Report: Lexus trademarks "RC 350" name

2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

A couple of weeks ago, Lexus trademarked the "NX 200t" and "NX 300h" for their future crossovers. Now, that Toyota's luxury brand trademarked another name and this one's a bit too timey-wimey. I heard that they've trademarked the name that they'll be using on their future sports coupe based on the LF-CC concept car...wait for it...wait for it...wait for it...RC 350.

RC? 350? RC 350? Oh my gosh, this is too timey-wimey because it rhymes with the fictitious and hero car of Ridge Racer 7, the Kamata RC 410. That's a Ridge Racer name. RC. You know? RC 410. The aggressive Nissan GTR-esque star of RR7!

While this case is getting too timey-wimey, we'll leave you with a reaction of what might have been...

Sorry, that's just Ritsuko Akizuki startled...

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

River's Diary

Right, what's the news today you spoiler-laden TARDIS journal?

About Last Night...

Last night sees the US Election and I can't believe that the US President Barrack Obama won the battle against opponent Mitt Romney in the polls. It was a close thriller and hey, Obamalama won the battle, right? His position as US President has been defended for the next four years. Congrats...

Maserati Quattroporte Full Model Change

2013 Maserati Quattroporte

Surprisingly, Maserati unveiled the next generation Quattroporte, although details remain unknown for now. More details to be revealed in next year's NAIAS in Detroit.

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/new-maserati-quattroporte-revealed-before-detroit-debut/

Tuning galore for the 991 911 and the 981 Boxster

Those legitimate tuners from around the world sure know how to add some spices to the latest versions of the 911 and Boxster. Look at those!!!

Anibal Attack

TechArt 981

These tuned-up versions sure know how to make the best better. What can I say? Care to burn their rubbers? Nah, they can do it by themselves...Canadian tuning firm Anibal previews their latest tuning program for the 991 911 under the name Attack which will be made soon, while TechArt showcased their latest tuning program for the Porsche Boxster 981.

Scoop:

1) http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/11/fine-young-anibal-canadian-tuner.html

2) http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/11/techart-shows-more-of-its-new-porsche.html

Cybermen returns next year...

Cybermen

The Cybermen, ruthless and emotionless cyborgs from Doctor Who, are making a comeback for next year's episode penned by Neil Gaiman. This was according to showrunner Steven Moffat. So, Series 7 Part 2 is coming in the spring of 2013, right? How exciting for The Doctor (Matt Smith) and his new partner (Jenna Louise-Coleman) to face those...

Scoop: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/articles/Confirmed-for-2013-Cybermen-and-Stellar-Cast

Mazda Carol Eco launched with 30.2km/L JC08 fuel economy

Mazda borrows Suzuki's Alto Eco so they can have their own version of it called Carol Eco, that accumulates a record-breaking fuel economy of 30.0km/L JC08 thanks to its R06A engine lifted from the third-generation Suzuki MR Wagon but with the improved CVT and Idling Stop system. You may remember that the Suzuki Alto Eco is the world's most fuel efficient car ever made. Nuff said...

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/1237762/

2013 Mazda Carol Eco

Petron teams up with Porsche for some cool toy-car promo

Passion For Porsche

If you are a car enthusiast living in the Philippines, you might remember back in the 1990's that Shell partnered up with Ferrari for some cool limited-edition Ferrari toy cars for every fuel. Now that Shell's on the Lego Ferrari promo, Petron strikes back with some Porsche toy cars. For ever 1000 pesos worth of Petron fuel, you'll get a cool Porsche toy car for 180 pesos only. There are five Porsches to collect such as the 911 GT3 RSR, 911 Carrera, Panamera, Cayman, and Cayenne.

The question is, which do you like most? Shell's Lego Ferrari or Petron's Porsche toy car? I bet someone's getting confused...;-)

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/petron-launches-passion-for-porsche-toy-car-promo

The Holiday issue of Playstation: The Official Magazine will be the last...

Back in 1997, there was an unofficial source for all things PlayStation called PlayStation Magazine but became the official publication of Sony's gaming platforms in 2007 when Ziff Davis ended its Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. Sadly, the Holiday Issue of Playstation: The Official Magazine will be the last issue. It was confirmed by publisher Future US.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-11-06/playstation/the-official-magazine-to-end-with-holiday-issue

Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch is in the new Monty Python movie...

The famed actor for being Sherlock Holmes in BBC's Sherlock, who is Benedict Cumberbatch by the way, is on the upcoming Monty Python movie titled Absolutely Anything, which was co-written and directed by Terry Jones, with the help of Gavin Scott...Impressive, I wish Martin Freeman would love to hear his pal got on the groove...

Oh wait...Benedict's is in the talks of being the new villain for the Star Trek sequel movie...while Martin Freeman's the star of The Hobbit trilogy...What can I say?

I CAN'T

Sorry for the GIF stuff on this diary entry...

Scoop: http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2012/11/more-busy-benedict-news-hes-in-the-new-monty-python-film/

Insignia VXR/OPC Supersport

Vauxhall Insignia VXR SuperSport

The new Vauxhall Insignia VXR (Opel Insignia OPC) SuperSport looks kinda the same but what I heard, the 155mph speed limited has been removed and now...top speed is limited to about 170mph. This is going to be the fastest midsize sedan money can buy...

Scoop: http://www.netcarshow.com/vauxhall/2012-insignia_vxr_supersport/

Forza Horizon: The Jeep Wrangler accepted the invitation...

Trail-rated to enter the party

Our road-mauling friend, the Jeep Wrangler, just got an invitation to Forza Horizon courtesy of the November Bondurant Car Pack! Perfect, because some parts of Horizon involves on off-road, this is the perfect time to show how the Wrangler is capable of even though this has a Pentastar V6 engine on the front.

Glad that I drove one of these again...

What's in our Car Town garage today? (November 8, 2012)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

1967 Ford Mustang Fastback

This car needs no explanation because this is the kind of car as seen in Bullitt. It's the kind of car Steve McQueen drove in the movie and chasing a Dodge Charger in the film. By having the 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback, you had the ultimate movie car in the entire history and when you pair it with the 1969 Dodge Charger HEMI, you'll know that it feels like the real thing...

1967 Ford Mustang Fastback

1969 Dodge Charger R/T HEMI

This is also one of the most iconic muscle car heroes in history and that car deserves no explanation also because this is General Lee. It's the hero car from The Dukes of Hazzard, the one where the Duke boys leap this car to further heights. If this one's complete with the Confederate flag on top and the "01" vinyl on the sides, then you'll know that it really looks like the car that made the Duke boys yell "YEE-HAW!!!"

1969 Dodge Charger R/T HEMI

1969 Nissan Skyline GT-R

The Skyline GT-R story all began in this car that was built from 1969 to 1972 and famed for being called "Hakosuka," which is a combination of the Japanese word for box ("hako" or ハコ) and the pronounced abbreviation of skyline. It was powered by a 2.0 L DOHC S20 I6 producing 160 hp (120 kW) at 7000 rpm and 177 N·m (131 ft·lbf) of torque at 5600 rpm, mated with a 5-speed gearbox. This car is one of the most legendary classic tuners in Japan and when you pair it amongst other classic tuners, it looks good.

1969 Nissan Skyline GT-R

Forza Horizon: Toying around with the new Gallardo Performante

The November Bondurant Car Pack has arrived on Forza Horizon and I am glad to try one of the latest creations from Lamborghini, its the painstakingly beautiful and aggressive Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante.

Watch it! This roadster's crazy!

Anyway, about the Performante, this is the exact opposite of the hardtop Superleggera, well anyway it's the Superleggera with the cloth roof if you know what I mean. However, even though it has the same 5.2L V10 engine that generates 570PS of power, I'm sorry to say that it's almost 200 kilos heavier than the Superleggera hardtop but still, 3605lbs for a convertible like this is more than enough to say that this is the lightest roadster Lamborghini has ever made. Kudos to the CFRP materials used to create the Performante for that.

Outta my way, punks! This is my territory!

I know, it maybe kilos heavier than the Superleggera but what surprised me is the way it misbehaves. It's another one of the supercars you would love to crash someone else's party and here in Horizon, it's a balls-out wrecking ball, perfect enough to ruin someone else's reputation. When you set foot, the sound of the 5.2L V10 engine really feels like it's being fueled with some endless rage on it. It feels like you're gone mad and you want to take revenge on someone who beat you! He he he....Nah just kidding. I really love that noise.

The stunningly handsome front view of the Performante

This car captures my heart more than my favorite Lamborghini, the Aventador LP700-4. Even though both of them came from very different classes, the Performante tries to make me smile even more than the LP700-4. Yeah, it's trying to show me that I am the master of this car. Well, every weapon needs a master, right? It's a Lamborghini thing; EVERY WEAPON NEEDS A MASTER.

The Performante showcases its insane cornering skills

Choose your enemy well...

You know what? This is the third time I played the game that featured the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante. I first drove one in Asphalt: Injection in my PSVita, then NFSMW, and now this! Thanks for featuring that car, Forza Horizon. I'm starting to like it even more or becoming my new favorite open-top supercar in the world...

I think I'm starting to like it more than the 458 Spider or even the Audi R8 GT Spyder.

The IDOLM@STER ANIM@TION MASTER Namassuka Special 05

This is it then, for your everyday delectation, the would-be last installment of THE IDOLM@STER ANIM@TION MASTER series features Chihaya Kisaragi and Yukiho Hagiwara for some series of challenges offered. Not only that, it seems that Kotori's present as well.

Sure, just like the past Namassuka Special installments, we might be expecting our favorite characters duke out their own versions of some of Japan's greatest hits. This volume though, is going to be a big one because not only we can expect Chihaya, Yukiho, and Kotori serving up their own versions of one of the greatest hits from Japan such as 風の魔法, 以心伝心しよう, and Shangri-La, but also we are expecting the M@STER VERSION of one of my personal favorite iM@S songs, titled Little Match Girl. Reason why is because it was composed and arranged by South Korea's ESTi. If you don't know ESTi, he was one of the very few people responsible for composing the BGMs from Playstation3's Ridge Racer 7. That's Supercruiser and Kaleidoscope. Which means that this iDOLM@STER song has the genes of the Ridge Racer bloodline, therefore it's a thrill to listen that song. Little Match Girl...I like that...I wanna listen to that...

So, Little Match Girl, an iDOLM@STER song infused with the fiery red-hot Ridge Racer bloodline, is included in Namassuka Special 05 and sung by Chihaya Kisaragi and Yukiho Hagiwara. If you have that CD, then feel free to enjoy listening to that song while tearing down some races because this is ESTi's work of genius.

And that concludes the Namassuka Special range. If you have them all, which Namassuka Special volume is your pick? For me, I would choose the fifth one because of Little Match Girl...

TRACK LISTINGS:


01 生っすか第五部OPトーク
02 Little Match Girl（M@STER VERSION)
03 小鳥チャレンジのコーナー
04 風の魔法
05 以心伝心しよう
06 Shangri-La
07 雪歩チャレンジのコーナー
08 小さきもの
09 アムリタ
10 ありがとう･･･
11 千早チャレンジのコーナー
12 初恋 〜五章 永遠のクリスマス〜
13 アンコール！！
14 Little Match Girl（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-37417

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

Today, we're not doing some stupid stuff like we normally do all the time because what we have here is this...

River's Diary

What we have here is River Song's Diary and what we're going to do now is read what's inside River's Diary. We promise not to tell spoilers because what we do here instead is alter it with the news. The news...in River's Diary. Let's read it one-by-one...

A Russian teen committed suicide because of the death of his favorite character:

I just heard that somewhere in Russia, there was a 14-year old boy committed suicide after witnessing a death of his favorite anime character. Really? Does this kid had the guts to finish his life just because he witnessed his favorite anime character died? Maybe the father of the deceased kid said that he's spent too much time watching TV and can't tell if it's real or fiction. That teenage Russian, whose name was Leonid Hmelev, leapt more than 100ft to hisdeath from the top of an apartment block after witnessing an episode of Naruto Shippuden where the one when Itachi Uchiha died. Tsk...tsk...tsk...Can't believe his favorite Naruto character was the bad guy. Itachi's death was showcased at the manga four years ago. Maybe he should better off reading that manga. Oh wait, do they have some Naruto manga volumes in Russia? I don't know...

Scoop: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2226324/Russian-teen-leaps-apartment-block-seeing-favourite-Japanese-cartoon-character-die-television.html

2013 Seat Ibiza Cupra Minor Change:

A couple of months ago, while in Beijing, SEAT showcased a facelifted version of the hotter Ibiza Cupra, which was based on the facelifted 2013 SEAT Ibiza range. Sadly though, it's just a pre-production concept car. Now, SEAT, the Spanish subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, has just unveiled the finished product, which will go on sale next year. Nuevo Ibiza Cupra...the one with the state-of-the-art 1.4 TSI twincharger that can go from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 228 km/h - and yet exceptionally efficient, with average fuel consumption of just 5.9 litres/100 km. Huh, seems that the TSi twincharger engine still has some life around here...

2013 Seat Ibiza Cupra

Full Story: http://www.netcarshow.com/seat/2013-ibiza_cupra/

Blacktop Editions for every Dodge models:

Dodge tries to boost their lineup with the addition of special edition Blacktop models on 2013MY Avenger, Challenger R/T and Charger R/T. These models come with the gloss-black wheels, gloss-black grilles, black headlight surrounds and body-colored spoilers.

2013 Dodge Avenger Blacktop Edition

Scoop: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20121102/CARNEWS/121109940

Renault will bring Alpine back with Caterham's help:

Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept

Hmmm....it appears that the Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept car really sparked some interest to make sure Renault can bring the legendary Alpine brand back in the future. However, having the Renault-Nissan Alliance bringing the legendary Alpine brand back takes some help from British racing-car company Caterham Cars. Wow, quite a coincidence there and it says that they will collaborate with the costs of designing, developing and manufacturing a family of sports cars that would be available in about four years. How exciting...

Scoop: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204349404578101001222546918.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Suzuki bids sayonara to the US Car Industry:

Another one bites the rust, well metaphorically. It seems that the US Subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation has filed for bankruptcy. What does this mean? Well, we won't be expecting new Suzuki cars and trucks in the United States once current supplies run out because of low sales volumes, a limited number of models in its lineup, unfavorable foreign exchange rates, the high costs associated with growing and maintaining an automotive distribution system in the continental US and the disproportionally high and increasing costs associated with stringent state and federal regulatory requirements unique to the US market.

Instead, Suzuki USA will be focusing on motorcycles, ATVs, and watercraft. Those who own existing Suzuki cars got themselves covered with honored warranties, and parts will reportedly be made available. Suzuki will continue to sell automobiles in other countries, naturally, including its home market of Japan.

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/american-suzuki-motors-files-chapter-11-will-no-longer-sell-car/

Philippine Volcanoes qualify for Rugby World Cup:

Ah, Philippine Volcanoes...Nope. Not the big scary ones that has Taal or Mayon on it. It's those big, brawny rugby players known as the Philippine Volcanoes. When I said brawny, I mean look at their muscles, their biceps. They look like something big....something meaty...something...oh dear...Why I am writing that? Anyway, these big brawny Volcanoes landed themselves a qualifying rank of 3rd place to the Rugby World Cup Sevens! Team captain, Harry Morris, just said that they are fantastic to be in the Rugby World Cup. This is the first time these guys made it to the world cup! Let's hope these big brawny volcanoes erupt their true potential to the world....

Scoop: http://www.philstar.com/sportsarticle.aspx?articleid=866937&publicationsubcategoryid=69

Are Toyota dealers in the Philippines illicitly selling the 86?:

There was some haka-haka going around here that some Toyota dealers in the Philippines are illicitly selling the ultra-popular 86 coupe with some sales representatives supposedly pushing prospective customers to purchase additional accessories for the car in exchange for a guaranteed spot on the car's lengthy waiting list. Well, the truth is that...well, here's what the explanation done by Toyota Motor Philippines;

"There have been cases where a customer who placed an order for the 86 along with its matching accessories would back out on the accessories ordered once it arrives at the dealers," said one source. "Left with the accessories, it's understandable that some of our dealers would offer them to another buyer of the 86. It may have happened a few times where they'd push the accessories to a buyer of the 86, but we'd like to assure our customers that forcing them to buy the accessories just to be able to buy the 86 is not a standard business practice we condone."

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/are-some-toyota-dealers-illicitly-selling-the-86

Is the 40MPG claim from Hyundai and Kia a big fat lie?:

I just picked up something that the US subsidiary of Hyundai and Kia are on the issue regarding the incorrect 40MPG. It seems that they've initiated a voluntary campaign to re-evaluate economy ratings for about 350,000 vehicles sold between 2010 and 2012, re-label all affected vehicles currently in North American showrooms, and provide monetary reimbursement to all affected current and former customers. It's ashamed that the US EPA are addressing some complaints to the Korean automotive giant regarding fuel economy. Tough luck...

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/epa-discovers-hyundai-kia-have-inflated-fuel-economy-figures

Cars that are fighting to vie the crown as 2012-2013 Japan Car of the Year:

You may remember that in the 2012-2013 Japan Automotive Hall of Fame (JAHFA) Car of the Year, the Honda N BOX+ won while the VW up! became 2012-2013 JAHFA Import Car of The Year and Design of the Year, and Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV-D 2.2L won the 2012-2013 JAHFA Technology of the Year. Now, let us introduce to some of the top 10 cars fighting to become the 2012-2013 JCOTY:

1) Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S - The Toyobaru collaboration really made these sport coupes the must have for 2012 but will it be the one?

2) Nissan Note - HR12DDR Supercharged 1.2L engine is very fuel efficient but is it good to be on that spot?

3) Honda N BOX/N BOX+ - Sure the N BOX+ won the 2012-2013 JAHFA Car of the Year, but can lightning strike twice for this kei car?

4) Mazda CX-5 - the SKYACTIV-D 2.2L clean diesel engine really revolutionized the world and hey, it won the 2012-2013 JAHFA Technology of the Year, but is there a chance to redeem itself?

5) Suzuki Wagon R/Wagon R Stingray - Kudos to its Suzuki ENECHARGE mild-hybrid system that propelled this kei car to a TNP27 Move-killing 28.8km/L fuel economy. Can this new Suzuki Green Technology be number one?

6) Volkswagen up! - It maybe imported but this is Japan's best selling import car. Can the up! shines through the 2012-2013 Japan Import Car of the Year? I hope it is...

7) BMW 3-Series Sedan/Touring - The new model might be more civilized than the old one but...can it impress the Japanese motoring press?

8) Citroen DS5 - The flagship of the Citroen DS range...Is there chance for the DS5 to redeem itself?

9) Alfa Romeo Giulietta - The most beautiful Italian hatchback in the world but can the Giulietta's beauty be the winner?

10) Range Rover Evoque - With its crossover looks and Victoria Beckham-influenced design, the Evoque is all about the POWER OF PRESENCE...but is it enough to be the IMPORT CAR OF THE YEAR?

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/special/1234825/