Forza Motorsport 6: The Caparo T1

Now, let's check out one of the cars offered on Forza Motorsport 6's Logitech G Car Pack and this one is way beyond extreme when it comes to performance and thrills.



This is the Caparo T1 and this extreme track-day machine is the byproduct of the two engineers who used to work for the development of the McLaren F1 hypercar. Its chassis is comprised with carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb monocoque while its suspension is a double wishbone with tunable anti-roll bars and five-way adjustable race dampers.

Powering the T1 is a 3.5L, 32-valve, aluminum V8 engine mounted at 90-degrees and lubricated by a dry sump oil system. It produces 575HP of power and 420Nm of torque and because of its 470kg kerb weight, it has a stronger power-to-weight ratio than the Bugatti Veyron. It's mated with a 6-speed sequential gearbox made of magnesium and carbon materials.

 

So, upon driving the T1, I never realized how intimidating this open-wheeler is ever since the Ariel Atom. I also found out that this is not an easy car to master because even when you get it right, its intimidating dynamics can hurl you down like a wolf chewing on your arms. When on a wet lap, just a single slip can really cause a major pileup so watch out for it.

With enough practice, you can see how much fun this extreme track toy really is and when compared against its small but terrible oppositions, the Caparo T1 deserves its foes to have a really good kicking.

It maybe inspired from a Formula One car but its performance poses a huge threat to the driver who is not paying attention to its strengths and weaknesses.



To find out just how intimidating the T1 is, I sent this car round the Top Gear Track and go on a power lap. I know that the Caparo T1 lapped round the track in 1:10.6 (until it was removed from the board for regulations) but because of the wet weather we're facing now, it's going to be different than what The Stig attempted. In theory, very wet laps costs six seconds of lap time so it might be best to find out how fast I can get this T1 round the Top Gear Track when wet.

Without further ado, the wet lap attempt for the T1...



In a case of "what ifs", the T1 lapped round the Top Gear track in 1:16.489 when wet so if this track dried up, I have beaten the lap time set by The Stig, which is fairly close but remarkable if you understand how to take good care of the deadly Caparo T1.



The Caparo T1 is part of Forza Motorsport 6's Logitech G Car Pack. If you have the Car Pass, be sure to pick up the DLC pack and drive the Caparo T1 in-game today!

Hyundai New Avante/Elantra (AD)

2016 Hyundai Avante

Hyundai's Avante (known as the Elantra in the world market) has been regenerated and for this regeneration, it becomes more of a questionable compact midsize saloon rather than a stylish one, probably thanks to Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design first seen on the Genesis premium saloon. While this may have some eccentric looks that some say they stole it from the Mazda Axela's, what's it like to be in the new model?

With the slogan "Super Normal" comes into the new Avante's mind, Hyundai says that this all-new Avante has been through lot of tests to ensure that this C-segment saloon is on par against the Japanese biggies. Although the design is not what you called stylish, it has a drag coefficient of 0.27 Cd, making it the lowest of its class courtesy of its Wheel Air Curtains alongside its bumper ribs and the under cover. It's now longer and wider than the previous model and 53% of the new Avante's bodywork comprises of Advanced High Strength Steel, making it more stiffer and more durable.

2016 Hyundai Avante interior

2016 Hyundai Avante interior

Although the exterior design will leave car enthusiasts some mixed reactions, expect the same thing on the interior as well because while the previous MD model looks somewhat rakish and radical, the new AD model's interior is becoming more uniform as what present-day Hyundais had. Once you get in, you can't really tell the difference between this and any other Hyundais offered. While the interior is becoming a Hyundai uniformity for bigger things to come, there are some concessions of conveniences offered such as rear air-con vents, Integrated Memory Seat, Smart Trunk, optional Harman audio system, and Smart Navigation + 7 inches Rear View Camera. Yes. It's becoming more tech-savvy for the millennials right now.

2016 Hyundai Avante

Like the previous Avante MD model, the new Avante AD model is offered with two engine choices; a 1.6L GDi engine producing 132PS of power and 164Nm of torque or a 1.6L e-VGT engine with 136PS and 183Nm of torque. Most variants can be offered with either a 6-speed AT or a 6-speed MT but on the diesel variant, a 7-speed double clutch gearbox is an exclusivity.

As for dynamics, the new Avante comes with an updated Motor Driven Power Steering that provides better handling response at different speeds, resulting to even better stability on corners but I'm not sure if these drivers react to this upgraded electric power steering, presumably. As for silence, the new model has better NVH thanks to new windscreen wipers, thickened glass windows, and a rear-wheel guard made from new materials.

Safety-wise the new Avante is loaded with tech such as automatic braking system, High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Detector with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. It even comes with SPAS for parking purposes and a Lamp Disconnection Diagnostic System which warns the drivers that one of its headlamps are out, meaning they'd better service it at their nearest Hyundai dealer for a new set of lights.

The Avante is now available with an introductory price of 13,840,000 to 21,250,000 Won for the petrol model and 16,000,000 to 23,710,000 Won for the diesel model. It doesn't sound cheap but it's a smart buy full stop. So, what's to like about the Avante? Affordability? Perhaps. Drivability? Think so. Tech. Presumably. And what's not to like? Perhaps it's the styling that doesn't really woo the crowd.

Available colors: Polar White, Platinum Silver, Sparkling Metal, Iron Grey, Ice White, Marina Blue, Moonlight Blue, Phoenix Orange, Fiery Red, and Phantom Black.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Let's Do The News! (October 19, 2015)

- According to PAGASA, Typhoon Lando (Koppu) will stay longer in northern and central Luzon of the Philippines for three more days or until Wednesday because it's moving slowly. As of right now, it continues to head towards the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Abra, and Apayao. The storm warning for Metro Manila has been lifted.

- The international deal to limit the nuclear development of Iran has taken place after the UNSC adopted a resolution on the issue. Three months ago, Iran and six world powers reached a final agreement aimed at limiting the nation's nuclear development in exchange for easing international sanctions.

- Henriette Reker, the female politician who was attacked during her campaign for mayor of Cologne, Germany, has won by a landslide. She was attacked by someone who was angry about Germany's tolerant policy on refugees and she was hospitalized. Her condition is serious but stable.

- The leader of the ethnic Uygurs living outside China has opposed the fatal Bangkok bombing last August. Rebiya Kadeer, the head of the World Uyghur Congress, blamed the Thai government for possibly provoking the attack by forcibly deporting Uygurs to China.

- Two cabinet members separately offered prayers in the main building of the Yasukuni Shrine on Sunday for the autumn festival.

- The first trailer for the upcoming 3DCG movie adaptation of the Ratchet & Clank video game franchise is here.

- Swedish carmaker Volvo announced that their first all-electric vehicle will arrive in the next four years, targeting against the likes of Tesla.

- TV presenter Willie Revillame was ordered by the Court of Appeals to be arrested over child abuse case.

- Pinay beauty queen Hillarie Danielle Parungao will be representing the Philippines for the upcoming Miss World 2015 as she was named Miss World Philippines 2015.

- In case you missed the Philippines vs. The World boxing event held at Stubhub Center, California, our four Filipino boxers triumphed against the world's finest. Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo maintained his unbeaten record against Yardly Suarez after a first round KO. Albert Pagara, meanwhile, pinned down against William Gonzales on his first US fight after the sixth round. Jason Pagara destroyed Santos Benavides on the second round. And on the main event, Donnie "Ahas" Nietes won the match against Juan Alejo by unanimous decision. Philippines wins.

- Meanwhile, Filipino boxer Brian Viloria was defeated by the undefeated rival Roman Gonzales after a ninth-round KO.

TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 6: Tale of two Jags

A few moments ago, I went to the Top Gear Test Track to compare between the Jaguar F-Type Coupe R and the BMW M4 just to find out which of the car is best and to my amazement, the F-Type Coupe R, with its supercharged V8 engine, outsmart the turbocharged BMW M4 like how Britain won the Battle of Britain.



Now, I'm in one part of Great Britain. Specifically, Silverstone, and I'm still in the F-Type Coupe R to see how much fun this V8-powered sportscar is on its home turf. However, I'm not sending this F-Type back home just for fun, I sent it home because I want to compare this to another Jaguar offered in-game and that particular Jag in question is a hardcore version of the XKR-S, undoubtedly one of the best Jags I have ever driven in my Forza life.



The GT version of Jaguar's high-performance XKR-S coupe represents the pinnacle of Jaguar's ultimate grand tourer and it has became a hardcore, track-focused version of the said model.

In the North American market, only 30 units are made. The GT features enhanced aerodynamic components and suspension development for better downforce and handling. It is the first Jaguar to use carbon ceramic brakes.

Like the base XKR-S, it comes with the 5.0L V8 petrol Supercharged AJ-V8 GEN III R engine producing 550PS of power and 680Nm of torque. It will do 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds and top speed electronically limited to 186mph.

Upon driving the XKR-S GT, it takes an expert-level driver to master the harsh dynamics due to the sheer power and torque its V8 delivers and when it rains down on the track, you need to be pretty certain because one slip and you're gone. It takes determination and guts to tame this British bulldog right up to its noses.

Both the F-Type Coupe R and the XKR-S GT really are the cream of the crop from Jaguar but what differs these two really is hard to explain why because while the F-Type Coupe is more of a grand tourer fit for leisurely purposes only rich gentlemen would do, the XKR-S GT nullifies its gentlemanly manner in the pursuit of being a track-ready screamer. Sure, the F-Type R is lighter than the XKR-S GT but because the XKR-S GT features track-focused essentials, seems that it can munch through every corner it sees but either way, they can be tricky to get to their best behavior even when wet.

To find out, I compare these two Jags on a head to head comparo round Silverstone for some wet laps. Fastest time wins so here goes...



After spending the day with a wet lap round Silverstone, I have the results. The XKRS-GT did it in 2:45.597 while the F-Type Coupe R did it in 2:44.804, which means the F-Type Coupe R has been proven to be the ultimate Jaguar at this moment in time.



Oh yes, it's good to be bad.

Doctor Who S09E05

Doctor Who S09E05

Game of Thrones' Maisie Williams guest starred as Ashildr in the episode titled "The Girl Who Died" and on this episode, The Doctor and Clara Oswald went to the age of the Vikings to protect the village from a menacing alien warriors known as the Mire and a war criminal named Odin.

On that episode, we witnessed how did The Doctor got his face and as explained with a flashback from "The Fires of Pompeii" episode aired seven years ago. We got our minds blown by the shocking revelations.

With a piece of alien tech revived Ashildr after the Vikings successful victory against the Mire, looks like her mystery about her newly found immortality will have to wait. Looks like we can expect more of Ashildr for next week's episode.

NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW:

#BGAlBadVsAntonietta

On the October 16, 2015 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Buntis ako gags

- Istambay, Istambay sa Looban, Eto na ang Sinusubaybayan, Tutok na Dito ang Buong Bayan, Kahit na Umaaraw o...UMUULAN!

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...reaction videos!

- Denise Barbacena takes on TSUGI O CHORVA!

- Hugot lines at the cafe!

- A board meeting about a comprehensive company realignment...

- The power of AlDub is spreading everywhere!

- FOR THE NATION!

- HUMANology is demonstrated.

Latest EB Kalyeserye unveils the biggest surprise of all!

From Alden Richards performing the hit song every AlDub Nation stuck on their heads forever, titled Thinking Out Loud, to unmasking Isadora's presence (knowing that Isadora's not Yaya Dub's real mom), nothing is more surprising than what Lola Nidora announced the biggest AlDub event ever and it's happening on the Philippine Arena, next Saturday!

Yes, you heard that right. The biggest AlDub event ever is taking place at the Philippine Arena on the 24th of October, 2015. Following the announcement as heard on the latest Eat Bulaga kalyeserye, tickets for the big AlDub event titled "#AlDubSaTamangPanahon" are now available at select Ticket World Outlet, National Bookstore, Robinson Department Store, Ayala Malls, Eastwood Mall, and Resorts World Manila. Prices ranging from 150 to 1,200 Philippine Pesos. There's a 5-ticket limit per person. 100% of the proceeds go to the improvements of most schools in the Philippines. It's going to be the biggest bayanihan of d' pipol ever!

Best to buy one before it's officially sold out and be sure to keep watching Eat Bulaga for more AlDub antics in the one-and-only kalyeserye!

Photo: Official Eat Bulaga Facebook Page

Let's Do The News! (October 16, 2015)

- The top European leader have agreed for stricter border controls and to seek Turkey's cooperation in curbing the influx of refugees and migrants into their countries. At a summit held at Brussels, the leaders agreed to tighten border controls with non-EU nations. Over 600,000 refugees and migrants from the MIddle East and Africa have entered EU countries this year.

- US President Barack Obama has announced that he will scrap the plan to withdraw almost all American troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year and will remain beyond next year.

- Lando has now intensified into a typhoon. As of 1000 hours, Philippine Time, Lando is located 585 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora with maximum sustained winds of 130 kph and gusts 160 kph. It is likely to move west at 15 kph. It is forecasted to hit Aurora-Isabela by the weekends.

- With the deadline of candidacy for the May 2016 elections is now, which person make it to the list of candidates. CLICK HERE for the full list of candidates for next year's elections.

- South African handicapped athlete Oscar Pistorius is to be released from prison and placed under house arrest.

- Reports told that Volkswagen will be recalling over 2.4 million cars in Germany over the dubious software that causes most of their diesel-power cars cheated through emission regulations.

- In honor of the upcoming 007: SPECTRE film, there's a special James Bond exhibit held at Mexico's Plaza Carso's Exhibition Hall from the 23rd of October to the 10th of January.

- Kayla Marie Talusan of the Philippines is crowned Miss Mermaid Asia.

- A race-prepped Opel Astra TCR was unveiled with a 2.0L turbo engine generating 330PS of power and 410Nm of torque.

TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 6: Comparing the M4 to the F-Type

In Top Gear's 2014 original video, The Perfect Road Trip 2, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond went to Mugello for their second day of their Italian road trip to Capri and while in Mugello, Clarkson picked the BMW M4 Coupe while Richard Hammond gone for the Jaguar F-Type R Coupe, a car that he didn't like. When challenged to overtake The Stig while driving a Fiat 500 Abarth, things get very personal as they are doing everything they got to overtake The Stig. After many laps later, Hammond crashed his Jag while Clarkson drove his way to overtaking The Stig and he did.

Since we don't have a Mugello here, it might be best to compare these two machines at the Top Gear Test Track to see which is of these machines lived up to the boys' attempts during their so-called perfect road trip.

First, let's talk about the M4. At first glance, this is essentially a two-door version of the M3, what it used to be called the M3 Coupe but now BMW called it the M4 because they want to make it different. Style-wise, it can be bothersome not just the Austin Gelb metallic paintjob, which is hideous for a Bimmer. There's so much elevation on its hood and its door mirrors look a bit fuzzy.

In terms of driving, it's also bothersome because the new M4 is powered by a 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo engine which produces more power than the old M3 and with better fuel consumption than the old M3's V8 engine but there is a gap that you can't feel it until it does. Also, it comes with electric power steering and whatever you do, don't put the M4 to the maximum settings because it's like a switch that switches on or off the oversteering. If you get it right, the M4 is very easy to handle and much serious on-track. Despite its flaws, the M4 is a well-suited and well-catered sportscar that vies to lap quicker lap times thanks to its extensive use of lightweight materials and with its perfect weight distribution, it feels well-balanced.

Now, let's talk about the Jaguar F-Type Coupe R. Although this is the best sportscar Jaguar has ever created since the XKR-S, there are some problematic demerits to consider. You know the supercharged V8's exhaust notes? Sounds artificial because some techies wanted to sound like that. On the interior, it looks more of a contrast from its exterior design. What's even more problematic is its pricing because when lavishly equipped with optional extras, the pricing is somewhat supercar-ish than what this car is. Despite its flaws, the F-Type Coupe R is no Jaguar for the gentlemen because it's a fun car that you can slip around in a cloud of tire smoke. Because the V8's more powerful than the BMW M4, getting through the straight is an easy job for this Jag. Be wary though that even though it has more power than the Bimmer, handling the F-Type is like trying to take on a song from the School Idol Festival...in HARD or EXPERT difficulty. One slip-up equals a major pileup of mess. Watch out for it.

So, with everything sorted out, let's find out which of these two is the quickest round the Top Gear Track and see if which car should have been the ideal car that overtook the Stig back in Mugello...and get vandalized at the end.


Now, I have the results of this test. The BMW M4 did it in 1:24.889 while the F-Type Coupe R did it in 1:22.422, meaning that the F-Type could have overtook The Stig if Richard Hammond didn't crashed it. Hmph...

So, with the F-Type done my test, looks like it wants some more but what kind of test will I give it to the Jag? You'll find out soon...

New Suzuki Escudo (YD/YE21S)

Earlier this year, Suzuki introduced to the Japanese market the ALLGRIP system via the new SX4 S-CROSS compact crossover, which is quite a capable all-wheel drive system that you can use it almost anywhere. Now, another Euro-imported Suzuki with the same tech has arrived to the Japanese market and this time, it's the turn of the brand new Escudo.

2016 Suzuki Escudo

Yes. This is another Suzuki crossover imported from Europe but even though this is a Euro-import, this is a regeneration to Suzuki's SUV that has its name marked to every petrolhead in the planet because of its involvement to the world of Pikes Peak in its glorious past as well as gamers everywhere. Sadly though, today's Escudo isn't as exciting as we hoped for because even though it has some Evoque-esque looks, it looks somewhat as cheap as the Ssangyong Tivoli, which is one of the Escudo's key rivals.

It's the same case goes to the interior because even though it has some practicality on it like most SUVs, it doesn't have the premium feel like you get in decent looking SUVs, although the analog clock on the center adds a nice touch to it.

2016 Suzuki Escudo interior

2016 Suzuki Escudo interior

Because the new Escudo looks small than what you expect, the engine that powers it is very small. It's a 1.6L M16A petrol engine derived from the Swift. It delivers a reasonable 117PS of power output and 151Nm of torque. Mated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox fuel economy is expect from 17.4km/L for 4WD model to 18.2 for 2WD model.  Even though the engine is small, it's quite peppy on the go but quite regrettable if you're pushing it too hard, even on traffic.

Like the new SX4 S-CROSS, the new Escudo features Suzuki's brand new ALLGRIP system for the 4WD model, and if you want a quick refresher, this new generation 4WD system features four driving modes selected by a knob which can adapt through any road surfaces whether if its tarmac, gravel, snow, or just when you want a sharper handling car at ease.

2016 Suzuki Escudo

Even though the Escudo is a cheap crossover full-stop, it's still high-tech in all the right places. There's also Suzuki's Radar Brake Support II system which features a device that can detect incoming vehicles or pedestrians and automatically trigger the brakes in a near collision scenario. One thing you will notice on the Escudo's tech features is the FAR/NEAR switch, which allows its detection of objects can be switched from either far or nearby objects. It's like scoping through an object like binoculars per se. Other tech features include an Emergency Stop Signal which warns drivers from behind, auto light system which automatically switches on when goring through the tunnels, and an auto wiper which automatically turns on the windshield wipers when it senses the rainy weather.

The introductory price for the new Escudo is 2,127,600 Japanese Yen, which is less costly than the previous Escudo, which is still available on the market under the "Escudo 2.4" banner for a short time only. So, should you buy one? We'll let you know if you're interested in this Suzuki SUV imported from Euro but in the meantime, there are so many SUVs which can do better than the Escudo. When your luck for SUV buying for the imminent winter has run out, you'd better off with the new Escudo instead.

Available Colors: Atlantis Turquoise Pearl Metallic/Black 2-Tone Roof,  Galactic Grey Metallic, Cosmic Black Pearl Metallic, and Cool White Pearl.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Let's Do The News! (October 15, 2015)

- The Kyushu Electric Power Company turned on the number two reactor at its Sendai plant in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan on Thursday morning. The first reactor was back online last August under tougher nuclear regulations following the Fukushima disaster four years ago.

- The Turkish government says that last week's explosions in the capital, Ankara, could be the work of both the Kurdish separatist group and Islamic State militants. Turkish PM Ahmet Davutoglu said that investigations have turned up evidence that the PKK carried out the attack that killed 97 people. The Turkish government won't tolerate military support on forces backed by the PKK, although it was backed by the US in the fight against the IS.

- PAGASA is set to raise public storm warning signals in eastern parts of northern and central Luzon as Tropical Storm Lando maintains its strength. As of 0400 hours, Lando is located 1,185 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 80 kph. It is likely to move west at 22 kph. It is forecasted to affect most parts of Luzon until weekend.

- Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who is running for presidency on the 2016 May elections, confirmed that Senator Bongbong Marcos will be her running mate.

- Former DILG secretary Mar Roxas and his running mate Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo filed their certificates of candidacy for the May 2016 elections. A few moments ago, Philippine President Noynoy Aquino endorses Mar to be his successor. Meanwhile, Roxas picked Leni to be his running mate after failed talks with Senator Grace Poe.

- The MTRCB imposed self-regulation to ABS-CBN's variety show It's Showtime following mishaps over the "Nasaan Ka, Mr. Pastillas?" segment in connection to a complain from a women's rights party-list.

- Following the unveiled of the first-ever BMW M2 coupe, it will be making its in-game appearance on next month's Need For Speed game for the PS4 and XBOX One.

- Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. announced that their upcoming crossover film between King King and Godzilla is slated for year 2020 launch.

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (October 14, 2015)

- Five Democratic presidential candidates are expressing opinions in their first debate on national television. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton became the front-runner while tailing behind her is Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley. former Virginia Senator James Webb, and Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee.

- The Islamic State is targeting Russia in retaliation for its attack campaign against them in Syria. This is the first time the IS criticized Russia by name since Russia began its airstrikes in Syria late September.

- The election commission of Myanmar/Burma will hold general election as planned by scrapping the proposal to delay the elections due to recent landslides and flooding. The vote will proceed as planned on the 8th of November.

- Three foreigners and a Filipina are held hostage by Islamic militants at an upmarket resort on Samal island in the Philippines last month and taken to an unknown location in the south. The hostages appealed by video to the Philippines to stop military operations and to Canada to negotiate for their freedom with their kidnappers.

- Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago confirms that she's running for president in the upcoming May 2016 elections. Why? Because she can.

- Tropical Storm Lando (Koppu) has entered the PAR this afternoon. According to PAGASA, Lando made and entrance at 1400 hours Philippine time and as of 1500 hours, it was estimated at 1440km east of Luzon.

- A more powerful Ferrari F12 TdF was unveiled with an uprooted 6.3L V12 engine generating 769HP of power output and 520lb-ft of torque output, mated with a 7-speed double clutch gearbox. Only 799 units will be made.

- The BMW M2 was officially unveiled and it's the lightest M car ever offered with 3,450lbs of weight. It comes with an M-powered 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo engine generating 365HP of power and 343lb-ft of torque.

- Maki Nishikino from the Love Live! School Idol Project anime is donning her training outfit for her Nendoroid debut courtesy of Good Smile Company. She'll be arriving in stores this February for 3,241 Yen plus tax.

- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga kalyeserye, Alden Richards has finally returned for a bittersweet reunion with Maine "Yaya Dub" Mendoza.

- During the recent episode of It's Showtime's Nasaan Ka, Mr. Pastillas? segment, Pastillas Girl Angelica Jane Yap denied rumors stating that she had an abortion in the past. Meanwhile, most of the male contestants on this segment are asked if they are gay.

TTFN!!!