Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Following with the success of the Hyundai Avante LPi Hybrid (launched in July 2009), the first LPG-powered hybrid car in the Korean market, Hyundai Motor Group unveiled the true gasoline-electric hybrid medium sedan known that will revolutionize the "New Thinking, New Possibilities" concept by any means of ecology, the all-new Sonata Hybrid.

First debuted at the 2010 New York Auto Show and sales in South Korea starts now, this May 2011, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the brand's second hybrid car and the first premium hybrid medium-sized sedan based on the YF Sonata, which was launched in September 2009.

In terms of design, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid became even more aggressive because of its front side that ditches the traditional YF Sonata grille, in favor of its highly aggressive front fascia. The rear lamps were modified to make it even more elegant at nighttime. In the side view, customers may notice the Blue Drive badge as seen on the Avante LPi Hybrid.

For those who don't know what is Blue Drive, this is Hyundai's eco-brand that sustain cars emitting zero emissions, and brings out the harmony among cars, people, and the environment. Blue means blue plant and sustainable life and Drive means mobility and impulse according to Hyundai Motor Group.

The new Sonata Hybrid is powered with the all-new Nu 2.0 MPI engine that delivers 150 PS of power output but thanks to the 30kW motor attached, the power output of the Sonata Hybrid leveled up into 191 PS. As a hybrid sedan, the Sonata Hybrid is packed with the Lithium-ion Polymer battery that can be used at 20kph speeds. For a true eco car, it has a CO2 emission of 111g/km and it has a fuel economy of 21km/L.

Another thing about the Sonata Hybrid is its 4.2-inch full color TFT LCD at the instrumental cluster, which shows the eco level and eco point, depending on your driving style. You can even expect seeing cool animation on this LCD that shows how fuel efficient is your Sonata Hybrid is. When you're not in a hurry, you can use the EV mode that allows the Lithium-ion Polymer battery to be used in place in gasoline engine.

There is also a catch; when you are going uphill, both the Nu 2.0 MPI engine and the Lithium-ion battery are active, generating more uphill power on the go but when going downhill, only the Lithium-ion battery becomes active, saving some gasoline while descending downhill. This is a very crucial tactic for the Sonata Hybrid.

The 6-speed automatic transmission is a highly exclusivity standard transmission offered on the Sonata Hybrid.

The Sonata Hybrid comes with six available colors such as Hybrid Blue, White Crystal, Sleek Silver, Hyper Metallic, Dark Grey, and Black Diamond. It comes with two available trim variants such as Premier and Royal.

My Comment:

It's about time that South Koreans finally get the Sonata Hybrid after months of waiting since its debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show. I just hope that Hyundai Asia Resources will get the environmentally-friendly Sonata Hybrid to the Philippines soon. Maybe we, Filipinos, haven't got the chance to try Korean-made hybrid cars. We got succumbed by hybrid cars sold in the Philippines such as the third-generation Toyota Prius, Lexus LS 600hL, Lexus RX 450h, Lexus CT 200h, and the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid. If those Filipinos can't wait to get their hands on the Sonata Hybrid, why not request to Hancars? Because Hancars is a highly respected gray market dealer of all things Korean such as the Hyundai Grand Starex, I'm sure that Hancars are willing to offer the Sonata Hybrid first before HARI officially brings the Sonata Hybrid to the Philippines soon.

Forget about what I said, anyway, the Sonata Hybrid is Hyundai's full fledged gasoline-electric hybrid medium sedan that shares the success from the Hyundai Avante LPI Hybrid, the first LPG-powered hybrid vehicle launched since the summer of 2009. Looks like the Koreans are ready in the age of eco-cars but can the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid stacks up against its balanced rival, the Kia K5 Hybrid?

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

WHAT?! Best MOTORing and Hot Version met its demise?!

Best MOTORing

Hot Version

We, JDM fans, know about the Best MOTORing and Hot Version DVDs because these DVDs enrich us the JDM culture. Best MOTORing  and Hot Version are two combos that brings more about Japanese and Foreign cars testing and testing. These were a favorite among JDM fans worldwide.

One time, I read the worst news on the net, saying that both Best MOTORing and Hot Version DVDs are euthanized, which means they are no longer produced because of poor sales. That's too bad because it was announced by 2&4 Motoring, a subsidiary of Kodansha (famous for the Shonen Magazine franchise).

With them gone for good, how can they try the next generation Porsche 911, Toyota's 21st century Hachiroku based on the FT-86, and other JDM and foreign sports cars? That's unfair. We may never see them on Tsukuba Circuit, Fuji Speedway, Suzuka Circuit, Twin Ring Motegi, and other Japanese racetracks they know.

Is this "sayonara" to JDM culture?

The car that fueled the Royal Couple...

Aston Martin DB6 Volante

The 1966 Aston Martin DB6 Volante is the vintage British sports car that fueled the Royal Couple Prince William and Kate Middleton.

After the Royal Wedding occurred in April 29, 2011 from Westminster Abbey to the Buckingham Palace, the Royal Couple Prince William and Kate Middleton went for a joyride with the Aston Martin DB6 Volante, the convertible version of the DB6 Coupe.

This car came from Prince William's father, Prince Charles, and he is glad that his Royal father generously lend the keys to his son because of he and Kate successfully tied the knot.

For interest, the plate number of the DB6 Volante the Prince and Kate rode was JU5T WED, which means JUST MARRIED.

I'm glad things turned out really really well for the Royal Couple. I wonder what will the Royal Couple's first honeymoon will be? For them, it's a secret. <_<

Labor Day is Bulilit Day!

On the Labor Day (May 1, 2011) episode of Goin Bulilit:

- Ano ang pinagkaiba ng...

1) Pipi at Ligot - Ang PIPI kapag tinatanong mo, sumasagot kahit papaano! Si LIGOT hindi!

2) Hindi sakim at sakim - Kahit HINDI SAKIM, walang pag-iimbot ang SAKIM, panay ang pag-iivoke!

3) Ate Vi at Ivler - Si ATE VI, v.i.p. sa showbiz, si IVLER, v.i.p. ng selda!

4) Azkals at Kris Aquino - Ang AZKALS, may James and Phil Younghusband. Si KRIS AQUINO, may James at Phil-ip na ex-husbands!

5) Football players at Corrupt - Ang FOOTBALL PLAYERS, naninipa. Ang mga CORRUPT, sinisipa!

6) Robin at Angelina Jolie - Si ROBIN, may Tum. Si ANGELINA JOLIE, may Tum Raider!

7) Gagraduate at Goin Bulilit - Ang mga GAGRADUATE, may clearance. Ang GOIN BULILIT, may Clarence!

8) Saging at Illegal Recruiter - Ang SAGING, may puso!

9) iPhone at Chess - Ang IPHONE, touch screen. Ang CHESS, touch move!

10) Ako at Sharon - Si SHARON, megastar. AKO, megasgas. Nadapa ako kanina!

11) Ano ang pinagkaiba ni Dagul sa toll fee, gasolina, at pamasahe? Silang lahat nagtataasan!

- Protest gags

- Coatable Coats: "Sana paminsan-minsan bisitahin mo naman ako." - Friendster

- Goin Bulilit music video of Bugoy Drilon's Nang Dahil Sa Pag-Ibig

- Coatable Coats: "Kahit anong mangyari nasa likod mo lang ako." - Puwet

- Rewind back time to reminisce the old hospital jokes on Rekolilit

- Goin Bulilit does Lucky Me Instant Mami Itnok! The Lucky Me Itnok "Mini Me" commercial gets a new twist from Goin Bulilit!

- BREAKING NEWS WITH JULIUS BABAY! A video of twin babies talking bombarded Youtube and other social networking sites!

- Coatable Coats: "Huwag mo akong sisihin. Kasalanan mo yan!" - Salamin

- Ready Get Set Goin in "Push-Pushang Laban"

MG MG6 GT

2011 MG MG6 GT

After spending years with its current owner, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), they've decided that Morris Garages (MG for short) will be send them back to the Great Britian, even when this British car brand is still under China's control. The first MG model that will stage a comeback to its own roots is the MG6 GT.

Derived from its Chinese derivative, the Roewe 550, the MG6 boasts sporty elegance and the modest performance only a true British hatchback should offer. The MG6 stays true to its British roots because it was designed by the MG Motor UK Technical Centre and engineered at its Longbridge plant despite this was a completely knock down (CKD) unit. Honestly, the MG6 was made in China but shipped to the UK for some finishing touches. In China, two body types are offered; the 5-door hatchback and the 4-door saloon. The 5-door hatchback is the first to be offered for British customers while the 4-door saloon will arrive in the Britain this summer.

2011 MG MG6 GT interior

On the interior, the MG6 is a boastful experience for the driver. In night time, the red ambient lighting adds a nice touch on the MG6's interior, which is well suited for some nighttime getaway in London town. The MG6 GT S and the MG6 GT SE offers fabric interior while the top-of-the-line MG6 GT TSE offers leather interior, which is somewhat a brave act to follow. Since this is a 5-door hatchback, the MG6 GT is utility-wise. Imaging how many stuff you can pack on the back.

The only engine offered on the MG6 GT is the 1.8T TCI-Tech engine. This turbocharged 1.8-litre engine boasts 158bhp/5500rpm of power output and 215Nm of torque capacity. Top speed is 120 mph (limited) and accumulates 8.4 seconds in the 0-60mph run. The 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the MG6 GT, which can be somewhat a great news for thrill seekers but not quite good enough if its 5 gears. This engine consumes 35.6MPG (7.9L/100km) combined. For a cleaner driving, the emission regulation and emission controller is added for reduced emissions, resulting at a CO2 mass emission of 184g/km.

My Comment:
There's no need to celebrate MG's return to the Great Britain even when MG is still Chinese-owned. We can celebrate about the arrival of the MG6 GT, the hatchback designed and engineered in the UK for the ultimate fun-to-drive experience. My biggest criticism of all is how does the 5-speed manual be any more fun to the MG6 GT? One gear is missing on it but never mind, it's still looks good to drive. Sadly, no automatic variant available on the MG6 Hatchback, which makes it a weird news for automatic fans. The MG6 GT targets the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Hatchback, Alfa Romeo Brera, Lancia Delta, Mazda Atenza Sport, Citroen C4, or even the Renault Megane Berline as rivals. Find out how does MG's comeback to the UK will stand.

Photo: MG Motor UK Limited

What is "The Ringtone?"

Meet Brix the heartbreaker, Macmac the techie boy, Nancy the hopeless romantic, Tricia the sexy babe, and Vanessa the third sex with a third eye. These guys are off on their summer getaway when suddenly the van thud a white lady and when the guys come out of the van, the white lady's not here! While searching, Macmac picked up a cellphone from the unknown. After that, the van stopped at nowhere and when Nancy opened the van, they were shocked by the two clowns and greeted them to...the LAST RESORT!

What lurks inside the LAST RESORT? What's creepy about the cellphone Macmac found it after the van hit and run the white lady?

That's the question only we can answer on Spooky Nights presents The Ringtone.

The Ringtone is their latest installment in the Spooky Nights series. It stars Kris Bernal (Jenna from Koreana) as Nancy, Aljur Albrenica (Machete) as Brix, Sam Pinto (Bubble Gang) as Tricia, Sef Cadayona as Vanessa, and Gerould Aceron as Macmac. Also starring DJ Rico Robles as the voice of DJ Papa King, Gene Padilla as Mang Aga the driver of the van the gang's riding, Benjie Paras as Dr. Morgan and introducing Moymoy Palaboy and Roadfill from Bubble Gang.

Scream with laughter with The Ringtone! Airing every Saturday nights on GMA, right after Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho!

Nissan Urvan in The Ringtone episode

*Photo shown is the Nissan Urvan driven by Mang Aga on the first episode of The Ringtone

Melai's tips to make you feel like "you're from the vacation" even if you're not...

What just happened on the April 30 episode of Banana Split?

- The hottest and latest showbiz news on HOT ISSUE!

- Jokes at Nayong Pilipino

- Mutanglawin Kuya Keem (John Prats) explains what is the meaning of Intramuros and how does this "within the walls" work

- Everybody's best friend, Melai Cantiveros, gave us tips to make us feel like "we're from vacation" even if we're not on M3: Melai Mo Magwork

5) Buy some "pasalubong" at the mall such as dried mangoes and peanut kisses

4) Keep putting make up until your skin is on tan color

3) Buy some sticker tattoo and put it on your body. This will make you feel like you were on Boracay

2) Create souvenir shirts

1) Create a Chocolate Hills background wallpaper so you can have souvenir photos. Make sure no kapitbahay can see it because someone's jealous.

- John Prats introduces the Nayong Pilipino welcome dance

- a game of Just Draw It! Happy brithday, Jayson Gainza!