Chevy Avalanche Black Diamond will be last special edition before production ends

2013 Chevrolet Avalanche Black Diamond

Another bad news to the motoring industry! General Motors announced that production of the Chevrolet Avalanche sport utility truck has come to an end and for a proper send-off, Chevrolet released the final edition 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche Black Diamond.

This final edition comes with body-color trim work, special Black Diamond Avalanche badging, and price cuts, which is good news for them. The Avalanche LT comes with standard rear-view camera while the Avalanche LS comes with rear park assist, power adjustable pedals, fog lights, and remote start. Starting price will be $35,980, which is a $2,500 off from the 2012 Model Year pricing. It's their way of saying thank you to the Avalanche enthusiasts and we do really miss this sport utility truck. Can't believe I had to say goodbye to my childhood favorite...

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/gm-announces-end-of-chevy-avalanche-with-black-diamond-edition/

ALERT! Strong Demand delays Subaru BRZ delivery to early next year...

2013 Subaru BRZ

This isn't how we cock about. It's true! Due to the strong demand to Subaru's first RWD sports coupe, the BRZ, Fuji Heavy Industries said that the delivery for these will be delayed through early 2013.

Subaru's BRZ is the first RWD sports car in joint partnership with Toyota and Fuji Heavy Industries. It went on sale in Japan since March 28, 2012.

Those who are planning to buy the BRZ, bad luck because you have to wait 'till next year. Those who already have one, no harm done...

Scoop: http://paultan.org/2012/04/13/subaru-brz-domestic-deliveries-delayed-to-jan-2013/

So, with BRZ delivery pushed through next year, would the TOYOTA 86 be affected? Oh my...

"'Pag Mukhasim, Mukhsarap."

OH NO! This April 13, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang is now RATED SPG! Looks like Bubble Gang's fallen victim to this rating! We sure hope that Bubble Gang will keep it under control in the midst of today's standards. Anyway, what's up on the April 13, 2012 on the now RATED SPG Bubble Gang?

- Basketball gags

- Mr. Assimo meets the accountant...

New Accounts

Mr. Assimo

- Cheche and Bureche competes at the Little Miss Barangay 2012!

- Pass it on, inmates...pass it on...

- Bubble Gang does Datu Puti Vinegar by spoofing this commercial as Ditu Puti Vinegar! PAG MUKHASIM, MUKHSARAP!

Bubble Gang does Datu Puti Vinegar

- A devil tries to do good deeds...

- Pickup Lines!

- James Wang (Jacky Woo) investigates the rape victim

- IyoTube in Play That Funky Music Chipmunk

Toyota delays race debut of TS030 race car due to crash

Toyota TS030 Race Car

Well, that was unexpected. Due to some crashing during underground testing, Toyota delayed the TS030's racing appearance at the 6 Hours of Spa in May. Despite that, Toyota will be doing whatever it can to have it right before June 2012, which is the start of the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans.

PRESS RELEASE:

TOYOTA RACING TO DELAY SEASON DEBUT

TOYOTA Racing regrets to announce that, as a result of a testing accident, it is not able to participate in the WEC Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.

During testing at Paul Ricard, on Wednesday 4 April, the TS030 HYBRID was involved in an accident which damaged the team's only monocoque.

Regrettably this damage is too severe to repair. A replacement monocoque cannot be produced and sufficiently tested to ensure reliability within the limited time available.

Therefore TOYOTA Racing has informed the organizers of the FIA World Endurance Championship of its decision to withdraw from the WEC Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, due to be held on 5 May. The team will make its first appearance at the Le Mans 24 Hours in June.

Yoshiaki Kinoshita, TOYOTA Racing Team President:

"We are deeply saddened to announce this decision and our sympathies are with the drivers, team members and fans who have been anticipating the Spa race so eagerly. Since the accident we have looked into all options but unfortunately there is no alternative course of action open to us."

TOYOTA Racing will now urgently prepare a new monocoque to allow it to resume testing as soon as possible and prepare itself for the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/toyota-pushes-back-ts030-race-debut-after-test-session-crash/

Let's Do The News (April 13, 2012)

So, it is now time to do the news and...oh cock!

What is it James?

The launch of North Korea's rocket has commenced. Those commies! That initiation is all about "cocking about" and this whole centennial anniversary of the birth of a North Korean leader is just pure nonsense! Damn commies! How could they do that?! World domination? Oh cock!

Scoop: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/04/12/north-korea-reportedly-launches-rocket/

James, better calm down. You're making it worse! Oh and you know what why they pushed it on Friday? Because today was Friday the 13th! FRIDAY THE 13TH!

Oh cock! Unlucky for us, eh?

Well, instead of focusing that, better talk about what's what instead of commie missile threat...

Some idiot is making death threats to the author of Oreimo, Tsukasa Fushimi, because why did that story always center on Kuroneko rather than the titular Kirino Kousaka.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-04-12/man-arrested-for-threatening-oreimo-author-tsukasa-fushimi

Uh, Richard...You know that idiot was arrested for threatening Oreimo author. About that, does that idiot really made that point? I mean does really Oreimo centered on Kuroneko rather than Kirino? Come on, even in most shows, some characters are proven to be fan faves rather than main ones. I mean look at Hinagiku Katsura from Hayate the Combat Butler. You would always said that instead of Hayate or Nagi, they've singled out Hinagiku because...

...she's popular? Yeah, James. She's popular. No wait... I was thinking of Nagi Sanzenin because about most front covers of the Hayate no Gotoku manga did featured Nagi Sanzenin. Hammond, any reason why Kuroneko's often stand out in the Oreimo story? Because she's much more of a fan favorite than Kirino. Really, she's much more popular.

Ah! I see your point there pal...

Shall we move on?

Sure thing pal!

Now, some man from Ohio was arrested to sell a cloned Chevelle Z16 as a real thing. Named Bobby Patton, he tries to make money for a 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle SS SS-396 dressed as a rare Chevrolet Chevelle Z16. What's a Z16 you may ask? This is a mega rare version of the Chevelle SS-396. It comes with brakes lifted from full-size sedans of the day, a unique rear axle, a stiffer boxed frame borrowed from a convertible and a uniquely trimmed L37 396 V8. It even comes with special trim work, badges, VINs and various engine and axle stampings help identify the hopped up Malibu models from their kin.

Those eagle eyed Chevelle enthusiasts revealed the flaw of the faux Z16 and a Z16 owner once said...

"Hi, Roger. Thanks for sending the pictures. Unfortunately, your car is not a Z16. Nor is the engine a Z16 engine. Nor is it # matching to the car.

I own 2 real Z16′s, and am the owner and editor of the Z16 website and Z16 Registry. www.z16chevelle.com . . . So, trust me that I know what I am talking about (on this subject at least).

The VIN tag and the cowl tag that you have are homemade tags, where someone cut out a flat piece of aluminum the shape of the tag, and stamped what they wanted on it. On real VIN and cowl tags, the characters are raised, not impressed into the tag. I will email you pictures of real Kansas tags in a moment.

Further, whoever made the fake cowl tag copied the body # of a real Z16 (14629) from a picture on my website!! You will see that body number on the picture I am about to send you. The body numbers were not reused; each Z16 has a different body #; so your car could not have body # 14629 even if it was a real Z16.

You stated in the auction that it has a 160 MPH speedometer, but in the pics I can see that it is a 120 MPH speedometer.

The rear trim on Z16′s is totally different. Look at any of the pics on my website.

Lastly, the engine you have is not a Z16 engine. It is not even a 1965 engine. It is a 1966 Chevelle 396/360hp engine. With that casting #, the deckstamps mean:

TIIIIEF means Tonawanda engine plant, November 11, 396/360 HP 66 Chevelle application.

F105961 is the last 7 digits of the VIN number of the car that that engine originally came in. Which do not match the VIN # on your title. The head casting # is also for OVAL port 1966 396 heads, which were used on 396/325hp and 396/360hp engines. Not on 375hp engines, which used square port heads.

I sincerely hope you did not buy this car thinking it was a real Z16 and pay a real Z16 price for it. If you did, you need to hire a good lawyer and sue whomever sold it to you. You also need to go to Axxxx Motor Sales who performed your appraisal and demand your money back, because they obviously do not know what they are doing.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, if you did not already know all of this.

Thanks- Jeff Helms"

Scoop: http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2012/04/12/ohio-man-busted-for-trying-to-sell-cloned-chevelle-z16-as-the-real-thing/?refer=news

Thanks to those eagle eyed Z16 enthusiasts, Patton faced charges of Tampering with Records, Possessing Criminal Tools, Telecommunications Fraud and Attempted Simulation. He pleaded guilty and received two years probation.

Oh! It goes to show you that you can't do that in real life. Claiming a Chevelle as a rare Z16 is nothing but blasphemy to the sacred Chevelle Z16 name. It's like Chinese cloning cars! He he he....

Now, for today, here's a clip for the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, the most powerful roadster in the world!

Wow, that Vitesse looks cool. Wish I want to try one...

Now, anyway, James. SR Auto Group, a tuning house, they modified the Scion iQ into something aggressive...

Well, it's a bit more aggressive but no further details yet. Some say, it was labeled as Project Pryzm. From the looks of it, it looks like a mashup between the front of the Lancer Evo and the pig from Angry Birds. Ho ho ho!

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/04/canada-sr-auto-gives-scion-iq-some.html

Hmmm...Odd...Not as odd as the...(clears throat)

Anyway, yesterday, we got our hands on two unicorn cars on Forza Motorsport 4. One is the 2007 Ford Mustang GT500 and the other one was the MINE'S GT-R R34.

First off, I got this 2007 Shelby GT500 for defeating someone who works at Turn 10 Studios, someone who has a Gamertag named T10TailHappy, at the Cone Killer Mugello rivals event. Praise to someone who tuned my Viper SRT10 ACR that led me to win. To celebrate my acquisition, time to put this round the Top Gear Test Track!

In Top Gear, they did it in 1:30, as fast as the Vauxhall Monaro VXR. For mine, I did it in 1:28.5, which is somewhat faster than the time set by The Stig! Wow!

Anyway, about the MINE'S GT-R R34, I got this after participating last month's VIP Rivals event held at the Nurburgring. Now it's time to put this one on a celebratory run at the Top Gear Test Track!

Now that's quick! As quick as...

HI GUYS! WHAT'S UP?!

Clarkson! What are you doing?

You guys heard about that NoKor rocket right? Anyway, developing news to you! ROCKET LAUNCH FAIL! YEAH!

Really, how?!

Scoop: http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/12/11168783-north-korea-rocket-breaks-up-after-much-touted-launch?lite

Scoop: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120413_23.html

Oh!

Yeah yeah...North Korea rocket launch fail but don't get cocky about this. It's all trial and error for this commie country. Don't get so sure...

Oh, okay...

And something else! You know what? A driver and 7 people died in a horrible car crash near a popular tourist destination in Kyoto, Japan...

Scoop: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120412_29.html

Yesterday, the van rammed into a crowd at an intersection before crashing into a utility pole about 200 meters away. Ten people were injured.

My gosh. That's horrible. Something's wrong...

Yeah, very disappointing. And that's the news! Thank you!

Lexus RX and RX Hybrid Phase II

Back in the beginning of the year 2009, Lexus launched the new RX crossover as a initiation to stop re-badging of Lexus models in Japan as Toyotas was because Toyota was starting to introduce the Lexus brand in Japan. They did offer first the the standard RX 350 (GGL10/GGL15) and hybrid RX 450h (GYL10/GYL15). A year later, an entry level RX 270 (AGL10) came out. Everything seems to be fine for the Lexus RX until now....

2013 Lexus RX 450h

2013 Lexus RX 270

Since the introduction of the new Lexus signature face known as the SPINDLE GRILLE last seen on the 2013 Lexus GS, the latest version of the Lexus RX now has this SPINDLE GRILLE for the 2013 Model Year, keeping it fresh after three years of existence. With this new Spindle Grille, this new Lexus RX minor change is definitely much better to look at because this is...just right. If you park this next to the Audi Q3 or the Mercedes-Benz GLK or the BMW X1, expect the unexpected because that SPINDLE GRILLE on the 2013 Lexus RX stand out the rest of them!

2013 Lexus RX 450h interior

2013 Lexus RX 450h interior

In the midst of the refined exterior, the interior has been subtlety refined as well but with a bit upside downs on it. The cassette player from the pre-facelifted RX is gone, the steering wheel is now more of a New GS, and for the first time ever, something that hadn't been done in the first place; REAR SEAT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM! Get it? Rear Seat Entertainment System! There are two monitors mounted behind the front seats so the passengers can enjoy watching movies or TV. When you turned on the navigation system, you would notice that it's the same thing you'd expect from the NEW GS. Happily however, the 2013 Lexus RX still offer the MARK LEVINSON Premium Surround Sound System with 15 speakers for the best sound experience.

Under the hood, the RX350 comes with the titular 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE) engine that produces 280PS of power and 348Nm of torque. Fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 Mode Cycle is 9.1km/L, so it's not what you call it economical. On the entry-level RX270, it comes with the 1AR-FE engine that produces 188PS of power and 252Nm of torque. Fuel economy is 10km/L. They do come with a 6-speed Super ECT.

Now, onto the RX450h, the LEXUS HYBRID DRIVE provides cleaner emissions and low fuel consumption as you go. The combination of the 2GR-FXE engine and the 4JM electric motor will guarantee about almost 300PS of power output. Fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 mode cycle is 17.4km/L but because this is a hybrid, it is well suited to Japan's improved "eco-car genzei" system. For zero emissions, a driver can switch the RX450h to EV mode and letting the batteries do the talking on the road but now, the RX450h comes with the Drive Mode Selector that can switch from three different modes; SPORT, NORMAL, or ECO, depending on road conditions.

2013 Lexus RX 450h F-Sport

For the first time, F-Sport is now offered on the 2013 Lexus RX. The RX350 F-Sport features a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, F Sport-tuned suspension, unique sport front bumper and mesh grille, 19-inch split five-spoke wheels in a Dark Graphite finish, and exclusive interior enhancements. Expect CVT on the RX450h F-Sport as you know it. Anyway, the tuned suspension provides firmer shocks and springs for a more engaging driving experience.

Available colors, depending on the variant, are White Pearl Crystal Shine, Quartz White Crystal Shine, Mercury Gray Mica, Platinum Silver Metallic, Black, Starlight Black Glass Flake, Garnet Red Mica, Sleek Ecru Metallic, Fire Agate Mica Metallic, and Lapis Lazuli Mica.

My comment:
So, the 2013 Lexus RX is now more better looking than the previous model and overall, this now has the F-Sport variant. On the inside, what an improvement because of the new navigation system, GS-like steering wheel, and REAR SEAT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM. That's good but it's not as good as the Europeans. I'd expect that these would come to the Philippines soon but not the RX270 because that doesn't cover from the JPEPA policy.



Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Let's Do The News! (April 12, 2012)

And now the news! Hey Jeremy! Remember yesterday when you talk about the whole "smuggle" thing? You'd include Indonesia as part of those idiots who love to smuggle the Toyota Vellfire.

You're exactly right James...

Shame on you! Look what happened at Indonesia. Yesterday, there was a powerful quake happened in the region where the December 2004 quake and tsunami hit that part in Indonesia. Luckily for yesterday, the tsunami was minor and thankfully, no one was dead or injured. Clarkson, can you promise not to say a bad word to the Indonesians? Say sorry.

Scoop: http://ph.yahoo.com/_ylt=AoNx1M2BW_fJWABH1g9XIMku4405;_ylc=X3oDMTg4ajljZ2pnBF9TAzk2NTYwMDA0NgRhA3BobmV3c19pbmRvbmVzaWFlYXJ0aHF1YWtlXzA0MTEyMDEyBGNwb3MDMjYEZANzdARlZAMxBGcDaWQtMjAwMzEEaW50bANwaARpdGMDMARsdHh0A0xpdmVyZXBvcnRvbnF1YWtlBHBrZ3YDOARwb3MDNARzZWMDdGQtZmVhdARzbGsDcmVsLXRpdGxlBHRhcgNodHRwOi8vcGgubmV3cy55YWhvby5jb20vbGl2ZS0tOC05LW1hZ25pdHVkZS1xdWFrZS1yb2Nrcy1pbmRvbmFzaWEtLXRzdW5hbWktd2FybmluZy1pc3N1ZWQuaHRtbAR0ZXN0AzcxMQ--/SIG=13j3t8lqi/EXP=1334307142/**http%3A//ph.news.yahoo.com/live--8-9-magnitude-quake-rocks-indonasia--tsunami-warning-issued.html

Sorry...

Louder!

SORRY!

So, what do they said?

(audience mumbling)

They said apology accepted. You would promise not to hurt Indonesian feelings. Anyway, about the issue of the North Korean rocket launch which the debris will hit some parts of the Philippines...guess what? The bad weather halts North Korean rocket launch, thank God for that.

Scoop: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/unfavorable-weather-halts-nokor-rocket-launch.html

Yep, the bad weather prevented those commies from launching a rocket which debris can hit some parts of the Philippines but don't get all excited, yet. If that would happen, better be prepared.

(laughing)

Prepared? With this? Philippines will be prepared for the incoming debris with this? That's just a rubbish cannon! Japan and South Korea has prepped up with their rockets to shoot down debris but for the Philippines? With this? (laughing) Worthless and rubbish!!!

(laughing)

Oh come on, you're just the worst kind of person, Hammond, even you can't fend off against incoming rockets...

(laughing)

Anyway, about the issue about transgender women at Miss Universe, especially someone named Jenna Talackova, it seems that for the 2012 Miss Universe, it's going to be quite different because a rule change that would allow transgender women to participate in the Miss Universe beauty pageant next year is a step forward for equality, advocates said Tuesday after pageant officials announced the policy shift.

(Oooohhhh)

Scoop: http://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/miss-universe-pageant-allowing-transgender-women-1.3652341

No, wait James. Hang on a minute! Hang on! They allow trannies to be on the pageant? Creepy!

Hammond, it's for Talackova's right. Transgender women are now allowed to take part of the Miss Universe 2012. Get used to it...

(laughing)

Anyway, WAVE, makers of the Beach Queens franchise, they've launched a new model based on Saber from Fate/Zero. Here, take a look at this;

WAVE Beach Queens Saber
Fate/Zero ver.

    

WOW!

Yep, it will be available in October 2012 with the pricing of 3990 Japanese Yen. From every angle, this is just perfect. This is Saber at her best! This is just perfect!

Wish I had one! I am gladly want one of these because...well I LIKE IT!

Excuse me Hammond, but how do you like that figure so much? Last time, you prefer something more of a (clears throat) but this Beach Queens Saber Fate/Zero version, how excited do you want that.

James, you know what I said. At every angle of that figure, I can sense her toughness bursting out of this PVC figure!

(oooohhhh)

Fine, but don't tell me I warned ya. When I bought that BEACH QUEENS Nako Oshimizu soon, better be sorry...

Okay, fine!

Anyway, while I was away, I've encounter something installed at someone else's computer...

When I approach to that computer, that screen kinda look like the one you've expected from the Windows Phone.

Some say, Microsoft is conducting a CONSUMER PREVIEW for the upcoming Windows 8.

Wait, hold on Clarkson. Did you say Windows 8? Wow...

About that upcoming Windows 8, it's more like an enhanced version of the Windows 7 but with further enhances for that user-friendly experience.

URL: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/consumer-preview

So, Windows 8 huh? No wonder that MICROSOFT is getting ahead in the game but can this be right? Nobody knows about that yet but because this is Consumer Preview, there's bound to be more beta testing and more work has to be done before Windows 8 is out in the public soon...

Uh, Richard, James, you know what delighted me earlier is when I bought up some ice cream at the grocery and it was like oh my gosh, feels like it's ready for the second season of Yuru Yuri soon.

Hold on, Jeremy. What is it? The favorite of Kyoko which is RUM RAISIN?

(laughing)

I bet I saw you eating this. What do you think?

Pretty good! Mmmm!!

Anyway, while you two just sitting around while mumbling about, let me introduce to something...

2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

This is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Despite the exterior is a bit more old but redefined, the interior is now brand new. Also, they added optional safety extras such as DISTRONIC PLUS, Blind Spot Assist and the parking aid PARKTRONIC with reversing camera, while it has revised ESP that now includes Trailer Stability Assist and a HOLD function.

The G350 BlueTEC comes with a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel producing 208hp (211PS) and 540Nm (398 lb-ft), while the G500 gets a 5.5-liter V8 producing 382hp (388PS) and 530Nm (391 lb-ft). Both are fitted with a 7-speed automatic transmission and of course, all wheel drive. We'll be also expecting the new G63 AMG and the powerful G65 AMG as well.

This updated version will be at this year's Beijing Motor Show.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/04/2013-mercedes-benz-g-class-revealed.html

AND THAT'S THE NEWS!!!