Monday, February 3, 2014

What's in our Car Town garage today? (February 3, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

2007 Toyota Camry

People say that the Toyota Camry is one of the best-selling midsize sedans in America and it's true. It is but there's more to it than that because this Japanese midsize saloon is well-known to have a wide array of fuel-efficient engines, sporty design, luxurious interior, and loads of conveniences fit enough for drivers to take advantage at it. You might be clever that even though it's Japanese, the best selling car in its class in America is built at Toyota's Georgetown plant in Kentucky, so it's all made sense to us.

2007 Toyota Camry

2008 Scion tC

Shortly after the xA and the xB spearheaded the Scion brand in 2003, Toyota's youth-oriented brand exclusive to the North American market wanted to make a sports coupe capable to give the Honda Civic Coupe a run for its money and the tC does suit well to its qualifications. Although it's made from Japan, the first-generation tC is available exclusively for the North American market and it features a 2.4L petrol engine producing 161HP of power.

2008 Scion tC

2008 Scion xB

The xB, Scion's box car that spearheaded the brand in 2003, underwent a full model change in 2007 as a 2008 model year, it's no longer in the form of a rebadged Toyota bB. It's all original and made to appeal to a younger drivers, mostly those with an immediate driver's license perhaps. It maybe bigger than the first model but the second-generation xB is powered by the same engine as the first tC; a 2.4L petrol engine developing 158HP of power.

2008 Scion xB

2009 Ford Escape

The second-generation Ford Escape, as premiered at the 2006 LA Auto Show, may not be an ideal crossover for looks but it's still quite a popular among soccer moms everywhere. Still using the same CD2 platform as the first model, the second-generation Escape's design was heavily inspired from its bigger brothers and the interior is heavily revamped. It even has Ford's SYNC telematics system. For 2009, the Escape now comes with the 6-speed automatic gearbox on petrol models while the 2.5L engine replaced the small 2.3L engine.

2009 Ford Escape

2008 Toyota Yaris

This stylish compact hatchback from Toyota maybe targeted mostly for women but don't be fooled, the Yaris was made to combine its fun-to-drive factor, fuel efficiency, space, and convenience into this small and nippy package. It's a global compact car sold in numerous countries so you can expect its presence here and around the world.

2008 Toyota Yaris

2006 Toyota Prius

Since 1997, Japan put the hybrid in the automotive lexicon by selling the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid car. Because of its engine connected to a nickel battery and an electric motor and offers different driving modes ranging from petrol, EV Mode, or both, the Prius scored a lot of profits for Toyota and because of the first-generation Prius' success, Toyota worked on the second-generation model. Launched in 2003, the second-generation Prius features an improved hybrid powertrain, more than enough to record its fuel economy of 35.5km/L, as calculated by Japan's 10-15 Mode standards.

2006 Toyota Prius

2006 Honda Civic

Launched in 2005, the eighth-generation Civic takes on a new spin for the Japanese carmaker's signature car, which is a favorite among tuners everywhere. In Europe, it's available only as a hatchback. In Japan, it's available only as a saloon model in petrol and hybrid guise. Here in America, the eighth-generation model is available in sedan (in petrol and hybrid) and the sporty coupe model (along with the enthusiast-focused Si).

2006 Honda Civic

1960 Chevrolet Corvette

The first-generation Corvette, the generation that started the Corvette dynasty, has been updated in 1958 and for this update, it tunes to the times in the age of chrome and four headlamps. Aside from the exterior update, the inside was been revamped by putting the tachometer in front of the driver's eye. With all the updates applied to the C1 Corvette, the engine lineup was offered with a 4.6L V8 engine developing 230HP of power and its fuel-injected version of the same engine developing 290HP of power. For the 1960 update, it features that rarest exterior color that so rate, only 140 were made, and that's the Cascade Green metallic.

1960 Chevrolet Corvette

2000 Honda S2000

The dawn of the new millennium signaled the dawn of Honda's FR roadster that pays tribute to the classic Honda sports cars of yesteryears since the S500. As the name implies, the S2000 is powered by a 2.0L VTEC engine which delivers sharper throttle response while combining cutting-edge technology to Honda's most iconic roadster. Even when production ended in 2009, the S2000 is still remembered as one of the all-time greats.

2000 Honda S2000
2007 Honda CR-V

The third-generation Honda CR-V, the crossover based on the Honda Civic, sees a whole new change to Honda's crossover utility vehicle. With this, the side-opening rear door with the spare tire at the back, as seen in the previous two generations, is phased out and where's it all gone? The new model now comes with the rear liftgate and if that wasn't enough, the K20A4 engine for 2.0L petrol variants was been replaced by a 2.0L R204A engine for added fuel economy and performance figures.

2007 Honda CR-V

Sunday, February 2, 2014

What's in our Car Town garage today? (February 2, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

2013 Ferrari LaFerrari

Succeed where the Enzo Ferrari left off, the LaFerrari is a hybrid engine-wielding hypercar that serves as the pinnacle of the Ferrari food chain. Utilizing the enhanced V12 engine from the F12berlinetta as well as HY-KERS, it develops an astonishing 963PS of power output, making this the most powerful road-going Ferrari ever made. Only 499 of these will be made, just a hundred more than the old Enzo hypercar.

2013 Ferrari LaFerrari

2009 Lotus Elise

The Elise is just one of the perfect examples of what a British lightweight sportscar should be; made from the bare essentials, compact, arm with a small engine, make it more corner-friendly, and more driver-focused. Although it was made to be a hardcore sportscar that was born for track duty, it's still a usable daily car. It even has aircon and stereo as concessions of convenience.

2009 Lotus Elise

1970 VW Karmann Ghia

A classic German grand tourer with Italian flair, the Karmann Ghia is just what happens when you give a VW Beetle some beautiful Italian interpretation courtesy of Ghia. Despite using the same engine as the Beetle, the Karmann Ghia's image looks more of an everyday Italian, paving way for VW to make new cars.

1970 VW Karmann Ghia

1998 Toyota Supra

The Supra is undoubtedly one of the most famous Toyota sports cars ever made and tuners of all kinds loved it for its menacing performance fit enough to turn it into a 10-second car. This is the car that made Toyota one of the coolest Japanese carmakers in history and even though the Supra saga ended in 2002, its remembrance is worth Supra-national.

1998 Toyota Supra

1982 DMC DeLorean

Made famous for the Back To The Future trilogy movies, this classic sportscar became the pop icons of all times and enjoyed its pop culture stardom with many appearances through different medias. The DeLorean has a chassis made by Lotus while the body design is styled by Giugiaro. It was powered by a PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) SOHC V6 engine delivering 128HP of power.

1982 DMC DeLorean

Saturday, February 1, 2014

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.

Friday, January 31, 2014

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.


- 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.


- 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.


- Tommykaira ZZ reboot

トミーカイラZZ
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.


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.


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

Sherlock Series 3 OST

Sherlock Series 3 OST

The third season of BBC's phenomenal modern day crime drama based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, SHERLOCK, finally answered the question on how did Sherlock Holmes (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) cheat death at the end of the second season but that's just the start because after revelations about his fake death, Holmes and Dr. John Watson (played by Martin Freeman) teamed up once again as they race against time to stop a bomb before blowing up the British Parliament, saving John Watson's wedding by no means necessary, figuring out who is Magnussen in His Last Vow, and the end of the third season sees the return of a familiar face. Who could that be? Some say, like Sherlock, he just don't fear death.

Now, there's an original soundtrack based on the third season of the hit TV series and it covers most of the BGM's heard in The Empty Hearse, The Sign of Three, and His Last Vow. Like the previous two seasons, David Arnold and Michael Price really did a one-two punch on creating memorable background musics as heard in the series and hey, these BGMs do match the suspense, the thrills, the wits, and the humor occurred over the course of this series. There are 23 tracks offered in this CD.

If you're in the UK, you can buy one now but if you're in the US, you have to wait until this Spring but who cares, this is a must have if you wish to complete the BBC Sherlock soundtrack collection.

TRACK LISTINGS:
1) How It was Done
2) God Rest His Soul
3) Floating Dust
4) #SherlockLives
5) Back To Work
6) Vanishing Underground
7) John is Quite a Guy
8) Lazarus
9) Lestrade - The Movie
10) To Battle
11) Stag Night
12) Mayfly Man
13) Major Sholto
14) Waltz for John and Mary
15) Magnussen
16) Forwards of Backwards
17) Redbeard
18) To Lie in Leinster Gardens
19) Addicted to a Certain Lifestyle
20) The Problems of Your Future
21) Appledore
22) The East Wind
23) End Titles

What's in our Car Town garage today? (January 31, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

1973 Toyota Celica Liftback

While many refer to this JDM classic as a "Japanese Mustang", probably because of the liftback looks that reminiscent of the classic Mustang Liftback, the Celica Liftback is just one of the many reasons how does the Celica story began. Of course, this model is based on the first-generation model, the one that started the Celica chapter.

1973 Toyota Celica Liftback

1967 BMW 2000 CS

Since BMW stopped making the Bertone-designed 3200 CS in 1965, they made this bespoke luxury coupe that succeeds where the 3200 CS left off, only this time as the name implies, it was powered by a 2.0L engine derived from the M10 engine. For the 2000 CS model, the 2.0L engine develops 120HP of power output thanks to the added dual carburetors while mated with a 4-speed manual gearbox.

1967 BMW 2000 CS

1966 Pontiac Bonneville

Made from the days when General Motors' Pontiac brand axed the Tri Power engines for corporate reasons, the fourth-generation models see a hike in the engine displacement and for this one, you can expect a big, bulky, 7.0L V8 engine developing 390HP of power output. This model uses GM's B platform, which at its time, it was the fourth best selling platform in history.

1966 Pontiac Bonneville

Thursday, January 30, 2014

What's in our Car Town garage today? (January 30, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

1991 GMC Syclone

GMC's high-performance midsize pickup truck is based on the Sonoma and although this pickup wasn't made to go off-road, underneath this pickup truck beats the heart of the muscle car. The V6 engine that powers it is turbocharged and develops a power output of 280HP. The only gearbox available for this Sonoma in steroids is a 4-speed automatic gearbox and with this setup, it gets from 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds.

1991 GMC Syclone

2003 Jeep Wrangler

The Wrangler served as a status symbol for Chrysler's Jeep brand and although this is as close to the vintage Willys as you can get, it's still coveted by most off-road enthusiasts because of its capability and heritage that lurks behind the bodywork. This is the TJ model and judging by the way it looks, it's all in the heritage for this model and it features a wide variety of updates to keep everyone's favorite offroader tough enough for the road ahead.

2003 Jeep Wrangler

2009 Ford Flex

So this is the Blue Oval's idea of a box car and judging by its bizarre looks, the Flex from Ford is classified as a crossover and it features a host of surprising features such as a class-exclusive refrigerator, Multi-Panel Vista Roof, seven-color ambient lighting, capless fuel filler system, Ford Sync, and much more, making this crossover truly unique ahead of time.

2009 Ford Flex