Leopaul's Heaven and Hell: Tell Me a Tale, Hammo

Back in September 2006, Richard Hammond, a Top Gear presenter, was involved in a serious accident crashing a jet-powered dragster while filming for a Top Gear episode. That accident caused Hammo to suffer comatose that jeopardizes not only the show but also his family. The following year, Hammo was recovered from his coma and went back for another season of Top Gear, happily. Because of Hammo's near-death experience, he wrote a book titled "On The Edge: My Story", his autobiography about how did Richard Hammond live a wonderful but annoying life as a Top Gear presenter.

At first glance, you might think that being the host of Top Gear, like Richard Hammond, would be that easy but in real life, it's HARD being a TG host because of the long-ish hours, hard-ish work, and scant-ish rewards. On the latter part of his book, his wife, Mindy, was responsible for this part and she explained about how did she and her children struggle while Richard's in a complete brain damage after the crash. Hammo's tale concludes when Richard Hammond was recovered and returned at Top Gear. This book is all about the life and times of Richard Hammond and I'm sure I want to buy that book because the Seattle Public Library doesn't have this book due to regulations. (DARN!)

After Hammo's biography, he wrote another book called "As You Do", recalling his adventures from the North Pole, the USA, and Botswana, where he developed his bonding with an old Opel Kadett, which he called it Oliver. It's hard for having Richard Hammond being away for several weeks from his family but being as adventurous as Richard Hammond must need to balance family manners and a job of being a Top Gear presenter. Again, I can't find that book at the Seattle Public Library so I have to buy one online and read all about Hammo's fun-filled adventures.

Later on, while Richard Hammond was appointed a presenter on another show called "Total Wipeout", he wrote another book called "Or Is That Just Me?", whereas he recalls his past adventures that is similar from his "As You Do" book. This includes his Vietnam Bike Trip adventure with his Top Gear pals, Jeremy and James, and his trip to Hawaii for some "Engineering Connections" episode. What also explains in this book is Richard Hammond's life in his 40's. Seems that Richard Hammond's already becoming a mid-aged male even though he looks a bit younger than expected. But still, this book packs some sense of humor and this is the kind of book I also want to buy it not because of me being a Top Gear fan but it is because I want to know all about his tales.

Those three Hammo Tales such as "On The Edge", "As You Do", and "Or Is That Just Me?" explaining the hidden truth behind our favorite Top Gear presenter, Richard Hammond, and how did this man rose his fame right until his fateful accident that changed his life...FOREVER. I have no idea why did Richard Hammond recalls his experiences he want to share it to everyone but sure, I want to know more about him.

On The Edge My Story: http://www.amazon.com/Edge-My-Story-Richard-Hammond/dp/0297853279

As You Do: http://www.amazon.com/As-You-Do-Adventures-Vice-President/dp/0297855204

Or Is That Just Me?: http://www.amazon.com/That-Just-Me-Richard-Hammond/dp/0297855212

Survey says...Clarkson's the worst driving companion

Jeremy Clarkson

Yep, another Jeremy Clarkson-related criticism and this time, a survey held by Continental Tyres saying that who are the top 10 worst driving companions. The person who is on the top was none other than...Jeremy Clarkson himself! :-P

1. Jeremy Clarkson

2. Katie Price

3. David Cameron

4. Kate Moss

5. Carol Vorderman

6. Christine Bleakley

7. Nick Clegg

8. Madonna

9. Simon Cowell

10. Lewis Hamilton

Why? Simple. According to Continental Tyres spokeperson, Clarkson lacks practical skills or his outspoken views mean most people leave him behind, despite his motoring credentials. Let's just say that he's more annoying than an orange. Bad mark for Clarksie there...

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/02/jeremy-clarkson-voted-as-worst-driving.html

Mini JCW Clubman in Forza Motorsport 4

Back at the studio, boys!!

The Mini John Cooper Works Clubman seems to be the kind of car that I haven't tried it yet but wow, this ugly-looking, squarish, MINI really gonna put that James May's "bloody awful" dialogue spent where it matters. This car was a pre-order bonus for those who've pre-ordered Forza Motorsport 4 at Wal-Mart and for the last time, I didn't pre-ordered Forza 4 there because I pre-ordered mine at Gamestop. With the Launch Bonus Car Pack now available worldwide, I got myself a chance to drive this ugly-looking MINI that I though it was ugly on the outside but this one's still a fun-to-drive MINI that you would want to have it on your personal car collection. Take note, it still has the same turbocharged 1.6L engine that comes from the original MINI JCW hatchback but this wagon look really made a bit squarish and slightly heavier. Still, it looks fun to decorate something else on the outside of the JCW Clubman. Think of something checkered, something cute, something cool, something funny, something, well you get the idea...

TOYOTA 86 (ZN6)

When the Toyota MR-S was discontinued in 2007, it seems that Toyota is no longer creating cars that fuels the excitement of the average car enthusiast who are looking for something sporty. Seems that they've only focused on cars that follow the eco-car genzei system and they kept making boring cars that ruined Japan's no. 1 carmaker, until now...

2013 Toyota 86

Inspired from the 2009 FT-86 Concept at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show and this is Toyota's first sports coupe in collaboration with Subaru, welcome to the dawn of the new Toyota as we know it today. That's right, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the new Toyota 86. A sportscar unlike any other.

86, or Hachi-Roku in Japanese, is the name given in tribute of the best drifting cars of all time, the Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 and the Toyota Corolla Levin AE86. So, the main question is, can the Toyota 86 be a modern take of the classic AE86 hatches? You know what? Let's find out. The exterior design of the Toyota 86 is heavily inspired from the two FT-86 Concept cars, one by Tokyo and one from last year's Geneva. This provides a menacing appearance up close and personal and a prolific rear view, making this a very unique sportscar that was started as a concept and turned into a reality. On the side view, you can expect seeing the "86" logo with some pistons on it, which makes it also unique to the eyes of car enthusiasts.

2013 Toyota 86 interior

Inside the Toyota 86, it's all business for the driver. The interior is just focused solely to be more race-inspired rather than being too comfy, well that is if you have variants like the "GT" and the "GT Limited". If you look closely at the instrumental panel, you should notice that the tachometer looks somewhat similar to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG but who cares? That instrument panel is a genuine "86" trademark on it. Because this car's interior is not focused on being luxurious, the driver doesn't bother at all because he was surely focused for some thriller at the Shutokou, the kaido, or at the racetrack, especially at the Fuji Speedway.

2013 Toyota 86

Now, we're into the performance zone. Under the hood, the TOYOTA 86 is equipped with a new 2.0L D-4S BOXER engine, which is a joint venture between Toyota and Subaru, and they called it FA20. The new FA20 engine develops 200PS of power and 205Nm of torque. It promises about 12.4km/L to 13.4km/L of fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 mode test cycle. There are two transmission types available such as a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed Paddle Shit transmission. Those who are looking for some hardcore fun should prefer the 6-speed manual transmission because it completes the 86's characteristics. While the 86 may not be the fastest, it excels in handling because of the sport-tuned suspension system. If the driver switches to Sport Mode, that sharpens the throttle response and handling, making this 86 a hoodlum you won't escape.

Is the TOYOTA 86 safe? Well, yes because Toyota added some safety features to the 86, which makes it hard to explain what are those, such as the Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Limited Slip Differential, and six airbags. Uh, why I am explaining about the 86's safety? I don't need it because I always want to turn the traction control off and get this car to drive more dangerously if you're on Mt. Haruna.

Colors available on the TOYOTA 86 are Satin White Pearl, Sterling Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Lightning Red, Orange Metallic, and Galaxy Blue Silica.

My Comment:
This is the Toyota 86, not the AE86, because this FR sports car is more than just a car, it's a culture of its own right. I've never seen a car that can be proven to be one of the best FR cars in Toyota history but I drove this car a lot thanks to Gran Turismo 5.

The TOYOTA 86 will go on sale in Japan this April 6 and also, Toyota will be opening some "AREA 86" specialty shops at selected Toyota/Toyopet/Netz/Corolla dealers throughout Japan that is more than just a specialty shop, it's socialization for people who really love cars. Perhaps this was been the opening salvo for Toyota's FUN TO DRIVE AGAIN slogan...

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

2012 is Jaguar XJ220's 20th Anniversary

1992 Jaguar XJ220

Last year, we said happy 50th anniversary to the groovy Jaguary E-Type. Now, in 2012, we say 20th anniversary to Jaguar's first and memorable supercar, the XJ220. This car was produced in 1992 and it ended in 1994, about 281 units were produced, which sounds pretty rare to see Jaguar's memorable midship exotic roaring around in the streets of Los Angeles, London, Tokyo, Barcelona, Dubai, Moscow, and others. Numerous video games featured this car and this one's an icon. This car set the Nurburgring lap time of 7:47:37, making it the fastest Jaguar ever built.

Scoop: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120131/CARNEWS/120139973 

Challenger SRT8 now in the Philippines

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8

In response to Chevy selling the Camaro modern muscle car to the Philippines, it seems that CATS Motors is joining the muscle car war with the launch of the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8. The Challenger SRT8 is a Dodge Challenger powered by Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT). It comes with a powerful 6.4L HEMI V8 engine that produces 470HP of power and 637Nm of torque. Available transmission types were a 6-speed manual and a 5-speed paddle shift transmission. Also, it promises 9.8km/L of fuel economy thanks to the engine's Fuel Saver technology, available only on the AT variants. Prices start at 3,950,000 Philippine Pesos so better get this American sports car that was built by people who love cars for people who really love cars. WE LOVE CARS!

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/cats-motors-brings-in-dodge-challenger-srt8

[Obituary] MOMO founder Gianpiero Moretti

MOMO logo

It was a sad day for us, petrolheads, because the founder of MOMO, Gianpiero Moretti, passed away at the age of 71. As we're sure you know, MOMO is an Italian brand famous for making steering wheels and sometimes the rims. In his twenties, Gianpiero Moretti created steering wheels that amassed a success after Ferrari factory driver John Surtees adopted a MOMO wheel in his 158 F1 racing car in 1964.

Farewell, Mr. MOMO

Gianpiero Moretti (1941-2012)

Scoop: http://www.autoindustriya.com/auto-industry-news/momo-founder-passes-away.html

BMW Z8 tuning by Senner Tuning

Senner Tuning BMW Z8

A memorable BMW roadster, the BMW Z8, got a new lease of life thanks to the tuning done by Senner Tuning. This modified Z8 is packed with a sports filter, custom exhaust system, and ECU upgrades, it reaches 450hp of power and 535Nm of torque with a flat-out of over 300kph.

Also, Senner Tuning added a Variant 2 Inox-Line coilover kitwith an adjustable rebound and new front strut bar, Racing Gold varnished brake calipers, and 19-inch rims to complete this modification the Z8 deserves. Take that, BMW Alpina Z8! :-P

The Koenigseggisseggggnignigsegigisegggg Agera

Oh come on. Don't worry. That's just a joke. Of course I can spell "Koenigsegg" correctly because if the Koenigsegg Agera's got featured in Top Gear and once The Stig lapped this, it may end up looking like this on their lap board:

"Koenigseggisseggggnignigsegigisegggg Agera"

Whoa! Just like what happened on the past models tested on Top Gear such as CC8S and the CCX (notable for Stig's accident round the Top Gear Test Track).

Agera vs. CCX at the Ring

So what is the Koenigsegg Agera? At first glance, the Koenigsegg Agera is the spiritual successor of the "Koenigseggisseggggnignigsegigisegggg" CCX and when I say spiritual, there is some "ghost" badge located at the Agera's 5.0L twin-turbo engine that produces 940HP of power. If performance is getting a bit more better, it's somewhat as powerful as the Bugatti Veyron or a Ferrari Enzo. No wait, the Agera is somewhat lighter than the Veyron but it's a bit heavier than the Ferrari Enzo, so there's a bit of a gap if I'm honest.

Agera for another Top Gear episode

Of course, as I'm sure you know, this car is part of the Launch Bonus Pack, a bonus available for those who've preordered Forza 4 before the release but it's too late. If you think you're too late for that, don't worry because thanks to the Launch Bonus Pack became available for the public for just 560 MS Points, you can now try the ultimate Koenigsegg ever built to satisfy your passion for cars.

As our passion for cars keeps on burning through our veins thanks to continuous gameplay of Forza 4, the Koenigsegg Agera served as a perfect example of "car passion" on this game. I once tried it round the Top Gear Test Track and it was made to be somewhat faster than the "Koenigseggisseggggnignigsegigisegggg CCX with Top Gear wing". I was thinking about 1:15.4, my personal best on this car, and yes, it was proven to be quicker than the CCX but a bit problematic than my seriously problematic Pagani Huayra. Who cares?

The Agera speeds through Japan

With the 1,400,000 CR pricing, it maybe seem to be difficult to get the Agera but if you belong to a certain car club, your best bet is to borrow the Agera from your fellow car club member if you want to try it out on online races. However, if you have the allowance, you can buy the Koenigsegg Agera, tweak its performance figures, or even do a Top Gear Power Lap Time with your Agera. It may seem to be difficult to master the Koenigseggisseggggnignigsegigisegggg (sorry again) Agera because of the speed that can't keep up with its handling but with practice, you have a Koenigseggisseggggnignigsegigisegggg that has a force to be reckoned with.

Some say...he's taking a stroll in the Philippines...

Multiple reports said that racing driver and one of the presenters of Top Gear USA, Tanner Foust, was in the Philippines. But what? What would a Top Gear USA presenter do in the Philippines? No, he's not doing a part of the car chase sequences for the fourth Bourne movie but what would Tanner Foust do in the Philippines? Being part of the marketing for Rockstar Energy Drink in the Philippines because Rockstar is Tanner's sponsor on his motorsport activities?

Apparently, some say, that the official Facebook fan page for Rockstar Energy Drink Philippines has shared Tanner Foust's Facebook activity that says "Made it to the Philippines, watching the closing hours of Daytona 24. Ford is crushing!" and a picture of the room where he's at.

Some say, Tanner's at Makati City. Oh no. While we're not sure what would Tanner Foust do in the Philippines, let's just wait until this Top Gear USA presenter's making his move.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/top-gear-us-host-and-race-driver-tanner-foust-is-in-manila

Forza 4 announces February ALMS Pack

Because February is another ALMS season, Forza Motorsport 4, proud sponsor of the American Le Mans Series, has finally unveiled the February ALMS DLC Pack. This pack includes 10 new cars ranging from the Mazda 787B, Audi R18 TDi, Audi Sport quattro S1, Panoz #050 Panoz Racing Abruzzi, Alfa Romeo 155 Q4, 1995 Ford Mustang Cobra R, HSV GTS, the new 2011 Polo GTi, as well as customized favorites such as the Platinum Motorsports Continental GT and Rampage Jackson's Dodge Challenger. This pack will be available worldwide this first Tuesday of February.

As I'm sure you know, the 787B finally made it on Forza 4. There's even the Alfa Romeo 155 Q4 because what players are going to do is transform it into the Alfa Romeo 155 V6 Touring Car. HSV GTS? Wow. Even though the 2011 HSV GTS is sold in the U.K. as the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS, this looks perfect because it was featured in Top Gear at the Movies DVD. For the first time, the all new Polo GTi has arrived and can't wait to get my hands on this.

Toyota Prius PHV (ZVW35)

2012 Toyota Prius PHV

Like the Chevrolet Volt, the Toyota Prius PHV has a similar idea that goes "gasoline when you need it, electric when you want it". It served as Toyota's first gas-electric vehicle that you can either refuel it with petrol or recharge it at home. It maybe not in the same league as the Nissan Leaf but this Prius PHV is the ultimate eco-car for the masses.

If the Prius PHV runs on gasoline, it will take advantage of the 2ZR-FXE engine, that produces a normal 99PS of power with 142Nm of torque, capable of accumulating a fuel economy of 31.6km/L (74MPG) based on Japan's JC08 test cycle. If the driver switches from HV Mode to "EV Mode", only the 3JM electric motor kicks in as well as the new Lithium-ion Battery that is proven to be more useful than the conventional nickel metal hydride battery. Of course, the first Toyota hybrid to imply a lithium-ion battery was the 7-seater variant of the Toyota Prius Alpha MPV. The Prius PHV was the second Toyota to use that battery and who knows, in the future, most car companies are switching to Lithium-ion batteries because it is proven to be more useful and a better range for all.

Anyway, the 3JM electric motor produces 60kW of power and 207Nm of torque. Therefore, it will have a fuel economy of 61.0km/L (144MPG) based on Japan's JC08 test cycle with a top speed of 100kph (60mph). So, in Top Gear math, that's twice as efficient as the Chevrolet Volt or a Nissan Leaf, but again, they're not on the same league.

If you have a smartphone, you can keep in touch about what's happening to your Prius PHV via eConnect and Toyota Friend. First, the eConnect allows you to monitor the Prius PHV's charging status, find nearest charging stations, access ESPO, or even use the remote aircon to turn on or off the Prius PHV's aircon while you and the PHV are far away. The Toyota Friend gains access to the social network of Prius PHV owners.

When you say charging time, we say that the Prius PHV's Li-ion battery takes about 90 minutes of charge via AC200V, while it will go for about 180 minutes of full charge via AC100V.

There are eight colors available for the Prius PHV: Super White II, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Red Mica Metallic, Frosty Green Mica, Dark Blue Mica, and True Blue Mica Metallic.

My comment:
This is the first time Toyota come up with a car that is fully dependent on gasoline and electricity just like the Chevrolet Volt. The Prius PHV is the ultimate eco-car made for everyone who wants to buy an efficient vehicle in times of the current environment, economy, problems at the Middle East, and the relentless war on speed. Is there room for the PHV in the Philippines? No...Not yet...

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation