Nissan Note E12 (2017MY Minor Change) and Note E-Power

The current-generation Nissan Note has been on the road for four years and for the 2017 model year, not only the Note E12 sees a minor change on the inside out but this is the first time this Nissan Note 2017 Minor Change introduces a revolutionary E-Power variant that will game-changing the compact car segment in terms of fuel efficiency.

2017 Nissan Note

2017 Nissan Note interior

Of course, the minor change sees a revised exterior design complete with the V-Motion grille that will serve as the new signature design for future Nissan models since the Serena and the GT-R as well as a revised interior featuring a new steering wheel design, also on the new Serena and the new GT-R, that will soon be applied on future Nissan models, but the e-Power variant will be the key topic for this 2017MY minor change Nissan Note.

What is e-Power? Time to get your notebooks, folks, because this innovative drive system is pretty much new to us. Ready? Okay. So, e-Power features a full electric-motor drivetrain in which the wheels are completely powered by the electric motor, and the Note's 1.2L HR12DE petrol engine simply charges the batteries. The way how electricity is made is what differs it from an electric vehicle or conventional hybrid and with e-Power, the 1.2L engine and the wheels are not connected similar to an electric car as the power is sourced from the petrol engine, allowing it to run without having to charge the battery from an external source.

2017 Nissan Note interior

Because the batteries are 1/20th the size of the ones from the Nissan LEAF, its compact sizing made it to fit under the front seats without cramping the interior space and the e-Power's total power output is 109PS and a massive torque output of 254Nm, similar to those from two-liter engines. Fuel efficiency? It's a whopping 37.2kmpl on JC08 Mode standards and with this kind of efficiency, it's a clear vision to the future of Nissan's electrification strategy under Nissan Intelligent Mobility.

2017 Nissan Note

So, with the quick and clear lecture about how e-Power works is done, let's move on to other stuff, shall we? In the 2017 minor change Nissan Note E12, there's a brand new Smart Room Mirror that when activated, the rear view cameras will provide a full rear view on the mirror. Useful for those who are being pursued by some stalkers or for some reverse parking. Also, the new Note comes with an array of safety tech that is part of the Nissan Safety Shield technology such as the Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Emergency Brake, Lane Departure Warning, and a collision prevention assist.

The e-Power variant will cost you about 1,772,280 Yen while non e-Power models start 1,393,200 Yen. Rest assured, the ones didn't had e-Power on it comes with two kinds of 1.2L petrol engines; a naturally aspirated one or a supercharged one with 26.2kmpl of fuel economy. For those who prefer the look of a pre-facelifted model because the V-motion grill look isn't too pleasant to look at, fear not because a special Mode Premier model, courtesy of Autech, is available starting from 1,906,200 to 2,207,520 Yen. Still has the same engine choices as well as the brand new e-Power variant but you'll get a Note with pre-facelift looks and a touch of class.

Available colors: Premium Corona Orange, Galaxy Gold, Olive Green, Garnet Red, Super Black, Dark Metal Gray, Brilliant Silver, Shining Blue, Sonic Blue, Nadeshiko Pink, Brilliant White Pearl, and White,

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

F1 2016: Mexican GP

Photo: Associated Press

The Mexican Grand Prix of the 2016 Formula One season is a cyclone of calamity from start to finish, as demonstrated by those disastrous crashes that turned race day into a complete nightmare, although there are some drivers managed to brave through the horrific nightmare just to survive themselves all the way to the end of the race.

At the end of this piled rubble of mess, only a handful of drivers made it to the finish line and thanks to the recent win for Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, the gap between him and Nico Rosberg has been narrowed to just 19 points in the fight for the driver's championship, although a 1-2 finish would mean that they can keep on fighting until the winner is decided.

For third-placer Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, his day's never going to end as a recent radio conversation that made Max Verstappen's move upset him. Right now, Verstappen's been penalized for a move he made on Vettel.

The next race will be on Brazil on the 13th of November.

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

- The Malacanang Palace has appealed for a clean, orderly, and crime-free observance of All Souls Day. In a press statement released on Tuesday by Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar urged the public to observe the solemnity of the occasion. Almost 10,000 police personnel were deployed to secure various areas of interest in the observance of All Souls' Day.

- Senator Ping Lacson said that the Philippines did not lose anything after the US State Department reportedly stopped the planned sale of about 26,000 rifles to the Philippine National Police because they can look elsewhere. The decision was made after US Senator Ben Cardin oppose the planned sale because of alleged human rights violations. Lacson believes that there are other countries that manufacture better and affordable rifles than the US and added the Department of National Defense has even more reason to revive the country's self-reliance program to produce its own weapons and ammunition.

- With the Philippines' affair with China is done with greater results at a cost, former president Fidel V. Ramos announced yesterday his resignation as special envoy in China. Ramos' announcement came amid his scathing criticisms of President Duterte's pronouncements and priorities.

- A bipartisan group of almost 50 State Attorneys General issued a following letter expressing concern over FBI Director James Comey following last week's letter to the congress regarding e-mails in connection to Hillary Clinton, calling it "unacceptable" and a "serious mistake".

- A new report showing that the Trump Organization has a secret server registered to Trump Tower that has been secretly communicating with a Russian-based bank, proving possible links between Donald Trump and Russia.

- Retired army general Michel Aoun was elected by the parliament as the new president of Lebanon, ending a political standoff that lasted for over 2 years. The appointment of Aoun, a Maronite Christian, came as different factions reached an agreement to elect him on Monday.

- Mercedes-Benz unveiled four brand new engines with the half being straight-six engines. The new engines consist of a 3.0L straight-six petrol as well as its diesel equivalent, a 4.0L twin-turbo V8, and a 2.0L twin turbo engine. The new V8 and the straight-six petrol engine will make it on the upcoming Mercedes S-Class minor change while they're still deciding which cars will have their new engines.

- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' offerings on this week's SEMA Show include a modernized 1971 Dodge Challenger, a CJ66 concept made with mashed-up Jeeps of the past and present, a Ram ProMaster bar, a Mopar Pacifica, a Dodge Durango Shaker concept with a V8 engine, and a Ram Macho Power Wagon.

- Chika Takami from Love Live Sunshine gets her own figma! This figma based on the character who appears on the hit TV series can now be yours to order for 5,370 Yen plus tax and deliveries will commence this April!

TTFN!!!

Forza Horizon 3: Godzilla flashback

Yes, there is now a recently facelifted Nissan GT-R offered in Forza Horizon 3 but before driving the current version, let's take a trip down memory lane on the previous facelift circa 2010 to 2016.

Okay, when I drove the previous facelift of the Nissan GT-R in the original Horizon four years ago, I had a sensation to think that it was a major improvement over to the one that was launched since 2007. As you know, next year's going to be the R35 GT-R's 10th anniversary so what I'm going to do with this one though is to make the most of it out of Godzilla's anatomy. As a car built from a hermetically sealed factory, it became the last name for speed. The body, the brakes, the 3.8L twin-turbo V6 engine, the steering, the dual-clutch gearbox, everything works like this car means it.

Speedo boys who are enjoying the previous facelift of the R35 Nissan GT-R are pleased that it was listed as one of the cars that come with upgrade presets. In fact, it comes with a special body kit courtesy of Liberty Walk and with this body kit, one squint and you'll notice that it has a close resemblance to Brian's GT-R from Fast and Furious 6...or so I thought. I know this body kit looks similar to the one from the movie but for sharp-eyed speedo boys, it wasn't nearly as "Brian's car" they've hoped for, but who cares about it. With all that erectus dominus dominated on every bit of Godzilla's tough body, and in the subject that I'm on vacation leave, better hit it to the streets to show everyone the "way of the road" but first...

Anyone familiar with this design I made back in Europe in the previous Horizon 2 game? Yep, that's the one but this time, a new Ritsuko Akizuki from THE IDOLM@STER Platinum Stars was made to keep up with the times. So with a fresh new update on a familiar design I made, some major adjustments to be made to make it more competitive and here's the thing. Because this car's four-wheel drive, even trying to max it up to over a thousand horsepower won't try to kill you and you can still survive driving it unless if you're on a catastrophic understeer, of course. Anyway, here comes the R35 GT-R with a Liberty Walk kit in action.

Even when you made it up to over a thousand horsepower, which sounds scary if you're in a rear-wheel drive car, that GT-R can still survive like a big boss. So, now that you know about the previously facelifted R35 GT-R circa 2010 to 2016, next time, let's focus on the 2017MY GT-R and I can't wait to see how it behaves.

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

- PAGASA warned that the Philippines can expect five more cyclones until the end of the year. Right now, two low pressure areas will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this week and may intensify into typhoons.

- Two members of the Abu Sayyaf Group were killed during a gunfight at Indanan, Sulu yesterday. Army Scout Rangers fought the bandits starting at 0645 hours, local time, according to sources. The body of one of the killed terrorists was recovered at the scene of the fighting, while residents saw the other body being dragged by retreating comrades.

- Despite fishermen happily return to fishing at the disputed Panatag Shoal, the Chinese Coast Guard vessels are still guarding the shoal, according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.

- Another quake struck the central Italy as a M6.6 quake jolted the city of Norcia on Sunday. About two months ago, a strong quake killed nearly 300 people in central Italy.

- A group of nearly 100 former federal prosecutors and high-ranking Department of Justice officials, issued a following joint letter expressing serious concerns about FBI director James Comey's departure regarding last week's letter sent to the Congress regarding fresh batch of e-mails in connection to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

- Meanwhile, another revelation regarding Clinton's Republican foe, businessman Donald Trump's lack of charitable giving, despite his history of making promises of donations and the scandal that hit the Trump Foundation.

- The next-generation Mazda CX-5 crossover is set to debut at November's Los Angeles Auto Show with its first teaser.

- Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the company's solar roof-top panels as well as the new Powerwall 2 high-capacity residential battery pack for both home and businesses.

- Next year's Pripara movie has a title! Their fourth movie based on the hit TV series will be called PriPara Minna de Kagayake! Kirarin Star Live and in this movie, set to hit theaters this March 2017, our favorite characters are going for a tour around the solar system!

TTFN!!!

Peugeot 3008 II

This is not deja vu, folks. Of course the name is the same as the old one but look closely that everything's all new inside out because Peugoet's medium-sized crossover, the 3008, has been regenerated with an all new look, all new interior, all new performance, and all new tech that will surely shape up the crossover competition.

2017 Peugeot 3008

So, what's it all about the new Peugeot 3008? First of all, let's take a look at the details before going deeper to its core as you can see, the new design is basically an improvement compared to the previous model. It's like a beefed up 308 hatchback after going to the fitness center to do some workout but while the front and back is basically nice to look at, the sidelines are a bit redundant and it needs a little class to bring out its alluring looks in order to swoon the customers.

2017 Peugeot 3008

That said, with the new exterior is almost a letdown on the sidelines, the interior is worth a redeemable one, almost, because with so many stuff around the inside, flickering one of these features to see how it works will take about half an hour before getting off and giving way to anyone who want to check out the interior. One word of warning, however, is because everything's high-tech, especially the touch screen sat-nav, the digital curiosity will almost scare away the speedo boys everywhere because, like most speedo boys feared, there is no radio or CD player to replace on. Just iPod connectivity that speedo boys find it complicated. Fact it folks, this is the future and in the future, radios are irreplaceable on cars like these.

Anyway, while the dashboard is not made for speedo boys many, the new interior is even more practical and more convenient than the last one and as a five-seater car that is fit for work, for groceries, for shopping, or whatever they want to do in their free time, the 3008 really knows how to double-checking listings one after another. Space-wise, thanks to the new platform implemented on it, it's even bigger than before and with the rear seats folded, it takes two office chairs laying under (and some other thrift store hauls) to fill it up. Well, as a theory.

2017 Peugeot 3008

Because it was utilized on the same new platform derived from the latest 308, the all new 3008 is more sharper and comfortable than the last one, although sportiness is isn't in this crossover's mind, especially when you go for the semi-sporty GT model, which comes with a 181PS 2.0L BlueHDi engine and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Needless to say, with a 1.2L PureTech, 1.6 THP, 1.6 BlueHDi, and 2.0L BlueHDi engines available at the very start, choosing which engine to go for in terms of performance, efficiency, or both can be a pain in the brain cells but it can be somewhat an enjoyable customer experience because choices play a crucial part of buying a crossover like this.

Despite being an SUV, it's front-wheel drive only just like the original, meaning it's just another commoners' car on the city and when you take it off from the city streets to the grassy mountainside, its city car characteristic is still noticeable until you flicker the traction control switch that can handle mud, snow, or sand, which makes it barely an adventurous car while keeping its city car trait intact. It's like being a city boy taking a time out on the wooden village along with his family for a night.

The performance can be somewhat average for a crossover like this one but the tech is what goes around, comes around for the new 3008 and with the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems along with its Visio Park and Park Assist stuff, it's a prime example why tech is becoming a dominant force for cars like these and although very nice to accommodate for the commoners, the tech features will make speedo boys unhappy with it until they fiddle with the nuts and bolts of it.

2017 Peugeot 3008

So, should you buy one? The new 3008 starts at 25,900 Euros up to 41,650 Euros for the GT version. Sounds expensive compared to the Japanese-made crossovers but it's a competitive one because with all these features that revolutionized this new model, the all new 3008 is a crossover that will rise to the challenge on this category and everyone's looking forward to see how the new model unfolds.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

Forza Horizon 3: Rivals, friends and foe alike!

Having managed to escape EA exclusivity following their appearance from last year's NFS game, as a theory that someone tested it and failed, the brand new Ford Focus RS and the newest addition to the Forza Horizon 3 family, the brand new BMW M2 Coupe (part of The Smoking Tire Car Pack) are finally getting a little day out round Australia or so I thought because, between these two machines, they can make a dignified rivalry to show which one is best.

But first, let's start with the basics.

Ever since Ford announced that they decide to sell the new Focus RS on American soil, the speedo boys rejoice because, for the first time in forever, they got a chance to try out the ultra-hot Focus they never tasted for years ever since the foundation of Ford Performance that brought America's SVT and Europe's RS together as one forging force to be reckoned with. It has a 2.3L EcoBoost engine that produces 320PS and it has the strongest braking system ever made for a Ford. Unlike the previous Euro-only Focus RS, the new model is now all-wheel drive, just like the Subaru WRX STi, and it comes with a super-secret Drift Mode feature that allows anyone (almost) to drift this car a la Ken Block Hoonigan clips. For an all-weather hot hatch with some tricks up to its sleeves, I knew that this ultra-hot Focus never fails to impress the speedo boys, especially me.

The new BMW M2 Coupe picks up where the old 1M Coupe left off. In fact, this car is discerning for those who believe that the bigger M4 Coupe is a bit grown-up and matured for no reason. Under the hood lies a brand new 3.0L six-cylinder turbo engine that produces 370HP of power and 465Nm of torque. It can be mated to either a 6-speed manual, which is okay for us, and a 7-speed M DCT for the purpose of being quick on the line. I still remember driving the 1M Coupe a few years ago in past installments and in this M2, the spirit of the 1M comes alive in its new form and the way it moves is just one way there some cockamines began migrating from Bimmers to Audis because the more things change, the more that says the same. For a fun car that is more enjoyable than the M4, the new M2 is a clear example that even the smallest can enjoy crashing piling on anyone, and force them to say "uncle."

Well, that's it for my quick evaluation of these two and because these two crossed the borders just to get a little time out Down Under, I have a better idea that will make these two border-crossing sportscars a lot more interesting for anyone who wished they were migrated from NFS to here.

Rivals! Today and tomorrow! Oh, sorry about that but anyway, speaking of rivals, see the new designs I made for these cars? They're all themed right after the stars of Aikatsu Stars; Yume Nijino and Rola Sakuraba.

While I'm busy preparing what to do with these two, both these specially-prepped machines are showing what they can do by partaking in several events.

So, now that these cars showcased what they're made of, I made a little something for these two cars. It's a challenge involving getting from Coober Pedy Town, which is one of the Bucket List Blueprint Points I set, to the Surfers Paradise Festival Site within 3 minutes and 30 seconds. The fastest time wins and because this is Horizon, it's by any means necessary. Time to hit the concert at the metropolis as these two rivals will show how are they capable.

Lights! Motor! And Action!!!



Is anyone wondering why a piece of background music from Halo 5 Guardians was played? Because it's empowering every time I use it on my own Bucket List challenges. And why is the horn sounded like the Halo theme? I unlocked it at the recent Forzathon event. Anyway, now that these two rivals showed what they're truly capable of, I think the Focus RS beats the M2 despite its power and weight advantage because while the M2 is rear-wheel drive, the Focus RS is all-wheel drive, meaning it has no problem getting through the dirtiest of conditions, although it could use a little drift mode to slip through the corners before arriving through the concert in style.

Still, I love driving the BMW M2 more because although the Focus RS has beaten it by a long shot, it is an enjoyable character that the 1M Coupe retains in this new car and the more I'm getting swooned by its character, the more I'm going to drive this car over and over again, all in the name of breaking its limits.

Like a heated rivalry between those two, this will go on because the more they always change, the more they'll stay the same until one of them comes out on top.

Rivals! Friends and foe alike, today and tomorrow! I'm gonna take a vacation for a while before the top brass yells at me for a bit...