Gran Turismo 6: SEMA 2013's C7 Corvette Concept

Thanks to the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray's wide acclaim and its exclusivity in the world of Gran Turismo because GM and Gran Turismo were heavily involved in the development of the C7 Corvette, they made this...





This customized C7 Corvette concept was displayed at the 2013 SEMA Show, signalling the C7 Corvette's commitment of being a Gran Turismo exclusive.



See?



The C7 Corvette Stingray Gran Turismo Concept is just one of the additions to the latest UPDATE 1.04 and it's now ready for commission. With the latest update, GT6 players are looking forward to take a spin on the customized C7 Corvette as seen from the 2013 SEMA Show. They can even take part in a limited-time Seasonal Event where they can post their lap times to claim this special car for no charge or stop by at the Dealership to buy one.



Distinguished by its custom matte blue paint, yellow headlamp bezels, a rear spoiler, and a host of aerodynamic updates, this C7 Corvette customized for last year's show tries to be more of a show-off but oh no. This car isn't a show-off when you set yourself into this on GT6.  It still packs the same fun as the regular C7 Corvette Stingray so you can expect a fair bit of difference between them.

But just how good is the Gran Turismo-fied C7 Corvette Concept and how does it stack up against the normal C7 Corvette?



Well, I'm still in Ascari but this race resort makes it a perfect setup for experimenting new cars in Gran Turismo 6. Need comparisons? I'm your Jon Tickle, man. I'll be the man who walked on custard.



First off, I'm going to drive this regular C7 Corvette round Ascari. That's got to be the control for this experiment. With its sleek aerodynamic styling combined with sophisticated handling and the raw power of its LT1 V8, the C7 Corvette is on par with its European rivals and believe me, for an American car like this, it doesn't feel like an American muscle car. It feels like a track-day weapon in its own right and I managed to post a lap time of 2:25.784.



Now, it's transition time and I'm taking behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Gran Turismo Concept. The question is, will I need? With its perfect weight distribution, I'm away in a blur of blue and yellow streak and raw V8 power but I was betrayed by my clumsy handling sending me some minor understeer. However, in the end, I posted a 2:24.600, a second quicker.



So, there we are. Even though it managed a second quicker round Ascari, the C7 Corvette GT Concept, as seen from the 2013 SEMA Show, still behaves like the same thing even though it comes with a host of aerodynamic updates. But still, it's a lot more fun to drive this customized C7 Corvette, though.

Next time, the Mercedes AMG Vision GT Racing Series, which is part of Update 1.04...

JC De Vera, IHAW NA!

On the January 27, 2014's Banana Nite's IHAW NA segment, the guest of the day was none other than JC De Vera. Since taking part on GMA's Starstruck, JC's proven to be quite a matinee idol and when he became part of TV5 in shows like Lokomoko and Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum, JC's stardom is like on the top of the world. Now that he's a Kapamilya, let's see how far JC De Vera can go further in the latest TV drama, THE LEGAL WIFE, starring Angel Locsin.

Meanwhile, more funny pics from the internet on ETO NA POST...and then some more pickup lines in KONTRA PICK-UP.

What's in our Car Town garage today? (January 28, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

1991 Honda CRX

It used to be part of the Ballade line under the Ballade Sports CR-X but when it was launched in 1987, the CR-X is now based on the Civic. Adopting the banner "Cyber Sports", the CR-X is quite a welcoming treat for tuners everywhere because while it was based on the tuner-favorite Civic, it's definitely a hot hatch in its own right.

1991 Honda CRX

2011 Chrysler 200 S by Mopar

Although serving as a replacement to the aging Sebring midsize saloon, the 200 from Chrysler never fond any mass audience due to the competition heating up. At the hands of Mopar, Chrysler's specialist tuner, you know that this 200 makes sense. Not only the 200S by Mopar looks good on the streets, it feels good to drive.

2011 Chrysler 200 S by Mopar

1991 Nissan 300ZX

If the Skyline represents the pinnacle of Nissan's sportscar lineup, the Z car is by no means one of the most ideal sportscars Nissan ever made. The Z32 model marks a huge change as it comes with a wide, flat body and a size fit for global standards, not restricted by Japan's size classes per car.

1991 Nissan 300ZX

Let's Do The News! (January 27, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- In case you missed the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, here are the list of this year's winners;

Record of the Year: 'Get Lucky', Daft Punk
Album of the Year: 'Random Access Memories,' Daft Punk
Song of the Year: 'Royals'
Rock Song: 'Cut Me Some Slack'
Rap Song: 'Thrift Shop'
Pop Vocal Album: 'Unorthodox Jukebox', Bruno Mars
New Artist: Macklemore, Ryan Lewis

For complete list of winners of this year's Grammys, go to: http://www.grammy.com/nominees

- A US-based Filipino nurse named Jun Rufino Lugod Jr. got disappointed when he saw a music video of GMA's new drama, The Borrowed Wife. He said that the show's soundtrack sounds familiar and based on the report by PEP, the song in question was his own composition he wrote decades ago and used without permission.

- While on the subject of the whole case of Vhong Navarro got beaten up by unknown assailants last week, there's some developing news recently that in an exclusive interview at yesterday's Buzz Ng Bayan episode, Vhong explained that he identified alleged masterminds behind the mauling incident; particularly a businessman named Cedric Lee and model named Deniece Cornejo.

- Deniece's response to Vhong Navarro's accusation? She said she's a "victim" and innocent to the mauling incident. She warned... And then there's another response and this time, it's the turn of Cedric Lee. He said that he stopped Vhong Navarro from allegedly raping Deniece Cornejo. He said that there are "other victims" supporting his views in coming out against Vhong Navarro.

- Bandai Namco Games filed a trademark to two of some iDOLM@STER-related stuff like 765 Pro and Produce Box.

- Teen celeb Bella Thorne (famed for being CeCe in the recently concluded comedy Shake It Up) is on the cover for February 2014's issue of Total Girl Philippines. In this issue, Bella explains it all.




TTFN!!!

Gran Turismo 6: The Toyota FT-1 Concept - possible Supra successor?

To perform a vital public service to prove that there are some cars that are Gran Turismo-exclusive and nothing else, the producers showcased us a striking concept car straight from the 2014 Detroit Auto Show and available via UPDATE 1.03...









Designed from the Calty Design Research in cooperation with Gran Turismo 6, this strikingly aggressive Toyota concept sports car has a sole purpose to give you the answer to the burning question...is the Toyota FT-1 Concept hints at a possible Supra successor?!



The FT-1 Concept from Toyota represents the ultimate expression of a Toyota sports car design harking back its roots from the 2000GT to today's Toyota 86/Scion FR-S. Although the design looks strikingly amazing for a future Toyota sportscar, it previews more powerful powerplants, basically more aggressive hybrids for sure.





No one knows what powers it because this concept doesn't even have a proposed powertrain but if production gets a green light, it could have numerous powerplant proposals such as a V6, a V8, or a hybrid but in the meantime, it remains confidential for now.

Anyway, the main question for this concept Toyota sports car is...is the Toyota FT-1 Concept hints at a possible Supra successor?!



To find out, I have to go to Japan but one part of Japan to be precise...FUJI SPEEDWAY. Known to be a former F1 track for the Japanese GP until Suzuka and it's been well known to be one of the venues of the Super GT. It also serves as a proving ground for Toyota and for anonymous reasons, it's considered a Gran Turismo-exclusive racetrack.



What I have here is the top-of-the-line version of the final-generation Supra. That's got to be the control here. This Supra in question is the RZ model, the enthusiast-focused model powered by a straight-six JZ turbo engine. I'm going to lap this round the Fuji Speedway before the FT-1.

The fourth-generation Supra has been a favorite among speedo boys everywhere. They drove it, they tuned it, they drift it, they made cops super angry, and overall, one of the best JDM sportscars since the Nissan Skyline GT-R. It's everyone's 10-second car when tuned to the max and right until production ended in the Summer of 2002, 593,337 Supras of all generations were produced.

Oh and from 1995 to 2003, it has been proven to be a worthy contender at the JGTC (former name of Super GT) races. No wonder it has been motorsports-proven to success making Toyota a famed carmaker in its own right in the past.



After moments of jabbering and thrashing round the corners, the Supra RZ managed to set a lap time round the Fuji Speedway (the F part, not the GT one that was used for Super GT purposes) at 2:02.631.

Now, it's time for me to take on the FT-1 concept...



Like I said, the powerplant of this concept remains unknown as well as the engine that powers it but in terms of being a Gran Turismo-exclusive, the FT-1 is proven its worth. Its fate was sealed to the franchise because judging by the fact it was designed in North American for the 2014 NAIAS, it's co-developed by Gran Turismo and tested in the virtual Gran Turismo environment. You have been warned.

But even though its stats remain an enigma, the Toyota FT-1 Concept still feels like a Supra or perhaps any other Toyota sports cars, including the Toyota 86. It still proves to be worthy of promising the Japanese carmaker's "FUN TO DRIVE AGAIN" slogan. The handling is a bit fair though but when it comes to show off its next-gen technology, that's what really gets me noticed and I like the way they made the speedo complete with something that matches the track layout. It's quite as intelligent as a businessman in running shoes. Mmmm...



After moments of rattling the Fuji Speedway in the FT-1, it posted a 1:51.711 lap time. That's almost 11 seconds faster than the Supra RZ.

So there we are, it's proven that the FT-1 Concept from Toyota has the potential to become the future Supra successor if Toyota's in the right climate to do so.



The Toyota FT-1 Concept - DEFINITELY A GRAN TURISMO EXCLUSIVE!!!

What's in our Car Town garage today? (January 27, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX

Although you may refer the Mitsubishi Eclipse as a JDM tuner but the thing is that it's made in the USA. Like the first model, this second-generation Eclipse was made by Chrysler and Mitsubishi under their Diamond Star Motors partnership. Chrysler's Eagle brand sold this as the Talon respectively.

1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII

Although an updated version of the Evo 7, the Evo 8 sees an updated look, an updated torque to its 2.0L engine, and the availability of ACD and AYC. For the first time in Evo history, this seventh version of the Lancer Evolution sportscar made its way on American soil but unlike JDM versions, the US-spec models only come with ACD.

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

The Lancer Evolution X signals a new era for Mitsubishi's rally-proven tuner car made by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. For starters, the Evo X replaced the 4G63 engine (which has been used on nine Evos in history) with a modernized 4B11 engine complete with turbos. It's the first to incorporate the new S-AWC system, integrating the ACD and Super AYC and combines the ABS controls. Although you can have a 5-speed gearbox, the Evo X comes with the TC-SST 6-speed double clutch gearbox for quicker shifting.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

What's in our Car Town garage today? (January 26, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

2012 Pagani Zonda 760 RS

Even though the Huayra served as the replacement to the decade-old Pagani Zonda, the Modena-based automaker is more than welcome for anyone who wants a Zonda, especially when a certain Zonda has to be fast, road-legal, and one-of-a-kind. The one-off 760 RS pretty much sums about it because while it was specially requested by a certain wealthy car enthusiast, it's the most powerful road-going Zonda ever made thanks to the AMG-developed V12 engine developing over 760PS of power output, more than the limited-to-5 Cinque model.

2012 Pagani Zonda 760 RS

2010 Lotus Evora

When the Evora made a debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the British sports car maker famed for Elise and Exige did made a different curve on the road because while it may not be as light as the famed models, it comes with the Toyota-sourced 3.5L V6 engine mounted in the middle. Although it may not be the quickest Lotus ever made, the Evora still compensates the flaws by being an all-round grand tourer made for the open road ahead.

2010 Lotus Evora

2006 Lotus Exige

With response of having a 1.8L engine out from the Toyota Celica in the Lotus Elise, causing Lotus a marginal success, they began making a hard-top hardcore version of the Elise known as the Exige. With 190HP developed from the 1.8L Toyota engine and because it weighs less than a ton, this small but mighty sportscar can do 0-60 in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 147mph and it's not just all about power sent through the rear wheels, it's still corners gently on the track. Quite a track-day weapon they made though.

2006 Lotus Exige