Gran Turismo 6: FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo

Premiered at the Detroit Motor Show several months ago, the Toyota FT-1 Concept envisions the future of Toyota sports cars following with the success of the 86. I once compared with the final-gen Supra round Fuji Speedway and I strongly believed that with such speed and mobility, it was the suitable candidate as the next Supra or so I thought.



We all love the FT-1 Concept but we are wondering what would this concept be like when it has some involvement in the world of motorsports. Thanks to Vision Gran Turismo, the folks from Toyota created a racing version of the FT-1 Concept.



Here it is and by the looks of it, the FT-1 VGT looks more of a racing version of the said concept and because this is a racing version, it's only suitable for race-day use. It's kinda like a futuristic version of those Toyota Supra used on JGTC (Super GT) races in the past but this is no JGTC racer because while this maybe concept, the FT-1 VGT showcased Toyota's potential and passion in the world of motorsports.



What the folks from CALTY, the design team responsible for the original Toyota FT-1 Concept from the Detroit Motor Show a couple of months ago, did is pushing their dream machine a step higher by giving their brilliant creation some more added spice. It's like combining the world's spiciest condiments and make it on par with a volcanic lava. This racecar isn't a spicy condiment nor a volcanic lava but when the FT-1 VGT shows its true potential as a race car in the world of Gran Turismo 6, it really shows how scorching this monster of a machine is.

That gave me an idea because while this car can be attainable on a time-limited special seasonal event held in Mount Panorama, Bathurst, let's take a moment to consider how I took the challenge and mastering the FT-1 VGT's true capabilities not as a concept racing machine but an ideal waiting to become the truth in the not-too-distant future.



Just like the normal FT-1, no one knows what powers the FT-1 VGT because this concept doesn't even have a proposed powertrain. In the game, it's a turbocharged one but this racing version is powered by a turbocharged-hybrid powerplant. I can't believe I've actually driven a hybrid that doesn't feel like the Toyota Prius but by GT6 standards, it would do 0-100kph by around 3.2 seconds (I think) and a top speed (I think) is around 340kph. I know this data is unofficial but believe me, it's one quick Toyota.

Apart from being a quick car, the mobility or handling is just epic. All that added aerodynamics on this car and the downforce thanks to the added fixed rear wing, this racing machine is always stuck on the ground and it really doesn't matter when you're not concentrating because this FT-1 VGT always entertain me like a Japanese game show where pain are involved rather than questions and answers. It's like I survived a Japanese game show...but only just.

The gold target time for this event is 2:02.000 but after numerous trial and error upon trying the FT-1 VGT, I got a hang of it and I set a lap time of 2:01.307, meaning I beat the Gold target time but only just.



Having managed to beat the target time, I am very pleased by what Toyota have done to give the future of Toyota's sports cars the racing credentials it deserved and this FT-1 VGT is their crowning prediction on what comes next to fulfill the Japanese carmaker's "FUN TO DRIVE AGAIN" slogan. It's been such an honor to get behind the wheel of the FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo.



There are still more VGT cars waiting to be unveiled on future updates. Stay tuned for more!

Let's Do The News! (September 26, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- According to Iraqi premier Haidar al-Abadi, the ISIS militants they've detained are plotting to destroy the US and Parisian rail networks but French and American officials said they had no such information.

- Despite his alleged PDAF Scam charges, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile has been granted by the Sandiganbayan for hospital arrest.

- The car belonged to a TV5 reporter was reported hijacked in Quezon City earlier.

- The Renault Espace has been given a full model change and for this fifth-generation, it's now transformed from a large MPV into a full-size crossover. Eh?!

2016 Renault Espace

- Based on the 458 Spider, the new Ferrari 458 Speciale A is a hardcore convertible equivalent that comes with the same 597bhp V8 engine as the hardtop one but with the added weight like most convertible supercars do. Only 499 units will be made and sold.

2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A

- Saleen Automotive began working on the S302, a tuned 2015 Ford Mustang GT that comes with different variations with the top-of-the-line Black Label that develops 640HP of power and 565Nm of torque from its tuned 5.0L V8 engine. Orders are now open for booking with a $2,015 reserve deposit.

- Back in Spring 2011, Subaru collaborated with animation studio GAINAX for their Hokago no Pleiades animated web short. Now, there's still more to come where our love for boxer engines and Symmetrical AWD kicks in as Fantasista Doll designer Anmi starts manga on October 27 in Comic Rex magazine.

- Scientists have discovered a new extinct dinosaur species that could have had the largest nose in prehistoric times. Known as the Rhinorex condrupus, those 30-foot-long, 8,500lb dinosaurs were existed during the Late Cretaceous period. Their noses can't smell but it may have used to "recognize members of its species, or as a large attachment for a plant-smashing beak".

- The stars of the Disney Channel hit series Dog With a Blog have been interviewed by SweetyHigh about what to expect in the third season of the hit TV series!

TTFN!!!

REPORT: Senate may arrest Jejomar Binay after snub

Moments after Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay snubbed the Senate on his corruption allegations, the Senate has given him a strong warning against him; they can arrest any person who will not comply with its subpoena.

This is according to a report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer that Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said why there are some alleged people turned their backs in time for investigations on corruption allegations. However, the arrest or subpoena would not be used against the nation's vice president out of courtesy to his office.

The next hearing will take place at 2:00 PM Philippine Standard Time on the 2nd of October and 9:00 AM Philippine Standard Time on the 9th of October, according to Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, who is presiding over the hearing, then reiterated the Makati officials to be invited to the hearing, which Cayetano noted, were absent at that time.

Report: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/640581/senate-dangles-arrest-vs-mayor-binay-after-snub
Image: Philippine Daily Inquirer

Forza Motorsport 5 - 2014 Renault Spark SRT_01E at Mount Panorama

Part of taking the Spark-Renault SRT-01E to the world's best race tracks in Forza Motorsport 5, I sent this zero-emission racing machine to one of Australia's finest racetracks that was served as the backdrop for the V8 Supercars race that is Mount Panorama, Bathurst.





The V8 Supercars has a very serious fan base because most of the Aussie race fans are against each other on whichever which carmaker is the best. They don't matter about the teams or the driver anymore. It's just Ford and Holden clashing against each other for who's the best maker in the race. With the economic climate and the fall of Australian car production, looks like foreign carmakers such as Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Nissan are joining in on the V8 Supercar fray.

Driving a Formula E car on a V8 Supercar racetrack may be a bummer experience but should this race happen in the future, the spectators will fall silent literally because you can't hardly imagine how silent these machines are except when there are crashes occur like most motorsports happen.

On this experiment, looks like the Formula E car is showing clear signs of bravery through the dreadful elevation of this V8 Supercar racetrack. It maybe a quiet car but it still makes the rounds.

So, with Australia done looks like USA is next and last for this experiment and since there are so many American racetracks to choose from, it's hard to decide which American racetrack is perfect to continue experimenting with the Formula E car.

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

The big scoop today...

- According to the Department of Energy, the emergency power set by Philippine President Benigno Aquino III will only last for just one year.

- The Metro Manila Development Authority showcased their new vehicles that will help speed up their rescue efforts in times of calamities.

- French president Francois Hollande is strongly against the beheading of tourist Herve Gourdel by a jihadist group in Algeria that were allegedly linked to ISIS.

- The United Nations has stepped up their efforts to prevent jihadist recruits in an ongoing effort to defeat the ISIS militants.

- Mercedes-Benz showcased the future of autonomous truck driving by showcasing their Future Truck 2025 at this year's IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover. This is just another clear sign that humanity has declined and robotics are taking over our future.

Mercedes-Benz FT2025 Concept

- Meet the brand new Mercedes-AMG C63 saloon and estate which is powered by the same 4.0L V8 turbo engine from the Mercedes-AMG GT sportscar in two flavors with the C63s model delivers 510bhp of power.

2015 Mercedes-AMG C63

- The third-generation Audi TT now comes with the Roadster version that is set for next month's Paris Motor Show debut.

2016 Audi TT Roadster

- Also coming on next month's Paris Motor Show, the Volkswagen Golf VII will have its first ever Alltrack model which is kinda like a jacked-up version of the Golf VII Variant estate.

2016 VW Golf Alltrack

- Meanwhile, Malaysia's biggest carmaker, Proton, has unveiled their first ever compact hatchback called the IRIZ. The new Proton Iriz is powered by either a 1.3L and 1.6L VVT petrol engine and prices start from around 42,438 to 62,888 Malaysian Ringgit or around $13,100 to $19,400, more expensive than the recently-launched Perodua Axia.

2015 Proton Iriz

- With Cadillac now under Johan de Nysschen's command and their HQ will be relocated in New York, General Motors' luxury brand will have a new naming scheme much like Kias in their K's, Renault Samsungs in their SM/QM, Citroens in their C's, Lincoln in their MK's, well you get the idea but Cadillac will go with their new naming scheme in their CT's (with the exception of the Escalade) starting with the upcoming flagship saloon soon to be called the CT6.

TTFN!!!

Fourth-generation Mazda Demio/2 (DJ)

When the Mazda Demio was in its third-generation, it became the first car in Mazda history to introduce the game-changing SKYACTIV Technology which combines efficiency and performance that most drivers want. So far, SKYACTIV Technology was applied in most models ranging from the CX-5 crossover, Axela compact sedan and hatch, and the Atenza executive saloon and wagon.

2015 Mazda Demio

Now, the first Mazda that introduced SKYACTIV Technology to the world has been regenerated with a new and improved style that demands to be a top-seller in this category. The folks from Mazda really had high hopes into selling this new, fourth-generation, Demio globally because of its fuel efficiency and performance SKYACTIV Technology delivers and I strongly believe on that...almost.

So, the brand new Demio (known in the world market as the Mazda 2), what's changed for the first Mazda to introduce such technology? Keeping in tune with the times, the new Demio employs the carmaker's KODO -Soul in Motion- design philosophy and it was heavily inspired from the Hazumi Concept from the Geneva Motor Show last Spring. With its new look, looks like the new Demio really stands out being a city car in its own right. Most of your neighbors from the suburbs or from the rural area you were living on think you are something special, even your college buddies as well.

2015 Mazda Demio interior

2015 Mazda Demio interior

On the inside, the new Demio was heavily influenced by the interior design of the latest Mazda Axela and it's now roomier than the last one thanks to its wheelbase that is now 80mm longer. Sounds good to us but if you're getting busy while getting caught in a traffic gridlock, don't fret because the new Demio comes with MAZDA CONNECT where, at the turn of the dial, allows you to stay connected with some apps, navigation, and entertainment. There has been some software changes to the MAZDA CONNECT to make it more user-friendly than ever and on the new Demio, you don't have to get bored while stuck on the traffic jam.

Thanks to its longer wheelbase and length, boot space is now decent than the last one but if you need more, you can fold the rear seats as well. Mazda really knows that the added space is just one of the trump cards the new Demio had and that really sets them apart from its rivals such as the Toyota Vitz, Nissan March, Honda Fit, and the Mitsubishi Mirage.

2015 Mazda Demio

Now, the main course for the Demio is its performance and two engines are available as of now: a P3-VPS 1.3L SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder DOHC Miller Cycle engine and the newly-developed S5-DPTS 1.5L SKYACTIV-D 4-cylinder diesel turbo engine. The 1.3L petrol model with be mated with a 6-speed auto and a 5-speed manual while the top-of-the-line 1.5L diesel model can be fitted with a 6-speed auto or 6-speed manual.

Since Mazda believes that its diesel variant is going to be top pick, let's talk more on this engine. This Euro-6 compliant engine has a power output of 105PS and 250Nm of torque output (220Nm for the 6MT model). Fuel economy for the diesel? About 30km/L on the JC08 Mode scale.

Since there are no JDM compacts with diesel engines, the new Demio is a class of its own with no competition but since this sounds unfair, let's compare this fuel economy with the Europeans. Let's remember, 30.0km/L of fuel economy came from its 1.5L SKYACTIV-D engine.

When compared against a Peugeot 208 with a 1.6L e-HDi engine equipped, that's about .3km/L short. Against the Citroen C3 with the same 1.6L diesel engine and the new Demio is 2.2km/L more. VW , Polo with the 1.4L TDI BlueMotion Technology? The Demio beats by a gap of 0.6km/L. So, there you go. That new 1.5L SKYACTIV-D engine on the new Demio poses an even greater threat to the Europeans...by about 2 out of 3, as a theory.

Okay, we had enough about that engine but what about the 1.3L SKYACTIV-G? Let's cut this short because there isn't much time to talk more. Anyway, the 1.3L SKYACTIV-G engine develops 92PS of power and 121Nm of torque. Fuel economy is a decent 24.6km/L on the JC08 Mode scale.

What about handling? The old Demio tries to fight against its catastrophic understeer but arguably, it tries to hold you back. It's not quite as dynamic as its Euro rivals. So, what Mazda did is improve it by giving it MacPherson Struts on the front and thanks to its extensive use of the SKYACTIV-BODY and SKYACTIV-CHASSIS, the new Demio has its handling slightly improved. It feels good to drive but not quite matched to its Euro rivals, maybe because they've added 40kg of weight I presumed. Despite all this, the new Demio still has the Mazda factor, being a fun car to drive that guaranteed a small smile on your face and with all of this improvements to the handling department, I'm glad to say that this is probably a good contender to the list of cars Gran Turismo 6 should put. Why there are no racing video games of today featuring Mazda cars with SKYACTIV Technology and Kodo design on it? Are they afraid?

Should you buy this? The new Demio starts at a reasonably-priced 1,350,000 Japanese Yen (around $14,000) for the 13C model while the XD model (the one with the 1.5L diesel on it) starts at 1,782,000 Japanese Yen (around $18,000). Although this is more expensive than the Toyota Vitz, Mitsubishi Mirage, Honda Fit, and the Nissan March, this is still one of the most advanced hatchbacks from Japan at this moment in time.

In Japan, sales of petrol models will start on the 26th of September while diesel models will be on Mazda, Mazda Efini, and Mazda Autozam dealerships on the 23rd of October, and 4WD models will arrive this December.

Available colors: Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Aluminum Metallic, Meteor Gray Mica, Jet Black Mica, Soul Red Premium Metallic, Titanium Flash Mica, Blue Reflex Mica, Dynamic Blue Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, and Smokey Rose Mica.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

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

Things we learned today...

- A majority congressman said that the House of Representatives will assure "tolerable" power rate hikes in the event of the emergency powers from President Benigno Aquino III due to the Philippines' imminent power crisis.

- Air strikes from the US has commenced in Syria in an effort to take down the ISIS militants.

- A French tourist named Herve Gourdel was been abducted by militants from Algeria that have close ties with ISIS.

- Imagine if the VW Transporter became a pickup...Volkswagen showcased their Transporter-based Tristar Concept at the 2014 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover.

Volkswagen Tristar Concept

- Now, imagine if the Citroen C1 supermini became a crossover... The C1 Urban Ride Concept will make an appearance at this year's Paris Motor Show.

Citroen C1 Urban Ride Concept

- The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept S was fully revealed ahead for its Paris Motor Show debut but...would this preview an upcoming minor change for the latest Outlander crossover?

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept S

- Yes! Cartoon Hangover's Bee & Puppycat web series is set for its November 6, 2014 premiere! Set your calendars or you don't want to get burned by TempBot.

- Actress Cherry Pie Picache cries for the brutal murder of her 75-year-old mother. Some say, the brutal death of her mother could serve as a wake-up call to bring back the death penalty.

- Here's the first look on the upcoming anime version of THE iDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS mobile game that is set for its early 2015 airing.



TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 5 - 2014 Renault Spark SRT_01E at Yas Marina Circuit

Continuing on the Spark-Renault SRT_01E's global shakedown experiments on Forza Motorsport 5, it's time for this electric racing machine to take on the Yas Marina Circuit, located at the man-made Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Opened in late 2009, this racetrack was heavily influenced by the vividness of the city of Abu Dhabi itself and it has become one of the melting pots of the Abu Dhabi experience. It is the second F1 track in the Middle East with the first in Bahrain. The Yas Marina Circuit has 5.554km of length, 21 corners, and little known fact that the fastest lap in this track was set by Red Bull Racing's Sebastian Vettel since the first Abu Dhabi GP took part in the F1 2009 season, with the time of 1:40.279.






This is probably one of the trickiest tracks in the game and judging how far the SRT_01E can push through, looks like there has been some struggling while facing tight corners. On the straights, it's electric power doesn't give the oomph like you would expect on the normal F1 car. Despite its struggle, looks like the Spark-Renault SRT_01E has done a pretty good job taking its first steps in the Middle Eastern racetrack.

Next time, the SRT_01E will take on the Land Down Under. That's Australia to you and me but which part of Australia? One answer: Bathurst! If Bathurst is one of the natural home of the V8 Supercars, will the SRT_01E like it there?

How I spent my Summer 2014 vacation

So, Summer 2014 is officially well and truly over and kids from all over the world are getting on their beds and ready for their first day of school. It's back to our boring lives working, studying, and more busy stuff rather than spending our own free time doing everything. Still, this season brought us lots and lots of memories so what's it all about for me? How did I spent my summer 2014 vacation?

- We "Rode the Ducks" in Seattle's "Ride The Ducks" moving attraction that roams around the roads and the seas of Seattle.



- Got myself some Graduation pics from our mailbox.



- Reading some Lonely Planet books we borrowed from the library



- Enjoying the Vintage Races at Pacific Raceways because I love cars



- Had to attend my cousin Marie's baby shower



- Enjoying my time alone at DragonFest at Seattle's Chinatown district...



- I discovered myself playing the PS3-exclusive, free-to-play Ace Combat Infinity game and I found my newfound likeness for aviation...



- I dressed myself as Gravity Falls' Dipper Pines and took part at the Seattle Chinatown Seafair Parade.



- Attended my cousin Marie's baby shower...again...



- Attended the annual Pista sa Nayon at the Seward Park Amphitheater because most Filipinos are having a good time there...



- Enjoyed the Seafair and watch the Blue Angels dancing through the skies...



- I bought some Pokemon plushes such as Sylveon, Espurr, Dedenne, and Goomy...and ended up sharing to my sister Cecille because she loves Pokemon.





- Watching the Ninja Turtles movie with my mom and dad...



- Bought myself a new bed and frame and ended up being too high...



- Introducing my cousin Marie's newborn baby Kobe...



- Enjoying the annual Aki Matsuri at Bellevue College



- I bought myself a 2DS, a copy of Pokemon Y (because my little sis has Pokemon X), some more Pokemon toys, and my new Chespin plush because Chespin's very cute.



- Eating at a steak house I never heard of called Sizzler...



- And to top it all off, me and my family went to Puyallup for the Washington State Fair.



These are the things I have done in my whole summer vacation. What's yours?

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

Things we learned today...

- After winning the elections, newly-elected New Zealand PM John Key said that he wants this nation to vote next year on changing the national flag.

- The Australian government is proposing a ban on torturing suspected terrorists from Secret Service agents for interrogation purposes.

- The government officials from Yemen had signed a peace deal with the Shiite rebels following days of violence that killed over 140 people and sent thousands evacuating from their homes.

- The legendary Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato is this week's feature on the latest Jay Leno's Garage webisode. Check it out!

 

- Bandai Namco Games announced their 5th DLC Catalog for the PS3-exclusive THE iDOLM@STER ONE FOR ALL video game, which will go on sale at the Playstation Store on the 25th of September. First up, there's a brand new scenario where all 765 PRO idols are wearing the scenario-exclusive Relish Autumn outfit and they're performing the scenario-exclusive song titled Thank You!. In addition, Kana Yabuki and Nao Yokoyama from THE iDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE mobile game will be making a special guest appearances on this DLC catalog. Additional clothes you say? Yes, there are! Additional costumes for this catalog include Lady Grisaille, Pastel Bikini, My Dear Vampire, Starlight Agent, Scent Iris, Twilight Safari, Jungle Survivor, Sky Puzzler, Baby Blue Jaguar, Desert Traveler, and Horoscope Caster. Additional songs include 99 Nights, きゅんっ！ヴァンパイアガール, Ｌ・Ｏ・Ｂ・Ｍ, and my song.

765SHOP CATALOG Vol. 5 Thank You!

- Kotori Minami from Love Live! School Idol Project now has her very own Nendoroid! Sweet! She'll be available to you this January at the price of 3,241 Japanese Yen plus tax.

Nendoroid Kotori Minami

- Nissan's Infiniti brand confirms a production version of a brand new, two-door coupe by 2015. Could it be the Q50-based Q60 or better known as the Skyline Coupe in the making?

- Group Lotus PLC may lost over 325 jobs as part of a new plan for the British sportscar maker.

- Lamborghini teases a mysterious machine for its Paris Motor Show debut but what is it?

- Comedian Nick Frost will be making a guest appearance on the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas Special.