8-speed 845RE automatic

2011 Chrysler 300

2011 Dodge Charger

The 2012MY Chrysler 300 Limited and the 2012MY Dodge Charger SXT comes with the class first 8-speed 845RE automatic. This new 8-speed automatic transmission provide lower emissions and better class leading fuel efficiency of 31MPG highway. A combination between the 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine and the new 8-speed 845RE automatic would be a good combination but for me, eight gears would be somewhat too excessive and it kills the fear factor because of the added weight.

The 8-speed 845RE automatic was developed jointly with German supplier ZF.

Further reading: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20102095-48/chrysler-8-speed-gearbox-to-boost-big-sedans-fuel-economy/?tag=cnetRiver

Suzuki at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

Here are the Suzuki premieres you would want to see at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, coming at the TOKYO BIG SIGHT this December 3, 2011:

1) 2012 Suzuki Swift Sport - It made a premiere at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show but that's just the three-door version. The five-door version will be making a premiere at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and it will be on sale in Japan later this year...

2012 Suzuki Swift Sport

2) Suzuki Swift EV Hybrid - Suzuki previews the plug-in hybrid version of the new Swift.

2011 Suzuki Swift EV Hybrid Concept

3) Suzuki Regina Concept - This concept car mashes up the MR Wagon's front and the Lancia Ypsilon's side!

2011 Suzuki Regina Concept

4) Suzuki Q-Concept - Suzuki shows the future of mobility with this cute concept car...

2011 Suzuki Q-Concept

The next Nissan Caravan?

2013 Nissan NV350 Caravan

Could this be the next Nissan Caravan? At the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, coming this December, Nissan will showcase the all new 2013 Nissan NV350 Caravan (日産NV350キャラバン) on that venue. Of course, this next generation Nissan passenger van hints us the next generation Nissan Caravan.

Coming also at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show is a concept car called PIVO3, an electric car with three seats!

2011 Nissan PIVO3 Concept

To learn more about these, feel free to visit the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show at the TOKYO BIG SIGHT this December 3 to December 11, 2011!

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Volume 15

Wow. It's a little bit quiet since no one's attacking me by any means of asking what was the song on a certain car commercial. Anyway, here are another five driving musics (car commercial songs) you would like to hear on your car audio...

5) & FOREVER by KAT-TUN - as heard on the latest Suzuki Solio Japanese commercial.

4) Golden Age by Def Tech - as heard on the latest Toyota Estima Japanese commercial.

3) Sunday Morning by MAROON 5 - as heard in the 2005 Toyota Vitz Japanese commercial starring Rie Miyazawa and also heard on the latest Chevrolet Malibu Korean commercial.

2) Time To Say Goodbye by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli - as heard in the 1998 Subaru Legacy Lancaster Japanese commercial.

1) Time To Say Goodbye by IL DIVO - as heard in the latest Toyota Alphard Hybrid Japanese commercial.

That is all. If you're looking to attack me, I mean, ask me for another driving music or asking what was the song on a certain car commercial, email me!

All about the Virage

Is that a DB9 or a DBS? Talk about Star Confusion!

Top Gear's James May claims that the all new Aston Martin Virage has the comfort of the DB9 infused with the raw power of the DBS. We understand why and the new Virage is sort of a middle-class Aston Martin. Why did he called this a middle-class Aston Martin? Simple. Even when these three have the same 5.9L V12 engine and 420lb-ft of torque, they have different attributes. The DB9 produces 450HP of power while the DBS produces 510HP of power and the Virage produces 490HP, which makes the Virage in the middle. Eh? Remembering what James May said?

We think that's the Virage!

There is just one thing that James May never told and its the weight, which makes the new Virage on the bottom. The DB9 weighs 3,880lbs while the the DBS weighs 3,737lbs and the new Virage weighs 3,935lbs, which makes the new Virage the heaviest of the three. This is just one thing why James May never mention this and he got so upset about the new Virage. Forget about what Top Gear said about it but for a quick summary, the Virage is better than the DB9 but not as good as the DBS, which makes the Virage a middle-class Aston.

Have James May try it on the track...

With the November Speed Pack launched, Forza Motorsport 4 players can now prove James May's sayings wrong with the new Aston Virage but still James is right and we were wrong because the Virage is definitely an "in-the-middle" class Aston but to counter it, tuning is the best ordeal for the Virage owners on FM4. Since it was an A600 class car, you can feel free to use the Virage in playground online games such as Tag Virus Infection, Keep the It, or a little game of Cat & Mouse where you can block off your rival Mouse while keeping your ally Mouse 1st place, well almost.

Which Aston Martin is the Virage?

The Aston Virage is better than the DB9 but not as quick as the DBS. There are other Virage owners in FM4 trying to prove James May wrong by tuning the Virage to be as the quickest of the three but whatever. It takes guts to master the art of the Aston Virage. Oh, and because it made a Top Gear Power Lap Time, feel free to recreate the Aston Martin Virage Top Gear Power Lap Time on Forza Motorsport 4. This will show James May who's the boss, and also Jeremy and Richard.

New Dodge Charger SRT8

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 interior

The all new Dodge Charger SRT8 really transform the regular Charger from a battering ram into a much powerful battering ram that can penetrate even the toughest walls in one hit. Once you meet face to face with the beast, you are guaranteed that you'll be dead because of its looks more meaner than the original Charger.

In the hands of the owner, the Charger SRT8's new interior makes them in control of the untamed V8 monster. It makes owners saying "You can run but you can't hide" or "you will respect my authoritah", depending on your road rage level is. Like most of its SRT brothers such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and the Chrysler 300 SRT8, the new Dodge Charger SRT8 comes with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center that allows owners to check real time information such as telemetry, lap times, and others. It comes with a 8.4-inch touchscreen display with Uconnect Touch that provides the best information and entertainment inside the new Charger SRT8 and the Harman Kardon 7.3 Surround Sound System with 19 High-Performance, High-Efficienct GreenEdge Loudspeakers provides the best sound experience, which makes it more perfect enough to listen to some heavy metal music while driving the new Charger SRT8 on the road.

Now, under the hood, it comes with the all new 6.4L HEMI V8 engine which produces 465bhp of power and 465lb-ft of torque. It is mated with a W5A580 five-speed paddle shift transmission that makes it more ambitious but more rubbish. Like most HEMI vehicles, the Charger SRT8 comes with the Fuel Saver Technology for variable cylinder management that promises fuel economy of 23MPG Highway. It comes with the new Adaptive Damping Suspension that allows owners to switch between Auto mode and Sport mode.

Available in five colors; Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Pitch Black, Redline 3-Coat Pearl, and Tungsten Metallic Clear Coat.

My comment:
The new Dodge Charger SRT8 really is a battering ram in steroids that is waiting to kill its prey in its top speed. I might think that the Charger SRT8 may end up being a Lotus Carlton but I am wrong because of the rubbish 5-speed paddle shift transmission that I might find it hard to catch up against high-speed rivals and the handling's a bit too rubbish even if you've turned off the Traction Control. I thought that this new Charger SRT8 is promised to be an instrument of terror but not as terrorizing as a vintage car called Brutus.

Photo: Chrysler Group, LLC.

Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4

2012 Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4

2012 Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 interior

Over the years, most hybrids run on gasoline and electric. Some cars like the Hyundai Avante LPI Hybrid and the Kia Forte Hybrid LPI run on both LPG and electric. There was no such thing as a hybrid car that runs on both diesel and electric because diesels proven to be rivals to hybrid cars. Yes, some say that hybrids and diesels are fierce rivals but for a company like PSA Peugeot Citroen, they decided to combine the best of both worlds, diesel and electric collide in a unique master piece. Welcome the new Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4, the first hybrid car that runs on diesel and electric with a four-wheel drive layout!

This first diesel-hybrid crossover provides the Combined Drive Cycle fuel economy of 26.3km/L (3.8 L/100 km) and CO2 emissions of 99g/km. The 2.0 litre HDi FAP diesel engine provides 200PS of power and 300Nm of torque. This helps the 3008 HYbrid4 accumulate 0-100kph in 8.5 seconds and top speed of 191kph. Unlike most hybrids that are mated with a CVT, which makes them redundant, the 3008 HYbrid4 comes with a 6-speed paddle shift transmission with the freedom to shift gears just the way you want it. On the 3008 HYbrid4, there are four modes to choose from at the twist of the knob. First is the Auto mode that makes the whole system automatically controlled for balance. Second is the ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode that allows the 3008 HYbrid4 to run only in Ni-MH battery, providing a cleaner driving on the road. Third is the 4WD mode that makes the 3008 HYbrid4 go anywhere from tarmac, gravel, and snow. Lastly is the Sport Mode that provides maximum engine response, making it more fun to drive than conventional hybrids. These four modes would be somewhat beneficial to the 3008 HYbrid4 and how you use it depends on your driving experience. This crossover is not complete without the latest-generation idling stop system.

Colors available on the 3008 HYbrid4 are Blanc Banquise, Noir Perla Nera, Brun Hickory, Vapor Grey, Bleu Philae, and Blanc Nacre.

My Comment:
Well, I got to say that PSA Peugeot Citroen made a milestone for creating the world's first diesel hybrid car that changes the hybrid revolution forever with the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4. We are sure that the new HYbrid4 technology will scatter through future models such as the Citroen DS5 and the Peugeot 508 RXH.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

Buick Verano

With the LaCrosse positioned as the Buick flagship model and the Regal positioned as the middle-class Buick, it seems that Buick meets its new addition to the family of GM's luxury marque and this one's a bit small and it has European engineering. In China, this was called the Buick Excelle GT (别克英朗GT), but here in the North American market, this is known as the Verano.

2012 Buick Verano

2012 Buick Verano interior

Yes, the Buick Verano is the newest compact sedan that provides premium luxury in a compact sizing. It uses the platform that was lifted from the latest-generation Opel Astra (Vauxhall Astra) and the Chevrolet Cruze.

On the exterior design, the Verano is a well sculpted baby brother of the Buick LaCrosse courtesy of its trademark styling cues designed by David Lyon. The front view looks very impressive but what makes it redundant is its side and rear view because it looks to be more Chinese rather than being American but whatever. It's far too radical to explain.

The Verano's interior was lifted from the latest generation Opel Astra because this was way too similar for a compact sedan like the Verano. Despite that, it still offers premium luxury and comfort for five adults. It features some of the premium amenities offered on the Verano such as the Dual-zone climate control, Heated steering wheel, Heated leather-appointed seating, Console armrest, Power windows, and front and rear reading lamps. This baby Buick really has a touch of class and what's surprisingly that it has a BOSE Premium Audio Speaker System with 9 speakers, which provides the best sound experience unlike any other compact sedans in the market.

The Verano is powered by a 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection DOHC engine with Variable Valve Timing that produces 180HP of power and 171lb-ft of torque. It is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission, electronic controlled with overdrive. It provides "Quiet Tuning" lifted from the LaCrosse, which is impressive to block sound and vibration for the best silence needed. The Verano comes with the StabiliTrak with Traction Control to bring the best handling in corners.

The Buick Verano has six exterior colors such as Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Black Onyx, Crystal Red Tintcoat, White Diamond Tricoat, and Mocha Bronze Metallic.

My Comment:
This baby Buick could be a decent compact sedan that has a league of its own. Things that I like about the Verano are the impressive front view, Astra-inspired interior, BOSE Audio System, and its Quiet Tuning. This car nicknames it the baby LaCrosse. Things that I don't like about the Verano are that the side view is a bit more like the Volkswagen Jetta and the rear view is a bit more Chinese. Not only that, this car doesn't have a Sport Mode like the Opel Astra have. Maybe they should have think twice before coming up with the Verano sedan. However, this car is friendly for the beginners because of its starter price of 22,585 US Dollars, the cheapest Buick offered on its lineup.

Photo: General Motors

TNP30

2012 Subaru Stella Custom

2012 Daihatsu Move Custom

Concerned after being overtaken by the 2012 Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV because of its 30.0km/L fuel economy based on Japan's 10-15 Mode Test Cycle, all Daihatsu Move and Subaru Stella models will get an improved improved idling stop system that provides 27.0km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode Test Cycle, which is 30.0km/L in 10-15 Mode test cycle! In JC08 terms, this is fuel efficient than the Mazda Demio SKYACTIV's! Could we call both of them, TNP30?

Scoop:

1) http://autoc-one.jp/news/892585/

2) http://autoc-one.jp/news/892472/

NISSAN GT-R 2012

2012 Nissan GT-R

It's been around for about four years and it crushed the competition with its supercar technology and the pride of Japan. For the 2012 Model Year, the Nissan GT-R R35 gets an upgraded VR38DETT engine which produces 550PS of power and 632Nm of torque, thanks to its improved intake efficiency, better air flow resistance, improved exhaust emissions efficiency, reduced air flow resistance, and improved exhaust valve cooling performance.

The fuel efficiency is now 8.7 km/L based in Japan's JC08 Mode test cycle and the 6-speed paddle shift transmission is improved thanks to its strengthened design of the shift fork arm and firmer fixing for the flywheel housing.

Exclusive in Japan is the "For TRACK PACK", which enhances the driving feel for the Nissan GT-R. In collaboration with NordRing Company, it features suspension settings, extra brake cooling, aluminum-alloy wheels from the Spec V variant created by RAYS. The "For TRACK PACK" converts the interior into a two-seater to reduce weight.

Further reading: http://www.netcarshow.com/nissan/2012-gt-r/

Clarkson "Powered Up"

Clarkson POWERED UP

Through the years, we've seen Jeremy Clarkson done the most insane tricks to his sleeves in Top Gear such as performing an odd test drive with the Renault Twingo RS, ruining his face while driving the Ariel Atom, driving the world's smallest car inside the BBC Television Centre, rolling a Reliant Robin, and more. This veteran motoring journalist really has his own "I know what I'm going to do today" list.

But now, things has changed...

This crazed Top Gear veteran stars in his very own original video titled "Powered Up" where he will test out some of the hottest sportscars in the twists and turns of Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track in the south of France. Joining alongside is Top Gear's tamed racing driver that all we know is he's called The Stig and the Formula One racer who represents Lotus-Renault F1 Team (and he's Indian) named Karun Chandhok.

In fact, the real stars in Clarkson's Powered Up are the cars themselves such as the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Performante, McLaren MP4-12C, Nissan GT-R R35, Ferrari 458 Italia, Eagle Speedster, Ferrari FF, and more, especially the ominous Brutus. These cars featured in Clarkson's Powered Up really puts the adrenaline-pumping action viewers love to see and this original video seems to be highly ambitious in the eyes of Jeremy Clarkson...but rubbish.

Ambitious but rubbish...

Lokomoko Kitchen Nightmares...

What just happened on the November 6, 2011 episode of Lokomoko?

- Kitchen gags

- Joke time with the babies on another Baby Talk. They're joking with the CRIBS!

- A different kind of foundation that some say that they are finding compatible names for babies. All we know is that its called the Sa Ngalan Ng Anak Foundation.

Sa Ngalan ng Anak Foundation

- In Lokomoko's new drama, Babuyan, Suspense flows as Donya Martha argues to Don Lucio, knowing that Angela could be the real child. With such happenings, Margaret drank what it believed to be poison but turned out to be Donya Martha's urine sample (?). Is Angela the real child of Don Lucio? What does Donya Martha's urine sample taste like? Is it sweeter since Donya Martha's diabetic? Find out soon on Babuyan!

- Whose Line Is It Anyhow?!

1) Bakit ba ako ang lagi niyong ginagamit para ayusin ang pagkakamili niyo? - Eraser

2) Bakit ba lagi nyo akong pinapalakpakan? - Lamok

3) Lagi na lang akong inaahas - Gubat

4) Bakit ba turo kayo ng turo sa akin? - Turo-Turo

5) Para ako ng para, hindi nama ako sumasakay - MMDA

6) Kayang-kaya basta't sama sama! - Tingting ng walis

7) Kayo ang boss ko - Emplyeyado