The car that defeated the steam train from Top Gear...

In Series 13 opener of Top Gear, a letter from a viewer was sent to Top Gear and says here that what would Top Gear be look like when they were in 1949 and yep, Jeremy, Richard, and James take up for the big challenge. It's the 1949 episode. An epic 1949 race between the Jaguar XK120, the world's fastest on that time, the Vincent Black Shadow, which is the fastest motorbike on that time, and something that is bit 1949-ish but modern, a Peppercorn Class A1 60163 Tornado steam train. Jeremy Clarkson took part on the A1 Tornado while James May is in the Jaguar XK120 and Richard Hammond, in his leather romper suit, rides on the Vincent Black Shadow in a race from King's Cross, London, to a bar in Edinburgh. In the end, the Jaguar XK120 defeated the A1 Tornado steam train while the Vincent Black Shadow motorbike is dead last because of problems.

The world's fastest car from the late 1940's

This is how Forza feels like when it's 1949

So, the Jaguar XK120, what made it very special that when this car was launched in 1948, it hailed as the world's fastest car from that era. The roadster version as seen at the 1948 London Motor Show was actually a pre-production model and its positive reception propelled Jaguar founder and design boss William Lyons to put it into production. As the name implies, it is capable of 120 mph (193 km/h) of top speed, which in 1948, hailed as the fastest car in the world courtesy of its 3.4L DOHC Straight-6 engine that generates 160 bhp (119 kW; 162 PS) @ 5000 rpm of power.

Back then, this car costs 1200 Pounds in 1948 but in today's world, that's about 35,000 Pounds. It's a Bugatti Veyron with the price of the 5 Series.

In the old days, XK120 units with standard 8:1 compression ratio were exported to the world market but in Britain, a 7:1 low compression version was provided with decreased power because of the post World War II austerity measures.

Most of the XK120's come with the independent torsion bar front suspension, semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear, recirculating ball steering, telescopically adjustable steering column, and all-round 12 inch drum brakes that can be easily broken or Alfin (ALuminium FINned) brake drums that has low chances of getting it broken. 

In 1951, an improved version, the XK120 SE (Special Edition) was launched with wire wheels, increased power, stiffer suspension and dual exhaust system. Therefore, the SE model produces 180 bhp (134 kW; 182 PS) of power but the one we have on Forza Motorsport 4 via the July Car Pack was actually the XK120 SE (C-Type Head) that comes with the improved 3.4L engine that churns out 210 bhp (157 kW; 213 PS) of power.

Off to kick some steam train rails...

During its tenure, the XK120 was heavily involved in motorsports beginning with its first victory at the Daily Express-sponsored One-Hour Production Car Race held on 30 August 1949 at Silverstone Circuit, England. From 1949 to 1954, the XK120 shines through various races such as the Le Mans, Targa Florio, Mille Miglia, Silverstone Production Car Race, Tourist Trophy, Mount Druitt 24 Hours Road Race, and we're not joking, NASCAR where Al Keller won the first NASCAR road race, held at Linden Airport, New Jersey, on June 13, 1954.

Nice view with this car!

Even in old days, cars are better than trains. Most Top Gear episodes always proving that cars are better than trains. The Aston Martin DB9 is better than the train heading to Monte Carlo, the Nissan R35 GT-R is better than the Shinkansen, and this...the Jaguar XK120 is better than the Peppercorn Class A1 60163 Tornado steam train. I'm glad that this car showed up on Forza Motorsport 4 and I'm loving it not only because of the noise and its heritage but this really is the car that this shows that even six decades ago, in post-WW2 era, cars are better than trains! It pays to be a Top Gear fanatic.

BEAT THAT, CATHEDRALS EXPRESS!!!

Next Renaultsport Clio/Lutecia will not have a manual :-(

It appears that we have another victim on the list of cars that won't be having manuals. I can't believe that manual transmissions will end up being consigned at the history books.

2013 Renault Clio

According to evo magazine, the upcoming 2014 Renaultsport Clio (Lutecia) k4, which is the sportier version of the 2013 Renault Clio (Lutecia) Mk4, will ditch the manual transmission in favor of the six-speed twin-clutch transmission (with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters). Yep, stick-shifting fans, this is bad news to you.

On the lighter side, the next Renaultsport Clio Mk4 will have an MR16DDT sourced from the Nissan Juke 16GT.

Scoop: http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evonews/285616/new_renaultsport_clio_no_manual_gearbox.html

2013 Mazda Roadster (MX-5 Miata) info

2013 Mazda Roadster

2013 Mazda Roadster

It appears that the current NC Mazda Roadster (known in the world market as the MX-5) will stay on a little longer as they launched an updated 2013 version of the FR open-sports roadster. On front, you could expect an aggressive face that seems to be somewhat Kodo-fied or a bit more CX-5-ish. Once more, the 2013 Mazda Roadster now comes with an Active Bonnet (pedestrian protection system) which raises the rear end of the bonnet in the event of an accident to reduce impact to the head.

2013 Mazda Roadster interior

2013 Mazda Roadster interior

PRESS RELEASE:

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has upgraded the Mazda Roadster (known overseas as the Mazda MX-5) for the Japanese market. The refreshed two-seater open-top sports car goes on sale today at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.

The design of the upgraded Roadster distinguishes between the sporty character of the soft top and the refined character of the power retractable hard top (RHT) through the use of coordinated black and silver features respectively. The front face of both versions has been redesigned to present a more aggressive look. For the interior, a new luxury tan color is available for the genuine leather seats. In addition, revised characteristics of the throttle and brake booster (power braking device) have improved control of the accelerator in the manual transmission models and the brakes in all models. The enhancements add polish to the pure driving pleasure which has made the Roadster (MX-5) famous.

In addition, the updated Roadster features an Active Bonnet (pedestrian protection system) which raises the rear end of the bonnet in the event of an accident to reduce impact to the head.

Main features of the upgraded Mazda Roadster:

A distinct character for the RHT and Soft-top version

The keywords guiding the design of the soft top were "tight sports". Coordinated black features express sportiness

The keywords guiding the design of the RHT were "premium sports." Coordinated silver features denote refined, high quality driving performance

<Aggressive front view>

Front face has a sense of depth with a larger front grille opening

Newly designed front fog lamp bezel

New front chin spoiler

New body color, Dolphin Gray Mica now available (Total seven body colors are available. Metropolitan Gray Mica is no longer available).

<Enhanced interior quality>

A lustrous and expressive new color, Glossy Dark Gray is used for the decoration panel and steering wheel bezel. (The color is an option for the Soft Top version of the S model grade.)

Addition of a new tan color for the genuine leather seat covers. Black on the seat sides creates a stylish two-tone design. Fabric (black), leather (tan and black) and a combination of Alcantara® and black leather seat cover materials are available.

Sports car driving pleasure taken to the next level

Enhanced acceleration control (manual transmission models)

Fine adjustments to the throttle management program make it more responsive when accelerating out of corners. This creates a linear and nimble feel.

Enhanced braking control

Changes to the characteristics of the brake booster (power braking device) make it easier to control the front and rear load distribution, increasing the feel of mastery over the vehicle.

Newly developed active bonnet for all model grades

Active bonnet

At certain vehicle speeds, when sensors detect an impact exceeding a defined level, the rear end of the bonnet is raised. This creates a space between the bonnet and the engine which acts to absorb the energy of impact and reduces the severity of head injuries in collisions involving pedestrians.

Cutting weight one gram at a time

In order to keep weight down, uncompromising attention was paid to weight reduction in the design of new parts including the re-designed front bumper, the active bonnet, the new 17-inch aluminum wheels and the internal wiring.

Scoop: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2012/201207/120705a.html?link_id=nr

Our new "Pambansang Kapitana" for now....

I saw some pics at the official TV5 Facebook page that Gelli de Belen will assume her duty as the presenter of TV5's mega popular program titled Face To Face while Amy Perez temporary left the show because of her pregnancy issues.

During a meeting with the Face To Face crew that Amy Perez told a big surprise to them that...she'll be leaving Face To Face for a while because a doctor told her not to be on that show for such reasons but the question is... What will happen at the Barangay Hall on air when Amy Perez left? She said that Gelli de Belen will assume her duty while Amy's not here due to health concerns. Here's the pic of Gelli de Belen recommended by Amy Perez as a temporary presenter...

Gelli de Belen and Amy Perez

Guess this now the time to pass the torch but for Gelli de Belen, she appeared on "Gellicious", a food magazine show which Gelli started her career as a Kapatid. She even appeared at "Nandito Ako", "Untold stories mula sa Face to Face" and the new TV5 Sunday variety show "Game and Go." Gelli de Belen was a big fan of Face to Face but for her, it won't be easy dealing with two sides violently arguing about something that went wrong with them but we're sure she can take the challenge.

Photo: TV5 Philippines Facebook

A life in a day at Motegi

Now, last week, we were kinda surprised that Twin Ring Motegi has returned to Gran Turismo 5 via DLC and served the arrival of the Scion FR-S which is in fact a GT86 Americanized. I was getting a bit surprised that we really want to visit Twin Ring Motegi on our own so we packed our bags and meet ourselves together at the Gran Turismo cafe in Twin Ring Motegi.

Twin Ring Motegi Road Course

Twin Ring Motegi, present day. We met ourselves together at the Gran Turismo cafe at Twin Ring Motegi for some chat.

JC: So, what's up?

RH: Taking a break at Twin Ring Motegi right?

JC: Oh...

JM: What's the sitch?

JC: I have a letter and says here "Welcome Back to Twin Ring Motegi, the racetrack that Gran Turismo forgot. Now that Twin Ring Motegi returned at Gran Turismo 5, your challenge was you must drive different cars that has something to do with...DRESSY ALICE, RAINY SUZURAN, RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY, DIGITAL SPACE CRAFT or CUTIE INSECT...

(all laughinig)

JC: What? DRESSY ALICE? RAINY SUZURAN? RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY? DIGITAL SPACE CRAFT? CUTIE INSECT?

RH: What the hell are those?

JM: I think they were from the PS3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 but this letter we have seems to be pointless...

JC: Yeah! What's the point of that? What does it has something else to do with this challenge?

Well...in terms of DRESSY ALICE, RAINY SUZURAN, RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY, DIGITAL SPACE CRAFT or CUTIE INSECT...it meant that cars that you can't TAG it, INFECT it and something that we can't do on GT5. Yep, we start with this....

1) Audi TT-S - A rival video game has the standard TT and the powerful TT RS. Gran Turismo 5 has the standard TT and this one, the AUDI TT-S. Surely it's sharper than the TT but not as aggressive as the TT RS but in terms of DRESSY ALICE, RAINY SUZURAN, RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY, DIGITAL SPACE CRAFT or CUTIE INSECT...the quattro-powered Audi TT S found some space to breathe in the dynamic twists and turns of the Twin Ring Motegi.

Audi TTS

2. Fiat 500 - A rival video game has the Abarth version but here...this is the standard version of the modern Fiat 500. Not quite aggressive but in terms of DRESSY ALICE, RAINY SUZURAN, RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY, DIGITAL SPACE CRAFT or CUTIE INSECT...we find that the standard Fiat 500 finds its playmate somewhere in the Motegi.

Fiat 500

3. Honda Insight ZE2 - The old Honda Insight, which is the weird looking hybrid with the weirdest looks, made its one huge step in Motegi but got pummeled down by petrol-powered bullies in the sunset. This latest generation, daintily codenamed ZE2, sure it's better looking than the Prius and it's even better looking than the old one but in terms of DRESSY ALICE, RAINY SUZURAN, RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY, DIGITAL SPACE CRAFT or CUTIE INSECT...the Insight's not going to work here because eco-cars don't work well in race tracks. They only work in the road...

Honda Insight ZE2

4. Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 - a rival video game has the old Gallardo, the old Superleggera, and the new Superleggera daintily called the LP570-4. What about the standard Gallardo LP560-4? Not yet I'm afraid but here in Kiyama-sensei's car, it tries to make a name for itself at the corners of the Twin Ring Motegi. Thrust control wasn't even shabby here but the e-gear transmission's a bit annoying but still, the LP560-4 is mad and in terms of DRESSY ALICE, RAINY SUZURAN, RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY, DIGITAL SPACE CRAFT or CUTIE INSECT...this guy's just getting started...

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

5. Mazda Atenza Sport 25Z - this second-generation Atenza or Mazda6 hasn't been setting its foot at Twin Ring Motegi but it did now. Despite the Atenza's trying to find some fresh air at Motegi, I'm afraid to say that the Atenza's getting a bit weary but  in terms of DRESSY ALICE, RAINY SUZURAN, RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY, DIGITAL SPACE CRAFT or CUTIE INSECT...the Atenza Sport 25Z feels like the Civic Type R but with a bit more feel and a million times more manageable.

Mazda Atenza 25Z

6. 2011 Mini Cooper S and Mini Cooper S Countryman - we let two enthusiastic MINI drivers do the driving round the Motegi but upon our observation, the Countryman's having some issues because it's heavier than the normal Mini Cooper S but happily, it won't give up and the driver behind the Countryman defeated her cousin who's driving the Mini Cooper S. I was on the standard Mini Cooper S and my cousin in the Countryman defeated me with effort but still, both of these cars are happy enough to showcase their talents at the Motegi but for the Countryman, it's a triple NO to the judges.

2011 Mini Cooper S vs. Mini Cooper S Countryman

7. Mitsubishi i MiEV - now who would rather bought an electric car at Twin Ring Motegi? I dunno but someone's trying to conduct some experiments with this car, better not disturbing him or we'll be in big trouble...

Mitsubishi i MiEV

8. Nissan Skyline V36 Sedan - an Infiniti G37 Coupe from a rival video game, which translates to Nissan Skyline Coupe 370GT by Gran Turismo 5, spend several times breathing through the Motegi but for the sedan version of the Skyline V36, I'm not sure if this car would work on this track but when we take this V36 sedan for a spin round the track, it tries to be modest.

Nissan Skyline V36

9. 2012 Nissan GT-R - Here in the racetrack that Gran Turismo forgot, even the 2012 Nissan GT-R's making a case for itself.

2012 Nissan GT-R

10. TOYOTA 86 - We already tried the Scion FR-S round the Motegi Road Course but what about the RHD Toyota GT86? Same feeling but with a bit more feel to us in terms of DRESSY ALICE, RAINY SUZURAN, RANDOM COLOR BEAUTY, DIGITAL SPACE CRAFT or CUTIE INSECT...

TOYOTA 86

Finally we could fool around all day with these vehicles but we decided to give it some quick science lesson by showing who can lap quicker on the Twin Ring Motegi Road Course using the cars we'd fool around for hours. Several hours later, we'd done and here's the result from our research...

Our results

It appears that the 2012 Nissan GT-R snags the day and after the whole day, we left the circuit and headed back to the Gran Turismo cafe for some debriefing.

Let's Do The News! (July 5, 2012)

Now we will do the news and in case I'm wondering earlier that Facebook gets a bit bombarded by a bunch of funny Thor pictures because some idiot's starting this up...

What? Facebook gets a bunch of funny Thor photos?

Some can be disturbing, some can be NSFW, some can be..well let's just say HORRID as I can see.

(audience laughing)

There was this....what I saw...some sort of CounTHOR Strike, um....

(audience laughing)

...adap-THOR...Hun-THOR X Hun-THOR....Ghost Figh-THOR...

(audience laughing)

...ka-THOR...Cardcap-THOR Sakura....

(audience laughing)

...there's even this (eeewww) THOR-tang talong as well.

Turns out these idiots trying to popularize THOR in some sorts of rubbishness. What's next? Doc-THOR Who?

(audience laughing hysterically)

Don't know. You're such a THOR-pe.

(audience laughing)

Anyway, enough with all of this THOR nonsense and move on because, we're trying to deal with the confusion about the Fiat 500L naming. Some clubs of the ancient Fiat 500 aren't very pleased about this...

What we have here is the Fiat 500L that we saw in Geneva a few months ago...

2013 Fiat 500L

And here's the picture of the Fiat 500L of the past...

1968 Fiat 500L

Wait...wait...wait...is that the Fiat 500L?

Pay close attention. The picture of that Fiat 500L we have on our track was the one that was built in 1968 to 1972. The L stands for Lusso and it's the luxury version of that time. That 500L nameplate is highly coveted by several classic Fiat 500-related car clubs, notably Positano 500 Club, dedicated for the sake of the classic Fiat 500 that was built from 1957 to 1975.

So, you're saying that the Fiat 500L from 1968 was the L stands for Lusso or referring to the luxury version with a much modernized interior (including a renewed dashboard). This...2013 Fiat 500L MPV then...is the L stands for Lusso now?

Nope. 2013 500L is the spin-off where the L stands for Large, not Lusso. The 2013 Fiat 500L is more of a modern take to the Fiat 500K Giardiniera, built from 1960 to 1977.

(oooohhh)

So...case closed?

Not yet. Because most of the loyalists didn't take it seriously about the Fiat 500L naming. Some guy says he has one, a Fiat 500L that was made from 1969 to 1972. Most of them will start complaining about it because go ahead, Google Search for "Fiat 500L" and....bam, you'll see pictures of the the Fiat 500L and nope, not Lusso, Large. The one we saw at Geneva since March 2012.

(audience laughing)

Anyway, let's leave it where it hurts and moving on. There's going to be a brand new Doctor Who adventure...in a form of a novel.

(audience laughing)

This new Doctor Who book titled Doctor Who: Dark Horizons is out in British bookstores tomorrow and this novel involves in mad Vikings, princess in distress, and a TARDIS that seems to have developed an inexplicable fear of water.

URL: http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/editions/doctor-who-dark-horizons/9781849904568

So...um....are you going to read this new book regarding The Doctor's most daring quest, yet?

Only if we are ready....Anyway, regarding the upcoming season, I just heard that SEXIEST BRIT according to BBC's Brit List specials, Dame Diana Rigg guests stars as well as her daughter Rachael Stirling on an upcoming series and hey, this could get any more exciting to see the SEXIEST BRIT on the telly.

Scoop: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/articles/Dame-Diana-Rigg-and-Rachael-Stirling-to-Star-in-New-Series

Uh...some say, they would show up in a next next series in 2013 where they'll put newcomer Jenna Louise-Coleman to the test as The Doctor's new assistant. But still worth the wait.

Me too...

(audience laughing)

Hey now, McLaren MP4-12C, it now offers a brand new roadster model called the McLaren MP4-12C Spider. See, look...

2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider

Same as the original but the new retractable roof can be folded up or down in less than 17 seconds.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/07/new-mclaren-mp4-12c-spider-with.html

So, this is going to be McLaren's answer to the Ferrari 458 Spider?

Not only that, this is McLaren's first ever convertible. As we know, McLaren has never made a convertible. The Mercedes SLR McLaren Roadster, though...that doesn't count because it's a Mercedes-Benz. When we compare this to the 458 Spider...

2012 Ferrari 458 Spider

It's still the tights and stockings we know it minus the garterbelt. The 458 Spider is a bit more emotional while the 12C Spider is...what can I say...we can further compare it to some nerd playing Magic The Gathering.

(audience laughing)

Anyway, moving on....to my personal favorite, Hayate the Combat Butler. Some say that a new version is coming this fall and according to the author, this isn't a new season but rather a "brand new" Hayate the Combat Butler anime.

Brand new? Could it have the same artwork as the HEAVEN IS A PLACE ON EARTH movie?

Don't know but some say...their new artwork is from the anime studio Manglobe, the blokes behind the artwork from The World God Only Knows anime series. Either way, we really can't wait. We're not sure if Geneon Universal's gonna be up for it, nor is Konami when they did various Hayate games. We think it's going to be.....well different. Because it's going to be a brand new Hayate anime...we really don't know....stay tuned.

Hey, have you heard the news that here in the earthquake-strcken Miyagi prefecture, there was a massive police chase happened and the Miyagi cops used several cop cars and a police chopper to apprehend....

Apprehend who?

Some blokes who stole 98 mangas worth 56,700 Japanese Yen.

(oooohhh)

What? Cops in Miyagi using several police cars and a helicopter to apprehend manga thieves? That's very unique and expensive!

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-07-04/over-20-police-cars-and-chopper-dispatched-to-arrest-alleged-manga-thieves

In reality, we all see cop chases involving idiots carjacking vehicles and several cop cars are chasing the culprit until the bad guy's car went to a crash and cops spend several minutes handcuffing the suspect. This happened in Miyagi though, we never believed that this is one heck of a rubbish attempt, even the manga stealing blokes.

Can you imagine that, 98 manga volumes of all kinds, stole by some idiots, then triggered a massive cop chase in Miyagi history...it was like what is this? Is this going to be...GRAND THEFT MANGA MIYAGI?

(audience laughing)

You bet it is. Grand Theft Manga Miyagi! Ha ha ha!

(audience laughing)

AND THAT'S THE NEWS and oh, care to get me sa wa-THOR?

(audience laughing)

Mitsubishi Proudia & Dignity

Mitsubishi Motors used to have a long line of executive sedans such as the Galant, Eterna, Debonair, Proudia, Dignity, and the Diamante but because of the economy and such stagnant sales, those Mitsubishi executive sedans were removed from the lineup however, the other two I just said, the Proudia and the Dignity, are back.

2013 Mitsubishi Proudia

2013 Mitsubishi Dignity

Here it is and of course, this is what they come up with. Now a couple of years ago, you might think that the Mitsubishi Proudia and the Dignity are nothing more than the Japanese version of the Hyundai Equus when they came out in 1999 and went out of production in 2001. For the 2013 model year, not anymore it isn't! It's now daintily a Mitsubishi version of the flagship Nissan Fuga/Infiniti M premium sedan. The 2013 Mitsubishi Proudia is now essentially a Nissan Fuga Y51 with a Mitsubishi badge on it. The 2013 Mitsubishi Dignity though, is somewhat a China-only Infiniti M35hL or a Nissan Cima Y51 with the Mitsubishi badge on it. What it is then, the Dignity is essentially a rebadged version of the hybrid-only Nissan Cima and it's the very first hybrid sedan offered in a Mitsubishi!

2013 Mitsubishi Proudia interior

2013 Mitsubishi Dignity interior

On the inside, both the Proudia and the Dignity come with semi-aniline leather upholstery, a Bose Surround Sound System with 16 speakers and a 14-channel digital amplifier, and an "auto intake control" system that removes allergens and bacteria from the air. Also in both of these Nissan-derived Mitsubishi flagships was the forest air conditioner that provides the fresh air of the forest coming inside to give owners the freshness of the outside world they need. They also come with a Nissan CARWINGS navigation system that makes car navigation systems more convenient by connecting them to mobile phones. It can also provide a range of services to support eco-driving and ease congestion, thus enabling more fuel-efficient driving.

To differentiate both the Mitsubishi Proudia and the Mitsubishi Dignity, let's assume that the Dignity has more legroom than the Mitsubishi Proudia. Also, the Dignity comes with a dual-screen entertainment system and separate audio/climate controls.

The Mitsubishi Proudia comes with either a VQ25HR or a VQ37VHR V6 engine. The VQ25HR engine produces 165kW (225PS) of power, 258N・m (26.3kgf・m) of torque, and a fuel economy of 11.2km/L. The VQ37VHR though, the top of the line for the Proudia, produces 245kW (333PS) of power, 363Nm (37.0kg-m) of torque, and a fuel economy of 9.4km/L. Both are mated with a 7-speed automatic transmission with Sports Mode for smooth shifting with a bit more feel.

The Dignity though comes with the 3.5L V6 hybrid VQ engine that produces a power output of 306PS/6,400rpm and a 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 Dignity 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. The result is a fuel economy of 16.6km/L.

For safety, both the Proudia and Dignity come reserved with a safety shield that takes away scratches from the car, an intelligent pedal that was accompanied by 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 a safe and pleasant trip on the road.

For the Proudia, available colors are Super Black, Crystal White Pearl, Brilliant Silver, and Deep Bronze. The Dignity though, it's available in Super Black, Crystal White Pearl, and Deep Bronze. The Proudia starts at 4,022,000 Japanese Yen for the one with the 2.5L V6 model up to 5,553,000 Japanese Yen for the one with the 3.7L V6 model without the 4WD. The Dignity is priced at 8,400,000 Japanese Yen, making it the most expensive Mitsubishi you can find.

My comment:
Returned as Mitsubishi versions of the Nissan Fuga and Cima, the Mitsubishi Proudia and Dignity aren't quite what I was expecting because, with a such premium price, I'd expect that these are the most expensive Mitsubishis you would expect. Sure, the Proudia is all about comfort and the Dignity is all about premium world-class luxury with hybrid ecology but for such, I would rather read a Jane Austen novel...

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

V8 Road Runners

A beautiful scenery

Swiss background is very lovely

Gran Turismo meets GranTurismo, very lovely...

Now this is quite a thrill...

GranTurismo tackling through the driving heaven

...because what we have here on Gran Turismo 5 is a front-engine rear-wheel drive GT car. A 4.7-litre, 183 mph V8 roadrunner. This car is wonderful and overall, this is a Maserati GranTurismo S, which if you're 700 to 13 or 14 years old means a lot.

Maserati taking a day-off in Japan

Maserati was founded in 1914 and it won several races when Enzo Ferrari wasn't even born yet. In 1957, courtesy of racing driver J.M. Fangio, a legendary Maserati 250F won the world championship. To men with beards and adenoids, a Maserati with a big steering wheel and cross pipe tyres is Debbie does Dallas. You would think that with such heritage mixed with a cocktail of technology comes with a big surprise when you're driving a Maserati and spicing up your thriller sense but sadly, it doesn't.

I was expecting that this Maserati GranTurismo S will amaze me with its perfect mix of luxury and sportiness but to me, it's a bit boring for me. It doesn't give me such thrillers every time my foot is on the gas pedal. Sure it has a fixed-setting steel dampers or the optional Sky Hook adaptive suspension feature but they're not enough to please me. Not enough to make me smile. It feels like I'm sitting a massaging chair and reading a good book for a spare time. Mmmmm.....

Trident smoking is hazardous to my mind...

In terms of Pininfarina design, the Maserati GranTurismo isn't quite a sightseeing stuff for me. The front is too big and the rims are too gaudy. It maybe a 4.7-litre 183 mph V8 roadrunner that rides comfortably as a long distance cruiser but for thrills, that doesn't work...

I'm sure The Stig left the keys to this car somewhere...

How about this? It's the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, their first attempt to create a supercar. Sure it may have the same 4.7L V8 I'd expect from the Maserati GranTurismo S but it's a bit detuned. It produces 331 kW (450 PS; 444 hp) of power, 480 N·m (350 lb·ft) of torque, and it has a top speed of 292 km/h (181 mph). It has a 6-speed semi-automatic gearbox mounted at the back, double-wishbone suspension, bigger brakes, carbon fiber body and this car is truly a thoroughbred.

Alfa Romeo made a V8 supercar?

There is a simple Top Gear dialog that you can't be a true petrolhead without an Alfa Romeo but this 8C, a limited-to-500-units special edition supercar, is the best Alfa Romeo petrolheads could ever have.

In the days of black-and-white television, Alfa Romeo is one of the world's greatest racing team and as a matter of fact, Enzo Ferrari began his racing career there. In the 1950's, Alfa Romeo won many races in years and their racing pedigree has been preserved for years. Surely the Maserati has records of motorsport history but for Alfa, this is how they all began.

From the looks of it, it's horrid

Because it was made in the same factory as the Maserati, it doesn't pack too much thrill to me and...Jeremy Clarkson's right because THE 8C IS HORRID! Horrid when it comes to its exterior design because it looks like Ju-On The Grudge meets Sadako from The Ring if you know what I mean. Also horrid was the gearbox and then the suspension that Alfa claims that they made it so firm but when potholes came...ouch. It feels like you're going to get some serious osteoporosis here.

Horrid, isn't it?

It feels wayward, uncomfortable, and it feels like an American muscle car. It even sounds like one. It doesn't feel that fast every time when your foot is on the pedal. Imagine that, Eiger in Switzerland, ribbon of asphalt, driving heaven, all ruined by this...Alfa Romeo 8C. Even it is rather disappointed, the Alfa Romeo 8C is a wonderful car, it's one of the best looking supercars I have ever seen and that's all it is.

Modena Exotica

These two are not the biggest thrill

The Maserati GranTurismo S may be more comfortable and the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione may be better looking but for me, I'm afraid these two doesn't work and for me...I could do better than those...

Of Heavy Arms...

For those who are big fans of Top Gear should need no worry about encountering Ascari but for some who didn't what's Ascari, it's a small independent car company run by a Dutch businessman, Klass Zwart. It was named in honor of Alberto Ascari, an Italian racer who ruled Formula One in the 1950's. It can be interpreted as Anglo Scottish Car Industry, which turns out to be...BRITISH! Their first attempt was the FGT, which was designed by Lee Noble, who founded NOBLE AUTOMOTIVE. It was used by the man behind Ascari for the British GT Champion ship.

Later on 1996, an updated version was called the Ecosse, which became their first road-legal car which uses BMW engines tuned by Hartge that churns out 400HP and it's limited to 17 units.

In the new millennium, Ascari revealed their KZ1 sports car and it went on sale in 2003. It uses a tuned version of the V8 engine found on the old BMW M5, which churns out 500HP of power and promises to reach the supercar Holy Grail of 200mph. Surely, Richard Hammond reviewed this on Top Gear and when handed to The Stig, it set a lap time of 1:20.7. Believe it or not, this car costs 235,000 GBP.

In 2006, in celebration of the company's 10th year, they've created a powerful version of the KZ1 which is the Ascari A10. Like the KZ1, the Ascari A10 comes with a 5.0-litre BMW V8, but 625BHP via a six-speed sequential manual gearbox, and with a top speed of 220mph.

In Top Gear Series 10, Jeremy Clarkson reviewed the A10 and calls it “a staggering car … like a Koenigsegg but a million times more manageable”. When handed to The Stig, it set a lap time of 1:17.3. That car was featured on Clarkson's DVD titled Supercar Showdown and on that scene, why did the company founder is driving the Ascari A10 round the Ascari Race Resort instead of Jeremy? 

Simple, Jeremy Clarkson is too sensible to review cars from small independent companies. Surely the founder behind this company will have to put his life savings into it and if that doesn't work, he'll lose his business, he'll lose his house, get drunk, become violent, his kids may take up rugby sniffing, shoplifting to fum the habit, get caught by the cops, and then locked up to jail. It will all be Clarkson's fault.

When Clarkson's inside the A10, he's really appreciated to the A10's performance. There's one simple fact that for every Ascari you've bought, you have an optional feature that grants you membership to the Ascari Race Resort. Yep, we learned that on his DVD but sadly, here on Forza 4, we don't get the Ascari Resort but we do get this car...

KZ1R turned the Silverstone track into a warzone!

Modern Swiss warfare made simple

This looks like the KZ1 or the A10 but this is the KZ1R. Revealed at the 2008 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the KZ1R is the improved version of the Ascari KZ1 and it's a softened road-legal version of the KZ1-R GT3 race car. It comes with the improved version of the V8 engine derived from the old BMW E39 M5, which produces 520BHP of power and it can go 0-60 in under three seconds. It is capable of reaching the supercar Holy Grail of 200mph and it is mated with a 6MT.

What I like about that noise of the Ascari's BMW-derived V8 engine is simple. Wanna know what it feels like when you're driving the KZ1R? For further inspiration, get an XBOX 360 version of Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker HD Edition and go to the boss part where you'll face against either an armored vehicle, a tank, or an attack chopper.

Listening to the sound of the Ascari's V8 engine feels like you're in Peace Walker game, co-op with your pals, readying your big guns, and spend several hours putting bullet holes on the armored vehicles, tanks, choppers, even heavily armed men. That's right. This noise is ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE!! Who needs to listen every IDOLM@STER songs when you love to listen to the sound of the Ascari's BMW-derived V8 engine that sounds like there was machine guns firing, tanks blowing, missiles blowing, and the battlefield rages on. This is battlefield inside the Ascari V8 engine! Ha ha ha! Yeah! That's right! Come on! Put a bullet on the bad boy's face! Ha ha!

There's no stopping this Banbury-made exotic!

Of heavy arms, handling is superb. No matter how many times you'll mess up, the Ascari KZ1R keeps on gripping and gripping and gripping. It feels like the Lotus Elise in some other ways but trust me on this. This car is sharper as the normal KZ1 but not as aggressive as the A10. It doesn't have traction control or any driving aids so there's nothing to hold you back while thrashing around various race tracks with this car. Demonstrated by Britain's premier supermarket ribbon cutter, the KZ1R is going to be like a hack-slash game in terms of handling.

People who don't know about Ascari were the ones who never watched Top Gear but for people who loved Top Gear really have knowledge about Ascari. Even though it was run by a Dutchman and it was named after the legendary Formula One driver, Alberto Ascari, this car was engineered in Banbury, England.

Top Gear approves the Ascari

The Ascari KZ1R is new to the Forza franchise and its yours via the July Car Pack, available now.

The one with...The M152 engine

The fastest, most outlandish SLK ever made

This is the new Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG, the R172 model, and this is it. The most powerful and the most outlandish of the SLK range. Did I said "powerful and outlandish"? Oh no. What I meant was this was the "baby" of the Mercedes-AMG range because this has the new 5.5L V8 engine which looks like the new M157 engine, the kind of engine Forza boffins didn't want to feature because of their "LESS CURRENT, LESS FUTURE, MORE PAST MEMORIES" scheme, but what they done here is thrown away two turbochargers in favor for Variable Cylinder Management, which is the same technology you'd expect from the Honda Inspire. What this engine was is dubbed the M152, a newly developed Mercedes-AMG engine that...I really never liked.

The M152 engine is a bit too shady for this car...

Let's remember that this one was based on the current-generation R172 SLK-Class, the latest model that comes with a...Magic Sky Control roof that can be shaded from light to dark at the touch of the button. This is more of a hassle-free idea than sliding something for the sunroof visibility. Nice job though. Anyway, let's not talk about the whole MAGIC SKY CONTROL thingamajig, shall we? Let's concentrate with the biggies...

AMG Handling Package nowhere near as good...

This new M152 engine, which is related to the M157 engine, trades turbo with the new AMG Cylinder Management that allows this engine to shut off four of the eighth cylinders under partial load, which lowers fuel consumption considerably. This similar technology was also used in the 750-hp V8 engines used in Formula 1 because efficiency plays a major role in motorsports, One example is when during Safety Car laps or for pit stops two or four of the eight cylinders are off. With such technology, this new SLK55 AMG promises about 33.6MPG and 195g/km of Carbon Dioxide emissions.

Um...we're not in a mood to drive it here, aren't we?

Another thing that drives me up the wall about this new M152 engine is aside from the AMG Cylinder Management, it comes with the fuel-saving ECO-Start/Stop system that stops the engine when I stopped and then starts again when my foot is on the gas pedal. Kooky, isn't it? Not only that, if I see the "ECO" word in the main menu, the Controlled Efficiency stop/start function is active. How come something so sporty gets so compromising? Anyway enough about the whole ECO peripherals and about how it goes...

The new SLK55 AMG generates 415HP of power, it can go 0-60 in 4.6 seconds and top speed electronically limited to 155MPH. This maybe the baby in the lineup but judging by its terms, it's more powerful than the old R171 SLK55 AMG, the one that Jeremy Clarkson got shot more by the Irish Guards. He he he....

As for the handling, you may wanna watch out for this because it can be quite twitchy at first even though it has the...AMG Performance Package, a package that make you feel uncomfortable if you were on the streets of London by day. It's also feels uncomfortable if you take it for track day purposes. Even though it can be usable on the road & track, this AMG Performance Package feels like my arms got an aching feeling every time I turn the steering wheel violently. I felt like I was a dog in a leash and no matter how hard I move, the leash just keeps pulling me back. I'm guessing about it's as sharp...as a jungle bolo those men trying to kill me. Sharp as a bolo, tough as an arnis.

This car is as sharp as a bolo...

Things I like about the new SLK55 is the noise of this new engine, still has the MAGIC SKY ROOF, the same SLS AMG-inspired interior that I get from the standard model, and it's as sharp as a jungle bolo. Things I don't like, AMG Handling Package made it even worse for me, costs more than the BMW Z4 sDrive35iS, not good enough in today's economy, behaves the same as the old model, and badly, who would rather need a 5.5L Natural Aspiration engine on the Mercedes-AMG lineup?

Even though it is an all new model, it failed to impress me in terms of performance. In fact, for an alternative...I would rather look for something that is more expensive than this, does the similar noise as this, and satisfied me a lot. I would rather go for the Jaguar XKR-S...

We would rather choose the one on the right...

The Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG R172 is part of the Forza Motorsport 4 July Car Pack, available now for 560MSP. Willing to try out the one with the M152 engine?

The end of an era for Sergio Pininfarina

Very sad moment to hear one of the finest in the automotive industry is gone without a reason. Now, we heard that famed car designer, Sergio Pininfarina, passed away at the age of 85.

Back in 1966, Sergio took over the Pininfarina when his father passed away. During his reign, Pininfarina was collaborated with other car makers such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Chevrolet, Bentley, Volvo, and others even the Hyundai Lavita MPV.

PRESS RELEASE:

Turin, July 3 2012 - Life Senator Sergio Pininfarina, Honorary Chairman of the Pininfarina Group, passed away last night at his home in Turin. Until the last moment his wife Giorgia and sons Lorenza and Paolo were close to him.

The Board of Directors and the Company gather around the family in the undying memory of the entrepreneurial figure of Sergio Pininfarina, who led the Company for many years with steady hand bringing the business in the world, following the tradition of elegance and style constantly renewed with the highest standards of innovation and harmonious beauty.

Sergio Pininfarina was born in Turin on September 8, 1926. He graduated in mechanical engineering from the Polytechnic of Torino in 1950, then he began his career in the family firm, Carrozzeria Pinin Farina; in 1960, he undertook the responsibility of General Manager of the firm; in 1961 he became also Managing Director and in 1966, at his father's death, he took over the Chairmanship of the Company; in 2006 he became Honorary Chairman. In 1961, the President of the Italian Republic, Giovanni Gronchi, changed by decree the name Farina in Pininfarina. In 2005 he was appointed Life Senator for honouring the Country by high merits in the social field.

Among the most significant stages of his activity in Pininfarina: from 1955 to 1958, the planning and the construction of new facilities at Grugliasco (Torino); the construction of the new Studies and Research Centre inaugurated in 1966; in 1972, the Wind Tunnel on 1:1 scale started its activities, the first in Italy and one of the few in the world; in 1979, Pininfarina took the form of an holding Company; in 1982, a new company "Pininfarina Studi e Ricerche S.p.A." was settled at Cambiano (Torino); in 1986, a new plant in San Giorgio Canavese - near Turin - started operating; in the same year, Pininfarina successfully entered the Italian Stock Exchange; in 1986, with the setting up the company "Pininfarina Extra S.r.l.", the Pininfarina Group enlarged its design activities towards all the areas of the industrial design, beyond the traditional one of the means of transport; in 1987 a new plant in Bairo Canavese is acquired; in 1991 "Pininfarina Deutschland GmbH" was set up; in 2002 it is inaugurated in Cambiano the new Engineering Centre; in 2003 the incorporation of the new Company "Pininfarina Sverige AB".

Main past positions include:

From 1974 to 1977 he has been professor of "Car Body Design" at the Polytechnic of Torino. President of the Industrial Association of Torino (1978-1984);

Member of the European Parliament (1979-1988);

President of the Federation of Industrial Associations of Piedmont (1983-1988);

President of International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (1987-1989);

President of Confindustria (1988-1992);

Board Member of AUME (Association for the Monetary Union of Europe, 1989-1997);

Vice President of UNICE (Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations of Europe, 1990-1994);

President of Comitato Leonardo - Italian Quality Committee (1993-1996);

Co-President of "Comitato per la Direttrice Ferroviaria Europea Transpadana" (1991-2001);

President of Banca CRT (2001-2002);

Chief of the Italian delegation in the Intergovernmental Italian- French Commission for the new high-speed railway link between Lyon and Turin (2001-2005);

Chairman FIDIA S.p.A. (1996-2006);

Co-President Italy-Japan Business Group (2004-2007);

Chairman Editrice La Stampa S.p.A. (2004-2008);

Member of the Board of Directors of Ferrari S.p.A. (1969-2011).

Sergio Pininfarina received numerous honours. The main are: he was appointed "Cavaliere del Lavoro" by the President of the Italian Republic (1976); Légion d'Honneur (Chevalier, 1979, and Officier, 1997), "Honorary Royal Designer for Industry" (1983), Foreign Member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (1988), Designer Lifetime Achievement Award (1991), Super Trophée de l'"Automobile Magazine" (1992), "Guglielmo Tagliacarne" award (1994) , the "Italy in the World" award (1994), the Career Award Compasso d'Oro (1995), the "France-Italie" Award (1997), "Lion d'Oro" (1998), "Trophée du design" (1998), Premio Leonardo (1999), "Head of the Century in the International Automotive Hall of Fame" (2001), the award "Torino libera" (2001), Business and Culture Award (2003), Palme d'Or du Festival Automobile International (2005), Automotive Hall of Fame of Dearborn, Michigan (2007); European Automotive Hall of Fame of Geneva (2008).

He received 4 Honorary Degrees: in 1993 the Honorary Degree in Economics and Commerce by the LUISS-Rome; in 2002 the one of the Royal College of Art of London and the one in Industrial Design of the Polytechnic of Milano; in 2004 the one as Doctor of Fine Arts from the College for Creative Studies-CCS of Detroit;

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/legendary-designer-sergio-pininfarina-passes-away/

Jormungand Original Soundtrack

Jormungand Original Soundtrack

Jormungand (ヨルムンガンド) seems to be a weird title of this anime but this adaptation of Keitaro Takahashi's manga packs a darker side of its storyline and it's a thriller. It highlights the story of child soldier Jonah who joins a group of arms merchants led by the charismatic Koko. For 12 episodes, this anime seems to be bogged down in conflicting impulses. The first half wants to be somewhat enjoyable and thoughtful but the other half is one heck of a thriller.

This original soundtrack packs 24 tracks in one disc, perfect enough to relieve the Jormungand tale with their ears. The original music score is made possible by Taku Iwasaki, the same chap that brought you Yakitate Japan, Read or Die, GetBackers, and others where he work with, making it very enjoyable to listen on your CD player. Because this was distributed by Geneon Universal Entertainment, it would be best to play it on your car audio and enjoy listening the entire Jormungand BGMs while on the move. Some can be a chill, some can be a bit a thrill, and some packs huge suspense in every corner, just like watching the whole Jormungand anime.

TRACK LISTINGS



01 Jormungand 3:57
02 Time to Rock and roll 3:46
03 Jonathan 2:50
04 cul-de-sac 2:58
05 Hard drive music 2:45
06 H.W.Complex no'3 2:36
07 Colmar 2:58
08 Insert 2:22
09 H.W.Complex No'4 2:46
10 “Cogito,ergo sum" 2:51
11 Masala Dosa 3:08
12 Mad symphony 2:45
13 The crafty jewelry 2:52
14 Poached egg 2:17
15 Mania Butterfly 1:50
16 Lamento 3:59
17 Essentia 2:35
18 Alligator 2:46
19 MIM-40-12 3:15
20 H.W.Complex no'5 2:48
21 Rock'n roll boobs 3:41
22 Tristeza 2:57
23 Meu mundo amor 2:46
24 Time to attack 3:32

For English-speaking customers:
http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=GNCA-1335