Forza Motorsport 4 announces May Top Gear car pack

So, Series 18 of Top Gear was aired on BBC America, and for that, Forza Motorsport 4 announces the May Top Gear pack, coming this May 1 for only 560MSP. However, this whole "Top Gear" pack is a bit of an irony...No Ariel Atoms, no Caterhams, no Ascari, nada... It's just...

1) 2012 Hennesey Venom GT

2) 1977 AMC Pacer X

3) 2011 Ford Transit SuperSport Van

4) 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

5) 1992 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4

6) 2012 Smart ForTwo

7) 1990 Subaru Legacy RS

8) 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

9) 1966 Lotus Cortina

10) 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk.III

...that's it.

Scoop: http://venturebeat.com/2012/04/24/forza-motorsport-4-gets-10-new-rides-including-the-venom-gt-and-1977-amc-pacer-x-gallery/

Peugeot 508 RXH

2013 Peugeot 508 RXH

2013 Peugeot 508 RXH interior

Using the technology learned from the 3008 HYbrid4, which is dubbed as the world's first diesel-hybrid engine, the 508 RXH continues this new trend that sends the rivalry between diesel and hybrid to a screeching halt and into their joint custody.

Although, it uses the 508 SW as its basis but with added aesthetics to provide its robust and feisty character lines, the 508 RXH was made for those who are adventurous enough to travel around the world but caring about the environment. Under the hood was the 2.0 l HDi FAP diesel engine that produces 120 kW (163 bhp) but with the electric motor active, it generates 147 kW (200bhp) of power. Up to 300 Nm of torque is delivered to the front wheels by the HDi diesel unit and up to 200 Nm to the rear wheels with the electric motor.

Thanks to its HYbrid4 technology, this provides the driver with four unique drive modes such as Zero Emission Vehicle, 4WD, Sport, and Auto. In ZEV mode, the 508 RXH provides quiet operation and zero emissions for eco driving. Put it on 4WD mode, and the RXH would go anywhere from tarmac, gravel, and snow. And in Sport mode, it makes the RXH more agile on the corners. The HYbrid4 technology provides 67.2 mpg of combined fuel economy and CO2 emissions of less than 109 g/km. The only available transmission was a 6-speed paddle shift transmission.

Available colors are Blanc Banquise, Gris Thorium, Noir Perla Nera, gris Haria, Brun Calern, and Blanc Nacre.

My comment:
Can the 508 RXH be an eco car that can go offroading and be kinder to the environment? PSA Peugeot Citroen says yes and with the teachings from the 3008 HYbrid4, the 508 RXH continues the trend of uniting diesel and hybrid in today's standards. This is something that only PSA Peugeot Citroen's been capable of since the 3008 HYbrid4 and the Citroen DS5.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

Dawn of the Super SUVs

At the AUTO CHINA 2012 in Beijing, something strange occurred with Lamborghini. It seems that they envisioned what will their crossover look like by showcasing their URUS CONCEPT...

Lamborghini Urus Concept

Seen here? Nope, that's not your "LAMBO RAMBO" in the yesteryears but this has the weirdest name that you might expect going in the hospital for some "anal probe". Yep, that's disgusting and for those you think that the Urus name is disgusting enough, perhaps you should turn away and look at this...

Eterniti Artemis

When we last heard of Eterniti Motors back in last year's Frankfurt Motor Show with the Hemera Concept, we kinda never heard of this new brand nor is this "Super SUV" more like a tuned Porsche Cayenne with the R8's back on it but now, they're showcasing a potential production version of the Hemera concept, called the Artemis. Artemis, huh? I like that name better than the Lamborghini Urus, which is disgusting...

Anyway, what we're looking here are something more of a "Super SUVs" and this is the breaking dawn of this new category...

Is this the Sylphy G12?

Nissan Sylphy G12

Well, it could be a Nissan Sylphy G12 but as seen on the AUTO CHINA 2012, this new 2013 Nissan Sylphy G12 is now a global midsize sedan. The new Nissan Sylphy G12 will be produced at the Dongfeng Nissan Huadu Plant facilities in Guangzhou, will be released in mid 2012. Also, the G12 will be launched in most major markets worldwide during the course of 2012 and approximately 120 countries by 2014. This is part of the Nissan Power 88 master plan, a master plan that in the next six years, there's a new Nissan for every six months.

Nissan Bluebird Sylphy G10 (2000-2005)

Nissan Bluebird Sylphy G11 (2005-2012)

The first Bluebird Sylphy, designated as G10, was launched in 2000, and it was produced in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. The second generation Bluebird Sylphy, designated as G11, was launched in 2005 and currently on sale in Japan. The question is, will this new Sylphy G12 available in Japan soon? I reckoned that this new model will drop the Bluebird name for good.

Further reading: http://www.netcarshow.com/nissan/2012-sylphy_concept/

Langdong is Chinese for Avante

2013 Hyundai Langdong

At the AUTO CHINA 2012 in Beijing, Hyundai Motor Company, whose joint venture in China is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2012, revealed what you might think of it as a Chinese version of the Hyundai Avante/Elantra MD, which was launched in South Korea since August 2010. It's called the Langdong (朗動).

Says here that only the 1.6L and 1.8L MPi engines are offered for the Langdong and once more, Hyundai will introduce its advanced Blue Link infotainment system to Hyundai Langdong. Remember that Blue Link infotainment system was first introduced on the new Santa Fe DM, which was launched in South Korea last week.

Further Reading: http://www.netcarshow.com/hyundai/2013-langdong/

Special edition Evoque (as influenced by Victoria Beckham)

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Victoria Beckham

Well, we kinda agree that the interior of the Range Rover Evoque was heavily influenced by actress turned fashion designer Victoria Beckham but this special edition Range Rover Evoque, showcased at the Auto China 2012 in Beijing this April 27 to May 2, is heavily influenced by Victoria Beckham, inside and out!

The basis was only the Evoque Coupe with 2.0L turbo engine and only 200 units will be made with China as its first target. She said "I was very excited to be working with Land Rover as I have an enormous amount of respect for the brand. I've always driven a Range Rover, for me they are the epitome of quality and luxury. For me you should feel luxury. My brand is known for quality and workmanship and so is Land Rover. So for me it felt like the perfect collaboration."

The exterior packs matte paint and 20-inch gloss black rims while the interior packs a black lacquer veneer, textured aluminum and “soft-feel” black paint, rose-gold plated accents, tan-colored leather for the seats, door inserts, armrests and cubby lid, mohair floor mats and microsuede headlining. Also, a leather luggage set and a leather wallet included on the user guide signed by Victoria Beckham was included for exclusivity.

This Victoria Beckham-influenced Evoque is all about exclusivity.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/04/range-rover-evoque-with-victoria.html

"Ginintuang Telon" for the "Reel Life"

Those Filipino movies made from the 70's to 90's became one of every Filipino movie fans' favorite because they think they're much better than the modern ones. Name any Filipino classic movies I'd love to remember while I wasn't born yet...Abot Kamay ang Pangarap, Agila, Rocky Plus V, Little and Big Weapon, Yakuza Contract, Enteng and the Shaolin kid, Isusumbong Kita Sa Tatay Ko, you have no idea what am I talking about... Most Filipino movies do feature cars like second generation Lancers, L300 Versa Vans, E100 Toyota Corolla, some jeepneys, and yes, you have no idea what am I talking about too. However, there are some Filipino movies, usually from the 70's to 90's do feature a Mercedes-Benz W108 and I think there's a bit reason for that...

A perfect prop for a proper Sampaguita Pictures movie!

It looks fantastic but was made for one purpose; being as stunning as any other premium sedans in today's world. Judging from its looks, the W108 is more than just a luxury limousine, it's a celebrity phenomenon. No wonder there are some Filipino movies of yesteryears do featured this...

Anyway, the special kind of W108 or W109 as they meant it, the 300SEL 6.3, is featured on Forza Motorsport 4 via the April Alpinestars Pack. At first glance, it looks more like a beautifully appointed luxury saloon because of the leather seats and some classy interior but what lies beneath this stunning machine is a 6.3L V8 engine derived from the 600 sedan. It has a top speed of 137mph and it can go 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds. It was mated with a 4-speed gearbox.

Standard equipment? Let's take a look...Air suspension, ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, power windows, central locking and power steering, those are the standard features of the 300SEL 6.3 that's for sure.

An article from Motor Trend told about the 300SEL 6.3 that when it comes to maintaining or restoring the car, this car was made to last but owners are going to chase a worn-out example. The parts supply is good, supported by Mercedes-Benz, cheaper models provide body panels and trim, but the wood/leather interior will make restoration costs so expensive.

HowStuffWorks said that the 300SEL 6.3 has benefits such as being a prestige with punch, convenience, superlative quality, solid handling and its rarity. The disadvantages include that there are problems to the air suspension due to leaking, it's always thirsty for petrol faster, and some parts for this car are in short supply. Production of the 300SEL 6.3 began in 1967 and ended in 1972, totalling 6,526 units ever made.

Despite that the 300SEL's being a bit staunch, a bit old, and went out of production, it's still keeping up, even on Forza Motorsport 4. It's not more than just a good choice for classic car enthusiasts, this is more like a TARDIS...A time machine....

In my head...I'm not playing Forza Motorsport 4 and the year is not 2012. The year was 1962, I have a huge mustache, and I was the star of a new Sampaguita Pictures movie...

Reel Life daily!

Sampaguita Pictures? Oh, you got to be kidding me. Just because you drove that 300SEL does mean that you feel like a star of a classic Filipino movie? You're the corniest of the kind but clearly, we're planning to spoof a Filipino classic movie as a tribute to this 300SEL 6.3 but in the meantime, time to push this car round the Top Gear test track!

Uh, I just realize something...That rings a bell...

The RED PIG wows the Top Gear Studio

The Red Pig? Oh! The racecar based on the 300SEL 6.3 but being swapped with a 6.8L engine! In case you never know, four decades ago, AMG was just a small local tuning company back then. They produced special competitive versions of the 300 SEL and had an impressive, albeit short, racing career due to lack of proper tires or rule changes. Those race-spec 300SEL cars are nicknamed "Red Pig" and they finished 2nd place in the 24 hours of Spa in 1971. Five were made, three racers and two test cars. Last original works-built Waxenberger 69 "red pig" is Vehoniemi Automotive Museum, Finland.

This changes everything! There is a body kit that will replicate something from the Red Pig but what about the livery? The RED PIG livery? That requires someone with a degree at Fine Arts to do so but if you're lazy, find one at the Storefront. The RED PIG livery is the best-selling 300SEL 6.3 design in this game.

Sadly, with full power, it's hard to master a 300SEL tuned to "RED PIG" standards. Even when you take it out at the Top Gear Test Track, it's somewhat pointless. Happily however, if the RED PIG wasn't your good idea, perhaps you should look around with its spiritual successor...

Father and Son

This is the star attraction of Forza Motorsport 4's April Alpinestars Pack, the #35 Black Falcon SLS AMG GT3.

Four decades ago, Hans Heyer achieved a class victory with his Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 since 1971. His son, Kenneth Heyer, follows his father's footsteeps with the Black Falcon SLS AMG GT3, wearing the same livery as his father's.

Kenneth Heyer said in the Mercedes-Benz press release "It's a great honour, exactly 40 years after my father's success, for me to be bringing the Black Falcon SLS AMG GT3 to the starting line of the 24-hour race in Spa-Francorchamps. Together with my team colleagues, I will be trying to achieve at least second place. The SLS AMG GT3 has the potential for a place on the winner's rostrum, but as we all know, a 24-hour race obeys laws of its own,"

His Black Falcon SLS AMG GT3 wore the same number 35 as did his father's 300 SEL 6.8 AMG. In 2011 the team ended up taking a respectable third. The car went on to take second at the Bathurst 12 Hour Race as well.

Anyway, this is more like a "Like Father, Like Son" thingy when it comes to this SLS AMG GT3 wearing the RED PIG outfit but because THIS is the SLS AMG GT3, you can work on for some race replicas or fantasy race liveries. Sounds brilliant but it takes a man with a Fine Arts degree to create one.

Either the RED PIG or the Black Falcon, this is more like Mercedes-Benz's two racing legends from two different eras. 

Be in no doubt then that the 300SEL 6.3 is more of a movie star of a classic Filipino movie but when converted into the RED PIG, this is much like the other racecars from the yesteryears. As for the Black Falcon SLS AMG GT3, well, it takes time to please his father and that is why he should...