Lexus RC (C10)

2015 Lexus RC

This is Lexus' attempt to take on the A5, 4-Series, and the ATS Coupe and it's called the RC. And if by RC, it kinda sounds like that RC Cola machine we don't really want because like one time you think there's a Coca-Cola machine but turned out it was just a mirage. It's just an RC Cola machine. 

So, before talking about the RC, let's take a look back on the Z30-spec Toyota Soarer, a car that was known worldwide as the first Lexus SC. You see, the Z30-spec Soarer is a good car for a start. You might think this is more of a Supra in fancy clothes and yes it is because speedo boys love to spent a boatload of cash into customizing it, that's why that particular Soarer is a true driver's car because of its fun to drive character right until the Z40-spec Soarer showed up and its reputation ruined.

2015 Lexus RC

What Lexus wanted to have is to capture the spirit of the Z30-spec Toyota Soarer while adapting to today's climate that most drivers currently live in but the main question is, does the new RC feel like the Z30 Soarer? Let's see...

The Lexus RC starts at 5,650,000 Japanese Yen and what you'll get is either a 3.5L V6 engine mated with an 8-speed automatic gearbox or a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine connected to an electric motor and a nickel metal battery while mated with a CVT gearbox. Whichever variant you'll choose, you can opt for an F-Sport model which comes with Lexus Dynamic Handling System, stiffer suspension system, improved brakes, and so much more. If I had a choice, I would always want to go for the V6 model with the F-Sport on it because driving one of these feels like the Soarers of the 90's or so I thought.

2015 Lexus RC

When you're using F-Sport models of the GS and IS for further inspiration, you will notice that the RC is much more like these 4-door Lexus cars in such getup. It's like a trio of male vocals trying to start a boyband to woo the audience with their serenading tunes but this is not made for serenading people, the RC tries to feel like the SC but all those technological gizmos lurking beneath its striking looks can be bothersome even for a novice. For instance, when you engage Sport + on the Drive Mode Selector, it makes the car less comfortable to drive but more sharper to handle in the bends just like what you expect on those Lexus sedans.

It maybe more wonderful to drive and more enjoyable than the daft Lexus SC but when compared against the German aggressors, the Lexus RC is a bit of a low-level threat because the Germans employed the best arsenal to keep themselves faster, smarter, and stronger while the Japanese still focus on making boring cars more boring...a contrast to Tokyo's vibrant energy as a fun city filled with everything an otaku wants. To make things worse, there's a heavier and slower hybrid model which uses the same 2.5L 4-cylinder engine from the Toyota Crown and Lexus IS relatives while connected to an electric motor and a nickel metal battery. While the fuel economy of 23.2kmpl for a two-door coupe is good, the performance figures are a contrast to the RC's sporty looks. It's like when a guy dressed smartly to school but ended up failing with bad grades. What a pitiful sight and this is like a scenario when you think there's a Dr. Pepper vending machine, you're rushing for it but found out it was a mirage...and it's just an RC Cola machine. Get it now?

2015 Lexus RC interior

2015 Lexus RC interior

While the RC may not be the sharpest car to drive at, the interior is highly questionable in the eyes of a connoisseur. Sure, it was carried over from the IS but there's a sneaking suspicion that this is their new uniform interior for Lexus, much like what BMW and Cadillac did when they employ the same interior in different models over and over again but hey, you don't want to swallow that.

Time now for an evaluation: I was hoping for the RC to be the modern-day version of the Z30-spec Toyota Soarer from the 90's and made to look at luxury coupes in a whole new day but it isn't. It maybe sporty to drive and exciting to look at but in the game of softdrinks, they're treating it like an underdog to their game. Although it maybe new but one day, just like that volleyball team representing RC Cola at the SuperLiga Grand Prix, it will triumph against all odds but count me out on this. No one likes a bottle of RC Cola at this time. (sigh)

Available Colors: White Nova Glass Flake, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Platinum Silver Metallic, Sonic Titanium, Mercury Gray Mica, Black, Starlight Black Glass Flake, Radiant Red Contrast Layering, Lava Orange Crystal Shine, and Heat Blue Contrast Layering.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

#ILFullCircle

The battle between truth and lies comes into fruition in the final episode of ABS-CBN's most-talked TV drama, Ikaw Lamang.

Shortly after Natalia (KC Concepcion) was rescued by Isabel (Amy Austria-Ventura), the mother that Franco separated them before the blast 20 years ago, Gabriel Hidalgo (Coco Martin), the son of Samuel Hidalgo, who was killed by Franco Hidalgo (Christopher de Leon), his mortal enemy, is on the run to save Andrea (Kim Chiu) from Franco's clutches. 

When Gabriel was caught by his men, he was beaten up while Andrea tries to stop Franco but if it's time for the final kill, Gabriel escaped through the waters and risen.

Gabriel has saved Andrea, Andrea rushes to safety, and he's taking on Franco for one last battle, a decisive battle that will determine the fate. The battle ends with Franco ruptured by a crane after the fall. Gabriel survived by grabbing an edge and he won. Gabriel rushed to Andrea and Calisto (Nonie Burncamino), the person Samuel trusted several years ago, and told that it's over. Justice is served.

The story ends with Gabriel and Andrea getting married and several moments later...they met at the place where Samuel and Isabel met when they were young. Everything ends but memories never fade away. This concludes the story of Ikaw Lamang.

BVBBLE GANG XIX

GMA's hit comedy gag show, Bubble Gang is now on its 19th anniversary! The TV show's all grown up but the cast didn't and they're still up to their crazy shenanigans as they're doing it big time for the show's 19th year with a little help from special celebrity guests so...what are they up to?

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...revenge posts!

- Bubble Gang does Ariel with Jose and Eugene Domingo!

- Spartan gags!

- ISTAMBAY SA LOOBAN with the Dabarkads!

- Mr. Matapobre encounters some street children on his home!

- Antonietta gets poisoned by Ms. Gloria Romero!

- Celebs seeks help to Tata Lino!

- Marian Rivera takes on a dance-off with the choreographer and the Bubble Shakers!

- KWEK KWEK music video!

- ANG BAGONG DATING DOON INTERNATIONAL with Brod Pete and special participation of Tom Rodriguez and Carla Abellana!

- Mr. Assimo vs. Pepito Manaloto!

- IYOTUBE with Moymoy Palaboy in Picture Picture featuring the best bite-sized chunks of Bubble Gang!

We hope you enjoyed the anniversary special more than you do, folks! So, happy 19th anniversary to our favorite comedy show in the Philippines (and the world...probably), Bubble Gang!

Top Gear USA: Appalachian Trail

The season finale sees the boys of Top Gear USA taking on an epic adventure to the Appalachian Trail and they only have 24 hours to get through the entire length of the trail...using second-hand cars they've spent five grand on. Tanner has a Mitsubishi Montero SUV (that's the 3rd-generation Pajero to us), Adam has a last-gen Jaguar XJR, and Rut goes for the old Mercedes CL55 grand tourer.

There are some crazy moments occurred during the Appalachian road trip such as Adam summoning a gondola to lift his Jag, cattle encounters in Vermont, the whole Rut Needs To Go part on the road, Tanner wrecking a Saab for a tire change, a race to the train, and Tanner summoned a help from the RV driver to take him and his Montero for a lift.

With a few hours left, the boys gave it all they had to cross the end of the Appalachian Trail and at Trail's end, Adam and Rut made it while Tanner arrived several minutes later.

Forza Horizon 2 - Barn Find #02: VW Type 2 De Luxe

There is a second barn find rumor lurking around the Horizon Festival and the barn find in question is an abandoned VW Type 2 De Luxe, otherwise known as the Kombi, the Bus, the Transporter or my personal favorite, the Sambabus. We like to call it "Sambabus" because it sounds very catchy for the V-dub classic.



The barn find is located within the forests of Montellino. It took a lot of time to navigate through the wilderness and it is found that the barn find is located over 500 yards away from the North Montellino Speed Trap. I've sent my barn find car, the Alpine A110, as a recon to find the VW Bus hidden from the forests of Montellino. What an awesome attempt, a barn find car is finding a fellow barn find car. It's like a soldier rescuing his colleagues in need. A car in help is a car in need.





Several minutes later, the Sambabus has been reborn and while it may not be the quickest one around, it's certainly is a road trip material. Just driving in one of these makes me feel like a hippie again. They think I'm the kind of person who always shouting everyone's causes and spread the word to the world. Yes, that's one heck of a hippie car but the Sambabus has an incredible history as one of the oldest machines in its existence and after VW do Brasil, the Brazilian division that kept building the classic Type 2 Kombi, stopped producing one in December of last year, the Bus lasted for 64 years, that's more than your soccer mom's van! It's a good thing this car fulfilled its bucket list to making Kombi owners and enthusiasts' wishes come true.

I believe the Type 2 V-Dub is a pretty enjoyable car to drive despite being a slow one and when it comes to art, it really shines out to bring creative people some interesting artwork for the Type 2 to show it to the world. You can make eye-catching designs on the Type 2 and share your love of Type 2 Kombis with other FH2 players. Isn't it nice?

Now, will you excuse me, I got a Road Trip Award Party to attend to...and oh, I'll be using this Type 2 Kombi for the road trip. Don't ask why but this will be a fun one for the fun-sized MPV.

Cadillac ATS Coupe

Two years ago, Cadillac launched their entry-level luxury sedan called the ATS. It was positioned below the CTS and this car was a potent threat against the Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4, and the BMW 3-Series. It was a good car for a start but it kinda doesn't live up to its world-class reputation because it's just too plain for a sports saloon to give the Germans a good rambling.

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe

Fast-forward to today and Cadillac not only offered a facelifted ATS saloon but they've added a coupe version for the very first time and the brand new ATS Coupe could be America's answer to the BMW 4-Series and the Audi A5. Does it got what it takes to be as good as the Germans?

First and foremost, it looks like the ATS saloon but for the coupe version, it only has two-doors. Yep, two doors but that's not the end of it because what made us noticed that the ATS Coupe is the first-ever Cadillac to feature the new logo as seen on the Elmiraj concept from last year's Pebble Beach. That's right, what you're looking up here is the new face of Cadillac. The laurels are gone and that new, laurel-less or wreath-less Cadillac crest logo looks a bit chubby if you ask me. Anyway, never mind about the new logo, let's talk more on the important aspect on the new ATS Coupe; the way it moves.

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe

The top-of-the-line model comes with the 3.6L V6 engine with Variable Valve Timing delivers 321HP of power and 275lb-ft of torque. That's quite impressive but for those who wanted something more exciting, there's the 2.0L turbo engine that delivers 272HP of power and 295lb-ft of torque. That turbocharged engine is something I would definitely want to have because even though it has more torque than the V6 engine, that turbo makes it a lot more exciting to drive and best of all, all turbocharged models come standard with the 6-speed manual while the 6-speed auto is optional although that gearbox is standard for V6 models.

So, how does it compare against its foes from Germany? Let's look at the stats. The ATS Coupe with the 2.0L turbo engine starts at $37,995 so it's a thousand dollars less than the BMW 4-Series and the Audi A5 using the same engine. When it comes in power, that 272HP output from the ATS Coupe's 2.0L engine makes it a best-in-class. Sounds good but there's a catch; the ATS Coupe can be somewhat heavier than its German rivals so that's a downside but that's not the least of my problems.

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe interior

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe interior

One of the biggest problems is the interior and if you're in the driver's side, you will be flummoxed by the typical Cadillac interior which is like Cadillac interiors are the new BMW interiors because they kept on using the same dashboard over and over with no originality whatsoever. It was like cartoon characters kept on wearing the same clothes all the time. Gosh, all that sweat really comes out from them but there's also a bigger problem on the interior and it's the access to the back seats. Getting in is fine but getting out is a worrisome experience and it takes a broomstick to slip through like butter. If you want to get through the rear seats, best to stay slim or you won't get through the rear seats. So, bad mark for the ATS Coupe there.

What about handling? The original ATS saloon was honed on the Nurburgring to find out just how good this is and for the coupe version, it's not so bad judging by its low center of gravity, wider tracks, stiffer suspension, and the electric-assist, speed-sensitive premium steering that is well responsive when it faces a corner. It even has the Magnetic Ride Control which keeps the car more stable and more enjoyable to drive. That's not a bad car to drive for a start but that chassis isn't beyond BMW levels so calling it world-class can be somewhat a lie and a propaganda for the less knowledgable.

If I have an evaluation, the Cadillac ATS Coupe really has the best-in-class performance that will pounce its rivals on the trot as well as its value for money but its handling dynamics can be somewhat a bit mild and the interior is not what I hoped for. While the dashboard is a bit stale, access to the rear seats is nightmarish. I wouldn't want to be on that spot like what I faced when my parents had an old BMW 3-Series Coupe but for going solo, the ATS Coupe is not half bad at all. You can spend a weekend on this one and cruise to your heart's content.

Available colors: Black Diamond Tricoat, Radiant Silver Metallic, Crystal White Tricoat, Silver Coast Metallic, Phantom Gray Metallic, Majestic Plum Metallic, Red Obsession Tintcoat, Opulent Blue Metallic, Black Raven, and Dark Adriatic Blue Metallic.

Photo: General Motors

Toys R Us pulling out Breaking Bad toys

Toys R Us pulling out Breaking Bad toys

Breaking Bad may have ended long ago but that Heisenberg fever still rages on even with its upcoming spin-off featuring Saul is on the works right now. I can't even believe that the phenomenal TV show that ended last year spawned an array of toys and other merch to keep that Heisenberg spirit alive.

Annoyingly, some mother from Florida complained about a sale of Breaking Bad figures on America's popular toy store Toys R Us, especially the Walter White toy with a detachable sake of cash and a bag of meth. She made a petition that demand Toys R Us to remove all Breaking Bad toys from the store and on their website. She thinks that such toys are a dangerous deviation from family friendly values and as of now, her petition grew to about 8,000 signatures.

Bryan Cranston, the actor who played Walter White in the hit TV series, tweeted this message in response to the Florida mom demanding the removal of Breaking Bad toys from Toys R Us.. There are some adult figure collectors joining in the fray as some guy in California staged a counterattack petition to keep those Breaking Bad toys and as of now, 3,000 signatures were collected.

Gosh...figures from violent TV shows, even the ones ended long ago...why would they want to sell it on a toy store full of kids stuff? Isn't that a little too absurd?

Report: http://www.therakyatpost.com/world/2014/10/22/toys-r-us-pulls-breaking-bad-dolls-website-shelves/