Gran Turismo 6: X2014 Standard vs. X2014 Fan

Finally, the two of the four new cars added on Gran Turismo 6's UPDATE 1.04, now in commision, is the last two models of the new Red Bull X2014 range. You can refer to them as the king and queen or the Rubidium and Cesium when mixed with water, yeah yeah, I get it all messed up but hey, it's all in the name of Gran Turismo science, if you know what I mean?

UPDATE 1.04 sees Part Two of the Red Bull X Challenge and for this second installment, in case you cleared the Junior Championship, you can get access to the Standard Championship. In here you can master the X2014 Standard, the mid-range of the lineup, and if you win, not only you can keep the X2014 Standard but also access to the grand finale: SEBASTIAN VETTEL X CHALLENGE.

This final challenge consists of three driving missions in which you can set a lap time while taking on S. Vettel himself. Beat him or not, it's the Gold Target Time you'll be focusing. Stay cool and don't be afraid to take on the risks. Finish all three in gold and you can keep the flagship X2014 Fan Car in your collection.

Now that I have both of them, it's time to figure out how does these two differ and to find out, I used the Ascari Race Resort in Spain as the basis for this experiment.



The X2014 Standard is a "venturi car" with normal suspension and aerodynamics as found in any racing car. With no rear fan and ground-effect skirt on sight, this mid-range model's downforce follows the laws of aerodynamics and for a precaution as shown in the description: THE DRIVER MUST KEEP IN MIND THAT THE DOWNFORCE AVAILABLE DURING CORNERING CHANGES GREATLY AS SPEED INCREASES AND DECREASES.

In high-speeds and in braking through the corners, it's difficult to slingshot past through the curves because of the remaining downforce, meaning that I can get too much understeering no matter how hard I corner this. On the plus side, you can see some sparks coming out at the back for some spectacular light show, making this racer a show off. I lapped this car round the Ascari at 1:37.289. That seems quick but what about the Fan Car? The emperor of the range?



The X2014 Fan Car is the ultimate of the X2014 range because of its thousand horsepower output similar to the previous X models. But, here's a catch: the engine that powers it was toned down from 1479 to 1183HP. Quite a downfall for this model but hey, the aerodynamics are top-notch compared to the Standard model. Thanks to the rear fan and the biblical aerodynamic updates, it's the best handling racecar for thrill-seekers.

Having managed to brave through this machine, I posted a 1:23.503, making it one of the quickest car to run through this track...in my mind. I have to say, I'm very glad I take all of these machines for a spin from entry-level to flagship.

Unfortunately, I find them to be rather useless because for some Single Races, the maximum PP allowed is 750PP and toning them down to meet its regulations is a bit of a hassle, which means...there's no use for those...I should better wait until an update regarding QUICK MATCH where I can jump through an online race without the lobby. It's worth the wait...

Mazda Flair Crossover

2014 Mazda Flair Crossover

With the arrival of Suzuki's kei-crossover, the Hustler, it looks like Mazda wanted one of these so with Suzuki's permission, Mazda decided to sell one of these at their dealerships under the Flair Crossover name, the third installment of the Mazda Flair kei cars ranging from the Alto-based Flair and the Spacia-based Flair Wagon.

Time now for the 47 second science please to tell you what's what about the Flair Crossover. Ahem...

Like the Hustler, the Flair Crossover still caries a peculiar look that looks like it came from the Daihatsu Mira Cocoa. On the inside, this kei crossover still has all the right buttons and the optionals such as a smartphone-integrated sat-nav.

On the performance side,  it features the same 660cc engine complete with SUZUKI GREEN TECHNOLOGY in the form of ENE-CHARGE and ECO-COOL respectively. Combine these fuel-efficient technologies with the CVT and you'll get 29.2kmpl as calculated by JC08 Mode standards. That's not all, you can have a model with a 5-speed manual, or a turbocharged model mated to a CVT gearbox, whichever floats your boat.

Available colors: Passion Orange White 2 Tone Roof, Summer Blue Metallic White 2 Tone Roof, Phoenix Red Pearl Black 2 Tone Roof, Steel Silver Metallic Black 2 Tone Roof, Cool Khaki Pearl Metallic, Urban Brown Pearl Metallic, Pearl White, and Bluish Black Pearl 3.

This super light crossover from Mazda is priced at 1,285,000 Japanese Yen.

What's in our Car Town garage today? (February 1, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

1994 Toyota MR2

Japan's first mass produced mid-engine sports car, the Toyota MR2, underwent a full-model change in 1989, and because it has resemblance to the expensive berlinetta, it referred to as "Poor Man's Ferrari" but there's more to it than that because this MR2 comes with the turbocharged 2.0L engine generating 241HP of power and 224.2ft-lb of torque. It's still admired by enthusiasts of all kinds in the underground tuning scene.

1994 Toyota MR2

2000 Toyota Celica

The Celica in question is the seventh and final installment of Toyota's budget sportscar when it was launched in Japan since the fall of 1999. Moments after Toyota left the WRC for good, the seventh Celica struggles to reflect the sportscars of yesteryears while still delivering cutting-edge technology. Designed by Americans and built in Japan, the new Celica has the best of both worlds and it's offered with a small 1.8L engine delivering decent power while mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

2000 Toyota Celica

2010 Toyota Tundra

The American-built Toyota Tundra was specifically designed to compete with the likes of the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram 1500, and the Chevrolet Silverado. While it was made to do the work for those who are dealing with businesses big or small, it also doubles as an everyday car. You can use it to fetch kids at school, store your bought groceries at the rear, and the perfect road trip buddy if you have mates around you.

2010 Toyota Tundra

1959 Chevrolet El Camino

General Motors brought the Australian "ute" inspiration on American soil, moments after the Ford Ranchero was released and in response, they made the El Camino, which combines the utility of a pickup truck and the fun to drive characteristics of a sports car. El Camino is Spanish for "the road", making it the perfect choice for this "ute" to drive for the road ahead. While it has some underpinnings from its relatives like the Biscayne, the El Camino comes with three engine variations including a more powerful 5.7L V8 engine.

1959 Chevrolet El Camino

1980 VW Thing

What is The Thing? Nope, not that orange Hulk wannabe from Fantastic Four, it's VW's Thing. Originally made for the German army, this military vehicle has been sold to the general public as the Kurierwagen in the country where it was made and has some of the major components from the People's Car, the VW Beetle. This peculiar vehicle lasted until production ended in the early 80's.

1980 VW Thing

2010 Opel Corsa

Utilized in the platform co-developed with Fiat, the Corsa is a European compact hatchback targeted for Europeans who are a bit busy on their hectic schedules. While you may consider this the middle child of the Opel lineup, it still behaves like an upper-class workout thanks to its fuel-efficiency on par in its class and its fun-to-drive characteristics.

2010 Opel Corsa

Let's Do The News! (February 1, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- Some Californians are installing artificial lawn due to statewide drought.

- Bruno Mars to perform at the Super Bowl 48's Halftime Show

- A New Yorker pleads guilty for the smuggling of 40,000 pirahnas in the US at a year's time.

- US accuses Syria for the delay of the chemical arms handover.

- Despite reports regarding terror threats in Sochi, Russia, in time for the 2014 Winter Olympics, US President Obama said that it's safe to go to Sochi, if everyone wishes to visit for the winter sporting event.

- NBC cancels the comedy series "Sean Saves The World" after its unsuccessful first season. This comedy series aired on NBC since Autumn last year.

- Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville will be the first STAR IN A REASONABLY PRICED CAR in the 21st Season of BBC Top Gear.

TTFN!!!

"Your Love. Their Future."

On the January 31, 2014's episode of Bubble Gang...

- Feng Shui gags

- An interview with a First Aid expert...

- A lady's making a hassle at the bank...even at times of robbery...

- Life lessons we learned from Tata Lino

- Bubble Gang does Nido 3+ by spoofing this commercial as MEDO 3+! Your Love. Their Future.

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...photography!

- Mr. Assimo vs. Feng Shui!

- Ang Bagong Dating Doon answers questions and also discussing more wrong terms.

- Istambay, Istambay sa Looban, Ang kwento ni Subas ay pakinggan, lahat ng tao ay inuutangan, madalas laway lang ang...PUHUNAN!!!

- You're listening to Samut-saring Drama with Papa Pogi.

Let's Do The News! (January 31, 2014)

What we learned today...

- IT'S THE NEW NISSAN LATIO!*

*Sort of. The facelifted model of the Nissan Latio N17 (sold in other countries as the Versa, Almera, and the Sunny) is sold in Thailand recently with the new face as seen from the Nissan Teana L33 as well as the refined interior. It went on sale earlier at a starting price of 433,000 Baht but when will the latest minor change hit Japan?

Report: http://indianautosblog.com/2014/01/nissan-sunny-facelift-launched-in-thailand-114483

- BBC planning a male-oriented channel

Looks like all hands on deck for the BBC because the British TV conglomerate plans for a male-oriented TV channel called BBC Brit. Doesn't say that much but by the time the Beeb launched this new male-focused channel for real men, its maiden broadcast kicks off with BBC's Top Gear following with the reality show titled Dragon's Den.

Report: http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/30/top-gear-spearhead-new-bbc-male-oriented-global-channels/

- V-Class

2015 Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Think of the new V-Class as Germany's answer to luxury MPVs such as the Chrysler Town and Country, Toyota Alphard, and Nissan Elgrand. This brand new model (replacing both the Viano and Vito) combines luxury and convenience all in one unique package. The only engine available is a 2.1L diesel engine with three different configurations mated to a 7G-Tronic.

Report: http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/new-mercedes-benz-v-class-revealed-2014-01-31

- Subaru to reveal sixth-gen Legacy on Chicago

2015 Subaru Legacy teaser

This February's Chicago Auto Show 2014, Subaru will reveal the sixth-generation Legacy (in sedan trim) to the general public. There are some suspecting rumors that for this new generation, the Touring Wagon (as seen in all generations) will not be added because of the Levorg. So, what would it look like upon its regeneration?

- 6-speed manual for Mazda Axela 2.0 petrol variants

Mazda announced a new variant for the third-generation Mazda Axela and this time, the SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine is mated to a SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed gearbox! On sale this April 2014 (to coincide with Japan's 8% vehicle consumption tax), it's all about being a driver-focused Axela thanks to the added power and the freedom to drive. However, it's available only in Sport hatchback model and it costs from 2,268,000 to 2,505,600 Japanese Yen.

Report: http://autoc-one.jp/news/1644889/

- Tommykaira ZZ reboot

New Tommykaira ZZ

A small company called GLM (Green Lord Motors) gave a reboot to one of our favorite Gran Turismo cars, the Tommykaira ZZ, and for the newest reboot of the 21st century, the new Tommykaira ZZ is what you can refer to it as Japan's answer to the deceased Tesla Roadster. The electric motor generates an astonishing 305PS of power output and 415Nm of torque output. Because it weighs around 850kg, the 0-60mph time is 3.9 seconds. Only 99 units will be made, each costing an eye-watering 8,000,000 Yen or around 79,000 US Dollars.

Report: http://autoc-one.jp/tommykaira/zz/launch-1644023/

URL: http://tommykairazz.com/

Renault discontinues Fluence ZE

Following the bankruptcy of Israel's BETTER PLACE, Renault sadly announced the discontinuation of the Renault Fluence ZE electric midsize saloon. It's Korean equivalent, the Samsung SM3 ZE, will live on because of the South Korean government's support for electric cars.

Report: http://www.carscoops.com/2014/01/renault-reportedly-pulls-plug-on.html

TTFN and Happy Chinese New Year!

Sofia the First: Songs From Enchancia

Sofia The First: Songs from Enchancia

Last 2013, Disney Junior sees a welcome to the new girl in crown, Sofia the First. Over the course of this latest series, toddlers see little princess Sofia in the adventure of her lifetime as she try to adjust herself to her new royal family. Whether if its trolls, mermaids, flying carpet, Royal Prep, surprise appearances from Disney princesses, and so much more. This new Disney Junior series truly deserve the royalty little girls loved for.

Anyone who has the official soundtrack to the series waited no more as the second volume is now here. Songs from Enchancia sees the addition of 15 brand new songs from the hit TV series. Whether if its befriending a little witch, confronting against the wicked Miss Nettle, a big adventure with Aunt Tilly, Baileywick's Day Off, taming a wild carpet with Princess Jasmine, discover the Floating Palace with Ariel from The Little Mermaid, undo the curse with Belle from Beauty and the Beast, these new 15 songs (with the addition of those from episodes like Two to Tangu, The Amulet and The Anthem, and the TV special titled The Floating Palace) are sure enough to have the little girls' ears getting hooked for more of Sofia the First.

TRACK LISTINGS:

1) Sisters and Brothers

2) Merroway Cove

3) The Love We Share

4) Bigger Is Better

5) (You Can Always) Count On Baileywick

6) Make It Right

7) Good Little Witch (Ballad)

8) Good Little Witch

9) The Ride of Your Lives

10) A Recipe for Adventure

11) Bring My Best Friend Back

12) The Simple Life

13) Make Way for Miss Nettle

14) Enchancia

15) Be Who You Wanna Be