More "Petrang Kabayo" than what you've expected....

2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

2013 Ford Mustang GT500 has 650HP of power that has more power than the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 or even the Corvette ZR1. That does seem right for Ford until some breaking news that brought the motoring industry to a standstill.

Some developing news suggest that the 2013 Mustang GT500 doesn't have 650HP of power but more importantly, this has 662 horsepower and 631 lbs.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful V8 engine in the world. It even promises to reach the supercar holy grail of 200mph! How did that happened? Maybe the guys from SAE put the 2013 GT500 on a dyno and ho ho ho! 662HP! Perfect enough to yell "LOSERS!" to Chevrolet! Ha ha!

That muscle has more "Petrang Kabayo" than what I've expected to be. So a message to Chevrolet:

LOOSEEERRSSS!!! :-P

Scoop: http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/04/27/2013-ford-mustang-shelby-gt500-to-pump-out-662-hp/

Welcome Back: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

Bumblebee meets Top Gear!

How did they made this cut-price
Camaro ZL1 on a budget?

The 5th generation Chevrolet Camaro is more than just a muscle car that competes against the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger, this is more of a pop culture ever since it started out in life as Autobot Bumblebee from the Transformers movies. Richard Hammond reviewed the Chevrolet Camaro alongside the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. Thanks to The Stig, it lapped the Top Gear Test Track in 1:27.9. Need to say more?

Even though this Camaro has gained fame for being Bumblebee, I still have a feeling that this is the kind of modern car that looks and handles like a classic car. This was been featured at the beginning of Jeremy Clarkson's 2010 DVD titled "Clarkson: The Italian Job", while Clarkson's checking around the twists and turns of Lydden Hill Race Circuit, where he will participate at a classic car race with his Ford Escort Mexico. While he twists and turns around the Lydden Hill with the Camaro, even with help, he turns out that he wasn't fit enough for his race. Even Clarkson's epic workout in Italy wouldn't help and he decided to use the Imola Circuit as his basis. Well, we're not talking about that, don't we? We're talking about the 5th generation Camaro being back on Forza Motorsport 4.

It's a good thing most players are working on their black rally stripes on their Camaro or trying to replicate something that this Camaro had done since its tenure in 2009. There was Autobot Bumblebee from the Transformers movies, the Synergy Green Camaro, the COPO, Indy 500 Pace Car, or if you're hands is full, a ZL1 on a budget while waiting for Forza 4 to bring the real Camaro ZL1 soon.

It doesn't matter how will you tune or decorate Bumblebee the way you want but what matters most is that this 5th generation Camaro is a pop culture icon you would love to keep it on your garage. I'm picturing something that if you parked this Camaro on the kids' playground, kids would notice that this is their Autobot hero, Bumblebee, from the Transformers movies. Heh, it pays to being a fan of the Transformers movies but it strongly pays to being a Chevrolet Aficionado.

Goin Bulilit Goes to Laoag

For the April 29, 2012 episode, Goin Bulilit goes to Laoag. Looks like the Goin Bulilit kids are getting the most of their summer vacation to Laoag, such as;

- Goin Bulilit's Music Video of Maroon 5's Moves Like Jagger

- Goin Bulilit does Paoay "Kumakaway" Tourism commercial

- Paoay Church gags

- Goin Bulilit spoofs "Princess and I" as "Princess Inday"

- Bert & Willy tries to get something from the three

- Plane Crash site gags

- Ignorante

- Ready Set Goin in ATV Na!

Welcome Back: 1995 Ferrari F50

Ferrari F50 at the Top Gear Studio

As I'm sure you know, this is the Ferrari F50, a Ferrari which I really don't like. I really don't like the way Ferrari putted a V12 engine derived from the 1992 Ferrari F1 car. I really don't like the design. I really don't like its interior. I really don't like its driving feel. And I really don't like the way how did Ferrari made this a follow-up to the F40.

I dislike the F50 so much that in my kindergarten years when I had a Ferrari F50 diecast model in my toy box, I went into considerable lengths to destroy one. Think of it like um...you watched Jeremy Clarkson's VHS titled The Most Outrageous Jeremy Clarkson Video Ever in one part where Jeremy Clarkson (when he was young and he has afro hair) tries to kill the Porsche 911 by any means necessary or in one episode of Top Gear about "Killing a Toyota" that left it completely operational despite numerous beatings from crashes, nature, or even demolitions.

Over the years, when the Ferrari F50 was featured in numerous video games, even Forza, my attitude was softened. I started to respect the quality and engineering, I started to enjoy the driving sensation, and then in Forza Motorsport 4, I was one step ahead. I drove the F50 and I like it. I like the car's downforce, I like the sound of the V12 engine roaring, I like the way Ferrari spend money where it matters when it comes to developing the F50, and I like its rarity because over three hundred units were made from 1995 to 1997. Out of them, the Rosso Corsa was proven to be a popular color for the F50. I kinda agree to that.

There is a bit of a lesson there; We started life as hating other cars but as we grew up, we started to liking them, even when playing with them on video games, especially Forza Motorsport 4. Like me, I started to hate the F50 when I was little but as I grew up, I started to respect the F50's credentials.

The Ferrari F50 returned on Forza Motorsport 4 and it's part of the game's Autovista feature where you will learn most about the F50 or hear Jeremy Clarkson's comment about this...

ITC280 Update 4

1. We can use print_r to view the contents of an array.

$aFruit = array("bananas","apples","oranges");
print_r($aFruit);

2. We can use the HTML pre tag to view print_r() the way it was meant to be seen.

$aFruit = array("bananas","apples","oranges");
echo "<pre>";
print_r($aFruit);
echo "</pre>";

3. We should used var_dump() instead of print_r() because var_dump() works with almost everything.

var_dump($aFruit);

4. We can use var_dump() for more than one item:

$aFruit = array("bananas","apples","oranges");
$myName = "Leopaul";
echo "<pre>";
var_dump($aFruit,$myName);
echo "</pre>";

5. We can use a for loop to examine the contents of an array:

$aFruit = array("bananas","apples","oranges");
for($x=0;$x<count($aFruit);$x++)
{
echo $aFruit[$x] . "<br />";
}

6. We can add to an array by using empty []
$aCheese = array();
$aCheese[0] = "cheddar";
$aCheese[1] = "swiss";
$aCheese[2] = "limburger";
$aCheese[] = "gouda";
$aCheese[] = "feta";
for($x=0;$x<count($aCheese);$x++)
{
echo $x . ") " . $aCheese[$x] . "<br />";
}

7. We can use a foreach loop to go one direction only.

$aCheese = array();
$aCheese[0] = "cheddar";
$aCheese[1] = "swiss";
$aCheese[2] = "limburger";
$aCheese[] = "gouda";
$aCheese[] = "feta";

foreach($aCheese as $fromage)
{
    echo $fromage . "<br />;
}

8. We can use an associative array to store string data as keys.

$nav1 = array();
$nav1["index.php"] = "Home Page";
$nav1["contact.php"] = "Contact Page";
$nav1["about_us.php"] = "About Us";
$nav1["links.php"] = "Links";

foreach($nav1 as $url => $text)
{
    echo '<a href="' . $url . '">' . $text . '</a><br />';
}

9. Email1.php starting point for Wednesday

<?php
//email1.php
include 'header.php';
define("THIS_PAGE",basename($_SERVER['PHP_SELF']));
if(isset($_POST['FirstName']))
{//email data, then thank user!
echo $_POST['FirstName'] . "<br />";
echo '<a href="' . THIS_PAGE . '">RESET</a>';
}else{
?>
<form action="<?=THIS_PAGE?>" method="post">
First Name: <input type="text" name="FirstName" /><br />
Last Name: <input type="text" name="LastName" /><br />
<input type="submit" value="Email Us!" />
</form>
<?php
}//end of formhandler
include 'footer.php';
?>

10. PHP’s mail function

mail("ldelro02@seattlecentral.edu","My Subject!","My Text","noreply@seattlecentral.edu");

11. We can replace the strings with variables declared at the top of the page.
mail($ToEmail,$Subject,"My Text",$FromEmail);

12. Using var_dump() to view the entire POST array.
echo "<pre>";
Var_dump($_POST);
echo "</pre>";

13. Use PHP_EOL to create operating system specific carriage returns.

*SCORES

- Pop Quiz 5: 10/10 (100%)
- Pop Quiz 6: 10/10 (100%)

*NOTES

I'm very glad that Mr. Newman didn't give us test for this week but Assignment 4 seems to be a bit more difficult. Surely we did half of that in class but how can I finish the other half of Assingment 4 by any means of putting something like a checkbox, radio, or something that is more of a multiple choice?

It said that the form handler must:

1) Email you the information on the form
2) Include at least 2 radio buttons, 3 checkboxes, 2 textboxes and 1 textarea for comments
3) Protect itself from invalid data entry (hacking)
4) Require a valid email from the user and require first and last name textbox entry

...How can we finish this? Clearly we have to finish this by Monday midnight...

...that is all.

Welcome Back: 2010 Nissan GT-R Spec V

In an instant, the night air explodes around you...

The ground shudders under your feet...

The dizzying aroma of high octane fuel assails your head...

Your eyes watered...

Your eardrums vibrating...

Your limbics goes on hold...

All is right to the world...

The Race Across Japan...again

The 2010 Nissan GT-R Spec V returned on Forza Motorsport 4 and it does...none of these things I just said. It may have VR38DETT engine but you'd never know you'd listening to it. There's also the same feeling that it doesn't rattle violently and it does feel like, and this is only a hunch, like a Nissan Micra.

The old Skyline GT-R felt exciting in the eyes of teenagers but this one doesn't. It keeps on not feeling exciting even when you put your foot on the pedal and go completely bonkers. In the eyes of Jeremy Clarkson, this car was built for lap time purposes, not thrills.

Surely, you want to turn the traction control off to make the GT-R more exciting but according to the owner's manual that if you turn off the Traction Control, the event will be recorded on the car's blackbox and void the warranty. Sounds weird but since I'm playing Forza Motorsport 4...(clicks switch)

With TCS OFF, turning from the world's fastest laptop into a simple typewriter, it's still does exactly the same thing! Even with TCS OFF, the torque vectoring differentials are still working their magic, meaning that this GT-R still keeps on grips and grips and grips! GRIP GRIP GRIP GRIP GRIP!!!

This car can hurt you badly but it can't arouse my winning vegetables. For getting the best lap times possible, it's proven its worth but it leaves me stone cold. You'll never guess what comes next but this GT-R often disappoints me because...it's old. If only Forza Motorsport 4 included the updated version of the R35 GT-R this would be fun...

*with thanks to Jeremy Clarkson

Bubble Gang HOT SUMMER TREAT Part 2

Return back to Pueblo Por la Playa for some more thrashing done by the Bubble Gang idiots on part 2 of Bubble Gang HOT SUMMER TREAT (April 27, 2012 episode). Some idiot stuff done in the summer such as:

- Mermaid gags

Boy meets mermaid

- A weirder interpretation of "Si Malakas at si Maganda"

Si Malakas at si Maganda

- Bureche wants some oil on her back!

Cheche Bureche

- Codewords for conversations such as "Kwentuhan is Sex", "Tuko is Yakap", and "Panyo is Panty".

I can explain...

- Wala Lang by Eraseyourheads. Lyrics by Bitoy

Kangkong Malunggay

Bili na kayo ng gulay

Hahaba pa ang 'yong buhay dahil

sa 'king bagong hanapbuhay

Guula...Haay....Haayy

Nu'ng ako ay galing Bilibid

Ay Nagalit ang Tatay Ko

'Di n'ya raw ako sisisihin

Kung ibang dahon ang gamit ko

Sibuyas at Kalabasa

Kamatis, Bawang, Mustasa

Dikdikin mo ang luya

At Samahan ng Patola la..la...laaa

Kangkong Malunggay

Bili na kayo ng gulay

'Pagkat ako ang 'yong kapitbahay

Lagi akong magsu-supply ng

Guula...Haay....Haayy

Di na po kayo mabibitin

Dahil loaded naman ako

Kung ma-bad trip sa 'king bilihin

Ay Isosoli ang bayad niyo.

Sinisundo sa Pampanga

Binagsak sa Divisoria

Binitbit ang tindera

Suspect daw si Mareng Juana na...naaaa

Kangkong Malunggay

Bili na kayo ng gulay

Hahaba pa ang 'yong buhay dahil

sa 'king bagong hanapbuhay

Kangkong Malunggay

Bili na kayo ng gulay

'Pagkat ako ang 'yong kapitbahay

Lagi akong magsu-supply ng

Guula...Haay....Haayy

Guula...Haay....Haayy

Bili na kayo Kuya

Sibuyas Kalabasa

Kamatis at Mustasa

Sa Paligid ay linga

Upo Kundol

Patola

Sitaw Labanos Luya

Bibigay ko ng trenta

Mura na sariwa pa

- SHARE! SHARE! Bubble Gang does Nestea Dob-Litro by spoofing this commercial as Bestea Dob-Litro! Dobleng refresment, P17.50 lang!

Bubble Gang does Nestea Dob-Litro

- More Pickup Lines in the Summer!

Pickup Lines

1) Facebook ka ba? Kasi hindi kita maiwan!

2) Teleserye ka ba? Kasi ang sarap mong sundan araw araw!

3) Sa araw na sagutin mo ako, siguradong Front Page ako sa dyaro. Kasi, parang akong tumama sa Lotto!

4) Kutsara ka ba? Kasi papalapit ka pa lang napapanganga na ako!

Boy Pick Up

5) Ayoko na kitang bolahin. Kasi baka tumalbog ka mapunta ka sa iba

6) Isa kang alamat. Kasi, masarap ang papaya dito sa La Playa!

7) Tsunami ka ba? Kasi you sweep off my feet!

8) Juicy ka ba? Kasi masarap magdilaw dito sa pagbilao!

- Alien? Alien!!! Brod Pete and pals are here to answer life's toughest questions on Ang Bagong Dating Doon!

Ang Bagong Dating Doon

1) Boy2 Quizon asks "May nasusulat ba tungkol sa pagtotorotot?" Let's read something from the pages of Dick and Jane 2:16 - Luke the clook, Look at Jane, See Jane Laugh and Play, Luke the clook, See Pretty Jane. I'm gonna marry her someday.

2) Sam Pinto asks kung meron kayong napapansin na maling term. Sale is one of the wrong terms. Everyday is sale because of the selling so the correct term was "Bargain Sale" because sale was used for everyday use. Corned beef is also wrong because, where's the corn? It's just beef and that's it! Eye drops is also wrong because it has to be "ice drops".

- Thought Bongbong's on vacation in Puerto Por La Playa? Oh no because he's there to warn annoying vacationers on Sumbong Sumbong kay Bonggang Bonggang Bongbong. Those include bringing excessive luggages on an overnight stay at the resort, women curling their hair before swimming, and men with beer bellies wearing trunks.

Sumbong Sumbong kay Bonggang Bongbong

- Tita Herminigilda taking things seriously while reading a letter from a gay in despair

Tita Herminigilda

..and that concludes the Bubble Gang 2012 Summer Special!

Let's Do The News (April 27, 2012)

It's now time to do the news! And oh bugger!

What?

Due to the ongoing tension between the Philippines and China (even the Philippines are against Chinese products) in terms of Scarborough Shoal issues, it seems that every Filipino worldwide is readying a mass protest this May 11 against Chinese embassies worldwide!

Scoop: http://www.interaksyon.com/article/30410/save-the-date-says-global-filipino-group-may-11-pinoys-to-rally-in-chinese-embassies-worldwide

Uh-huh! No matter if there was Filipinos in Japan, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Australia, America, many others with Chinese embassies involved, this event is all about taking Scarborough back from Chinese commies. I was very pleased to see them doing against China but what if The Stig's Chinese Cousin showed up?

Uh-oh....

Chinese Stig would kick Filipinos' butts badly and oh! Oh! OH! THIS IS BAD!

(laughing)

PHILIPPINES vs. CHINA! Fight for Scarborough! Who will prevail? I don't know...

(laughing)

Those tensions will last a lifetime until someone's throwing the towel...

Anyway, while tensions are getting on the DANGER ZONE, let's move on to something a bit more SAVVY...

Where is it, James?

Malaysia! I picked up some info that there will be massive guest appearances on Anime Festival Asia Malaysia 2012, the first of its kind since Anime Festival Asia was previously held in Singapore from 2008-2011.

Really? Who are they?

Says here, there will be FLOW, Sea☆A, Maon Kurosaki, Kalafina, and KOTOKO performing at the festival's concert titled "I Love Anisong.". Also, president of Production I.G. Mitsuhisa Ishikawa's attending the AFA Malaysia 2012 and also producer Tomohiko Ishii and cosplayer KANAME☆ are coming. And...

And what James?!

The guest of honor will be blogger, anime producer, and host of Tokyo MX's Culture Japan, named Danny Choo!

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-04-26/malaysia-anime-festival-asia-to-host-musical-guests-kalafina-kotoko

(applause)

Danny Choo? Who's that James?

Clarkson, if you haven't know him, he's the guy who dressed himself as a Dancing Stormtrooper in the streets of Tokyo but anyway, he's a world renowned blogger responsible for his passion for Japanese culture, even though he's a host of the popular Culture Japan program. His personal mascot, Mirai Suenaga, became an important aspect of Culture Japan. Oh, I haven't realized that Alodia even cosplayed Mirai Suenaga for sure! Danny Choo's heavily involved with Good Smile Company, JC Staff, Bushiroad (Weiss Schwarz cards), Cospa, Amiami, among many others. 

I've never heard that this S-rank otaku has some charisma on him and I sorta like his way...

Yeah, I really respected his otaku-ness even though in his Stormtrooper costume but his involvement in other anime-related conventions is just one thing we really love. Anyway, enough lumpy throats for now, what matters most that he'll be there at the AFA Malaysia 2012 this June 9 to 10 at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

Anyway, remember the Mayo Chiki light novel? The one that was adapted into last year's anime? According to the author of Mayo Chiki, that is Hajime Asano, Volume 11 of the Mayo Chiki novel, which is now on sale, will serve as the first half of the end of Mayo Chiki...

(awwwww)

Wait, Clarkson. Hang on a sec! End of Mayo Chiki? Wha......t?!

True, Hammond. True. The next volume of Mayo Chiki will be the last. So sorry if someone said that...

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-04-25/mayo-chiki-light-novel-scheduled-to-end-with-next-volume

We never believe that this light novel I'd never heard about. This is much worse than....GEMAGA MAGAZINE!

Excuse me James, what's GEMAGA MAGAZINE?!

Everyone, if you never heard of Gemaga Magazine, then we're not alone. Gemaga Magazine started out in life as Beep when it came out in 1984. It was published by Softbank Creative. In 1989, it reformatted as Beep! Mega Drive, then Sega Saturn Magazine, then Dreamcast Magazine, then Dorimaga. The magazine became multiplatform once again as Gemaga (presumably a portmanteau of "Gamer" and "Magazine") in July 2006. Despite the pricing that is somewhat expensive than the popular Famitsu, it does pack some extras, especially posters and rarely, in case you've never experienced it, figures!

Sadly, the May 2012 issue of Gemaga magazine, launched since late March 2012, served as the final issue of Gemaga magazine. Here's the cover...

I was kinda disappointed about the departure of Beep or Gemaga but it's also a sad moment for fans of Gemaga's virtual dance unit known as "Me to Me". That virtual dance unit consists of Mika Tachibana, voiced by Manami Numakura (Hibiki Ganaha from The IDOLM@STER), and Miyabi Saionji, voiced by Yumi Hara (Takane Shijou from The IDOLM@STER), and features character designs by Annindōfu, an artist known for his work on Idolm@ster album covers. Sadly then, after the final issue went on sale, "Me to Me" had come to an end.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-04-14/dance-unit-me-to-me-folds-due-to-gemaga-magazine-end

I find that very sad to see them disappeared.

(awwww)

And wait!!! That virtual dance unit, Me to Me, they were just Hibiki and Takane underneath it? Wow....

Speaking of which, THE IDOLM@STER G4U volume 7 was there and there was something I'd never told about... In the game's Pandora's Box feature, they have an option to take a picture of special guest, which is none other than Ai Hidaka from the Nintendo DS spinoff game titled THE IDOLM@STER DearlyStars. Sadly, you would just expect her on the "Exercise Wear NEO" attire only but it's okay. Feel free to take a picture of Ai Hidaka if you like...

Next month, if G4U Volume 8 comes out (the one with bridal dresses), you'll have the option to take a picture of Eri Mizutani from DearlyStars in her Pastel Bikini attire only, then in June, if the G4U Vol. 9, the last volume of THE IDOLM@STER G4U range (the one with Kimonos) come out, you'll have a chance to take a picture of DearlyStars' Ryo Akizuki in her sailor bikini attire. That's it. Nothing more, nothing else. Thank you.

Anyway, earlier, Turn 10 Studios opened up another Game with Devs and it's all bacon, bacon, and more bacon for the Forza 4 players. That's it. Fun and games occurred with more bacon occurred.

I kinda fed up with the whole Bacon stuff. If you don't like bacon, perhaps we should give them our BBC specialty; FISH FINGERS AND CUSTARD with THE V8 BEEF. BOVRIL AND BEEF SMOOTHIE! The best of both worlds! Doctor Who and Top Gear! Woo hoo!

Wait? FISH FINGERS AND CUSTARD with THE V8 BEEF. BOVRIL AND BEEF SMOOTHIE? What is it? You're going to serve them FISH FINGERS AND CUSTARD with THE V8 BEEF. BOVRIL AND BEEF SMOOTHIE?

It's a BBC fan's thing. You'll see...

Oh and speaking of which, drifter Rhys Millen's coming to Philippines this April 30 to May 1 to promote Red Bull. He came here to shoot a drifting video for the energy drink brand. Also visiting to promote Red Bull is renowned freestyle biker Julien Dupont.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/drifter-rhys-millen-coming-to-manila

First Tanner Foust for Rockstar and now Rhys Millen for Red Bull! Drifters can't get enough about the Philippines! He he he!

Speaking of Rhys Millen...

Three month ago, I have driven Rhys Millen's Veloster at Forza Motorsport 4. I think that his car is somewhat more of a rally car than Rhys Millen's Genesis Coupe drift car. So, we asked The Stig, can you drive Rhys Millen's Veloster round the track and he said yes. Play the tape!

Rhys Millen's Veloster did it in a 1:22. That's it.

That's the news! Let's serve FISH FINGERS AND CUSTARD with THE V8 BEEF. BOVRIL AND BEEF SMOOTHIE!!! Winner!

Rinne no Lagrange Original Soundtrack

Rinne no Lagrange Original Soundtrack

Anime otakus or nerds may recognize this as Rinne no Lagrage (Lagrange: The Flower of Rinne). This anime was aired in Tokyo MX since January to March 2012 and it centers on Madoka Kyono, the sole member of Kamojo High’s “Jersey Club”, who often lends anyone a hand until her encounter with a mysterious girl named Lan, who asks Madoka to pilot a “Vox” robot and defend the world against alien invaders. This is more of a mech anime but if you were a petrolhead, you wouldn't guess that the mech designs for the Lagrange anime were made possible from Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Yep, the designers behind the Nissan vehicles such as the Skyline, GT-R, Fairlady Z, and many others, were became held responsible for the mech designs. Langrange meets Nissan...Sounds brilliant but the whole 12-episode anime was just the half of the story because there will be a second season this Summer and an OVA-PS3 hybrid video game is in the works by Namco Bandai.

Anyway, while they're diddling right now, the Rinne no Lagrange OST is here and all those 32 tracks are made to reminisce back Madoka, Lan, and Muginami's adventures. Most of the in-anime tracks were carefully handmade by Saeko Suzuki in collaboration with music production duo TOMISIRO, to give an impressive range of styles accommodated to the anime's storyline. What's more, this even has TV-sized versions of the opening theme, TRY UNITE!, and the closing theme, Hello! Also, this has the insert song sung by Madoka Kyouno (CV: Kaori Ishihara), titled ジャージ部のうた.

Let me give you a tip: How about listen to this original soundtrack on a car audio from your Nissan?

Available at: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=VTCL-60296

2013 Audi Q5 minor change

2013 Audi Q5

2013 Audi Q5

2013 Audi Q5 interior

Nope...nope...nothing to see here. It maybe a 2013MY Audi Q5 but it's somewhat a bit stale...or is it?

Although, the outside is a little bit somewhat the same, there are some mechanical changes occurred to keep it fresh. It offers three TDi and two TFSi engines available. First off, the 2.0L TDi is available in two flavors; the one with the 143 hp and 320 Nm torque, consumes 5.3 l/100km and emits 139 g/km of CO2, then the one with the 177 hp, 380 Nm torque and fuel economy of 6.0 l/100km. The flagship 3.0L V6 TDi engine packs 245 hp and 580 Nm torque.

For the 2.0L TFSi, this has 225 hp, 350 Nm torque and 7.6 l/100km of fuel consumption. Then, the 3.0L V6 TFSi engine delivers 272 hp and 400 Nm torque.

Most have Audi's quattro technology except for the 2.0 TDi variant, which is available in FF layout. Depending on the variant, you'll have a choice of three transmission types; a 6-speed manual, 8-speed tiptronic transmission, or a 7-speed S tronic.

The Q5 hybrid is also available, using the 2.0 TFSI with 211 hp and 350 Nm and sticks it an electric motor that outputs 54 hp and 210 Nm. Together, they can generate 245 hp and 480 torque.

Scoop: http://paultan.org/2012/04/26/audi-q5-gets-mid-life-updates-adds-hybrid-to-the-range/

Previewing the Seat Ibiza Cupra Minor Change

2012 Seat Ibiza Cupra Concept

Now, back at the AUTO CHINA 2012 in Beijing and Volkswagen's Spanish division, SEAT, began selling in China because their offensive on this growth market is a further stepping stone in the development of the brand and just as important as our investment in the highly attractive, new products that we will introduce in the near future according to SEAT chairman, James Muir.

Their opening salvo in China also previewed what might look like a facelifted version of the Seat Ibiza Mk4 Cupra. The facelifted version of the Seat Ibiza Mk4 was unveiled in Geneva last March and this hotter version is gone up in the world. Some say that the production version of the facelifted Seat Ibiza Mk4 Cupra will go on sale in Europe in Q4 2012.

Further reading: http://www.netcarshow.com/seat/2012-ibiza_cupra_concept/

Nissan Cima HGY51

Two years ago, Nissan's flagship sedan, the Cima, was gone due to the economy. With the Cima gone, Nissan no longer selling cars with V8 engines on it, in fact, there is no such thing as a Nissan Fuga Y51 with a big V8 engine. For over two decades, the Nissan Cima served as the brand's flagship model that lasted for about four generations. For four generations, where does the Nissan Cima heading next?

2013 Nissan Cima

Actually, this is how they've gone next. It's the fifth-generation Nissan Cima, now designated as HGY51, and this is now more of a Fuga LWB or an Infiniti M35hL upon our encounter at the AUTO CHINA 2012. For starters, the magnificent V8 engine has been thrown away and replaced with a more "polar bear friendly" V6 engine with a hybrid powertrain on it. The all new Nissan Cima rides on a chassis that has been stretched 5.9-inches (150mm). Despite the increased length, the new Cima retains its familiar styling thanks to a sloping roofline and extended rear doors.

2013 Nissan Cima interior

2013 Nissan Cima interior

The new Nissan Cima HGY51 is elegantly equipped with semi-aniline leather upholstery, a Bose Surround Sound System with 16 speakers and 14-channel digital amplifier and an "auto intake control" system which remove allergens and bacteria from the air. The world's first forest air conditioner was also in the Cima, providing the fresh air of the forest come inside to give owners the freshness of the outside world they need. Rear passengers are also treated with reclining seats, a dual-screen entertainment system and separate audio / climate controls. On paper, this extended legroom is a fit for a Japanese politician who want to relax after a day's meeting for something something. Oh, and if you were a wealthy Japanese high school student, why don't you watch your favorite episodes of your favorite shows with the best sound quality? You could be getting interested on those...

Safety features for the new Cima? Let's take a look...there was safety shield that takes away the scratches from the car, intelligent pedal that was accompanied with the navigation system, intelligent cruise control, cornering stability assist, Lane Departure Prevention and Lane Departure Warning, and DSSS. (Driving Safety Support Systems) These features bring the owner come closer to safe and pleasant trip on the road.

Classified as part of Nissan's Pure Drive because of its hybrid-ness, the new Cima comes equipped with the 3.5L V6 hybrid VQ engine that produces a power output of 306PS/6,400rpm and the torque output of 35.7kg-m/4,400rpm. Nissan's original one-motor two-clutch parallel hybrid system named "Intelligent Dual Clutch Control" was also included on the new Cima that connects the high-response electric motor and the 3.5-liter VQ35HR V6 engine directly to the transmission, without the use of a traditional torque converter. This results the Cima a JC08 fuel economy of 16.6km/L, that's more than the Lexus LS600hL! That's incredible...

Available colors are Garnet Black, Brilliant Silver, Super Black, Crystal White Pearl, and Blade Silver.

My comment:

2013 Nissan Cima

The fifth-generation Cima is now the synonym of the Nissan Fuga Hybrid but with extended wheel base and a different face. Think of this car like...um...David Tennant...but with an anime look on him. Sorry if I had to say that but anyway, the new Cima hybrid premium sedan is no longer the Cima of yesteryears. There's nothing to explain more about this revival of Nissan's flagship sedan but I might consider it to be a bit more, well let's be kind, let's say meaningless. Once again, Nissan is stuck without a V8 car on their lineup but as the line from Torchwood says that this is the 21st century and you have to be ready but what's Nissan readying with? A flagship hybrid sedan that looks exactly the same as the Fuga Hybrid? I'm sorry but in the land of the Rising Yen, a car like this, would be rather pointless but I can't deny that this flagship sedan is all about being true to its 24 year heritage, then next year it would be the 25th year for the Cima.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.