Thursday, August 2, 2012

Can't Take My Eyes of You is the title of the new Hayate anime

Hayate the Combat Butler! CAN'T TAKE
MY EYES OF YOU


A couple of months ago, we heard that there's going to be an all new Hayate no Gotoku coming this year and it's not a continuation but rather a completely new Hayate no Gotoku anime complete with new artwork as seen from the Heaven is a Place on Earth movie last year. This new Hayate anime though...picks up where Heaven is a Place on Earth left off and they called it...CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OF YOU. Weird title, got that name from a song I've know but anyway, casting still remains with...

Ryoko Shiraish as Hayate, Rie Kugimiya as Nagi, Rie Tanaka as Maria, Shizuka Ito as Hinagiku, Mikako Takahashi as Nishizawa, Ayumi Fujimura as Chiharu and of course, Haruka Yamazaki as Ruka Suirenji (you'd remember her from the film, right?!)

Original music score will be once again by Wataru Maeguchi, Sound effects by Toshiki Kameyama, character designs by Masashi Kudo, directed by Yoichi Ueda and the studio Manglobe will be producing that new series. It's going to premiere this October.


Talk about this anime's getting regenerated to a completely new one and it's not a new season.

Welcome Back: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Taking a summer break....


The Genesis Coupe is the first rear-wheel drive sports coupe from the South Korean automaker, Hyundai, and this car was launched in South Korea since October 2008. It was available in two engines; a 2.0L Theta turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 210 hp (157 kW; 213 PS) and 223 lb·ft (302 N·m) torque, with an optional 3.8L Lambda V6 engine producing 306 hp (228 kW; 310 PS) and 266 lb·ft (361 N·m) torque. It was mated with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 5- or ZF 6-speed automatic (depending on engine choice).

Hyundai took some serious PPL for the Genesis Coupe. This was appeared in the TV shows like Leverage (driven by the main characters), Burn Notice (Fiona's new car), and on the final season of 24 (as one of the pursuit vehicles driven by main character Jack Bauer).

Even though it was sold worldwide, the Genesis Coupe is NOT AVAILABLE (and NEVER WILL) in right hand drive markets, especially UK, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, South Africa, etc.

Mitsubishi Mirage (A05A)

There are so many eco cars sold around Japan such as the Nissan March K13, which can do 23km/L. Then there was the Toyota Vitz that goes about 20.8km/L. And then, there was the Daihatsu Move which has the reputation of TNP27. 27km/L to be exact. Now however, there's a new eco car that works and...made in Thailand like the March...

2013 Mitsubishi Mirage

Here it is. It's called the Mitsubishi Mirage (三菱・ミラージュ). As if some you may know, the Mirage naming is back as the direct rival to the Nissan March K13 even though both of them are made in Thailand. Like the March K13, the Mirage features a very simple design which is a bit too bland for us, and um....well like the March K13, the new Mirage comes with the idling stop function that shuts off the engine when stopped and then start again when mobilized. Unlike the March K13, the new Mirage has a fuel economy of 27.2km/L based on the JC08 test cycle. That's about a Suzuki MR Wagon territory because....well, yeah, both the MR Wagon and the new Mirage can do about 27.2km/L, .2km/L more than the TNP27 Daihatsu Move. Because the new Mirage weighs 870kg, it's lighter than the Nissan March K13! Don't forget that.

It's probably thanks to the newly-developed 3A90 MIVEC 1.0L engine mated with the new generation INVECS-III CVT for smoother ride and low fuel consumption. The 3A90 engine though, this produces 69 PS (51 kW; 68 hp) of power and 8.8 kg·m (86 N·m; 64 lb·ft) of torque. That's about less than the Nissan March K13 so....not good. INVECS-III CVT...not good. Handling....not good. Performance...not good. Interior...not good.

2013 Mitsubishi Mirage interior

Yes, I know, the interior's a bit too plain and cheap. About as bland as the Toyota Passo I've examined two years ago. Once opted with the more expensive version, I might get a satellite navigation or a radio because a Mirage without an audio is a bit too....dull. How can I listen to my favorite radio stations if I don't have it? I mean, it's unlawful to have headphones while driving. As for the seating comfort, well, these seats is as comfortable as a...well, a Nissan March K13 of some sorts! This is about the same experience as I can imagine to Thai-made Japanese cars but that's fine by me because the price for the new Mirage, imported from Thailand, is 998,000 Japanese Yen for the basic E grade, 1,188,000 Japanese Yen for the mid-range M grade, and 1,288,000 Japanese Yen for the top of the line G grade.

Available colors are: Lemonade Yellow Metallic, Pop Green Metallic, Cassis Purple Metallic, Cerulean Blue Mica, Red Metallic, White Pearl, Black Mica, and Cool Silver Metallic.

My comment:

You can forget the Nissan March K13. If I have to keep one fuel-efficient car in my garage, this would be it. This one with the new 3A90 MIVEC 1.0L engine mated with the new generation INVECS-III CVT. This one that promises 27.2km/L of fuel economy. Sure, the Mirage is about as practical as a Philippine taxi but as an everyday car, you can do better. It maybe cheap because of the 998,000 Japanese Yen pricing but I'm afraid like the others, it isn't cheerful. You can give it to your girlfriend because she likes it.

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Let's Do The News (August 1, 2012)

So, is it not good?

No, it's better. The Spark's a better alternative to the Fiat 500 and the Scion iQ because it has two extra doors, more space at the back, and it has the Chevrolet MyLink that made me addicted to touch screens. SPOILERS!

(audience laughing)

Sp...Sp....Hey! I didn't spoil you!

Nah, just kidding yah.

Now anyway, we've just heard that there's a new DLC coming at THE IDOLM@STER 2 this August 2 but only for the PS3 version. There's a bit of an issue here....

What?

As you can see on the list, there's the Colorful Ballerina outfit as seen from the XBOX 360 version, which is good news but for the bad news is, oh there it goes again!!!

What?

Namco Bandai told that they've put PS3 exclusive outfits on the DLC catalog, such as the White School Swimsuit as seen from THE IDOLM@STER G4U Vol. 5. Then, there was Weeping Wisteria, Burning Performer, and Stratos Butterfly.

Weeping Angel?

(audience laughing)

No, silly Whovian. Weeping Wisteria. WEEPING...WISTERIA. Care not to blink? Well better blink because this is a big flop. I thought that the DLC from the original XBOX 360 version of IM@S 2 and the DLC from the PS3 of the same title has to be the same but it isn't. Those outfits and accessories, that's what set them apart!

Seems that this is how you get what you've paid for...

(audience laughing)

YEP! GOT WHAT YOU'VE PAID FOR! SORRY ABOUT THAT!!!


Anyway, Mini planning a 3-door version of the MINI COUNTRYMAN CROSSOVER and no further details for now but what we've heard that the name of this 3-door Countryman is called the PACEMAN. Yep, Mini officially announced the PACEMAN name!


Ahem...

What?

For your information, I really hate the MINI Countryman.

Why? Is it because only your PS3 can drive you that car?

(audience laughing)

Yes, I mean no, I mean yes. That Mini Countryman though, this is definitely the car I really hate because look what it brought to this, some Stratos Butterfly, Burning Performer, White School Swimsuit, Cutie Insect, Rainy Suzuran, Dressy Alice, Random Color Beauty, Digital Spacecraft, that's what's everything that irritates me.

(audience laughing)

Anyway, let's cool you down because...


Forza Motorsport 4 did featured the New Lexus GS! Are you happy?

Yes! I am happy. I am glad that I've been dying to drive one of these. Thankfully they didn't put the old Aristos here because I really didn't care about those old Toyota Aristos, no matter if these saloons got tuned by men in sheds. This New GS though, that's on my list. That is everything.

Good luck with that. When this guy's coming here, be prepared to say ALLONS-Y!

(audience laughing)

ALLONS-Y?! What's ALLONS-Y?!

That's a Doctor Who term. Allons-y! David Tennant said that.

Oh....

And speaking of which, it's a greeting....ALLONS-Y! ALLONS-Y!!!

ALLONS-Y!!!

(audience laughing)

Bet every Whovian in the Whoniversity known that kind of Doctor Who word. ALLONS-Y!!! I wanna said that to anyone. ALLONS-Y everybody!

Allons-y to you to, man!

Allons-y also!

(audience laughing)

Anyway, enough and I've just picked up something from the internet...

"A 90 second trailer offering viewers a sneak peek of the new series of Doctor Who will be hitting BBC ONE on the evening of Thursday, 2nd August."

Yep, another trailer for the upcoming season of Doctor Who is coming on BBC One tomorrow. As we know, this new series is coming this fall and this season bids farewell to the couple Amelia Jessica "Amy" Pond and Rory Williams as they passed the torch to a new yet-to-be-named companion played by Jenna Louise Coleman. I heard there's going to be dinosaurs in here.

We heard that and we're really impressed to see a new trailer for this new season of BBC's flagship TV series. Speaking of which, I saw something that Karen Gillan, who is Amy Pond on the series, is on the set for the new movie NOT ANOTHER HAPPY ENDING, here's the pic:


Oh...that really bothered me to see that. Karen Gillan's going to have a movie? That's brilliant!

Yeah! That's brilliant! I wanna see that!

Okay, enough of that Karen Gillan maniac and move on because...THE NEXT BIG THIHG IS HERE!!!

What?

I'm talking about the Audi A1! It's in the Philippines! For real! What we get is the four-cylinder Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) turbocharged 1.4 TFSI engines mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. They have nine of 12 different paint finishes available, four contrasting hues to pick, Attraction and Ambition are available trim levels, and everything to ask...


Mmmm...About time Audi Global City brought this compact. They're two years late!

I know. Two years late. However, no word on the pricing yet so let's just wait...eventually...

Yeah, eventually....

(Sigh) Can't believe Roxas Boulevard's been flooded because of the rain.

Yeah, probably because of the Gener.

Right, and we went to the internet and look what's been done to the good road!



HOW BAD COULD THAT BE!

(audience laughing)

Yeah! It's bad! It's turning into Venice!

DPWH, if you're seeing this, better respond to this! This Roxas Blvd. Flood is getting badder as it seems! And on that bombshell, that's the news!


Chevrolet Spark (US-Spec)

Hmmm....we've already examined the Chevrolet Spark but however, the one we've examined was a Korean-spec one. The one we'll examine now is the USA-spec of the globally-acclaimed compact car that is now finally arrived where it belongs.

2013 Chevrolet Spark

Before explaining this, we found something at the internet about the Chevrolet Spark story and how does this mini Chevy became the darling of the yuppie generation. It started back in mid 2009 when the Chevrolet Spark was launched in South Korea (where it was previously called a Daewoo Matiz until 2011 where the Daewoo brand is gone for good). For Asians, they prefer Sparks which are colored Red, Beige, White, and Silver but for South Koreans, they like the pink color because its cute. In 2010, the Spark arrived in India as the new Beat and it was the most popular Chevy in India where it is the best selling vehicle in their lineup.

Well, let's move on to South America where their favorite colors are silver, black, and Cocktail Green. The Spark was mainly used for city driving and it served as a status symbol for up and corners. In Columbia, the Spark is the most popular Chevy ever sold.

Here in Europe, the Italians prefer the Chevy Spark more than anything else and this car was used for daily driving in Eastern and Western Europe. This car was introduced in 2010 as a replacement to the old Chevy Matiz.

Now, we blow our vuvuzelas to Africans, sorry, in which in South Africa, the Spark is most popular and it was used for daily driving in larger cities, especially Johannesburg, the country where comedians love to take a vacation. Last year, the Spark was launched in the African continent as the Spark M300 and the colors Red, Cocktail Green, and Atomic Blue are their picks.

On the upside down country, that is Australia, the Spark was available only in manual transmissions and it is one of the few markets where the Spark is driven from the right side of the vehicle.

In the war torn Middle East, the Spark represents almost 40% of all GM vehicle sales in Lebanon and the Arabs used them for city driving and for company fleet vehicles. Probably some Filipino workers in the Middle East drove one of these as work vehicles.

Source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/07/gm-infographic-tells-global-tale-of-new.html

Now the Spark has arrived in North America for the very first time and it is targeted towards young city dwellers. This car was reengineered to the United States to add technology and safety equipment as well as better ride and handling in city and highway driving. To differentiate the American Spark to the global Spark, it has a different front face, different rear lamps, brighter colors to mention later, a 15-inch 5-spoke Silver-painted wheel which comes standard and a 15-inch machined-face aluminum wheel with gray-painted pockets.

2013 Chevrolet Spark interior

The interior is a bit different from the global model and as you can see, the motorcycle-inspired dynamic meter cluster has been altered so now, it has a crisp, easy-to-read display. Sounds great and then there was 31.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo space or room for three passengers, makes it a perfect "barkada" car if you want to go out for some Los Angeles shopping trip. We bet that is and if you feel comfortable inside, it's like Karen Gillan firmly hugging the Adipose stuff toy for about an hour. Oh wait, sorry, that was a dreadful metaphor, she doesn't have the Adipose stuff toy. He he he.....Or maybe some gal with the Adipose stuff toy wanna use it as an accessory. Oops....

Speaking of the tortured metaphor I came up, there was this ECOTEC 1.2L DOHC 4-cylinder MFI engine that promises an EPA-estimated fuel consumption of about 38MPG, that's the same you'll get from the Fiat 500 but more than what you get from the Scion iQ! This engine though, it produces about 84HP of power it can be mated with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission.

Oh wait, hang on. There's one more thing....You thought I forgot about this, don't you? The new Spark comes with Chevrolet MyLink allows you to initiate phone calls, hands-free, while on the go, enjoy music, Navigation, watch movies, and so on. MyLink may also provide you with this addicting touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, USB connectivity, and pairing up your device. There, I said it. Happy now?

Anyway, Spark's available colors are Salsa Red, Jalapeno, Denim, Lemonade, Techno Pink, Summit White, Silver Ice, and Black Granite.

My comment:
So, the Spark's North American arrival may have been a bit too late for the party but for this one, this one gets even started. Don't be fool to such small size because this is one heck of a party crasher I would wanna have if I pass my driving test....just sketching....sorry.

Anyway, it does look identical to its big brother, the Sonic, and when you put them both, I might be surprised to see that this little fella has found himself a relative with a bowtie on it. Let's just say that bowties are cool and this little boy is the coolest, even cooler than the Scion iQ and the Fiat 500. I just wanna have one!

Scoop: General Motors

Nissan Serena C26 S-HYBRID

2013 Nissan Serena C26 S-HYBRID


2013 Nissan Serena C26 S-HYBRID

2013 Nissan Serena C26 S-HYBRID

For the 2013 Model Year, all 2WD variants of the Nissan Serena C26 minivan (well except the entry level 20S variant), from normal, Highway Star, and Autech Rider, will receive the brand's newly-developed simple hybrid system called "Smart Simple Hybrid (S-Hybrid)". We know, we seen that ad featuring some guy belonged to the J-pop boy band, ARASHI.

The 2013 Nissan Serena C26 S-HYBRID has its regeneration capacity and output power of the "Eco Motor," upgraded. If you don't know what is an "ECO MOTOR", it is an alternator that is used for Nissan's Serena having an idling stop mechanism and capable of restarting an engine. They've even added a lead sub-battery in the engine room for extended energy regeneration capacity. With all that technology, the 2013 Nissan Serena C26 S-HYBRID has a fuel economy of 15.2km/L (approx 35.8mpg) under the JC08 test mode.

Prices for the Nissan Serena C26 S-HYBRID start at around 2,384,550 Japanese Yen for the 20X S-HYBRID up to 3,144,750 Japanese Yen for the Autech Rider Performance Spec Black Line S-HYBRID.


Available for the 2013 model year is the special edition CROSS GEAR grade which comes with waterproof seats. It will cost about 2,584,050 Japanese Yen for the 20X Cross Gear S-HYBRID variant and 2,828,700 Japanese Yen for the 20X Cross Gear 4WD grade.


It's available now at Nissan Red Stage and Nissan Blue Stage dealerships across Japan.

Forza 4 announces August Playseat Pack!

This August DLC Pack, under the banner of August Playseat Pack, on Forza Motorsport 4, coming this August 7 (August 8 for those living in Asia), is all about pitting a showdown with ten new vehicles you might like!

2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302
2003 Aston Martin DB7 Zagato
2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track
1962 Lincoln Continental
1989 Mercedes-Benz #63 Team Sauber-Mercedes C9 
1984 Peugeot 205 T16 
2013 Scion FR-S 
1962 Triumph TR3B 
2013 Lexus GS350 F Sport 


Well, don't blame them for seeing the Sauber Mercedes C9, 205 Turbo 16, and the Scion FR-S on this pack. We really don't know why because those cars are from a rival video game I know. Lincoln makes its first appearance in Forza with the 1962 Continental! Facelifted Genesis Coupe is there, ZL1's finally here, and for my favorite, the one with the Spindle Grille is here! I'm talking about the New GS! Allons-y!


Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Let's Do The News! (July 31, 2012)

Right! Now let's do the news and we begin with this. It's the 2013 Lexus LS, completely new, feels like it's regenerated, and it comes with the SPINDLE GRILLE first seen on the New GS.

2013 Lexus LS

2013 Lexus LS

Pretty, isn't it? It's now comes with the F-Sport variant that replaces the LS460 Version SZ and the interior is completely new. It now comes with the Lexus Remote Touch.

2013 Lexus LS

Unbelievable, right? The 2013 Lexus LS range is available in LS460 and the LS600h hybrid, in normal and LWB format, and it will be available in Japan this October 2012.


Repeat. October 2012 is when the 2013 LS arrive in Japan. Other countries may follow soon.

So, another day, another suspension even after Typhoon Gener, right?

Yeah, and the bad flooding that brought traffic to a standstill. Oh, and I just heard that this is even much worse than the Ondoy three years ago.

Or Milenyo six years ago.. I'd experienced it.

Oh really?

Yeah. My sisters, my grandma, and someone named Ate Glo are getting bored for the week long brownout due to typhoon Milenyo back in 2006, September to October 2006 to be exact. It was boring because with no power, we have nothing to do.

Oh, how sad. Then what happened?

We'd wait, we'd listen to the news via radio, and wait and wait and wait until the moment where power became back online.

Ah, I see. Thanks to that story anyway. I wonder if most Gener victims are doing the same experience you did...

I wonder...And I really hope the bad will gone, the flood will gone, and the rain will stop. God Help Us....

Yeah, God Help Us indeed because it's a month long rain. Permanently raining! We don't know when will it stop!

(audience laughing)

Anyway, while we're getting away from that rain issue, have you been on the TV PATROL 25th Anniversary party?

Uh...no...

(audience laughing)

Guess what? President Noynoy Aquino's making the raps about Noli De Castro, who was from reporter to Vice President to reporter again. Quite a story eh? Even when he never mentioned Noli's name, P-Noy's taking a stab at him with this speech...

"Noong Oktubre ng nakaraang taon, may isang reporter kayo ang nagbabalita sa NAIA 3. Ang sabi niya, sa puntong iyon, tumaas ng dalawampung porsiyento ang passenger arrivals sa paliparan. Magandang balita, at higit sa lahat, fact po iyan.  Sa kabila nito, nakuha pa pong humirit ng isang anchor n'yo at ang sabi po niya, and I quote,  "Nasa NAIA 3 ka kasi; kung nasa NAIA 1 ka, doon malala." Sa loob-loob ko po, anong kinalaman ng ibinabalita sa NAIA 3 sa NAIA 1? May nagsabi po bang ayos na ayos na ang NAIA 1? Kung mayroon man ho, hindi kami. Nakaligtaan niya atang mahigit 30 anyos na ang istrukturang ito.

Napapaisip nga po ako: 'yung nagkomento nito, hindi ba't anim na taon ding tumangan sa renda ng gobyerno? Sabihin na po nating minana lang din nila ang problema; 'di hamak mas luma naman ang ipinamana nilang problema sa amin. Anim na taon ang ipinagkaloob sa kanya para tumulong sa pagsasaayos ng mismong inirereklamo niya. Pero ngayon, tayo na nga ang may bitbit na problema, tayo na nga ang tutugon dito, pero, masakit nga ho, may gana pa tayong hiritan ng nagpamana?
Naalala ko rin po nang na-recover ng NBI ang isang banyagang bata na nakidnap. Ang ganda na po sana: Nakakuha ng tip ang awtoridad, kumilos sila, at na-recover ang bata. Masaya ang mga magulang na kapiling na muli nila ang kanilang anak; masaya ang bata na kayakap niya ang kaniyang ama't ina; masaya ang awtoridad na maayos at matagumpay ang operasyon nila. Mukhang ang hindi lang masaya, ito nga pong anchor natin na nagawa pa uling humirit na baka raw na-set-up lang raw ang rescue operation, at binayaran lang talaga ang ransom. Kahit anong pilit ng reporter na malinaw ang operasyon; nag-surveillance ang mga taga-NBI, at talagang natiyempuhan nilang walang nakabantay sa bata, pilit pa rin po nang pilit ang anchor. Sabi nga ho ng nanonood kong kasama, "Naman." Kami pa po mismo ang magagalak kung makakapaghain kayo ng kapirasong ebidensya ukol dito, at kung mayroon nagkamali, usigin natin ang mga nagkamali.

May naitutulong po ba ang mga walang-basehang spekulasyon, lalo na kung lumalabas ka sa telebisyon at sinusubaybayan ng sambayanan? Kung nagbabangkaan lang tayo sa kanto, hindi problema ang mga walang-basehang patutsada. Pero kung alam mong opinion-maker ka, alam mo rin dapat na mayroon kang responsibilidad. Sana po, sa tuwing sasabihin nating, and I quote, "magandang gabi, bayan," ay totoong hinahangad nating maging maganda ang gabi ng bayan."


(audience laughing and applause)

Quite a long story about a reporter who turned Vice President and then back to reporter! Now that's life! Ha ha ha!

Yeah, that's life. Try and try and try and try and try and try until you succeed or fail...Anyway, speaking of succeed and fail, let's find out what's what on the London 2012....

Right, so far, People's Republic of China, the country who's taking it seriously about the Scarborough scandal, has 17 medals (9 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze). The United States of America has 17 medals also (5 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze). France got 7 medals (3 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze)


Okay, for the developing update; South Korean fencer, Shin A Lam, was been destroyed by Germany's Britta Heidemann during the women's epee individual semifinal fencing competition at the ExCel venue at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Then, our very own Hidilyn Diaz...oh yeah she didn't win in the women's weightlifting competition, where Maria Escobar of Ecuador shined to the top.

Right. Too bad our very own Hidilyn Diaz never won but that's okay though. You did well for us. YOU...DID WELL FOR US. Nice work. Oh! I just heard that some athlete got sacked due to racist remarks...

Who?

Some soccer player representing Switzerland, named Michel Morganella, he made a racist tweet against the country that defeated the Swiss soccer team.


What country?

The South Koreans of course. Kinda remind me of something....that Mr. Morganella's racist tweet that is against the Koreans...could it have something that South Korean fencer, Shin A Lam, lost in the battle?

Not sure but don't worry, he's not the only Olympian who got fired for racist remarks. A Greek triple jumper Voula Papachristou, made a racist tweet against the South African opponents.


Yeah. That's a worse case scenario for Olympians with Twitter accounts doing everything to pwn down the opponents.

Okay, here's a Top Gear Top Tip: If you're an Olympian and if you have a Twitter account; better not make a racist tweet against the rival country that defeated you. That's it. Don't attack them by Twitter. You won't be getting gold for that.

(audience laughing)

Anyway, more excitement coming up all day and let's move on because....

Because what?

I just heard the AE86's engine revving again...

The AE86's engine revving again? This could mean...

We've just heard that there's going to be another INITIAL D anime on the way!

(applause)

We just heard from the 35th issue of Kodansha's Young Magazine that there's going to be a brand new Initial D anime in the works but what could it be? A TV anime? From Pay-Per-View? Or is it an OAD like the rest of the Kodansha mangas? Not sure but we'll find the answer this August 6.


Hmmm....a brand new Initial D anime? What could this be? As far as we know, we've seen our favorite tail-happy, tire-screeching, Toyota Sprinter Trueno GT-APEX, or the AE86 as we know it, turning the tables against one of the best touge racers across Japan. Something bothers me that what comes next?

I'm guessing there will be more rivals coming. Is there going to be opponents in the latest versions of the Lancer Evo or the WRX STi? Is there going to be opponents driving import cars? Is there going to be...

Shhh...shhhh....shhh...We're not sure what sort of new opponents our favorite man in the AE86 will face, but we will have to find out very soon....

Yeah. Very soon but anyway, bad news. Earlier, I'd just picked up some phone call from someone that two mangas based on the Infinite Stratos light novels will end this Summer...

(awwww)


What are those?

Simple. The comic version of Infinite Stratos ended at the September 2012 issue of Media Factory Monthly Comic Alive, on sale now, while the Aiesu! (IS!) four-panel spinoff manga, the one with super deformed IS characters, will end in the next issue on August 27.

Oh, how sad! :-(

Yeah, but...on that bombshell, that's the news!

Welcome Back: 2009 Audi Q7 V12 TDi

Not bad for a V12-powered SUV!





This is the world's first V12 diesel engine-powered SUV ever built by the Ingolstadt-based luxury car manufacutrer. With 500PS of power and 1000Nm of torque, the 6.0L engine provides the driving performance of the sportscar. 0-100kph in 5.5 seconds and top speed limited to 250kph. All that power in any situations are provided by the world's first 2,000 bar Bosch Common Rail system which offers impressive acoustics at the highest levels of driving comfort.

According to Audi, the Q7 V12 TDi is the best handling Q7 due to a revised suspension, tires and brakes. It can handle a lateral inclination of over .9 g on a 300-foot (91 m) skid-pad.

This car was reviewed by Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear alongside the BMW X5 M and the Range Rover Autobiography. When handed to The Stig, it lapped the Top Gear Test Track in 1.33.2, faster than the first generation Cadillac CTS-V.

Too bad Audi stopped selling the V12 Q7 though but we've enjoyed driving this car not as a racer but as a goalkeeper for soccer or a battering ram against our opponents. It maybe gone but this world's first V12 SUV tries to keep up to challenge the likes of the BMW X5 M, Range Rover, or even the Porsche Cayenne!

Monday, July 30, 2012

The one-of-a-kind NISMO GT-R LM!

This R33 looks like it's been injected with enhancements


Hmmm...It does look like a R33 Skyline GT-R in beefed up wide body kit but what I'm looking here is a one-off Road Going Version of the NISMO GT-R LM, the one that was used to compete at the GT Class of the 1995 Le Mans 24 Hour Endurance race. 

There is only one example in its existence and this special was built and registered in Great Britain. Yep. Great Britain. Anyway, most R33 Skyline GT-Rs are 4WD but for this one-off special, the 4WD system from this R33 has been ditched and replaced it with a hairy-chested rear-wheel drive. I can't believe that this is a rear-wheel drive GT-R I have ever driven in Gran Turismo history.  Of course, that was a regulation in motorsports. The Impreza for example, when it participate the Super GT years ago, it had its 4WD thrown away and switch it to FR. It's a rule but stripping away the 4WD and replace it with FR can benefit weight loss. That's brilliant but on the downside, it takes a skilled driver to handle a car that was once 4WD converted to FR because even a slight mistake may cost you more.

Handsome looking racer, eh?

Sure, without the 4WD, the NISMO GT-R LM became a completely different animal, it appears that Godzilla's becoming a bit more...like it came from Jurassic Park. It can bite you and yes, it will keep biting your hands every time when you steer. Try respond to some brutal measures and you're gone. It feels like you've been swallowed by the dark matter by mistake. That G-Force it generates, it made the NISMO GT-R LM struggling to cling on every corner and no matter the driver, the cornering is a bit too harsh. You won't try to push the GT-R LM too hard because the G-Forces stopped you from doing so in such speeds.

This guy's went out for some Top Gun

There is a simple story about the NISMO GT-R LM. When it joined the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, the #22 GT-R LM  qualified in a 34th positioned, which is a very low position, but worked its way to 10th place, that's 5th place in the GT1 category. The #23 though, retired with a broken gearbox in 157 laps. With that #22 racer being in top 10, NISMO returned these two from Japan for some further tweaks and in the 1996 season, disaster. The #22 GT-R LM retired from damages after 209 while the #23 GT-R LM finished 15th overall and 10th in the GT1 class. Furthermore, the program was pulled after two years into the three-year program and it was replaced with the R390 GT1 race car years later. That whole story about the GT-R raced in Le Mans was quite impressive despite the results. I have to say that the Yokohama-based carmaker really did pulled some impressive measures to have their name recognized in the world of motorsport.



The one-off NISMO GT-R LM Road Going Version is a fine example of how did Godzilla became capable of in the world of motorsport, especially Le Mans. 

Welcome Back: 1981 BMW M1

Nice viewing, eh?



The M1 is BMW's first and last mid-engined supercar that was produced from 1978 to 1981, with over four hundred units built. The body was styled by Giugiaro, drawn inspiration from the 1972 BMW Turbo show car. Under the hood, it has a 3.5L DOHC 6-cylinder engine with Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection that generates 277 PS (204 kW; 273 hp) of power and top speed of 260 km/h (160 mph). It is mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The M1 was heavily involved in BMW's one-make race series called BMW M1 Procar Championship. The M1 Procars have turbocharged engines that generates 850HP of power. This race ran for two years with Niki Lauda won the 1979 season and Nelson Piquet in the 1980 season.

This car gained the tenth place on the list of Sports Car International's Top Sports Cars of the 1970's in 2004 because of its various successes in motorsports.

In Series 3 Episode 2 of Top Gear, James May drove the BMW M1 while Richard Hammond drives a E34 M5 and the E30 M3 at the Isle of Man.

Let's Do The News! (July 30, 2012)

Right! Let's do the news and hold on a minute. Our friends are away for some errands and it appears I am just alone for now. Anyway, let's do a bit just like from Gandang Gabi Vice's Vice Advice segment. I have two minutes for me to answer a question I'm pulling at a fishbowl  Ready? 3...2...1...GO!

1) Who won the Hungarian GP?

Lewis Hamilton from McLaren!


2) Who's second?

Kimi Raikkonen

3) Who's Third in the Hungary GP?

Roman Grosjean

4) When's the Belgian GP?

September 2

5) Who won the Super GT Round 4 at Sugo for GT500 class?

Daisuke Ito and Kazuya Oshima driving the #6 ENEOS SUSTINA SC430

6) Who won the Super GT Round 4 at Sugo for GT300 class?

Yuhi Sekiguchi and Katsumasa Chiyo driving the #3 S Road NDDP GT-R

7) When's Round 5 for the Super GT held?

August 19!

8) Where's Round 5 for the Super GT held?

Suzuka Circuit!

9) Did you watched The Nerdist special about Comic Con 2012 yesterday?

Oh my gosh! I didn't! Oh No!

(audience laughing)

10) Is France making its own version of Japan's ECO CAR GENZEI system to save the French auto industry?

Yes. And we think the French version of the ECO CAR GENZEI would work...


11) Is Land Rover planning a longer Range Rover in the future?

Sort of....


12) Who are the winners of the Cinemalaya 2012?


13) Are you going to watch the Potted Potter at the RCBC Theater this August 28 to September 2?

I'm not sure but the spoof play of all seven Harry Potter chapters can be funny as it seems. See if I can find out....

14) A movie that was rejected by the MMFF titled Thy Womb, is it going to compete at this year's Venice Film Festival?

Wow. Never heard of that. A movie that was rejected by the MMFF tries to take a shot at a foreign film festival just to show that a film rejected by a local film fest has some second chance abroad!


15) Have you taken part at some protest in Tokyo against a reopened Ohi power plant?

Sadly though I wasn't here but my gosh, those people from Tokyo really take it seriously against the Ohi nuclear plant's restart.


16) The radiation-stricken Fukushima prefecture restarted their annual festival after two years. Were you there?

Sadly no. I'm not at the radiation-stricken prefecture but hey, sure is glad to have their summer festival back and running for the hope of Fukushima prefecture. Amazing those warriors fought hard to capture the sacred flags...


17) Have you been reviewed for the driving test?

Oh my gosh! I haven't! Don't worry! I'll review it, okay?

(audience laughing)

18) Chevrolet teams up with Liverpool FC?

After Manchester, it was like "Your Changing Sides Now? Change Sides? I never recall I was onto yours". You got that idea, pal.

(audience laughing)


19) How's the cleanup on your garden of your house?

Pretty good but the cleanup wasn't quite done yet.

20) What do you think of this 2013 Kia K3?

2013 Kia K3

Pretty good. Looks even hotter than the Forte it replaces!


(BEEP)

Okay! Time's up! Glad I made it though, and I found the paper my mama's looking for! Can't believe it was down there, under our working space! He he he

(audience laughing)

But, on that bombshell, that's the news!