2011 HSV E Series 3 GTS says, "Call me Vauxhall VXR8 GTS"

Some say, we saw this car on Top Gear's original video called "Top Gear at the Movies" where it overtook the Ford Mustang Boss 302. Some say, we last seen this one on the internet when The Stig blown up the caravan in celebration of BBC Top Gear's 10 million Facebook likes. All we know is...wait, what? Why are we doing this?

Outta my way, Germans!

Oh, now I see the point. The February ALMS Pack, now on sale, for Forza Motorsport 4, featured the latest version of the Commodore-based GTS saloon car from Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). Like other European 4-door sports cars like the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, the HSV GTS is the kind of saloon that you would probably go bonkers. That car was made from the country that hadn't signed up to the Kyoto Protocol. Take note that the latest version of the HSV GTS is sold in United Kingdom as the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS and it was featured at the Top Gear original video titled "Top Gear at the Movies" where Richard Hammond imagines what if Bullitt had to be remade. Surely, the Boss 302 Mustang is a lot faster but when the VXR8 GTS overtook the Boss 302 after a spinout, the VXR8 GTS stayed ahead to the very end.

"If Bullitt had to be remade, Steve McQueen will be driving a Vauxhall" - Richard Hammond, Top Gear

A peek inside the HSV GTS

You should know that this car is sold in Britain
as a Vauxhall VXR8 GTS

Another fast fact that the 2011 HE HSV E3 GTS won last year's Fleet World MPG Marathon where it scored a fuel consumption of 11.4km/L (32.14 MPG UK), a 53% improvement to the factory-rated fuel consumption of 7.4km/L (21.0 MPG UK). Bear that in mind that in real life, a driver's habit is the key to a better fuel economy rather than focusing on the factory-derived fuel economy, especially the EPA rating or the JC08 mode test cycle. But that's not we're talking about. When I tried this car on Forza Motorsport 4, I am very impressed about the sound of the 6.2L V8 derived from the Corvette. That 4-door executive saloon car has the noise of the American muscle car! Oh, thanks General Motors.

It's a spindle grille! That's what matters...

This car drove me mental because the HSV GTS is completely insane on the corners and you'll have much chances of getting yourself thrown out unless you fit this car with the right performance parts in terms of handling. I once bought a suspension part and I made it stiffer. Also, I bought some anti-roll bars and some Sport Weight Reduction. My HSV GTS lapped the Top Gear Test Track in 1:25.9. I was on par with the BMW Z4 M's lap time from the show but no matter. This car is a great value because while the BMW M5 F10 costs 90,000 CR while the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG costs 100,000 CR, the HSV GTS cost about 65,000 CR! Outta my way, Germans!

If you were the 10 millionth Facebook fan of BBC's Top Gear, this car is for you because The Stig drove it while blowing up the caravan with some explosions.

I AM GIULIETTA. I'M AT FORZA MOTORSPORT 4

Alfa Romeo Giulietta in Japan

Here's a completely true story happened to me. You see, back in the summer, I pre-ordered Forza Motorsport 4 at Gamestop's Westfield Southcenter branch because most people who pre-ordered Forza 4 at all Gamestop branches will receive a Alfa Romeo Giulietta as a pre-order bonus they can use it on the game. On the date Forza Motorsport 4 arrived, I came back to Gamestop Westfield Southcenter to pick it up. I was going to try the Giulietta but then, hours later, the receipt where the code for the Giulietta is written is gone. My chance to try out the award-winning Alfa Giulietta had been wiped out. Now, wherever I see a Giulietta on my sight, I felt completely traumatized after a loss of my receipt but until now, when the Launch Bonus DLC made to be available for the public, I felt completely relieved and I finally got the chance to try out the Alfa Romeo Giulietta on Forza Motorsport 4. Guess I owe them a thank you letter for them.

Anyway, about the Giulietta, it was revealed at the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show and it was on sale in Italy since May 2010. There was a commercial for the Giulietta starring Uma Thurman and that line, which turns out to be one of Shakespeare's quotes, really suits both the actress and the car itself. However, this here is the hardcore Quadrifoglio Verde variant of the award winning Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback. This variant comes with the 1750 TBi engine that produces 232HP of power and 340Nm of torque. This helps the Giulietta QV to go from naught to 60 in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 150mph.

The Giulietta is Alfa Romeo's most emotional hatchback ever made and it garnered most awards and accolades.

Matt LeBlanc overtook Mr. Bean as the fastest "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car"

Back in Series 17 of Top Gear, Mr. Bean, or should we say Rowan Atkinson, rattled the Top Gear Test Track in 1:42.2, making him the fastest star in a reasonably priced Kia. However, on Series 18 Episode 2 of Top Gear (the one with The Stig's Chinese cousin on it), a celebrity named Matt LeBlanc stepped in, lapped round the Top Gear Test Track and, if you're sitting down, overtook Mr. Bean's lap time, making Matt LeBlanc the current leader of Top Gear's Star in a Reasonably Priced Car with the lap time of 1:42.1! Unbelievable! Mr. Bean's going to be upset about Matt LeBlanc's lap time!

Although, we can't show the S18Ep2 clip due to constraints, here's the behind the scenes footage of Matt LeBlanc roared through the corners of the Top Gear Test Track.

If you can't see the clip, visit this link:

http://transmission.blogs.topgear.com/2012/02/05/all-the-post-show-discussion-from-episode-2-plus-behind-the-scenes-with-matt-le-blanc/

Z34フェアレディーに、改良

2013 Nissan 370Z

To be showcased at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, coming this February 10 to 19, this revised 2013MY Nissan 370Z (Fairlady Z) Z34 features some mild updates such as a new front bumper that is somewhat derived from the old Z33, red reflector added to the rear fascia, revised 19-inch rims, new 18-inch rims, red-finished brake calipers, dark-finish fuel gauge trim, and Euro-tuned shock absorbers. This keeps the Z34 more updated when this model arrived in Japan since December 2008.

Although no pricing was given, sales for the revised Z34 will start in the USA this Summer 2012. No word when will Japan get this revised model...

Further Reading: http://www.netcarshow.com/nissan/2013-370z/

PlayStation Network to be renamed as Sony Entertainment Network

PSVita

Okay, time now for the news. In case you never heard of it, PlayStation Network to be renamed as Sony Entertainment Network, as a front to unifying its online services and gain closer on their goal of establishing a global comprehensive network platform of services across games, movies, music, and others, all accessible from a single account.

Don't worry though that despite the name change, this does not affect your PSN username or password. A software update for the Playstation3 and the all new Playstation Vita (well, Japan still has those and North American debut will be at late February) will arrive tomorrow. However, Sony Entertainment Network will not be applicable to the PlayStation Portable. Sorry to tell you that this anime-loving, old-generation handheld console is not part of the Sony Entertainment Network. Bad mark for Sony, there.

Scoop: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57372110-1/playstation-network-renamed-sony-entertainment-network/

Welcome Back: 2009 Renault Twingo Renault Sport Cup

This is the aftermath of Clarkson's "Sensible" Twingo Test.
No sign of Ross Kemp in the boot.

Renault's sporty little Twingo RS 133 (if you're Japanese, ルノー・スポール トゥインゴ) has a special place in Top Gear history. This was fueled the "Sensible" Twingo test that ended in an epic failure all thanks to Jeremy Clarkson having a cold. On that episode of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson traveled to Belfast, Northern Ireland, to provide a review on the Renaultsport Twingo 133 in order to address the complaint from someone named Mr. Needham. You may not heard of him, or met him, but gezz, Ain't he's getting furious why Top Gear hadn't made a normal road test just like the OLD TOP GEAR.

However, this Renaultsport Twingo RS 133 review turned into a rollercoaster ride to mayhem. These include getting beaten by a Fiat 500 Abarth in the drag race, getting placed at the top of the H&W crane, driving through the tunnels upside down, Ross Kemp at the boot, went through the ice hockey arena with some angry hockey players on it, reckless driving, and an epic failure when Jeremy Clarkson drowned the Renaultsport Twingo RS while racing against the departing ferry. It might be more thrilling but it's not as thrilling as the "Sensible" Fiesta test.

With the 2009 Renault Twingo Renault Sport Cup has plenty of life on Forza Motorsport 4, players want to do some sensible stuff to their nippy little rascal by any means of modifications, vinyls, tune-ups, whatever floats their Twingo. It may be a 99% serious hot hatch but the nippy little Renaultsport Twingo 133 is all about getting sensible in the world of Forza Motorsport.

TAKE NOTE: Reason why the Renaultsport Twingo 133 not fast enough against the Fiat 500 Abarth is because while the Twingo RS 133 has 131HP of power and 2,313lbs of weight, the Fiat 500 Abarth has 160HP of power and 2,050 lbs of weight. That's why the Fiat 500 Abarth is more powerful and lighter than the Renaultsport Twingo 133.

Mitsubishi to stop producing cars from Europe

2013 Mitsubishi Mirage

We have some breaking news that the European subsidiary of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation said that they will end production of Euro-spec Mitsubishi vehicles by around 2013 as it shifts its focus to emerging markets.

Firstly, they will sell their European subsidiary plant, NedCar, which is located at Holland. How? We don't know but Mitsubishi will enter into negotiations with labor unions and the Dutch Government to sell the NedCar plant, which employed over a thousand workers.

Too bad though that Mitsubishi saw no future profits in Europe.

Scoop: http://carview.co.jp/news/0/160676/

My SB46 final impressions...

2012 Acura NSX Concept

First and foremost, I was gonna say congratulations to the New York Giants for a spectacular fight against the New England Patriots. This Super Bowl XLVI battle is one heck of a moment to remember. Best Super Bowl ever seen and wow. Those commercials they aired are just purely random.

Those ads they've aired were David Beckham endorses some underwear, Cadillac ATS at the Nurburgring, M&M's, the introduction of the new Bud Light Platinum, how can a Century 21 agent do, a truck that can survive a massive hit, happy grad, a Veloster Turbo against a cheetah, Audi S7 trashed the vampire party, reinvented stuff, Clint Eastwood's message to America that it's halftime, 2013MY Genesis Coupe's Think Fast commercial, dogs and babies rule the Doritos ads, a dog that can wear Sketchers,  gathering of our favorite childhood cartoon characters for the MetLife ad, montage of Chevy Sonic's stunts, how Bridgestone applied their technology in the world of basketball and football, the "Free To Pee" commercial (weird), a dog exercises so he can chase the new VW Beetle, Coke Polar Bear Shareable Moments, Pepsi King's Court ad, a Coke Zero guy became the millionth Pepsi Max customer, Matthew's Day Off with the new CR-V and my personal favorite, Jerry Seinfeld tries to get his hands on the Acura NSX Concept until it was foiled by Jay Leno's.

Yes, they were all random stuff but of all the ads, I think the Acura's Transactions Big Game ad was the best ad I have ever seen. I bet this would be more fun than last year's Lil Vader ad from Volkswagen. Anyway, I really love the Big Game ads from the SB46 and lest we forget the silliness from these ads.

Ugh. I'm getting dizzy right now. Getting dizzy from those random Super Bowl ads and Madonna's halftime show concert. See ya...

The Run of Diablo SV

Lamborghini Diablo SV

Name: Lamborghini Diablo SV

Nationality: Italian

Top Speed: 200MPH

0-60 Time: 4.1 seconds

BHP: 510 @ 7,100 RPM

Performance: Tier 4

Handling: Challenging

Class: Exotic

Drivetrain: RWD

Manufacture Year: 1995

Description:

Launched in the 1995 Geneva Motor Show, the Diablo SV revived the Super Veloce naming from the Miura SV and this is known to be the entry-level version of the legendary Lamborghini Diablo. Because this car doesn't have AWD, the power of the 510HP engine can't keep up with the Traction, making it riskier to handling the Diablo SV. Notable features from the Diablo SV includes an adjustable rear spoiler, black tail lamp surrounds, repositioned rear fog and reverse lamps, extra set of brake cooling ducts, ducted engine lid, and optional SV vinyls.

Back in 1998, Lamborghini launched the Diablo SV Monterey Edition, which is a limited run to 20 units available exclusively at the United States.

The Lamborghini Diablo SV is part of the all new Need For Speed THE RUN Italian Edition Pack, available now at either PlaystationStore or XBOX Marketplace. Return to THE RUN and try it.

The Run of Gallardo Superleggera

Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera

Name: Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera

Nationality: Italian

Top Speed: 193 MPH

0-60 Time: 3.4s

BHP: 542 @ 8000 RPM

Performance: Tier 4

Handling: Easy

Class: Exotic

Drivetrain: AWD

Manufacture Year: 2010

Description:

The first Gallardo Superleggera came out in the 2007 Geneva Motor Show and it was a tribute to the first Lamborghini production model, the 350GT. However, despite that Superleggera is Italian for "Super Light", this model doesn't have a super light constructed body. What the original Superleggera has an improved engine intake, sports exhaust, and an ECU, generating 523HP of power. Production began in mid-2007 and up to early 2008, totaling 172 units built. Two years later, the Superleggera name has been reborn and it was based on the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4. The new Gallardo Superleggera uses carbon fiber inside and out, providing 2,954lbs of weight, making this the lightest Lamborghini ever built for the enthusiast.

The V10 engine on the Gallardo Superleggera produces 542BHP of power and it can do 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, that is faster than the Lamborghini Gallardo Balboni.

This car is part of the all new Need For Speed THE RUN Italian Edition Pack, available now at either PlaystationStore or XBOX Marketplace. Take advantage of its lightweight body! Seems that bully's gone for a diet!

Stig's Chinese cousin inspires T-Shirt

Kung Fu STIG

In one part of Top Gear Series 18 Episode 2, Jeremy Clarkson and James May went to China to explore more about Chinese cars and we got even introduced to The Stig's Chinese Cousin. He may look like The Stig but he sure knows how to KUNG FU! Wait, what? The Stig who can do Kung Fu? Whoa there! At least, that's The Stig's Chinese Cousin.

Seems that whole Chinese Stig gig really inspired an official "KUNG FU STIG" T-Shirt. Prices start at 17.45 British Pounds Sterling (VAT included) (estimated P1,200) for all sizes. Come check this out.

URL: http://www.officialproducts.co.uk/product.php/202/0/kung-fu-stig/8bf87899899852674517a9da8a728ad9

Subaru pitches in Meisa Kuroki for the BRZ's TV commercial

2013 Subaru BRZ meets Meisa Kuroki

Well, I can't believe it. In case you haven't know, Subaru pitches in Japanese actress, Meisa Kuroki, as the endorser for the new BRZ sports coupe. You may probably remember Meisa Kuroki from last year's Andalusia movie and from the Japanese Nestle Kit Kat commercial but you wouldn't believe she really fits her personality with this car.

The Subaru BRZ was released last week and it is scheduled to go on sale at the end of March 2012. This is the first rear-wheel drive sports coupe in joint agreement with Toyota Motor Corporation. This is the TOYOTA 86 with the Pleiades' point of view. The BRZ naming implies as "Boxer Rear-Wheel-Drive Zenith".