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

The studio

Indeed, the news and this just in from Audi. It seems that...

Wait. Hold on! There's something even better than this! Hey fat one! Where are you?

I'm not listening! Nya! Nya! Nya! Nya!

(audience laughing)

2013 Suzuki Wagon R

Oh come on! Come here, pal. We're talking about it! Now anyway, since September 6, 2012, Suzuki launched the all new, fifth generation Suzuki Wagon R lineup, which now comes with the ENE-CHARGE system. Who wants to listen what just happened on the newly debuted fifth Wagon R?

(YES!)

That's the right decision. He received a memo that the all new Wagon R got recalled. (laughing)

(audience laughing)

It maybe a day old but...um...wait a minute? What's this? Recall? I got a message from Suzuki about a recall for the new Wagon R? But it's a day old for this car! What's the recall?

(audience laughing)

So, reliability issues for this one, eh? Tell me. What's the recall for? Come on you fat boring middle-aged man, explain....

Well...Suzuki says that the 2013 Wagon R got recalled due to the faulty left rear door. It says here..

"左リヤドアにおいて、リヤドアラッチの製造不良により当該ドアラッチ内部の樹脂部品が破損しているものがあり、ロック機構が作動しないため、ドアが確実に閉まらない場合があります。そのため、最悪の場合、走行中にドアが開くおそれがあります。"

...or in translation, there's something wrong with the left rear door. Also, the plastic parts inside the door latch has been damaged due to the bad production of the rear door latch. Then, the locking mechanism doesn't work when the door is not securely closed. The worst of all is that there's a possibility that the door will open by itself while running.

(ooohh)

Scoop: http://www.suzuki.co.jp/about/recall/2012/0907/index.html

Despite the new Wagon R being fuel efficient, it turned out to be unreliable due to the faulty rear door! (laughing)

(audience laughing)

So...what now?

Oh yes! Audi! They've launched the Cabriolet version of the hardcore RS5 coupe, which will go on sale next year.

2014 Audi RS5 Cabriolet

It's still the RS5 with the 4.2L V8 engine on it and quattro all wheel drive but sadly, this car's not quite as good as the BMW M3 as explained on Top Gear. It may have its roof blown off but it's still pointless, repetitious, and extremely dull serious performance car. (laughing)

Why not?

Because....well, to put it in terms, this is not quite a car for a premiership footballer in overalls to drive it. Also, this kind of RS5 is not the sort of Audi you want to take your gal for a night out because you might end up ruining her bangs.

(audience laughing)

What about being stung on your eyes at full speed ahead?

(audience laughing)

Well, I consider that. So then. Forget about that and move on. Anyway, Ryoko Shiraishi, who was Hayate Ayasaki from Hayate the Combat Butler, Aoi Nogami from Psychic Squad (Zettai Karen Children), and Mako from the Saki anime, we just heard that she got married on the date of her birthday, that is...yesterday, September 7.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-09-06/voice-actress-ryoko-shiraishi-gets-married

So...she got married on the day of her birthday where she became 30 years old? Anyway, who did she married?

We don't know who but some say, he's an average company employee. Can't believe Ryoko Shiraishi grew up so fast. (sniff) She grew up so fast...

(awwww)

Glad I got some boxes of tissues though....

(audience laughing)

Speaking of which, because of Ryoko Shiraishi's marriage, could that jeopardize next month's CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OF YOU anime?

Huh? I don't know....

Shhh...enough of this matrimony and into something bad. Well, of course, we got two bad news that will make readers spit their coffee from their mouth when shocked.

(audience laughing)

First of the bad news was this...While waiting for the upcoming second season this year, we just picked up the news that the next volume of the Oreimo light novel will be...wait for it...wait for it....wait for it...wait for it....

SEVERAL PAGE FLIPPINGS LATER...

...wait for it...wait for it...wait for it....there!

What?

What is it?

Volume 12 of the Oreimo novel will be the LAST VOLUME. That was verified from the 11th Ore no Imōto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai volume on Friday.

(awwww)

So, Oreimo, the one where it got an anime series in 2010 which became a phenomenal yet controversial hit, has its days numbered because Volume 12 is the last? So then, this will be the last for Kirino, Kuroneko, Kyouske, and the others?

Sadly, yes. Very sad.

(awwww)

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-09-07/tsukasa-fushimi-to-end-oreimo-light-novels-at-12-volumes

So, Oreimo light novel's end is just one of your bad news so then, what's the second bad news?

Kokoro Connect

It's this okay? It was the anime called Kokoro Connect. Anyone watched it?

(murmuring)

Okay, we just heard that they're cancelling their publicity campaign and Ustream streaming portions of the Tochi Random publicity events for the September 8 to 9 weekend. We really don't know how that happened but some say, it's probably because of Mitsuhiro Ichiki, who was the appointed head of the show's public relations department. Last week, the official Kokoro Connect website said that there are two statements about Ichiki since the advanced screening in June. Then, there was some reactions about this whole "Candid Camera-style project" and there are confusions regarding Mr. Mitsuhiro Ichiki.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-09-07/kokoro-connect-cancels-part-of-pr-campaign-this-weekend

(ooohhh)

So, you're saying is, there was a part of the confusion that caused Kokoro Connect to cancel their PR publicity. Oh, speaking of which, they did cancel their itasha publicity campaign? Gosh, I wonder what car are they using on the PR campaign, which sadly was cancelled. Guess we can't guess what was that itasha so, whatever the heck is, it's all mystery to us until further notice....

(audience laughing)

Anyway, now. There was one thing I really didn't understand...

What?

It was some song from PSY titled Gangnam Style...

Gangnam Style? The newest craze for 2012?

(audience laughing and applause)

I really don't get it but how come this...Gangnam Style became more popular than Justin Bieber's Baby and how does this became a viral sensation?

Gangnam Style? Wait a minute? Could it be a Korean term for VIP STYLE?

(audience laughing)

Well, you know. When I have a South Korean luxury car all blinged up to VIP STYLE-ness and saying LOOK AT ME! I HAVE A SOUTH KOREAN LUXURY CAR ALL BLINGED UP! NOW THAT'S GANGNAM STYLE!

(audience laughing)

GANGNAM STYLE! YO YO YO! I'M FROM GANGNAM, YO! OPPA GANGNAM STYLE!!!

(audience laughing and applause)

(sonic screwdriver whirring)

Bite Me Alien Boy!!!

(audience laughing and applause)

There, that's better. That's one hamster froze, well quite literally. And on that bombshell, that's the news!

"Your clear choice of TV Expert!"

On the September 7, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Bar gags

- That's one angry boss...

- The fastest acting search tonight! FAST! Who will be the lucky one or who will go home, quick?

- Is this guy expressing his friendship or love?

- Bubble Gang does Cignal Digital TV Broadcast by spoofing this commercial as TIGNAL DIGITAL TV BROADCAST! Your clear choice of TV Expert!

- A basurero named Mang Kanor is complaining about a holdapper and several arguments occurred.

- Brod Pete and his friends are back to answer life's confusing questions on Ang Bagong Dating Doon

1) Solenn asks "may nasusulat po ba tungkol sa habagat?" From the pages of PAGASA 1:16; Bagyo Bagyo Pantay Kabayo, Ulan Ulan Pantay Kawayan.

2) Paolo Contis asks "may nasusulat po sa hirap na dinaranas natin tuwing may bago?" From the pages of Noynoy 4:Pompyang; When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high and don't be afraid of the dark and you'll never walk alone.

3) A twitter from someone living from Seattle says "Kung ang maliit ang plato ay platito, maliit ang kutsara ay kutsarita, ano po ang tawag sa maliit na tinidor?" Brod Pete says, the answer is TINY-DOR

4) A twitter from someone living in Canada says "May nasusulat po ba tungkol sa brownout?" From Tugbali Band 6:9; May liwanag ang bukas, 

- Only someone with the sense of humor will always win the girl of your dreams

- Buntong hininga

- IyoTube

Welcome Back: 1961 Jaguar E-type S1

E-Type Jags are immaculate to many

The origin of the Jaguar brand traced back in the 1920's when Sir William Lyons gathered together to create a motorcycle sidecar. The E-Type was launched in 1961, making it the premiere British car maker solidifying that position with this 2-seater sports coupe.

Powering the E-Type was its 3.8L DOHC 6-cylinder engine with three SU carbs to generate 265HP of power, 0-100kph in 7.2 seconds and top speed of 210kph. It was the last model with which Lyons would be directly involved with. The bodywork of the E-Type was inspired from the C- and D-Type race cars thanks to its curaceous shap[e and flowing lines. It was available in either a hardtop coupe and convertible.

Right until 1964, about a total of 7,820 E-Types were produced and about 90% of those were landed in the USA.

This car was featured in Top Gear Season 6 Episode 5 and it was driven by Jeremy Clarkson alongside the Aston Martin DB5. In the drag race portion, both the DB5 and the E-Type were lost to a Honda sedan. When handed to The Stig, the E-Type did it in 1:32.8.

2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the Jaguar E-Type and on the Series 17 opener of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson pays tribute to it as well as driving the modern take of the E-Type Jag that is worth half-a-million Pounds.

Fifth Generation Suzuki Wagon R (MH34S)

While nearing for its 20th anniversary next year, Japan's cult favorite kei car, the Suzuki Wagon R, is now on its fifth incarnation and with all that regeneration do come with a surprise.

2013 Suzuki Wagon R

2013 Suzuki Wagon R

We heard that right ladies and gents. By regenerating the Wagon R into a completely new form, this new model now comes with the a new mild-hybrid system named "ENE-CHARGE" (short for 'energy charge') and an energy-saving electric air conditioning system dubbed "ECO-COOL". With the R06A engine combined with an electric motor/generator and a lithium-ion battery, this new ENE-CHARGE provides regenerative braking and at least some level of power assist to the internal combustion engine while it can also run certain electrical equipment. With all that technology, the new Wagon R can get up to 28.8km/l in Japan's JC08 driving cycle (67.8mpg US, 3.5lt/100km or 81.4mpg UK).

2013 Suzuki Wagon R interior

All that physics and science lesson about using hybrid-car like technology on this kei car is a bit absurd. Some people would think that they're driving a hybrid kei car but no. There's no such thing as a hybrid kei car because it's so absurd. The most fuel efficient petrol car in the world as of now was the Alto Eco with its fuel economy of 30.2km/L in Japan's JC08 Driving Cycle, which is .2km/L more than the Daihatsu Mira e:S. This story about Daihatsu vs. Suzuki is becoming a history in the making because as I observed about Daihatsu and Suzuki throwing everything they've got to become the most fuel efficient car brand in the world and since the implementation of the JC08 cycle in the autumn of 2011, things have changed. Mira e:S is once the most fuel efficient car in the world for being 30km/L but in the 2011 holiday season, it was short-lived with the arrival of the 30.2km/L Alto Eco. 

Well, that was a long story short but anyway, the all new fifth generation Wagon R's 28.8km/L fuel economy though, it was sure enough to slit the throat of Daihatsu's TNP27 Move. I should call this one the TNP28.8 because it's more efficient than the Move. Another round for Suzuki in the game of "Who's the most fuel efficient car maker in the world?"

For the pricing, well, you won't be disappointed. It's 1,109,850 Japanese Yen for the FX model and it's 1,249,500 Japanese Yen for the FX Limited. I think this new model has more value than the Daihatsu TNP27 Move's pricing so what do you get for your spare change? Your guess is as good as ours, folks.

To clarify; the normal Wagon R has two trim levels; the FX and the FX Limited. Both of them are 2WD but they can have an optional 4WD powertrain for added stability but not quite a punch indeed. Colors? Let's see...Fizz Blue Pearl Metallic, Innocent Pink Pearl Metallic, Superior White, Pearl White, Silky Silver Metallic, Bluish Black Pearl 3, Luna Grey Pearl Metallic*, and Mysterious Violet Pearl*.

*available only on FX Limited

2013 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray

2013 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray

2013 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray interior

So, what about this? The Stingray version of the new Wagon R? Of course, you get the same SUZUKI GREEN Technology I've mentioned above, well you know, the ENE-CHARGE and the ECO-COOL system as told but for style wise, this is like the Daihatsu Move Custom with a Suzuki badge on it. I mean if I park this new Stingray next to the current Daihatsu Move Custom, they look exactly the same from every angle and they both have the same 660cc Turbo engine developed exclusively for them. Of course, the new Stingray does have a turbocharged R06A DOHC VVT engine that produces 64PS of power, 12 more than the Natural Aspiration engine and the fuel economy is now dropped to about 26.8km/L.

The base model, the X, costs 1,333,500 Yen while the turbocharged T model costs 1,496,250 Yen and they both come with an optional 4WD powertrain. Exclusive for the Stingray was this Phoenix Red Pearl color.

For a phenomenal kei car that is nearing its 20th anniversary next year and it slits down the TNP27 Daihatsu Move's throat, the all new Wagon R is a Japan-only kei car that represents the brand that is striving to be the most fuel efficient car maker in the world. Once again, the Daihatsu vs. Suzuki battle goes on and on and on and on until one of them will have to throw in the towel. If I said Japan-only, I DO MEAN IT so back off, idiots living from India and Pakistan. These cars are not for you. Thank You.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Kia Ray gets turbocharged

Kia Ray

Kia Motors unveiled a turbocharged version of the box car called Ray, which was launched in South Korea since November 2011.

The Kappa 1.0L Turbo engine equipped on the Ray, now on its 2013 model year, generates aboue 106PS of power and 14.0kg of torque. With CVT and Idle Stop and Go feature equipped, the fuel economy is about 18.6km/L.

Scoop: http://www.kia.co.kr/about-kia/prcenter/news-view.aspx?idx=1721

THE IDOLM@STER ANIM@TION MASTER Namassuka Special 02

THE IDOLM@STER ANIM@TION MASTER
Namassuka Special 02

Last time on Namassuka Special 01, we've experienced Takane Shijou, Miki Hoshii, and Hibiki Ganaha on the series of challenges and some new songs from them. So, this second installment of THE IDOLM@STER ANIM@TION MASTER Namassuka Special pits through Ryugu Komachi's finest; Azusa Miura, Iori Minase, and Ami Futami, through series of challenges and some all new songs from them. For a treat, there is now the M@STER VERSION of the song you've heard on the PS3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2...七彩ボタン!

The song that you can only hear on the PS3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 is now here on Namassuka Special 02? Now this is something's worth your fez, your bowtie, your glasses, your stetsons, or your bunk beds because this is COOL. We couldn't care listening to that anyway...

TRACK LISTINGS:

01 生っすか第二部ＯＰトーク

02 七彩ボタン（M@STER VERSION)

03 あずさチャレンジのコーナー

04 イタズラなKISS

05 恋とマシンガン

06 う・ふ・ふ・ふ

07 伊織チャレンジのコーナー

08 リフレクティア

09 歩いて帰ろう

10 ホウキ雲

11 亜美チャレンジのコーナー

12 初恋 ～二章 告白の花火～

13 閑話休題

14 七彩ボタン（M@STER VERSION) オリジナル・カラオケ

For English-speaking customers:

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=COCX-37414

Let's Do The News! (September 6, 2012)

Ideally, it is now time to do the news and as you may wandering that we got this Top Gear Studio-style garage here on Car Town except for every single detail....

On the right, there's the old garage while on the left,
that's a TG-style studio

I know, it was my idea to make my own TG-style studio at Car Town but this is a bit more rubbish. Ambitious but rubbish but sadly, our two idiots are away for some reasons and I am had it with this fast-talking, nonsense-worthy, Vice Advice maneuver because nobody understands. Instead, I had brought along some guests...Better not explain why are they doing here...

Ritsuko Akizuki

Cockney Nan from The Catherine Tate Show

(wow)

Uh...hello there Nan....

Hello Ms. Ritsuko. (Cockney Nan laughing)

(audience laughing)

Huh? What's so funny about me?

Uh...nothing...nothing...

So, what brought me here?

Those two idiots are away for some important things to do but since you're here, do you have something to discuss?

 

Yes! The news! (Cockney Nan laughing)

(audience laughing)

I'll start off with this, ma'am. This one here is the new variant for the Porsche 911 (991). It's called the Carrera 4 or Carrera 4S and of course, it may look the same as the 991 Porsche 911 but they're rigged with 4WD while retaining the engine to the wrong place. Well, it's still a German sports car with its engine rigged on its buttocks. (imitates Cockney Nan laughing)

Scoop: http://www.washingtonpost.com/cars/2013-porsche-911-carrera-4-all-wheel-drive-models-debut/2012/08/27/dd816940-f014-11e1-b74c-84ed55e0300b_story.html

(audience laughing)

The new 911 Carrera 4 models

Seriously Nan, are you sure that most 911 models have their engines on their backs?

Exactly. They were nothing but a bunch of arse-engine lunatics. I don't really care what the hell are those Volkswagen Beetles in running shoes. (clears throat)

Yeah, you maybe right. They were beetles in running shoes but how about this one, Nan?

2013 Volkswagen Golf

What's this, glasses girl?

It's the new, seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf. It was the first ever Volkswagen Golf to be outfitted with the Volkswagen Group's new MQB platform.

MQB platform? What the hell is MQB?

Nan, MQB is the acronym for...um...ah....I don't know what that is but some say, it's modular transverse matrix in German. The engine is transversely mounted and flexible enough to allow individual models to have a variety of wheelbase, track, and external dimensions.

Oh...so that's what this MQB stuff is....(pbbbt)

(audience laughing)

Oh and for the Golf Mk7, they have two brand-new generations of engines, most come with the idling stop system and battery regeneration. They had the 1.2-litre TSI 84HP (85PS) petrol unit returning 4.9 lt/100 km (48mpg US or 57.6mpg UK and 113 g/km), and a 1.4-litre TSI 138HP (140PS) unit with Active Cylinder Technology, which can deactivate two of the cylinders, and achieves up to 4.8 lt/100 km (49mpg US or 58.9mpg UK and 112 g/km).

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/09/2013-volkswagen-golf-new-official.html

I don't care what in the world is this new Golf...This new one kinda looked like an enlarged Polo, which like the new A3 is somewhat an enlarged A1. (yawn)

Uh...okay Nan. How about these?

2014 Peugeot 208 GTi

2013/2014 Peugeot 208 XY

Now, those who came from Geneva since March may remember about the 208 XY and GTi concepts but on the Paris Motor Show this year, here come the production versions of the 208 XY and 208 GTi.

Eh....what?

Nan, the 208 XY is all about being stylish and with the addition of the exclusive Purple Night metallic color, the 208 XY will come with five new colors. There are several personalization options on the inside ranging from a full leather treatment to aluminum trims for the dashboard, center console, and door handles.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/09/new-peugeot-208-xy-with-premium-touches.html

On the 208 GTi, it comes with the THP 200 engine from the RCZ which says to be more powerful than the 175HP 207 RC/GTi. Also, the steering system and suspension were tweaked for agile handling.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/09/peugeot-reveals-all-new-208-gti-hot.html

Hmph....I don't really really care about the XY and the GTi. They were all sickened me like hell. (Cockney Nan laughing)

(audience laughing)

Still bothered, Nan? Okay then, how about this?

Facelifted Ford Fiesta?

Ford Europe unveiled the facelifted Fiesta complete with Aston Martin-style front face that is now part of Ford's design philosophy and get this...it now comes with the 1.0L EcoBoost engine which won the 2012 International Engine of the Year award for best-in-class fuel economy. 

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/09/official-ford-fiesta-facelift-gets-10.html

Surely Ritsu, who gives a damn about a facelifted Fiesta? An Aston Martin-like front on the Fiesta? Oh come on....

(audience laughing)

Okay...how about this, Nan? A 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, to be premiered at the 2012 Paris Motor Show this month...

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/09/new-2014-mitsubishi-outlander-plug-in.html

Pwe!

(audience laughing)

Uh....9th Generation Honda Accord teased in Russia via sketches....

9th generation Honda Accord teaser sketch

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/09/honda-previews-russian-and-possibly.html

Who care?

(audience laughing)

Uh....um...uh....

A BIT OF FAFF LATER...

uh...how about this Nan? Let's see...2013 Ford Escape got recalled for the third time due to fire risk?

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/2013-ford-escape-recalled-for-third-time-again-for-fire-risk/

OH WHY DON'T YOU F**K OFF?!

(audience laughing)

Nan? Nan?

I'm outta here! You made me bored! I'm going back home!

(audience laughing)

Anyway, because it's only me, Ritchan, now to pick up some leftovers. Can't believe Nan got mad on me and she left. Okay, then, Honda Cars set up a teaser for the 2013 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid. Here are some of a few teasers I've encountered.

2013 Honda CR-Z teaser

2013 Honda CR-Z teaser

2013 Honda CR-Z teaser

Huh, didn't see there was now a Sport Plus button on it but anyway, Honda Cars will unveil the 2013 CR-Z this September 27. I repeat, September 27, 2012.

Scoop: http://www.carview.co.jp/news/4/172226/

In other news, it's two worlds collide when GRAND-AM Road Racing and American Le Mans Series are merging together as one and this landmark sports-car organization will reveal at the 2014 Rolex 24 at Daytona. This is becoming one of the most significant development in the history of sports-car racing and under this merger, the following entities will combine with GRAND-AM: the American Le Mans Series; the International Motor Sports Association, which sanctions ALMS events; the Road Atlanta race track facility in Braselton, Ga.; the Chateau Elan Hotel and Conference Center in Sebring, Fla.; and Sebring International Raceway, via a reassignment of the lease agreement with the Sebring Airport Authority to operate the raceway. The GRAND AM and ALMS will continue to operate separately next year before their joint custody in 2014.

Scoop: http://www.nascar.com/news/120905/grand-am-american-le-mans-merger/

Right, shifting myself into DOCTORDONNA mode because...this should be as quick as hell right now. Anyway, are you a big fan of the manga titled Gakuen Alice (Alice Academy)? Someone out there know about Alice Academy because this was a manga that was published by Tachibana Higuchi in Hana to Yume in 2002 and the 19th issue of the magazine recently on sale since September 4, 2012 marked the series' 10th year. Alice Academy did have a 26-episode anime from 2004 to 2005. I know, some of you watched that. Anyway, the author of Alice Academy, that is Tachibana Higuchi, said on her official Twitter account that she was working on the concept for the first part of the final chapter. Although she didn't say when it will be published but...oh dear. Alice Academy's coming to an end...Someone out there isn't pleased....

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-09-05/gakuen-alice-manga-last-chapter-being-prepared

Now, although I'm not utterly familiar about Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III but I heard that he's plagiarize certain parts from someone else's blog regarding the dark secrets of the RH Bill before. This time, I heard that Tito Sotto's done it again by translating Robert F. Kennedy's speech in Tagalog. 

Tito Sotto tagalizes Robert F. Kennedy's speech

Scoop: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/did-sotto-copy-again-.html

Did Tito Sotto done it again? I don't know but we'll have to find out soon...Anyway, on that bombshell, that's the news! Thank you for having me doing this! (laughing)