Audi RS7 Sportback

2014 Audi RS7 Sportback

Well, that was quite an unexpected arrival for this hot version of the Audi A7 4-door coupe even this promises to give the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG and the BMW M6 Gran Coupe a run for their money. So, ladies and gents, meet the Audi RS7 Sportback.

Lurking behind the skunk works of quattro GmBH, this high-performance 4-door coupe tries to balance it out not just as a premium saloon car but also a sports saloon that prefers to play with alkali metals in the bathroom, only cesium is worth the big bang in the bathtub perhaps. The science lesson is always one of Audi's biggest excuses when it comes to retain their "Vorsprung Durch Technik" slogan but because Germans love to do some serious stuff, all that sense of humor is not here, and so are its German rivals. Sometimes, it always left fake smiles rather than real smiles even when you made a fantastic joke out of it but no matter what, the Germans never laughed because humor is not in the German lexicon. There's another thing about how German is a German car because rather than losing its sense of humor, it's bang goes to the fear, the sorrow, and the fury. A true German car has to be more emotionless in order to focus to its keen points a driver would want but to be honest, it's all emotion commotion for this kind of scenario anyway.

For such a serious car like the RS7, it's rigged with Audi's 4.0 TFSi twin turbo engine which develops the same as the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. 0-100kph takes about 3.9 seconds and top speed normally limited to 250kph or if you have enough cash, there's this dynamic package which raises the limit to 280kph or the very serious dynamic package plus which has its limit raised to 305kph, about 20 less than the LP560-4 Gallardo so it's not much of what you call...hmmm...

In terms of handling, well that was a bit of a brainstormer here, it still retains its seriousness as a German car and even if your hammering around like a megalomaniac, heh, no fuss. It behaves just like an office junior jumping through the swimming pool with some office equipment. Be warned though that while it drives seriously on the open roads, it still yanks like babies and roadworks. You wouldn't want one to use it as a chauffeur's car because sometimes, you'll be waking your boss up with his wine spilled on his pants. Quite an embarrassing moment eh and if it happened if you drive one of these in formal occasions or some sort of luxury parties, you're going to ruin theirs because what you have here is morally impolite. Geez, I don't really want to have one or have my driver to chauffeur with me because things can really get as messy as Japanese wasabi.

What's also crazy about the RS7 is its serious pricing and I was hoping to be priced competitively between the CLS63 and the M6 Gran Coupe but with this, it starts at around 113,000 Euros, around 20,000 more than the S7 Sportback, which is a lesser brother to that. So, with so many questions about the new RS7 are better left untold, it all leads to everyone's verdict to figure out how does the RS7 stack up but in the meantime, don't. It's still worth leaving your ears red if you had one and when you hear people talking about your ride.

Photo: Audi AG

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado J150 minor change

The Land Cruiser Prado, it maybe the junior version of the Land Cruiser but it really behaves like its big brother thanks to its off-road capability, luxurious interior fit for politicians, big engines, and the high pricing that will really empty your pockets. This is the kind of offroader that you can expect to see one crossing through the streets whether if you're in the Philippines or in the Middle East or in Europe or in India or in Australia but the junior version of Japan's answer to the Range Rover really tries to be a stand-out in the face of the crowd. If you're happen to drive or ride in one of those, people might think that you are a high-ranking official trying to make the rounds.

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

Now, there is an updated version of the Prado and judging by its minor change, I still don't understand the way it looks because look at its new front face, it's about as disappointing as the M_h_ndr_ Sc_rp__. (NOTE: I removed some of the vowels on it to prevent search engine query hijinks by the time I'm checking) And then there's the headlamps which is now has the shape of a putter and...are we playing golf or what? Sorry, we're not playing golf, perhaps it's still the SUV capable of sending rich politicians to the golf course for their recess.

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado interior

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado interior

So, what about the interior? For the very observant amongst you, it seems the dashboard's changed a bit and the more expensive models now come with the SD Navigation System featuring G-BOOK mX Pro (Version 2.1). Yes, quite an update on the hardware and the software alike for navigational purposes in mind but there has been some numerous mild updates on the interior such as the updated speedo with some multicolor TFT LCD with high visibility, and yes, you can still have the optional 3rd row seating to make the Prado a seven seater. I'm not quite sure if this can be used as a family car and hey, summer's almost over, so make the most out of it but no. Never mind, the Prado's too expensive for a family car, it's usable for the rich and famous, even politicians.

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

Of course, you can still have the 2.7L 2TR-FE engine with the power output of 163PS and the fuel economy of 8.5km/L or a powerful 4.0L V6 1GR-FE engine with Dual VVT-i, that carries the power output of 276PS and the fuel economy of 7.9km/L, but remember, if you go for the 2.7L model, you'll have a 4-speed automatic, while if you're for the powerful and ultra-thirsty V6 model, the gearbox you can expect is a 5-speed SUPER ECT with sequential shiftmatic. Also, you can expect numerous features offered on the new Prado such as KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System), crawl control, Multi-Terrain Select, Pre-Crash Safety system, clearance sonar, radar cruise control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Anti-lock Brake System, Vehicle Stability Control, SRS airbags, reinforced body, and the Multi Terrain Monitor.

The Price List:
2.7L TX 5-seater - 3,180,000 Yen
2.7L TX 7-seater - 3,330,000 Yen
2.7L TX L Package 5-seater - 3,620,000 Yen
2.7L TX L Package 7-seater - 3,770,000 Yen
4.0L TZ - 4,250,000 Yen
4.0L TZ-G - 4,900,000 Yen

Available colors: Super Whit II, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Dark Steel Mica, Black, Attitude Black Mica, Bronze Mica Metallic, Dark Green Mica, and Dark Blue Mica.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

CHILDHOOD RUINED: Teletubbies set flooded by owner due to "tourism"

Teletubbies set before and after

The Teletubbies, the BBC's preschool show featuring four noticeable characters Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa, and Po. The TV show aired from 1997 to 2001, has tons of merchandising rights, and it remains one of the most controversial shows in ages. Now even though it's no longer with us, most of the people visited the place in question, which is the set used for the hit BBC preschool show. It's located somewhere in Wimpstone, Warwickshire.

What shocked us that the owner of that place where the Teletubbies are filmed had enough of that. She said “People were jumping fences and crossing cattle fields. We’re glad to see the back of it.” The solution? She flooded the whole set into just a questionable pond! Pity though, more like CHILDHOOD RUINED for us...

Source: Mirror

Let's Do The News! (September 10, 2013)

The mad, the bad, and dangerous in the world of news today...

- Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov urged Syrian leaders to hand over their chemical weapons to international control in a bid to prevent a potential US military strike. He said that Russia will cooperate with the Assad regime to avert a US attack on Syria and ask Syria to join the Hague-based organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Syria accepted Russia's proposals.

- The USA Today newspaper and Pew Research Center released the results of a survey of over 1500 people nationwide and according to the poll, 60% oppose Syria intervention.

- For the Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi will showcase a concept car with a very funny name. It's called the Nanuk quattro concept and this concept 4x4 supercar was penned by Italdesign Giugiaro.

Audi Nanuk Quattro concept

- If you thought the 6-wheel drive Mercedes G63 concept is all "fantastic" and "mathematical" to you, then Brabus decided to make it more "mathematical" by tuning up the G63 AMG 6x6 for their B63S-700 6x6 masterpiece in Frankfurt Motor Show.

Brabus B63S-700 6x6

- After long waits, the production version of the Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid-engine wielding sportscar was finally revealed and it will be showcased at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

2015 Porsche 918 Spyder

- Namco Bandai Games announced that they will make a new Gundam and THE iDOLM@STER video game for the all new Playstation4. Also, iM@S creator says that there's going to be a stand-alone iM@S game in the works. Wonder what could that be?

- The Playstation Vita gets even better because Sony announced the PSVita TV system which allows PSVita users to play PSVita games on TV, download PSP and PSX games, and access various video and web services. Also, a more slimmer PSVita and a new 64GB memory card for the Vita were announced.

- Is this going to be the successor of the Golf Plus MPV? Volkswagen showcased the Golf Sportsvan concept car to preview such a thing...

VW Golf Sportsvan concept

TTFN!

The World God Only Knows Character CD. 8, 9, 10, 000

Goddess Arc is the name of the third season of The World God Only Knows (日本名: 神のみぞ知るセカイ 女神篇) and the latest season sees the return of fan favorites Keima Katsuragi, special agents Elsie and Haqua, and some of the favorites. There are some new characters featured in the new series where Keima investigates the secrets of the goddess. It may not be a "do or die" mission but the third series is worth a throwing.

So, the character CDs inspired from the third chapter of the Kaminomi anime, yes, there's one volume where special agents Elsie and Haqua returned as one but the first three features some of the new characters such as Tenri Ayukawa, Tsukiyo Kojo, and Yui Goido. Yes, we know who you are but sorry, we're not because the best way is to have one of those and if you're thinking of these as valuables, it's all part of the whole Kaminomi music CD collection.

1) Character CD.8 Tenri Ayukawa starring KAORI NAZUKA





2) Character CD.9 Tsukiyo Kujo starring YUKA IGUCHI





3) Character CD.10 Yui Goido starring AYAHI TAKAGAKI





4) Character CD.000 Elysia de Lute Ima & Haqua d'rot Herminium starring KANAE ITO & SAORI HAYAMI

Super GT 2013 Round 6 Fuji Speedway

#38 ZENT CERUMO LEXUS SC430

The sixth round of the 2013 Super GT season returns on Fuji Speedway and amazingly, this was the first win for the ZENT CERUMO racing team of Yuji Tachikawa and Kohei Hirate in their #38 Lexus SC racer while in the GT300 class, the #4 GSR HATSUNE MIKU BMW, driven by Nobuteru Taniguchi and Tatsuya Kataoka, won Round 6 of this year's Super GT.

PRESS RELEASE:

ZENT CERUMO SC430 gets its first win of the season! BMW conquers in the GT300 class

The FUJI GT 300km RACE, Round 6 of the AUTOBACS SUPER GT, took place at Fuji Speedway (one lap 4.563km x 66 laps) in Shizuoka Pref. on Sept. 8. In difficult conditions with rain drizzles on and off, the winner of the GT500 class was the No. 38 ZENT CERUMO SC430 driven by Yuji Tachikawa and Kohei Hirate. The GT300 class winner was the No. 4 GSR HATSUNEMIKU BMW driven by Nobuteru Taniguchi and Tatsuya Kataoka.

On race day at Fuji Speedway there was rain in the morning, but by noon the rain had stopped and the track was mostly dry by the time of the race start at 14:00. In these relatively good track conditions, the No. 38 ZENT CERUMO SC430 driven by Kohei Hirate made a good start from pole position. The ZENT CERUMO SC430 ran in the lead with its fellow Lexus car, the No. 37 KeePer TOM'S SC430 driven by Andrea Caldarelli, in tow until the Safety Car came out to control the race after machine trouble caused a machine to crash on the 21st lap. During the time it took to clear up the aftermath of the crash, the ZENT CERUMO SC430 had lost most of its margin of lead. When it became possible for the teams to make pit stops, the ZENT CERUMO SC430 and most of the other cars in the lead group made their routine pit stops and changed drivers. Because some teams didn’t make their routine stops, however, the ZENT CERUMO SC430 had given up the lead by the time it returned to the race with Yuji Tachikawa now at the wheel, and what’s more, it was hit by another car in its first lap out of the pit and ended up in 5th position as a result. But knowing that not getting the win in this race would effectively end the ZENT CERUMO SC430 team’s title chances, Tachikawa began a hard charge through the pack amid constantly changing conditions as rain began to fall on and off. Finally, by the 43rd lap of the race, Tachikawa regained the lead. From this point on, Tachikawa would face a tough challenge from the No. 17 KEIHIN HSV-010 (Koudai Tsukakoshi) but in the end he lived up to his reputation as a mater at the Fuji course and always a strong finisher by fending off the challenge to give his team its first victory of the season.

This was the second win of the season for the LEXUS SC430 and its 18th overall. For Tachikawa it is his 15th GT500 career win, bringing him into a tie for most wins by a driver. For Hirate it was his fifth win.

In the GT300 class, the No. 4 GSRHATSUNEMIKU BMW driven by Nobuteru Taniguchi and Tatsuya Kataoka started from 5th position on the starting grid and took advantage of some fast pit work just after the Safety car came out and succeeded in taking the lead among the cars that had made quick pit stops. After that, the BMW’s second stint driver Taniguchi did a magnificent job of handling the slippery conditions after rain began to fall. In the end, he scored the team’s first win of the season with a massive 47-second lead over 2nd place at the finish.

This was the fifth win overall for the BMW Z4 in GT300 class competition. For Taniguchi it is his 13th win, and for Kataoka it is his sixth.

Source: SUPER GT official

The next round of the SUPER GT 2013 season takes place at AUTOPOLIS this October 6, 2013.

Sixth-generation Toyota Crown Majesta (GWS214)

The Majesta is the flagship of the Toyota Crown lineup and by the word flagship, it was notable for putting up a big engine, mainly the big, thirsty V8 engine on it used by over five generations. For the brand new, sixth-generation model, which is now the long-wheelbase version of the 14th generation Crown, launched last year, the brand new Majesta is now breaking the Majesta tradition while retaining the status of being the flagship saloon that was commonly the chauffeur's choice.

2014 Toyota Crown Majesta

The oddity starts at the exterior because there goes the rather controversial front face as seen on the current-generation Crown, which was launched since Christmas Day 2012, because past Crowns are subtle, more classier, and more sophisticated but right now, I'm sensing the loss of sophistication here because I don't think the new front face will be worth the taking of being a flagship saloon car for the executives. However, while the new front face is rather controversial rather than being classy, it's all part of the way it handles its aerodynamics because there's the lower-front grille shutter which opens and shuts based on the car's speed and engine water temperature. With this, the new shutter under the grille reduces air resistance and improves engine warm-up efficiency. Clever though, and now to the real part why there was a thing that the Majesta tradition was broken.

2014 Toyota Crown Majesta

For the brand new Majesta, the old V8's of yesteryear's Majesta generations is no longer offered, thrown away, and yes, I am shocked to say that the previous Majesta, the 2009-era Majesta, really is the final V8-powered Toyota sedan ever made and since it's gone, it's gone for good and the new Majesta is equipped with the 3.5L V6 hybrid powerplant inherited from the latest generation Lexus GS450h. Although, it has the same hybrid powerplant as the GS450h, the new Majesta's 3.5L V6 engine produces about 292PS of power alone and for the sake of science, the new Majesta has an electric motor which produces 147kW of power so when both of the V6 engine and the electric motor kicks in, I'd expect that it has the same combined output as the GS450h's...and it wasn't. 343PS of combined power output, less than the GS450h produced and less than the previous model's 4.6L V8. On the plus side, it packs more power than the previous model's 4.3L V8, so positively, the 18.2km/L of fuel consumption really shows that a little downsizing really placed the whole "less is more" philosophy, the new Majesta with its hybrid powerplant has the power of a V8 with the fuel economy of a compact car. Yeah, they can do science, them.

The gearbox is now a CVT but based on the instruction manual I read, when I shift this to its S-MODE, it behaves like an 8-speed gearbox with a little help of eight simulated gears. That seems fine but as a concept, it feels a bit old-fashioned for me. If you're in a middle of a "Don't Hurry" situation, the CVT gearbox is your only friend but if you're in a rush hour, expect a strong hating for this gearbox.

On the suspension side, the new Majesta comes with front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension, made to keep this flagship saloon as comfortable as...hmmm...walking on a pool of custard? Yep, I was gonna say that but I haven't got to the other part about loads of tech done in the name of stability and yes, I am now because for the new model, it has Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and Electric Power Steering (EPS). It also has this Navigation/Artificial Intelligence-Adaptive Variable Suspension System (NAVI/AI-AVS) which provide integrated control of vehicle behavior in tandem with the four wheels to create a flat ride and comfortable handling. Yep, this is quite a treat if you don't want to wake your boss sleeping at the rear seat but be warned though, although the new Majesta was more focused on comfort, I'm afraid that it's not quite exciting to drive either because with all of those tech loaded as well as being governed by some sort of electronic nanny, this car is a bit of a gentleman's manner rather than a car made for chase scenes in case of unsuspecting Yakuzas chasing you from behind. Even when set to SPORT MODE, it feels a bit of a same in here.

2014 Toyota Crown Majesta interior

2014 Toyota Crown Majesta interior

As for the pricing, the new model now costs less than the previous model because it now costs 6.1 million Yen, about 20,000 less than the old one and the top-of-the-line F-Version costs 6.7 million Yen and for that version, you can have a Pre-Crash Safety System, Intelligence Clearance Sonar, and Radar Cruise Control. I know, the new model may have cut its costs to make it more valuable than the previous model but I'm afraid that it is a bit costly for a long-wheelbase version of the Crown Royal with the Lexus GS450h powerplant on it.

Like any other luxury saloons, the new Majesta does have a comfortable interior and thanks to its long wheel-base, the new Majesta does focused on having space at the back more than anything else, like what the Chinese had for their long-wheelbase versions of German saloons, it also has a bigger boot which accommodates up to four golf bags, and as a limousine, it really does make you feel LIKE A BOSS. Summing up this car then is hard because let's be honest, what I like about the new Majesta is its long wheelbase, space at the back, the pursuit of being a comfortable car, and the hybrid powerplant which produces V8 power with compact-like fuel economy, while what I don't like about the new Majesta is the CVT gearbox with eight simulated gears, not quite exciting to drive (quite an irony from Toyota's FUN TO DRIVE AGAIN slogan), and the design that is a bit controversial.

Colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine,  Silver Metallic, Precious Silver, Black, Dark Red Mica Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation