years when he left before Christmas!

Aw great! Now we're going to miss the fun filled adventures of Kokey and friends.

Nissan Leaf (ZE0)

2011 Nissan LEAF

The Leaf, Nissan's first-of-its-kind electric hybrid vehicle is the key to attain Nissan's brighter future for creating eco cars that serve as the mainframe to achieve a vision for the better tomorrow. With the rise of electric cars such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan steps up to the electric car competition with the Nissan Leaf, to see which electric car reign supreme.

As an environmentally conscious car enthusiast. I like the way how the Nissan Leaf behaves. Look at the back, no tailpipes! The absence of the tailpipes is the main purpose for Nissan's Zero Emission program. This program will achieve a better tomorrow with the Leaf. Everyone knows how to recharge the Leaf. Charging to the Leaf's front is somewhat an originality.

The Leaf is powered with the electric powered EM61 motor that achieves the highest electric economy of 124km/L. 124km/L! This electric car is so amazing, you can go further every time before the battery drains! Think about going around the world with the Leaf. This is just perfect to achieve its true eco-car status. Aside from its eco-car status, there is a 100% tax cut thanks to Japan's "Eco Car Genzei" system. The plug to charge the Leaf's EM61 motor is 200V, so you need an 200V outlet to charge the Leaf. Plug the wrong side and boom! You're hopeless to charge the Leaf until you find another 200V outlet to charge it!

My thoughts about the Leaf:
I'm afraid that NMPI or Universal Motors Corporation can't bring the Nissan Leaf yet until our government approves the law to sell electric vehicles to our country. The question really is, can the Department of Environment and Natural Resources talk about the Nissan Leaf. Of course this is an electric car, imagine how many students from Philippines' most successful universities such as the UP, De La Salle, Ateneo, Far Eastern University, San Beda, and other universities take advantage of the Nissan Leaf for their science reports to discuss it in front. I'm sure these students may pass because of the remarkable inspiration of the Nissan Leaf.

The Leaf is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in mid-December, following with North America and Europe. Speaking of Europe, the Leaf won the 2010-2011 Europe Car of the Year, outwitting Europe's finest such as the Citroen C3/DS3 and Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

This electric car defines "biri-biri" to a new level...

Official Site:

Japan: http://ev.nissan.co.jp/
North America: http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car/index
Global :http://www.nissan-zeroemission.com/EN/

Subaru WRX STi 4-door (GVB) at GT5

I love this kind of WRX STi! Even at Gran Turismo 5, it still runs like the real thing! The Subaru WRX STi 4-door is truly an eye-catching Subaru built for thrill-seekers. I gotta admit it, I love the rear wing of the GVB. It represents tradition from the past Impreza STi models from the first to second generation (the generation underwent two facelifts).

Driving the WRX STi 4-door (GVB) on GT5 feels like I'm driving the real thing! I even try to beat the car's Nurburgring Lap Time of 7:55:000 by myself, but everyone wants to beat that time with that car.

I really love to say that the WRX STi 4-door is much better than the original 5-door WRX STi!

Powerhouse of Proton Concepts at the 2010 KLIMS!

Just like Lotus showing off a powerhouse of concept cars at the Paris Motor Show 2010, Malaysian automaker Proton unveiled a powerhouse of five concept cars at this year's Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show.

2010 Proton Tuah Concept

2010 Proton Lukiu Concept

2010 Proton Lekir Concept

2010 Proton Katsuri Concept

2010 Proton Jebat Concept

First was the Tuah Concept, a medium sedan concept that if once heads to production, it will ruin the Kia Forte and Hyundai Avante MD for sure. 

Second was the Lekiu Concept, a crossover based on the Proton Exora MPV. 

Third was the Lekir Concept. Eh? A Proton Concept Sports Car based on the axed Lotus Europa? I know that the Europa is gone, but why they would made such a too-little, too-late, concept car based on some axed British sports car? Never mind, still it looks handsome.

Fourth was the Katsuri Concept. I'm not sure about this concept car but it hints on the Proton Saga's minor change coming to Malaysia since the Saga MC unveiled at the Thai Motor Expo 2010. 

Last but truly my favorite, the Jebat Concept, a sportier concept sedan based on the recently launched, Mitsubishi Lancer EX-based, Inspira sedan. I love the way it looks. So cool!

These concept cars were named after the Malaccan Hang (warrior) in Malaysian history. It represents Malaysian quality for the brand and shapes up the brand's image. If most of these go into production, best to hide our cars!

Photo: Paultan.org

Eh? Another new Volkswagen PH distributor in the works?

Read this scoop:

http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/so-who-s-bringing-in-volkswagen

I thought that PGA Cars will take the distribution rights for Volkswagen, but the Ayala Group joining the turf on who's going to be the new Volkswagen distributor in the Philippines.

Who's it gonna be, anyway? The answer will be revealed in the near future...