Renault ZOE

2013 Renault ZOE

It is as simple as a Nissan LEAF, as perplexed as making a home-made soy latte that you bought one from Starbucks but between you and me, driving an electric car on on normal or open roads is a silence that you might consider because when electric motors kick in, they hum like happy monks. On the Renault ZOE though, that is no exception to the rule when it comes to creating what I'm referring as the French take on the Nissan LEAF.

2013 Renault ZOE

As an everyday commuter car, the Renault ZOE is not what you called sublime but it is well civilized for the civilized drivers who don't care about petrol engines because thanks to such conditions like for instance the emission standards, the war in Syria, lessons learned from Copenhagen, rising gas prices, anything that hits in our way. Because this is a zero-emission electric car, no more pain in the pumps for the driver though because what you do is recharge the batteries at home.

One thing about the ZOE is that within the year 2015, the ZOE will represent more than two-thirds of its sales from Renault and for the starter price, that would lovely because it's cheaper than the Nissan Leaf. It starts at 20,700 Euros but thanks to the government, the tax deduction will slash the starter price by 5,000 Euros off. So, how much is the ZOE now with tax deduction? 15,700 Euros! And when converted, it would be....at an estimated 860,000 Pesos! It's about the same price as an average Thai-built Japanese compact sedan, well forget about stuff and what I heard that in the more expensive versions, there would be active scent diffuser, air purifier, toxicity sensor, Teflon seats, 3D Audio Sound system by Arkamys, hands-free card, reverse camera, and that's it.

How much power is the ZOE? Let's see...oh yes, a measly 65kW of power output and 220Nm of torque so by paper, it's less powerful than the Nissan LEAF but never mind about that. By NEDC standards, the ZOE's electric range will keep you going up to 210km in suburban roads. Because France is in winter season, there's going to be some cold weather out here but Renault told that it can achieve around 100 km (62 mi) in cold weather and 150 km (93 mi) in temperate conditions.

2013 Renault ZOE interior

What's amazing though that Renault made a new kind of electric charger developed specifically on the ZOE and they called it the Caméléon charger. True to its name because chameleons are adapt to their camouflaging in any environment to confuse its enemies, this eccentric charger can charged the ZOE at any level of power, taking between 30 minutes and nine hours.

The Renault ZOE though, a good city car for an average salaryman in France and if you're looking for a car that is well cheaper than the Nissan LEAF, this is the car you should be looking at. Hmmm....kinda remind me of the time Nissan made a commercial about what if everything runs on gas and then Renault took Nissan's idea for their own Renault Z.E. commercial. Infringement? That's just the Renault-Nissan Alliance way so they shared their ideas.

Available Colors: Bleu Energy, Gris Givre, Gris Neptune, Noir Etoile, Blanc Nacre, Blanc Glacier, Bleu Azur, and Teinte Fictive.

PRICE LIST:

Life - 20,700 Euros
Intens - 22,500 Euros
Zen - 22,500 Euros

Photo: Renault

Bulilit pet shop

On the January 13, 2013 episode of Goin Bulilit

- Goin Bulilit music video of One Direction's Live While We're Young

- Pet Shop gags

- The Four-Gets are trying remembering a boy band with a number on its name

- Tanong ko lang...Bakit pa din 99% ng germs ang kayang patayin ng sabon?

- I'm Corny!!!

- Tanong ko lang...bakit ang black board, kulay green?

- Robbers are attacking the parlor and they want is a new hairdo

- Mutya checks out the tech craze of 2013

- Ang Alamat ng Pyramid Scam

- Tanong ko lang...bakit ang English ng asukal na pula ay brown sugar?

- Ready Get Set Goin in Blow it to me gently!

GT5 C7 Corvette Testing...Journey's End

With just a few hours away from the world premiere of Chevrolet's seventh-generation Corvette, along with its new look, new interior, new LT1 engine, and the same heritage for 60 years, guess this is time for Journey's End...No, not that one, it's the "I was gonna be with you, forever" kind of Journey's End, complete with "We Have the Best of Times" and then wiping out memories. Ever since Chevrolet had a chance to use Gran Turismo 5 as a test basis for the next Corvette, I was shocked that a test mule has landed on Gran Turismo 5. First it was a surprise appearance at the GT5 demo screen but now a drivable vehicle for us to try. It was one heck of an experience for me to participate in the final testing of the Chevrolet Corvette C7. I brought it to the Top Gear Track, Laguna Seca, the Nurburgring, and now I'm on my journey's end with the best of times. Me and the next Corvette...pretty soon, we have the best of times...the best...

C7 Corvette in Germany

C7 Corvette in Japan

C7 Corvette in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium

C7 Corvette in Monaco

C7 Corvette in Spain

C7 Corvette in Austria

C7 Corvette in Italy

As the zero hour approaches, what do you think about the C7 Corvette? Would it be as better than the past models or something better? Vale....vale...vale...vale...

The Corvette is definitely a sublime, civilized, and insane sports car and the pride of General Motors and hopefully for this seventh generation, it will become a target for the so-called "successful plumbers" but not just that, it will become a little boy's bedroom wall pinup for the 21st century.

And that's Journey's End for me. If you don't mind before man comes and reads this article, I'd better hurry to the unveiling ceremony...

Forza 4: How to make a BMW M3?

Roll Call!!!

Copying a page from Autocar's pages, we might have a speculation of what the future M3 would look like. The next M3 may come with a 6-cylinder turbo engine that develops 450HP and 48lb-ft of torque. It would be stiffer than the previous model it replaces and lighter thanks to carbon fiber and aluminum. Question is, will it have the same handling of the M3 from yesteryears? To find out, I decided to use the Top Gear Test Track on Forza Motorsport 4 as a speculation zone to speculate the future M3's what-will-it-be scenario...

It may not arrive until next year but until now and then, all we have to do is speculate about how good or otherwise the new model might be but it might be half as soulful as this...

BMW M3 E30

...the original E30 M3, the first M3 ever built. If it weren't for this model, BMW wouldn't made an executive high performance sports saloon money can buy. Even though it's no longer as quicker as its successors, the handling and steering are still at it through the years. It's really quite a well balanced car and don't worry about this one not being a quick because this car really doesn't matter if you're not concentrating.

BMW M3 E36

This applies the same on the M3 E36 of the 90's. If I remember correctly, Car & Driver said that the E36 M3 is one of the best handling cars of the 90's because of its benign handling and balance and popular among circuit racers and track enthusiasts. To be honest, this is more of a high-performance version of the car my dad used to drive. Ah the memories...

Anyway, enough of memory jibber jabber, we used to have a BMW but then because of our family climate, we decided to give it away from our cousin, who moments later swapped for a Mazda RX-8. Well, long story short. Here I am...

One thing I'm going to like about the E36 was its jumpy handling, it is as frightening as a frightened woman and the toaster but it sure is planting my face a huge smile or better yet, WINNING FACE. Innit though....

BMW M3 E46

The E46 M3 though...that's probably the best handling M3 for me. That's definitely something what the next model would learn lessons from. There is a mantra that goes the suspension needs to be faster than the engine itself so what BMW's M division did is to rework the suspension to cope up against the raw power from its 6-cylinder engine. Furthermore, this is more well balanced than its predecessors and also, it's much more fun to drive even for those who are not concentrating.

BMW M3 E92

And this...the soon-to-be-discontinued E92 M3 is somewhat the moral opposite of its predecessors because in the past, most M3's are forgone the inline engine treatment but for the E92 model, the biggest twist involves on putting a big V8 engine on it. It might be more challenging to master but it's still a sublime machine with a big power. What's addicting about this E92 M3 is the noise from its V8 engine. It sounds like an American muscle car with a German twist and also if you have the space and the tire budget, this is much more fun to drift but in terms of its drifting talent...what can I say? PLENTY OF SMOKE BUT NO CIDER. Sorry about that but still, it's still a quick car. The quickest M3 of all but when I pit this one against the E46 M3, seems that the handling of the E92 is nowhere near as good as the E46 and the game of catch-up will leave me bored. Still, on the straights, it's definitely quicker than the E46 if I'm honest.

So, what I want for the next M3 is that it has to be as faster as the E92, as jumpy as the E36, and as easy to handle as the E46. Hopefully, BMW would get that memo...

About Honda's SPORT HYBRID powertrain...

When the Insight first launched in 1999, Honda waged a war against Toyota in the hybrid car market and as it turned out, Honda wasn't quite a successful carmaker to sell hybrids as Toyota did. Even when the Insight returned in 2009, months ahead of the third-generation Prius' arrival, the game of WHO RULES is getting a favor over Toyota against Honda. No matter how many things Honda throw something to Toyota, especially the sporty CR-Z hatchback, it doesn't work. Seems that Honda's IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) is nowhere near as good as Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive.

To counterattack Toyota Hybrid System, Honda Motor Co., Ltd told last year that they'll be showcasing a new generation of hybrid powertrains known as SPORT HYBRID and this is part of Honda's EARTH DREAMS TECHNOLOGY. There are three types of SPORT HYBRID powertrains and it was made specifically for different vehicles from Honda.

SPORT HYBRID

The first was Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive (IDCD), and Honda says that this is a significally advanced lightweight and compact one-motor system developed for Honda's next generation of compact cars. Maybe the next generation Honda Fit would fit onto that category but how does it work? The IDCD combines a 1.5L engine with a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox (instead of CVT, how lovely) containing an integrated, high-output electric motor powered by the car’s lithium-ion batteries. When going and high speeds, both the electric motor and the engine kicks in for combined power while in low speeds, the batteries are in charge. Honda says that this new IDCD will be 30% more fuel efficient than the normal IMA.

For medium-sized cars, the second powertrain in the SPORT HYBRID range will be Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive and it will be implemented on the ninth-generation Honda Accord, coming in Japan on the second half of 2013 (I think). I almost forgot, Honda Cars told me that the ninth-generation Honda Accord will be..hybrid-only. Yep, hybrid-only to compete against the hybrid-only Toyota Camry. Don't know? Click here.

Anyway, about the Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive coming on the ninth-generation Accord, there are three distinct driving modes to choose from; EV Drive allows the car to run on pure electric mode, Engine Drive that is suitable for medium to high speeds. and Hybrid Drive lets both the electric motor and the gasoline engine join forces in case of heavy acceleration and stop-and-go city driving.

Lastly, Honda will feature Sport Hybrid SH-AWD as previewed on the NSX Concept back in 2012 NAIAS but didn't spill the bits. Anyway, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD uses electric motors to run the rear wheels, combined with a petrol engine and seven-speed, dual clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor up front, the system offers an ideal blend of performance and fuel economy. Honda says that it will have a performance of a V8 car while having a fuel economy of a V6 car. Sounds juicy for me....

SPORT HYBRID, I'm not sure if Honda will keep promises to its "The Power of Dreams" slogan but is this going to work or a flop? Look for these in future Honda models very soon and find out...

GT5 C7 Corvette Testing...at Laguna Seca

Pretty soon, this will be the trending topic...

With the countdown before the big reveal draws near, it seems I'm very busy flexing my muscles on the C7 Corvette prototype and with the final days before the big reveal, a GT5 player's work is never done to put all of my blood, sweat, and tears into this next generation Corvette.

My journey lands on Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, located in Monterey, California. Some people say that this is the benchmark from a famed motoring magazine in North America, figuring out the best handling car and the best driver's car in America and this is how I'll be tackling on to see if I'm sending this message on that motoring magazine with some trending topic to feed on.

They said that the soon-to-be-extinct Corvette C6 ZR1, in its 2013 model year, has a lap time of 1:33.7, so what am I going to do here is to beat that, without killing myself. As soon as I crossed the starting line and when the clock starts, the action begins and thanks to sports hard tyres, it's an added challenge for me. In my first lap, I managed to do a 1:42.080, but as I progressed and with numerous tortures at the corkscrew, it seems that my hopes of nailing the lap time set by the 2013 C6 ZR1 has been wiped out and it seems that I have already pushed the next Corvette's LT1 engine a little too far but that's okay though. Even though it may not be as powerful as the flagship model of the previous model, it still shows its wild side. Not quite quick but how much fun is that? This is not made to kill me, this is made to made me laugh! He he he....

With too many twists around Laguna Seca, maybe I wasn't brave enough to master the most advanced Corvette ever but relax, this is just practice for me, so no harm done. I still believe that this C7 Corvette will always be a track-munching, road-burning dynamite and it takes a man with an iron fist to master the new generation Corvette.

By the way, I done it in a 1:39.981 lap time but never mind. This is the best I can do here and surely, it's not going to be a trending topic to the motoring press. Only time will tell when will it set a time in Laguna Seca but in the meantime, it's Journey's End for me testing the C7 Corvette Prototype.

IMPUL now offers body kits for 2013 Latio, NV350, and Note

IMPUL Latio N17

A couple of months ago, while in Malaysia, Edaran Tan Chong showcased an IMPUL version of the Nissan Latio/Sunny/Almera N17 and it was offered in Malaysia. We are pondering when will this be available in Japan and turns out, yes, they will. IMPUL now offers body kits for the all new 2013 Nissan Latio compact sedan and if you happen to own a low-cost sedan from Nissan, which was an import from Thailand with the 1.2L engine and CVT on it, you can pay about 134,400 Japanese Yen for a full aero kit plus 35,700 Yen for the 6.0J-16 (+38) wheels, 7,350 yen for the IMPUL badge, and 3,150 Yen for a number plate lock.

URL: http://www.impul.co.jp/products/model/N17_LATIO.html

That's not all, it seems that the all new Nissan Note E12 and the NV350 Caravan are joining the IMPUL band as well...

IMPUL Note E12

IMPUL NV350 Caravan E26

If you happen to own an all new 2013 Nissan Note E12 and if you have enough money for this project, well yes. Aside from the styling enhancements, IMPUL will also provide some performance boost on either the HR12DE or the HR12DDR engine, Hyper Power Control Unit, OHLINS shock absorbers, coil springs, brake system, anything that will boost the E12's performance. You don't have to tell me what are those but these will make worth your while to add some pepper to your all new E12 Note.

URL: http://www.impul.co.jp/products/model/E12_NOTE.html

Here on the NV350 Caravan model, IMPUL will provide some of the finest aero parts available on Nissan's latest commercial van made for the entrepreneurs or dads who are busy carrying his family. It really packs a swagger on it.

URL: http://www.impul.co.jp/products/model/E26_NV350_CARAVAN.html

Be sure to check them out!