Imported from Dubai...?

We Filipinos are valued customers of grey market imports because they offer fully-equipped cars rather than in local dealerships. As the government keeps a watchful eye against grey market imports because of the smuggling issues, we are still big fans of it. Most of the grey market import cars we commonly see at Subic, Cebu, Port Irene, Manila and other parts of the Philippines are from U.S., Europe, Korea, and Japan.

However, there is only one thing I am not utterly familiar of. Are you familiar about a "Dubai Version" vehicle? Yes, I kept commonly see on the classified ads and I still don't know what's a Dubai Version car and how did a Dubai Version car became a trending topic to the grey market imports?

How the heck did we get these "Dubai version" cars? Does a country like Dubai make these? Nope, Dubai doesn't make cars and they import it from countries like Europe, America and Japan like for instance, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Expedition, Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Mitsubishi Pajero, and other large SUVs that once we get it, we labeled them as "DUBAI VERSION".

The mystery behind a grey market "DUBAI VERSION" car remained unsolved and how the heck did a country like the Philippines snagged those luxury SUVs imported from Dubai. Why Dubai? How did we get those ultra premium rides straight from the Arab country like Dubai?

Hmmm, like what Pooh said, ANO NGA KAYA? What should we know about a Dubai Version luxury car? First off, the speedometers are in the kmh unit, not in a mph unit because it was set in metric/imperial units instead of English units. Another thing to spot a Dubai version SUV is the full options that a local car dealer would not have, especially the part where a DVD player is installed. Whoever bought those Dubai Version rides were especially politicians and celebrities. 

Do you remember the news about Gerald Anderson caught owning a smuggled, unregistered Hummer? No wait, he has a Hummer but his driver was caught. Yes, he owns that smuggled Hummer caught by the cops but what version is that smuggled Hummer? Is that smuggled from North America? No, that's from Dubai. It seems the government is keeping a watchful eye against smuggled vehicles because of the unpaid taxes. Heh, didn't realize that Gerald Anderson was a victim of those.

Something's fishy about the Dubai Version cars. How did we get those. A Ford Expedition imported from Dubai instead from America? A Toyota Land Cruiser imported from Dubai instead of being a converted unit from Japan? That feels wrong and I am not a huge fan of grey market imports from Dubai. I prefer gray market imports from America, Europe, Japan and Korea because these were made of and I hope that's a lesson served to all of you.

Can a country like the Philippines import some vehicle straight from Dubai even though it was not made in Dubai? For me, it's a wrong way because Dubai doesn't have manufacturing plants but sourced it from other countries.

It's Alphabert vs. Letterman once again!

Letterman turns PUTO into PUTOK!

Alphabert turns TAWA into TAWAS!

It's another round between Alphabert versus Letterman once again on the June 15, 2011 episode of Banana Split. When a guy named Manuel bought puto, he encountered Letterman. Letterman snagged Manuel's puto and turned it into PUTOK. Manuel got bad odor that caused humiliation. Alpha Bert to the rescue and fights back using the laughter of people due to Manuel's PUTOK. He turned TAWA into TAWAS. Alphabert passed the TAWAS to Manuel. Alphabert wins, Letterman loses by an angry mob.

ANG TV PATROL TEXT JOKE OF THE DAY:

Sigaw si Misis: Manganganak na ako! Manganganak na ako! Dalhin mo na ako sa delivery room!

Sagot si Mister: Ganun ba?! Tara, dadalhin kita sa McJolly!

Tanong si Misis: Ba't sa McJolly?

Sagot si Mister: Dun kasi may free delivery!

256 viewers said HAVEY while 5 said WALEY!

HORO-SCOOP:

Aries - Mag-ingat para hindi madisgrasya... Dahil madidisgrasya ka kapag hindi ka nag-ingat. Lucky number mo ay kung ano ang lalabas na number bukas sa sakto ng Happy Yippee Yehey!

Horo-scoop with Zenaida Sebo

All New Nissan Lafesta Highway Star (CWEFWN/CWEAWN)

2012 Nissan Lafesta Highway Star

The arc Nissan fans been waiting for has arrived! The all new Nissan Lafesta Highway Star provides a perfect blend of style, performance, comfort, and ecology, fused into one unique package. The all new Nissan Lafesta Highway Star is sourced from the Mazda's Hiroshima Plant and in fact, the new Lafesta Highway Star is essentially an OEM version of the third-generation Mazda Premacy/5 (CWEFW).

When Nissan asked Mazda for their own version of the third-generation Mazda Premacy, there is only one condition before this Nissan version of the third-generation Premacy became a reality; discard the Nagare design.

It's good to say that the all new 2012 Nissan Lafesta Highway Star looks good without Mazda's Nagare design flowed from the third-generation Mazda Premacy/5 because the Nagare design will ruined its Highway Star status. How did the Highway Star trim became a sub-name for the new Lafesta? It's simple, the Highway Star variants in most Nissan minivans such as the Elgrand E52, Serena C26, and the Nissan version of the Suzuki Palette/Palette SW known as the Roox are highly successful and the reason to create a spin-off model is to provide a blend of style, performance, comfort, and ecology for the customers. What we're worrying now is Nissan halted production of the old Lafesta and the remaining will be sold under a new name "LAFESTA JOY" to differentiate it to the Mazda Premacy-sourced spin-off.

2012 Nissan Lafesta Highway Star interior

Open those two sliding doors with the use of the remote and you are ready to explore its 6+1 seater capacity. The middle seat at the 2nd row can be adjusted to make it as an armrest of as an access to the 3rd row seats. The new Nissan Lafesta Highway Star is born to be a multipurpose passenger vehicle and we salivated over it if we want to find one as a converted grey market import. Hey, does this Nissan version of the Mazda Premacy would come to Hong Kong soon? Not sure but be patient.

2012 Nissan Lafesta Highway Star

The all new Nissan Lafesta Highway Star is available in three engine types. First is the LF-VE (2.0L 4-cylinder DOHC S-VT) engine, second is the LF-VD (2.0L 4-cylinder DOHC S-VT DISI) engine, and third is the LF-VDS (2.0L 4-cylinder DOHC S-VT DISI) engine with the Idle Stop & Go feature. The LF-VE engine has 139PS/6,500rpm of power output, 17.9kg-m/4,000rpm of torque output, and fuel economy of 11.2km/L (10-15 mode). This LF-VE engine is exclusive to the 4WD variants. Meanwhile, the LF-VD Gasoline Direct Injection engine contributes a power output of 150PS/6,200rpm, 19.0kg-m/4,500rpm of torque output and 15.0km/L (10-15 mode) of fuel economy. Available at the Lafesta Highway Star J Package. The LF-VDS engine has the same specs as the LF-VD engine but it is equipped with the idling stop function, making it the sixth member of the Nissan Pure Drive range. This function can shut off this engine when stationery like for instance, stopping at the red light. With this feature, fuel economy is 16.0km/L (10-15 Mode) so this makes it a class-topping minivan because of its superb ecology.

The all new Nissan Lafesta Highway Star comes with five exterior colors such as Crystal White Pearl, Aluminum Silver Metallic, Metropolitan Grey Pearl, Sparkling Black Pearl, and Copper Red Pearl.

My Comment:

Perhaps this is a spin-off, I can't call it a new generation but with the all new Nissan Lafesta Highway Star, you can experience a new blend of family carrier on the go. Without Mazda's Nagare design, this is something we can fall in love at. It's odd that the front view has the grille of the Nissan Serena C26 while the whole body was derived from the third-generation Mazda Premacy/5. This minivan felt like it was taking a face off against its rivals face-to-face. I'm sure we can pray to have one as a converted gray market import from Subic, Manila, Port Irene, or wherever the heck Japan surplus cars are sold. The all new Lafesta Highway Star looks good without the plain-looking Nagare lines. Sounds cheesy but flattering.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2012MY Subaru Legacy range receives some small upgrades

2012 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon

2012 Subaru Legacy B4

In July 14, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries released the 2012 Subaru Legacy models (the Touring Wagon, B4 sedan, and Outback SUV) packed with some small upgrades. What's new for the 2012 Model Year? Let's see, the side mirrors changed, improved suspension, new Ice Silver Metallic color added, updated Eyesight safety systems, and something else to keep them updated for the 2012 model year.

Scoop: http://www.carview.co.jp/news/0/148455/

2012 Subaru Legacy Outback 2.5i S Package Limited

That's not all, the 2012 Subaru Legacy Outback received a sporty special edition under the trim name "2.5i Eyesight S Package Limited" and "2.5i S Package Limited" and this SUV version of the Legacy ditches its two-tone coloring and it wears some sporty rims to make it more advanced, stylish, sleek, and sporty.

Check more: http://www.subaru.jp/legacy/25ispackagelimited/

Volkswagen Scirocco - Forza 3 Owner's View

Scirocco plays in the plain of Spain

You should find a gray market Scirocco
elsewhere...

Dubai Version Scirocco!

FINAL IMPRESSIONS: The Volkswagen Scirocco in Forza Motorsport 3 seems to be odd even though its a 3-door sports hatch we salivated over the years. When switched to cockpit view, I was wondering why the heck it was set on a RHD (Right Hand Drive) basis? The speedometer seems to be not on the MPH basis and I think it's not some UK Version of the Scirocco. Maybe I'm guessing that it was some kind of a Japan-spec Scirocco perhaps? Doesn't matter which version is this RHD VW Scirocco but the thing is, it's still a Scirocco we salivated over it since VW USA didn't bring the Scirocco due to exchange rates.

One day, this Scirocco would be ours for the taking as a grey market import...

Mang Ben's Chopsticks Dilemma

Mang Ben holds some chopsticks

Another Mang Ben episode happened on the June 14, 2011 episode of Banana Split Daily Servings. This time, Mang Ben is having some hard time dealing with chopsticks. He can't finished his meal while some guy (Jason Francisco) finished the whole meal and broke the chopsticks. While the man is reading, Mang Ben swapped paper bowls and when he sees that his paper bowl has some noodles, he asked the waiter and he said he needs another one but no more chopsticks, spoon and fork is necessary. False move, Mang Ben!

In another "ANO NGA KAYA?", Pooh imagines what if all of the answers to the questions have trivia. The positive point is that you'll learn something but the negative point is that is time-wasting. Ano nga kaya?

ANG TV PATROL TEXT JOKE OF THE DAY:

Sabi ni Juan: Gustong magbawas ng timbang ang misis ko, kaya pinag-horseback riding ko.

Tanong si Pedro: Kumusta naman?!

Sagot si Juan: Ayun, nabawasan ng 40 kilos yung kabayo!

1,256 viewers said HAVEY while 5 said WALEY!

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 1

Hey there. Welcome to the new portion of my blog and this is called "Driving Music" where I will tackle more on car commercial songs and everything car-related like gas stations, tires, motor oil, car rental, anything car related. I will give you five recommended car commercial songs per random occasions. You won't guess when will I post next but as car addicts like us want to find out what is the song played in most car commercials from around the world, you'll be the best to know.

There are so many car commercials from around the world. In Europe, the U.S., Asia, any other country has car commercials playing good songs most car addicts will salivate it over and over until they get that song and play it while driving.

Car commercial songs can be a perfect fit to your car audio and it can be a perfect playlist to your Gran Turismo 5's Personal BGM feature! On my pilot post, I'll feature my top five recommended car commercial songs for you to enjoy. It's either play it on the car audio or play it while playing Gran Turismo 5 via Personal BGM! 

5) Where Do We Go From Here by Blake and Hayley Westenra

Where did you hear it: At the 2008 Toyota Alphard commercial from Japan starring Ewan McGregor

What is it look like: Click Here

Where can I find this song: A Maxi Single Album titled "Where Do We Go From Here" by Blake and Hayley Westenra. It was released since May 2008 but when I checked at CDJapan, out of stock. So sorry, so you have to find ways to find that song!

4) I Know Your Dreams by Akihiko Matsumoto

Where did you hear it: 2005 Toyota "Zero Crown" Commercial from Japan

What is it look like: Click Here. If you're not into that, let me describe that commercial. First you'll hear some Japanese narration, then you'll see the first-generation Crown, later on it fades, and later on, it turned into a Toyota Crown Athlete and later the words "ZERO CROWN, 第二章" (which means ZERO CROWN SECOND CHAPTER) appeared.

Where can I find this song: An album titled LINK+AGE and it features the best of Akihiko Matsumoto's original music score. There is even the song played on the Nissan Fuga (Infiniti M) promo movie called Vortex. Search that album on ebay or if you're not into that, find some ways to get that song!

3) HEY YOU by Eikichi Yazawa

Where did you hear it: 2010 Toyota Alphard commercial from Japan

What is it look like: Alphard at the start of the ad, later on an airship appeared above the Alphard. Man and woman exiting the blimp and entering the Alphard. Proof? Click here.

Where can I find this song: Eikichi Yazawa's album titled TWIST. Buy that album on CDJAPAN!

2) Neon Sky Rain by Vector Lovers

Where did you hear it: 2010 Kia Sportage R Pre-launching commercial from Korea

What is it look like: You'll see a robot approaching a white Sportage R. After checking the exterior, the robot opens the hood and gets inside the engine room. Click here to see it!

Where can I find this song: From the album Capsule For One. Download this song at http://www.amazon.com/Neon-Sky-Rain-2011-Remaster/dp/B000T18GBA

1) Hurricane 2000 (Rock You Like A Hurricane) by The Scorpions

Where did you hear it: From a Korean Kia Spectra Wing commercial

What is it look like: It's hard to describe what was that ad is. Please click here to see it.

Where can I find this song: Box Of Scorpions box set. It features the best songs from The Scorpions. Buy it at Amazon.com!

And that's my top five recommended car commercial songs for this post. I'll be back for more so if need questions, feel free to comment! I'm happy to understand your questions. If someone asks what was the song on a certain car commercial, that will be from me, OK? Bye!

Some "hot cars" appeared on a Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin episode

Toyota Sequoia (Dubai Version)
on a Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin episode

Nissan 180SX, Honda Fit, and Toyota Sequoia
on a Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin episode

Nissan Fairlady Z and Lexus LS460
on a Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin episode

Nissan Fairlady Z (Z34)
on a Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin episode

Nissan Fairlady Z and Lexus LS460
on a Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin episode

Some "hot cars", most are "Made In Japan", showed up on a Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin episode last June 13, 2011!

In the parking garage, when Javier and his punks are talking and heading inside a white, souped-up, Toyota Sequoia SUV (is that Sequoia a Dubai Version or North America version? I think it's a Dubai Version because we Filipinos tend to buy expensive and large SUVs sourced from Dubai, you know) when a punk sawed a black, souped-up, Nissan 180SX. He said he wants one and he tries to hijack it but later got caught by the security guard and the punks (including Javier, played by Coco Martin) getting away. By the way, a red, first-generation, Honda Fit/Jazz, appeared too as a background vehicle. The boys didn't hijack it.

Later, I saw a blue Nissan Fairlady Z (370Z) Z34 and a luxurious Lexus LS 460 (USF40) also appeared on that episode as well and it revealed that Javier's punk friends were actually professional thieves.

I'm confused but what will it show up next?

Hyundai Genesis/Rohens sedan crashed during City Hunter taping

A Hyundai Genesis (Rohens) sedan crashed

during a taping for a City Hunter episode.

A Hyundai Genesis/Rohens sedan was crashed during City Hunter taping and City Hunter star, Lee Min Ho, was injured during the taping.

Scoop: http://www.soompi.com/news/city-hunters-lee-min-ho-in-car-accident

Don't worry, the City Hunter, Lee Min Ho, is still okay after a hurtful car crashed during the taping. Accidents rarely occurred and I kinda felt sorry for the Hyundai Genesis sedan crashed during a taping for the City Hunter episode. If he's okay, he'll be back for more stringent taping. Let's just pray for his recovery, okay?

McLaren-Mercedes' Jenson Button emerged as Canadian GP victor

In an impossible feat at the Canadian GP because of the rainy weather, one racer stood all the odds. Jenson Button from McLaren-Mercedes snagged the checkered flag and emerged victorious on the Canadian GP, leaving two Red Bull Racing players from 2nd-to-3rd place.

Scoop: http://www.formula1.com/news/features/2011/6/12182.html

Hard to imagine how the heck did Jenson Button won the Canadian GP but in the team standings, Red Bull Racing is in the lead by 255 points, McLaren-Mercedes catches up by 186 points, and Ferrari placing third by 101 points. Now onto the driver standings; S.Vettel still in the lead by 161 points, Jenson Button in 101 points, and Mark Webber in 94 pts.

Let's see if Red Bull Racing seeking revenge against McLaren-Mercedes in Europe this June 26, if they have the chance (and the possibility of another S. Vettel Pole Position).

Well played, Mavs!

Last Game 5 of the NBA Finals 2011 (best to 7), the Dallas Mavericks defeated Miami Heat and taken a 3-2 lead. Now on Game 6 of the NBA Finals 2011, the rest is history. Dallas Mavericks snags the trophy of being the winning NBA team of 2011, beating our favorite Miami Heat by 105-95.

Scoop: http://sports.inquirer.net/4946/mavericks-win-nba-championship

I am neither side of Dallas nor Heat, but I do appreciated with the performance done by those teams. The German-born player for Dallas Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki, is one tough athlete, he kept shooting hoops and that style puts our ever favorite Lebron James and Dwayne Wade from Miami Heat to shame. The toughness made the Mavericks star player MVP.

Scoop: http://sports.inquirer.net/4955/nowitzki-named-mvp-of-nba-finals

I kinda felt sorry for the Filipino coach for Miami Heat but that's okay. Past is past. Let's forget all about the bad times and let's all think about the good times.

Volkswagen Golf Mk6 Cabriolet

2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet

The return of the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet is just the perfect timing for young European drivers wanted to go out for the long European summer getaway. It targets the Renault Megane III Coupe-Cabriolet as a formidable rival but the Golf Cabriolet, based on the Golf Mk6, is just a bit too fat to look at it because it was something bland to think about the newest offering.

The Golf Mk6 Cabriolet might seem to be classified as a coupe-cabriolet as the Eos but when you're closing the top, the Golf Mk6 Cabriolet wears a soft-top rather than a hard-top like the Volkswagen Eos. It has been done because of the classic tradition of the Golf Cabriolets wearing the same soft-top roof. Despite its soft-top roof, the Golf VI Cabriolet provided a world-class silence, making it the quietest of its class, allowing it to withstand against over 5000 Hz of wind noises. The soft-top roof on the new Golf Cabriolet opens at 9 seconds and closes at 11 seconds, making it the quickest cabriolet to open and close, just like the Lexus IS250C and the Renault Wind.

The Golf VI Cabriolet can be personalized with a host of packs available to suit your needs such as the "Performance," "Design & Style," "Comfort," "Technology," "Light & Sight", "Mirror" and "Winter" packs. The Design & Style pack and the Performance pack are highly recommended to bring out the best on the Golf Cabriolet's exterior. It's up to you to choose which pack is best suitable on your new Golf Cabriolet.

Available engine types on the Golf Mk6 Cabriolet:
1) 1.2 TSI with 77 kW / 105 PS (entry-level)
2) 1.4 TSI with 90 kW / 122 PS
3) 1.4 TSI with 118 kW / 160 PS
4) 2.0 TSI with 155 kW / 210 PS
5) 1.6 TDI with 77 kW / 105 PS
6) 2.0 TDI with 103 kW / 140 PS

BlueMotion models will feature the innovative idling stop system that brings and engine to a complete stop when stopped at the red light, providing efficiency and low fuel consumption when you need it. Battery regeneration is also included in BlueMotion variants, henceforth that the Golf Cabriolet BlueMotion has the micro hybrid technology installed and when braked, the battery regenerates. A key feature to bringing the Golf Cabriolet to its eco-car status.

Choices of a 6-speed and 7-speed DSG transmission is a commodity for the new Golf Cabriolet. Beginners can choose the 6-speed DSG while advanced drivers can choose the 7-speed DSG as their desire to push it further beyond the autobahn for all.

Nine exterior colors are available on the new Golf Cabriolet such as Pure White, Dark Purple Metallic, Night Blue Metallic, Reflexsilber Metallic, Shark Blue Metallic, Sunset Red Metallic, Tungsten Silver, United Grey Metallic, and Deep Black Perleffekt.

My Comment:
The classic just got remastered and guess what, most of the features from the previous Golf I Cabriolet and Golf III Cabriolet gotten themselves a "TRANSFARRING" treatment and passed it on to the Golf VI Cabriolet as the donor. The new Golf VI Cabriolet might seem to be a late arrival but it's going to be an instant classic.

Photo: Volkswagen AG