2ND GENERATION MAZDA AXELA MINOR CHANGE

The second-generation Mazda Axela was arrived since June 2009 and it help revolutionized the "idling stop" boom thanks to its "i-stop" feature that automatically shuts off its engine when stopped. This car was already exported worldwide as the all new Mazda 3 and the Philippines was the only country that didn't get it until next year. While we are mourning on our poor predicament, we are getting mow down with the introduction of the minor change of the second-generation Mazda Axela and if that wasn't enough, the minor change will see its arrival of the 20-SKYACTIV variant, the second Mazda to be equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY since the Mazda Demio/2.

2012 Mazda Axela

On its latest minor change, the Mazda Axela gained a new, engaging, efficient exterior that provides well-round sportiness and it offers in two body styles such as the 4-door sedan and the 5-door Sport hatchback. The refined design is made to be more appealing to the crowd and the improved aerodynamics provides a deduction to its carbon emission. This is how the true beauty of the new Axela outshines the crowd.

2012 Mazda Axela interior

The interior of the Mazda Axela minor change gains some minor cosmetic changes such as a silver-colored, satin-polished details, silver-on-black color scheme, color adjustments at the Multi Information Display (MID) and liquid crystal display (LCD), and sporty twin-meter design of the instrument cluster highlighted with new, continuous-lit white graphic meters for vibrant clarity. To add some convenience, the Mazda Axela comes with BOSE Surround Sound System for the best sound experience like no other.

MAZDA AXELA 20-SKYACTIV

The PE-VPS engine on the 2012 Mazda Axela SKYACTIV

2012 Mazda Axela SKYACTIV's i-DM

Marked as the 2nd Mazda to be equipped with SKYACTIV Technology, the Mazda Axela 20-SKYACTIV comes with the new PE-VPS (2.0L 4-cylinder DOHC 16-Valve SKYACTIV-G) direct injection engine that provides the best compression ratio, 4-2-1 exhaust system for the excellent knock-resistant technology, and combustion improvement. If the PE-VPS engine wasn't enough, a new SKYACTIV-DRIVE was equipped and this one has all the advantages of a conventional step CVT, Dual Clutch, and Step Automatic Transmission. The new SKYACTIV-DRIVE is the ultimate automatic transmission developed exclusively to the Mazda Axela SKYACTIV variants, which provides good fuel economy at both low and high speeds, easy start up (Launch feel), easy start up on hill (Creep), direct feel, and smooth shifting (Shifting Quality). This new transmission is "ideal for global market" like a region-free Playstation 3 if you know what I mean. With this region-free SKYACTIV-DRIVE, the fuel economy of the Mazda Axela SKYACTIV is good for 20.0km/L based on Japan's 10-15 mode scale and 17.6km/L based on Japan's JC08 mode scale. This has bound to be the best SKYACTIV-powered model ever made and it also comes with the exclusive i-DM (intelligent Drive Master) which provides real time information and some advices before you get off the Axela SKYACTIV.

2012 Mazda Axela

Despite this, they still offer the conventional MZR 1.5L DOHC engine that comes with [CVT+7-speed Manual Mode] that provides 18.4km/L of fuel economy based on Japan's 10-15 Mode scale.

2012 Mazda Axela

The Mazda Axela understands that safety is its top priority and it comes with a host of safety features such as Adaptive Front Lighting System, Bi-Xenon Headlamps, Rear Vehicle Monitoring System that detects incoming vehicles from behind, Emergency Signal System, Dynamic Stability Control, anti-lock braking system with Electronic Braking Distribution, MAGMA (Mazda Geometric Motion Absorption) body, and SRS airbags.

2012 Mazda Axela

The Mazda Axela sedan and Sport comes with seven unique color variations such as Sky Blue Mica, Graphite Mica, Indigo Light Mica, Velocity Red Mica, Black Mica, Aluminum Metallic, and Crystal White Pearl Mica.

My Comment:
The arrival of the second-generation Mazda Axela's minor change and with the addition of the new Mazda Axela SKYACTIV really have Philippine Mazda fans begging to FGP-Mazda to bring the all new model soon and yes, we can't take it too long before the all new Mazda Axela/3 to come to the Philippines at the first half of next year. Couldn't come closer...

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

The Berlinetta Boxer

Song played on my Personal BGM: NAKED GENIUS by Haqua (CV: Saori Hayami)

From the album: Kaminomi Character CD.00 Haqua starring SAORI HAYAMI

Nighttime driving with the Berlinetta Boxer

The "BB" in the Ferrari 512BB naming stands for "Berlinetta Boxer" and this 512BB was the updated version of the 365 GT4 BB, which dates back in the 1970's. The Ferrari 512BB was produced from 1976 to 1981 with 929 units built and it was replaced by a much updated version called the 512i BB, which lasted from 1981 to 1984 with 1007 units produced. However, we're talking about the Berlinetta Boxer featured on GT5, which is the Ferrari 512BB, the lowest priced Ferrari you can get on GT5 for just 102,500 credits (Level 8 required).

We can see the 512BB hanging out in Kyoto

When you talk about "Berlinetta Boxer", this is bound to be Ferrari's first to be equipped with a Boxer engine, meaning that this engine has its pistons positioned horizontally, but the "512" naming in the 512BB refers to its 5.0-litre, 12-cylinder engine. Perhaps there is such thing as a boxer-12 engine and this was the kind of Ferrari your dad drove it back to his highschool days. This 5-litre boxer-12 engine is capable of releasing 355HP/6800rpm of power output, 332.71ft-lb/4600rpm of torque, and it weighs 1400kg because of its steel tube space frame. It was designed by both Pininfarina and Scagletti and this car had a top speed of 302kph, meaning that's 2kph faster than the Lamborghini Countach.

When Berlinetta Boxers attack

A proud owner of this legendary supercar nostalgia could tune this car to as much as 540HP/7600rpm of power, 448ft-lb/5400rpm of torque and 1166kg of weight. However, if you tone it down to meet its 550PP regulations at the Supercar Nostalgia Cup, the Ferrari 512BB is highly "not recommended". Why? You may think that this Supercar Nostalgia is faster than the Countach but no, it will get its back kicked by the 1960's pre-production Lamborghini Miura P400. Honestly, it was lived in an era where Traction Control and anti-lock brakes hasn't been invented yet and mastering the 512BB takes a lot of effort because of the braking. Of course, because the 512BB in real life doesn't have TCS and ABS, this is going to be a bit difficult to master and it requires a few tricks to figure this out.

Ferrari 512BB attacks the Shutokou

The Ferrari 512BB is all about Supercar Nostalgia at its best. Like most Ferraris, it was listed as a Premium Tier car, allowing owners to change its rims or take them to a Photo Travel. It may not be a good "bragging right" that you own this car on this game but the Ferrari 512BB is focused to be somewhat a good part of your collection.

Ferrari 512BB relaxing in Kyoto again

FIAT 500C meets J-LO

Well, what do you know?

A Fiat 500C was appeared in Jennifer Lopez's music video of her new song, Papi!

I was impressed to see the Fiat 500C debuted in Jennifer Lopez's latest song and hey, that 500C looks great even though this music video is one heck of a riot for men who just can't get enough of J-LO!

Man, I just want that song! And also that car! ^^

Jean Alesi considers taking on Indy 500...

Despite being aged, former Formula One racer and Group Lotus brand ambassador, Jean Alesi (ジャン・アレジ), has a lot of stuff to do on his quota, especially if he's taking on INDY 500 next year with Lotus.

This is the first time Jean Alesi's taking on the oval racing, especially Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and his role as a global brand ambassador with Lotus will serve as the key role for the 2012 Indy 500 race this May.

For someone like Alesi, age is just a number and it's not a hindrance to his career.

Scoop: http://paultan.org/2011/09/26/jean-alesi-to-take-on-indy-500-in-2012-in-a-lotus/

Wow Mali pranks - September 26, 2011

Joey De Leon and Enchong Go at the bar

Pranks pulled on the September 26, 2011 episode of Wow Mali:

1) Payong Kapatid - Need some advice? Don't worry, we're here to fool you, I mean, to help you.

2) Doray Alaskadora - This troublemaker's painting everyone's faces "OSCURO"!

Paint this guy's face "black" with Doray!

3) Takbo Barbero Takbo - Hey Mr. Barber man! My haircut's not yet done! Where are you going?!

4) Shocking Pen - This street magic will shock you, literally, at the click of his ball pen!

5) Pulubi Black Mail - Those beggars are taking it seriously....TOO SERIOUSLY.

6) FX MAKE-UP - One joyride at the FX would ruin your make-up, seriously, if this FX braked. Don't blame the passenger sitting next to you...

7) Magic Ipis - If you say "ipis", I mean yes, the "ipis" is on your hand.

8) Star Confusion - Celebrities like Gio Alvarez and Nikki Bacolod got "confused" on another STAR CONFUSION!

Gio Alvarez in a Wow Mali episode!

Nikki Bacolod in a Wow Mali episode!

SA AKIN ANG MGA BASURA NIYO, SIR!

We interrupt your laughter for some breaking news courtesy of BANANA SPLIT LAUGHTERNOON DELIGHT'S ANG TV PATROL NEWS AND OTHER AFFAIRS!

Ang palaboy sa kalye

Several "palaboy" in the streets will be caught by the MMDA, but this guy thought the word "palaboy" is "Playboy". Not only he's deaf, he's blind.

Then, for the weekday gags, inuman gags!

Let's drink!

On "Ibang-iba si Eba", we witness what if women are collecting your garbage.

Let me take your trash

Then on "Once Hapon a Time presents Sa Akin ang Huling Halakhak", the reason how did Dolores stabbed David is..."Naaalala mo bang ginawa sa nanay ko?"

What did I done?

And for the weather report, expect a very "dark" weather or as this weather reporter called it FLOYD MAY-WEATHER!

Toyota Pixis Space (L575A/L585A)

Over the years, Toyota Motor Corporation never made any single "Light Weight K Car" or "kei car" but their interest was made by Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., which in fact Toyota owns Daihatsu for that reason. At the past, we see Daihatsu Storia models wearing Toyota badges as the Toyota Duet, the Daihatsu Boon as the Toyota Passo, and the Daihatsu Be-Go (known in emerging countries as the Terios) as the Toyota Rush. And now for the first time, thanks to the joint custody between Toyota and Daihatsu, Toyota finally start selling its first "kei car" under the "PIXIS" sub-brand. Meet the 2012 Toyota Pixis Space, a Daihatsu Move Conte wearing a Toyota badge!

2012 Toyota Pixis Space

2012 Toyota Pixis Space Custom

The 2012 Toyota Pixis Space is the first of the Toyota Pixis sub-brand, where these models are sourced from Daihatsu, and this is the first of its kind. The Toyota Pixis Space comes in two unique styles; standard version for simple tastes and Custom version for fashionable tastes. The Toyota Pixis Space features a boxy look which is too similar from its big brothers such as the Toyota bB and the Toyota Corolla Rumion and hey, looks like this is start of something we would like to call it Toyota's "box car" club but enough of this laughing manner because we are getting serious about Toyota's first kei car sold in Japan in cooperation with Daihatsu. On the standard version, we're looking at something simple such as the squarish headlamps, odd-looking grille, and simple rear lamps while the Pixis Space Custom, on the other hand, features a billet-style grille, odd-looking headlamps, rectangular fog lamps, and some Altezza-style rear lamps to bring out something sporty.

2012 Toyota Pixis Space interior

2012 Toyota Pixis Space Custom interior

What you will see on the interior of the standard Pixis Space are some red lines accentuated on the seats and the dashboard to give it a little something French because these red lines look more reasonable on the light interior but on the Pixis Space Custom, a blend of dark interior and white lines does suit well but if your choice was the RS version, an exclusive MOMO steering wheel is equipped to make it well mannered.

Most Pixis Space variants come with a 658cc Twin Cam DVVT 3-cylinder 12-valve engine that produces 38kW(52PS)/7,200r.p.m. of power output and 60N・m(6.1kgf・m)/4,000r.p.m. of torque output. It provides CVT as the standard transmission available on most variants and it will provide a maximum fuel economy of 25.5km/L (2WD variants) in Japan's 10-15 Mode scale thanks to Daihatsu's Eco Idle feature which provides idling stop to this engine, making it to stop automatically when stopped at the red light. On the Toyota Pixis Space Custom RS, it will have an exclusive turbocharged version of a 658cc Twin Cam DVVT 3-cylinder 12-valve engine, providing 47kW(64PS)/6,000r.p.m. of power output, 103N・m (10.5kgf・m)/3,000r.p.m. of torque output and the fuel economy of 19.0 km/L (2WD variants) based on Japan's 10-15 Mode scale.

The standard Toyota Pixis Space offers seven exterior colors such as Bright Silver Metallic, Black Mica Metallic, Plum Brown Crystal Mica, Pearl White III, Light Rose Mica Metallic, Cotton Ivory, and Mist Blue Mica Metallic while the Toyota Pixis Space Custom offers five exterior colors such as Bright Silver Metallic, Black Mica Metallic, Plum Brown Crystal Mica, Pearl White III and Urban Night Blue Crystal Metallic.

My Comment:
The team up between Toyota and Daihatsu realizing the dream to have Toyota selling its first kei car under the Pixis sub brand and the Toyota Pixis Space, based on the Daihatsu Move Conte, was the first of its kind. Consider it the petite of Toyota's box cars such as the bB and the Corolla Rumion, the Toyota Pixis Space has a lot of learning to do, even though it comes in two different flavors such as the standard version and the Custom version. Adopting the concept of "my space", the new Toyota Pixis Space is best suited to your everyday lifestyles. It wasn't easy being the first kei car sold from Toyota but the Pixis Space has a few tricks on its sleeves.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation