Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG

The Mercedes-AMG 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine, first applied on the A45 AMG last year, brewed a new age for the high-performance brand of Mercedes-Benz and while this new engine pushed the A45 AMG as the most powerful hot hatch ever made, this engine scored two victories for Mercedes-AMG. It won two categories of the "Engine of the Year Awards 2014" in "New engine 2014" and "1.8L to 2.0L", showing the world how great AMG is. With the engine now in A45 and its CLA45 compact sedan, looks like the GLA-Class compact crossover will join the fray as the GLA45 AMG.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG

Well, here it is and by its first appearance, it doesn't look that different from the A45 AMG, which is based on and when you park it alongside the CLA45 and the A45 AMG, you will notice that these triplets truly shared the same blood. When it's in the blood, it's in the blood.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG interior

Before the sortie, let's observe what's what about the GLA45 AMG. Well, yes. It's a jacked-up A45 AMG so you do get the similar looks from the A45 AMG. On the inside, it's a similar issue as well. The interior can be fitted with numerous extras such as a steering wheel wrapped in black nappa leather or Alcantara, seats upholstered in ARTICO man-made leather or DINAMICA microfiber, carbon-fiber trim, and different upholstery colors. That's sound unique and then we take a look at the engine that powers it.

The AMG 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine, found int he A45 and CLA45. develops 360PS of power and 450Nm of torque. It's mated with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed gearbox. How does it perform? I'll tell you that when it's sortie time.

Speaking of sortie time, it's time now for the GLA45's sortie and this is the perfect time to explain how does the GLA45 perform in the world around it and why this high-performance crossover should aware the various regions in the world that surrounds it. This can do 0-100kph in 4.8 seconds, slower than the A45 AMG, and the top speed electronically limited to 250kph. For a crossover, that's quicker than memorizing the whole "real Chinese soup" jingle from your head, but as a car, this is a different topic that needs further explanation.

Reason why it's slower than the A45 is because the GLA45 is somewhat 30kg heavier than the A45 AMG and when it comes to fuel consumption, not as good as the A45 because while the A45's fuel consumption is a combined 14.5km/L, the GLA45 would do it in 13.3km/L. That's a double whammy for the AMG crossover but don't be silly because we're not going to compare it to the A45, we'll be using the RS Q3 as its chief rival.

When compared to the RS Q3, the GLA45 really top trumps it. It's 0.7 seconds quicker in the 0-100kph time, 145kg lighter than the RS Q3, and it's 1.9km/L more fuel efficient than the RS Q3. Yeah. Simple as that.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG

In the mobility stakes, the GLA45 really made me unaware because why would some people think that it's more fun to have one than the car that looks quite the same? The A45 AMG is a good hot hatch but its mobility, thanks to its power steering, really needs some tough love from the driver especially when it comes with the 4MATIC 4-wheel drive system. On the GLA45 though, that's a similar issue but because it's heavier than the A45 AMG, it's kinda nowhere near as good in the corners. Yes, you do get some understeering issues, but with patience and mastery, you would really know how to mobilize it like an ace.

Since this is a crossover, what if you were in the case of tarmac, gravel, and snow? Thanks to the 4MATIC system and its high ground clearance, taking it to the dirt is all's well that performs well, although Mercedes-AMG still need some improvement though. Being a high-performance model, the GLA45 may not be quite suitable for your adventures as summer draws near to the climax and for day-to-day use, it's a so-so. It has a slightly bigger boot fit enough for your stuff you spent from shopping or groceries. It's a decent all-rounder because this crossover is made for the job but as a theory, it needs reworking to get the job done.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG

So, should you buy one? Uh...not quite yet because the GLA45's intro price starts at 55,871 Euros, which is almost six grand more than the A45 and it's almost 1,300 Euros more than the Audi RS Q3 but as part of the AMG suvs, this is affordable to buy unless you are a mogul breaking things badly for science. Well, that's the end of it. While it's not quite as good as an A45, I certainly don't want the GLA45 to be in the pile of shame, although it could need some work done before its next sortie on the next day.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Super GT 2014: Suzuka

#36 PETRONAS TOM'S RCF

In case you missed last week's Super GT 2014 match in the Suzuka Circuit, here's the quick sum up on who won this round. In the GT300 category, the winner is the #60 TWS LM corsa BMW Z4 driven by Akira Iisa, Hiroki Yoshimoto, and Shinya Sato. The 2nd placer is a #31 OGT Panasonic Prius driven by Miro Nitta, Koki Saga, and Yuichi Nakayama. 3rd placer is the #7 Studie BMW Z4 driven by Jorg Muller, Seiji Ara, and Augusto Farfus. In the GT500 category, winner goes to the #36 PETRONAS TOM'S RC F driven by Kazuki Nakajima and James Rossiter. 2nd placer goes to the #23 MOTUL AUTECH GT-R driven by Tsugio Matsuda and Ronnie Quintarelli. And lastly, 3rd placer is the #18 Weider Modulo NSX CONCEPT-GT driven by Naoki Yamamoto and Frederic Makowiecki.

Highlights:

On the GT500 Driver Rankings; the #23 MOTUL AUTECH GT-R driven by Tsugio Matsuda and Ronnie Quintarelli are still in 1st place overall with a total score of 60 while in the GT300 Driver Rankings, it's the #4 GOODSMILE HATSUNE MIKU Z4 driven by Nobuteru Taniguchi and Tatsuya Kataoka retained their 1st place overall with the score of 56 pts.

The next race will be held on Thailand on the 5th of October, 2014.

Let's Do The News! (September 2, 2014)

Things we learned so far...

- On the 2014 FIBA World Cup, GILAS Pilipinas faced its 3rd loss after leaving four points behind from its Argentinian rivals.

- Mercedes-Benz will unveil their brand new Mercedes AMG GT next week.



- Watch a home video footage showcasing Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 taking on a Su-30 Flanker C jet somewhere in Russia.

 

- Max Verstappen accidentally crashed a Toro Rosso F1 car he drove on during his public debut in Rotterdam.

- Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling is now working on a movie version of Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them. The book was launched in 2001 and it was inspired by the book appeared in the first Harry Potter movie; Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

- Yesterday, the NAIA Terminal 3 was on heightened alert after authorities have discovered some explosives inside a car parked at Parking Lot B inside the airport complex. The bomb threat has been neutralized and three suspects were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation. Recently, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima disclosed today that it was one of the four targets by an armed terrorist group planning to attack Chinese-owned business establishments in the Philippines.

The armed terrorist group revealed as USAFFE, shamelessly taken its name from the former US Armed Forces in the Far East during WWII, and they intended to plant one of their explosives inside a comfort room inside the NAIA while the other three were intended to destroy SM Mall of Asia, the main office of the DMCI, and the Chinese Embassy. The USAFFE comprised of former and active members of the military, police, and former members of the New People's Army and the Moro National Liberation Front.

It is said that this armed terrorist group wants to show the world that the Philippines can strongly bring China down to its knees. If the Aquino administration fails, it is the duty of the soldiers to do so. This is all just plain propaganda.

The USAFFE's manifesto
(Photo: Philippine Daily Inquirer)

- The House of Representatives justice committee rejected the three impeachment raps targeted against the Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, stating that they've found insufficient evidences.

- The Ukrainian Defence Minister, Valery Heletey, has accused the Russian government for launching a "great war" against Ukraine that claimed tens of thousands of lives.

- The Islamic State militants were accused for carrying "a wave of ethnic cleansing" against minorities in Northern Iraq, according to Amnesty International.

- The Toyota Estima minivans are now on its 2015 Model Year and for the 2015 Model, S-VSC is now standard on all models. There's a special edition VERY in collaboration of VERY Magazine. The special Estima VERY models feature "all-black paint" discharge headflamps, soft leather trim, LED spot lamp, door courtesy lamp, removable deck board, and front pillar garnish. The special edition model starts at 3,338,182 Yen for the 2.4 Aeras model while the Estima Hybrid VERY starts at 4,363,200 Yen.

Toyota Estima Hybrid VERY

- Toyota's Mark X sport saloon goes yellow with the special edition "Yellow Label" model. Based on the 250G models, the Yellow Label features super chrome metallic aluminum wheels, yellow stitching on the interior, pinkish gold accents, stainless door scuff plate, and a choice of Yellow and Black on the interior seats. Available exterior colors are White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black, and specific for the special model; Awaken Yellow. It's yours for just 2,883,600 Japanese Yen.

Toyota Mark X 250G Yellow Label

- Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. introduced a brand new generation of the Hijet Truck light commercial vehicle in Japan. Starting at 653,400 Japanese Yen, the new-generation LCV has the best card-frame length of 1,945mm, capable of fitting forty 20L tanks, 48 apple containers, and 54 orange containers. It's also the most fuel efficient kei truck ever made by Daihatsu because with its fuel economy of 19.6kmpl, as calculated by JC08 mode standards, the new Hijet is a kmpl ahead from its chief rival, the Suzuki Carry Truck.

2015 Daihatsu Hijet Truck

- Following with the launch of the new Hijet Truck, Toyota Motor Corporation is not far behind as its equivalent, the Pixis Truck, is now regenerated. Just like the Hijet Truck, the new generation Pixis Truck from Toyota has a fuel economy of 19.6kmpl, as calculated by JC08 mode standards. Prices for the new model starts at 653,400 Japanese Yen.

2015 Toyota Pixis Truck

TTFN!!!

A statement of Mark Gil's death was released

File photo

The press statement regarding the death of actor Mark Gil was released. Here's what the statement said for his family and relatives, especially those who worked with him in the field of showbiz;

We, the Eigenmann Family, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everybody who has shown their concern for Ralph these past few weeks.

It is with much sorrow that we announce that he passed away this morning at exactly 8am. He died peacefully in his sleep in the arms of his wife, Maricar, and surrounded by family. 

Ralph was first diagnosed with liver cancer two years ago, but it was only in June of this year that he found out that it was terminal. It was Ralph’s request that this should not be revealed, and we did not question his decision.

To those who have asked us about his condition, especially his colleagues, the press and fans, we apologize for not being forthright, but we also ask for understanding.


We would, however, like everyone to know that he spent his last days in comfort and in no pain. In fact, he was in good spirits and humor, and enjoying the presence of his entire family. Even then, he was still bringing us together, as he always has, and we are now all complete.

Until the very end, he was a warrior. Ralph faced death with courage and grace, while still bringing laughter to the room. That was his gift: the ability to make those around him better.

Ralph had told us that he only wanted to spend and cherish the remaining precious days of his life in the company of his family and closest friends. He also wished that we be allowed to grieve his passing in private.

We all request that the public please respect his wish and allow us to mourn his passing accordingly.

Please allow us this time as well to remember Ralph: husband, son, brother, father and grandfather. 

For the outpouring of love for Ralph that we’ve received on his behalf, we thank you. It is deeply appreciated. 

For those who’ve known and loved him throughout his career in cinema, and television, we will hold a celebration of his life and work. We will announce the details at a later time. But for now we would like to assure everyone that as long as Filipino films are being watched and appreciated, there will always be Mark Gil. 

To quote a line from Batch ’81, one of the many movies he made his own, and characteristic of Ralph himself: 

“Sa simula’t katapusan ay kapatiran.”

That's the end of it. Actor Mark Gil died at the age of 52 due to liver cirrhosis disease. Known by his full name Raphael Joseph Eigenmann, Mark Gil was born on the 25th of September, 1961 and he is one of the three children of Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil. He was the middle of the three siblings between Michael de Mesa and Cherie Gil, both are celebs. Most of Mark Gil's children have different showbiz careers.

He was married to Maricar Jacinto eight years ago.

His last appearance on television was in ABS-CBN's The Legal Wife, which starred Angel Locsin, Maja Salvador, and Jericho Rosales.

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

The big scoop today...

- Our very own GILAS Pilipinas faced another loss when they've faced against the Greek basketball team at the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain. The Greeks won at the score of  82-70.

- It is with regret that reports told that veteran actor Mark Gil passed away at the age of 52. He died earlier at 8 in the morning due to liver cirrhosis disease. Mark Gil, known by his full name Raphael Joseph Eigenmann, was one of the three children of Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil. His last appearance was in the TV drama, The Legal Wife.

- The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, will fill in the sinkhole that happened a few months ago but will leave the five damaged Corvettes unrestored.

- IT'S THE KALOS POKEDEX! The folks from Takara Tomy will be rolling out the Kalos PokeDex toy, as seen from the Pokemon XY anime series this September and it's priced at 7,980 Japanese Yen. Want to have this toy? Go to Japan by yourself. Sorry...

Kalos PokeDex

- A new magical girl is coming to Disney Channel! The new series is titled Star Vs. The Forces of Evil and it's created by Daron Nefcy, making this the first ever animated TV series from Disney that was made by a female creator since...Pepper Ann. It's going to be premiered on Disney Channel and Disney XD next year. It's very rare to see women taking charge of creating animated TV shows...

Star Vs. The Forces of Evil

- Some Arab comedy show is making fun against the ISIS and Lebanon's Ktir Salbe Show is no exception. The producers of that said show believed that the whole ISIS threat became a sensitive issue but it's one way to reject extremism so the Arab people are not afraid of it.

- The Japanese government is urging citizens to stock up on, and they're not joking, toilet paper because 40% of the nation's supply of toilet paper comes from high-risk earthquake zones.

- On today's Jay Leno's Garage webisode, Jay Leno heads to Willow Springs in a Porsche 997 GT3 RS to test out Carbon Fiber Wheels created by Carbon Revolution.

TTFN!!!

Wow Mali! - August 31, 2014

Highlights on the August 31, 2014 episode of Wow Mali Lakas Ng Tama!

- SUMUKO KA NA! - We have you surrounded! Surrender now or...well, you get the idea. Let's Dance!

- This episode's "MR. FU, KERI MO?" will blow everyone's faces...with a vacuum cleaner for 30 seconds!!!

- MULTO DAW O! - Take it easy, Miss Kasambahay! There's no ghost! That's just granny desperate for a wee-wee!

- THE HEAD LINE - The CALAMITY FUN are back and to keep themselves awake, they're going to do the most painful stuff using a rubber band on their heads! WARNING: Don't try this at home, or anywhere else for that matter!

- JEEP SAGAD AH - Next stop, SAGADA! Wait, what?!

- EMOTE CONTROL: HE'S DATING THE MOTHER - On this episode's Emote Control, celeb Carl Guevarra is dating his mom...until the unexpected arrived!

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

Things we learned so far...

- The Croatian basketball team pinned down GILAS Pilipinas at the score of 81-78 in a certain round of the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain. Win or lose, it feels good to see GILAS taking on the world stage.

- Dave Cox, one of the producers of the ill-fated Castlevania franchise, has left Konami after being on service in the last 17 years.

- The classic Jaguar Mark 2 saloon gets revived  by Classic Motor Cars. Designed by Ian Callum, this restoration took 18 months to complete it but for a modern twist, it comes with an enhanced version of the 4.3L engine sourced from the Jaguar XK while mated with a 5-speed manual.

Jaguar Mark 2 from Classic Motor Cars

- It's the new Challenger Drag Pak! Well, a concept for now. Mopar previews a 2015 update on the drag strip-built Challenger Drag Pak. The one that Rutledge Wood sent this on an epic wheelie in one episode of Top Gear USA. While the performance of the 7.0L Hemi Race V8 engine remains unknown for now, it's been armed with a Chrysler 727 automatic gearbox with a racing-style shift lever with integral line lock.

2015 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak

- A few weeks after Tony Stewart accidentally killed Kevin Ward Jr. during a race in New York, the controversial NASCAR driver is resuming his racing career.

- The European Union has given the Russian government "one week" to avert the Ukraine Crisis or face tighter sanctions. Over the course of the Ukraine Crisis, over 2,600 people died in battle.

- IT'S THE NEW NINTENDO 3DS! Announced at a Nintendo Direct event, they've announced a new and improved versions of the 3DS and its bigger 3DS LL hand-held console. Set for its October 11 debut, the new 3DS  features a new C-stick, which is more of a tiny joystick on the right side of the 3DS, ZR and ZL buttons, 3D shake prevention, NFC compatibility, customizable cover plates, extended battery life, and so much more.

The new Nintendo 3DS range

- Also, the new 3DS comes with a very complicated Content Filter that blocks offensive content unless you pay a very small fee to unlock it.

TTFN!!!