Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Ssangyong Rexton W

Ah the Ssangyong Rexton, quite a rubbish Korean-made SUV isn't it? Sure this car's been around for over a decade when it first came in South Korea since...um...2001 perhaps. As years came, so goes the changes, well facelifts to be exact. This car went for some facial surgery in 2004 and then it wasn't enough. Later on in 2006, it went to the surgeon again and this time it has a face of the Ssangyong Chairman. This is one of the worst SUVs no one ever heard of it unless if you're Sri Lankan, Russian, or from an emerging country. Such age means that the Rexton's going to be pass away pretty soon but when India's Mahindra took over Ssangyong, they decided to give the Rexton another lease of life and guess what? It worked, and here's the result...

2013 Ssangyong Rexton W

What Mahindra done to the Rexton is simple, revert its front face back to the year 2001 and whoa, this so-called all new Rexton W doesn't feel like a brand new car because of such looks that feels like it came out a decade ago. What's the point of this? Come on Mahindra, wake up! You took over Ssangyong and you did well with last year's Korando C, Chairman New Classic, and New Chariman W but why do you want to make the Rexton feel like old again? In their minds, the year is not 2012 and it is 2001, the year when the Ssangyong Rexton first launch. This isn't what I've expecting this, it feels like back to the age when Nokia phones are proven popular in the Philippines. 3210, 3310, these kinds of Nokias what I'm referring and because it's 2001, MMS hasn't been invented yet.

2013 Ssangyong Rexton W interior

On the interior though, it wasn't as bad as eating a durian because it has some of the features common on any Korean-made SUVs such as those premium dual tone interiors with metal grain accents, electronic adjustable driver seat, fully automatic climate control, sat-nav system, and some of the features that you commonly get on a Korean-made SUV but still, the interior design of the Rexton W isn't quite as good as a posh luxury SUV from Europe.

And then there's the way the Rexton W behaves...the e-XDi200 LET Korean diesel engine that produces about a measly 155PS of power and 36.7kg-m of torque, mated with a 5-speed automatic. Not bad though for Ssangyong standards but still it wasn't quite as good as the new Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento R.

As for the fuel economy, if you're on an economy drive and if you're on a 2WD variant, this will go up to 13.7km/L of fuel economy while 4WD variants get up to 13.1km/L of fuel economy, meaning the new Rexton W is more thirstier than it rivals even though this engine's Euro V compliant and not compatible on Euro II-compliant countries.

This Korean-made Rexton W though, even though Mahindra states that its an all new model, it doesn't feel like a new model. It feels a bit as rubbish as a Nokia 3310 cellphone and listening to some rubbish oldies music. What I'm thinking of that this car could be a decent candidate of being THE WORST CAR IN THE WORLD. We're going to think about it later though because it's a bit complicated to call this the worst car in the world but it takes time though. It takes time. The new Rexton W though is not the best car for me. If I were to put it in my Cool Wall, it would be SERIOUSLY UNCOOL because, well you get that idea.

Imagine that if you are the kind of person who owns this car, people think that you've came from a very poor country capable of smuggling luxury cars and then crushed by the government. If you are going to test drive one of these from your nearest Ssangyong dealer, be sure to bring a hidden camera so you can secretly record about the Rexton W's rubbishness and then upload it on YouTube. It's all in the matter of critic though because the W in the Rexton W naming means WRONG. Perhaps I should call it the REXTON WRONG. He he he....Nah just kidding, it's because of the fans...or enthusiasts...

PRICE LIST:

렉스턴 W 2WD RX5 DELUXE A/T - 26,830,000  Won
렉스턴 W 2WD RX7 BROWN SPECIAL A/T - 31,980,000  Won
렉스턴 W 2WD RX7 LUXURY A/T - 29,180,000  Won
렉스턴 W 2WD RX7 PRESTIGE A/T - 34,050,000  Won
렉스턴 W 4WD NOBLESSE A/T - 37,430,000  Won
렉스턴 W 4WD RX5 DELUXE A/T - 28,600,000  Won
렉스턴 W 4WD RX7 BROWN SPECIAL A/T - 33,750,000 Won 
렉스턴 W 4WD RX7 LUXURY A/T - 30,950,000  Won
렉스턴 W 4WD RX7 PRESTIGE A/T - 35,820,000  Won

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company


Monday, December 3, 2012

Fourth-generation RAV4 to be on Japan this Autumn 2013

2014 Toyota RAV4

Seems that Toyota will retain its previous generation RAV4 in Japan via Netz dealerships because what I found on some spoilerlicious site called car-research.jp, the 4th-generation RAV4 will be in Netz dealerships at the Autumn of 2013...a late schedule for that but anyway, here's how it said...

RAV4のフルモデルチェンジ、日本仕様は2013年秋頃
日本仕様については、2012年12月3日に現行の旧モデルにおける一部仕様変更のスケジュールが入っており、新型への移行は暫く無い。これは旧モデルに対する横滑り防止装置(VSC)の標準化が主な内容で、装備の充実によって現行モデルの販売が継続されることになる。またJC08モード燃費による表記が行われ、FFで12.6km/L、4WDで11.6km/Lとなる見込み。エコカー減税の対象にならないが、モデル末期ということもあり、お買い得な価格提示が期待できそうだ。

日本仕様RAV4のフルモデルチェンジ発売は2013年秋頃となる見込み。日本仕様のエンジンタイプについては、まだ確定的な情報が無い。2.0Lモデルの導入でダウンサイジングと低価格化が行われるという話がある一方で、ハイブリッド専用車となる可能性も指摘されている。ハイブリッド専用車なら駆動バッテリーの生産状況により発売が前後することもあるだろうが、概ね2013年11月に開催される東京モーターショーで新型RAV4のフルモデルチェンジ発表が行われると見込んでいる。


What it said that the all new RAV4 will be in Japan this Autumn 2013 (November's 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, perhaps?) and some say that for this new model, the 2.4L enigne from the previous 3rd generation model will be ditched and be replaced with a 2.0L engine so there's going to be some downsizing here. They're also pondering a hybrid version here...

Caroling with the Bulilits!

On the December 2, 2012 episode of Goin Bulilit...

- What's OOH? What's EEW? It's OOH! EEW!

- Goin Bulilit does the ABS-CBN Christmas 2012 station ID

- Caroling gags sa jeepney

- Tanong ko lang...

- The corniest jokes on I'M CORNY!

- Caroling gags sa labas ng bahay...

- Ready Get Set Goin!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Forza Horizon: Huge power or good handling?

There were two cars that were part of Forza Horizon's November Bondurant Car Pack. The one that possess an insane amount of power of its class and the other which is a hardcore lightweight version of a high-performance German sports car.

First off, I'll start the first one and this one here is the Shelby 1000, a GT500-based machine that became the last to be commissioned by the founder before his death. It maybe a muscle but with such power output that no other muscle car can get this, this is no other muscle car that I have ever driven in the whole game.

An overpowered workhorse



So how did the Shelby 1000 became the only muscle car that can handle such a big power like these? For starters, there is no production muscle car that can accumulate a thousand horsepower engine because with an overpowered engine, a muscle car can't survive and then it starts to disintegrate. That sounds risky but for Shelby American, what they do to make a thousand-horsepower muscle dream into reality, is by giving a GT500 donor car some strengthening needs such as a special subframe connectors, a new tubular chrome-moly front subframe, and others that can help survive the raw power of the thousand-horsepower engine.

I can't believe I got a chance to duke out one of Shelby's 50th anniversary offering, it's like trying out one of their biggest tributes for their anniversaries but such impressions aren't always welcome unless you have shown interest to the Shelby 1000. The sound? For a tuned 5.4L V8 engine on the Shelby 1000, it's giving me a different kind of nostalgia, something that the 1000's demonic whining of its engine reminds you of. Tell you what, does this sound familiar to you? It sounded like the Lizard Nightmare from R4 (Ridge Racer Type 4). Forgive me that I'm mentioning a very very old video game some of you heard of but yes, it does sound like it.

Because of such a heavy power, the handling of the 1000 is very diabolical. It doesn't kill you like a Third World Dictator but it will when it does. You need to be extra careful because the Shelby 1000 is not the kind of car for noobs of all kinds but for a real noob, consider this...

It's as serious as a racing driver as complexed




This is the BMW M3 GTS. It's a lightweight, hardcore, stripped out version of the E92 BMW M3. It may have the same V8 engine that powers the M3 but more importantly, it's 300 kilograms lighter than the standard model. The supercar marketing ploy that goes if you take away something from the car like for example some radio, carpets, aircon, and something to reduce weight, you'll charge more for not giving it to you. That's exactly what this is. Well, it may not be a supercar but look at it, some scaffolding occurred so what can I expect on the M3 GTS is simple; no radio, bucket seats, roll bars, no rear seats, no aircondition, no concession of comfort, nothing. It doesn't matter though because the GTS is a serious sports car with a serious attitude. It's easier to handle too so it doesn't matter if you're not concentrating.

I think that the M3 GTS is my pick because it may lost some of its concessions of comfort but it's a corner-munching leviathan I really love to drive. It kinda reminds me of the M3 GTR from the past. As for the Shelby 1000, it's the power that made me drunk for speed every time I set foot. This is the kind of muscle car that demands fear and respect to the Horizon drivers.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Let's Do The News! (December 1, 2012)

River's Diary

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

14th DLC Catalog for THE IDOLM@STER 2 PS3 version


THE IDOLM@STER 2 (PS3) DLC Catalog Vol. 14


NOTHING WILL BE THE SAME. That's why the PS3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 has exclusive costumes so that it would change you. For this 14th DLC Catalog on the PS3 version, out now, expect new outfits such as “STAR LIGHT AGENT”, “MY BABY’s BREATH”, “CORDUROY COUNTRY”, and “CIRCUIT ARCHITECT” plus a song titled エージェント夜を往く and so much more.

Info: http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/idolmaster/im2/ps3/dlc/catalog14.php

New generation Ford Fusion recalled. New Escape got recalled...once again

A recall of 89,153 Ford vehicles equipped with 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engines such as the all new 2013 Ford Fusion and the 2013 Ford Escape was announced because of the possibility of overheating and, in some instances, fires starting in the engine compartment. Fusion and Escape models equipped with 2.5-liter naturally aspirated and 2.0-liter turbocharged engines are not affected by this recall. The Fusion Hybrid is also not affected.

Very funny that the new 1.6L EcoBoost engine can get a bit of a problem and hey, is this a major flaw for Ford for such an engine that propelled these two an edge against Chevrolet? Oh dear...

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/ford-recalling-89k-2013-fusion-and-escape-models-over-engine-fir/

TMG TS-650 Concept


TMG TS-650 Concept


It maybe just an old Lexus LS but what this is, is a beefed-up version courtesy of Toyota Motorsport GmBH. It's called the TMG TS-650 and this beefed up version of the LS is the first for this TMG thingy. It maybe a concept but with enough interests, this TMG thingy would be the high-performance benchmark like what HSV do for Holden, FPV do for Ford Australia, and other high-performance brands. It's exhibited at this year's ESSEN MOTOR SHOW.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/11/tmg-ts-650-concept-is-lexus-ls-on-some.html

Nissan Juke meets Batman

Forget Batman's K5 (and the other DC Comics-themed Kias). He's switching for another everyday ride and this time it's a Nissan Juke. Coinciding with the UK release of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES on DVD and Blu-ray, Nissan made a special one-off Juke Nismo Batman, which one lucky winner will win these in a special competition named "Builttothrill" that runs until February 28, 2013 with the results to be announced in early March.

Nissan Juke Nismo Batman


WAVE Beach Queens Makoto Kikuchi revealed

WAVE Beach Queens
Makoto Kikuchi

Was she your favorite character from THE IDOLM@STER video game? Coming this June, this is another part of WAVE's Beach Queens IDOLM@STER lineup. She's up for pre-orders at 3990 Japanese Yen or an estimated $50. Now what I want for this lineup to complete is Yukiho and Ritsuko. Gosh, actually, nobody made a figure of either Yukiho Hagiwara or Ritsuko Akizuki these days...

Christopher Eccleston explains about Matt Smith's progress...

Former Doctor Who lead actor (9th Doctor when the series returned in Spring 2005) Christopher Eccleston was interviewed by RedCarpetNewsTV about The Oranges, a new movie starring HOUSE's Hugh Laurie. He also explained about Matt Smith on being The Doctor and what he's looking forward for the program's 50th year...



Some theft involved at this year's Manila Auto Salon

Read something from the Top Gear Philippines site that there are some theft involved at this year's Manila Auto Salon at SMX Convention Center. Here are some of the excerpts;


On the first day alone and in the span of just a couple of hours, we became privy to three incidents of theft.

One visitor reported that her credit and ATM cards were stolen as she roamed around the area. An exhibitor, meanwhile, became the victim of a salisi gang who took advantage of the crowd milling around the booth to take off with the wallet which contained the exhibitor's local and international credit and ATM cards.

And then there's the motoring journalist who briefly left his DSLR camera on a table and asked someone manning the booth to keep his eye on it. When he came back later, not only was the camera missing, but the person he asked to look after it had no clue as to where it went.

Word for all; always keep your belongings safe...

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/manila-auto-salon-wily-thieves-now-preying-on-visitors-exhibitors

What to see at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show?

This year's Los Angeles Auto Show opens at the Los Angeles Convention Center from November 30 to December 9, 2012, and it will be a shooting hoops of world premieres. So, what to see on this year's show? As a rule, no girls please. Take pictures of any car show with yourself and your friends. No picturing of show girls please. I strongly don't want you to do that.

2014 Acura RLX - Honda Legend/Acura RL replacement ditches SH-AWD in favor of its new Precision All Wheel Steer, a technology we won't be seeing in Japan...



BMW i3 Coupe Concept - BMW previews their another addition to the BMW i range. A zero emission electric car with 168HP of power is quite somewhat a fitting to this next-generation city car.



BMW X1 K2 Concept - BMW teams up with winter sports equipment brand K2 to create a colorful take on the X1, which sounds perfect for the winter vacations...



2014 Chevrolet Spark EV - the first ever full electric vehicle from Chevrolet...period.



Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary - the toughest tribute to the RUBICON version of the Jeep Wrangler for 10 years.



Hyundai Veloster C3 Concept - Just as we thought, it couldn't be any more unique for the Veloster, especially this concept's got a canvas top...



2014 Jaguar XFR-S - the most powerful XF Jaguar has ever made, drawing some inspiration from the XKR-S.



Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force Concept - This is what the G-Class would look like in the future...



2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series - this is one bad gullwinged German...



2014 Porsche Cayman - the sexiest Cayman ever!



smart forjeremy concept - Nope. It's not for Jeremy Clarkson. Sorry. It's made by fashion designer Jeremy Scott.



2013/2014 Toyota RAV4 - With its Auris-fied looks, this might be an even better competitor to today's Forester and Outlander.



2013/2014 VW Beetle Convertible - the 21st Century Beetle just got its top dropped...



2014 Ford Fiesta - The front face looks like an Aston Martin but some say this is the new Ford family face. We might be expecting a 1.0L EcoBoost engine next year...



2014 Ford Fiesta ST - a perfect rival to the Chevrolet Sonic RS



2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon - America's people carrier never been so stylish...



Source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/11/2012-LA-Auto-Show-Premieres-Carscoop.html

"Love na love ko ang SAB MARINO!"

On the November 30 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Sofa gags for the lazy

- Service center at the mall's giving too much info...

- Mama? Kuya Betong? Kuya Bitoy? I have something to tell you...

- Tata Lino returns once again for more quotes...

- Bubble Gang does San Marino Corned Tuna by spoofing this commercial as SAB MARINO CORNED TUNA. Love na love ko ang SAB MARINO!

- Pick Up Lines!!!

- Ang Bagong Dating Doon with Brod Pete and pals

- Balitang News

- Some O.A. idiots on the next table are doing O.A. stuff...