Sunday, January 26, 2014

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

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Let's Do The News! (January 25, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- Showtime presenter Vhong Navarro is recovering after getting tied, blindfolded, and beaten up by six unknown men at a condo at The Fort, Taguig City, since January 22.

- BBC Top Gear returns on the 2nd of February 2014 (which is coincidentally the day of the Super Bowl match between Seattle vs. Denver) at 8:00PM on BBC Two and BBC Two HD. Check out the exclusive images ranging from the Myanmar Special, the Alfa Romeo 4C, McLaren P1, used hatchbacks, new Caterhams, and more!

- The frigate known as BRP Ramon Alcaraz is sent to the West Philippine Sea to conduct sovereignty patrols in the area, where mostly claimed by China.

-









These are the behind-the-scenes images Disney sent to everyone and it's kinda sad for Mendies (Bridgit Mendler fans) to see this one coming as the hit Disney Channel comedy series, Good Luck Charlie, has reached its climax after four seasons of seeing the Duncan family getting through all sorts of mess. The series finale episode of "Good Luck Charlie" airs SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, on Disney Channel. Check local listings and oh...Good Luck Charlie!

- If you're living in Canada and loves everything British, you might be aware that there are some British stuff banned from Canada because of illegal additives like Marmite, Ovaltine, Bovril, and the Scottish favorite softdrink made from girders; IRN BRU. IRN BRU gets you through..WEH?!

TTFN!!!

Facing with the enemy...


Earlier, I got myself a package of some stuff I ordered from the internet. I wonder what is it? Let's open it!



After opening package, the one that I ordered from the internet was...oh my gosh...




In an unexpected series of events, I have just bought myself a 1/18th scale model of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, my most hatred car in the history probably because...well, you know the background.

To recall, I developed my strong hatred to this car ever since NAMCO didn't put Punkish Gothic on the PS3 version of THE iDOLM@STER 2 and Top Gear was revoked from Gran Turismo 6. It all seems clear now why I don't like this to be appeared in any other games because like I said, it's a Gran Turismo-exclusive car and best to back off. I had a lot of negative arguments from it and the community just doesn't agree to me probably because of the licensing issues. Hey, with Forza Motorsport 5's February DLC Pack is approaching, the risk of seeing the C7 Corvette in the list is...I'm guessing 1-to-10 because Forza faithfuls, who turned out to be traitors and spent their time to the Gran Turismo side, demanded for this car to be here. Who cares about it? I just don't want Turn 10 Studios, the staff behind Forza, to steal this car or else, this is going to be a declaration of war...of the two racing games.

I had just one question; if Turn 10 ever managed to put the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C7), which has exclusive licensing with Gran Turismo (and since it's GT6's cover car), should Sony sue them for unfair competition? Remember, Turn 10 stole stuff from Gran Turismo like the Spa-Francorchamps track, Caterham, KTM X-Bow, and other Gran Turismo stuff that shouldn't be on Forza in the first place. It's a criss-cross scenario. Steal one from your enemy and your enemy will steal yours. Only time will tell whether they're going to commit the biggest crime in the racing video game genre history or not and I have my fingers crossed that such the inevitable won't happen during the revelation of Forza 5's February DLC Pack.

Oh yeah, the recently revealed 2015 C7 Z06 and the C7.R? Back off video game makers. The C7 Corvette's still got Gran Turismo exclusive licensing and they'll show up on future installments of the Gran Turismo franchise. You have been warned.


Anyway, let's not talk about the inevitable conspiracy. Let's talk about my latest addition to my toy car collection...



Judging by the way it looks 18 times smaller than the real thing, it's still looks magnificent in every angle!



And when you open the hood, the doors, and the liftgate, you are mostly welcome that this toy car opens its doors like the real thing.


Must be the 6.2L LT1 V8 engine developing about 450HP of power in the real world.



Having checking out through the detailing inside and out, the C7 Corvette toy car looks well-done, a bit 98% accurate to the real model, and as a collector's item, it's quite an investment to keep for generations to come.




Although I'm very glad I got a toy car 18-times smaller than the real C7 Corvette, I still want something more to do with it. Something to add some twist to my latest addition to my collection, do you know what I mean? Well, I have something up in my sleeve but what should I do with it? You'll find out soon in the not-too-distant future, giving you some free time to argue and guess what I'm gonna do with it but in the meantime, best to keep it for a few moments before my Brainiac instincts came up with the answer to this question.

"Ang No.1 na toyo, 70 years na!"

On the January 24, 2014 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Time Travel gags

- Using sound analysis to detect supernatural stuff in the haunted house...

- Illegal Wife

- Lakas Kiliti

- Bubble Gang does Silver Swan by spoofing this commercial as SILVERY SMART soy sauce. Ang No.1 na toyo, 70 years na!

Bubble Gang does Silver Swan Soy Sauce


- The Husband App and its details...

- Istambay...Istambay Sa Looban...oras na naman ang kwentuhan, ang tablet at cellphone ay bitawan, at tumutok na sa 'ting...TSIMISAN!

- Antonietta vs. Jacklyn Jose!

- More of Tata Lino!!!

VIDEO: Titans attack on this latest Subaru Forester ad


Well that was quite an unexpected turn for this latest Subaru Forester ad aired in Japan as for this commercial, the Subaru Forester takes on the unexpected turn with the encounter of those weird-looking...TITANS!

This commercial is a collaboration with Attack On Titan (日本名:進撃の巨人), which I think to be one of the best anime shows of 2013 with the live-action movie coming next year, and this is quite a surprise to see a Japanese car commercial featuring nods from Japanese anime. If only the Scouting Legion would see this coming...

Video: 

What's in our Car Town garage today? (January 25, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

2000 Ford SVT Cobra R

Ford created a limited-to-300-unit hardcore model of the Ford Mustang Cobra pony car based on the "New Edge" Mustang, the facelifted version of the fourth-generation model which runs of Ford's Fox Platform. While many considered it one of the best muscle cars of the new millennium, it's still one of the rarest cars ever to come out in American soil.

2000 Ford SVT Cobra R

1970 Renault Alpine A110

The A110 is regarded as one of the most successful rally machines part of the collaboration between Renault and Alpine. Such collaborations made this French classic taken over the WRC in eight wins out of 13 events since 1973. It even scored itself a triple punch at Monte Carlo and Corsica as well! A true champion for drivers at all levels.

1970 Renault Alpine A110

2007 Toyota Tacoma

Made for the North American market, the Tacoma is a mid-size pickup that takes on the likes of rivals of its class. While the midsize picukp market is diminishing as well as the competition due to slow sales, the Tacoma stays no matter the trends will be. For this second-generation model, you can have either a 2.7L 4-cylinder engine or a more powerful 4.0L V6 engine developing 236HP of power.

2007 Toyota Tacoma

Friday, January 24, 2014

Let's Do The News! (January 24, 2014)

The big scoop today...

Top Gear Track on Google Maps



You can now see the Top Gear Test Track via Google Maps' Street View and check the full view of the most famed testing ground for all things fast and loud. You can even see The Stig driving the SLS AMG while viewing every corner of the track. Go to Google Maps (or if you have the Google Earth application installed on your computer) and search for "Top Gear Test Track".

Here's a little video BTS:



Bieber Busted

Another day, another Justin Bieber-related shenanigans as the teen star got arrested by cops on suspicion of DUI and drag racing rented supercars in Miami Beach.

Report: TMZ

Bravest Warriors S02E05

It's Episode 5 of the second season of the hit web cartoon from Frederator's Cartoon Hangover, Bravest Warriors, and wow, things are looking a bit grey...and a bit crazy. It's THE PUPPETYVILLE HORROR and it's now streaming at your computers near you.

 


DILG secretary Roxas and Tacloban mayor ended their feud

After moments of arguments, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and Tacloban City mayor Alfred Romualdez finally ended their feud that lasted for a month. Yesterday, when the two faced each other at the Congressional Oversight Committee hearing at the Senate, in the midst of the government's response in the aftermath of last year's Superstorm Yolanda (Haiyan).

Report: PEP (Tagalog)

Block's Raptor

Ken Block slaps tractor treads on supercharged Ford F-150 Raptor

Master hoonigan, Ken Block, takes his extreme to the next level as he gave the Ford SVT Raptor truck some tractor treads and called it the RaptorTrax, the ultimate backcountry snowboard expedition vehicle as the Hoonigan claims it. A video featuring Ken Block and the RaptorTrax will appear in a few moments soon.

Report: Top Gear Philippines

TTFN!!!

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Martin Del Rosario, IHAW NA!

On the January 22, 2014's Banana Nite's IHAW NA segment, the guest of the day was none other than actor Martin Del Rosario. Martin Del Rosario began his showbiz career ever since he was in his sophomore years upon an encounter with a talent manager while he's buying lechon. In his career, Martin Del Rosario's appearance in numerous dramas from ABS-CBN really deserved himself a big break. Some say, he accidentally shot Andi Eigenmann while shooting for an episode of Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin.

Let's Do The News! (January 23, 2014)

The big scoop today:

2015 Lincoln Navigator revealed


2015 Lincoln Navigator

The Lincoln Motor Company, Ford's luxury marque which is outlasted by General Motors' Cadillac through the years, has launched the 2015 Lincoln Navigator luxury full-size SUV, and in order for the Navigator to continue through the latest trends, they've updated it. The new front face is now as big as a man. See? For its much-awaited minor change, it seems that the old V8 engine has been thrown away for good and give this big chunky SUV the only engine available: a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine with twin turbo and direct injection. It will make a premiere at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show next month.

Report: Autoblog

Mazda Atenza is 2013-2014 PH COTY

2013 Mazda Atenza

The Car Awards Group Inc. or CAGI announced last night that the third-generation Mazda Atenza (known worldwide as the Mazda 6) with SKYACTIV Technology won the 2013-2014 Philippine Car Of The Year.

Report: Top Gear Philippines

The Mirrored Harrier


Mirror Harrier

The brand new Toyota Harrier maybe more of a posh RAV4 sold only to the Japanese market but it's still one of the most stylish crossovers ever made if you're on a visit to Tokyo. Now, Toyota Motor Corporation tries to make it more convincing to the eyes of the sommeliers by turning this Japan-only crossover into something more of a light show maybe. After giving the new Harrier some mirror wrappings through the whole body and with the use of 3DCG called "reflection mapping", this is what claims to be the first ever "art car virtual world".

Report: Yahoo JP Carview (Japanese)

NBI Clearance Now Online!

Good news! You don't have to fall in line if you're in the urge of claiming the clearance from the NBI because starting Friday, you can now fill up your NBI Clearance Online! According to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, you can now fill-out the forms at the NBI website. She stated that "online application is the next logical step for the switch".

Report: Philippine Star (Tagalog)

Matt Smith's message for the NTA

Former Doctor Who lead actor, Matt Smith, has a video message for the National Television Awards, just moments after the announcement that he won the "Best Drama Performance" award for his Eleventh Doctor role.



TTFN!!!

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Let's Do The News! (January 22, 2014)

The big scoop today:

Top Gear returns on February for Series 21

As announced, the hit motoring TV show, Top Gear, is set to return on BBC Two and BBC Two HD on the 2nd of February, 2014. That's right. It's Series 21 of BBC Top Gear! Back on February 2...which is coincidentally the day of the Super Bowl. He he he...

What's new on PS3's iM@S Channel?

So what's new on the iM@S Channel only on Playstation3? Ah yes, Mini Album #10 featuring Azusa Miura (with special appearances by Dearly Stars' Ai Hidaka) is now available on The iDOLM@STER SHINY TV game as a DLC! Like the others, it costs 1,500 Yen and also comes with a special PS3 theme featuring yours truly, Azusa Miura.



Also available on the iM@S Channel is G4U Volume 8.

The SLEX-NLEX joint road

Looks like in the near future, your travel time from Balintawak to Santa Mesa will be improved than what you expect because the MPTDC and the PNCC collaborated for a construction of a NLEX Metro Expressway Link Project or "Connector Road", where it bridges the roads from NLEX to SLEX. The project will be completed in two years time and it costs P1.59 billion to commence this.

Report: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/motoring-news/coming-soon-nlex-slex-connector-road-for-your-driving-pleasure

Tarantino's The Hateful Eight axed because of script leak

Following the moments after betrayal results in script leak, famed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino decided that he will not direct "The Hateful Eight". Well, that was unexpecting...

Report: http://www.imdb.com/news/ni56696884/

Pacquiao to fight Bradley...again

As reported and finalized for the time being, People's Champ Manny Pacquiao will be revisiting against the opponent who knocked him out in the first half of 2012. That's right, he'll be facing off against Timothy Bradley again, reports said.

Report: http://www.fhm.com.ph/daily-reads/news/pacquiao-fight-april-12-timothy-bradley

TTFN!!!

Suzuki Landy (C26) 2014 Minor Change

2014 Suzuki Landy

2014 Suzuki Landy

The Nissan Serena-derived Suzuki Landy, currently on its C26 generation, gets a minor change and what can you expect on the latest minor change? To find out, let's look back at the Nissan Serena C26 minor change because just in case someone had an amnesia for no reasons. However, this is no time to looking back because here are the details:

Thanks to the Nissan Serena C26's minor change last month; Suzuki managed to borrow one of these and for the latest version it inherits what just the Serena C26 did; new headlamps, a new front grille, new alloy wheels, and new LED rear combination brake lamps with an S-shaped design. On the inside, it still looks intact to me. The 2014 Landy is available only as an 8-seater and with that, it comes with 14 seat configurations to choose from depending on the scenario the user faces.

Again, like the Nissan Serena C26 minor change, the 2014 Landy's MR20DD engine along with its smart and simple S-HYBRID system, now has an improved fuel economy of 16kmpl under Japan's JC08 Mode standards.

For added safety, the latest update now comes with Emergency Brake, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), AVM (Around View Monitor) with MOD (Moving Object Detection), Emergency Assist for pedal misapplication and Driver Attention Alert.

The entry level 2.0S model with 2WD layout starts at 2,241,750 Japanese Yen while the top-end 2.0G with 4WD starts at 2,995,650 Japanese Yen.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

What's in our Car Town garage today? (January 21, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale

This particular 458 is not like any other 458 you know and loved. The all new 458 Speciale redefines the benchmark as the ultimate mid-engined V8 Ferrari ever made. Made to succeed from the 430 Scuderia, this ultimate 458 features a wide array of aerodynamic upgrades inspired from the track-only 458 Challenge as well as the uprooted 4.5L V8 developing 605PS of power output and 540Nm of torque, making it a track-ready, road-legal, supercar on your day-to-day basis.

2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale

1911 Marmon Wasp

The first person to win the inaugural Indianapolis 500 race in 1911 is Ray Harroun and the #32 Marmon Wasp he raced. While the racer's inaugural victory not only placed his mark on the history books, the first racing machine that won its first Indy 500 race also done it. The legend that started it all is still remembered by many and with many decades passed, racing historians still coveted this car for its roots that can be traced to today's IndyCars.

1911 Marmon Wasp

1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator

This bewildering muscle car from Ford Motor Company's Mercury brand is worth a swagger in its own bragging rights at the streets and at the drag strips. The Cougar Eliminator comes with the 428 Super Cobra Jet engine delivering over 400HP of power and with a wide array of visual features, your best hope when you encounter one is to stay out of harm's way. This muscle car sure knows who's the Boss of the roads...

1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator

Monday, January 20, 2014

Let's Do The News! (Jan 20, 2014)

The big news today...

Seattle vs. Denver for SB48

After Seattle Seahawks defeated San Francisco 49ers at the score of 23-17 and Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots at the score of 26-16, it's official! Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos at Super Bowl XLVIII in New York City this February 2! So, who will you be rooting for?

Barrett-Jackson 2014

Another year, another Barrett-Jackson auctions as the biggest car auction event was held in Scottsdale. Here are the biggest hitters of this year's auctions:


  • Gene Simmon's 1956 Ford F-100 - sold at $450k
  • 2014 Chevrolet Camaro COPO - $700k for charity
  • 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird - sold at over $500k
  • 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 - sold at $3.85 million
  • Linda Vaughn LV-1 Chevrolet Camaro - $280k for charity
  • Simon Cowell's 2008 Bugatti Veyron - sold at $1.375 million
  • 1963 Shelby Cooper Monaco King Cobra - sold at $1.65 million
  • Ring Brothers 1964 Ford Fairlaine "Afterburner" - sold at $247,500
  • 2015 Ford Mustang - $300k for charity
  • Ferrari F300 from the 1998 F1 season - sold at $1.7 million
  • 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 - $650k for charity
  • McLaren F1 GTR Longtail - sold at $5.28 million

McLaren rehired Ron Dennis as CEO

British sportscar maker, McLaren, rehired Ron Dennis as the chief executive officer of the company. Reason for his reinstatement is because of McLaren's performance in the Formula One motorsports. Back in 2008, Ron Dennis' responsibility as a CEO made McLaren won the 2008 F1 season. With him back on track, can McLaren be back on the right track?



Court upholds suspension of Willie's show

Earlier, the Court of Appeals rejected the petition against the ruling upholding the MTRCB's order suspending Willie Revilliame's noontime variety show on TV5. In separate resolutions a couple of weeks ago, Associate Justice Manuel Barrios dismissed the motions for reconsideration asking the court to overrule the order from the MTRCB.


Tax exemption for Fostanes sought

Earlier, there was a report saying that Pinay caregiver turned X Factor Israel winner Rose Fostanes gets charged by the Bureau of Internal Revenue to pay taxes from the income she won in the contest. Now, there is a report saying that a lawmaker from the Overseas Filipino Workers party-list group appealed to the BIR not to pressure Rose Fostanes into paying taxes from her winning and instead, grant her tax exemption after all the hard work she done to showcase her talent to the world.


TTFN!!!

Nissan Teana L33

2014 Nissan Teana

After six years at last, the Nissan Teana is now on its third-generation, and unlike its predecessors, the new Teana stays true to being a car as relaxing as a day off at a hot spring. This isn't what you are really supposed to be because even though this is an all-new model, the new model looks suspiciously familiar...

What's so familiar about it?

Beginning in the chassis code; it seems that Nissan no longer does the J thing and instead gave it the L letter so for this third-generation Teana, it's now labeled as L33. Not J33 as previously foretold, it's L33. It's a similar case we looked at on the Nissan Sylphy two years ago when at first glance, it should be coded G12 but instead, TB17 is the codename for the Sylphy. What's going on with those twists in the Nissan archives? There's got to be some conspiracy going on around here as to why full model changes now come with totally different chassis codes but this is no time for debunking stuff. I'm here to check out what's going on with the new Teana.

But hey, the new Teana kinda looks like...

I know, the new Teana is now an international-class midsize car, and by the looks of it, the new Teana is now a lot like North America's Nissan Altima, again in L33 chassis code, so for the first time in Teana history, it now rose into international status. Last year, it was launched in China and Thailand as well as Australia so by no means a coincidence, it tries to capture a much broader audience much the same thing as the X-TRAIL T32 crossover. Think of it like Nissan's idea of the "One Ford" approach, except this isn't Ford. Sorry...

Okay then, so what to expect?

2014 Nissan Teana

Because it was inspired by North America's Altima, the brand new Teana is beautiful to look at and as similar looking as its little brother, the Nissan Sylphy B17. Even though it's bigger than the old J32 six years ago, the new L33 Teana now weighs 10kg less thanks to extensive use of high-tensile steel and aluminum. Quite an improvement as such but seems so irrelevant to me.

The interior?

2014 Nissan Teana interior

2014 Nissan Teana interior

Speaking of the interior, the new Teana L33 is now well-civilized. There are numerous changes occurred such as the steering wheel, which is now three-spoke, a higher dashboard, front door pockets are now larger than the old one and now more usable, and the instrumental panel now comes with a screen display that displays lane departure and blind spot visual alerts.

Seating in one of these, though, and you might have the same experience as what you expect from European saloons. Why am I not surprised? If that wasn't enough, the trademark reclining front passenger seat, as what you get from previous models, stays because having this kind of seat is a trademark of the Teana's omotenashi trait. It tries to be a hospitable saloon and because it focused on being a comfortable car, feels like my mind's getting chilled now. The same experience as you expect from a groin massage or relaxing in the bathtub.

Is it mellow?

Mellow? What do you mean mellow? Well, it can be a lot too mellow for me but the new Teana comes with a multi-link suspension and MacPherson strut independent front suspension with a stabilizer steel bar and rebound spring. This means this new suspension system is capable of having a smoother ride, enhanced stability, and good traction. Wow, looks like Nissan is truly on a roll now, the new Teana L33 wants to be on par with its European rivals such as the VW Passat and the Peugeot 508.

What about performance?

Uh...you know what? You might wanna look away now because, for the new Teana L33, the only engine available is an updated QR25DE 4-cylinder, in-line, 16V engine with a Twin C-VTC system, which takes care of the intake and exhaust valves for added efficiency, clean combustion, and economical. It produces about a measly 170PS of power output and 245Nm of torque, connected to a new-generation XTRONIC CVT gearbox. I know CVTs can make a car boring but for the Teana L33, it matches the vehicle speed instead of closely, but you do get a little bit of a "rubber-band" trait.

With this powertrain, the fuel economy is a moderate 14.4km/L, as calculated by Japan's JC08 Mode standards. Quite a small improvement there, but an insider has told me that there's going to be a hybrid model in the works. That's too early to tell but a normal 2.5L petrol engine seems legit to us.

Should I buy one?

Well, of course, you can because the new Teana L33 now starts at 2,429,700 Japanese Yen, that's about a hundred thousand less than the outgoing J32 model, which makes it a great value for a saloon that now comes with an international status, a sophisticated suspension system, a nice interior, and a fuel-efficient engine that seems a bit legit. Seems legit but close enough.

Available colors: Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Dark Metal Grey Metallic, Diamond Black Pearl, Radiant Red Pearl Metallic, and Waterfall Blue Titanium Pearl Metallic.

Photo: Nissan Motor Corporation

3rd Generation Toyota Noah and Voxy (R80G/W)

It's time for me to throw the gauntlet as our first brand new model of the new year gets it and this time, the arrival of the all new, third generation, Toyota Noah and Voxy minivans will signal the start of the new year with new models on the horizon. Yes, these new models will spearhead the year 2014 with a bang...sort of.

2014 Toyota Noah

2014 Toyota Voxy

They're identically the same so are there any differences?

Much like the Premio and Allion saloons, the Porte and Spade compacts, and the Alphard and Vellfire flagship MPVs, both the Noah and Voxy are essentially the same cars with different outlooks to suit different tastes. They're sold at different dealerships as the Noah is sold in Corolla dealerships while the Voxy is sold in Netz dealerships (noticing the Netz badge at the front face).

The Noah is targeted for middle-aged moms and dads with kids while the Voxy is made for the younger audience in their late 20's and early 30's...or perhaps someone who has mates most likely to ask him to go out to the big city. So, you get the idea, the Noah is a family van while the Voxy is a joyrider's MPV suitable for road trips with friends.

Anyway, what's new?


2014 Toyota Voxy interior

2014 Toyota Noah interior


The brand new third-generation Noah and Voxy features a class-leading stuff, something that its rivals like the Honda StepWGN and the recently facelifted Nissan Serena C26 couldn't hold on. The sliding doors can be opened at 805mm wider, that's beyond compare than any other JDM minivans in its class. It has the lowest floor in its class by 360mm, 810mm of floor space when the second-row seats slide backwards, interior height is now 1400mm (highest in its class), lowest rear floor in its class by 500mm, there's so much to explain about its class-leading statistics.

There is now a hybrid model?

Yes, there is. Both the Noah and the Voxy now comes, for the first time, ever a hybrid powerplant. Quite intriguing but Toyota made this to make sure it has some serious competition against the S-HYBRID variant of the Nissan Serena C26. How does it stack up? Well, the updated 1.8L engine connected to an electric motor and nickel metal battery may not be quite as powerful than the Serena's but the fuel economy easily beats is because this hybrid powerplant on the all new Noah and Voxy is capable of having a fuel economy of 23.8km/L, calculated in JC08 Mode standards. You heard that right. 23.8kmpl of fuel consumption, 7.8kmpl more than the Serena's. So, there you go, families all over Japan. If you're looking for a fuel-efficient people mover that can take you places from one prefecture to another, look no further.

But there is a catch, right?

Yes, there is a catch because the new models start at 2,210,000 Japanese Yen, which is 26,000 Yen more than the Nissan Serena C26 and 22,000 Yen more than the Honda StepWGN. How annoying was that? And then when the 8% consumption tax rate is implemented in Japan on April 2014, that's gotta be more pain in the budget but all and all, it's a huge price to pay for a fuel-efficient MPV suitable enough to carry seven or eight people around you.

There's also a 2.0L petrol engine, right?

Yes it is. For those who think that the hybrid model is a bit...(clears throat) not your type, there's a more powerful 2.0L petrol engine offered. While equipped with a familiar Super CVT-i gearbox as similar as the hybrid model, this 2.0L 3ZR-FAE engine produces 152PS of power and 193Nm of torque. It even comes with the idling stop system that cuts off the engine when stop and then starts it again when on the move. So, the fuel economy for this 2.0L engine? 16.0km/L, as calculated by JC08 Mode standards. Just a kmpl more than the StepWGN's. Fact.

Should I buy one?


2014 Toyota Noah 

2014 Toyota Voxy


As I said earlier, both the new Noah and the Voxy are more expensive than the Serena and the StepWGN but with all that costly pricing, these new minivans are now the top of the minivan food chain because for these new arrivals, they're now lower, more spacious, more fuel efficient, more roomier, and these minivans will have high hopes for the Japanese carmaker.

But...

They're available only in Japan so back off, smugglers.

Available Colors:

Noah - White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black, Bordeaux Mica Metallic, Dark Cherry Mica Metallic, Ocean Mint Metallic, and Dark Violet Mica Metallic.

Voxy - White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black, Blackish Ageha Glass Flake, Bordeaux Mica Metallic, Ocean Mint Metallic, and Dark Violet Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Stars of NAIAS 2014

2015 Ford F-150


The 2014 North American International Auto Show runs from January 18 to January 26, 2014, at the Cobo Center in the now-bankrupt Detroit. In this year's show, we expect a huge debutantes, both foreign and local, regardless of car classes they're on. So, what's the list of this year's debutantes?

  • Bentley Continental GT V8 S
  • BMW 2-Series
  • BMW M3 F80
  • BMW M4 F82
  • Cadillac ATS Coupe
  • Chevrolet Corvette C7.R
  • Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06
  • 2015 Chrysler 200
  • 2015 Ford F-150
  • 2015 Ford Mustang
  • 2015 GMC Canyon
  • Lexus RC-F
  • 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  • Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG
  • Mercedes-Benz S600 (W222)
  • Porsche 911 Targa (991)
  • 2015 Subaru WRX STi
  • Acura TLX Prototype
  • Acura TLX GT Race Car
  • Audi Allroad Shooting Brake Concept
  • Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept
  • Kia GT4 Stinger Concept
  • Mini JCW Concept
  • Nissan Sports Sedan Concept
  • Toyota FT-1 Concept
  • Volvo XC Coupe Concept
  • VW Beetle Dune Concept
...and more from this car show...

What's in our Car Town garage today? (January 19, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

1999 Mazda RX-7

One of the most famous JDM tuners straight from the 90's is none other than the FD-spec Mazda RX-7. With the combination of good looks and striking performance thanks to its trademark rotary engine that powers it, the famed sportscar is worth an eye candy. Even today, it's still a tuner's feast on the road and on the track.

1999 Mazda RX-7

2008 BMW 335i Coupe

For a certain car sommelier of all kinds, how can you add some style on the car that has less doors? Well, add some European flair, state-of-the-art technology, and some German engineering of course, and the E92 3-Series Coupe does suit the necessary qualifications a car sommelier would want. It's stylish, lavishly equipped, loads of performance, and stays in tune with the times with cutting-edge technology. It's striking to look at on city streets and a modest grand tourer on the open roads.

2008 BMW 335i Coupe

1982 Lamborghini Countach

To continue the Lamborghini tradition that started it all with the Miura, they've created the Countach which is known to be the first-ever Lambo to have scissor-type doors, a clever door mechanism that was been adorned by most V12 flagship Lamborghinis through the years. When it was launched, it comes with the 4.0L V12 engine generating 375PS of power output but for this 1982 model year, this V12 engine that powers the Countach carries a bigger and powerful 4.8L displacement, thus giving the LP 500S nomenclature.

1982 Lamborghini Countach

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Let's Do The News! (January 18, 2014)

Things We Learned This Week:

1) Dove Cameron and Olivia Holt are my picks for the night

Image source: Radio Disney Tumblr

Disney Channel aired not one, not two, but three cool stuff earlier that night. There was a latest episode of Liv and Maddie where the twins switch places, then there's a new DCOM titled Cloud 9 which stars Dove Cameron as Kayla Morgan and newbie Luke Benward as Will Cloud. It's extreme at its best...literally. After that, Girl Vs. Monster's Olivia Holt returns and stars in a brand new show titled I Didn't Do It! This show...it's all about five misfits get into all sorts of trouble and when bad things happened, there's only one answer: I DIDN'T DO IT!!! Hope you guys enjoyed it.

2) Typhoon Agaton

Typhoon Agaton, the first storm of the year, killed 37 people and injured 65 people as of last night. Yesterday at 4:00PM, Agaton spotted 165km northeast of Surigao del Sur with 55kph of winds near the center. So far, signal no. 1 is placed in 9 provinces.

3) Cyberporn is Philippine's no. 1 crime

Forget snatching, kidnapping, and corruption. The number one crime in the Philippines involved cyberpornography because this crime is prevalent throughout the country that law enforces considered it the worst crime of the nation, more menacing than illegal drug trade. Such criminal activities put the Philippines one of the top ten nations where cyberpornography is common.

4) The Oscars 2014 Nominations

There's the list of the nominations for the 2014 Golden Globe Awards, where the winners will be announced on the 2nd of March, 2014. Here are the full list of nominees:

Best Picture
American Hustle
Nebraska
Captain Phillips
Philomena
Dallas Buyers Club
12 Years a Slave
Gravity
The Wolf of Wall Street
Her

Actor in a Leading Role
Christian Bale, American Hustle
Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave
Bruce Dern, Nebraska
Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street

Actress in a Leading Role
Amy Adams, American Hustle
Judi Dench, Philomena
Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
Meryl Streep, August: Osage County
Sandra Bullock, Gravity

Actor in a Supporting Role
Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips
Jonah Hill, The Wolf of Wall Street
Bradley Cooper, American Hustle
Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club
Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave

Actress in a Supporting Role
Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine
Julia Roberts, August: Osage County
Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
June Squibb, Nebraska
Lupita Nyong’o, 12 Years a Slave

Animated Feature Film
The Croods
Frozen
Despicable Me 2
The Wind Rises
Ernest & Celestine

Directing
David O. Russell, American Hustle
Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity
Alexander Payne, Nebraska
Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street

Cinematography
The Grandmaster
Gravity
Inside Llewyn Davis
Nebraska
Prisoners

Costume Design
American Hustle
The Grandmaster
The Great Gatsby
The Invisible Woman
12 Years a Slave

Foreign Language Film
The Broken Circle Breakdown
The Great Beauty
The Hunt
The Missing Picture
Omar

Documentary Feature
The Act Of Killing
Cutie And The Boxer
Dirty Wars
The Square
20 Feet From Stardom

Documentary Short Subject
CaveDigger
Facing Fear
Karama Has No Walls
The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life
Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall

Film Editing
American Hustle
Captain Phillips
Dallas Buyers Club
Gravity
12 Years a Slave

Makeup and Hairstyling
Dallas Buyers Club
Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa
The Lone Ranger

Original Score
The Book Thief
Gravity
Her
Philomena
Saving Mr. Banks

 Original Song
“Alone Yet Not Alone” from Alone Yet Not Alone
“Happy” from Despicable Me 2
“Let It Go” from Frozen
“The Moon Song” from Her
“Ordinary Love” from Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Production Design
American Hustle
Gravity
The Great Gatsby
Her
12 Years a Slave

Short Film, Animated
Feral
Get a Horse!
Mr. Hublot
Possessions
Room on the Broom

Short Film, Live Action
Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn’t Me)
Avant Que De Tout Perdre (Just Before Losing Everything)
Helium
Pitääkö Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? (Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?)
The Voorman Problem

Sound Editing
All Is Lost
Captain Phillips
Gravity
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Lone Survivor

Sound Mixing
Captain Phillips
Gravity
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Inside Llewyn Davis
Lone Survivor

Visual Effects
Gravity
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Iron Man 3
The Lone Ranger
Star Trek Into Darkness

Original Screenplay
American Hustle
Blue Jasmine
Dallas Buyers Club
Her
Nebraska

Adapted Screenplay
Before Midnight
Captain Phillips
Philomena
12 Years a Slave
The Wolf of Wall Street

5) Bugatti boss warns that there will be no powerful Veyron or Galiber

The president of Bugatti, Wolfgang Scheiber, warned that there won't be a more powerful Veyron or a production version of the four-door Galiber concept. It stated from an exclusive interview from Top Gear but the Bugatti boss says that the Veyron successor will redefine the benchmarks.

6) Why I'm so enjoying the Japanese version of Let It Go?



We all enjoy the Frozen theme song titled Let It Go but...am I the only one enjoying the Japanese version of this song? JPop singer May J. did the Japanese version of Let It Go, in case you never heard of it. Frozen (日本名:アナと雪の女王) hits Japanese theaters this March 2014.

7) Hamburg wants to be CAR-FREE within the next two decades

The German city of Hamburg hates cars and according to a report, this city wants to get rid of cars on the roads once and for all in two decades time. Hamburg spokeswoman Angelika Fritsch said that this city will offer people opportunities to hike, swim, do water sports, enjoy picnics, restaurants, and other stuff in the city more than driving. Hmmm...

8) R.I.P. Roger Lloyd Pack

Veteran British actor Roger Lloyd-Pack died at the age of 69 from pancreatic cancer.

TTFN!!!

Boy Abunda, IHAW NA!

For the first time, on the January 17, 2014's Banana Nite's IHAW NA segment, Boy Abunda is the guest. You could commonly see him everyday; Bandila on Weeknights, Bottomline on Saturday, and Buzz ng Bayan on Sunday. This guy bares all in the name of being a self-styled king of talk.