Saturday, January 14, 2012

Turby - An unfamiliar looking Hyundai...

If you spend hours playing Gran Turismo 5, chances are that when you stop by the Used Car dealer, chances are that you'll see a Hyundai that is somewhat not familiar with unless if you're playing in South Korea. That car is the Hyundai Tiburon Turbulence. Uh, I don't know what car is this, I really don't know what car is this, no one knows what car is this, I don't want to know because this is a Hyundai and Hyundai has a very low reputation on sports cars.

Stig and Turby

Codenamed RD2 and nicknamed by most Korean enthusiasts as "Turby" the Tiburon Turbulence is the updated version of the Tiburon sports car that was launched in 1996. Launched in 1999, the Tiburon Turbulence features a hideous looking front view that is somewhat SERIOUSLY UNCOOL for me, a well-sculpted side view, and an improved rear view to make it more genuine. That car bugged me for no reasons but I think this is one of the most memorable sports cars ever made by Hyundai.

Nighttime Turbulence

Under the hood, the Tiburon Turbulence is powered by a Beta 2.0L engine, producing 142PS of power and 180Nm of torque. Here in Gran Turismo 5, it's all crap for me to drive the Tiburon Turbulence. For an FF car, I can often resort myself with a little Scandinavian Flick to cut through corners but that alone wasn't worth it.

It looks perfect at nighttime

I should have tell you that why did this car listed as a Standard Tier car is because it was already featured in the Gran Turismo PSP game for sure and still, this car is a good value for money. In Gran Turismo 5, it's hard to decide if the Turby is the right addition to your car collection or it's just another pointless bone-shaking racing car.

Bright lights and the Tiburon Turbulence

Imagine myself, if there is such thing as a used Hyundai Tiburon Turbulence for sale in the Philippines (think Davao, Cebu, CEZA, Subic, or others), I guess I want to try that car but no, I can't buy that load of crud on the road! Even though the Tiburon Turbulence is pointed to be worthless, the replacement, the Tuscani made it even worse! I just don't want one...

GT5 announces third DLC Pack!

Gran Turismo Red Bull X2010 S. Vettel


Announced at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon, there will be a new DLC Pack coming at Gran Turismo 5 this January 18 (January 17 in the USA). A new car pack will include familiar ones like the 2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage, Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, and the Nissan Leaf as well as never before seen ones like the 1966 Volkswagen 1200 and the Mini Countryman.

Also, if you watched the Acura NSX Concept Movie on Gran Turismo TV, this has been proven that it featured a new original track and it's called Route X. Route X is GT5's new proving grounds to measure your car's top speed. This is the perfect time to find out your car's "moment of truth" in terms of top speed, 0-60 record, and G-Force.

Be ready! I'm sure The Stig is ready for this...

"OMC! Oh My Chin!"

What just happened at the January 13, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang?

- Waiter gags

- SHAKE, RATTLE, AND FALL! The family struggles through a very powerful quake!

- A man dates with a woman who has several names marked on her body

- When their boss is away, these two start fighting

- Bubble Gang does Ginebra San Miguel OMG!!! (Oh My Gin) TV Commercial by spoofing this as Chinebra San Pigil! OMC! Oh My Chin! Ang bida, naka-Chinebra!

Bubble Gang does Ginebra San Miguel!

- Cheche and Bureche are awaiting the arrival of the Three Kings but it's not what you think...

Cheche, Bureche and the three kings

- Mr. Assimo judges the contestant...

- The Pick-Up Lines are here! Ayt! Ayt! Katahimikan! Katahimikan!

1) Di ko na kailangan ng alak. Dahil kayo pa lang, ang lakas ng tama mo!

2) Kung luha ka, hindi ako iiyak. Kasi ayokong mawala sa akin!

3) Wag kang ganung masamang makatingin. Baka ikulong kita sa puso ko!

4) Sana, ako na lang ang kanang kamay mo. Para pag kumanta ka ng Lupang Hinirang, ako ang nasa puso mo!

5) Kung bampira ako, tusukin man sa dibidb, hindi ako namamatay. Dahil sa yo na ang puso ko.

6) Hopia ka ba? Pagmasdan mo mga ninja, nakatingin sa bathtub, umiiyak.

7) Sana ako ang Sabado at ikaw ang araw ng Linggo. Para ikaw ang kinabukasan ko.

8) Jackstone ka ba? KAAAAAKKKKK!!!!

- Box Office Okray 2012! What's the worst 2011 Metro Manila Film Fest Entry?

1) Enteng ng Ina Mo! - This should have been Anting-Anting ng Ina Mo! Rating is two tomatoes.

2) Segunda Mano - This should have been Segunda Mano Po. Rating is two tomatoes.

3) Manila Kingpin - Asiong Salong should have been at Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. This should have been King ng Ina Mo! Rating is three tomatoes.

4) Panday 2 - This should have been Okay Ka, Panday Ko! Rating is five tomatoes!

5) House Husband - This should have been Host Husband because Ryan Agoncillo is a Eat Bulaga presenter. Rating is six tomatoes.

6) Shake Rattle and Roll XIII - This should have been Shake Rattle and LOL if they made it into comedy! 13 tomatoes for this!

- IyoTube in All By Myself

Nasaan Ka Elisa's Sad Ending

When Nasaan Ka Elisa, the remake of the popular Latin American drama, came out in September 2011, this mystery suspense drama revolves on the mystery of the disappearance of Elisa Altamira (Melissa Ricks), the daughter of the businessman named Mariano Altamira (Albert Martinez). As the suspense builds, it is revealed that Bruno is behind the disappearance of Elisa but Cecile (Vina Morales) killed Bruno and she wants to kill Elisa once and for all. With Cecile apprehended, the finale that was once shocked the viewers has come...

Nasaan Ka Elisa ending

We don't need to explain what's going but the ending is...ELISA ALTAMIRA IS DEAD. That's it. That's how it end the mystery suspense drama that is packed with twists that keep the viewers guessed for what will happened.

Friday, January 13, 2012

How can the wrong RS5 feels so right all along?

Uh, am I singing the song "Catch Me, I'm Falling" OR IS THAT JUST ME? Never mind, the Audi RS5 was added on Forza Motorsport 4 via January Jalopnik Pack. Don't blame them why they put the pre-facelifted version but in such reasons, the Audi RS5 was featured in an episode of Top Gear where it pit against the BMW M3 Competition Package. Sadly though, the Audi RS5 is heavier and despite the 4WD layout, it's nowhere near as good at the corners.

The retractable spoiler made the RS5
look even worse...

The Audi RS5 is not the modern day version of the Audi Quattro, a classic sports car that petrolheads love to drive this classic Audi. What really bothers me that it has some retractable spoiler that the Audi S5 doesn't have. However, what surprised me when if I had turned off the Traction Control, the RS5's Launch Control really puts this sportscar to a perfect launch but when it comes to corners, it's a complete wazzock. When I tuned it to meet its A-class regulation, it has proven to be somewhat quicker than my Aston Martin V12 Vantage, and yet it is superbly quicker than the time Stig set it on Top Gear. Yep, the Audi RS5 raced through the Top Gear Test Track at 1:27.5 but my tuned RS5 just pushed it even further but a little bit uncomfortable at my burning back.

The Audi RS5's interior

As I watched an episode of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson once said that the Audi RS5 uses petrol to make gear-changing sounds nice. I don't know why but at the end, the Audi RS5 is as worthless as the BMW M3 Competition Package. However, when reviewed by Top Gear Magazine, the RS5 gave a 15/20 rating and what they like is that it's comfortable, well-made, exclusive, looks good, and grips well. I like that.

Oooohhh!! Brrrrr!!

How can something so wrong feels so right all along? Catch me, I'm falling over the seduction of the RS5!




What to see at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon?!

The 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon is jam-packed with mods you'll love. So, what to expect on the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon? Here are the following;

1) Mazda Biante Granz 2012 - The Biante Granz is a concept car from Mazda you've seen it at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. For the TAS 2012, the Biant Granz gets a modification by Kenstyle.

Mazda Biante Granz 2012

2) Nissan NV350 Caravan Rider - Autech modified the NV350 Caravan to make it more casual. As you remember, the NV350 Caravan made a world premiere at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and it will go on sale in the Summer of 2012.

Nissan NV350 Caravan Rider

3) Nissan Juke NISMO Concept

Nissan Juke NISMO Concept

4) Suzuki Swift Sport (ZC32S) Customize 2012

Suzuki Swift Sport Customize 2012

5) Subaru Impreza G4 STi Concept - is this the next WRX STi?

Subaru Impreza G4 STi Concept

6) Subaru Impreza Sport Custom

Subaru Impreza Sport Custom

7) Nissan March NISMO Concept

Nissan March NISMO Concept

8) Mazda CX-5 Customize

Mazda CX-5 Customize

9) Honda Flash Box - A Honda N BOX Custom got modified for the show to make it more flashy

Honda Flash Box

10) Honda Beat Auto Salon Special - The ghost of the Honda Beat lurks around the 2012 TAS with a different set of rims!

Honda Beat Auto Show Special

11) Honda Freed Spike Hybrid Transporter Version

Honda Freed Spike
Transporter Version

12) Toyota FJ Cruiser x style Cb

Toyota FJ Cruiser X style Cb

13) Toyota GRMN iQ Supercharger

Toyota GRMN iQ Supercharger

14) Lexus IS F CCS-R - Hey Houki Shinonono, your Akatsubaki never looked so good for the show!

Lexus IS F CCS-R

15) TES_ERA_EV - I have no idea about this EV sportscar concept...

TES_ERA_EV

16) Toyota Vellfire G's (G Sports Concept) - Toyota previews the next addition of the G's range and this time, its the luxury minivan mostly liked by most idiots from Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. If you're reading this, know this that the Vellfire is NOT AVAILABLE in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand! That's an order!

Toyota Vellfire G's Concept

17) Toyota Prius α (Alpha) TOM'S Version - The Prius' big brother, the Prius Alpha, gets modified by TOM'S

Toyota Prius Alpha TOM'S Version

18) Toyota 86 Modellista Version

Toyota 86 Modellista Version

19) Scion xB Five Axis Version - You should know that the Scion xB is sold in Japan as the Corolla Rumion.

Scion xB Five Axis Version

20) Toyota GRMN Vitz Turbo Concept - This is how the concept evolved to be more sportier than its predecessor.

Toyota GRMN Vitz Turbo Concept

21) Toyota Mark X G's (G Sports) Concept II - My guessing is that if there will be a facelift for "Samurai X", they'll start selling this soon.

Toyota Mark X G's Concept II

22) Honda Freed 和 - A peaceful side of the Honda Freed Hybrid

Honda Freed "Wa"

23) Subaru WRX STi Nurburgring 24 Hour Race Car 2012 - The WRX STi is back for some Nurburgring 24 Hour racing for this year.

Subaru WRX STi Race Car

24) Subaru WRX STi Group R4

Subaru WRX STi R4

25) Subaru BRZ Black Edition by Prova

Subaru BRZ Black Edition by Prova

26) Subaru BRZ STi Concept - This looks different than the one we saw in Los Angeles...

Subaru BRZ STi Concept

27) Gran Turismo Red Bull X2010 - GT5's fastest machine is here at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon.

Gran Turismo Red Bull X2010

The 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon runs at January 13 to 15 at the Makuhari Messe. See those cars!

Photo: Carview

Kuroneko as Kamineko

Holy Angel Kamineko


Good Smile Company launched a new pre-painted 1/7th scale PVC figure of Oreimo's Kuroneko as Holy Angel Kamineko, as seen on the 8th Volume of the Oreimo light novel. We don't know what's up with Kamineko, we really don't know the Kamineko gig, no one knows Kamineko, we don't want to know because that's just Kuroneko's gigs. To be on sale this May 2012, prices start at 8,800 Japanese Yen, which in Top Gear math is $120 or 6000 Philippine Pesos.

60 Years of Corvette - 427 Convertible model marks it final

2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible


2012 marks the Chevrolet Corvette's 60th anniversary and the special edition Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible marks the commemoration of the king of American sports cars. It is also marks the final edition of the C6 Corvette.

The final edition of this generation comes serve with 19-inch rims on front and 20-inch rims on back, all fitted with Michelin PS2 tires. The standard transmission is a 6-speed manual transmission. It's powered by a 7-litre engine derived from the Corvette Z06, producing 505HP of power and 470lb-ft of torque.

Press Release:

Corvette Marks 60 Years of Performance with 427 Convertible

DETROIT – Chevrolet today unveiled the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition – the fastest, most capable convertible in Corvette's history – as well as a 60th Anniversary Package that will be available on all 2013 Corvette models.

"The 2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th Anniversary and the final year for the current 'C6' generation," said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Marketing and Strategy for Chevrolet. "We couldn't think of a more fitting way to celebrate these milestones than bringing back one of the most-coveted combinations in the brand's history – the Corvette convertible and a 427 cubic-inch engine."

The 60th Anniversary Package and 427 Convertible will make their public debut at the Barrett Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Jan 21, and will arrive at U.S. Chevrolet dealers early this summer.

Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition
The Corvette 427 Convertible blends elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models to create the fastest and most-capable convertible in Corvette's history.

Its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06. Rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible – and, like the Z06, the 427 Convertible is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

The LS7 was co-developed with the Corvette Le Mans-winning GT1 engine and features lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, as well as racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads and a dry-sump oiling system. It is assembled by hand at GM's Performance Build Center, where customers who purchase the 427 Convertible Collector Edition can purchase the Corvette Build Experience option and assemble the engine that will power their new car.

Supporting performance elements in the Corvette 427 Convertible include the driveline and rear axle system from the Corvette Z06, a rear-mounted battery and standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels – introduced on the 2012 Corvette Z06 with Z07 and Corvette ZR1 with PDE performance packages – come standard and include unique gray-painted pockets. Black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels are also available.

The 427 Convertible also features several carbon-fiber components that help reduce weight, including:
• Carbon fiber raised hood (introduced on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition)
• Carbon fiber Z06-style fenders
• Carbon fiber floor panels
• The "CFZ" carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels are optional on the 427 Convertible, and included with the 60th Anniversary package

The weight reduction brings the 427 Convertible's curb weight to 3,355 pounds (1,522 kg). Combined with its 505-horsepower LS7 engine, it gives the 427 Convertible a power-to-weight ratio of 6.64 – or one horsepower for every 6.64 pounds of vehicle mass. That's better than:
• Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet – 6.90
• Audi R8 5.2 RSI Spyder – 7.58
• Aston Martin DBS Volante Convertible – 7.82
• Ferrari California Convertible – 8.31

The combination of low mass and high output will make the 427 Convertible one of the fastest convertibles in the world, delivering estimated 0-60 performance of 3.8 seconds, quarter-mile performance of 11.8 seconds, lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and a top speed of more than 190 mph.

The 427 Convertible is available in 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim levels and will carry a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1.

Corvette 60th Anniversary Package
All 2013 Corvette models, including the 427 Convertible, will be available with a 60th Anniversary Package, featuring an Arctic White exterior with a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with suede accents. Convertible models will have a blue top.

Additional content includes a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special badging, gray-painted brake calipers and the "60th" logo on the wheel center caps, steering wheel and seat headrests. An optional graphics package adds full-length racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue, including a tonal stripe stitched into the convertible top, extending the graphic theme over the roof.

For 2013, all Corvettes will feature 60th Anniversary badges on the fascias and the "waterfall" panel on convertible models, as well as 60th logos in the instrument panel gauge cluster and on the sill plates.

Charity Auction at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
The first Corvette 427 Convertible offered to the public will go to the highest bidder at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction, on Saturday, Jan. 21. Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports are teaming up for the auction, including four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon and team owner Rick Hendrick. Proceeds from the sale will benefit AARP's Drive to End Hunger initiative.

Drive to End Hunger is part of a multi-year sponsorship for Gordon's No. 24 Chevrolet which aims to address the growing problem of hunger among older Americans.

A legacy of 427-powered Corvettes
Early 427-powered Corvettes, particularly convertibles, offered from 1966 to 1969 are some of the most-coveted and collectable Corvettes ever produced.

The first 427-powered Corvette rolled off the assembly line for the 1966 model year. Two performance levels of the 427 were initially offered – an "L30" version rated at 390 horsepower and the "L72," which cranked out 425 horsepower. Both were rated at 460 lb-ft. of torque.

The range of 427 engines grew in 1967, with the addition of the "L71" and "L88" options. The L71 added a unique triple-carburetor induction system that helped boost output to 435 horsepower. Known to collectors as "427/435" cars, these '67 models – especially the convertibles – are especially sought-after collector cars.

The "L88" delivered 430-horsepower (with a single four-barrel carburetor) thanks to racing-tuned aluminum heads. Intended for customers who would immediately transform their new Corvette into a race car, the L88 was installed in just 216 production Corvettes between 1967 and 1969.

In 1969, a special "L89" 427 engine combined the L71's induction system with the L88's aluminum heads, offering maximum horsepower with an approximately 100-pound weight advantage over the standard iron heads. Also in 1969, Chevrolet built two "ZL1" 427 Corvette coupes. The ZL1 engine was essentially an all-aluminum version of the L88, with the aluminum cylinder block and heads offering a tremendous weight advantage for racing. More of the engines were sold as crate engines to racers.

By 1970, the big-block engine grew to 454 cubic inches, just as the trend in high-compression, high-performance engines was beginning to wane. The four-year run of 427 Corvettes was already established as the golden era of performance

Phantom Drophead Coupe BLACK BISON

WALD Rolls-Royce Phantom
Drophead Coupe Black Bison


The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe gets the BLACK BISON treatment courtesy of Wald and this eccentric modification features the most parts that made the Phantom Drophead Coupe even more luxurious and perfect for a night cruise in downtown Tokyo.

Ssangyong Korando Sports

The now Indian-owned Korean car company, Ssangyong, unexpectedly started the year 2012 with a new model that some say is the production version of the SUT-1 concept car. This is Korando Sports, the evolution of Korea's first pickup truck since the Musso Sports in 2001 and the Actyon Sports in 2006. However, the Korando Sports has no direct relation to the Korando C crossover SUV despite the naming.


2012 Ssangyong Korando Sports


Take a second look at the Korando Sports and you'll see that nearly most of the components were exactly the same as the SUT-1 Concept Car but this is just an Actyon Sports refreshed...or is that a facelift? Well, despite being a replacement for the Actyon Sports, the Korando Sports is just the same old Actyon Sports being sorted out and that's just rubbish. You can't pick a fight against the Volkswagen Amarok with that!


2012 Ssangyong Korando Sports


On the Korando Sports' interior, well that's a coincidence. This looks the same as the Actyon's interior! I mean yes, the dashboard's been derived from the Actyon but refined with a new instrumental panel, and air conditioning, and that's it. This pickup truck has room for five passengers and high-end versions do get an available DMB navigation system and USB connectivity.


2012 Ssangyong Korando Sports


The e-XDi200 engine that powers the Korando Sports produces 155PS of power output and 36.7kg•m of torque. 2WD AT variants can go up to 13.5km/L of fuel economy while 4WD AT variants promise about 12.8km/L of fuel economy. A Korando Sports with a 2WD layout and a 6-speed manual transmission can go as much as 15.6km/L of fuel economy.

For safety, the Korando Sports comes with Electronic Stability Program, a 4WD system that has three modes depending on road conditions, and Depowered airbags.

The Korando Sports has seven colors; Indian Red, Canyon Brown, Marble Grey, Space Black, Fine Silver, and Grand White.

My comment:

About the Korando Sports... Brakes are rubbish, Ride's rubbish, seats are rubbish, THAT'S RUBBISH... Honestly, I still prefer the Korando C SUV for my own tastes. This is a pickup truck that is made with no soul and no flair and oh no! That's horrible!

In terms of pricing, prices start at 20,410,000 Korean Won (about $18,000 or 800,000 Philippine Pesos) for the entry-level variant up to 27,230,000 Korean Won (about $24,000 or 1,050,000 Philippine Pesos) for the CX7 VISION variant, which makes the Korando Sports a very good value.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Toyota Camry AVV50 modified by LX-Mode

LX-Mode Toyota Camry (2012)


The 2012 Toyota Camry is somewhat the most luxurious hybrid car you can afford in Japan. However, if style is your consideration, don't try to overspend it to make it scary because you'll ruin it. Instead, why not spend it to make it more luxurious? A company named LX-Mode provide some modification parts for the 2012 Camry. Customers can modify the 2012 Camry into something gorgeous with some front bumper garnish, black grille garnish, mark-less front grille, colored license frame, side garnish, enhanced lighting, jewelry rhinestone ring surrounding the start/stop button, and most of it. Looks pretty to see but plenty of nuisance for this hybrid sedan.

The Power of Presence

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque


The Range Rover Evoque is one of my favorites because of its technology, crossover styling, and luxurious interior. It maybe a "baby Range Rover" but it does well. As you heard, Land Rover Philippines announced the arrival of the all new Range Rover Evoque.

Available in the Philippines is the Evoque Si4 which produces 240HP of power and it comes with direct fuel injection technology. It is mated with a 6-speed paddle shift transmission. The Evoque is priced at 5,350,000 Philippine Pesos while the Evoque Coupe is priced at 5,500,000 Philippine Pesos.

You should know that the Evoque is Motor Trend's 2012 SUV of the Year and 2012 North American Car of the Year.