Honda Green Machine 001 meets GT5

Test driving the Insight at Tsukuba
minus the Best Motoring crew

Honda's second generation Insight, dubbed as Honda Green Machine 001, is the first of the established Honda Green Machine series, a series dedicated to environmentally friendly vehicles, especially Honda hybrids. Because the Insight turned out to be a major seller in 2009, the hit PS3 racing game of 2010, Gran Turismo 5 added the second-generation Insight to the list of over 1000 cars in the game and its placed on the Premium tier.

Staying true to its Honda roots at Suzuka

Unlike the third-generation Toyota Prius, which has a CVT that makes it more dull to drive, the Insight can be set to either Automatic or Manual, despite the Insight has CVT on it. Although the Insight is the most eco-friendly Honda available in the market, it made it more of a pleasant collection in GT5. I think this is much more fun to handle than the Prius because I can set it to either Auto or Manual before the race.

Elegant and stylish in Crystal Black Pearl

Insight at Ahrweiler, Germany

Ever since I first met the second-generation Insight in 2009, it was known to be the cheapest alternative to the Prius but in terms of fuel economy, the Prius wins. By vast majority, you can expect more Prius owners in Japan than Insight owners because this is the fastest selling hybrid but I believe the Insight has some possibility. By demand, the two hybrid rivals were added as Premium Tier cars on GT5 and with the addition of the Sport Hybrid Compact, the Honda CR-Z, and electric cars such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Tesla Roadster (Gosh, I don't like the way an electric car sound like). Despite hybrid, both the second-generation Insight and the third-generation Toyota Prius can be tunable to gain more horsepower and reduce weight.

The most stylish eco-car from Honda

In my opinion, I think no other GT5 player showing up their Insight online. Maybe someday, there will be something special for the Insight, just like in one Special Race where the Toyota Prius is required but no tuning restrictions. What it will come up is for some photo sessions by Photo Mode during replays and Photo Travel, just like the Insight colored with Crystal Black Pearl taking things handsomely at the streets of Ahrweiler, Germany.

I'm appreciated that both the Honda Green Machine 001 (the second-generation Insight) and the Honda Green Machine 003 (the CR-Z) showed up on GT5. I tried them both but the winner for me is none other than my favorite hybrid car, the CR-Z.

Toyota Mark X Zio (ANA10/ANA15/GGA10) -Phase II-

Created exclusively for the Japanese market, Toyota's Mark X Zio is the next generation of multipurpose passenger vehicle. It does not share the platform from the Toyota Mark X, currently on its second generation, it only shares the name on it. With the Mark X sedan reached its second generation, the Mark X Zio received a mild refresh, keeping it more updated and gained the concept of "Samurai Wagon" much like the Mark X's "Samurai X" concept, designed and appealed for spirited people.

2012 Toyota Mark X Zio

2012 Toyota Mark X Zio

With the Mark X sedan made for spirited executives, the Mark X Zio is made for spirited adventurers looking for some thrills on the outside world because it was made for everyday lifestyles. On front, the Mark X Zio receives its aggressive stance, giving it more of a killer look than the previous pre-facelift model. What's more is the revised grille on the Aerial variant of the Mark X Zio. The standard Mark X Zio has a sporty face while the Aerial variant gets even more elegant with the new grille. The rear lamps also changed, giving it some sporty character on this Samurai Wagon. On the inside, it retains the Zio's trademark arrangement of being a sedan-type, wagon-type, and minivan-type. Most Zio variants can seat up to six or seven people, depending on which side they're on. However, the Mark X Zio 240 Five Style is the only Mark X Zio variant that can seat up to five people, minus the third-row seats, providing more space and more practicality for the spirited adventurer.

Despite minor change, the Mark X Zio retains two available engines; the 2AZ-FE (4-cylinder DOHC) engine and the 2GR-FE (V6 3.5L) engine. The 2AZ-FE engine is the entry-level engine that comes with the power output of 163PS and the fuel economy of 13.2km/L. The top-of-the-line 2GR-FE engine has the power output of 280PS and the fuel economy of 10.2km/L. The 2.4L variants of the Mark X Zio are the only ones to get additional Four-Wheel Drive to keep the adventure off and running.

My thoughts about the Mark X Zio:
Just like in the 2009 TV Commercial with Japanese actor, Koichi Sato, the Mark X is the Samurai X. Now on the Zio's facelift, this will be forever know as the "Samurai Wagon", With the Mark X Zio destined as the Samurai Wagon, expect to see the face of Japanese actor, Yusuke Iseya, to go along with its Zio marketing campaign. Yusuke Iseya is the new TV commercial character for the Mark X Zio's facelift.

I'm glad that the Zio's now refreshed to keep more "Samurai" oriented.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

New Chrysler 300/300C

Over the years, since its debut in 2004, the Chrysler 300/300C became the most notorious premium sedan made for the American market because as by interest, the flagship of Chrysler is preferable by the most notorious gangsters in North America. The reason why I called the Chrysler 300 a gangster's favorite because most of them put something "Bling Bling", something from the armory, and some hydraulics. Then, most gangsters love to listen Rap and Hip Hop on the Chrysler 300. Now, in 2011, the new Chrysler 300/300C flips the top like a Flip Top rap battle and wow, most gangsters would go crazy with this new look.

2011 Chrysler 300

2011 Chrysler 300 interior

Now even more notorious than the previous model, this flagship Chrysler sedan takes on all comers and with the choice of the 5.7-litre HEMI V8 and the new Pentastar 3.5L V6 engine, I am pretty sure that this new model will tempt gangsters and wealthy people to stick with the new 300/300C and if that happens, get ready to flip the top! The front view of the new 300 now incorporates the new Chrysler trademark grille as well as the new logo first seen on the Chrysler 200 medium sedan. The new look of the new 300 incorporates more of a "Corporate Muscle" and for other reasons, they made it more like a bouncer in the bar rather than being a most wanted gangster in North America. The new futuristic interior of the new 300 really wows the gangster, tempting to use every premium amenities offered on the new 300 especially the new Uconnect system, incorporating voice activation, touch screen controls, navigation, music, everything needed for the most wanted.

Looking over on the two engine types; the Pentastar V6 3.5L engine incorporates a power output of 292HP/6350RPM, torque output of 260lb-ft/4200RPM, and the fuel economy of 27MPG highway (FR models). The top-of-the-line 5.7L HEMI V8 engine has a capability of 363HP of power output, torque output of 394lb-ft, and the fuel economy of 25MPG highway. The choice of The Godfather is the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine because it has a high power needed to escape a brutal police chase or even crash the rival mafia's hideout but those who are focused on the fuel economy may choose the new Pentastar V6 variant of the new 300. Pentastar V6 first applied on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee last year and I'm sure the new Pentastar engine helps regain the Chrysler image after the brink of a bankruptcy and now owned by Fiat.

My thoughts about the 300:
It's a "Yes, We Can" for the new Chrysler 300 because not only it regained a new Chrysler image, but also outfitted with the new 3.5L V6 engine that is the first from Chrysler Group, LLC. The badder the new gets, the more chances gangsters want to snatch it and trick out with everything that goes "Bling Bling" after dark.

The Mafias, Yakuzas, Vory, Mafiya, Triads, and other gangsters are going to be so proud that Chrysler renewed the 300 for their own personal preferences and not only the gangsters would indulge in the temptation of Chrysler's flagship, even the wealthy. The new 300 may also come to Europe as Lancia's flagship sedan but details about Lancia's flagship sedan remains slim for now until Geneva. Some say this Lancia version of the Chrysler 300 will be outfitted with a turbo diesel engine and it may come in an estate variant pretty soon.

Let's hope that CATS Motors bring the new Chrysler 300 someday but only big-time criminals are allowed to get one of these. The Chrysler 300 is a Mafia car now made even badder for the next generation of Mafias and gangsters. It's a "Give and Take" risk for the 300 but can this new model succeed?

Photo: Chrysler Group, LLC.

Pokwang on Banana Split's ANG TV ♪DO WA DIDDY DIDDY DAM DIDDY DOO♪ PATROL!

"Ang TV! ♪DOO WA DIDDY DIDDY DAM
DIDDY DOO♪ Patrol!"

Starting now, Pokwang joins the ranks of Angelica Panganiban, John Prats, and Pooh in the Banana Split parody of TV Patrol, called ANG TV PATROL! Get it? ANG TV! PATROL! ANG TV! ♪DO WA DIDDY DIDDY DAM DIDDY DOO♪ PATROL!

Since Melai is officially now an Alumni of this show because she's a part of the new noontime show, Happy Yipee Yehey, Pokwang takes over as one of the misfit news anchors of Banana Split's Ang TV Patrol.

Escudo Pikes Peak Version is a rare find at the GT5 Used Car dealership!

Escudo Dirt Trial Car in Monza

Back when I was kid, and playing Gran Turismo 2 on my PSX, I tried to win more and more races just so I can get this one-of-a-kind rally car from Suzuki, the Escudo Pikes Peak Version. Every GT fanatics love the Escudo Pikes Peak Version because of the over-the-1000HP power output.

At Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec on PS2, the Escudo Pikes Peak Version is dethroned by the Formula Gran Turismo race car and the reason is because of the Formula GT's lightweight capability, making it a more agile, faster race car that can achieve better lap times that the Escudo Pikes Peak Version can't. The Formula GT can be used only on tarmac while the Escudo is made not just on tarmac, but on dirt because this is a rally car we all loved.

Trying to keep up with its reputation...

On Gran Turismo 4, the Escudo Pikes Peak Version, now renamed as Dirt Trial Car, can be obtained as a prize car. Well, I forgot what race what that but anyway, you know what it is. And now, in Gran Turismo 5, the former King of Gran Turismo cars is here to stay at the used car dealership and it's not easy buying that car because I think the pricing goes to a 1.4 million credit mark and the required A-Spec Level is 23.

...even for the former King of Gran Turismo cars

I felt like I may be not in a mood of driving the former King of Gran Turismo cars (since it was dethroned by the Formula GT and now, the Red Bull X1 Prototype) but since I want to collect more, I have the urge to buy the Escudo Dirt Trial Car.

(Laughs) Just like old times, Escudo. I thought I never forget you. At least the probability to find the Escudo Dirt Trial Car on the Used Car dealership is somewhat 5%, so check back every time until you find this former King.

Despite reputation, the Escudo's still a GT King for me...

If I am unhappy, I could just gift it to an online buddy who didn't have one...

Shoutout is over!

Oh, my gosh! It seems that the youth-oriented show, and possibly the new generation That's Entertainment, Shoutout, ended since February 11, 2011!

Shoutout! (ABS-CBN TV Series)

Scoop: http://ph.promotion.yahoo.com/entertainment/article/post/entertainmentfeat_ph/300/abs-cbn-cancels-youth-oriented-show-shoutout.html

Despite Level Up, many Shoutout teens, especially the hosts, tried and tried their best to level up, but they failed. So sad...

What now? With the Shoutout teens nowhere to be seen on TV for now, I hope nothing's gone wrong since the show was cancelled.

Remember what the Senior Vice President of ABS-CBN, Linggit Tan, said during the January 25 episode of Shoutout?

"Objective ng programa ay para i-present sa Filipino audience kung ano ang best sa youth natin today pero matapos ang dalawang buwan, wala pa rin tayong improvement. Bawat isa sa inyo, gusto niyong maging mahusay at sikat na artista. Subalit hindi ito basta basta nakakamit. Kailangan pinagtratrabahuhan kasi meron kayong responsibilidad sa audience. We're going to give you one month to shape up. Pag hindi niyo napaghusayan sa loob ng apat na linggo at wala kaming nakitang improvement sa inyo, 'Shoutout' will be cancelled."

That was a total shocker for the teens. Especially those who left Shoutout including Piero, Yen, Joe, Jenny, Ryan Bang (current judge at Showtime, he's in Banana Split, he's Kuya Kim Atienza's newest sidekick in Matanglawin, and he's the host of Studio 23's 3OW POWZH), Kathryn Bernardo (Mara from Mara Clara), John Manalo, and Julia Montes (Clara from Mara Clara).

With the show cancelled by the network due to poor performance, what now?

Were you guys saddened by the cancellation of Shoutout?

Alpha Beth no more? Meet your newest alphabetic hero! (And happy birthday to John Prats!)

What just happen at the Feb. 12 episode of Banana Split?

- HOT ISSUE gives you the first impressions of the new noontime variety show, Happy Yippe Yehey

- Jokes on the outside, inside the apartment, and inside the bedroom.

- Alpha Beth no more? Indeed it is. However, Melai passed her "Alpha Beth" power to Kuya Jobert. Meet your new replacement superhero that has a letter to your problems. Starting now, Kuya Jobert will be ALPHA BERT! Weird name, but will Alpha Bert succeed where Alpha Beth left, as in, helping people with the use of letters?

Meet your newest superhero, ALPHA BERT!

- some dances

- A very special Show It game in celebration of John Prats' birthday, pitting Team Banana Split vs. John Prats' friends.

Happy Birthday, John Prats!