Toyota Aqua G's

The Aqua served as the smaller, even more economical car that follows the success of the Prius and even though it's just a Toyota Vitz (Yaris) underneath it, it's narrower than the Prius.

Sure, the Toyota Aqua is going to be a playable car in the PS3 game, Gran Turismo 6, but recently, there's an updated version of the Aqua and for the 2014 model year, the Aqua recaptured the "most fuel efficient hybrid" taken by the new 2014 Honda Fit Hybrid. How did that happened? When the new Fit was launched since September 2013, the hybrid's fuel economy is now 36.4km/L in the JC08 mode so Toyota addressed the concern and upgrade the Aqua by any means of reducing the engine friction, increasing the efficiency of the hybrid system, and the inverter and motor's slightly upgraded so therefore the fuel economy of the 2014MY Aqua is now 37.0km/L. 37kmpl! That's .6kmpl more than the new Fit Hybrid but still it's worth dull because let's not forget, the Fit Hybrid's got double clutch rather than CVT that the Aqua had.

2014 Toyota Aqua G's

Now though, Toyota launched the latest addition of the Toyota G's (G SPORTS) sports conversion series, the sixth since the Noah and Voxy, Alphard and Vellfire, Prius, Vitz, and the Mark X. No wait, that's not right. There is now eight G's models in the Toyota lineup. Anyway, how do I think about the Aqua G's?

2014 Toyota Aqua G's

It still behaves the same as the normal model. You can still expect the same THS2 with a reduction mechanism, the same Atkinson Cycle 1.5 L combined with a 1LM motor and a nickel-hydrogen battery. And it even has the same CVT gearbox as the normal Aqua. What you will notice now is that the new Aqua G's now comes with the specially-tuned suspension which drops the height to just 25mm, making this compact truly nearer to the ground and overall, it gives the handling character a little more sporty on it.

Aside from its lowered height, the G's model also comes with numerous upgrades including enhanced rigidity, front suspension member rear end brace, floor center brace, rocker flange, and the rear bumper reinforcement hose.

In terms of design, the Aqua G's gets spoiled with numerous lust-worthy G's peripherals such as the special body kit, LED illumination beam, halogen head lamps with black extensions, fender garnish, and 17-inch aluminum wheels wrapped with some Bridgestone Potenza RE050A. The RE050A was specially design to complement the performance of sports cars, sports coupes, and sports sedans but having this on the Aqua, that's like a schoolgirl in a school uniform and a roller skates. Kinda cool, though.

Combine these performance enhancements such as the tuned suspension and the sports tires courtesy of Bridgestone and you got yourself a hybrid compact that shows some more character than the normal Aqua. Imagine if you drove one for your driver's ed...

2014 Toyota Aqua G's

2014 Toyota Aqua G's

On the inside, the Aqua G's always stay true to its sporty image and by giving a dark interior on the Aqua G's, that just complete the look three-fold. You can expect some front sporty seats wrapped in Alcantara, some silver stitching on the armrest center console box and the steering wheel,  a shift knob with a crystal red top to make it as flashy as a brothel, piano black dashboard, plated speaker ring, sporty aluminum pedal, and the power switch colored in red. I know these interior goodies may look flashy but if this is my car, it does suit the color of my leather jacket.

The Aqua G's is set to be on sale in Japan next month at the starting price of just 2,220,000 Yen and it's available in seven exterior colors such as Lime White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Black Mica, Super Red V, Yellow, and Blue Metallic.

So there you go, folks. Even the Aqua G's may not be the hybrid you really want one to your garage, its handling capabilities stays true to the current "FUN TO DRIVE, AGAIN" slogan of Toyota. That is if you're Japanese or if you're living in Japan but even with the lowered height, sports suspension, and some sports tires that you get from most sportscars, it's nowhere near as good as it gets but if I'm planning to put this car in my very own "CARS GT6 SHOULD PUT" list, it's worth the try than the normal Aqua.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

SUPERSTORM YOLANDA: Philippine government, selling goods to the victims of super typhoon.

The Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines is doing a "discount caravan" selling goods to the Superstorm Yolanda victims at affordable prices. Some say, the DTI has been selling goods such as bread, coffee, milk, and processed meat to the people of Tacloban City and the goods are 10% to 30% less than the original price in the market.

Report: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/video/184631/24oras/murang-bilihin-sa-diskwento-caravan-ng-dti-dinumog-ng-mga-taga-tacloban

Oh, hold it. I read a post from someone at the CNN iReport and there's the statement regarding this move:

This fact is VERY DISAPPOINTING and VERY FRUSTRATING since the whole world knew that the donations for the Filipino people were overflowing since day one after the typhoon. While the government of other countries have been thoughtfully giving great amount of help to the Filipino people affected by the typhoon, the government of the Philippines seems to be unwilling to help its own people. 

Let's Do The News! (November 26, 2013)

The big scoop today...

Lamborghini Gallardo bids farewell...

The Final Gallardo

Bye, bye, old friend. Lamborghini bids farewell to the baby Lambo, the Gallardo. The final Gallardo rolled out from the Sant'Agata Bolognese plant in Italy after its 10-year tenure since its 2003 debut. The replacement for this baby Lambo is due next year. Until then, this Lambo will be heading to the great racetrack in the sky.

Report: http://www.autoindustriya.com/auto-industry-news/lamborghini-ends-gallardo-production-run.html

War Doctor's sonic now a toy

War Doctor's sonic screwdriver

As seen in the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special, The Day of The Doctor, the sonic screwdriver used by the War Doctor, played by veteran actor John Hurt, is now a toy courtesy of Underground Toys and it's going to be available in the UK and Ireland now while North America will be next month, in time for the holidays. It maybe a sonic that is about 400 years ago but as the saying goes "same software, different case", it's still the sonic screwdriver. The War Doctor's sonic screwdriver toy includes sound and light effects and requires 2 AG13/LR44/L1154 button cell batteries.

A testes for a Z34?

There was a strange report that some guy who wants to sell one of his testicle for a Nissan Fairlady Z Z34 sportscar. Take Mark Parisi. He's a man who got two testicles and he doesn't need one of those. So what he done is he donated one of his testicles in exchange for 35 grand. With enough cash, he managed to scored a Z34 Nissan. What?!

Report: http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/man-buys-nissan-370z-with-testicle-2013-11-25

DW 2013 XMAS Special gets a title

The Time of The Doctor

BBC announced the title of the Doctor Who 2013 Christmas Special which serves to be The Eleventh Doctor's final journey. The title is The Night of The Doctor as confirmed by the BBC One twitter. Rest now Whovians. Christmas Day beckons you...

Persona 5 announced

At the end of the special Persona event on Sunday, Atlus showcased a short announcement clip with a set of five chairs with chains and the Engrish that goes "You are slave. Want emancipation?". Sorry, Engrish slipped out but anyway, it's been announced that Persona 5 will hit PS3 this Winter 2014 in Japan. Ready for the next chapter of the beloved Persona saga?

Second Generation Hyundai Genesis/Rohens (DH)

2014 Hyundai Genesis

A project 4 years and 11 million kilometers in the making, I just can't believe that a Korean car company called Hyundai tries to pull the wraps and the competition is making a run for their money as they unveiled the second-generation of Hyundai's flagship saloon, the Genesis. Since I'm not the one who will talk about this new generation Genesis, some lucky survivor managed to scavenge the files straight from Project Genesis and I'm reading it for the first time. So, how does the Project Genesis happened? Oh yeah, I really do read the files from Project Genesis in case some civil uprising broke out because of Genesis.

Project Genesis File No. DH112613-1

"Since its January 2008 launch, the Genesis is heralded as the brand's first premium rear-wheel drive sedan that surprised the industry with its outstanding product competitiveness. We invested over 500 billion KRW or an estimated 471 million US Dollars when we began Project Genesis and our aim is to develop a world-class premium rear-wheel drive sedan and we took four years to develop this model. The Genesis provides premium and distinctive design, best-in-class chassis system, the same level that luxury European rivals had, cutting-edge safety, and convenience features. From every angle, out car conveyed Hyundai's "Modern Premium" brand identity and it secured best-in-class basic product competitiveness through numerous tests carried out globally, including the legendary Nurburgring in Germany."

Project Genesis File No. DH112613-2

2014 Hyundai Genesis

2014 Hyundai Genesis

"When designing the new model, we wanted to bring our "Fluidic Sculpture" design language to the next level and for our new Genesis, this is the first model to adopt Fluidic Sculpture 2.0. The next generation of Fluidic Sculpture maintains its original essence while delivering different elements to our new design language such as simple and harmonious design, modern Hyundai look, and rich visuotactile color. The single hexagonal grille for the new Genesis is now easy-to-understand and has a very pleasant design, making this premium sedan truly premium in its own right."

Project Genesis File No. DH112613-3

2014 Hyundai Genesis interior

2014 Hyundai Genesis interior

"As a premium sedan, we wanted to create a more premium interior that others can expect from its European rivals. That is one of the key goals from Project Genesis and we accomplished it by delivering a well-tailored interior design specifications for all materials and mater craftsmanship-level finish to further improve its premium image. The switches are now categorized to facilitate user-friendly control, the symbols are now standardized for intuitive recognition, and the feel of the grip and control has been greatly improved, giving the driver a more emotional feel when he/she takes on the corners.

Our new Genesis comes with a new TFT LCD Cluster which is now visually enhanced for the driver to see. We also added an analog clock to give the dashboard a more classy look it deserves. In some models, the new Genesis is also offered with the controls of the rear-seat entertainment system and two LCD rear-seat multimedia display screens. With these features, rear seat passengers can adjust the angle, position and temperature of the heated and cooled rear seats. They can also experience power lumbar adjustment or change the heating, air conditioning, and air flow. 

For audio, the new Genesis features Lexicon Surround Sound System with 17-speakers. This surround sound system provides higher highs, lower lows and rich mid-range for audiophile-level quality. It also comes with iPod/USB connectivity so users connect their gadgets for added convenience for the tech-savvy drivers.

New to the Genesis is the new Smart Trunk System and for this feature, if whoever with the Smart Key stays at the back of the car for three seconds, the rear trunk opens automatically, making it very convenient for the owners who don't need to open the trunk by themselves."

Project Genesis File No. DH112613-4

2014 Hyundai Genesis

"Comfort, Stability, and Dynamics, three key goals which are part of the Project Genesis when it comes to create a high-performance sports saloon and after extensive testing through the Nurburgring, we managed to follow these three key goals while maintaining its sporty character drivers have been longing for. The new Genesis now offers best-in-class driving and ride & handling performances courtesy of the improved suspension and the application of various advanced technologies. We've improved the stiffness of the front and rear suspensions and managed a well-balanced weight distribution in order to make a well balanced chassis for the new Genesis as well as implementing new driving technologies such as Advanced Traction Cornering Control, Rack-mounted Motor Driven Electric Power Steering, and for the first time, the new Genesis is also offered with an all-wheel drive system we called it HTRAC.

The HTRAC all-wheel drive system electronically controls torque split between the axles depending on which driving conditions the driver is on, providing a well-stabled ride on slippery conditions and allows the driver to select different driving modes, NORMAL or SPORT, for a well-tailored driving experience.

For our new model, we offer two V6 petrol engines available such as the V6 3.3 Lambda and the V6 3.8 Lambda engine. The 3.3L V6 engine produces 282PS of power, 35.4kg-m of torque, and fuel economy of 9.4km/L while the 3.8L V6 engine produces 315PS of power, 40.5kg-m of torque, and fuel economy of 9.0km/L. Both of these engines are fitted with our specially-designed 8-speed automatic transmission with precise gear ratios and lightweight components to make driving more responsive."

Project Genesis File No. DH112613-5

2014 Hyundai Genesis

2014 Hyundai Genesis

"Safety is also part of the Project Genesis portfolio and we managed to accomplished it for our new model due to improved body structure and rigidity so its crash tests will be significantly improved. We increased its torsional and bending stiffness by applying ultra-high-strength steel hot-stamping and double-section structure on the front, partitioned engine room design as well as improved rear and center floor structures. We even managed to improve passenger safety with the addition of advanced seatbelt functions such as Emergency Fastening Device system (EFD), which tightly fastens passengers in crashes, and Pre-Safe seatbelt, which warns of danger in advance by tightening the seat belt.

We also applied Advanced Smart Cruise Control which allows the new Genesis to detect cars within a driver-specified distance, and automatically maintains a consistent following distance, Advanced Smart Parking Assist System for increased parking safety, and "Ghost Door Closing", a feature that even when it's not closed properly, it automatically closes it properly.  Put all these together and the new Genesis provides best-in-class safety, setting a benchmark for the safest premium car in its class."

Project Genesis File No. DH112613-6

2014 Hyundai Genesis

"We plan to sell 62,000 units of our new Genesis annually, from domestic and overseas, including major markets like North America, China, and Middle East. Prices start from 46.6-52.6 million won for the 3.3L model up to 55.1-69.6 million won for the 3.8L model. Available colors for the new Genesis are Onyx Black, Marble White, Platinum Silver, Polished Metal, Urban Grey, Sand Opal, Burgundy Red, Ghost Blue, Haze Blue, Tan Brown, and Black Pearl."

Case closed.

So there we are, after reading through the secret files from Project Genesis, it seems that Hyundai managed to create the next-generation Genesis by honing their performance at the Nurburgring, giving this Korean premium sedan the same level that its European rivals had. This new model has the 5-Series, E-Class, and A6 on sights and not only that, it can also pick a fight against its Japanese rivals like the GS and the Fuga, respectively. What made me bizarre is that the files from Project Genesis didn't mention its availability from Europe as well as right-hand drive markets but like the first generation, it's a big NO. Although I'm not sure if this car will hit the European market soon, it's still available exclusively at selected left-hand drive markets, meaning that if you live in a right-hand drive market, sorry to say that this new Genesis is not welcomed until further notice.

So...is this the master plan Project Genesis worth developing for?

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

S210 Crown and facelifted Mark X - EXCLUSIVE ZEUS style

S210 Crown Athlete with EXCLUSIVE ZEUS kit

The latest generation Crown Athlete (S210) may not be much of a looker apart from its ghastly looking grille that is somewhat shaped like...a crown, it seems that the blokes from M'z SPEED do really took care of it courtesy of some extensive body kits fit for a king. Under the brand's PRUSSIAN BLUE sub-brand from M'z SPEED's EXCLUSIVE ZEUS collection, the set (consisting of a front half and rear half spoiler and side spoiler) will cost 204,750 Yen while the exhaust system, courtesy of 5ZIGEN International, made specifically for the hybrid model, costs 144,900 yen and the LED Back Fog Lamp (D) kit costs 47,250 Yen. Couple that with some NITTO INVO tire and some JJ Chromo 20-inch rims and you got yourself a modified Toyota Crown that doesn't look so bad on a cold light of day.

URL: http://www.mzspeed.co.jp/products/body-kit/detail/?CID=213

Also...

Facelifted second-generation Mark X with
EXCLUSIVE ZEUS kit

The M'z SPEED's EXCLUSIVE ZEUS Prussian Blue line also made a body kit for the facelifted second-generation Toyota Mark X. The spoiler set costs 192,150 Yen while the exhaust system, courtesy of 5ZIGEN, costs 144,900 yen and the LED Back Fog Lamp (B) kit worth 47,250 Yen. This kit is not complete without some 20-inch Julia FullThrottle rims, as so you know it.

URL: http://www.mzspeed.co.jp/products/body-kit/detail/?CID=212

Family Guy bids farewell to Brian

Last night's episode of Family Guy, titled Life of Brian, served as a fond farewell to one of the show's fan favorites...apparently. Yes, this episode made a fond farewell to our favorite family pooch, Brian. Oh and if you haven't watch this, LOOK AWAY, NOW!

In that episode, when Brian and Stewie messed up the history when Native Americans took over the USA, they have to go back to the Native American era and surrendered the advanced weaponry from the Indians. Later on, Stewie destroyed the time machine for the good of it and dispose it to the dump.

When the two playing with the stuff they found in the dump, Stewie gets back inside to get something when suddenly, Brian got ran over by an approaching vehicle. At the veterinary, Brian says his last words before his shocking death that shocked the viewers' minds...theoretically.

“You’ve given me a wonderful life. I love you all.”

So there you go, folks. A fond farewell to our favorite talking pooch. We all gonna miss him, although I'm not particularly sure if that new pooch character named Vinnie , played by Tony Sirico from The Sopranos, is going to be a temporary or a permanent replacement but we'll find out if there's any truth.

F1 2013 Final

F1 2013

The Formula One 2013 season has come to an end and it signals the end of V8-powered F1 cars as next year's season will gone to the downsizing route as all F1 cars will have smaller engines in the form of V6 turbo engines, giving teams some hard time doing some hard work for the 2014 season.

Anyway, on the Formula One 2013 Finale held at Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sebastian Vettel took his ninth consecutive win - and 13th overall in 2013 - at the final race of the season, as Red Bull team mate Mark Webber ended his F1 career with second place. The final championship positions saw Vettel with 397 to Alonso’s 242, Webber’s 199, Hamilton’s 189 and the absent Kimi Raikkonen’s 183, while Red Bull’s final constructors; tally was 596 to Mercedes’ 360, Ferrari’s 354, Lotus’s 315, McLaren’s 122, Force India’s 77 and Sauber’s 57.

Report: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2013/11/15308.html

So there we are. Another great finish for another year of Formula One and with next year expecting bigger changes, there's going to be more twists and turns when the next chapter unfolds in 2014. It's quite a memorable season though. The end of the 2013 season of Formula One bids farewell for V8-powered F1 cars, which is a bit of a bitter aftertaste though...

Thank You and Good Day!