Let's Do The News (January 28, 2015)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- Japanese PM Shinzo Abe opposes the latest video from ISIS, which threatens to kill hostage Kenji Goto, within a day, calling it "despicable". In the said footage, a voice that believes to be the Japanese captive's says that he and the Jordanian pilot will be killed unless Jordan frees an Iraqi woman held on death row. The Japanese prime minister will be coordinating with Jordan officials to secure their release.

- Jim Yong Kim, the president of the World Bank, warned that the world is "dangerously unprepared" for deadly pandemics like West Africa's Ebola Outbreak. He said it was vital that governments, corporations, aid agencies, and insurance companies must coordinate to prepare against incoming outbreaks and they need to learn lessons from the recent Ebola crisis.

- A 15-foot megamouth shark was found dead by fishermen along the shores of Barangay Marigondon in Pio Duran, Albay. No one knows what killed this shark but it was believed to be either trapped in the fishing net or had eating poisonous orgasms.

- Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor, the spokesperson of the Philippine National Police, has been relived from his position despite the controversial report that a police operation in the Maguindanao province that killed 44 elite policemen.

- The presenters of the hit TV show Top Gear are near to have their contracts renewed for another three years. That's good news for fans of the hit BBC automotive TV show.

- EA's popular racing app game, Real Racing 3 is now 2 years old since its 2013 launch and to celebrate, there's a brand new update featuring new events as well as the addition of Italy's boutique supercar, the Spada Codatronca. Plus, beware and keep playing because over the coming days, a prestigious automaker is about to announce a new vehicle and Real Racing 3 will have an exclusive worldwide reveal to this mystery car. What could it be? Stay tuned!

- Out tomorrow, it's the 9th DLC Catalog for the PS3-exclusive The iDOLM@STER ONE FOR ALL game! For this catalog, Uzuki Shimamura from The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls will be making a special guest appearance! Also, new outfits such as ドリーミン⌒イリース, Fuwafuwa Otome Pajama, and Newcomer Sunrise, and the brand new song titled We Have A Dream.

765SHOP Catalog Vol.09

- The Automobile Association Philippines, the country's oldest and largest motoring club, pushed an advocacy that they want all road signs to be cleared of advertising, stating that road signs with advertisements are confusing to motorists.

- The Mitsuoka Himiko, a Mazda Roadster NC in Morgan Roadster's clothing, is now on its 2015 model year. 36 colors, 481 variations, only 15 units will be made.

2015 Mitsuoka Himiko

- The Alpine Vision Gran Turismo was unveiled and it's set to be playable in the upcoming March 2015 update of the PS3-exclusive Gran Turismo 6 video game.



TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News (January 27, 2015)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- The East Coast is bracing for the impact of Winter Storm Juno as New York City and other areas in the northeast have shut down as "historic" snowstorm approaches and expected to dump as much as 90cm of snow. All non-essential vehicles are not allowed to drive through NYC from 2300 hours Eastern Standard Time and subway services were suspended. The states of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire are placed within a state of emergency.

- The Syriza far-left party of the Greek government, which won Sunday's general election, wants to renegotiate the nation's 240 billion euro bailout by international lenders. They have warned that the debt repayment in Greek debt in full is "unrealistic".

- An audio statement from the Islamic State militant groups are calling for attacks against Western countries and praised for recent terror attacks in France, Australia, and other countries in a speech purportedly made by its spokesperson. It's all just a bunch of enemy propaganda we suppose.

- Meanwhile in China, there was a report told that the top Chinese officials dine on a critically endangered giant salamander and became violent when journalists photographed the banquet. The 28 diners included senior police officials from the southern city of Shenzhen, according to one report.

- The Department of Justice denied the bid to dismiss US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton for his murder charges against transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude in Olongapo last October.

- There was a shooting occurred at Tukwila's Westfield Southcenter and police arrested four people after a fight during which someone fired a handgun inside the mall. The fight left one person in minor injury and that's what the reports told.

- Get ready rugby fans! The Six Nations 2015 kicks off this 6th of February!



- Just before Cinderella hits theaters this Spring, Disney announced that there will be a live-action Beauty and the Beast movie in the works and it will star Harry Potter's Emma Watson as princess Belle.

- More news for iM@S collectors as Good Smile Company announced a new Chihaya Kisaragi Yutaka Version figure which will go on sale this July for 9,074 Yen plus tax.

Chihaya Kisaragi
-Yutaka ver-

- The classic Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 saloon is the highlight on the latest Jay Leno's Garage webisode.

TTFN!!!

Top Gear S22E01

Series 22 of BBC Top Gear kicks off with the epic race across St. Petersburg, Russia, where the presenters are finding out who makes it to the finish line first while surviving against traffic in this Russian city. Jeremy Clarkson drives a hovercraft, Richard Hammond rides a bike, James May drives an electric-powered Renault Twizy, and The Stig...well, you know.

In the end, it was the Twizy that arrived on the unpronounceable palace first, proving the car, no matter what powers it, is better. As for The Stig...his head's banging onto something.

Meanwhile, Richard Hammond takes a spin on Lambo's newest V10 monster, the Huracan, and while he's in doubt in the end, The Stig lapped this one round the track in 1:15.8.

Famous celebrity Ed Sheeran is this episode's Star In A Reasonably Priced Car and he did it in 1:54.3 in wet conditions round the Top Gear track.

Forza Horizon 2: The Evo's dying wish

With the news reporting that the Lancer Evolution saga will end within a few short moments and Mitsubishi Motors have no plans to replace it with something exciting because they have other things on their mind, all we can feel is sadness for Mitsubishi's world because now that they've out of their motorsport business and with Ralliart gone for good (well, some parts of the world had), performance is no longer part of the Mitsubishi Motors timeshare.

Now that the Evo is on its last legs, guess I had no choice but to fulfill its dying wish here in Forza Horizon 2 on my XBOX One gaming console.



The Evo X is, well according to one theory, named the final Lancer Evolution ever made, and while this itineration, which is based on the aging Galant Fortis (Lancer in the world market) saloon, may be over half a decade old when it was launched in Japan since 2007, there's still a lot of love for this old-timer, even when Subaru's downing this car for the count with their latest WRX STi (which so far, Turn 10 haven't feature it on FH2 until further notice). With features such as S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), 6-speed TC-SST, 4B11 MIVEC engine, and other unique features, the Lancer Evolution X is an Evo that loves to fight till its last breath.



To prepare for the Evo's final days on planet earth before Mitsubishi Motors closes the saga of every speedo boys' favorite, I gave it some minor improvements before getting ready for the championship I've signed up for this car. See those HKS logos I've planted on the Evo's body? I've made them myself.

I took this one on a road trip to remember...



...and then I took this Evo on the championship I've signed up for. The events I've signed up for this car are all set in France's Sisteron and because it was classified as a Modern Rally car, it will be facing punishing road conditions even during cross-country events but since the Evo's been through tough times, I'm sure it will have some fighting chance.



I've finally fulfilled the Evo's one last wish; to race like what other Evos do during their glory days, and while the Evo's dying wish came true, I still have a few championships left before the finale on FH2 so it's time to head back home and lay plans. See you soon!

Miss Colombia is named Miss Universe

Photo: Getty Images

Paulina Vega, a beauty queen representing her country of Colombia is named as Miss Universe in the 63rd annual Miss Universe Pageant held at Miami's Florida International University. She was the first Colombiana to gain the title for over 5 decades but she's the fifth out of the last seven Miss Universe winners hailed from South America. She edges out the likes of Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell, Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha, Miss Netherlands Yasmin Verheijen, and Miss USA Nia Sanchez.

Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/colombian-paulina-vega-crowned-universe-article-1.2091668

NOTE: Sadly, our very own Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa couldn't make it to the top five but she's so pleased that she's part of the top ten semi-finalists. Oh well...

New Toyota Alphard and Vellfire (H30W)

2016 Toyota Alphard

2016 Toyota Vellfire

Toyota's flagship MPVs are now regenerated for their brand new generation and the brand new Alphard and Vellfire are now ready to aim for the luxury minivan spotlight that was taken from the likes of the Nissan Elgrand and the Honda Odyssey. Yes. The luxury minivans coveted by most ASEANS are back with a brand new look and features that will surely beg to have one until Toyota gives a go to send Japan's top-notch minivans to those greedy ASEANs. Oh, and if you don't mind, don't bother telling the differences between these two because mechanically, they're the same cars with different faces just like the Noah and Voxy.

Yes, they're different in their exterior designs, and to sum things up, here's what you can expect on the outside of these two. On the new Toyota Alphard, which is now on its 3rd generation, the front face now looks like it came from the latest Toyota Crown saloon. The new Vellfire, meanwhile, has a front face that looks like it came from the Nissan Dayz, the Highway Star version. The faces are different but they have a completely new side view that looks more streamlined and the rear view that looks like it copied the Elgrand's rear for whatever reasons. Although they look like they're a distorted mess, both the new Alphard and the new Vellfire's design really make the cut above the rest of those Japanese luxury MPVs.

2016 Toyota Alphard interior

2016 Toyota Alphard interior

2016 Toyota Vellfire interior

2016 Toyota Vellfire interior

The interior has been the grand stage for both the Alphard and the Vellfire and for this latest generation, it has been given a major overhaul to make it as luxurious as possible and it did. The dashboard looks like it took from the Land Cruiser Prado but it pushes all the right buttons as planned. As for the sat-nav system, it's now integrated with Toyota's T-Connect telematics system first applied on the recently facelifted Camry last year.

If you never know what that is, T-Connect is Toyota's new telematics services along with sat-navs compatible with this and a smartphone app.  In addition to the voice controls, T-Connect allows third-party apps to be downloaded to the navigation system. There's an online help service that integrates and improves the functions the G-BOOK currently provided. In short; T-Connect from Toyota features interactive voice response, service for downloading apps to the sat-nav, improved online help, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Both the new Alphard and the new Vellfire are available with the choice of a 7 or 8 seater but those who prefer the seven-seater might come in for a treat because depending on the variant, it can be offered with three ottoman seats, one in the passenger side and the other two on the second-row seats. They can be adjusted forwards or backward and between you and me, there's no other luxury MPV that would have done such, having an ottoman seat on the passenger side that can be adjusted forwards or backward so you can feel like you're the boss.

For an added surprise, the new models now come with the first-ever cargo area under the third-row seat sliding mechanism. You can store up to 148 liters of storage under the floor and the deck board can be folded into three sections to provide both a sliding third-row and under-floor storage.

There's also the first-ever Smart Entry and Push Start System which automatically opens the sliding door as the user approaches after setting up a reservation and can be locked automatically after it closes.

There are so many conveniences you can find on the new Alphard and Vellfire such as the available rear-seat entertainment system, the JBL Sound System, and many more.

2016 Toyota Alphard

2016 Toyota Vellfire

The cheaper versions have increased the size of their 4-cylinder engines from the former 2.4L to 2.5L! With added displacement comes with added performance because this 2.5L 2AR-FE engine produces 182PS of power and 235Nm of torque. Couple that with the Super CVT-i (with 7-speed manual mode) and an idling stop feature and you can expect up to 12.8km/L of fuel economy as calculated by JC08 Mode standards.

The top-of-the-line models still come with the same 3.5L V6 engine that produces 280PS of power and 344Nm of torque while mated with a 6-speed Super ECT. Fuel economy is a thirsty 9.5km/L.

On the hybrid models, the hybrid system has now been reworked and it now features the same 2AR-FXE 2.5L Atkinson-cycle engine as seen from the Camry while connected with two electric motors, generating a total output of a modest 197PS of power output and an improved fuel economy of up to 19.4km/L, depending on the variant.

Apart from the engine choices, the new Alphard and Vellfire now come with a revised bodywork made of high-tensile strength steel for added rigidity as well as a new double-wishbone rear suspension just like the ones you found on your Honda Odyssey. This results in comfortable mobility and added stability while reduced NVH results in a quiet ride while in motion, giving these minivans the touch and class of a flagship premium saloon.

The new Alphard and Vellfire start at 3,197,782 up to 7,036,691 Japanese Yen (around $32,000 to $71,000). Yes. You can afford one more than the Nissan Elgrand for now and you can take advantage of the new features that the rival minivans of its class don't.

Available colors (Alphard): White Pearl Crystal Shine, Luxury White Crystal Shine Glass Flake, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Black, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, and Greyish Blue Mica Metallic

Available colors (Vellfire): White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Black, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, Burning Black Crystal Shine, and Greyish Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Second-Generation Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90. When it was launched over a decade ago, it was their first attempt to take on luxury SUVs from Germany but as when time pass by, even with numerous improvements to keep it afloat, the XC90 has been decaying for so long and no matter how time passed by, the XC90 still looks pretty much the same. Now, for the first time, the XC90 finally got the regeneration it deserves and OH MY GAS! It looks perfect to look at.

2015 Volvo XC90

Well, here it is. They've all been waiting for this moment to come. This is the all-new Volvo XC90 and Volvo really mean it about the "all-new" phrase because it REALLY is all new.

First, the exterior design is brand new and this is the first to carry Vovlo's new signature look as well as its new Volvo logo in the front. No longer the male sign logo, it's now pointier than ever for a Volvo. The headlamps are now wearing the Mjolnir, or Thor's hammer for those who are gibberish about the M-word and although it wasn't more of a Mjolnir as we hoped for, this new look will be the forefront of future Volvo designs.

The new XC90 is armed with a brand new platform which is stronger and lighter than the previous platform the first one used. Because of this new platform, next-gen Volvos are looking forward to wear such a breakthrough platform but Volvo remains mum on this because they are on a "slow and steady" progress on rebuilding the Swedish carmaker, which became the pioneer of safety since the second-generation S60 of 2010. Apart from its new platform, the new car is now sharper and stable than ever thanks to its double wishbone front suspension and a new lightweight integral link rear axle. The air suspension is an optional extra and when you have it, it can be adjusted into five different modes, be it high or low depending on the road conditions.

2015 Volvo XC90 interior

On the inside, the new XC90 is now more high-tech than ever and because this car focuses more on the future rather than the past, everything's digitalized now and bad new for those music lovers, the CD player's nowhere to be found. Instead, you'll find this big screen dashboard just like you saw on the Tesla Model S. On this dashboard, you can take advantage of the built-in wi-fi hotspot, real-time navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and so much more. The interior's pretty harsh for us because it was the first to see the future when all cars doesn't have CD players anymore and replaced by those...things. Looks like the end of the CD era's fast approaching, don't you think and pretty soon, we won't be relying on physical media anymore and that's kinda sad.

Anyway, forget the harsh word because the interior is now as luxurious as a new Range Rover and because it's now longer and taller than the previous generation, getting inside in one of those is like having a first class trip to your office and way back home. It also works as a family car because it can seat up to seven people but if you're a little grumpy and if your mother asks to seat at the back, this is one thing you would pray that this will not happen to you unless you have a newborn crybaby and a child seat that adds your misery of having your parents force you to seat at the back. Ugh...

2015 Volvo XC90

All engines in the new XC90 are 2.0L and at launch, you can have either the twin-turbo 225HP D5 or the twincharged 320HP T6 but later on, you will be able to take on the top-of-the-line T8 Twin-Engine model. Yes. there's a PHEV that is way beyond compare than your average PHEV because with the combination of the T8 engine and the electric motor, over 400HP of power and 640Nm of torque is produce. That's four times more than what your Outlander PHEV had! And no matter which engine choice you'll pick, it's mated with Volvo's 8-speed Geartronic transmission, which isn't so bad for an everyday car.

2015 Volvo XC90

Because safety is the forefront of Volvo, the new XC90 is now fully prepared with the next-generation of safety features as well as two of the world's first safety technologies. There's the run-off road protection which detects what comes next on the road and the front safety belts are tightened to keep occupants in place. Lastly, there's the auto brake in intersections when in the event the driver turns in front of an oncoming car, it automatically halts this car full stop. There are so many safety gadgets loaded in this Volvo but I can't tell what are those or this will be one heck of a snoozefest but with all of these features, this new model believes the future really is now thanks to science. Very clever but car enthusiasts weren't so sure whether they like this car or not now that it becomes a car that feels like it's been made from the future and it's been made to avoid accidents once and for all. Hmmm...

The new XC90 starts at 554,000 Krona (or around 60,000 Euros estimated), which is more expensive than any other Volvos in the lineup but that's more affordable than the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. That's one luxury SUV you can afford on.

The new Volvo XC90 isn't just more of a full model change, it's about rebuilding the Swedish carmaker into new and exciting ways and I can expect big things for Volvo for now.

Photo: Volvo Cars