Let's Do The News! (May 9, 2012)

And now, the news! But before that, can we just say that we're a bit of an itch about the 2013 Subaru Legacy lineup that comes with either a new FB25 or the new FA20 Direct Injection Turbo engine.

Really? What is it?

You were right. Dropping out a performance-oriented 6-speed manual transmission really was a bad news for the 2013 Legacy. I mean hello? CVT mated for the turbocharged 2.0L engine? This is much more worse than that. Some car enthusiasts think that most CVTs are the fun-killers and overall, they made the cars too boring.

Uh, what about CVTs with manual modes?

Same thing here. Fuji Heavy Industries shouldn't drop that kind of transmission because the 6-speed manual is just good for the new FA20 Direct Injection Turbo engine. Imagine if a hotter version of the BRZ will look like using that engine. Wake up, Fuji Heavy Industries! Why does most Japanese carmakers often rely on something eco rather than performance? Where are the fun Japanese cars?

(laughing)

Uh, you better cut off to that point. Anyway, remember that fight in NAIA? Some eagle eyed observers are suggesting that some say there were Mon Tulfo and couples Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto involved in a fistfight. You can't tell that they were actually involved on that airport fight.

Scoop: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/189625/thrilla-in-naia

Oh wait? Mon Tulfo? Raymart Santiago? Involved in the fight in NAIA?

Yes it was. There was a brawl broke out between those two. There were videos of this fight uploaded on the net.

Really? I just wanna see it but speaking of which, that reminded of one thing! If it's something more like the Thrilla in Manila fight or even the Mayweather-Cotto fight (which Mayweather won the fight and remained undefeated), this could be it. This could be...THRILLA IN NAIA!!!

(laughing)

THRILLA IN NAIA! THE BIGGEST FIGHT OF THE YEAR! HA HA HA!

(laughing)

Here's a good thing. While Mon Tulfo enraged on a airport brawl with Raymart Santiago, why not bring the Ben, Raffy, and Erwin do a fistfight against Randy, Rowell, and Miriam Defensor-Santiago? This would be a hit!

(laughing)

Hey buddy. You better be careful about that Miriam Defensor-Santiago...

Why?

In the senate, she's a loud mouth. So loud, someone had to cover his ears. That's what this is. If you see Miriam Defensor-Santiago in the senate hearing yelling and becoming a total loud mouth, cover your ears. You can't survive against her.

(laughing)

Oh okay. If no one can survive against Miriam Defensor-Santiago, how come she's very good at Pick-Up Lines? BOOM!

(laughing)

Uh....uh....Anyway, while the whole THRILLA IN NAIA is getting a bit too cocky, how about advancing to the next one?

Right, uh anyway a Forza 4 unicorn car, the MINE'S R32 GT-R was unexpectedly appeared when I fire up that game.

(ooohh)

As you can see, this is a Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 modified by MINE'S, one of Japan's renowned tuning companies. The 2.6L engine fitted on the R32 has been tweaked from 320HP to 621HP. 0-60mph in about 3 seconds and top speed of about 207mph. No idea how I got it but some say that after I read this week's REAR VIEW MIRROR article at the official Forza Motorsport site and Turn 10 dev, johniwanna asked the Forza Faithfuls how do they like Porsches, in a tribute for the upcoming Porsche Expansion Pack this late May 2012. He even told that he will give them a unicorn of their choice for the ones who explained why do they like Porsches. I said to him...

"Anyway, what I like about Porsches are their fame, their racing pedigree, their heritage, and how are they being bonkers. I am an avid fan of Porsche myself and those cars really shaped up the automotive world. Take this 959 for example, this became the world's fastest car in the 1980's until it was short lived by the 201mph Ferrari F50. Despite that, the people from Porsche are what made them so special. So special that only the desirable are favored to drive one.

When a Porsche was featured on Top Gear, I was salivated to see one and now with Porsche returned on Forza 4, I now have a chance to push them all to the max at the Top Gear Test Track. This is a dream come true for me and hopefully, they will carry on in the future."

That's how I got this car and thankfully, the legendary Porsche 959 I told was included on the Porsche Expansion Pack. What can I say huh? Porsche 959? Yeah, do a drag race against the Ferrari F40 just like on the Series 16 finale of Top Gear, the one with the 80's supercar nirvana.

Anyway, while waiting for this, I decided to give The Stig the keys to the MINE'S R32 GT-R. Play the tape!

Well, the MINE'S GT-R R32 did it in 1:23.303, personal best. So I think this tuned version of the R32 Skyline GT-R is somewhat a perfectionist. No wonder they can make the best better.

Speaking of which, I once taking a hard time at this week's Community Bounty Hunter event held at the RISING STORM II rivals event in Fujimi Kaido -Old Kaido-. The score set by Turn 10 staff, T10 SIDEFX, was 77,145. I drift with the tuned Ford Escort RS1800 and this was a struggling experience!

Really?

Yes, this was a struggling trial-and-error because this Escort RS1800 is just too hard to countersteer and bounded to spin! I never knew that the 1977 Ford Escort RS1800 was just one of the scariest rides I have ever experience but at an interest of winning the Top Secret S15, I stuck with it.

So, what's the score?

I did it in 78,589 points, that is the best I can do and I can do no more. I pushed hard and that was the toughest challenge I had ever face.

(applause)

I am noteworthy of claiming the Top Secret S15 if the event was over tonight. Speaking of which....How come my Top Secret Supra hasn't been landed on our garage. I was in last month's VIP Rivals event...

(laughing)

Calm down. It should arrive soon. Anyway, I got reports that Nissan's Juke-R is headed for limited production. 

Last January, the Nissan Juke-R, the Juke with the Godzilla engine on it, appeared on Dubai and it trounced every supercar on the planet. It was so good that two of the three orders have come from high-profile residents of the Middle East.

So, hardcore enthusiasts are ready to get their hands on the Juke-R?

Yes, and Nissan said that it will build more Juke-Rs upon request and will be taking orders in the coming four weeks before it begins production of the car. For inquires, email Juke-R@Nissan.co.uk

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/nissan-to-put-juke-r-into-limited-production

So, will there be someone from Japan getting their hands on the GT-R powered Juke?

(wow)

Wow indeed. And let's get back to the whole THRILLA IN NAIA story. It seems that Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto are now filing physical injury and child abuse complaints against Mon Tulfo and grave threats against Ben, Raffy, and Erwin.

Scoop: http://www.pep.ph/news/34036/Raymart-Santiago-and-Claudine-Barretto-to-file-physical-injury-and-child-abuse-complaints-against-Mon-Tulfo,-and-grave-threats-vs-Tulfo-brothers

Oh my. It seems that the Santiagos are winning the THRILLA IN NAIA against the Tulfos.

(laughing)

THE TULFO BROTHERS ARE GOING DOWN! HA HA!

Okay, enough now. Now last April 2012, the facelifted 2013 Lexus RX was launched in Japan and by timing, it's here in RX350 only.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/lexus-manila-launches-updated-rx350-luxury-crossover

You can expect the new Spindle Grille first seen at the new GS and a new steering wheel. There is a new trim level that includes a tilt-and-slide moonroof; new 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels; driver-seat, steering-wheel and side-mirror memory functions; a multipurpose roof rail; perforated leather seats; power rear door; and a backup camera integrated in the rear-view mirror.

(wow)

Wow! So, what's the pricing?

Prices start at 3,578,000 Pesos for the 2013 Lexus RX350.

So, it's not what they called cheap, right?

Indeed it is...

So anyway, we got reports saying that actor Xian Lim will be at the Eton Centris, Centris Walk on May 13, 2012 at 7:00PM Philippine Standard Time for his "So It's You" album mall tour.

(wow)

Whoa! Hold on! The guy frrom My Binondo Girl gets his own album?!

Well, frankly yes, he does.

Amazing!

Wait, hold on a sec. I picked up some info that Morrissey is coming at the World Trade Center, Manila, this Sunday, May 13, 2012, at 8PM!

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! More events this May 13?! No wonder summer time in the Philippines' getting hectic right now...

And that's the news!!!!

It's not what you called cheap but it's cheerful

It's a little big world out there for the smart

It was in one of these, well not exactly one of these. This is the smart fortwo, one of the cars you can find on Forza Motorsport 4's May Top Gear Pack and I think this is somewhat too wrong. Back in January when I got the January Jalopnik Pack, it seems that the devs put up the wrong Audi RS5 because there was a facelifted RS5 out there but what they did featured was the pre-facelifted model. This is the same situation. There was a 2013 smart fortwo unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show but again, the devs showed up the pre-facelifted smart fortwo on this game. Has the Turn 10 devs never stay in touch with the latest automotive news and rather focused on putting old cars on this game? Never mind, but still the smart fortwo is just more of a fun to drive micro mini that Forza fans waited for this...well almost.

Sensible to challenge against a 747

With that looks, it looks like a Little Tykes
Cozy Coupe out there!

It's not what you called cheap, 15,000 CR, which is 5,000 CR more than the starter cars such as the Nissan Micra, Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1, Peugeot 107, Volkswagen Fox, and the Vauxhall Agila but what you got here is a hatchback that has the layout of a Porsche; rear-engine rear wheel drive. Yep, it's an RR micro-mini. That's what that is. I like the way Mercedes-Benz getting too sensible of making this nippy little rascal. With that size, you can have fun playing car football with this just like what you saw on a Top Gear Live event a couple of years ago. Really?

The engine mounted at the back was a 1.0L 3B21 engine produced by Mitsubishi Motors and this one's Naturally Aspirated. The 3B21 engine that powered the smart fortwo has 11.4:1 compression ratio and premium fuel (95+ octane RON) is recommended. This produces 70HP of power and 68lb-ft of torque so it's not what you called quick. 0-60mph in 13.3 seconds, 0-100mph in 50 seconds, and top speed of 101mph, so again, it's not quick but despite that, the smart fortwo is much lighter than the Toyota Aygo and the Volkswagen Fox. Perhaps no wonder the car football part at the Top Gear Live event a couple of years ago used that car. He he he....

Says who?

The smallest of cars do the most sensible stuff, even in Forza Motorsport 4. It can slip past against the IT at the game of TAG VIRUS, agile enough to remain IT at the game of Keep the It, it can do better when everyone in a game of CAR FOOTBALL are driving smart fortwo cars, that is everything. This micro mini made by Mercedes-Benz is all about being too sensible but for me, there's something else more than being sensible with the sensible smart car.

Let me explain something, you see, a couple of months ago, Mercedes-Benz Japan showcased a Puella Magi Madoka Magica smart electric drive itasha at the 15th Japan Media Arts Festival in Tokyo from February 22 to March 4. Later on, they allow guests to test drive those if they have a license to drive in Japan and a (free) Mercedes Benz Connected Card membership. I was convincing to see someone recreating the Puella Magi Madoka Magica electric car on Forza 4 and guess what? It did and here it is afterwards...

That's Akemi Homura on this side....

...and a Madoka Kaname on this side!!!

I stumbled across the Forza 4 storefront and I found this. This looked like the Puella Magi Madoka Magica smart electric drive that most Japanese otakus saw one at the Mercedes-Benz Connection in Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan. The detailing is just 97% good (couple that with the 5ZIGEN ZR+520 rims, painted green, and it will be 98% accurate). I can see Madoka Kaname, Kyubey, and Akemi Homura on there. This could have only done by some Forza Faithful under the XBOX Gamertag "arata YH", who was responsible for recreating the CR-Z race car vinyls on this game. I was going to give thanks to him but gosh, this is just how it completes the look of the smart fortwo. My vision of seeing a Puella Magi Madoka Magica smart electric drive design on Forza 4 became true and sadly, you can't get one because the player who made it was limited to 100 copies and it costs 10,000 CR each. Gladly, I finally got it before the stocks ran out and I was very happy to play with the smart that was once sensible, now even more sensible when a Madoka Magica vinyl contracted on this car. It's amazing when you see the words "Contract with me!". This car makes me want to contract it.

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 35

Please, attention everyone. A lot of you are trying to find out what is the song on either the Indian Hyundai Sonata TV commercial or the Mazda CX-5 Commercial. Would you just refrain from doing that? If I caught you saying that what is the song on the Hyundai Sonata Indian TV Commercial or the Mazda CX-5 commercial, I'll put your heads in the drain. Shut up or be dead!

Or you could find some of my another five driving musics (Car Commercial Songs) to find. Sorry about my harsh behavior...

5) AMAMI by Matia Bazar - from the 1987 Mitsubishi Galant Japanese commercial.

4) Torero by Azucar Morero - from the Honda CR-X Del Sol Japanese commercial.

3) The Alphabeat by David Guetta - Renault Twizy commercial song.

2) How it Starts by The Features - 2013 Ford Mustang Commercial Song

1) Push Upstairs by Underworld - 2005 Renault Samsung SM5 Commercial Song

...and there you go. Another set of five driving musics (Car Commercial Songs) as an alternative for asking questions on Google about what is the name of the song on car commercial. Be warned, search engines has no room for question marks... That is all. Thank you.

Let's Do The News! (May 7, 2012)

And now the news but before that, I heard something about Round 2 of the 2012 Super GT match happened a few days ago.

Really? What is it?

In Round 2 of the 2012 Super GT300 race held at Fuji Speedway, the Good Smile Racing Hatsune Miku BMW Z4 won despite the wet condition.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-05-04/good-smile-racing-hatsune-miku-bmw-wins-super-gt300-round-2

(whoa)

Can't believe it. That one who became 2011 Super GT300 Champion is making a comeback in the 2nd round. The one with the Hatsune Miku design, driven by Nobuteru Taniguchi and Tatsuya Kataoka, that was just staggering!

Yeah, really is quite impressive for a car that has a Vocaloid vinyl on it! Ha ha.

Yep. Really is. Now it's time for the result of Round 2...

At the GT300 Class;

Third place goes to: triple a vantage GT3

Second place goes to: EVANGELION RT TEST TYPE-01 Apple Shiden

Winner is: GSR HATSUNEMIKU BMW

At the GT500 Class;

Third place goes to: MOTUL AUTECH GT-R

Second place goes to: RAYBRIG HSV-010

Winner is: DENSO KOBELCO SC430

That was verified. Next race is on Sepang, Malaysia this June 9 and 10. Anyone who's Malaysian and if you want tickets for this race, better hurry up before they're sold out. Thank you

Right, onto the issue of the massively popular IDOLM@STER. Guess what? Sammy, a video game maker, is collaborating with Namco Bandai for a pachinko slot machine based on the phenomenal IDOLM@STER series. We got some clip here...

Excuse me? What's it called?

It's called THE IDOLM@STER Live in Slot and like the original game, players are more than welcome to become the producer managing the careers of idol singers from 765PRO. A debut event will be held in Tokyo's Akihabara district in May 23 and the first play is free. Guest appearances are scheduled to attend and perform.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-05-06/the-idolm@ster-live-in-slot-machine-game-revealed

So, you're saying is, most of the V.A. behind the 765PRO girls will be on the launch event in Akiba?

I guess it is. They're will be there...I think

(laughing)

Ugh, okay. Here we go again. More iM@S mayhem for the petrolheads in Japan. Welcome to the sound of music with 765 Pro All-Stars.

(laughing)

Anyway, the Peugeot 208, the replacement for the 207 and proven that its touch screen is more fun than the Suzuki MR Wagon's Touch Panel Audio. Guess what? Peugeot's launching a competition version of the 208. See, look.

This is known as the Peugeot 208 R2 and it was made to race in the R2 rally category. It comes with a 1.6L engine mated with a 5-speed sequential transmission. It will make an appearance as a "zero" car for next week’s Tour de Corse (May 10-12), the fourth round of the 2012 Intercontinental Rallye Challenge.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/05/peugeot-presents-competition-version-of.html

I kinda glad to see the Peugeot 208 with racing colors. Good job Peugeot. Still care about its racing pedigree.

I know. This R2 version is more than just being a rally racer but it's kinda bit too messy to see a 208 kitted out with racing-spec paraphernalia on it. They have to think better than that but whatever, that would work on Tarmac, Gravel, or Snow.

Anyway, everyone heard about the Chinese clone of the Ford F-150 pickup truck called the JAC 4R3 but for developing news, Ford Motor Company silently succeeded to prevent JAC from creating a F-150 clone. A Ford exec said "There were a couple of press reports that 'oh', at the Beijing Auto Show there's going to be an F-150 clone. It didn't happen. Not going to happen." and later, "We did our job. There was good global teamwork," "So, yes, we can protect ourselves in China, it’s not easy, but you can do it. Is it expensive? Not really, I mean, it would be less than filing here."

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/05/ford-quietly-but-successfully-blocks.html

(ooohhh)

Excuse me? Ford prevented JAC's efforts to launch a Chinese copy of the F-150 at the AUTO CHINA 2012 in Beijing? Touche!

You're right and if that happen and if some American in China saw a Ford F-150 that turned out to be a cheap knock-off, he might get angry that the Chinese often humiliating the FAST FOOD NATION. Yep, but that bother me, why can't USA join forces with the Philippines against the Chinese during the Scarborough Shoal scandal?

Nobody knows...Anyway, China's going to be pissed off about a global protest set by Filipinos on May 11. We'll yank it out soon but moving on...

Now, there was that kid in Toronto, Canada. He said that he bought Portal 2 for the PS3 at Walmart and when he opened the case, what he see was nothing but a WHITE BLANK DISC!

(oohhh)

No, I'm not making this up! Some guy in Canada bought a copy of the PS3 version of Portal 2 and when he arrived home to play this game and when he opened it, he saw a WHITE BLANK DISC!

Scoop: http://www.figure.fm/post/en/39190/Next+time+you+buy+a+game+be+VERY+CAUTIOUS+w.html

Oh, and he said that he went back to Walmart where he bought that game and it turned out that "it happened more than once with this type of situation." He said that he's the very first victim of the serious case where...um...

Where what?

Idiots bought a game, then swap with a blank disc, wrap the game in its original form, and return the game back in the store. It's shocking to see someone being affected by this kind of modus operandi.

Were you affected?

Of course not!

(laughing)

I am a very careful buyer.

Weh? Are you that kind of clever enough? You see that Canadian kid who got affected by this modus operandi?

Kind of but to be honest, I'm not that kind of careful...

(laughing)

Anyway, enough just know. About that Negima manga Volume 37 I just read.

Yep, really. The one we got a bit disappointed about the end of Negima.

That volume said that there will be a final volume (Volume 38) coming up. Here's the cover.

Ooh!

See here is the real finale of the Negima manga. Volume 38 will be out this May 17. This is really the finale and you know it...

Right! Now, about that Hayate the Combat Butler manga? Guess what, starting at Volume 32, time to meet the new logo, here's the cover...

Wow, sure about that this is the new logo?

Indeed it is but there's going to be a limited edition packaging, see look...

It's somewhat a bundle between Volume 0 (a prologue) and Volume 32, which is the latest volume of the hit action comedy adventure manga that I cared the most than Negima. It should be out this May 16 and this special "Service Pack" will cost about 1000 Yen.

Oh! Oh! Oh!

And that's the news!

JDM Rally Legends Nirvana!

If you like the rivalry between the Mitsubishi Evo and the Subaru WRX STi, then you should check out the ones that set the stage. Both of them are featured on Forza Motorsport 4's May Top Gear Pack and these are the BC5 Subaru Legacy and the E39A Mitsubishi Galant VR-4. Oh my words! Would you just look at that!

Rally Legends Nirvana!

I can't recall ever seen those two together on the Top Gear Pack so let's get cracking, beginning with this one...

Stay professional! This is the second time
I'm into this car!

This is the first generation Subaru Legacy. First introduced in Japan since February 1989 and available in the following variants; the 220 PS (162 kW) DOHC 2.0-liter turbocharged "RS" with a 5-speed manual transmission only, followed by the "VZ" sedan and wagon and the "TZ" sedan and wagon with the 150 PS (110 kW) DOHC 2.0-liter engine. A smaller 102 PS (75 kW) SOHC 1.8-liter engine was used for the "Vi" sedan and wagon with FWD only, "Ti" sedan and wagon, the "Mi" and the entry level "Ei" sedans and wagons.

This first generation model was also involved in motorsports. The 1990 Safari Rally saw two Subaru Legacys finished the race, with one driven by Patrik Njiru winning the Group N Category. Then moments later, a Group N Legacy finished the Acropolis Rally, driven by Ian Duncan, in 8th place.

This car was homologated by the Subaru World Rally Team in the 1990 World Rally Championship with the partnership of Prodrive. It hasn't been competitive at first but it showed its true potential under the supervision of Markku Alen, who managed a 3rd place finish at the Swedish Rally in 1991. 1992 saw the appearance of both Ari Vatanen and the late Colin McRae for Subaru WRC effort. Each driver achieved a 2nd place finish, providing the boost for Subaru's WRC efforts.

In 1993, the Legacy placed 3rd at the Swedish Rally and a one-two finish after the first leg of the Acropolos Rally. Eventually the boss of Prodrive wanted to debut the Impreza rally car but charged with the Legacy winning the race before the Impreza's time to shine. In the eight round of Rally New Zealand, the Legacy, on its final year of its WRC service, along with the late Colin McRae, won the fight against Francois Delecour and his Ford Escort Rally Car.

I drove this first generation Subaru Legacy on Tokyo Xtreme Racer Drift 2 (日本名：KAIDO BATTLE 峠の伝説) and I just wanna say that this first generation became the template why the Impreza was born on rallying. The nostalgia, the originality, the perfection, the 4WD layout, I can't really think how good is this old chap is. This is more of a childhood hero for an average petrolhead and this isn't just pride and power. It's all about storing up memories by the time you saw one. Thanks to Forza Motorsport 4's Top Gear Pack, I finally got myself a second chance of driving the first generation Legacy. Ah the memories...

When the first generation Legacy was involved in rallying, it's formidable rival was none other than this...

This reminded me of my uncle's car!

The 2.0L turbocharged 4WD Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 E39A.

The sixth-generation Galant was launched in Japan since October 1987 with variants such as the 2.0L-powered MX, VX, VZ, 1.8L-powered MS, VS, 1.8L-powered MF, GF, 1.6L-powered ME, GE, and G. Two months later, 4WD versions such as the 2.0 DOHC TURBO VR-4 and 2.0 DOHC VX-4 were launched and it has won the Japan Car of the Year in 1987.

This VR-4 version comes with the 4G63T DOHC 16v inline 4-cylinder engine that has a peak power of 177 kW (241 PS; 237 hp) at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 304 N·m (224 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm. It is mated with either a 4-speed AT or a 5-speed MT.

This was homologated for the Group A class, using the underpinnings from the Starion 4WD. By 1988 to 1992, it was campaigned by Ralliart Europe and it won three events courtesy of Mikael Ericsson (1989 1000 Lakes Rally), Pentti Airikkala (1989 Lombard RAC Rally) and Kenneth Eriksson (1991 Swedish Rally). Kenjiro Shinozuka pushed this Galant to victory at the Asia-Pacific Rally Championships in 1988 and by 1991 to 1992, Ross Dunkerton did the same thing. Tim O'Neil also pushed the Galant to victory at the 1992 American National GT Championship.

Anyway, this isn't more than just I already played this one in some video games, this is more of a "family memory" if you asked me. Back in the Philippines, I have an uncle, Rosendo Cosme, who drove a sixth-generation Galant as a replacement to his aging Daihatsu Charade 3-door. Every time when I saw his car in most video games, I would say "Ooh! That's Tito Endo's car!" and my reaction goes on and on every time. This sixth generation Galant reminded me of the one which is owned by my Tito Endo. Tito Endo, if you're reading this, thanks for reading. Now that my uncle's car appeared on Forza Motorsport 4, I was gonna say that my uncle's better than everyone else but to be honest, my iffy driving style would ruin my uncle's car.

Both these cars have 4WD and 2.0L turbo engines but how does it stack up? The 1990 Subaru Legacy RS' peak power output is 217HP of power and 199lb-ft of torque. It weighs 2990lbs, 0-60mph time of 6.7 seconds, and top speed of 146mph. My uncle's car, the 1992 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4, has a peak power of 237HP, peak torque of 224lb-ft, weighs 3,153lbs, 0-60mph time of 6 seconds, and top speed of 151mph.

To translate this from science to lap times we need a driver and of course we have one. Some say, he's very angry at me for ruining his birthday party and he is... Sorry, Stig.

Both of these are close! By personal best, the BC5 Legacy did it in 1:35.418 while the E39A Galant VR-4 did it in 1:34.774! Unbelievable, the Galant VR-4's racing pedigree toppled the Legacy RS! Perhaps no wonder the rivalry between the Evo and the WRX STi became a decade-run phenomenon! Perhaps those ancestors really set the stage from rallying to racetracks! This is more like choosing your heroes!

Choosing between these heroes

Choosing your heroes is like choosing your shirt or trousers. That's just pointless but let's be honest, without these two, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo and the Subaru WRX STi didn't exist at all and they didn't have rally racing legends on the road. We have to owe them a big thanks. These two cars are incredibly important because these pair dominated the whole World Rally Championships for decades right before their retirement. Before them, you have Lancias, Audis, and Fords and in evolutionary terms, this is like one huge step for mankind. With these two, this is even more better than reading a big encyclopedia. They really are that important.

ITC280 Update 5

Here's what I learned on Week 5:


1) Physical path to the root of my space on zephir;
/home/classes/ldelro02


2) Physical path to the root of my web space on zephir
/home/classes/ldelro02/public_html


3) Commands to get to my sandbox from the root of my space
cd public_html

cd Sandbox


4) Command to see all files and folders in the current directory
ls -l


5) Here are some rules regarding file permissions:

drwxrwxr-x 4 ldelro02 ldelro02 4096 Apr 23 17:13 redsplash


drwxrwxr-x 3 ldelro02 ldelro02 4096 Apr 16 15:38 RedTie


-rw-rw-r-- 1 ldelro02 ldelro02   88 Apr  9 17:55 template.php


-rw-rw-r-- 1 ldelro02 ldelro02  111 Apr  4 17:53 test.php


First three letters are your permissions


Second three are your group


Third three are the public


r = read = 4


w = write = 2


x = execute = 1


0= no permission


1= execute only


2= write only DANGEROUS!


3= write and execute DANGEROUS!


4= read only


5= read/execute


6= read/write DANGEROUS!


7= read/write/execute DANGEROUS!


DANGEROUS NUMBERS: 2, 3, 6, 7


w in the public area is world writable and a huge security risk

6) Command to create password file for .htaccess
/usr/bin/htpasswd -c ~/pass ldelro02


7) Finished .htaccess for 301 redirect:

#the following disallows access to our file


<Files .htaccess>


order allow,deny


deny from all


</files>




#the following redirects users to a genetic error page for old page addresses


ErrorDocument 404 /~ldelro02/error-404.php




#root of visible web space (virtual path in this case)


Redirect 301 /~ldelro02/old/index.php


http://zephir.seattlecentral.edu/~ldelro02/new/index.php


* POP QUIZ # 7: 10/10 (100%)

*TEST # 4: 68/100 (100%)

Notes:
So, barely an improvement on Week 5 but when it comes to finishing the extra credit on Assignment number 5, I'm afraid to tell you that creating an error 404 page would be extremely difficult for me...

How can I create a custom 404 error page and link to a 'non-existent' web page in my Zephir web space?  Where would I put it on my Zephir? I have to find some help so I can finish my extra credit for Assignment 5 before Monday because for me, I haven't got a clue. This is very challenging...

"100% Nourished Kid"

On the May 4, 2012 episode of the now-officially-rated-SPG Bubble Gang:

- Fiesta gags

- Coach Calmado visits the library

Coach Calmado

- Bureche's playing with the sumpit and this messes up Cheche's balloon. That's okay...If only as someone as eng-eng as her...

Cheche Bureche

- A step into the future when an espiritista is using the internet to contact the spirits

- Yum! Yum! Yum! Bubble Gang does Lactum 3+ by spoofing this commercial as Laftum 3+ with high source of Appetite Support Nutrients! Helps provide 100% Nourishment with 3 balanced meals a day! 100% Nourished Kid!

Bubble Gang does Lactum 3+

- Yum Yum Yum! It's Dahon vs. Idol sa Kusina Chef Pablo"Boy" Logro as Boy Tokwa for pickup lines!

Boy Tokwa (Chef Pablo "Boy" Logro)

1) Seasoning ka ba? Kasi ikaw ang nagpapasarap ng buhay ko

2) Alam mo, ayaw ko nang may mangyari sa yo. Kasi gusto ko, may mangyari sa atin

3) Balat ka ba ng lechon? Kasi ang sarap mong papakin!

4) Alam mo, dati ang puso ko mura lang. Kasi noong mula nang makilala kita, bigla nang nagmahal

5) Noong una, sinabi ko sa sarili ko, kayang kita kalimutan na busog ako. Kasi kinain ko lahat ang sinabi ko.

6) Si Goliath ang ibon sa pelikulang Anak ng Bulkan. Bakit hindi?!

7) Rainbow ka ba? Kasi I can't get over you.

8) Alam mo ba kung bakit coconut oil ang inilalagay ko sa buhok ng aso ng kapitbahay ko? Kasi cute, eh!

- Sumbong Sumbong kay Bonggang Bonggang Bongbong tackles against the most annoying such as people wearing colorful headsets bigger than their cellphones, people taking their shoes off on public places, and graduates not wearing their hats in order not to ruin their hair.

- James Wang (Jacky Woo) is on the case of the neighbor's dead parrot.

- IyoTube in Destiny Child's Emotion

The one with...Pentastar V6 engine

Upon trying out Forza Motorsport 4's May Top Gear Pack, I have even got a chance to drive something a bit more highbrow. Last time, I've already tried the new 300C SRT8 and I wouldn't blame anyone who bought either the new 300 SRT8 or the new Charger SRT8 because they are all epic but overall, it's a lot if you're on benefits. This one came from Chrysler Group LLC and this is more of a hardcore...or is it?

Ready to frag n00bs!

The Jeep Wrangler, the one with the new 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, finally on Forza Motorsport 4. Time to put this Pentastar-powered Jeep to work!

Jeep Wrangler turned Top Gear Test Track
into Call of Duty...

This updated version of the Jeep Wrangler comes with the all new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 Engine which provides more fuel efficiency, improved on-road driving dynamics and refinement, more power and more torque. It is extremely quiet, constructed with a high-pressure, die-cast aluminum block fitted with cast-iron bore liners and aluminum cylinder heads. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine was made to meet global standards and it is Euro 5 compliant. 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds, 0-100mph in 20.6 seconds, and flatout in 129mph thanks to its manual transmission offered on this game. The 3.6-liter V-6 engine is manufactured at the Trenton engine plant in Michigan (USA).

When you're driving the Jeep Wrangler on Forza 4, you'll never know what's exactly is this Pentastar V6 engine just by hearing on it but in terms of driving feel, this situation is like this; if you're playing an XBOX 360 game that is too easy, you'll get bored. If you're playing an XBOX 360 game that is too hard, keep trying and when you get there, the results will be more rewarding. That's what this is. THIS IS CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS or CALL OF DUTY MW3!

For a thriller minute, this First Person Shooter beats Tetris but we can't just leave it there, can we? Let's deliver this one to the tamed racing driver. Some say he's getting obsessed with women wearing racing swimsuits and he's one of the Level 5 ESPers.

Okay, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon did it in 1:39.048, personal best for this car. No doubt about it, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine really made it a different kind of animal. Overall though, this updated Wrangler is more rewarding, just like that Call of Duty game. This Jeep was not made for n00bs but for vets who like to frag n00bs.

Jeep Wrangler frag the Top Gear Studio

Captain Slow's joining the Grand National commentary

I knew this would come for Captain Slow...

This Saturday's Grand National is live on BBC One, Radio 5 Live, and on the internet (UK users only) at 4:15PM UK Time and Top Gear's James May is taking the center stage as one of the commentators of Britain's biggest horse race of the year, the Grade One Grand National from Aintree.

Scoop: http://transmission.blogs.topgear.com/2012/04/13/james-joins-grand-national-commentary-team/

Second-generation Acura RDX

Eventually the CR-V based Acura RDX is much more of a direct competitor to the Lexus RX350 and what enthusiasts appreciated the RDX the most was its i-VTEC turbo engine and the SH-AWD. However, thanks to conditions such as the economy, environment, tensions in the Middle East, and the relentless war on speed, Honda kills the only turbocharged i-VTEC engine that powered the RDX. That's a shame though...

2013 Acura RDX

The entirely new Acura RDX is more like the brand new Honda CR-V but what did they do from here is somewhat more of a cost-cutting procedure. First up, the magnificent 2.3L K23A1 Turbo I4 engine has been replaced by a more "polar bear friendly" 3.5 L V6 engine. Also, the magnificent SH-AWD system has been replaced by a simple AWD layout. That's a shame... The only good news I've been getting that the 5-speed AT has been replaced with a 6-speed Paddle Shift Transmission. Looks like the RDX's rock and roll days are over. What Honda did focused on the entirely new RDX is killing the fun factor in favor to be more economical and practical. This is a crossover that is not targeted for the enthusiasts but rather more for the soccer moms and dads. In terms of fuel economy, the entirely new Acura RDX, thanks to its naturally aspirated V6 engine and 6-speed AT, will get through an estimated 20 mpg in the city /23 combined/28 mpg highway and there was the possibility of Variable Cylinder Management. Most Honda enthusiasts already familiar about the Variable Cylinder Management but for those who are asking how does it work, Variable Cylinder Management allows the V6 engine to run on three or four cylinders depending on road conditions. If this RDX runs on three cylinders, engine vibration is reduced by extrapolating vibration from the change in crankshaft rotation speed and sending the information to the 'active control' engine mount.

Okay, about that 3.5L i-VTEC V6 engine, this produces 273HP of power and 251lb-ft of torque. It even has this Drive-by-wire throttle system that reduces weight, increases operational accuracy and stretches out the time between service visits.

2013 Acura RDX interior

It's just typical Acura interior for the new RDX but luckily, the navigation system has been upgraded into an HDD Navi system. There are lots of other stuff you can do while driving the RDX such as listening to music via Pandora® internet radio, text your friends, check traffic information, search for nearest points of interests, voice recognition, find out what's the latest weather in Los Angeles, and everything else just as long as your not fiddling with everything. The Acura ELS Surround® audio system isn't quite what you call "opera quality" but this is somewhat more like your portable iPod speaker you have in your home. This car can accommodate up to five passengers and the rear seats can be folded for some more cargo space.

Some standard equipment on the new RDX includes a 5-spoke 18-inch wheels and improved 4-wheel disc brakes that include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The rear view camera is now a necessity as well as the keyless acess and push button start.

The entirely new Acura RDX comes in seven colors such as Basque Red Pearl II, Crystal Black Pearl, Forged Silver Metallic, Graphite Luster Metallic, Silver Moon, White Diamond Pearl, and Amber Brownstone.

My comment:
Killing a turbo engine is a hard thing to do for Honda because, well let's be honest, the performance profile of the turbo four may have doomed it to being merely a footnote in Honda's illustrious history. Last year, the previous generation RDX sold only 15,000 units, which sounds a bit too reasonably but with the turbo Honda engine dead, the hopes of applying the power-dense four cylinder on other Honda products has been axed. That made me sad.

Anyway, back at the entirely new Acura RDX, it's not as better as the previous model but more importantly, this car is only focused to be safe, innovative, and more importantly, comfortable for five adults. This is built for the size of your life and let's be honest, like most Acuras, this was only come from a fast food nation. This new model will never get it right...

Photo: American Honda Motor Co.

Let's Do The News! (May 3, 2012)

So, the K9 is a good Korean premium sedan?

Kinda but to me, this isn't a good proper alternative to the Hyundai Equus because to me, the Equus does have a powerful GDi engine, something that Kia Motors would soon put it on the K9. To be honest, I couldn't work it out at all.

About UVO Telematics System, does it act like Hyundai's BlueLink?

Yeah...

Okay time now for the news and oh, have you seen one episode of BS NTV's Best Motor TV? There was a race between the Mazda Roadster, Subaru BRZ, and the TOYOTA 86, at Twin Ring Motegi. It was a close one. At first, the Mazda Roadster's taking a lead and meanwhile, the BRZ and 86 are getting neck and neck in the lead and the winner was the TOYOTA 86.

Wow, that was too brilliant.

Yeah, now where are we? Oh yes! The news!

Now, Lamborghini, they've launched a special edition for Malaysia only, it's called the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Malaysia Limited Edition. It's based on the RWD Gallardo but it uses some Superleggera aesthetics on the outside to make it more unique. Three colors are available such as Blanco Monocerus (solid white), Verde Ithaca (pearl green) and Arancio Borealis (pearl orange). It costs RM1,680,000 OTR and its limited to 20 units.

Scoop: http://paultan.org/2012/05/03/lamborghini-gallardo-malaysia-limited-edition-20-units/

Mmmm...I'd never expected a special Gallardo was made for the Malaysian car enthusiasts. That's too good but, is it worth driving for?

Quite so...Anyway,

HEY! GREAT NEWS!

WHAT?

THE DACIA DUSTER! IT'S COMING TO THE U.K.! (Seriously, it's coming).

(applause)

GREAT!

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/dacia-duster-arrives-2012-05-02

Ugh, here we go again. The old Top Gear Dacia gag that James May often blast it out from his mouth. Is he obsessed with Dacias? Oh well...

Now, ever since Saab's demise, it seems that Saab loyalists worldwide are trying to preserve the last 9-3, the one with the Arctic White color, possibly the last Saab ever made before its doors closed.

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/saab-devotees-rally-to-save-last-9-3/

Hmmm, so the final Saab before its closure was the 9-3 sedan? Uh, okay. I kinda cared about that but what would they do with the final Saab? A Saab fansite said "A number of cars at the museum from the history of Saab that was written in the last two years are NOT secured. They are either borrowed to the museum or are still missing."

Yeah, some of the Saab history are either borrowed or missing but where's the missing link? Oh sorry but, YOU ARE THE WEAKEST LINK! GOODBYE!

(laughing)

Anyway, while they're diddling about this, let's move on...

About Rhys Millen's arrival in the Philippines, what he does is drifting an S13 Silvia at Quirino Grandstand around static jeepneys, with wide-eyed spectators as well as officers from Manila's Finest watching intently. Here's the clip...

Now that's cool. We think he's cool though. I would gladly buy some Red Bull cans on most 7-Eleven stores.

(laughing)

Oh, there was something we didn't know about Rhys Millen. TGP listed the five things we never know about Rhys Millen. Here's the list;

1) His first love was mountain biking

2) Tanner Foust was once his roommate

3) He's been doing car stunts for commercials and movies almost as long as he's been racing.

4) One of his most memorable and challenging drives was in Brazil two years ago.

5) He's seen his share of drama in the movie business.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/features/feature-articles/five-things-we-bet-you-didn-t-know-about-rhys-millen

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Some say that Tanner Foust was once Rhys Millen's roommate?! But but but but...how's that possible?

Uh, Rhys Millen said...

"Tanner's a really good friend of mine, and the first time I met him was at a rally event years ago. He was just starting then when I approached him and said, 'Hey, did you know your tires are on backwards?' He said, 'What?!' And I said, 'Your tires are on backwards.' And then I explained to him how I knew. We hit it off really well and we started hanging out and then one day, he told me he was looking for a place to stay so I invited him to stay over in my place for a few days. The few days then turned to months so I started charging him rent. Three years later, after I had proposed to my wife, I told him, 'Hey, you know you have to move out because I'm gonna get married soon.' We're still good friends and he lives just five miles from where I live, but I have yet to see him this year. That's how busy we are in our business."

(ooohhhh)

So, did you get it?

Yes, yes...I kinda get it now...

Anyway, remember Ambush? The robot from the movie, Real Steel? Good Smile Company plans to release this Ambush figure this September with the pricing of 29800JPY (including tax).

URL: http://www.goodsmile.info/product/en/3540/Real+Steel+Ambush.html

Whoa! First time some Japanese toymaker's making a figure came from a Hollywood movie. I like that Ambush robot anyway and I kinda like that whole Real Steel movie anyway. Those dents look realistic!

Now, while we're drooling for this...I read some mega weird news...Anyway, the Osaka Prefectural Police's Living and Economic Affairs Division arrested two managers of the "Arupu" clothing store in Osaka's Habikino city on Wednesday for manufacturing and selling a shirt featuring an Anpanman and Kewpie lookalike character.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-05-02/2-arrested-for-shirts-of-anpanman/kewpie-lookalike

Oh, it's weird to see some store selling a T-shirt with some Anpanman/Kewpie Lookalike. Sorry to say but, it's too ridiculous. There was a similar situation about the store in question after suspecting that the store were creating products with Kamen Rider and Ultraman lookalike characters.

What comes next? Some store selling Stig lookalike T-shirts?

(laughing)

Anyway, that's the news!

Kia K9

Everyone knows that Korean cars are terribly ugly and cars from Europe, especially from Germany, are better looking, better to drive, and most of all, user friendly. Back in 2008, Hyundai tries to prove BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, what they're capable of by launching the Genesis, their first FR premium sedan. Then, in 2009, Hyundai tries to take a stab on the 7-Series, A8, and S-Class, even the Lexus LS, by launching the flagship Equus sedan that serves as the extended version of the Genesis. Everything's seem to be in order, no wonder Hyundai's already one of the world's fastest-growing car manufacturers. What about Kia? As of now, the Hyundai-owned brand never had a FR car to compete against the Europeans. Now, all's about to change because what Kia Motors did is something a bit more highbrow.

2013 Kia K9

This is the K9, Kia's first RWD sedan that packs more comfort and more luxury like the Hyundai Equus. Those K-letterings, as applied on the K5 and the K7, were now becoming a tradition for Kia Motors. The "K" letter stands for Kia Motors, the automaker's birthplace: Korea, the English word: kinetic, the Greek word: Kratos, and so on, relating to the letter K. Yes, we talked about that in the past but anyway, the K9 has gone up on the world. This is the kind of RWD premium sedan that will give Europe and Japan a run on their money. In terms of design, this is somewhat more of a different animal, waiting for its Battle Royale. The front view looks more like a Maserati Quattroporte but as for the rear view...this is somewhat you would expect from the BMW 7-Series! I couldn't guess that this is some kind of Korean car uses bits from BMW...

2013 Kia K9 interior

2013 Kia K9 interior

Behind this bonkers exterior comes with a finest interior fit for a South Korean government official. Judging from its dashboard, this is somewhat very unique because from the driver's eye, the K9 is offered with state-of-the-art Heads Up Display that monitors your every move. This HUD is much more better to look than the other BMWs with HUDs on it and overall, understandable. In the passenger's sight, this is just something else. Top-of-the-line models offered on the K9 would be expecting host of conveniences such as those rear seat entertainment system, the same thing you would expect on the Equus. Then, the rear seats do come with a thermal massage that soothes a wealthy Korean's senses. Overall, you have a choice of either the ACTUNE Premium Sound System (14 speakers) or the high quality Lexicon Premium Sound System (17 speakers). The 12.3-inch Full Size TFT LCD Cluster is also a convenience here for the K9 and this also monitors your every move as well. The 8-inch navigation system is more than just navigation, audio, video, and something else. This also serve as the basis for the brand new telematics system from Kia, which is somewhat the answer to Hyundai's BlueLink as applied on the new Santa Fe, called UVO.

What is UVO?
Kia's UVO telematics system offers cutting edge technology that allows you to stay on the road while enjoying your personalized driving experience. UVO is powered by SK Telecom and UVO allows drivers to link their smart devices to the cars; it is consisted of 16 service programs under five domains: Smart Control, Safety, Car Care, Assist and Info. A smart, safe, and convenient driving is the promise for Kia UVO telematics system.

2013 Kia K9

Two engine types are offered on the K9 such as the Lambda 3.3 GDi engine that produces 300PS of power, 35.5kg-m of torque, and 9.6km/ℓ of fuel economy. Finally there was the top-of-the-line Lambda 3.8 GDi engine that produces a massive 334PS of power, 40.3kg-m of torque, and 9.3km/ℓ of fuel economy. Both are fitted with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission but some variants do come with a shift knob derived from BMW and its called SHIFT-BY-WIRE. Shift-by-wire gearshifts provide optimal functional reliability and operating convenience.

There are numerous conveniences that help benefit the driver on the road such as this Drive Mode where the driver can choose four different modes such as NORMAL, SPORT, ECO, and SNOW. There is also a button that heightens or lowers the suspension as well. Other conveniences include Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Adaptive LED Headlights, some kind of around view monitor that they stole unashamably from Nissan, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Vehicle Dynamics Control, and Pre Safe Belt.

Seven colors are available on the K9 such as Aurora Black Pearl, Formal Deep Blue, Titanium Brown, Platinum Graphite, Mineral Silver, Bright Silver, and Snow White Pearl.

My Comment:
So, a Korean RWD sedan that has bits of BMW on it and the first to come with the new Kia UVO telematics system powered by SK Telecom, that is brilliant for a sedan that is, well let's be honest, less better looking than the Hyundai Equus. I would personally prefer the Equus rather than this but I can't deny that Kia finally made the first RWD premium sedan that will take a stab on every luxury premium sedans from Europe and Japan.

The K9 may be more of a Korea-only premium sedan but Kia Motors plans to export this on selected left-hand drive markets, including China. And sorry to say that if you were an idiot from Malaysia or Indonesia, you can't get it because don't expect a right-hand drive K9. That's the general rule, don't trolling around for this.

Also, the K9 doesn't work on Philippine roads because of the GDi engines. Don't expect seeing this one on the Philippines.

Despite this, the Kia K9 is a silly premium sedan with some serious performance.

Photo: Kia Motors