Forza Motorsport 6: The P1 GTR

A few moments ago, I tried the track-focused version of Ferrari's LaFerrari called the FXX K and I told that no matter how many curse words burst from their mouth, having a mastery with the FXX K will prove that this car can FXX K it right up in its rear bumper...or is it because now, another track-only version of a certain hybrid hypercar has arrived in Forza 6 and this time, it's the turn of the McLaren P1.

The McLaren P1 GTR, a track-focused version of the McLaren P1 hybrid hypercar  just like the Ferrari LaFerrari-based FXX K that caused me the expletive dialogue. Before taking this car for a spin round Silverstone, because this was used for testing session for drivers of the McLaren P1 Driver Programme, let me tell you a quick story about this car.

From its concept debut at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance to a dream come true at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the P1 GTR, based on the hybrid engine-wielding P1 hypercar, is a track-focused version of the said car that pays tribute to McLaren's 1995 Le Mans victory using the F1 GTR.

The P1 GTR is the most powerful McLaren ever developed with power output up to 987HP and 738lb-ft of torque from its 3.8L V8+electric motor powerplant. Because this is a track-focused version, the P1 GTR features racing slick tires, new fixed ride height on race-prepared suspension, fixed rear wing, and a unique exhaust design.

The P1 GTR is priced at around 1.9 million British Pounds and its packaging includes a one-make race series for owners. This track-only version joins the normal road-going P1 in the Ultimate Series, the third and final tier of the McLaren range.

I already tried the FXX K back then and upon driving the expletive-prone hybrid racer, its computer-controlled dynamics really made this car do the talking while on track, especially the clever feature inherited from the LaFerrari that goes "the faster it go, the better it works". Now, where did I heard that before? Anyway, onto the P1 GTR, and unlike the FXX K I drove in the past, consider this a pain in the butt to drive. Sure, it may be the most track-honed McLaren ever made but when I tried it, getting through tight corners is an arm-breaking struggle and trying to regain grip on this car is very tricky. It's like being headlocked by a female pro-wrestler in her battle suit she wore for halloween.

Consider the P1 GTR the widowmaker reloaded because of its intimidating dynamics similar to its road-going P1. At first taste, you may find that its dynamics are too tricky and too hostile to handle but with such mastery, you will be able to set very fast laps at one fell swoop just like the highly capable Ferrari FXX K.

Anyway, I think that's enough about explaining the P1 GTR because to explain just how tricky this car drives, I managed to take a spin round Silverstone to see what's what.

The track-only McLaren P1 GTR maybe one of the most intimidating cars to drive in Forza Motorsport 6 but if you are skillful enough to get this widowmaker under control, you will be able to unlock its true potential from within. It maybe scary but if you keep trying, it wouldn't be a problem for you.

F1 2016: Monaco GP

Photo: Getty Images

So, despite Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo set his historic pole position during the qualifying practice, that didn't stop Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton from racing through the overall standings following his 1st place victory. Of course, Red Bull's tire inventory problem is a gain for both Mercedes and Hamilton himself on a rainy day Monaco race. Still, despite the inventory problems with the tires, at least Ricciardo finished second place, though. Of course, by having Sergio Perez finished third place, Force India had a great weekend now that they taste their first podium finish.

It's ashamed that the young Dutchman, Max Verstappen, crashed himself to failure at Monaco but despite this catastrophe, this young chap's not giving up without a good fight and we can expect more from him to correct some mistakes, and some others.

Now, onto the overall standings and judging from Hamilton's Monaco win, he's now 2nd place with 24 points behind leader Nico Rosberg. Riccardo's 2nd placer means he's in third place with 66 points.

The next race will be at Canada on the 12th of June, 2016.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: N.Korea aims for nuclear and economic development

Ri Su Yong, a senior North Korean official visiting China has stressed that the reclusive country has no plans to abandon its nuclear development program. Ri is the vice chairman of the ruling Worker's Party, overseeing international affairs. He arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a three-day visit and met with the head of the Chinese Communist Party;s International Department, Song Tao.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported on the visit on Wednesday. It said Ri briefed Beijing on the results of the Workers' Party congress last May, the first congress in 36 years.  Ri explained to Chinese officials the party's two-track policy of pursuing economic and nuclear development simultaneously, which North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared the policy permanent.

China's foreign ministry urged North Korea to exercise restraint after reports of a failed launch of an intermediate-range Musudan missile yesterday. The ministry said that UN Security Council resolutions stipulate clear rules, and suggested that the launch violated them,

Meanwhile, US researchers say the Korean Peninsula may be preparing to process plutonium for nuclear weapons, or may have already started. The US-Korea Institute at John Hopkins University posted on its website on Tuesday satellite imagery of the Nyongbyon nuclear site.

The photos, taken on the 12th and 22nd of May, show smoke rising from a chimney on a plutonium reprocessing facility at the complex. The researchers say the photos point to the Korean Peninsula's probable plutonium production. They add that exhaust plumes were also confirmed at the facility during February and March.

Then, the South Korean Foreign Ministry warned that North Korea could face tougher sanctions and become more isolated if it does not stop its provocations. The ministry said the launch attempt is tantamount to ignoring repeated warnings from the international community to stop its provocative acts, and it cannot be tolerated.

South Korea will review what countermeasures should be taken through talks with allies after a detailed analysis of the missile launch, hinting a strengthening pressure on the North in cooperation with Japan, the United States, and others.

Senior officials from Japan, the United States and South Korea have agreed to cooperate on preventing North Korea from conducting further provocative actions. The officials met in Tokyo on Wednesday, the day after North Korea's failed missile launch. The officials condemned the North's nuclear and missile programs as totally unacceptable. They also reaffirmed that their governments will refuse to talk with the North unless it makes clear a path to its denuclearization.

Source: NHK World

Let's Do The News! (June 1, 2016)

- Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago is in critical condition and placed on the Intensive Care Unit afer being hospitalized. Confirmed by her husband Jun Santiago, Miriam's suffering from complications from her lung cancer. Last night, the veteran Senator was transferred to the ICE from her private room because of her worsening condition.

- President-Elect Rodrigo Duterte introduced his members of the Cabinet of his administration and chosen them for a meeting at the Presidential guest house in barangay Panacan in Davao City.

- The US Government is warning Americans planning to visit Europe this summer to be on guard against imminent terrorist attacks there. The US State Department said in a travel alert that US citizens should be aware of the risk of terrorist attacks targeting major events, tourist sites, and transportation throughout Europe.

- South Korean prosecutors have indicted the former heads of two sterilizer manufacturers on charges of producing goods linked to deadly lung injuries. Shin Hyun-woo, the former CEO of Oxy Reckitt Benckiser, and two former senior company officials were indicted on Tuesday. The prosecutors also indicted the former head of a defunct sterilizer company. Many infants and their mothers suffered serious lung damage after inhaling harmful substances in sterilizers that were sold between 2001 and 2011, killing 95 according to reports.

- Security concerns prompted Kenya to close a large refugee camp located near its border with Somalia. The Dabaab camp will be closed this November. It was set up 25 years ago and is the world's biggest refugee camp, housing 350,000 people, most are Somalians. The Kenyan government says the camp has been used as the hideout from an Islamic terrorist organization Al-Shabab. It says the insurgents are recruiting fighters there.

- BMW's 3-Series Gran Turismo has been updated for the 2017 model year with new engine choices.

2017 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo

- A brand-new Opel/Vauxhall Zafira MPV was unveiled featuring full LED Adaptive Forward Lighting headlamps, sporty exterior, new safety features, and more.

2017 Opel Zafira

- Former wrestler turned action star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson hints of a more badass federal agent Luke Hobbs he'll be reprising in the upcoming 8th Fast and Furious movie, due next year. His character's gritty appearance shows there's a potential for a Luke Hobbs spinoff.

- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga kalyeserye, guess who's finally back? Yep, it's Divina! Welcome back!

TTFN!!!

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Japan, Mongolia to cooperate on N.Korea

The foreign ministers of Japan and Mongolia have agreed to cooperate to prevent further provocations by the Korean Peninsula. Earlier, the North reportedly attempted to fire a missile early on Tuesday but presumably failed.

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida discussed the incident with his Mongolian counterpart Lundeg Purevsuren in Tokyo. Mongolia has traditionally been friendly with North Korea and has its own channels with the country.

The two ministers also confirmed cooperation for the success of the Asia-Europe Meeting in Mongolia in July as well as strengthen economic ties after a bilateral economic partnership agreement takes effect on June 7th.

Meanwhile, senior North Korean official Ri Su Yong is in China for talks with Communist Party leaders. Ri will meet Chinese leaders for three days according to sources and expected to brief them about the Workers' Party Congress held earlier this month.

Source: NHK World

Let's Do The News! (May 31, 2016)

- The Malacanang Palace officials stated that it respects the work schedule of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, as he assumes his post at the end of June. In his previous interviews, Duterte said he will be reporting for work from 1:00PM to 12:00 AM. The president-elect also plans on commuting from Manila to Davao every day.

- Senator Bongbong Marcos stresses that despite the proclamation of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte and VP-elect Leni Robredo ends, he will never give up the fight.

- Iraqi troops are facing fierce resistance from Islamic State militants after they began pushing into Fallujah, a stronghold of the militant group. The government forces announced on Monday the start of the advance, backed by US-led airstrikes, which is part of massive operations to retake the city from the militants.

- Brazil's anti-corruption minister has resigned over his suspected involvement in a bribery scandal, dealing a fresh blow on the country's interim government. The Brazilian media leaked recorded phone conversations between Transparency Minister Fabiano Silveira and the Senate president, who is under investigation for links to a corruption case involving a state-run oil.company.

- Thai authorities are seizing over 100 tigers from a temple popular with tourists following allegations of involvement in the black market for wild animal. The Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi, western Thailand, has been keeping the animals since monks there first took care of a sick cub.

- Subaru uncovered the Levorg STi Sport and sorry to interrupt your enthusiasm because this is just essentially a normal Levorg with handling upgrades and a flashy aero kit with no performance enhancements whatsoever. To be on sale this summer, the Levorg STi Sport features a unique exterior appearance as well as Bilstein DampMatic II shock absorbers at the front, along with updated springs and a retuned suspension. It will still come with the choice of 1.6L or 2.0L DIT boxer engine mated to a CVT.

2017 Subaru Levorg STi Sport

- Global production of the Mazda Axela has reached five million units.

- The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors will be competing on the 2016 NBA Finals! The first game of the best-of-7 match will be scheduled on Thursday, June 2, at 6:00 PM Pacific / 9:00 PM Eastern (about 9:00 AM Philippine Time).

TTFN!!!

FM6 NASCAR Expansion: NASCAR Science

Since 2013, NASCAR debuted their Gen-6 cars which featured enhanced body designs to make close resemblance of showroom cars and better on-track performance. These machines may look like cars like the Chevrolet SS, Ford Fusion, or the US-Spec Toyota Camry but they're actually stock cars, powered by a 5.9L V8 engine producing 725HP of power while mated with 4-speed gearbox, all run in American ethanol due to emission regulations.



In the FM6 NASCAR Expansion, I am now going to do some NASCAR science, experimenting on how those Gen-6 stock cars work on the track and to find out, I got a selection of the three finest examples from three car companies; Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota.



Uh, more specifically, I have gone to the stock cars that came from three car companies but driven by the best drivers in the world of NASCAR. For the Chevrolet side, I've gone for the #48 Lowe's Chevy SS that was driven by Jimmie Johnson. On the Ford side, there's the #2 Brad K Fusion belonging to Brad Keselowski. And for the Toyota side, I've gone for the #18 M&M's Camry from Kyle Busch.

So, how does these machines work? To find out, I went to the Top Gear Test Track to do some NASCAR science. Hmmm. NASCAR meets Top Gear. That sounds too ugly even though the world of Top Gear has strong dislike against NASCAR (well, except for one anyway), but anyway, let's get this experiment on the way.

You see despite they look different in every way, these are Gen-6 stock cars with 5.9L V8 mounted on the front, 725HP of power output, 4-speed manual gearbox, and 3,300lbs of weight. I know that trying to tackle corners in a NASCAR sounds ridiculous but if you got the skills to master those all-American loop titans, it wouldn't be a slouch and the results will be very individual based on how well you master your favorite NASCAR machines driven by your favorite NASCAR drivers. Anyway, let's find out how good these machines are...




And now, the results...

#18 M&M's Camry - 1:16.671
#48 Lowe's Chevy  - 1:16.287
#2 Brad K Fusion - 1:17.146

As you can see that even though they have the same bodies, the same engines, and the same behavior, the results as I conducted on this experiment are very individual regardless on your skill on NASCAR mastery. No matter which machine you're driving, relying on your own driving skills and strategy is the key to master the world of NASCAR. Even though they have the same specs, no two NASCARs are the same because how the driver performs in these cars can become a clear difference between victory and defeat.

And this concludes a little NASCAR science lesson. Be sure to drive one of your favorites in the FM6 NASCAR expansion, available now.