Saturday, August 10, 2013

Cars GT6 Should Put (Volume 4)



Everyone knows that more and more car gamers everywhere are willing to prefer the upcoming Gran Turismo 6, coming this winter exclusively on the Playstation3 console, than the upcoming Forza Motorsport 5, coming this autumn exclusively on the new XBOX One console. However, despite the 1200-car lineup, there are some cars GT6 should put...

Cars like...

1) Ferrari LaFerrari '13

WHY: It's so stupid for Ferrari to call this limited edition hypercar "LaFerrari" because what would they think of when they show off their...FERRARI LAFERRARI? It's like repeating the name over and over but anyway, despite the stupid naming, the LaFerrari is probably the most powerful Ferrari ever made, superseding the F12berlinetta because with the same V12 as seen on the F12 plus a clever KERS system as seen on Formula One cars, over nine hundred horsepower are developed, making this ultra-rare Ferrari a force to be reckoned with. I'd expect this to be better than the rumored P4/5 if I'm honest.



2) Toyota TS030 Hybrid '12

WHY: Not sure about this hybrid-engine wielding LMP but I'm sure a lot of people are begging to have Toyota's hybrid-powered LMP to be on that game. While it may not be a proper Le Mans fighter but in a middle of 6 HOUR races such as Sao Paulo, Shanghai, and Fuji, the TS030 stands out. Do we really want to see the TS030 on GT6? Let's hope...


3) Ford Fiesta ST '13

WHY: Gran Turismo needs a Ford Fiesta right now and I think this latest incarnation of the hot Ford Fiesta ST should do the trick. It may have the same 1.6L engine as the rivals from France have one but it's less powerful. Despite less powerful, the Fiesta ST's handling were superb. I just want GT6 to feature this fun little Fiesta because when the 208 GTi, new Renaultsport Clio, and this showed up, I want to recreate the Top Gear episode with those.


4) Caterham R500 '08

WHY: For me, I don't think I'm going to like the KTM X-BOW because for me, the Caterham R500 is the ideal track-day car ever made with its weapons-grade material and the fact that it has a stronger power-to-weight ratio than the Bugatti Veyron. In 2008, it was Top Gear's Car of the Year.

Caterham R500

5) Lamborghini Sesto Elemento '10

WHY: Sesto Elemento is Italian for Sixth Element and if you look at the periodic table, it's carbon. It's a carbon wrapped Lambo track car based on the Gallardo that looks insane in design and driving. I just want the Sesto Elemento to be in GT6 because this is probably one of the most insane Lamborghinis to drive and I want one.

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

The results please? So, if Polyphony's still on the rethinking process whether these cars I've mentioned will be featured on Gran Turismo 6, whether in game or as a DLC, you can't say that I didn't had a bit to do with that.

Take that to Kaz Yamauchi!

Threats from North Korea - A Week in Review (August 10, 2013)


And now, the week in review of what's what at the Korean peninsula...

August 5, 2013

- President Park Geun-hye carried out a wide-ranging reshuffle of her senior secretaries after returning from a five-day vacation.

August 6, 2013

- President Park Geun-hye, who replaced half of her unsatisfactory senior secretaries, showed her strong will to start anew.

August 7, 2013

- Two Koreas will return to the negotiating table next Wednesday in Kaesong for another shot at reopening their joint-run factory zone in the North

August 8, 2013

- The Korean government is set to charge higher electricity rates to conserve energy.

August 9, 2013

- Temperatures in South Korea climbed above 33 degrees Celsius nationwide, and humidity levels also rose to record levels.

- There's renewed hope on the horizon for the shuttered Kaesong complex, following Pyongyang's confirmation that it would hold talks with Seoul on getting the place up-and-running again.


"Masarap...Kahit Walang Palaman!"

On the August 9, 2013 episode of Bubble Gang

- Court gags

- Bubble Gang Telebabaw presents...BUKAS MAY PAGASA PA.

- The Adventures of Ruffa Mae Kwento in...SUNOG!

- More Aling Mary arrogance to the masses!

BREAK

- Kidnap for ransom...on a teddy bear?!

- Bubble Gang does Gardenia by spoofing this commercial as GARDEN N'YO! Masarap...kahit walang palaman!

Bubble Gang does Gardenia!

- There are 101 uses for a "laway"! Gross but try it out...

- Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It's SO POOR MAN!

- IyoTube in PSY'S GENTLEMAN

- Highlights of Bagong Gang...On this highlight, two teams are being tied up on the sketch with actor Paolo Contis on the tow. Now, it's the eliminations and it's time to Bubble Gang to say goodbye to...Roehl Mendoza and Maricris Garcia. WE REPEAT, Bubble Gang announced that both Roehl Mendoza and Maricris Garcia were eliminated and can't advance on the the next challenge on the Bagong Gang. Stay tuned for more as the remaining eight take on more funnier sketches.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

What's in our Car Town garage today? (August 6, 2013)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

1967 Honda S800

Served as the replacement to the S600, the S800 from Honda was built to compete with the likes of the Austin Sprite, MG Midget, Triumph Spitfire, and the Fiat 850 Spider. While it's available in either a coupe or roadster configurations, it was equipped with a 0.8L engine which produces 70HP and classified as the first Honda to reach 100mph of top speed, with a fuel economy of 35MPG.

1967 Honda S800

1971 Plymouth Roadrunner

Renewed for the 1971 model year, the Roadrunner muscle car was changed to be more "fuselage" while staying true to the Chrysler design philosophy of the 70's. While the '71 model had its length dropped, the wheelbase was increased to 115 inches and a rear sway bar was used in conjunction with staggered rear leaf springs. Also added were the 340-4bbl feature and the detuned version of the 383 Road Runner engine which develops 300HP of power.

1971 Plymouth Roadrunner

1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

In the good old days, car lovers love to cruise around in open top convertibles all the way to Route 66. For this convertible version of the C2 Corvette Stingray, that is no exception to the rule. It maybe identical to its hardtop equivalent but with the roof open, it's all about the cruising on the open roads for you, even if it comes with the 427 V8 engine that powers the Stingray.

1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

OUTTAKES: Subway x Gravity Falls Collaboration

MEOW WOW!

OUTTAKE:

Hello fellas. What you're looking up here is one of the six limited edition Subway x Disney's Gravity Falls collaboration reusable bags available throughout this month for every Subway Kid's Meal and I wasn't expected to see such a thing like this existed and hey, I love Gravity Falls. (snickering)

Like I said, for every purchase of Subway Kids' Meal, you'll get a free Gravity Falls bag. There are six of them to collect for a limited time only while supplies last.

Anyway...why did I got Mabel's?

OUTTAKE END.

Let's Do The News! (August 6, 2013)

River's Diary


River's Diary, I'm bored, can you tell me something what's going on around here?

- The movie adaptation of the famed iDOLM@STER franchise will hit theaters in Japan early 2014.

- You may remember that the Philippine government bought themselves a new warship called the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16). Question is...WHAT ARE ITS CAPABILITIES? Find out here.

- There's going to be a more affordable Caterham coming soon and this time, it's going to be powered by Suzuki's 660cc turbo engine.

- Subaru teased an STi-tuned version of the BRZ sports coupe. More info coming soon.

- Speedo boys who owned a Honda in New Jersey should know that there's going to be a HONDA DAY this August 10 to 11 at the RACEWAY PARK (30 PENSION ROAD, ENGLISHTOWN, NJ 07726). It's all competition meets culture for speedo boys and Honda lovers in the Jersey Shore.

- In an episode of GMA's My Husband's Lover, Zandro (Keempee de Leon) got a brutal beating from his uncle Gen. Armando Soriano (Roi Vinzon) because of his being gay.

Beaten Zandro
- Adding misery to my iDOLM@STER fandom, Bandai Namco's Lalabit Market will feature the store's exclusive Makoto Kikuchi  -Angelic Island- "Devilkin Swimsuit" version figure, on sale exclusively at Lalabit Market next year. If that "Devilkin Swimsuit" looks familiar, it's because it's as seen on the PS3-only iDOLM@STER G4U Volume 6. This isn't the first time though because Miki Hoshii once gave the Lalabit Market-exclusive treatment before.

- It's official. Ogie Alcasid will bid farewell to GMA7 as he's going to sign contracts with TV5 at Aracama Restaurant at Bonifacio Global City on Tuesday afternoon. Ogie Alcasid's official twitter posted a tweet about his new milestone as a Kapatid;

"My friends, I humbly ask you for a prayer as is sign with tv5 this afternoon. Kayo naman lagi ang nariyan and once again I ask 4 yr support"

Aside from being a full-fledged Kapatid, he will also head the network's new music department.

TTFN!

Toyota Corolla Axio Hybrid and Corolla Fielder Hybrid

2014 Toyota Corolla Axio Hybrid

2014 Toyota Corolla Fielder Hybrid
I wasn't expecting to see that but the 11th Generation Toyota Corolla, launched last year, has now spawned a hybrid model and what's all the fuss about? It seems that the Corolla tradition has taken to a whole new spin by offering fuel-efficient Hybrid versions of the Corolla Axio sedan and the Corolla Fielder wagon in a country where fuel consumption is the norm.

Whatever but what's the difference? Toyota says that both the hybrid Corollas gained an exclusive front grille, front and rear Synergy Blue emblems, an exclusive Light Blue Metallic body color, and other distinctive elements. On the interior, you can expect blue-highlighted instrument gauges which seems to look as futuristic as...ahem you know what that creepy song is. Plus, they also come with special seat fabric and an exclusive interior panel design, artificial-leather ornamented instrument panel and upper door trim, and a shift stick knob with blue-accented leather cover.

2014 Toyota Corolla Axio Hybrid interior

2014 Toyota Corolla Fielder Hybrid interior

While the hybrid models are heavier than the normal petrol models because of the added nickel metal battery needed to generate electric power, Toyota gave those hybrid Corollas some tweaked suspension settings to handle the added weight but I'm not quite sure if these added settings worked out brilliantly but (ahem), they're still a bit tad old fashioned.

What you may noticed that both of them comes with the 1.5L petrol engine as seen on the Toyota Aqua compact and with THS-II, mated with CVT gearbox, I was expecting that the fuel economy, as calculated by JC08 Mode standards, is 33.0km/L. It was. 33.0km/L of fuel consumption means that's more than what you get than the Toyota Prius!

Say what? The Corolla Hybrids are fuel efficient than the normal Prius?! Of course, while the Prius' fuel economy is 32.6km/L, the Corolla Hybrids are 0.4km/L more! Also, it's cheaper to buy than the Prius because of the intro pricing for just 1,925,000 Yen for the Axio Hybrid and 2,085,000 Yen for the Fielder Hybrid. That means that the Prius is the least we're worrying about. It's those that we're worrying about...almost because the only thing more worrying than the Prius is its little brother, the Aqua because think about it, it's cheaper than the Prius, more fuel efficient than a Prius, and more of a hassle than the Prius.

While Toyota says that they're expecting a monthly sales target of 1000 units for the Axio Hybrid and 1500 for the Fielder Hybrid but like most JDM hybrids, I'm expecting these to exceed the sales target because hey. This is Japan and Hybrids and ECO is the JDM norm of today, which is annoying all the time.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Jed Madela, IHAW NA!

For the August 5, 2013's Banana Nite's IHAW NA segment, the guest of the day was none other than famed singer Jed Madela.

Meanwhile, we're looking what would a Sosyal and a Di Sosyal do such as doing workouts, cutting meat, and being broken-hearted.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Audi A3 Sedan

2014 Audi A3 Sedan

2014 Audi A3 Sedan
Now that was unexpecting. In the past, the Audi A3 was available only as a hatchback, in 3-door and 5-door guise, but for the newest A3, they've added a 4-door sedan version for the very first time in the history of the A3. Just one point, why? Some say, they want to compete with Mercedes-Benz's 4-door compact saloon, the CLA-Class and that's an actual fact. However that's the least of the problems because as I heard, somewhere in North American, AUDI USA announced that for the next A3, the Americans won't get a 5-door hatchback version like what the previous generation had and instead go for the sedan version. Seriously?

Technically, that was a bold move to follow for Audi because what they want is to make a new model which not only captures attention from everyone living in the economic superpowers but also from the emerging market like for instance, Eastern and Central Europe, particularly Russia and Turkey. Did you know that more than 60 percent of all sedans sold in Europe are sold in Russia? Well, it's true but it can also be a theory if I'm skeptical.

Anyway, the sedan version. What is it? It's based on the third-generation A3 but the sedan is 11 mm (0.43 in) wider and 9 mm (0.35 in) lower than the A3 Sportback. Also, you can expect the same choice of engines as the hatch models such as the 1.4 TFSI and 1.8 TFSI gasoline units and the 2.0 TDI diesel. Depending on the engine choices, it can be mated with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or the very clever S tronic double clutch gearbox which shifts faster than a manual as every geeks in the world would explain it.

2014 Audi A3 Sedan interior

2014 Audi A3 Sedan interior

On the inside, it's the same as the A3 hatchback with some numerous features on it. You can expect a new modular infotainment system (MIB), consisting of MMI Navigation plus, a 64 GB hard drive, DVD drive, whole-word voice control and a high-resolution 7-inch-screen. That's seems savvy for the tech geeks but I wonder what's like to be a driver's car, perhaps?

This looks like the job for...some SCIENCE ABUSE! That's right! To imagine what's like to drive this sedan model, I need to go to my room first to read some magazines. I was trying to grab an issue of one of my favorite magazines when suddenly, I heard a little pop! What was that pop going on? Perhaps...it's Peter Logan's Exploding Paste!

That's right. Driving the A3 Sedan is like getting pranked by some exploding paste only a scientist can make. In the normal roads, that's perfectly normal but if I was driving in the traffic-prone areas, say EDSA or Quezon City, that's about as stressful as working at the office overtime. Another one of its problems was the price and with prices start at around 24,300 Euros, making it twice as expensive as an entry level VW Jetta but cheaper than the A4 sedan, making it an affordable Audi saloon money can buy.

Yes, it maybe cheaper than the A4 but is it worth it? Well, no. Remember the whole exploding paste thing unless if you're tired or wired. The A3 Sedan is worth noting to be an entry-level saloon for the masses but even though this is an affordable saloon car, I'm afraid it's still not worth it to compete against the CLA because think about it, the CLA is attractive, it's technological, and that's it. I guess both the CLA and the A3 Sedan truly share the same problem and it's about why it was made for the well-educated college students for the first place. If your mum and dad thinks you passed a driver's exam and they had so much cash in the back, you can be sure that they'll buy one for you but having one of these is like showing off your ultra expensive smart phone to your peers and you said that it has more features than others. Well, it maybe a swag but I'm sorry. That's doesn't sound right to be that kind.

Available colors: AmalfiweiƟ, Brillantrot, Brillantschwarz, Belugabraun Metallic, Dakotagrau Metallic, Eissilber Metallic, GletscherweiƟ Metallic, Lotusgrau Metallic, Monsungrau Metallic, Scubablau Metallic, Shirazrot Metallic, Misanorot Perleffekt, Phantomschwarz Perleffekt, and Dautonagrau Perleffekt.

Photo: AUDI AG

Let's Do The News! (August 5, 2013)

(cheers and applause)

Richard: Doesn't stand a chance! He he he...

(applause continues)

Jeremy: Anyway, you said that the Adipose just got scared when it sees Isabella's cute face. Wow, Adipose doesn't stand a chance against Isabella. So, who's going to be next?

Richard: I dunno. Find out next week.

(audience laughing)

Richard: Anyway, the news. And oh, has anyone saw the Doctor Who Live special? It was televised worldwide for the big revelation of who will be the 12th Doctor and as it turned out. It's someone older than Matt Smith. Peter Capaldi.

James: Peter Capaldi? Well, I haven't heard about that man but he's no stranger to the world of Doctor Who, I think.

Jeremy: Yeah, Richard. Just who the hell is Peter Capaldi?

Richard: Well, for starters, like what James May said, he's no stranger to the world of Doctor Who. In the 2008 season of Doctor Who, he was Caecillus in the Fires of Pompeii episode, the one where Karen Gillan was in that episode as one of the Sisterhood. A year later, he was John Frobisher in the Children of Earth arc of its spin-off, Torchwood. His involvement at the BBC also includes being in the TV drama, The Hour, which lasted for two seasons.

Jeremy: Well, it was definitely better than standing still, waiting for when will the new Pope be. Good thing he's not (ahem)...you know. As it turned out, he's also Scottish-born just like David Tennant. Coincidence? I think not...

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Anyway. Welcome to the world of Doctor Who...again. Peter Capaldi. Don't screw this for us when you show up for Christmas!

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Oh, hey! The US Government. They said that they issued a global security alert because...well. It's because of what would the Al-Qaeda do for the whole month. I'm not so sure why they issues such a warning though but...this is very serious.

James: As serious as this morning's newspaper?

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Yes. It's serious. Reason why the US issued a global warning is because Al-Qaeda's are doing some stupidity going around the Arabian Peninsula. If I said, stupidity. Yes. Some say, it could happen at the end of Ramadan, which is the holy month for the Muslims. But in theory, I don't know. Anyway, we'll look at that thing up later okay?

Richard: Yeah. There's always BBC News telling those stuff but be advised....Stay away from the Arabian Peninsula for security purposes, okay?

Jeremy: Yeah and oh...word to Chito Miranda, who was the vocal of Parokya Ni Edgar, a OPM rock band we all loved because of Mr. Suave and oh! They even collaborate with Kamikazee for THE ORDERTAKER! I love that song. He he he.... Anyway, word to Chito Miranda from Parokya Ni Edgar, our thoughts belong to you.

Richard: Why?

Jeremy: Because....he's been ashamed after some idiot uploaded his private video with his girlfriend in the net.

James: Oh...Some sort of sex scandal that wasn't supposed to be in the net until some idiot did? Aw man... This goes to show, ENOUGH WITH THE SCANDAL! SCANDALS RUIN CELEBS' LIVES, OKAY?!

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Yeah. How many celebs got suffered over sex scandals? A lot! This is nuts! Netizens, all of you! Stop searching over scandals of your favorite celebs, okay? I mean, what's to like about those stupid sex scandals? Nothing! There's something you can hate about! Sex scandals can badly hurt not just yours but other's reputations as celebs! Got it?

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Anyway, you still remember the whole Hayden Kho fiasco?

James: I am...

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: What? Have you watched a scandal before?

James: Uh no. No, I'm not. I'm no scandal-lover but that issue really grinds my gears. Get it? GRINDS MY GEARS!

(audience laughing)

James: Oh...There goes the song...Don't touch my birdie...

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Anyway, moving on to...Gravity Falls. While we got happy over the season finale of the hit Disney TV show, word from the mouth is that fast-food chain Subway made a collaboration with the show and here it is...

Subway teams up with Gravity Falls!
James: Yeah. Says here for every purchase of Subway Kids' Meal, you'll get a free Gravity Falls bag. There are six of them to collect for a limited time only while supplies last. So uh...want one?

Richard: Oh yeah. I had a grappling hook! You wanna come to Subway for those?

(audience laughing)

James: Oh yeah!

Richard: Hang tight!

(grappling hook fires, then get away)

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Okay, you guys had fun! Anyway that is the end of the news!

(Richard and James yelling)

(drop!)

(audience laughing)

Richard: Aw man! The grappling hook's not working!

James: Ouch! You're hurting my spleen!

(audience laughing)

How Cute Is Your Character? - Adipose


10 cute characters brought in by me will face my CUTENESS TESTS; getting kissed, getting hugged, and against Isabella's cuteness in a bid to top my CUTENESS RANKER leaderboard.

Today's cute character is...

Adipose

Is it the Adipose a living fat creature made out of human fat which served huge threat to the human race despite its cute appearance and appeared in the Season 4 opener of BBC Doctor Who?

It looks cute though but...HOW CUTE IS THE ADIPOSE?

The first test is...getting kissed. The Adipose are cute and cuddly but what is like to be kissed? Because they're made out of fat...it's gross to kiss one of those. But still, the Adipose has a kissable rating of: 5 out of 10.

The second test is...getting hugged. Is the Adipose huggable? Yes. Very. You don't need to make one of those because there was an officially licensed Doctor Who Adipose plushie courtesy of Underground Toys. If you bought one, you might as well spend the whole hour hugging one of those. Which means...the Adipose has a huggable rating of: 9 out of 10.

The final test is...against Isabella. Isabella says "Whatcha Doin?"...like this. What would an Adipose do when it sees Isabella's cute face? Sadly, it got knocked down and retreat back to its home planet, giving it a pathetic Isabella-resistance rating of: 2 out of 10.

Adipose from BBC Doctor Who scored a total of a measly 16 out of 30. Putting it behind Mog from Final Fantasy.

CUTENESS RANKER:
1) Mog - 19/30
2) Adipose - 16/30

How cute do I rank? Fairly cute. HOW CUTE IS YOUR CHARACTER?

Top Gear Season 20 finale

Top Gear Season 20 finale

This marks the end of the 20th season of BBC Top Gear and on that season finale, we saw Jeremy Clarkson test driving the brand-new Jaguar F-Type, Richard Hammond test driving the brand-new Range Rover Sport, and James May tries out the New Bus for London. It all comes up with an epic ending set near Buckingham Palace showcasing the best of British.

Formula One driver Mark Webber made a comeback for the Top Gear Formula One star in a reasonably priced car segment. He did it in 1:43.1, not only it's better than his previous lap time but he beats S.Vettel's lap time by almost a second!

That's it. That is the end of the 20th season. It has been quite a fun filled season. From the Toyota Auris racing against a cup yacht in New Zealand, finding out which country makes the best taxi, a race at the desolated BBC Television Centre, convertible supercars in Spain, the Hovervan, investigating crossover, and it all leads to the epic finale.

Series 20 gives way to numerous power tests such as the Peugeot 208 GTi, the Renaultsport Clio 200 EDC, Ford Fiesta ST, BAC Mono, Ferrari F12berlinetta, the Aventador Roadster, the Sesto Elemento, the SLS AMG Black Series, SLS AMG Electric Drive, the Jaguar F-Type, and the new Range Rover Sport.

Hope we enjoyed it. See you next season! Cheerio!