What's in our Car Town garage today? (January 15, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

2025 Mazda Kaan

At the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show Design Challenge, a selection of carmakers send on their top designers to envision futuristic concepts fit for the year 2025. For Mazda, their vision 2025 is an electric racer designed to compete in the E1 races. They foresee that in the future, the freeways of California have been resurfaced with a sub-level electro conductive polymer that powers modern electric cars. The Kaan's inspiration comes from electric fields and textures from nature. It comes with a patented electronic tire system to send the Kaan at a top speed of over 250mph with no harmful emissions.

2025 Mazda Kaan

1986 Ford RS200 Evolution

The iconic RS200 is Ford's rally legend made to compete for the WRC's Group B racing. To comply with homologation regulations, 200 of these models were made. By the time the RS200 is ready to compete, major carmakers competing in this group have been struggling and numerous fatal accidents spell the end of Group B rallying but the RS200 story didn't end there. What they did to the remaining 200 cars is adding some carpets on it and make it a road-going supercar. The road cars can reach a 0-60mph time in a sub-6 second mark and most geared at 150mph, all with four-wheel drive. Even today, the RS200 is a rarity.

1986 Ford RS200 Evolution

1983 Lancia 037 Stradale

One of the most memorable rally cars made for Group B rallying, the 037 is loosely based on the Montecarlo and it's served as the replacement to the iconic Stratos. Developed in cooperation with Abarth, the 037 is powered by a 2.0L engine from a Fiat Abarth 131, developing 265HP of power. At the hands of Markku Alén, Attilio Bettega, and Walter Röhrl, the Lancia 037 is the last rear-wheel drive to win the WRC, especially the manufacturer's world championship in 1983. As always, for homologation purposes, 200 road-going versions are made and the road-legal version produces 60HP less than the rally car.

1983 Lancia 037 Stradale

Let's Do The News! (January 14, 2014)

The big scoop today...

Senator Recto warned P-Noy about emergency powers

While the whole power issue is all around with us ever since electric bills gone skyrocketing, leaving us penniless for obvious reasons, Senator Ralph Recto, yesterday, warned President Noynoy Aquino about "emergency powers" because such political risks could "electrocute" him, not literally but metaphorically speaking. He also warns that once P-Noy has his hands on the emergency powers, solving today's energy crisis would deem to be difficult.

Report: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/563445/recto-emergency-powers-may-electrocute-aquino

...in related news...

P-Noy's performance rating dropped by 6% in last month's Pulse Asia survey, in the midst of controversy over his administration's poor performance in the aftermath of Superstorm Yolanda last November 2013. However, the Malacañang Palace stated that "3 out of 4 Filipinos" remained loyal to the President, based on the survey, which had a margin of error of plus or minus 3%.

Report: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/563381/aquino-approval-rating-dips-in-new-poll

About last night's lunar halo

The social media made a buzz regarding the moon with a ring about it. PAGASA stated that it's a normal occurrence and this "lunar halo" is a reflection of ice crystals brought by high clouds. It's caused by the LPA in the Visayas.

Report: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/563349/netizens-abuzz-over-haloed-moon

Former import player arrested

Tom Randall, a former import player of the Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association, the PBA's precursor, was arrested for child abuse. NBI officials and the DSWD raided Randall's nursing home, which is an orphanage, after reports saying he molested about 30 children under his guardianship.

Report: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/563251/former-basketball-import-arrested-for-child-abuse

Teletubbies take on North Korea?!

Now this is weird news to us but for the United Kingdom; in order to take down the North Korean regime, all they need is some good quality British telly. Foreign Secretary William Hague told that the BBC is negotiating North Korea's state run television to provide British shows such as Teletubbies, Top Gear, Doctor Who, and any other British shows as long as its not offending the regime.

"You couldn't send Dad's Army as it is about war. But Teletubbies could be an option, or The Good Life, with a bit of gardening and squabbling in the kitchen." He said.

I know, this whole idea of British programming on North Korean television sounds crazy but will it work as if they did in the fall of the Berlin Wall?

Report: http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/teletubbies/story-e6frfmyi-1226800268157?utm_source=News&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial&net_sub_uid=86802821

Hasbro renews MLP for next season!

While Season 4 of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is still with us for a while, Hasbro announced that they're renewing it for a fifth season! Such success really deserves a new lease of life, especially for a girly show that attracts grown men. He he he...

Report: http://news.everfree.net/2014/01/season-5-of-my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-confirmed-by-hasbro-president/

...in other related news...

Ashleigh Ball, the Casting Voice behind MLP's Rainbow Dash and Applejack, recently joined Twitter! I know, she was recently added an hour ago but you're more than welcome to follow her! Her Twitter handle is @ash_leigh_ball

...I almost forgot...

The casting voice behind Rarity, Claire Corlett, now has her own Twitter account also. Stop by her Twitter account if you have something to ask! Her Twitter handle is @ClaireMCorlett

C7 Z06

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Welcome the all-new Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06, the ultimate Corvette at this moment of time. At first glance, it looks like the new C7 Corvette Stingray but with the Z06, a fine array of aerodynamic upgrades are added to give it more of an aggression to this American sportscar. Also, the old 7.0L V8 has been thrown away and replaced with a more powerful supercharged LT4 6.2L V8 engine producing 625HP of power. It maybe about less than the C6 ZR1 but the new Z06 is more powerful than the Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 or the Ferrari 458 Speciale! It's offered with either a 7-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The new Z06 is set to be on sale next year.

Report: http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/corvette-z06-revealed-detroit-2014-01-13

Toyota FT-1 Concept

2014 Toyota FT-1 Concept

For the NAIAS 2014, Toyota showcased a concept sportscar called the FT-1.  This sporty concept car previews its new design language as well as the future of Toyota's sportscars. Not only it was designed at Toyota's Calty Design studio in Michigan but the folks at Gran Turismo helped them create this masterpiece and oh! You can drive one in tomorrow's update on the Gran Turismo 6 video game exclusively on the PS3!

Report: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/industry-news/naias-2014-toyota-will-blow-you-away-with-this-ft-1-concept

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (January 13, 2014)

The big scoop today...

Golden Globe Awards 2014

In case you missed this year's Golden Globe Awards, here are the list of winners, just so to let you know:

BEST MOTION PICTURE, DRAMA: 12 Years a Slave
BEST ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE, DRAMA: Cate Blanchett
BEST ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE, DRAMA: Matthew McConaughey
BEST MOTION PICTURE, MUSICAL OR COMEDY: American Hustle
BEST ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE, MUSICAL OR COMEDY: Amy Adams
BEST ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE, MUSICAL OR COMEDY: Leonardo DiCaprio
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM: Frozen
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: The Great Beauty
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE: Jennifer Lawrence
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE: Jared Leto
BEST DIRECTOR - MOTION PICTURE: Alfonso Cuaron
BEST SCREENPLAY - MOTION PICTURE: Spike Jonze
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE - MOTION PICTURE: Alex Ebert
BEST ORIGINAL SONG - MOTION PICTURE: Ordinary Love by U2
BEST TV SERIES -  DRAMA: Breaking Bad
BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES, DRAMA: Robin Wright
BEST ACTOR IN A TV SERIES, DRAMA: Bryan Cranston
BEST TV SERIES - MUSICAL OR COMEDY: Brooklyn Nine-Nine
BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES, MUSICAL OR COMEDY: Amy Poehler
BEST ACTOR IN A TV SERIES, MUSICAL OR COMEDY: Andy Samberg
BEST TV MOVIE OR MINI-SERIES: Behind the Candelabra
BEST ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR TV MOVIE: Elisabeth Moss
BEST ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR TV MOVIE: Michael Douglas
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR TV MOVIE: Jacqueline Bisset
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR TV MOVIE: Jon Voight


Next-generation F150 revealed

2015 Ford F-150

The best-selling pickup truck in America, the Ford F-150, underwent a full-model change and for its full model change, the all new F-150 comes with brand new technologies first for its class. It is the first pickup to come with an 8-inch screen, 360-degree camera view, inflatable rear seat belts, smarter trailer tow module, LED sideview mirror spotlights, LED headlamps, Active Park Assist, BOXLINK interchangable cargo management system, power tailgate lock and release, and 12-corner crush boxes for improved front impack protection. It comes with the all-new 2.7 EcoBoost petrol engine with idling stop system as well as the 3.5L EcoBoost and the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine.

This car is set for its 2014 NAIAS debut this week and it will go on sale before the end of 2014.

Read More: http://www.netcarshow.com/ford/2015-f-150/

Shorter work days for tobacco workers because of SIN TAX

A year after the Sin Tax Reform Law of 2012 was signed into law, workers at the Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) are facing problems. According to the president of the labor union of PMFTC, the company cut work days until the month of May. Tensions between the union and PMFTC grew in the last week of 2013 after plant management delayed its 2014 production plans, making the workers worrying that the management is on the risk of shutting down operations.

Report: http://www.interaksyon.com/business/78573/resulta-ng-sin-tax--shorter-work-days-for-tobacco-factory-workers-hit

Nissan GT Academy graduates achieved class win at the Dubai 24 Hours

At the 2014 Dubai 24 Hours endurance race, those recent Nissan GT Academy graduates - USA’s Nick McMillen, Europe’s Miguel Faisca (Portugal), Russia’s Stanislav Aksenov and Germany’s Florian Strauss - take control of a race-spec #123 NISMO 370Z race car. In the end, they came 25th overall and a SP2-class win with 513 laps completed.

The #126 NISMO 370Z racer was piloted by former F1 driver Karun Chandhok, V8 Supercar racer James Moffat, ADR-Delta LMP2 racer Tor Graves and first-ever GT Academy graduate Lucas Ordoñez. Things are looking good but as the race intensifies, reliability issues hit the #126, sending them 73 laps behind the recent graduates but still snagged a 3rd-place in class to send the GT Academy 2013 graduates on a SP2-class win.

Report: http://www.gtplanet.net/gt-academy-team-take-dubai-24h-class-victory/

Kris Aquino decides to remain in ABS-CBN

In order to secure the future of her two sons, Bimby and Joshua, celeb Kris Aquino decided to renew contracts with ABS-CBN despite rumors that she was offered by Manny V. Pangilinan to leave the Kapamilya network for good. The queen of all media will be renewing contracts with ABS-CBN tomorrow, as stated in the January 12 episode of Buzz Ng Bayan.

Report: http://www.pep.ph/news/41905/kris-aquino-decides-to-stay-with-abs-cbn-to-secure-son-joshua39s-future

Bea Rose's dad provoked because of lies

This is one of the biggest issues occurred this year because ever since Miss International 2013 winner Bea Rose Santiago got interviewed by Buzz Ng Bayan, she said that she did apologized to her dad, Paul Valencia Santiago, the person who abandoned her when she was young. Days after the interview, her dad posted a very long response on his Facebook account stating that what Bea Rose said about her family life...is a lie. It says...

“This is in reply to what my daughter Bea Rose Santiago had falsely and maliciously said during her interview last Sunday (January 5, 2014) in the Buzz ng Bayan."

“Also, this is an overdue reply to all the innuendos that had been levelled against me by Bea's mother Ophelia Monterde who deceitfully uses her deceased mother's name in her Facebook account."

“I would like to point out that I am issuing this statement not to ride on the 'popularity' of my daughter, I have kept silent for a long time but I can no longer stand the lies and malicious imputations that are being hurled against me by my own flesh and blood."

Report: http://www.pep.ph/news/41899/updated-bea-rose-santiago39s-father-slams-miss-international-2013-for-her-web-of-lies-wants-public-apology-from-daughter

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (January 12, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Tonight at 10:00PM, Philippine Standard Time, on ABS-CBN, there's a documentary about climate change presented by Cheche Lazaro, titled PANAHON NA. From Probe Productions, PANAHON NA tackles on the risks of climate change and why is the Philippines is highly prone to natural calamities such as typhoons, drought, and others, as well as the world around us. Ever since typhoons, big and small, hit the Philippines at random occurrences, our country became the third nation vulnerable to climate change. In this documentary, scientists, experts and disaster-reduction managers identify, assess, and explain the vulnerabilities of various areas in the country. They discuss what Filipinos can do to prepare and mitigate the consequences of climate change.

Cheche Lazaro Presents PANAHON NA airs tonight at 10:00PM, Philippine Standard Time, on ABS-CBN and learn how we can prevent every calamity to become a disaster.

- Audi revealed the Allroad Shooting Brake Concept car and it's set to debut at this week's 2014 NAIAS at the Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan. Although, this concept crossover is a bit of a decent looking machine, it also previews the next evolution of Audi design...I think.

Audi Allroad Shooting Brake Concept

- Drifting in Saudi Arabia with a front-wheel drive car can be extremely mental for daredevils and doing it on a public roads can be menacing and deadly. Because of that, the Arab government is adjusting laws against the Arab drift. Sources say that whoever caught doing it for the first time will be sent to trial and confiscate the car for a month, plus a $2,700 fine.

- The Visayas region of the Philippines is now a typhoon belt, areas commonly prone to typhoons, as acknowledged by an Climate Change Commission official. This region is again in the path of this year's first LPA named Agaton if it intensifies into a tropical depression. A PAGASA forecaster said that this LPA's chances of turning into a storm is slim because of the northeast monsoon or Hanging Amihan. As of 4:00PM yesterday, the LPA was estimated at 250km southeast of General Santos City.

About 20 domestic flights are cancelled today.

- The Colorado-based 2015 GMC Canyon midsize pickup has been revealed and for this full model change, it feels like it's the little brother of the GMC Sierra pickup. Set for 2014 NAIAS debut, the new generation Canyon comes with the best-in-class power from the 2.5L and the 3.6L V6 petrol engine, best-in-class payload, best-in-class maximum trailering rating, and greater capability with a 2.8L Duramax Diesel engine coming in 2016 model year.

2015 GMC Canyon

- The Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is ranked as the No. 2 Googled Philippine destination according to a CNN report.

- The cruise ship Grand Princess, supposed to be on a 15-day cruise in the Pacific on a San Francisco-Hawaii-San Francisco route scheduled to arrive on the 19th of January, 2014, has been delayed due to a ship worker, mostly a Filipino one, jumping overboard. CCTV footage saw the ship worker fall from the vessel and since then, the crew along with the Coast Guard and other ships have been searching to find the lost Filipino crew member.

- Last week, a former Miss Venezuela turned actress Monica Spear and her former husband were killed in a highway robbery after resisting robbers by locking the doors of their car and her daughter was wounded. Hundreds of mourners waited in long lines days after her brutal murder in Caracas to pay tribute to the late beauty queen turned actress.

- QUICK REMINDER: Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics starts from February 7 to February 23, 2014, in case you forgot. Oh yeah, over the course, I'll be setting up some kind of special segment later on during the course of the games. Schedules on games at http://www.sochi2014.com/en

- Kids, tell your mommies and daddies! Premiering this January 20 on the Disney Junior channel is the newest addition to the DJ line. It's Sheriff Callie's Wild West! In our newest addition to the Disney family, toddlers welcome the newest Sheriff in town. The lovable kitty-cat Sheriff Callie is the bravest and most thoughtful leader that ever roamed the Wild West. When bad things happen in the town of Nice & Friendly, it's up to Sheriff Callie and her friends to save the day.

The new show airs this January 20 on Disney Junior. Check local listings.

Sheriff Callie's Wild West

TTFN!!!

The stars of Tokyo Auto Salon 2014

Subaru STi NBR CHALLENGE 2014

One of Japan's biggest aftermarket car show returns and up until this Sunday, visitors can enjoy the sights, sounds, and feels of modified cars displayed on the 2014 Tokyo Auto Salon.

A whole array of carmakers presenting their customized show cars for the show and I couldn't stop the guests giving up their weekend to see them all. What are they? Here are the list of some of the custom cars you'll see, especially Subaru's STi NBR CHALLENGE 2014, a racing spec version of the upcoming 2015 WRX STi set for Detroit reveal next week.

• Subaru Levorg Syms Concept
• Subaru Levorg STi Performance Concept
• Subaru Levorg Prova Concept
• Subaru Levorg Premium Sports Concept
• Subaru Levorg Corazon Sportier Concept
• Hino Dutro X Loader
• Hino Dutro X Hybrid Cargo
• smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive edition tailor made
• Honda Mugen Vezel Concept
• Subaru STi NBR Challenge 2014
• Daihatsu KOPEN future included Xm1
• Daihatsu KOPEN future included Rm2
• Honda N-WGN Macaron Color Collection
• Honda Vezel Modulo Concept
• Honda N-ONE Modulo Concept
• Honda N-ONE One-Make Race-spec car
• Daihatsu KOPEN future included Rm1
• Lexus 2014 SUPER GT GT500 Base Model
• Honda N-BOX + ELEMENT Concept
• Renaultsport Megane GENDARMERIE
• Toyota Vitz RS G SPORTS Concept
• Toyota Voxy concept MODELLISTA
• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV T1-3G
• Toyota Noah concept MODELLISTA
• Toyota Harrier G SPORTS Concept
• Toyota GRMN Mark X Concept
• Toyota GRMN 86 Concept
• Mitsubishi eK Space U-tone style
• Mitsubishi eK Custom ROAR Complete Concept
• Nissan Dayz Roox Highway Star Accessorized
• Nissan X-TRAIL X-TREMER Package Stretched
• Suzuki Spacia Custom S-Concept
• Suzuki Hustler Customized
• Honda NSX CONCEPT-GT
• Mazda Grand-Am GX Mazda 6 SKYACTIV-D Racing
• Mazda Axela Sport Mazda Design Concept 2014
• Mazda Atenza Sedan Mazda Design Concept 2014
• Nissan GT-R NISMO N Attack Package
• Nissan GT-R NISMO GT500

...and more.

Full gallery: http://motorshow.carview.yahoo.co.jp/tokyo-autosalon/headline/

What's in our Car Town garage today? (January 11, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

2012 Renault Alpine A110-50

To celebrate the classic Renault Alpine A110's 50th birthday, the French carmaker revealed some sort of a homage concept, signalling the return of their high-performance Alpine brand in the future. Although, this concept racer looks very different from the original Alpine, the A110-50 is born to take on the world-class racetracks if it wishes to do so. It comes with the 3.5L 6-cylinder engine mounted in the middle producing 400HP of power and 422Nm of torque, while connected to a 6-speed sequential gearbox. Because it weighs 880kg, the A110-50's power-to-weight ratio is exceptionally good.

2012 Renault Alpine A110-50

2011 Ferrari FF

Launched at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the FF shook the world by its storm because for the first time, the FF is the first ever Ferrari to come with 4-seats. Not only that, this is the first ever Ferrari to come with four-wheel drive but this drivetrain is a bit different from what you think about because the FF comes with Ferrari's own 4RM four-wheel drive system where the torque is still delivered by the rear wheels while power can also be transferred to the front wheels when necessary. It comes with a new kind of V12 engine with direct injection technology, giving this a 0-100kph time of 3.7 seconds. After its announcement, a full-year supply of the FF has been sold out quickly.

2011 Ferrari FF

2005 Nissan 350Z

The legendary Nissan Z-car returned for the 21st century, bearing the chassis code of Z33. Although the 350Z is way beyond compare from the predecessors, this sportscar combines luxury and sportiness altogether to create a high-performance sportscar that can compete against its European rivals. As an everyday car, the 350Z is all about staying true to its grand touring character but as a tuner car, this really is quite a head-turner if enthusiasts take all the effort to tune the Z33 to a million ways.

2005 Nissan 350Z

"fonds.com.ph" #BubbleGang

On the January 10, 2014 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Convertible gags!

- The gays are establishing a gay TV network!

- IKAW AT ANG INA acknowledges...your status updates about a movie's ending!

- The trouble with selfie pics...

- Bubble Gang does Pond's by spoofing this commercial as FOND'S.

- It's Antonietta vs. Roi Vinzon!

- Problems got you underwater? No problem, Tata Lino's here again!

- The NOT GEO...where science investigates stuff for some reasons...Question...how many minutes before germs spread on a food that was dropped on land?

- Two models in the gym

- In Magpa-K Man Lang, we find out that how does this divorced wife found out what does her husband's woman had that she don't...

- Istambay, Istambay sa Looban, ang bida sa kwento ay si Geman, kahit mayroon MAN ang pangalan, parang siya'y di lalaki ang tingnan...