The finale to kill the Bugatti Veyron SS?

2013 SSC Ultimate Aero XT

So, this was said to be the final episode of the SSC Ultimate Aero? If I don't know what in the world that is, this was the car that once killed the original Bugatti Veyron in terms of top speed, which then later got killed by the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport's 267mph top speed. Guess what? The Fast Food Nation won't give up giving the American hypercar some boost and take back what the Veyron SS got. This is the SSC Ultimate Aero XT, the grand finale of the all-American hypercar. We said it finale because if all five units were sold out, then its gone and they'll be working on the project whose name that is too weird to pronounce, something goes T-U-A-T-A-R-A.

Anyway, this has a twin-turbo V8 engine that generates about a whopping 1300HP of power, more than the standard model and even more than the Bugatti Veyron SS, and it was mated, for the first time, a 7-speed paddle shift transmission, the one that we might expect on the T-U-A-T-A-R-A soon. The cooling, fuel and braking systems that we may expect on the T-U-A-T-A-R-A were also there! Furthermore, this will go 0-60 in 2.65 seconds and it will go on to the top speed...of 273mph! 273! That's more than the Bugatti Veyron SS! 

Details: http://www.sscnorthamerica.com/news-080212.php

Ladies and gents, what you're looking up here is the new fastest car in the world! (Sort of...) 273mph of top speed is more than enough to kill the Veyron Super Sport! I can't believe it! SSC is back on top! Beat that Bugatti! Oh, that limited-to-five-units special comes with the special panit scheme that SSC once said that they won't be putting that on the original Aero and the future T-U-A-T-A-R-A.

Let's Do The News! (August 8, 2012)

(audience applause)

2013 Lexus GS

So, is it not good then?

Oh no. This is better. It's even better than those classic Toyota Aristo cars I've ever drove on several video games. You see, when you look at its appearance, this is the best looking Lexus GS I have ever driven, I mean, someone special out there was driving one. Probably someone who's going around the world with this car.

So, the clue that goes "country club or grand touring, what to do is up to you", is that really suited well on that car?

Uh-huh. Hey, since it was fitted with the optional 4WD system, it seems that it tries to hang in there. You have to wrestle down like a maniac to get it right on the curves. Anyway, after we've done filming this car, Forza Motorsport 4 announced a Playseat Challenge, where players from the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, and Spain are cordially invited to wrestle down the all new 2013 Lexus GS round the Twin Ring Motegi East Section and the fastest player will be winning a Limited Edition Forza Motorsport 4 Playseat. The next four fastest will be winning gifts courtesy of Playseat. For details, go to http://forzamotorsport.net/playseat_contest_rules/

And now the news and hey, China was been battered by a typhoon, Mexico braces for a hurricane Ernesto, Philippines has been battered by the uncontrollable habagat that lead us to a massive flooding, and oh, wastes from the rapid development are coming back to haunt us. Do you see the pic up there that goes' GOD SAVE THE PHILIPPINES up there? Yep, this will remain there as long as the situation is back to normal. Don't tell us how it got here but this is for a cause.

Yeah, you know what PAGASA told us that the weather in the Philippines will going to be "gradually improving" for the coming days? Turns out they lied. Instead of improving, it keeps getting worse because of the unstoppable rain.

(audience laughing)

Yeah, who says that STORMS DON'T LAST FOREVER? Well, storms ARE going to last forever in the Philippines. No fun. Look at the floods around, even in Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, Paranaque, the rest of the Philippines, it's critical to see floods around here no matter how big or small that is. Guess what? There's flood in your house.

WHAT?!

(audience laughing)

Well, storms may or may not last forever but PROJECT NOAH can tell. Better check the weather outlook on your iPhone and then you'll know.

Ah.....Oh hey now, you know that second season of Angelito called ANGELITO: ANG BAGONG YUGTO, where Angelito, the young father, faces his new challenges for his family? There was this insert song going on during Angelito. It was something that goes..."umabot man tayo ng 3,001", what was that song? I want to know...

I think it's titled Kasama Kang Tumanda by Toni Gonzaga.

Oh, I see. That was the song that I keep hearing during Angelito. Can't believe John Prats were on that show....

Right, oh hey now, Dodge is quitting NASCAR. Anyone heard?

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/dodge-pulling-out-of-nascar/

(audience murmuring)

Yep. Turns out Dodge's unfit to be a racer to a stock car racing that was dominated by Fords, Chevys, and Toyotas for God's sake!

Yeah, turns out that the Pentastar's not quite good for NASCAR so they decided to take away their Dodge Charger NASCAR racers because they're not quite good for the job.

Not quite good to take down a couple of Fusions, Impalas, and Camrys on the ovals. Sorry.

Yeah, hey now, you know that the Honda Inspire stopped production last month, right? Now that the Honda Inspire is gone and so is the Honda VCM system as well and now, here's what the Honda Inspire should have been if they didn't stop production. Here's the pic...

This is what the next Honda Inspire should have been...

This is what the next Honda Inspire should have been...

Yep. This is what have been if Honda didn't stop production of the Inspire but it's TOO LATE. Honda killed the Inspire as well as the VCM so, don't expect this one to come soon. No matter how many times you beg, it won't come.

Yeah, Too Late for this. The Inspire is dead. Anyway, Codemasters, they've announced a sequel to the 2008's GRID racing game and more information will be on this year's Eurogamer Expo this 27th-30th September. Anyway, I just found something that in the sequel of the GRID racing game, which is due next year under the banner of GRID 2, they'll be axing the cockpit view, which is sad because Codemasters found out that about 95% of the GRID players prefer first-person view or bonnet view because of its easiness. I mean hey, we often used cockpit views on some other racing games because it gives us that feeling that we feel like we're driving inside. It's a very popular feature because most car enthusiasts prefer the car's interior very much in real life. Sadly though, it's getting a bit more harsh and most players in other Codemasters-related racing games still prefer some first-person chase view or bonnet view because it's more optimal.

Scoop: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-08-08-grid-2-preview-no-assists-please-were-british

Oh, very optimal than cockpit view. I was knowing that this would come but hey, it's for their own good for user satisfaction and come to think about the deletion of "cockpit view" on next year's GRID 2, it won't going to be a hindrance when you come to think about camera views and the push of a button like hey! Switch it to car view, or chase view, or bonnet view! Most racing games have several views to further enhance their gameplay. I mean come on, the ones we had are probably a bit more...personal when it comes to the racing games' camera views. Whatever view you want, it's up to you.

Yeah, it's up to you.

Now earlier, we heard that Dutch carmaker, Spyker, is filing a $3 billion lawsuit against General Motors regarding about Saab. I wonder what sparked this attack?

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/08/spyker-files-3-billion-lawsuit-against.html

I don't know. Is it because of General Motors prohibit the Chinese investors to save Saab? We think it's a yes.

Oh, you're right. We think it is, probably because of something something....Let's get personalan for this case.

Okay, and oh! Guess what? There's a new AKB48 dating sim coming soon and this time, not only it's coming to the PSP but also, and we're not joking, the PSVita! Yehey!

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-08-07/akb48-akb1/153-game-promo-shows-some-of-the-153-datable-idols

Cool! For a bigger treat, not only the AKB48 girls are here but also from sister groups SKE48, NMB48, and HKT48! Cool! The biggest AKB48 dating sim, ever!

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-08-07/akb48-akb1/153-game-promo-shows-some-of-the-153-datable-idols

You know it's weird why the Japanese government relying on AKB48 as their very own...stimulus package. Seems that their popularity really led the Japanese government to use them to boost their economy. I mean what do they gonna do? Do concerts during stock market exchanges?

(audience laughing)

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

Judge. New GS

The Spindle Grille

Oh wait, hang on. You thought I haven't recognize this one, don't you? Yes, I know, this is the new corporate look for Lexus called the Spindle Grille and you wanna guess what's that car we're driving? Nope, you're wrong because, ladies and gentlemen, part of the now-on-sale Forza 4 August Playseat Car Pack, it's the all new 2013 Lexus GS.

Grand Touring Sedan in F-Sport clothing

No, I wasn't kidding though, this is the real thing. This is the one with the Spindle Grille on it. This really is the 4th generation GS. Although it may said F-Sport, this isn't a firebreathing sports saloon made to wet the driver's pants. This is just a normal executive saloon car made for Asians in business suits who want to take a day out at some golf course in downtown Tokyo.

I didn't like the old Lexus GS, starting from the S140 (1991-1996), S160 (1997-2004), and the S190 (2005-2011). Anyway, the first two I've mentioned. Well, you know, the S140 and the S160, which are the Toyota Aristo in Japan. By the looks of it, these maybe look dull, boring, and a bit more of an electronic typewriter that you brought it at the office. The S140 is made for the senior-aged while the S160 is more of a E-Class copycat because of the headlamps. Also, I am not a big fan of the S190 Lexus GS because....what do you think? Reluctantly dull perhaps? Given the choice then I have picked a car that once said is better looking than the S190 Lexus GS and it was made by an American car maker and in fact, I just did.

The car who waited....

This, however, is the all new GRL10 Lexus GS and unlike the previous three generations, this looks stunning. The Spindle Grille really made it more aggressive and sharper, reminds me of the LF-Gh concept car I saw in New York last year. This car is about as cool as your bowtie, your fez, your Stetson, or your glasses. It is really that cool but it's difficult to explain why.

The interior though, it looks more like the BMW 5-Series but with all that 60:40 split-screen monitor, the Remote Touch, and all of those luxury peripherals, it seems that it's now even more advanced than the old GS's interiors of yesteryears. In case you have a gal trying to get in, she might be shocked to see one and she will say..."I'm in my nightie..." He he....he he he....

The one I'm driving on Forza Motorsport 4, however, was the GS350 F-Sport with the optional 4WD powertrain. Really? 4WD powertrain? How's that possible? Is it a mistake? Afraid not. This is not the erratum like we faced on the RUF CTR2 last month. This is just an optional feature equipped for some unknown purposes. It's a GS350 F-Sport with a 4WD, which in Japan, will cost about 7 million Yen. With the 4WD, it's all about the all-round grip and nothing usual. Sure, a Lexus GS with a 4WD layout is made to tackle through the wet but by the time you'll launch this, the 4WD system will hinder its start. Sure, it maybe set to 4WD but no matter because I can make it rear-wheel drive because if the New GS's a rear-wheel drive, it has to be that kind because by noticing the RWD layout on the New GS, it weighs less than the GS350 F-Sport 4WD and perfect weight distribution so handling feels like your favorite Aristo of yesteryears.

A showdown that gets interesting....

Either way, what I have here under the bonnet is a 3.5L V6 DOHC 2GR-FSE engine that generates about 318PS of power and 380Nm of torque. For FR variants, it will consume about 9.9km/L while 4WD variants get about 9.4km/L, all based on Japan's JC08 mode test cycle. It's mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Yep, paddle shifters on the Lexus. For the previous three generations, when I see the speedo reading up about 180kph, that's how you got personal because all Japanese cars, but not most of it, have speedometers read about 180kph. Don't forget that, folks. You can't max out a Japanese car that has a speedometer read up to 180kph (110mph). If you ever think that if you want to convert a speedometer from 180kph to something that is above the 180kph limit though, you're a crook and that's illegal to swap speedometers. Again, if you have a JDM car, it is illegal to upgrade the speedometer from 180kph (110mph) upwards because....like what Matilda said "It's illegal" and "you're a crook".

Happily however, on the new Lexus GS, the speedometer reads up to 260kph instead of the Japan-normal 180kph so, no harm done, as long as you're not exceeding the speedo limit. Ugh, why do illegal street racers who drive JDM cars want to  upgrade the speedometer from 180kph (110mph) upwards? That's against the law, right?

Anyway, forget about and still, I would now go for the new Lexus GS (GRL10) rather than any of the old Toyota Aristo models whose speedos read up to 180kph. This car made me want to play Forza 4 all over again rather than the rival video game. I would gladly want to have one rather driving something that lead me nothing but Dressy Alice, Rainy Suzuran, Random Color Beauty, Digital Spacecraft, Cutie Insect, Weeping Wisteria, Burning Performer, or Stratos Butterfly. It is that good and that is interesting. 

The Beast below Dunsfold

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 40

Oh...hey...Been checking the roof our our blog and guess what? We found some holes of it. Holes are made by idiots who are obsessed for car commercial songs and hey, we're flooded with damages from our blog such as "bmw x1 become one commercial song", "song from bmw commercial olympics 2012", "bmw m5 commercial song", "subaru commercial song rainbow", "porsche boxster commercial song", among many others.

To those who kept doing this...I have a word with you...DISPUTE REJECTED. CLAIM HAS BEEN REINSTATED! Get it? That's what you get for doing these kind of unpleasant things. Have you guys never learned your lesson? Be warned. CISPA is on to us....

Anyway, while we're diddling right about now, another set of five DRIVING MUSICS (Car Commercial Songs) for us to find...

5) Won't Let You Leave by Jenny O - from the US Subaru "Rainbow" commercial

4) Zdarlight by Digitalism - from the 2009 BMW X1 Commercial

3) Modern Drift by Efterklnag - From the 2012 Audi "Vorsprung Durch Technik" brand ad

2) Everywhere I'm Goin by The Go - From the Peugeot 4008 commercial

1) Deeper Love by Anastacia - from the Skoda Citigo commercial

...There you go folks. In case you've been messing up with my blog again with all you what's the song in a car commercial, why not comment below?

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

So, you said that the Fiat 500L is a perfect Mini Countryman rival but turned out that you are kinda unhappy with it. Why's that?

Because it kinda feels like it lacked something...

What?

It's...um....ah....

Well, what is it?

Its cheerfulness. That car won't make me happy and only a kissogram would ever drive it.

(audience laughing)

Well, have you seen this? The Fiat 500L has an espresso machine on it, does that impress you?

Nope. Even a mini espresso machine on it, it's still won't make me happy...

Oh, I see...

(audience laughing)

And now we will do the news and boy, this is another week of rain in the Philippines right? I've watched the news and my God, so many floods everywhere, even in Monumento!

Uh, even though Gener's not here, how come there's some flood. There was no tropical depression but how come there's more rain? Is it because of the so-called HANGING HABAGAT?

Yes, I think. And come to think of it, this whole rain really turned into a rainy vacation to our student friends because it's been several weeks that their classes got suspended because of the heavy rains. Yes, it's good that there's no classes because of the rain because, well everybody's a Garfield.

Everybody's a Garfield? What do you mean?

Garfield hates Mondays, right? So is this. A class suspension for one day, that's good but a week of class suspension because of the rain, that is not good because there are so many important things to do rather than just a week or worse, month-long class suspension.

Like what?

More lessosns, graded recitations, monthly activities depending on what school you're on, field trips, Foundation Day, and more that I can mention...

Oh, that's the point. Maybe a week long class suspension is not good because...THINK OF THE EDUCATION! THINK OF THE FAMILIES STRUGGLING THEIR HARD LIVES!

He's right. I think we should do about this whole raining fiasco in the Philippines. Rains are not much fun here you know.

Anyway, while people are getting the fuss about the floods, let's move on to something that's even worse. Have you guys watched the NASCAR Pennsylvania 400 at Pocono Raceway?

(audience murmuring)

Yeah, worse than we thought. The thunderstorms cut the race from the 160 lap race to just 98 laps. Gets worse, a fan was killed by a lightning strike after the race was called. Nine others fans were hospitalized.

Ouch. That's the worst case scenario of NASCAR history. I mean, one fan was killed by a lightning bolt during the NASCAR race at Pocono. What's his name?

We don't know his name but some say, he's 41 years old.

Oh. Speaking of the Pennsylvania storm, can't believe there was some flooding, some heavy traffic, flash floods, and a lightning strike at the children's baseball facility for God's sake!

Ouch.....Even in North America, it's painful and traumatizing about severe storms. Something tells me....

Uh, what?

Nothing. Nothing..

(audience laughing)

Okay. Oh, for those Filipinos reading this, take time for some emergency hotlines because this is very important;

Emergency hotlines

Thank You, God Bless, and stay calm during the severe storm, everybody!

Okay, let's move on from the storm and into other things before we got traumatized....Anyway, have you guys seen the SRT Viper GTS-R's debut appearance at American Le Mans Series Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge?

2012 SRT Viper GTS-R

Uh, no. Didn't caught up.

Me too.

Sadly though, we didn't see it but those people who witnessed the SRT Viper GTS-R's debut appearance told us that it's debut wasn't worked what it seems but it finished 10th place at the GT class of that race.

Scoop: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/srt-viper-gts-r-snags-tenth-place-class-finish-at-first-alms-race-161241.html

The #91 Forza Motorsport SRT Viper GTS-R driven by Kuno Wittmer and Dominik Farnbacher, managed to finish tenth in its class. Not bad though...

Yeah, for the Viper's comeback at the race, I think it was very impressive.

“There’s been so much anticipation for our first race. Now, we can focus on the last race of the season. We hope to get better with every lap. Keep watching, keep rooting for us. We’d love to see you at the track.” SRT Motorsports director Beth Paretta.

(audience applause)

Uh, why are you guys applauding?

(audience murmuring)

Oh well. Anyway, back in August 5, 2012, in Fuji Speedway, there was a gathering of Hachi-Roku owners as a tribute to the recently-launched TOYOTA 86 sportscar. That was called Fuji 86 Style and all TOYOTA 86 owners across Japan are driving around the Fuji Speedway, either stock or tuned by tuning companies across Japan. Have you been there?

Uh, sadly no. I wasn't there on that venue but hey, Fuji 86 Style, that's their way of saying thank you for the TOYOTA 86's continuous support but...

But...

You know it's a Toyota-Subaru car. Can't believe the BRZ didn't made a shine though.

Look, yesterday, I had a talk with the chaps and they said that even though they're the same thing, the BRZ looks ugly than the TOYOTA 86 or Scion FR-S as they say it.

(audience laughing)

Oh, hey now. Lamborghini Aventador, it will get a variable cylinder management and idling stop system for the 2013 model year.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/lamborghini-aventador-to-get-cylinder-management-system

Ooh, can't believe that the latest Lambo hypercar is getting a bit too eco-conscious right now thanks to some eco-friendly features planted on that car.

Yeah. It's a general fact that supercars and hypercars consume more fuel so they made some drastic measures to keep supercars fuel efficient so for that Lamborghini LP700-4, those eco-friendly features such as idling stop and variable cylinder management will be there but speaking of which. We never heard that a V12 engine would have that kind of feature I mean come on, we learned that from the Honda Accord Inspire......Can't believe Honda killed the Variable Cylinder Management system alongside the death of the Honda Inspire.

(audience laughing)

Oh, hey now. I'd picked up some news about Multiply. Because of some changes around here, here's what going to happen. That was told by the management of Multiply:

- From December 1st, we will unfortunately no longer be able to support Multiply in its current form - notably we will be removing the social networking and content sharing part of Multiply (photos, videos, blogs, social messaging, etc.). We have decided to discontinue providing and hosting these services, as we have concluded that other Internet sites who are committed to social networking services will do a better job serving you than we can.

- For our existing users of social networking features, we will be providing easy ways for you to either download your stuff (photos, blogs, content, etc), or migrate it to other online services. We'll announce the precise details shortly. It will be your choice whether to download, migrate or just let your content lapse (and get deleted).

- For our existing ecommerce users (both buyers and sellers) in Indonesia and the Philippines, there will be no action required.

- Regarding any existing Multiply Premium subscriptions we will refund any unused balance, and apologize for any inconvenience this will cause. Please contact customer service to request a refund. Note that this is for Multiply Premium, not the ecommerce related Multiply Trust product.

Keep that in mind folks....oh. Says here that Multiply will no longer became a blogging site.

(audience laughing)

What's the matter, fat middle aged man?

You know, this site was once a popular blogging site but as I heard that by the end of this year, Multiply's blogging services will be discontinued, focusing more on e-commerce for customers (buyers and sellers alike) in Indonesia and the Philippines.

So, what are you gonna do now?

Don't worry. I have a spare blogging site. It's Blogger!

(audience laughing)

Oh okay.

Right. And moving on. You know the story about Ford reducing its share to Mazda Motor Corporation? Well, that story made the effects profound because now, Mazda Philippines is no longer part of Ford Group Philippines, which had reports that they will recently close their Santa Rosa plant.

Oh, really? What now?

Says here that a Malaysian conglomerate, Berjaya Corporation Berhad, will be taking over Mazda Philippines.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/malaysia-s-berjaya-sets-in-motion-acquisition-of-mazda-ph

So, the Malaysians are taking part of Mazda Philippines' businesses? Can't say what's what but its business you know.

Right, Malaysians reassuring Mazda Philippines. So moving on because I just heard that former Doctor Who lead actor, the actor who brought back Doctor Who on the telly in Spring 2005 and replaced by David Tennant on the 2005 Christmas Special and lasted through Part Two of DOCTOR WHO: THE END OF TIME special....

Who? Is it Christopher Eccleston? The former Doctor Who lead actor?

That's what I'm going to said...Thank You....

Christopher "The Ninth Doctor Who" Eccleston

Anyway, as I foresaw, the actor who brought Doctor Who back on the telly on Spring 2005, which is Christopher Eccleston, is once again portraying as a bad guy and this time on the sequel of last year's Thor movie.

(wow)

So, Sir Christopher Eccleston. He was the bad guy in Gone in 60 Seconds, he was Cobra's Destro on the G.I. Joe  - The Rise of Cobra movie, and now, he's going to play as the baddie on the 2013 Thor sequel? Who's that baddie going to be for our former Doctor Who lead actor?

He's going to be Malekith, the ruler of the Dark Elves, which is one of Thor's baddies and his evil plot to take down our favorite heroic God of Thunder superhero on Thor: The Dark World (tentative title) next Autumn 2013.

Scoop: http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2012/08/the-ninth-doctor-vs-thor/

I see. He's going to be once again being the baddie and for this time, he's going to be one of Thor's greatest adversaries. This is brilliant. He he he...The Ninth Doctor vs. Thor!

(audience laughing)

Anyway, while on the subject of Who, you know the Mars Curiosity rover that NASA launched?

Scoop: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/innovations/post/mars-rover-curiosity-approaches-the-red-planet-live/2012/08/05/c51c9068-dd8c-11e1-af1d-753c613ff6d8_blog.html

Something tells me that the Curiosity rover that NASA sent it from Mars....Is going to remind me of that Guinevere One from the Doctor Who 2005 Christmas Special titled THE CHRISTMAS INVASION. I know what going to happen...

What?

Sycorax! (uh-oh)

(uh-oh sound from Luv U)

Sycorax going to take over our world?! Unless you are as brave as David Tennant, you can't take down their leader, not unless you're on a swordfight against their leader...

(audience laughing)

Whovians....Is there anything you can't think of? Oh! Have you guys seen THE SCIENCE OF DOCTOR WHO TV special? The special that discusses what if some Doctor Who related stuff exist in real life. Anyone saw it?

(audience laughing)

I see. Guess nobody didn't see that. Anyway, on that Saturday, there's going to be another Doctor Who TV special tackling on...the women! From Sarah Jane Smith, Rose Tyler, Martha Jones, Donna Noble, to Amelia Pond, that TV special going to air on BBC America this Saturday at 9/8C tackles more on the classic and modern women who are always ready to lend a helping hand to The Doctor.

Sweet. I love to get to know more about the women of Doctor Who. It's been five decades since the program began in 1963 but hey, we all like the babes from that show because...that fueled our fantasies...

(audience laughing)

Fueled..your fantasy among them? Ahem...

(audience laughing)

Anyway, on that bombshell, that's the news and we'll leave you with the reminder of what might have been in the coming weeks until then, have a safe day and be careful with our hearts during the heavy rain. Take care, goodbye!

COMING SOON! Top Gear in Car Town!

Flashback: Before she was Amy Pond, she was.....an extra?!

Amelia Jessica "Amy" Pond from Doctor Who

As I'm sure we know, Whovians like us are getting a huge crush on Scottish actress Karen Gillan who was Amelia Jessica "Amy" Pond on the flagship BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who. Yes, I admit that she's even prettier than Billie Piper, strong-minded than Freema Agyeman, and has a sense of humor like Catherine Tate's (even though Karen and Catherine do have ginger hairs as we knew it).

Someone told be a few weeks ago about that gal. They told that Ms. Karen Gillan....

No. Series 5 wasn't her first appearance. She was....um....there during the David Tennant years....as an extra.

Eh, what? She was an extra during the David Tennant years (2005-2010) of Doctor Who? Some say, she's on Series 4 Episode 2 of Doctor Who titled THE FIRES OF POMPEII as...well, let's be kind, let's say one of the bad guys. The Soothsayer of the Sibylline Sisterhood, who saw the TARDIS materialize in Pompeii market square.

Most Whovians have gone loko and for me, I went overboard to the fact that she was an extra on Doctor Who back in 2008, two years before she attained the role of companion Amelia Pond in Series 5.

Is that really Amy Pond? She was.....

I decided to watch that whole FIRES OF POMPEII episode to see what is what but really, someone with a ginger hair appeared on that episode (nope, not Donna Noble), who was one of the Sisterhood, which turned out to be Karen Gillan was there and I said "That's impossible! That can't be her! Karen Gillan was Amelia Pond you know..." and some say that I have to look that up in the DOCTOR WHO ENCYCLOPEDIA e-book on my sister's iPad.

The DW ENCYCLOPEDIA e-book is right, it is her....

And the e-book was right. It's her. No doubt about it. Oops! Don't get them wrong, the message then is cleared. Ms. Karen Gillan was there during the David Tennant years of Doctor Who as one of the bad guys, which seems to be nearly a coincidence but now I knew about THE GIRL WHO WAITED...

Fiat 500L

The 500L name is highly coveted by classic car enthusiasts and this L in the 500L name stands for Lusso, which is Italian for luxury. Right, the L stands for luxury and it was produced from 1969 to 1972. Now, when Fiat launched the all new 500L to the public, it was like what the heck? L stands for Lusso but to justify this confusion...

2013 Fiat 500L

...The L in the all new Fiat 500L stands for large. Yep, this is the larger, fatter, brother of the Fiat 500 with two extra doors making it a five-door compact MPV that once said it could be the answer to my most hatred Mini Countryman. Yep, I do really hate the Mini Countryman because this car brought me nothing but Dressy Alice, Rainy Suzuran, Random Color Beauty, Digital Spacecraft, Cutie Insect, Weeping Wisteria, Burning Performer, or Stratos Butterfly.

What?! Those were from the PS3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2. The costumes that the XBOX 360 version didn't have! I used those as a metaphor for my most hatred vehicle! Now, if you excuse me, would you let Commodore Clarksonio continue, okay? Ahem, to continue...

The thing about the new 500L is unlike the Countryman, the 500L looks a bit more well detailed, well dressed, and well made but sadly though, this is more like an altered version of the car which is claimed to be James May's perennial favorite....the new Fiat Panda! No wait, this isn't more of an altered Panda but this kind of look harks back to the Fiat 500K Giardiniera, built from 1960-77. All that retro-futuristic look really put some spice on it but what about on the inside?

2013 Fiat 500L interior

The inside is more like the Fiat Panda rather than the 500 but if you think this little fella is bigger on the inside, better do the math folks because with a capacity of almost 400 litres, you can fill up to five roller suitcases! Also, the 500L comes with the Cargo Magic Space system that you can adjust the load by three levels separating precious objects from the biggies. This is a wonderful thinking that Fiat's good at because with all that 415 cm long, 178 cm wide, 166 cm high and 261 wheelbase of dimensions, I was very impressed about this but I'm afraid this would get bullied by my Mini Countryman foe but no matter. You know that the Fiat 500L can seat up to five people while the Countryman seats four because of something that separates them. A clear win for the 500L though but this is only the beginning. Yep, Fiat's working on an long-wheelbase version of the 500L and it will have two more seats at the back!

2013 Fiat 500L

Anyway, while we're diddling right about that for a while, let's take a look at the performance. Because the L in the 500L name not only means large or lofty, it's Light, when 'lightness' means user-friendly technology and eco-friendliness. It comes with a "light" engine range of two petrol - 105 HP 0.9 Turbo TwinAir and 95 HP 1.4 l 16V Fire engines and one turbodiesel engine, the 85 HP 1.3 MultiJet 2, mated with the combination with the 5- or 6-speed manual gearboxes.

The all new 0.9 Turbo TwinAir engine generates 105 HP of power, 0-100kph in 12.3 seconds, and top speed of 180kph, which of course the top speed you can only achieve on most Japanese cars. Right, most but not many Japanese cars' speedos always read up to 180kph. Take note of that and anyway, this has the class-top fuel consumptionand emissions in the homologation combined cycle at the same time (4.8 litres/100 km and 112 g/km of CO2).

The 1.4 16V Fire engine though, it's just 6.2 litres/100 km with CO2 emissions staying within 145 g/km while the 1.3 16V MultiJet 2 engine consumes just 4.2 litres/100 km with 110 g/km of CO2 emissions in the homologation combined cycle. There you are folks, the 500L's light fuel consumption really adapts the concept of being a fuel-efficient compact MPV for the masses.

Here's some bits that you'll never noticed because the all new 500L comes with the all new "City Brake Control" which is capable of recognising obstacles in front of the car and of braking automatically when the driver fails to do so to avoid crashing into them. Remind you of any? Oh yeah! It was the same technology I'd expect from Volvo's City Safety or Subaru Eyesight Driver Assist System! How cool was that but better take precautions about this Assisted Brake feature because sometimes it doesn't work and you have to brake by yourself in an alert and vigilant way.

Aside from those, the Fiat 500L do come with Electronic Stability Control, Anti Slip Regulation, Hill Holder, Motor Schleppmoment Reelung, Driving Steering Torque, and Electronic Rollover Mitigation. Sadly however, there was one person who raised a hand and said "What is Motor Schleppmoment Reelung?" Simple; when there is a brisk gear change in poor grip conditions, the MSR function intervenes, restoring engine torque and preventing the wheels from locking and slipping. Simple as that.

Price? It's 15,550 Euros, that is the suggested retail price for the 500L. For a good side though, this car is all about personalization thanks to 11 exterior body colours, 3 different shades for the roof (black, white or selected body colour), 4 trim levels (Pop, Pop Star, Easy and Lounge), 3 rim colours (black, white, grey), 3 engine versions and 7 different interior configurations in addition to 140 accessories specially created for the model are available. Despite it's quintessentially Italian, the fact is though it's made in Kragujevac, Serbia, which I believe it's in Russia. Spoilers!

My comment:

Those senior people who have a classic Fiat 500-dedicated car clubs may seem to be disappointed when Fiat proposes to resurrect the “L” designation for a 2013 model being introduced in Geneva since March. That's a shame though that the L for this new 500L doesn't mean lusso or luxury because what Fiat said, the L stands for Large, Light, and Lofty.

Sadly though, the new 500L is a bit too lame, it's a bit too girly, it's a bit too good for a kissogram to get in, and it's as soft as an...Adipose. Gosh, I don't wanna be fat but hey, this fat version of the 500 compact with extra doors and extended length is a bit too perfect for those who want to go out for some shopping spree in Milan and you know what, that doesn't seem to be good enough to take down the Mini Countryman, which is essentially the Mini I always hate because it brought me nothing but Dressy Alice, Rainy Suzuran, Random Color Beauty, Digital Spacecraft, Cutie Insect, Weeping Wisteria, Burning Performer, or Stratos Butterfly. Metaphors!

You know what? If I accidentally bought the 500L, I'm afraid I have to leave it to the firing range and continue my trip on foot while letting it rot but not a chance pal. Not a chance. Besides, it's still to young to get some preparen, abunten, fuego on the spot. I have to give it to some kissogram who likes it. Kissogram...What is a kissogram anyway?

Photo: Fiat