Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

Volkswagen really has a lineup that suits the category. They have the up! that competes against the Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1. Then, there was the Volkswagen Jetta that rivals against the Hyundai Accent. The Golf serves as the Renault Megane's proper rival. The Volkswagen Touareg serves as the German alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser. There's always a proper Volkswagen that suits the category of an average European customer but Volkswagen hasn't come up with a competitor that will rival against the Subaru Legacy Outback and the upcoming Peugeot 508 RXH. There hasn't been a gap, until now...

2013 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

Some say, this is a Passat B7 Variant but it isn't. Revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show last December 2011, the brand new Passat Alltrack is the crossover version of the Passat B7. Yep, you guessed it! It was made to compete against the Subaru Outback and the Peugeot 508 RXH but it takes a lot of time. So, what is it then, this VW Alltrack?

At first glance, it looks like a Passat Variant but with some crossover credentials on it to make it even more unique for this debutante. If this one is parked at a grocery store and if I was hideously drunk, I can tell that this is a Passat Variant with a different look. Anyway, how about the interior?

2013 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack interior

Yep, you still get the same Passat B7 interior and the added space to put around your BMX, canoe, surfboards, whatever you packed for your day off. What's more, you still have the analog clock, the same instrumental cluster from the Passat B7, automatic climate control, and every luxurious detail, just so you know...

The Volkswagen Passat Variant Alltrack comes with the following variants in the market launch in Europe this March such as the 1.8 TSi, 2.0 TDi BlueMotion Technology, and 2.0 TSi. Most come with either a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed DSG transmission with a flatter accelerator pedal characteristic makes it easier to meter engine power in offroad situations. On the 4MOTION variants of the Passat Alltrack, the front wheels are driven with the rear wheels only getting 10 per cent of propulsive power. This is done by an electrohydraulic all-wheel drive clutch. Don't forget that when you're out there. Also, there's this new Offroad Driving Programme in which the driver activates the programme by pressing the Offroad button on the centre console. Specifically, the settings for the safety and driver assistance systems and DSG control were modified such as anti-lock braking system, electronic differential locks, Hill Descent Assist, Dual clutch gearbox, Running gear, ESP with trailer stabilization, Front running gear, and Four-link rear suspension.

Oh, I kinda forgot about the specs! Here's how those grades stack up;

Front-wheel drive standard
1.8 TSI - 118 kW / 160 PS (6-speed)
2.0 TDI - 103 kW / 140 PS (6-speed, BMT)

All-wheel drive / 4MOTION standard
2.0 TSI - 155 kW / 210 PS (6-speed DSG)
2.0 TDI - 125 kW / 170 PS (6-speed DSG, BMT)

All-wheel drive / 4MOTION as option
2.0 TDI - 103 kW / 140 PS (6-speed, BMT)
1.8 TSI with 118 kW / 160 PS

For safety, the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack has such features as six airbags, daytime running lights and the ESP electronic stabilisation program. Additional features include fatigue detection, tyre pressure monitoring indicator (the driver is alerted if a tyre loses air) and the trailer stabilisation and countersteering support functions integrated in the ESP program. There's also the 2nd generation Park Assist that only supported parking parallel to the carriageway.

Available in seven colors; Tungsten Silver Metallic, Iron Grey Metallic, Light Brown Metallic, Tornadorot, Islandgrau Perleffekt, Night Blue Metallic, and Deep Black Perleffekt.

My Comment:

The new Passat Alltrack is all play and all work. If you want a crossover that you want to bring out in the summer and set off to visit an abbey, a pottery, an arts and crafts bungalow, and other vacation spots, this wasn't for you. There are other family carriers that can do that job better and sadly, this Passat Alltrack wasn't being a part of the crossover club. It needs some sheer evidence in order for this club to grant access for the Passat Alltrack and if that work out, this would be it. If that showed up in Tokyo Motor Show last year, would Volkswagen Japan start selling this one soon?



Photo: Volkswagen

Let's Do The News (March 26, 2012)

*To make this "Let's Do The News" segment more exciting, let's make it a fanfic with Top Gear's Jeremy, Richard, and James. This will probably speed up the process.

James: And now the news and before that, we just want to say goodbye to Zero No Tsukaima because earlier, the final episode of Zero No Tsukaima F was aired in Japan via AT-X by around 8:30 AM Japan Standard Time. Aw, that's it... It's over... Zero no Tsukaima is gone for good.

Zero no Tsukaima F ending

Sad for us who enjoyed the Zero no Tsukaima anime all the way to the very end. It really hurt my feelings to see Zero no Tsukaima gone but it rarely put a smile on our face. This goes to show...

ZERO NO TSUKAIMA...GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN...

Richard: Awww....but you still have Shakugan no Shana III left. If Shakugan no Shana III, the third and final season, ends, it's over. No more. Shana's gone for good. Just sayin...

James: Anyway, I never knew that someone named Leopaul took part of two parties in a weekend. In Saturday, he was part of his Lolo and Lola's 60th wedding anniversary held somewhere at American Legion, Moutlake Terrace, Washington.

See the pics: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3289525875766.2145669.1196293706&type=3&l=4a87e937d3

Also, he's been at his sister Elise's baby shower held at the Filipino Community Center!

See the pics: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3295006772785.2145801.1196293706&type=1&l=f41162be42

Never thought it was some kind of a double weekend celebration. Who would ever thought of that?

Jeremy: Beats me but anyway, you know what, making celebrations are a bit too lame. Roses, speech, tango, that's too gay for us to do that. Hopefully someone should be thinking better than that. I am so getting bored about parties. One party is enough but a party at a next day? We're stressed! Agh!

James: Don't get to cocky now. In the USA, Spring Break has just begun. We could expect some teenagers roaming around like idiots for a whole week. He he he....

Oh! Great news!

Jeremy: What?

James: The Hunger Games! It raked a $214 million gross sales globally since it's first week of showing!

Scoop: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/252728/showbiz/showbizabroad/hunger-games-gorges-on-214-million-global-debut

Jeremy: GREAT! Now, moving on...

You know some guy from Egypt who owns a BMW 1-Series Coupe? Yep, he's dreaming to have the BMW 1M but due to import taxes that are way higher than unexpected, he can't afford one but did you know what he did to his 120d Coupe? It's simple, he swapped it with an engine from a BMW M3 and mimic the exterior of the BMW 1M Coupe!

(applause)

Richard: WOW! WHO WOULD THOUGHT OF THAT?! It seems that it is possible to convert a simple BMW 1-Series Coupe into a BMW 1M Coupe on a budget!

Jeremy: Yep. It is. The Egyptian Bimmer owner said that he spent $45,000 worth of modifications done to his 120d Coupe in order to convert it into a BMW 1M Coupe on a budget.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/03/egyptian-refuses-to-pay-150000-for-bmw.html

James: Now imagine that if I have a Fiat 500 but I can't afford to buy a Fiat Abarth 500, this is what I should do! But no, we're not thinking of that...

Anyway, I'm glad someone's taking advantage to his PSVita. First glance, he thinks that how hard can it be to get used to the PSVita but now, he's getting used to! As of now, he's currently playing Asphalt Injection and Ridge Racer on the PS Vita! Wow, no wonder he's still a petrolhead after all. Heh heh heh...

Jeremy: You know what? He did bring it on those two parties and he use it as a camera.

Richard: The PSVita has a camera?

James: Indeed it has but it's not really clearer as what you think.

Richard: Well, not as what you call it his best work. (laugh)

James: Anyway, remember James Cameron? The director of Titanic and Avatar? Guess what? He went on his underwater journey by diving himself 10.9km and he made it to the ocean's deepest point.

Scoop: http://www.interaksyon.com/article/27867/james-cameron-dives-10-9-kilometers-reaches-oceans-deepest-point

Jeremy: Ooh! Looks like he's on to his Titanic journey. Amazing!

Richard: Perhaps this is what I want to put it on Invisible Worlds because that Titanic director became the first man to visit the ocean's deepest point in over 5 decades and to bring back data and specimens to scientists to learn more about the world's hidden secrets.

James: Uh-huh...

So, is that the kind of challenge we want? Three of us going underwater?

Richard: You know what? We haven't do that...

James: Hammond, you did. You were almost drowning on a submerged car! But okay, we haven't been to the ocean's deepest. Imagine that this would be a perfect TG special for us...

Richard: Ooohh, that would be risky...

James: And that's the news! Louise from Zero no Tsukaima, we will never forget you! You may be gone but you will never been forgotten!

Welcome Back: 2011 Mazda 2

Eco Car challenge!!

As I'm sure you know, this is the third-generation Mazda Demio. Yes I know. It was launched in Japan since July 2007 and a few years later, it was sold worldwide, even the USA and in the Philippines. It was facelifted since the summer of 2011. It was feature on the previous Forza 3 game. So, why then am I now driving it again?

Because I like it. This Mazda Demio is all about zoom-zoom concentrated in every aspect of this car. The Nissan Micra/March K13 I drove in the past when I got my hands on Forza 4 is just somewhat a so-so for me despite the fact that I'm impressed that I drove the Nissan Micra/March K13 but in every tangible way, the Mazda 2/Demio is somewhat better than the Nissan Micra/March K13 and most of all, it's better to look at.

This car is what Mazda made, except that now what players do to their Mazda Demio is outfit it with aero parts courtesy of Mazda specialist, AutoExe.

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 32

Oh no.... Whoever saw the Korean TV commercial for the Chevrolet Spark Tattoo and Spark Stripe, some petrolheads never knew they have ears too sharp to hear what's the lyric on that ad! Sorry but you won't find that song you've heard on that ad, even if you google the words like "freaky freaky boy tell me what you gonna do tonight", it's not gonna work. Please stop doing that, petrolheads.

Instead of fiddling around or suffer the case of "dispute rejected, claim has been reinstated", let me give some another set of five driving musics (car commercial songs) for us to enjoy;

5) Gesaffelstein by Viol - from the Citroen DS4 Just Mat French TV Commercial.

4) If we hold on together by Diana Ross - from the 1995 Isuzu Bighorn Japanese TV Commercial.

3) Don't Stop the Dance by BRYAN FERRY - from the 2002 Nissan Primera Japanese TV Commercial.

2) Porcelain by Moby - from the 2003 Nissan Primera Japanese TV Commercial

1) Porcelain by Julia Fordham - from the 1990 Toyota Corona Exiv Japanese TV Commercial starring Julia Fordham

..and there you have. Some another set of five Driving Musics to enjoy. If you have a chance, you may want to request Top Gear to feature on of those I've mentioned on their Ultimate Driving CD. For info, visit http://transmission.blogs.topgear.com/2012/03/22/help-us-out-with-our-new-top-gear-cd/

When it rains in Malaysia, it pours more F1 fury!

So, it's raining in Sepang Circuit, but the second round of the F1 2012 really pours it out! In an unexpected way, Ferrari's Fernando's Alonso emerged as the victor in Sepang, leading Sauber-Ferrari's Sergio Perez in 2nd place and McLaren-Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton placed 3rd.

Race - Alonso holds off stellar Perez for Sepang victory 25 Mar 2012

           

Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix was won by Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso from Sauber’s Sergio Perez and McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton, but it was a race of two halves, and how different they were!

The skies were already dark as cars went out on to the grid and 10 minutes before the start the rain came. Everyone bar the HRTs started on intermediate tyres, Hamilton led team mate Jenson Button off the line, with Lotus’s Romain Grosjean spearing between Mercedes’ Michael Schumacher and the Red Bulls to grab third until he was repassed further round the lap and then clobbered Schumacher into a spin and followed suit himself.

Within a lap Perez was in for wet tyres, followed by Ferrari’s Felipe Massa, Marussia’s Timo Glock and Charles Pic on lap three, then Button, Alonso, Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg, Caterham’s Heikki Kovalainen (who had made stunning progress from 23rd on Lap One to 17th on Lap Two) and team mate Vitaly Petrov.

Hamilton clung on until Lap Five, aquaplaning all over the place, and just skipped back out ahead of his team mate. Perez was up to a stunning third after Sauber’s great strategic move, and even a big off-course moment didn’t hurt him although it brought Red Bull’s Mark Webber within striking distance.

By Lap Six conditions were so bad that the race officials deployed the safety car for the first time officially here. The race continued behind the silver Mercedes until lap nine, when it was red flagged.

Thus Hamilton led Button to a halt on the start/finish line, followed by Perez, Webber, Alonso, Red Bulls’ Sebastian Vettel (who’d had an off), Toro Rosso’s Jean-Eric Vergne (who had yet to pit), Massa, Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg (who’d also been off), the amazing Narain Karthikeyan, who had not stopped thanks to starting his HRT on the full wets and was running a fabulous 10th, Hulkenberg and Force India team mate Paul di Resta, Lotus’s Kimi Raikkonen, Williams’ Pastor Maldonado, Schumacher, Sauber’s Kamui Kobayashi, HRT’s Pedro de la Rosa (who like Karthikeyan had started on full wets), Toro Rosso’s Daniel Ricciardo, Petrov, Glock, Kovalainen, Charles Pic and Williams’ Bruno Senna. Grosjean was thus far the only retirement, going off for good into the gravel in Turn Six on Lap Four.

It was Canada 2011 all over again, but with dusk approaching much faster in the already gloomy conditions.

At 17.01 it was announced that the race would be resumed at 17.15 behind the safety car, with all cars to be running Pirelli’s wet tyres. There was still some light rain, but conditions had improved sufficiently. The gamble now would be how soon to switch back to intermediate tyres, once the safety car had been called back in.

Button gambled on a change to intermediates at the end of Lap 13, even before the race had officially resumed. Alonso, meanwhile, fought by Webber and Vettel, and pitted for inters on Lap 14 together with Hamilton and Webber.

Sauber brought Perez in a lap later, when Button called in again after colliding with Karthikeyan’s HRT which he clipped with his front wing in Turn Nine. That was the end of the points leader’s chances, but Perez’s were just opening up.

From the 17th lap until the finish, it was Perez against Alonso, the youngster against the old stager, with Hamilton and the Red Bull drivers unable to do anything to challenge either of them.

For a while, Alonso opened the gap; it was as much as 7.7s on the 28th lap, half distance. But then Perez really got the bit between his teeth. More rain was forecast, so now the strategy for all of the drivers was to make their intermediate tyres last as long as they could. And the Sauber is kind to its rubber. Perez began to cut the gap to Alonso: 6.7s on Lap 33, 4.9s by Lap 35, 1.3s by Lap 39. The atmosphere, so drenched earlier, was now electric as everyone willed him on.

Alonso dived for the pits on the 40th lap and took on medium slick tyres, Perez came a lap later and took the harder tyres, as Sauber crucially added more front downforce. By Lap 42 the gap was 7.1s again, and the fairy tale seemed to be over, but nobody told Perez that. Lap by lap he ate into the Ferrari's advantage again; by Lap 49 he was only half a second behind and it seemed only a matter of time. But then he slid wide in Turn 14 leading on to the back straight, and this time the dream really was over. He recovered, and by the chequered flag on Lap 56 the gap was down from 5.3s to 2.2s, but Alonso had it made.

It was one of the best drives of the season thus far from the Spaniard, but though he thoroughly deserved all the plaudits going for grabbing the chance when he saw it, Perez was the 'man of the match' after a truly wonderful performance.

Behind the two leaders there was some great racing, but Hamilton had an untroubled run to third, unable to match their pace, as Webber came through to fourth after Vettel had made contact with Karthikeyan on the 48th lap and torn up his left-rear Pirelli. He was lucky that it happened on the back straight and he was able to pit quickly, but he dropped to 12th, which became 11th when Pastor Maldonado’s tenure of 10th place ended with an apparent Renault engine failure on Lap 54.

Behind Webber, Raikkonen drove a feisty race to fifth for Lotus, while Bruno Senna was another star as he hacked through the field from 22nd on the opening lap to an excellent sixth. Paul di Resta was another to put in an excellent drive in the hugely tricky conditions, finishing seventh for Force India after being unable to keep Senna at bay. The Scot was clear of a huge battle between Vergne’s Toro Rosso and his own team mate Hulkenberg, which Maldonado had been a part of until his engine problem.

That elevated Schumacher to the final points scoring position, on another very disappointing day for Mercedes, with Vettel 11th ahead of Ricciardo’s Toro Rosso, which kept Rosberg’s Mercedes and Button’s delayed McLaren at bay to the flag. Felipe Massa had another horrible day, made even worse by Perez’s performance, to finish 15th, ahead of Petrov who brought his Caterham home 16th ahead of Glock’s Marussia, team mate Kovalainen, Maldonado and Glock’s partner, Pic.

After his great early run Karthikeyan inevitably fell back, but he survived the two brushes with world champions to finish 21st, with team mate De la Rosa 22nd after getting a drive-through penalty after the restart as his team members were late leaving the grid. They later swapped places in the final classification after the Indian had 20 seconds added to his race time for causing the collision with Vettel. Besides Grosjean, Kobayashi was the only other retirement, but understandably it went almost unnoticed in the Sauber pit as they focused on the fight for the lead.

Scoop: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2012/3/13166.html

So, Ferrari has won that but the war goes on because in April 15, 2012, more excitement comes at the F1 2012 season in China!

Nandito ako lagi sa ulo mo pero hindi mo naman ako napapansin

Oh no! The March 25, 2012 episode of Lokomoko has been reverted back to Rated SPG!! Anyway, what's what?

- Baptism gags

- Delivery Room gags

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Kung ikaw ang bestman sa kasal, bakit hindi ikaw ang pinakasalan

- Kiddie playtime gags

- Lokomersyal in Joel Bangs Salon

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Ang keyboard at keypad ba nakakabukas ng kandado?

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Kailangan ba palaging masaya pag happyhour?

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...May nabibili bang junkfood sa junkshop?

- Who's Line Is It Anyhow?!

1) Masaya ako tuwing sinasayawan mo ako - Dance Floor

2) I've lived a life that's full, i've travelled each and every highway, but more, much more than this...I did it my way. - Bus Driver

3) I planned each chartered course, each careful step along the byway. And more, much more than this, I did it my way. - Hiker

4) Nandito ako lagi sa ulo mo pero hindi mo naman ako napapansin - Balakubak

Uh-oh....

5) Hindi lahat ng bola pinaglalaruan - Fishball

6) Kaya ka naliligaw ng landas ay dahil ayaw mong maniwala sa akin - Mapa

7) I've loved, I've laughed and cried, I've had my fill, my share of losing...and now as tears subside, I find it all so amusing - Sisa

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!