The Philippines' 2nd Saint - Pedro Calungsod

San Pedro Calungsod

On October 21, 2012, the Pope canonized Pedro Calungsod as Philippines' second saint since San Lorenzo Ruiz. It was the moment that all Filipinos been waited for because San Pedro Calungsod marks an important chapter to our religion. Being the country's second saint since Lorenzo Ruiz, I was becoming fascinated about the life of San Pedro Calungsod and discovering how did a youth became a saint.

To learn more about San Pedro Calungsod, you can visit the official website at: http://sanpedrocalungsod.com/?page_id=628

GOD BLESS SAN PEDRO!

Forza Horizon

Forza Horizon Limited Collector's Edition

When racing video game enthusiasts think about "Forza", they all know that this is a GT-beating racing game that is all focused on circuit racing and the finest selection of cars. This is it, what you're looking up here is the first ever Forza video game that is truly...just another free-roaming game where you are free to drive your car wherever you want, whenever. When we said free-roaming, I mean yes. This is the first free-roaming Forza game set in Colorado. Welcome to Horizon. Forza Horizon.

There was a festival coming out in Colorado and Horizon is all about the celebration of cars from different decades and because this is a free-roaming game, it's freedom to drive wherever you want, when you want it. Unlike previous Forza Motorsport games, the car list of Forza Horizon are handpicked by the staff deciding that only the best cars of the Forza franchise are welcomed, especially the 2013 SRT Viper GTS. Aside from the handpicked selection, there are new cars never before seen in Forza games such as the Ford Focus RS500, the all new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, classic Cinquecento Abarth, all new 2013 BMW M6 F13 Coupe, 2012 Nissan GT-R Black Edition (yes, really), 2013 Shelby GT500, Mercedes S65 AMG, and (since you've asked for it), a 1965 MINI Cooper S! There are 127 garage cars in Forza Horizon, plus Barn Finds, Unicorns, and DLC cars.

Apart from this free-roaming, there are new stuff that were never before seen in the Forza franchise such as...driving by nighttime and driving offroad! Offroad driving? Driving at nighttime?! Oh yes! It's possible in Horizon! Also, aside from races, there are some epic races where you can race against the helicopter or a jet! I know it's hard but you guys can do it. Don't give up!

Graphics-wise, well, thanks to the UK-based Playground Games, Forza Horizon delivers the best graphics of any other racing game and all that dynamism a fludic beauty really shows just how cool Horizon can be. It is truly breathless to see how Colorado is thanks to such graphics and what's amazed fans is the music. There was dubstep, rock, club, everything that was curated by BBC Radio 1 DJ Rob Da Bank. Of course, if you are not satisfied with the music offered on Horizon, you can turn the radio off. Simple as that.

However, there are a couple of problems on Horizon. Sure, Horizon features the most of the upgrade components for each car as in FM4, which can be saved as Setups.  Tuning specific settings (gear ratios, etc) is not available in Horizon. Sadly, Forza Horizon does not have an Auction House like the one in FM4. Simple as that, but there are some good stuff going on in Horizon such as Car Clubs, storefronts where you can buy tuning setups, designs, and vinyls, and hey...DLC Packs coming. If that wasn't enough, there's going to be a Rally Expansion this December. No details yet but this expansion adds more challenges on Horizon.

It is simply one of the best racing games of 2012 and to be honest, Horizon is all work and play where you can take your car, no matter what kind, all over the Colorado rockies and finding that sweet spot to take pics. It's more fun having multiplayer in Horizon and more importantly, this game is where all cars live. It is truly a celebration you really don't want to miss and hey, everyone's invited to the party.

LIMITED EDITION

The Forza Horizon Limited Collector's Edition is a must have for the Forza aficionados worldwide. With this LCE, not only you'll become a VIP on the game, you'll also get perks such as...

• Five Car VIP Pack (2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder, 2011 Koenigsegg Agera, 2011 Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, 2012 Pagani Huayra, 2011 RUF Rt 12 R)

• Special recognition in the community as a VIP member with VIP icon affixed to their Gamertag in “Forza Horizon”

• VIP Rivals Mode Events: VIP members will have access to exclusive Rivals Mode events in “Forza Horizon”

• Exclusive in-game gifts from the Forza Motorsport community team

• Expanded Storefront: VIP members receive extra slots for things like photos, liveries, videos, etc. 

• Expanded MyForza Gallery Space: VIP’s can store an additional two videos and/or Big Shot images in their MyForza Gallery on www.forzamotorsport.net

• Custom-designed Steelbook packaging 

• Horizon Festival ticket to access exclusive Xbox LIVE content 

• Day 1 Add-on Pack (Ferrari 599XX Evo, Gumpert Apollo Enraged, Alfa Romeo 8C Spider, Lamborghini Aventador J, 1957 Chevy Bel Air, and 2013 Mustang Boss 302)

• Horizon Accelerator Token Pack 

• Five exclusive LCE Car Pack liveries

Let's Do The News! (October 22, 2012)

And now the news and I have a big question for those regarding yesterday. Has any one of you been in the Walang Hanggan thanksgiving concert? Raise your hands...

(audience raising hands)

I couldn't car about it...

What's the matter? You haven't been at the party? That party yesterday was even aired on ABS-CBN yesterday...

I know but I'm kinda late because of some important stuff to do...

What important stuff?

Spoilers....

Spoilers.

(audience laughing)

Oh come on...Perhaps you hadn't saw Donya Margaret, who was Helen Gamboa by the way, doing the Gangnam Style in front of the audience, especially Vice Ganda, who was part of the party, didn't you see it coming?

Ahem....It's more fun relieving a veteran actress' humble beginnings and poking fun that she does it all...

Yeah, not bad indeed. That party is star studded with the heroes and villains of Walang Hanggan ranging from Marco (Richard Gomez), Emily (Dawn Zulueta), Manang Henya (Susan Roces), Donya Margaret (Helen Gamboa), Tomas (Joem Bascon), Nathan (Paulo Avelino), Joanna (Melissa Ricks), Katerina (Julia Montes), Daniel (Coco Martin) and so much more, especially the bastard Miguel

(audience laughing)

There are guests as well.

Well, the thing is that for the past 10 months, Walang Hanggan is probably one of the best ABS-CBN masterpieces of 2012 and since it's going to end this Friday, this drama is always been a magnum opus of famous ABS-CBN dramas such as Tayong Dalawa, 100 Days to Heaven, Mara Clara, and many others. Even when the story ends, the loyalty still going on strong. Cheers!

(cheers and applause)

Ahem, bad news.

What?

It's Matt Evans, the dude who was Pedro Penduko. We heard that he's arrested after he allegedly assaulting his live-in partner and her brother. That was shocking. I heard that while I was watching The Buzz...

Scoop: http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/matt-evans-arrested-for-alleged-assault-on-live-in-partner-her-brother/

Wonder what just happened?

That happened when Matt Evans turned 24. It was a fine party for him until the worst happened. What he did was he attacked his girlfriend and then he threatened him with a knife but his girlfriend smacked him, she called the cops and arrest him...What bad luck indeed for that actor....

Yeah, I know. This is somewhat worse than a fistfight at the men's bathroom...

(audience laughing)

So, I think it's almost time for Richard Hammond's Crash Course Season 2, right?

Yes indeed, it's on this Monday at BBC America! Don't miss it...

Excellent!

(audience laughing mockingly)

Oh guys. Hey now! We just heard that the Index spinoff titled To Aru Kagaku no Railgun is getting renewed for a second season under the title TO ARU KAGAKU NO RAILGUN S. Further details will be announced at an upcoming issue of Dengeki Daioh this October 27.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-10-21/a-certain-scientific-railgun-anime-gets-2nd-season

Yeah! Delighted to say that Biribiri's back with a vengeance and her friends.

A ha! And also, The basketball lolicon anime titled Ro-Kyu-Bu, is also getting renewed for a second series!

(audience applause)

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-10-20/ro-kyu-bu-anime-gets-2nd-season

That's brilliant! Both of these are getting renewed and hey! I think that's pretty impressive.

I know. Pretty impressive. Now, I think that's the news and oh, the Rurouni Kenshin live-action movie, we all know that this was already shown in theaters in Japan back in summer and then expanded worldwide. Word from the net is that this live-action adaptation is going to show in theaters all over the Philippines this December. The film will begin screening at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City, Megamall in Mandaluyong City, and North Edsa in Quezon City on December 5.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-10-20/live-action-rurouni-kenshin-to-be-shown-in-philippines-in-december

Yes indeed and for those who want a taste of Hiten Mitsurugi, which was Kenshin Himura's signature attack, you guys can't wait to see it.

That's right, Captain Slow...

(audience laughing)

Should we do the Gangnam Style?

Uh....yes. Right after my potty break...

(audience laughing)

Forza 4 Head To Head: Track-day Ferrari ballers

Track-day Ferrari racers

I've already tested the F40, F50, and the Enzo Ferrari and I have to say that these hyper Ferraris really are nothing more than horses bolted with some blasters at their backs and they came faster than the announcer would speak who would have won the bet. What about these track-only versions?

The F40 Competizione, F50 GT, and the FXX, those three track-only stallions that you can't use it on the road and you can't race it on a particular race series? Those million dollar toys are hyper when it comes to speed and extremely brutal when you hear their exhaust notes. For me, I think it was the F50 GT because that noise really is the same as a baby crying uncontrollably. It reminded us like the baby we have in our home. E he he he....

Anyway, which one is the best? Let's start with the F40 Competizione.

The Competizione is a race-spec version of the F40, which only 10 units were made while the first two are dubbed as "F40 LM" and the remaining 8 being F40 Competizione. It was developed out of the Maranello car company's GTO Evoluzione project and it should theoretically have been suitable for a wide range of racing series. However, with the demise of Group B and sports car racing in crisis during the late 1980s, Ferrari customers were left with very few options for their cars. A lone F40 Competizione was on display at the Automobile Museum in Turin.

Across the line in 1:13.152.

Now, the F50 GT...

The GT version is a race-spec version of the F50 that should have been intended to use in the BPR Global GT Series but sadly, they didn't put it to production and only three cars were sold to the public; the prototype and two assembled specially for prominent customers. The 4.7 V12 engine produces about 750bhp of power and 519Nm of torque. It can go 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 235mph.




The F50 GT crossed the line in 1:10.8.

And now, the FXX.


Based on the Enzo Ferrari, the FXX is a racing-spec version of the said car that has some of the new developments from Ferrari and its suppliers. Priced at $1.8 million, this car is allowed for special track-day use and after that, the owners are entitled to be briefed by Ferrari on the car's performance. Ferrari's sister company, Maserati, has developed a similar car, the MC12 Corsa.

It uses the same V12 as the Enzo but with increased size to 6.3L so it produces 800PS of power and 686Nm of torque. It also comes with other technological features such as traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a rear view camera in place of the rear view mirror because of the lack of the rear window.





In the Series 13 opener of Top Gear, Michael Schumacher, in The Stig's outfit, drove his special FXX (black without a stripe, having red trimmed wheels, matte rather than chrome exhaust tips, and his personal logo stitched on the racing seats) and lapped the Top Gear Test Track in 1:10.7, therefore resulting him to show himself in front of the audience and to Jeremy Clarkson.

Weird...it appears it did it in 1:13.315, less than the time set by Schumacher....Hmmmm....Is it because his FXX's different than the other FXX's?! Never mind...

Forza 4 Head to Head: X5 M vs. X6 M

The BMW X5 M...



...and the BMW X6 M...



...both of these are crossovers that were beefed up by BMW's M division...what? M SUV's?! Really? They made some high performance crossovers? Whoa...That's kinda strange but yes, they're true. They really were the first ever high performance sport utility vehicles from the BMW M division and both of these do come with xDrive all wheel drive system and a twin turbocharged 4.4L V8 engine that churns out 555PS of power. However, what's the difference between these two? Let's find out. First up, the X5 M.

In an episode of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson reviewed this one and as we thought that this one will make mince meat out of sportscars, we were wrong. When we saw a drag race between the X5 M and the Jaguar XKR, this is a bit of a suicide. Even though it has launch control for the X5 M that propelled this mammoth for a quicker 0-60 time than the XKR, the XKR's top speed blasted the X5 M because the X5 M's heavy and enough said. Sure, the X5 was made for offroading but thanks to this M version, the offroad fun was gone and....how can I say it? Never mind, let's start the clock!



The X5 M did it in 1:27.110.

And now...the X6 M...

When Jeremy Clarkson tested the original X6, he kinda disliked it. Even though he traveled around the world, from Australia just for the glove compartment, Spain just for suspension, the Alps just for offroad, and Hong Kong for some metaphors, he really really disliked it and perhaps that money that was used to spend it on the X6 should be spent for a summer holiday at Barbados. Now, in the M version, this has the same issues from the normal except that it was spiced up a bit. Like the X5 M, it do comes with a 4.4L V8 turbo engine so, nothing new here. For a car that was known to be a Sport Activity Vehicle, this is rather pointless. Think about the design, this car was made from a world to a world that doesn't exists anymore, like the skyscraper from Hong Kong, the one Batman jumped on....Remind you of any?

Start the clock!




The X6 M crossed the line in 1:27.608. Almost a few milliseconds slower than the X5 M but more importantly, both of them are rather pointless. What you see that these cars used to be a good cars for offroading but it was beefed up so it can no longer go off the road. What's this? SUVs that claim to be supercar SUVs? O ho ho ho ho....No. I should better go to sleep rather than driving these two again...AM I BOVVERED?!

ABT tunes the seventh Golf

ABT Golf 7

No kidding. They've done it again. The tuning commenced on the latest, seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf and it's all thanks to some German tuning firm, ABT Sportsline.

In addition to a wide body kit developed for this generation as well as the available 18 or 19-inch rims, the engine choices on the new Golf were tuned specifically from ABT. So on the 1.2 TSi engine, this beefs from 85 to 105PS. On the 1.4 TSi engine, the power output is bumped from 140 to 165PS. And on the 1.6 TDi, this goes from 180 to 210PS.

Scoop: http://www.auto-news.de/tuning/anzeige_Abt-Sportsline-tunt-den-neuen-VW-Golf-Die-glorreiche-Sieben_id_33090

Renaultsport Clio III Phase One gets life anew by Cam Shaft

Cam Shaft Clio RS

What you're looking here is an old, third generation, Phase I, Renault Clio but it has been modified by Cam Sport. An old Clio has been spiced up a bit with something matte, something green vinyl, and something green rims that made it more sleeker and sexier and every angle but sometimes it is a bit nasty.

Power output is now 225PS thanks to some optimization on the car's computers, K&N Sports Air Filter, and Supersprint 100-cell sport catalysts and exhausts. Also, the brakes used on this modified Renault Clio was been derived from the hot Megane.

Scoop: http://www.auto-news.de/tuning/anzeige_Cam-Shaft-powert-den-Renault-Clio-R.S._id_33095

Platinum Motorsport's Phantom Conquistador

Rolls-Royce Phantom Conquistador
by Platinum Motorsport

Right, some tuning news and this time it's Platinum Motorsport, the guys that brought us that modified Continental GT on FM4 a couple of months ago. They're releasing their latest creation based on the ultra-luxury, ultra-expensive, fun for rappers, Rolls-Royce Phantom sedan fitted with the Mansory Conquistador body kit and a 26 inch Gionelle Santorini wheels. Those rims are huge and this modified version would be a perfect fit for the most notorious drug lord in the East Coast!

If all goes well, they'll be making four of these Phantom Conquistadors.

Scoop: http://www.gtspirit.com/2012/10/20/rolls-royce-phantom-conquistador-by-platinum-motorsport/

Recently Bought: Doctor Who 2010 XMas Special

This is what we bought recently...it's a DVD of the 2010 Christmas Special of BBC Doctor Who titled A Christmas Special.

Reason why is because Netflix doesn't have that one. Sure Netflix has all of the Doctor Who episodes as well as the specials but they didn't have that one. Shame on Netflix for not having the DW 2010 Xmas special...

Forza Motorsport 4: 2011 Radical SR8 RX

A lightweight racer that makes you feel like a Grand Prix driver

The SR8 is Radical's ultimate racer for the ultimate driving experience. A lightweight racer capable for trackday and racing use, it has the grip, acceleration, and braking unlike any other and for the 2011 model year, the SR8 RX was made to comply with the latest FIA CN class regulations, incorporating a higher rollhoop and scuttle, homologating for international competition well into the future. 

Although it has a similar design from the SR3 RS, the SR8 RX comes with the RPE 2.7 litre RPX V8 engine that generates 430bhp of power, 0-60mph time of 2.7 seconds, and top speed of 178mph. The SR8 RX's paddle shift gearbox was described by former F1 driver Alex Yoong, as having “the best gearchange I've driven outside of F1."

Leopaul's Heaven and Hell: Euro V diesels and GDi engines don't work in the Philippines. You get me?

YD25DDTi engine for the NV350 Caravan

Leopaul's Heaven and Hell, where I, Leopaul del Rosario, made some columns about the wrongdoings and some right stuff in today's ever changing society. It will be a little oasis of stress, anger, and rage pooled over while writing a column.

Today, I'm dealing about those...highly-advanced diesels and gasoline direct injection cars. If there's a Filipino complaining about this, is he or she bovvered? Well, he/she should be because this column is all about bovvering what's wrong about them.

Now, when South Korean carmakers like Hyundai and Kia launched models that come with either a diesel that is truly a Euro V compliant or a petrol car that has a Gasoline Direct Injection such as the Avante, Veloster, or the K9, why would Filipinos are getting interested to those? Let's not forget that the Philippine-market carmakers and distributors stated--both officially and unofficially--that our local fuels are "too dirty," which is why some vehicle models that utilize fuel-sensitive technology like gasoline direct-injection supposedly can't be offered here.

Yes, gasoline direct-injection cars can't be offered in the Philippines but what's a GDi-powered Veloster doing in the Metro Manila anyway? Ahem...Hello? Gasoline Direct Injection? Philippine fuels too dirty for this! Sorry to say that I'm afraid that there is some a**hole smuggled a car that is unfit for our local fuels. Also, there's some another GAGO who smuggled a Hyundai i40. Let's remember that the i40 do comes with a Euro V diesel and a GDi engine so HARI can't bring it here because...Euro V diesels are not compatible for our local diesels because we're a Euro 2 compliant country and second, gasoline direct injection cars are not compatible for Philippine petrol because they're too dirty. So why would he smuggled one?

Ah! Those idiots do prefer Korean cars because of their GDi or diesels! Well not much because let's remember that a few years ago, HARI brought in the new Elantra last year but the 1.6L GDi engine was been swapped into a less powerful 1.8L Nu MPi engine because of the Philippine fuel not compatible with the Gamma 1.6L GDi engine.

2013 Kia K9

EURO V DIESELS AND GDi ENGINES ARE NOT COMPATIBLE ON PHILIPPINE ROADS BECAUSE AS THEY TOLD THAT OUR LOCAL FUELS ARE TOO DIRTY SO SOME VEHICLES WITH FUEL-SENSITIVE TECHNOLOGIES CAN'T BE OFFERED! You get me? You get me? You do get me? You do get me? Good but how come that there some idiots in the Philippines never pay attention to the fact and do what they're good at, which is smuggling a car with the engine not suitable for this country? Chevrolet Orlando, for example, has a Euro V diesel because it's made in Korea but the reason why it's not offered is because it's not capable on a Euro II compliant country.

As I said, ugh, I think I'm going to get a heart attack for this column I'm writing at, if a car comes with gasoline direct injection or a Euro V diesel, then it's not compatible on Philippine roads but how come they aren't BOVVERED? I said bovvered because I'm kinda like that Catherine Tate actress for saying that word. AM I BOVVERED? He he he he...

Hyundai Veloster

There was this article about Peugeot coming back in the Philippines with some of their models all powered by Euro V diesels and I said, wait a minute....are Euro V diesels not suitable on Philippine roads? That kinda puzzled me. I read to that article and that idiot just said...

"What's important to determine with diesel fuel is the amount of its sulfur content. Our engineers have studied and analyzed the quality of your diesel fuels, and they've determined that the sulfur content of your fuels is low enough to be used by our engines."

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/how-will-peugeot-s-diesel-lineup-fare-with-our-dirty-fuels

I'm afraid he's lying. Experts in the motoring industry of the Philippines do believe that these don't work in the Philippines. Huh, don't even think about it because if you fill a Euro V car with a Euro II fuel, risks of damage or breakdown will occur. He he he....

What really irritates me at all is this today's topic from my head. How come there are lots and lots of idiots from the Philippines are getting interested over the recently launched, third-generation Santa Fe DM? I mean come on, it's a Euro V car because it's powered by diesel engines. Yep, diesel-only Korean SUV that is so Euro V, it can't be sold in the Philippines because well you get that idea but how come they want to have one of these? How very dare you. There are some idiots want to smuggle one and this goes on and on until HARi officially brought in the new model and when they observed that the Santa Fe DM that HARI offered have less features than the smuggled one, it seems that they want to smuggle a Santa Fe because it's more well-equipped and fully loaded than the local one. ARGH....

I had enough of this. You know what Filipinos? Shame on you because as told by a million times, the Philippine fuel doesn't work on Euro V diesels and gasoline direct injection cars. Enough said.

If you have comments and violent reactions to this, feel free to comment or e-mail me at leopaul_delr@hotmail.com. That's all, thank you and have a great life.

Second generation Ford Fusion

Now, as you may know, I am trying to figure out what is the best midsize sedan from the 20th century and for me, I think, is the Ford Taurus because it's still the best family saloon car through the ages and undergo several changes to keep it fresh. However, there is no such Ford, I think, that captures the same essence as the classic Taurus from the past until now...

2013 Ford Fusion

Now...I know what you're thinking. This car here is not a Taurus. If you think this is just a baby Aston sedan in the making but no. The face does have an Aston-like grille, which Ford says that this is their new signature face for now. What it is is a family saloon car from Ford, the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion.

2013 Ford Fusion

Now on its second incarnation, the all new Ford Focus is now the brand's first global midsize sedan that will provide customers from Americas, Asia, Europe, Australia and the rest of the world, much like the Chevrolet Malibu, which is now heralded as the bowtie's first global midsize sedan. Unlike the Chevrolet Malibu, the Ford Fusion is much more better looking in terms of design view and yes, the war between the bowties and blue ovals are getting through the..."exceeding the Magat dam height limit" point.

2013 Ford Fusion interior

Sadly, it's all typical Ford interior to the new model and huh? Where's the hand brake? Oh wait! The new model ditched the traditional hand brake in favor to this highly complicating Electronic Parking Brake that doesn't make any sense at all. Anyway, am I BOVVERED? I ain't bovvered. I mean, look at the new Malibu...it doesn't have a hand brake because it was replaced by some...different kind of parking brake that was placed in an unknown position so why waste time finding the e-brake while I can use this Electronic Parking Brake on the Fusion? DING! Simple as that. Am I BOVVERED?

Sadly though, the available SYNC on the new Fusion is nowhere near as good as the Malibu's MyLink. Sure, most critics disagree about Ford's SYNC because...well I was gonna say as complicating as an Android phone, which for me that Androids are rubbish and hard to use. Despite technology overload problems, I do find one bit of the inside that is somewhat very amusing. While the Malibu has speedos that look like the Camaro's, the new Fusion still has the same speedo from the previous model that was straight from the pages of science-fiction. This is somewhat Star Trek meets Starship Troopers meets Halo meets Doctor Who meets whatever sci-fi you can fit in. Also, the front legroom's better than the Malibu's because while the Malibu's front legroom is 42.1 in., which is bad, the new Fusion's front legroom is 44.3 in., a best-in-class for this new model here.

So, what do we got in the new Fusion? Well, we'd expect three engine types for the normal, petrol-powered Fusion starting with the 2.5L Duratec 16V I-4 Engine, 1.6L Ti-VCT GTDI I-4 EcoBoost, and the 2.0L Ti-VCT GTDI I-4 EcoBoost. Sadly, there's a chink behind the 2.0L turbo engine on the new Fusion and when you compare it to a turbocharged Malibu with the 2.0L turbo DOHC 4-cylinder SIDI engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT), this is a total disaster because while the Fusion 2.0L EcoBoost is 240HP (when you fill her up with Premium fuel), the Malibu with the 2.0L Turbo is about 259HP. That sounds a bit lousy but in terms of suspension get this...

Both the Malibu and the new Fusion do have Euro-tuned suspension because both of them are made to tackle various corners of the world. However, the Malibu doesn't have an available 4WD because GM forgot that memo. The new Fusion does and with the 4WD, traction is getting better even when its wet out there. This Intelligent All Wheel Drive system balances torque between the front and rear wheels to enhance handling and maximize traction, typically before wheel slip can even occur. That is very simple and very clever.

Oh wait hang on...I've heard that the Fusion does have idling stop system available on the 1.6L EcoBoost equipped with automatic transmission. Does the Malibu have that feature? Ha ha ha ha....No. This gets it and you already know how it works but for some noobs around here reading and asking how it works, this feature shuts the engine off when you stopped and then start again when you set off, saving petrol. Oh, for something eco, there's a hybrid variant.

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Same exterior looks of the new Fusion but because it is a hybrid, it comes with the 2.0L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Hybrid Engine mated with the Electronic Continuously Variable (e-CVT). System total power output is 188HP and fuel economy is a record-breaking 47MPG, the highest of its class. Enough said.

And there we are. That sums it up most about the new Ford Fusion, which like the the Chevrolet Malibu, is the first global midsize sedan that will be offered not just the Americas but also in Europe, Asia, and Australia as well. This car may look better than the worthless Chevrolet Malibu because as we know, Ford wins and Chevy fails, but sadly though, this new model never captured the same essence of a classic Taurus and absolutely, doesn't win my heart.

Photo: Ford Motor Company.