Acura TLX

2015 Acura TLX

The brand new Acura TLX is a brand new executive midsize sedan that not only replaces the TL but also the Euro Accord-based TSX. This is like killing two birds with one stone, if you know what I mean? Anyway, while this is a brand-new model, the TLX is the first Acura model to come with two very unique automatic gearboxes; one is an 8-Speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission) with torque converter for the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, and the other one is an excessive 9-speed automatic transmission for the V6 model. 9 gears! That's a lot more than what the legs of the octopus have. All right, let's find out if this new model is any good...

Hey wait a minute...aren't this one's Accord-based?

The TLX, just like the TL and the TSX it replaces, is mechanically similar to the Honda Accord but the TLX is not like the Honda Accord because while the Honda Accord available in Japan only comes with the hybrid powerplant, the American-made Acura TSX is available with two petrol engines mated with unique gearboxes. Wait a minute, do I need to repeat that statement above?

Yes, please.

Anyway, the 2.4L 4-cylinder model comes with Acura's first 8-speed double-clutch gearbox. If you're not sure how it works, here's a common example; when I placed it in 2nd gear, the second clutch pre-prepared the 3rd gear for me. When I shift it, it changes faster than flipping to page 2 of a book I'm reading. The double-clutch gearbox may not be a bad choice but let's hope Honda will not face some problems just like what happened to the Honda Fit Hybrid's double-clutch gearbox several times.

What about the V6 model?

Now here's something I'd like to say. The TLX with the 3.5L V6 model comes with the most excessive number in gearbox history and I'm referring to its 9-speed automatic gearbox. In this model, the gear lever is not here and what you'll see are buttons that take control of the gears. There also the Integrated Dynamics System which allows you to switch through three driving modes; Normal, Economy, and Sport. This new gearbox has so many gizmos to choose from depending on your driving style and that's good, probably.

What do you think about the design?

2015 Acura TLX

2015 Acura TLX interior

Design-wise, the TLX is not quite bad at all and it feels more like an improvement from the bland-looking TL and the not-so-bland looking TSX so it's the best of both worlds, except for the front view which, in my opinion, is far too much for Acura, employing the same look over and over again. On the interior, the TLX will still disappoint buyers because of its stale dashboard looks. Feels like Acura's taking some notes from BMW, adopting the same interior on different models. What a pitiful sight but it doesn't even matter. 

The software's now revamped for this model and it's capable with the next generation of AcuraLink telematics system. The new AcuraLink now comes with two-way communication, greater interaction, and a host of available services. You can even try using your smartphone to lock or unlock your car. How convenient is that? Feels like the future is now thanks to science after all.

What's it like to drive?

2015 Acura TLX

For a sport sedan of this magnitude, the TLX is not quite bad at all on the city streets and on the open roads, although I find the standard P-AWS a bit too problematic on the bends. Sure, this drivetrain feels lighter and more lively on the bends but it feels as soggy as a salad with some cheese-flavored dressing. However, there is one thing that the TLX able to redeem itself and that's the ace of the hole; the SH-AWD. SH-AWD or Super Handling All Wheel Drive lets its rear-axle torque vectoring sharpen the handling considerably. I'd like to enjoy driving the TLX with the V6 engine and the AWD drivetrain because it feels like there's an upperclassman approaching through his day job but sadly, that's just part-time job because while the SH-AWD is the ideal powertrain for the TLX judging by its unprecedented handling style, the use of comfort tires just spoils it and prone to understeer.

Should I buy it?

The TLX with the 2.4L model starts at $30,995 while the 3.5L V6 model starts at $35,220. Although the base TLX model with the 2.4L engine costs less than the base Cadillac ATS sedan with the 2.5L engine in it, it's not what you called "you get what you paid for" because the TLX needs more improvement if it wants to get its head in the game. If you want one, it's all up to you to decide.

Available colors: Crystal Black Pearl, Graphite Luster Metallic, Bellanova White Pearl, Basque Red Pearl II, Fathom Blue Pearl, Black Copper Pearl, and Slate Silver Metallic.

Photo: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Forza Horizon 2 - Barn Find #07: Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso

Moments after claiming my Ford Capri from the previous barn find, me and my Capri are venturing through the forests of North Castelletto where the seventh barn find, a Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, is hidden somewhere. By my calculations, this barn find is 2.7 miles from the Castelletto Horizon Hub or 3.5 miles from the Horizon Festival.



Darn, I didn't realized I got overslept and I missed the notification saying that the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso is ready for pickup but whatever. I claimed it anyway and see what's like to drive a legendary Ferrari.



Although the Lusso is not the most extreme version of the 250 GT range, it lives up to its name as a luxury grand tourer in its own right. Lusso is "luxury" in Italian, referring to the luxury version of the 250 GT and it was launched simultaneously with the 250 GTO racing machine in 1962. With 351 units of this model sold from 1962 to 1964, it was one of the most profitable cars until then. It comes with the same 3.0L V12 engine from the other 250GT models but the power output is a measly 250HP. It does 0-60mph in the seven second mark and flatout in an estimated 145mph, which is still quick even by modern standards.

Even though this isn't one of the quickest Ferraris I've ever drive, it's still one of the most beautiful cars to behold.

With the championship where me and my Clio won ended, it's time to move on to Saint-Martin and I decided to drive my newly acquired barn find for a road trip it will never forget and sorry about taking shortcuts because it's facing some "Nina Needs To Go" scenarios and this car doesn't wait to go.

 

With the Berlinetta made it to Saint-Martin for the next leg on the road to the Horizon Finale, our journey continues...

Let's Do The News! (November 6, 2014)

Welcome back, here is your current sitrep:

- US President Barack Obama and Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell have both promised to cooperate within the next two years, moments after Republicans gained both control of the House and Congress after the 2014 mid-term elections.

- Political parties from Burkina Faso agreed that the nation's transition should last a year, followed by next year's elections.

- Russian leader Vladimir Putin is named as the world's most powerful man according to Forbes magazine.

- Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said the spokesmen of Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay, the ones who've allegedly gatecrashed in the Senate investigation, may be penalized under the law and warns against repeats.

- According to lawyer Renato Bondal, the building of the Makati Science High School was overpriced when VP Binay was the Makati mayor back then.

- The Volvo V60 estate has spawned a Cross Country variant ahead of its LA Auto Show debut!

2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country

- The mother of megastar Sharon Cuneta and the grandmother of KC Concepcion, Elaine Cuneta, passed away at the age of 79. Her death was confirmed by one of actress KC Concepcion's tweets. Elaine Cuneta was a former beauty queen, singer, and actress, and she's the mother of actress Sharon Cuneta and the deceased Pasay City Mayor Pablo Cuneta. She's the sister of the veteran actress Helen Gamboa-Sotto.

- The YF-23 Black Widow II is now a playable aircraft on the latest update of the PS3-exclusive free-to-play flight shooting game, Ace Combat Infinity.

YF-23 Black Widow II

- GET READY! The first episode of the much-awaited crowd-sourced Bee and PuppyCat web cartoon hits tomorrow on Cartoon Hangover! Don't tell me that TEMPBOT didn't remind you...

TTFN!!!

Forza Horizon 2 - Barn Find #06: Ford Capri

The sixth barn find in question was the Europe-made Ford Capri, and this is new to us in the world of Forza. It's located somewhere in the East Valley part of Montellino and after numerous attempts to scavenge the barn find in question, I have discovered that it's over 700 yards near the Montellino Car Meet or two miles from the Montellino Horizon Hub.



After finding it, I managed to take some time off to refresh my perspective and several minutes later, I got a notification saying that the Ford Capri is fully restored so I rushed to the nearest Horizon Hub to claim it.



In America, we have the Mustang but in Australia, they have the Falcon, and in Europe, they have this. The Ford Capri. This is the first-generation Capri but not just that, this is the one with the 3098cc Essex V6 engine on it while mated with a 4-speed manual gearbox. It's based on the Cortina and built in three European plants somewhere in UK, Belgium, and Germany. Originally it was supposed to be called the Colt but Mitsubishi has rights for the Colt name.

This RS3100 model, the one with the 3.1L Essex V6 engine, uses a double-barrel Weber carburettor and power output is 150PS. Although this is a limited-edition model with only 250 units made for homologation purposes, it still found use in the world of touring car racing.

Well, now with the legendary Mk.I Ford Capri under my hands, looks like work isn't done yet because Barn Find number seven is on my sights. Find out in my later posts as me and my Capri are venturing through the seventh barn find.

Let's Do The News! (November 5, 2014)

The big scoop today.,..

- To mark the 1st year anniversary of Superstorm Yolanda (Haiyan) wrecking havoc through the Visayas region of the Philippines, the Philippine Postal Corporation will issue special-edition "Tindog Pinoy" stamps this month.

- The Republicans won control of the Senate in the US mid-term elections, increasing their power in the final two years of Barack Obama's presidency. Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, poised to take over the chamber, said that their victory is a vote against "a government that people can no longer trust".

- African leaders are to visit Burkina Faso to press the nation's military for a quick handover of power to a civilian ruler.

- More foreign ships detected in Japanese waters near the Ogasawara Islands, according to Japan's Coast Guard.

- Workers finished removing highly radioactive nuclear fuel from a reactor building at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant.

- Out now on Forza Horizon 2: the Falken Car Pack features six brand new rides such as the brand new Alfa Romeo 4C, BMW M4, Chevrolet SS, Lamborghini Jalpa, Toyota 2000GT, and the classic 1990 Subaru Legacy RS.

Forza Horizon 2 Falken Car Pack

- The Minions from Despicable Me are getting their own spin-off movie! Hooray! Here comes their first teaser trailer from their spin-off! It's so cute!



- At the recent 2014 SEMA Show, BMW and Gran Turismo unveiled their BMW M4 Safety Car, which will be featured on an upcoming update for Gran Turismo 6 this late November,

BMW M4 Safety Car

- Rin Hoshizora from LoveLive! School idol project gets the Nendoroid treatment courtesy of Good Smile Company. Looks like the whole LoveLive Nendo lineup's expanding as the fans demanded for!

Nendoroid Rin Hoshizora

- IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Daredevil Nik Wallenda walked between two Chicago skyscrapers on a wire while being blindfolded! Unbelievable!

Forza Horizon 2 - Barn Find #05: Jaguar XK120

During my progress at the hot hatch championship where me and my Renault Clio RS 200 EDC are taking part of, I've received a barn find rumor about an abandoned Jaguar hidden somewhere in the Northern part of Italy's San Giovanni.



As I ventured through North San Giovanni, I have discovered that the barn find in question is located over 300 yards near the North San Giovanni speed trap or 2.7 miles from the Montellino Horizon Hub. I'm on my way to retrieve the legendary XK120.



Well, I know what happens next. After retrieval, wait until a notification is flashed on the screen saying that the barn find I found was restored. After that, I rushed to the nearest Horizon hub to claim it.



Before the big aces like the F40, the McLaren F1, and the Bugatti Veyron were born, this Jag was the original ace of aces. Why? This post-war Jag hailed as the world's fastest car when it was launched in 1948. Top speed is 120 mph (193 km/h) of top speed, which in 1948, hailed as the fastest car in the world courtesy of its 3.4L DOHC Straight-6 engine that generates 160 bhp (119 kW; 162 PS) @ 5000 rpm of power.

This model is the SE and this XK120 features wire wheels, increased power, stiffer suspension and dual exhaust system. Therefore, the SE model produces 180 bhp (134 kW; 182 PS) or the one I have comes with the improved 3.4L engine that churns out 210 bhp (157 kW; 213 PS) of power.

I got the chance to drive this legendary Jaguar because to me, the XK120 is a worthy ancestor to the world's fastest cars including the Ferrari F40, the McLaren F1, and of course, the Bugatti Veyron. Make sure you treat this legend with the respect it deserves when you had one, got it? Anyway, like I was saying...

WHAT?! Another barn find? There's still more of it all over Europe? Well, to make things worse, I've received two barn find rumors earlier! There's so many classics that need to be rescued but let's scramble for later to find some barn finds. Although I'm still in a championship and my Clio needs me, it might be best to focus with the search ops for the barn finds while worrying with the championship progress later.

Laugh Three tips on stopping your kids from moving out

On the November 4, 2014's Banana Nite's Laugh Three, what are the Laugh Three tips on stopping your kids from moving out?

1) Take back his/her stuff!

2) Don't try to stop him/her. Instead, bring his or her boyfriend or girlfriend to your house!

3) Throw a party!