Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (991)

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

The same goodness you would get from the new Porsche 911 Carrera (Type 991), is now carried over to the new Cabriolet version.

Forever being the king of European sports cars, the legendary Porsche 911 is became sacred to the brand since the first one came out in 1963. Now, 48 years has passed and after undergoing several model changes, this is it. The much awaited full model change for the king of European sports cars is made to be more stunning, sleek and stylish.

At first glance, the 991 looks the same as the outgoing 997 but take a second look and you'll see all the body panels are new as are the Porsche design DNA carried from the Panamera saloon. In fact, you can see the Porsche label spelled it out at the back. This design really more like an attractive swimming instructor in her racing swimsuit. That looks nice.

Now at the interior, it is well-sculpted and well-refined to meet up with its Porsche design DNA and this exactly looked like the Panamera and the second-generation Cayenne. What's amazing is the new high resolution multi-function screen for the best user-friendly experience. It can be somewhat very essential when it comes to navigation and this is the one that works, well kind of. This looks a lot nicer than the 997's interior that is somewhat "it's cool if you're an 11 year old boy" but it's certainly cool.

Seems that this one is perfect for the road and track because the Porsche 991 remains the same RR (Rear-engine, Rear-wheel-drive) layout that became the epitome of the 911 history for 48 years. At the normal 911 Carrera, it is powered by a 3.4L boxer engine that produces 350PS of power and 390NM of torque. The hardcore 911 Carrera S is powered by 3.8L boxer engine that produces 400PS of power and 440Nm of torque. With the 7-speed PDK is considered to be available, get ready for this because the new Porsche 991 comes with the world's first 7-speed manual transmission! That's right folks, a 7-speed manual transmission. Seven gear stickshift! This is definitely the first of its kind because over the years the maximum gear of a manual transmission is six, which of course we love it, but is there such thing in a world is a 7-speed manual transmission? Here in Porsche, it exists and its exclusive to the 991, providing combined fuel economy of 9,2 Liter/100 km at the standard 911 Carrera Cabriolet and 9,7 Liter/100 km at the flagship 911 Carrera S Cabriolet. We are very jealous to see this legend equipped with the world's first 7-speed manual.

Available in 14 colors: Schwarz, Indischrot, Carraraweiss, Racinggelb, Basaltschwarz, Aquablau, Platinsilber, Dunkelblau, Anthrazitbraun, Achatgrau, Rubinrot, GT-silber, Cognac, and Limegold.

My Comment:

So, this soft-top version of the 991 has the same feeling you would get from the original hardtop version. There's still more to come to the 991...

Photo: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

The Ultima(te) Story

Discovered from Forza Motorsport 4's March Pirelli Pack is a car I am not utterly familiar of. This car is known as the Ultima GTR, the quickest accelerating and decelerating supercar of all time and multiple world speed record holder.

The Ultima GTR vs. the Noble Works!

Unless I was on the MPH05 show in the NEC, Birmingham, or in Earl's Court in London, I wouldn't have the chance to encounter one. Oh, Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond and Fifth Gear's Tiff Needell were on that MPH05 show a couple of years ago and Clarkson wants to prove just how world proven the Ultima GTR is by challenging Tiff Needell to figure out the Ultima GTR's indoor speed record. Ultima Sports Ltd. Director, Richard Marlow, was impressed to see the presenters from Top Gear and Fifth Gear getting to know more about the Ultima GTR in front of a hundred thousand visitors.

Additional info: http://www.ultimasports.co.uk/Content.aspx?f=record5

Although it is a supercar, the Ultima GTR is a Do-It-Yourself car. By the time you ordered one as a "kit car" you can build it yourself and for an advantage, it is less expensive than the factory-assembled Ultima GTR. This is somewhat similar from the DIY Caterham I saw on Top Gear. Inside the box, what you'll get is the chassis, alloy panel set, pedals, master cylinder, suspension wishbones, suspension uprights, suspension toe link, front hubs,  brakes, brake lines, steering rack, cooling system, gear linkage, fuel tanks, dampers, drive shafts, wiring loom, glass and laminates, rear wing, exhaust, seats, wheels, and an instructional manual on how to assemble the Ultima GTR. If you take your time to assemble and if you're not fiddling with anything, you have assembled a supercar that comes with a Chevrolet 6.3L V8 engine that produces 534HP of power and 528ft-lb of torque. The standard gearbox was a Porsche G50 five speed transaxle.

"I really wish I were here" The Ultima GTR says

Now, there are numerous statements how the Ultima GTR is a world-proven speed demon. First up, they used a model that comes with a 640BHP American Speed engine, known as the Ultima GTR640, and there was a powerful model with a 720BHP engine, known as the Ultima GTR720. Later on, they have established their verified performance figures with the use of road tires and exhaust;

0-60mph: 2.7secs

0-100mph: 5.5secs

0-150mph: 11.8secs

30-70mph: 2.0secs

0-100mph-0: 10.3secs

100mph-0 Braking:  3.9secs

Speed Achieved: 204mph on the Bruntingthorpe straight

Top Speed : 231mph est. (gearing limited)

Source: http://www.ultimasports.co.uk/Content.aspx?f=record2

If that wasn't enough, Ultima sent one of their test drivers to lap the GTR720 round the Top Gear Test Track independently and it did it in 1:12.8 seconds, faster than every other cars The Stig tested on Top Gear, even the Ariel Atom V8, which is currently Top Gear's fastest car on the test track. Later on, it used the configuration that is not road-legal, which includes putting on racing tires, and it lapped round the track in 1:09.9, faster than the Ferrari FXX as seen on Top Gear. So the question is, how could Top Gear didn't feature this car that is much powerful than the Ariel Atom V8? Ask the producers why.

Ultima GTR in Japan?

The shadowy speed machine, the Ultima GTR, may not have a spotlight on Top Gear but on our books, we consider this as the greatest masterpiece ever to be assembled by hand. Although, I still don't know more about the Ultima GTR, I am started to like it more as a pure driving machine. It maybe a track-minded vehicle but it's road legal. There was one fact that I haven't remembered about the Ultima GTR and this was designed by Lee Noble with Ted Marlow alongside and it was designed and engineered by some blokes I haven't met in an industrial shed in Leicester. It may not be a supercar that you can park it on the Monte Carlo casino stand but this will surely give the elite supercars a run on their money...

"Now in a RETURNABLE GLASS BOTTLE"

On the March 23, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang;

- Graduation gags for the happy graduates!

- Mr. Assimo meets the school registrar...

- Bonding time with friends...

- Cheche's TV viewing was been messed up by Bureche!

- Hey! Lighten up! May mga moments na hindi mo na maibabalik pero ang Flipton Ice Tea Sparkling, nasa abot kayang returnable glass bottle na! Bubble Gang does Lipton Iced Tea Sparkling by spoofing this commercial as Flipton Ice Tea Sparkling! The lighter side of soda, now in a returnable glass bottle!

Bubble Gang does Lipton Iced Tea Sparkling

- Some say, Dahon (Antonio Aquitania) faces off against Bisugo (Betong) again. All we know is, it's PICKUP LINES!!!!

1) Library ka ba? Kasi pag nandyan ka, gusto ko nang lumagay sa tahimik!

2) Alam mo bang sobrang amazing ka? Kasi, parang magic ang ganda mo! AMAZING!

3) Kung driver ako, traffic aide ka. Kasi kapag wala ka, hindi ako makakapag-move on.

4) Bungang araw ka ba? Kasi pag nandyan ka, nangangati ako! Ang kati! AMAZING!

5) Sana HOLY WEEK na. Para kung busted na ako, sabay penintensya na ako!

6) Ikaw ang laging nasa isip ko! Kasi, ang taas ng sugar ng Ma'am Bestre!

7) Alam mo, para kang isang taong mahilig mang-utang! Kasi pag nakikita kita, kinakabahan ako!

8) Neneng, mahawakan ko lang ang kamay mo! Nasa langit na ako! Kasi, ang taas ng palit ng Australian dollar!

- A man in the men's restroom is making negotiations

- Imagine if your parents can't keep in touch with you clearly because they have something in their mouths...

- So, a troublemaker became a graduate? Really?

- IyoTube in Stevie Wonder's Knocks Me Off My Feet

Remembering the S2000

Just like in one episode of Top Gear, when Jeremy Clarkson caught you driving with a luxury roadsters, especially German, in the Isle of Mann, he would probably yelling "YOU GOT THE WRONG CAR! YOU GOT THE WRONG CAR! I GOT THE RIGHT CAR OVER THERE!" and chances are that you've encountered the Honda S2000.

S2000 in London

Looking for the world's greatest roads

Remembered as Honda's first and last rear-wheel drive two seater roadster, the S2000 is probably an all-time favorite among JDM fans because this the only Honda that can drift well because of its FR layout. Too bad they don't make one of these anymore, which is sad...

How did the Honda S2000 began? First of all, back in the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show, the Honda Sport Study Model was a concept car serving as a template for the production of the S2000. As years pass by, the Sport Study Model concept remain unchanged when appeared in most motor shows until Honda decided to produce the S2000 in the spring of 1999, serving as a spiritual successor of the classic S800.

Most enthusiasts nicknamed this as "S2" or "S2K" but that doesn't make any sense. Anyway, when it came out in 1999, it costs 3,380,000 Japanese Yen and for that, it comes with a 2.0L DOHC VTEC (F20C) engine that produces 250PS of power and 218Nm of torque. It was mated with a 6-speed manual transmission and limited slip differential. Other stuff includes a double wishbone suspension, electronically assisted steering, and integrated roll hoops. This S2000, designated as AP1, was produced in Honda's Takanezawa plant in Tochigi prefecture, Japan until 2003 and in the following year, production moved to Suzuka, Mie prefecture, Japan.

The AP1 S2000 is somewhat extraordinary for me because this is one of the easiest Hondas you can drive. The way you handle is somewhat very soft, very comfortable, and this is more of a spongecake but with added hot sauce on it. Don't know how to eat one but still, it's a skull-breaking sensation, something that you want to be completely bonkers on the open road.

When I first drive one in the past Gran Turismo video games, it felt like that the S2000 is somewhat very unique and I think its a rare opportunity for a car that is part of my childhood memories. Little known fact that the S2000 was featured on the Caltex Vortex commercial, remember that?

The Stig meets God Hand's S2000

That's how God Hand can do in the corners!

As production moved to Suzuka, Mie prefecture, Japan, the S2000 received some minor changes and the AP1 designation has now changed to AP2. The F20C engine was been replaced by a 2.2L DOHC 4-cylinder VTEC (F22C) engine. This engine produces about 242PS of power and 221Nm of torque. This comes with a drive by wire throttle, an electronic stability control system, new wheels, and one new exterior color, Laguna Blue Pearl. Interior changes included revised seats and additional stereo speakers integrated into the headrests. I should told that this AP2 S2000 went on sale in Japan since late 2005 and by the 2008MY, it comes with a new variant called the S2000 Type S, which comes with sportier exterior look. As the Lehman Shock affected the world market since the end of 2008, production of the S2000 was ended in the summer of 2009 with no direct successor whatsoever. You know that during its existence, it's still a fun to drive Honda and now, it's just a worthless litter due to the economy, the environment, tensions in the Middle East (especially Iran and Syria), and the relentless war on speed.

I have no regrets to this AP2 S2000. Even though it handles like the AP1, the 2.2L VTEC engine really copes it up with more power than the old 2.0L VTEC engine I found on the AP1.

No wonder the S2000 was served as a primary weapon for Initial D 4th Stage's "God Hand" Joushima...

God Foot vs. God Hand
at the Top Gear Test Track!

Even when the Honda S2000 was gone since the summer of 2009, it's hard to remember why did Honda want to get rid of the only FR sportscar in existence but for some enthusiasts, it's still considered to be a national treasure, a treasure that only made them laughed because it was made for one purpose; FUN.

Farewell to the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini

2012 Mitsubishi Pajero Mini Premium Selection Final Anniversary

So it's official. Mitsubishi Motors announced that they would stop production of the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini this June 2012 and to bid farewell to this tiny off-roader, they launched a final edition model called the "Premium Selection Final Anniversary".

This features;

Exterior:

1) Body color, the following four different colors including a three-way two-tone color. 

"Cool Silver Metallic / Raspberry Red Pearl / Cool Silver Metallic", "Cool Silver Metallic / Dark Blue Mica / Cool Silver Metallic", "black mica", "White Pearl"

2) Glass front door, played the water droplets, maintain good visibility days of rain "water-repellent glass door."

3) The door mirror, water droplets spread in the shape of the membrane, prevent the worsening visibility due to rain "hydrophilic side mirrors (plating)."

4) Standard fog lights to ensure visibility for example, during heavy fog.

5) Standard case of full spare tire cover type that matched the body color.

6) Standard (painted silver) roof rail when convenient to use in the outdoors.

Interior:

1) A combination of brown leather and calm, nice and soft suede fabric, seat fabric employs elegant.

2) Standard fit comfortably in one's hand to a tee, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with high texture.

Features:

1) Standard with a built-in 3.3 in. color LCD monitor "Room with a Rear View Mirror Monitor." Reflects the state of the rear of the vehicle body and to put "R" the selector lever, support the secure parking. In addition, the standard auto-dimming feature senses the light of the headlights of cars behind, to adjust the brightness.

2) Cold area specification (Heated door mirrors, Heated seats, such as driver's seat) as standard equipment.

Scoop: http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/publish/pressrelease_jp/products/2012/news/detail4555.html

About the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini;

The Pajero Mini is somewhat a kei car spinoff of the successful Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero/Shogun SUV but it was not essentially a Pajero because it was based on the platform used on the Mitsubishi Minica. It was launched in Japan since December 1994. In 2008, a Nissan version of the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini was launched as the Kix.

Let's Do The News (March 23, 2012)

And now the news and before that, let me just say that I first encounter this mobile app that turns out to be the hit app of the year 2012. Nope, it's not Angry Birds because it's so last year. It's DRAW SOMETHING!

DRAW SOMETHING? What is DRAW SOMETHING?

Think of it as Banana Split's Just Draw It but it has no time limit on it. It's just you and your friends guessing the drawings you made and take turns. It's somewhat boring but it kicks the heck out of Angry Birds, which made me a point that this would be 2012's most popular app. If 2010 is the year of Plants vs. Zombies, 2011 is the year of the Angry Birds, this is the year of the Draw Something!

Once you start playing Draw Something, there's no turning back...

Ahem, heard the news? It seems that Zynga, the creators of Farmville and Mafia Wars, has just bought OMGPOP, which is the maker of the hit Draw Something app.

Scoop: http://techcrunch.com/2012/03/21/draw-something-sucks/

Heh, didn't see that thing before....

Anyway, now moving on to something shocking...

Mitsubishi Zinger

Mitsubishi's Zinger (known in the Philippines as the Fuzion) was been recalled.

Reports:

1) http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90778/7744210.html

2) http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/Industries/221491/mitsubishi-recalls-zinger-due-to-steering-defects.html

3) http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/mitsubishi-motors-philippines-announces-fuzion-recall

Yep, it was recalled because of the bad welding on the vehicles' central steering poles and that may affect driving and cause steering wheels to be ineffective, according to the statement. Also, Mitsubishi will publish the vehicle identification numbers (VIN) of the affection Fuzion units via its website, www.mitsubishi-motors.com.ph.

For inquiries and additional concerns, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines encourages its clients to call the MMPC Customer Care Center at (+632) 658-0673. The hotline is available from Monday to Friday, 7am to 4pm.

Now, moving on...

Remember the Trailblazer concept as seen at the Dubai Motor Show? Seems that the production version of the not-for-USA TrailBlazer showed up in Thailand ahead on its Bangkok International Motor Show premiere.

2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/features/feature-articles/price-this-car-12-chevrolet-trailblazer

Don't get messy because this was based on the new generation Chevrolet Colorado. Anyway, this Thai-spec TrailBlazer has;

• Electronic-stability control
• Anti-lock braking system
• Hydraulic brake assist
• Traction control
• Dynamic rear brake proportioning (first use of rear-drive brake in the market)
• Electronic brake-force distribution
• Panic-brake assist
• Engine drag control
• Hill-descent control
• Driver and occupant airbag protection
• Second-row 60/40 split seats with fold-flat capability
• Third-row 50/50 split seats with center console storage and fold-flat capability
• Flat floor storage from the front row rearward when all seats are folded
• Auxiliary power plug with USB and Bluetooth connectivity

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/features/feature-articles/price-this-car-12-chevrolet-trailblazer

Ugh, I don't really like this TrailBlazer. I REALLY REALLY DON'T LIKE THIS. I still prefer the Captiva instead because it was better to ride at, better to look at, and in the real world, made in Korea. Surely, Chevrolet plans to bring the REAL SUV Captiva on the 2nd quarter of 2012 to the Philippines.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/so-you-want-to-drive-the-updated-chevrolet-captiva

So if those two collide; which do you think will prevail? The Korean-made Captiva or the Thai-made TrailBlazer? Not sure but be patient...

Anyway, Namco Bandai Games, the blokes behind the TEKKEN HYBRID Blu-Ray-PS3 game, seems that they'll be making another Blu-Ray hybrid game and this time, it's a combo between a new .hack// video game and .hack//The Movie all in one. My sister, Cecille, was a big fan of the .hack// video games and the anime series ranging from Legend of the Twilight, Sign, Roots, and Quantum. Anyway, this is the first time a .hack// game made it on the PS3. For the first time!

Anyway, this new game, .hack//Versus, is set after .hack//The Movie. It was set in the future when children have lived their entire lives since birth in a world connected by networks.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-03-22/hack/the-movie+versus-hybrid-pack-teaser-streamed

Sounds great but I'll pass...

Hey! Great news! What? The Hunger Games! It's a good movie! Great!

(You know it was already showing in Philippine cinemas yesterday. How was it? Is the film adaptation of the best selling novel great? What do you want to expect for the next chapter of The Hunger Games saga titled Catching Fire?)

Anyway, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the 2013 GLK-Class minor change ahead of the 2012 New York Auto Show.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/03/2013-mercedes-benz-glk-facelift-gets.html

O ho ho ho! Seems that this latest facelift has the headlamps of the new M-Class and it's a bit more kooky! Ha ha ha!

Hey, how come you haven't touch your PSVita yet? You have that since last week and you still haven't decide which good game you want to play it on the PSVita? How hard can it be?

Anyway, the 2012 Geneva Motor Show may be over but we have something amiss...

RUF, the German automaker that specializes on souped-up Porsches, revealed their latest masterpieces and for the first, those two RUF creations were based on the Porsche 911 (991).

RUF at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show

RUF at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show 

The one that look like a tuned Porsche 991 911 in dark green was the Ruf Rt 35 Anniversary and the other one that look like a tuned Porsche 991 911 in yellow was the all new RGT-8.

Description from RUF:

RUF Rt 35 Anniversary

The Rt 35 Anniversary is based on the Porsche 991. Its Turbo power-train is offered only in rear wheel drive. The engine produces 630 hp and is available with the PDK transmission ensuring outstanding performance and driver comfort. The name is derived from RUF’s 35 year history and expertise with turbo-charged engines.

Displayed beside the Rt 35 Anniversary is the 1977 RUF Turbo 3.3. The 3.3 litre engine produced 303 hp and was mated to RUF’s own 5‑speed transmission. This specific car was the original one tested by the German car magazine, Auto Motor and Sport. This car was bought back and restored by RUF Automobile.

Technical Data Rt 35 Anniversary

Power at

630ps/464kW @ 6500

Torque at

825 Nm @ 3000 1/min

Displacement

3800 cm³

Transmission

Double clutch gearbox

Top Speed

330 km/h

Fuel consumption

Urban

16,7 l/100 km

Non-urban

8,2 l/100 km

Combined

11,5 l/100 km

CO2 emissions

268 g/km

RUF RGT 8

The RGT 8, first introduced here at Geneva in 2010, is now available based on the new Porsche 991 platform. The RGT 8 features the “all RUF”, naturally aspirated V8 that produces 550 hp. The flexibility of the V8 engine delivers extraordinary performance and a sound track that only a high‑revving, flat‑crank V8 can produce. 

The V8 engine was inspired by racing technology and features hemispherically arranged valves, 180 degree “flat” crankshaft, dry sump lubrication and direct drive ancillaries eliminating all drive belts. The RGT 8 is available with only a six-speed manual transmission powering the rear wheels.

Technical Data RGT 8

Power at

550ps/405kW @ 8500

Torque at

500 Nm @ 4000 1/min

Displacement

4499 cm³

Transmission

6-speed manual

Top Speed

318 km/h

Fuel consumption

Urban

19,7 l/100 km

Non-urban

9,8 l/100 km

Combined

12,9 l/100 km

CO2 emissions

298 g/km

Congratulations RUF, for a job well done creating new machines based on the new Porsche 911 (991). Oh and by the way, they did launched a new version of the CTR 3 known as the Clubsport variant, and if that wasn't enough, there was a European premiere of the Panamera-based Ruf RXL.

Anyway, about the death of Whitney Houston, I think authorities found the cause of her death last February. Some say, she was accidentally drowned with cocaine in blood. A final report will be released to the public on the next two weeks.

Scoop: http://www.myxph.com/features/2721/whitney-houston-accidentally-drowned-with-cocaine-in-blood/

Now you know...

Anyway, that's the news!

Welcome Back: 2009 Lexus IS F

Jeremy Clarkson, meet Houki Shinonono.
Houki Shinonono, meet Jeremy Clarkson.

So, even in Forza Motorsport 4, THE BATTLE OF IS goes on and I don't mean that whole Infinite Stratos anime thing or that IS[アイエス]～男でも女でもない性～ drama thing. I'm referring to the Lexus IS featured on Forza Motorsport 4. There was the 2003 Lexus IS300, the 2006 Lexus IS350, and the 2009 Lexus IS F. This here is one of my favorite Lexus cars on this game, and still, this is a two-way tie between my favorite Lexus, which is the LFA. I'll talk about that later on but anyway, the Lexus IS F, some say it was made to be an M3 killer but it isn't. This is not as quicker as the BMW M3 Saloon and that's the point.

Most of these Japanese-y video game stuff is hidden under a wall of brute force and noise and yes. The 2UR-GSE engine packs a mighty punch and more power than the BMW M3. However, the Lexus IS F is somewhat heavier than the BMW M3 and while the M3 has a 6-speed SMG, the Lexus IS F comes with an 8-speed paddle shift transmission, which doesn't make any sense at all.

This is the kind of a sports saloon that always attacking you with scissors, not soothing your eyebrows. The M3 rides easily and comfortable but the Lexus IS F wasn't because it was too hard to handle and too risky to have your neck broken.

Even so, the Lexus IS F has a lap time of 1:26.8 at the Top Gear Test Track, slower than the BMW M3 Saloon, and that's it. End of discussion.