Genesis G70

Hyundai Motor Company's Genesis is proud to present to you their final addition to the luxury brand's sedan lineup which began with 2015's EQ900 and 2016's G80. This is the G70 and by the looks of it, this is Korea's answer to the German establishments such as the BMW 3er, Mercedes C-Klasse, and the Audi A4, not to mention other competitors from across the globe such as the Lexus IS, the Infiniti Q50, or even the Cadillac ATS. So, what is it then, this Genesis G70?

2018 Genesis G70

That is a tricky one because the G70 is made to cater against other executive midsize saloons in its class despite the fact that it was heavily based on the Kia Stinger. Needless to say, there is a clear difference between the G70 and the Stinger because while the Kia Stinger is about getting things loud all day and all night, the G70 is rather like sipping a cup of Korean red ginseng after work. In short, it's much more of a civilized professional unlike the Stinger it was based into.

2018 Genesis G70

A closer look on the exterior design shows that Genesis really means business and all that Genesis design DNA is catered to their smallest offering yet. These headlamps look vaguely similar to the Alfa Romeo Giulia, which is also one of its chief rivals, while the side view is reminiscent of today's Hyundai Grandeur and the odd-looking rear view has some Accent-styled headlamps. I kinda admit that while the G70 is a good-looking saloon, the rear view just kinda spoils it like a hot female swimmer with her buttocks too big for a pictorial.

2018 Genesis G70 interior

The same story goes for the interior and while its pleasantly luxurious, the dashboard is rather questionable for a luxury saloon. Squint your eyes harder and you can see the dashboard can be a close resemblance of a the ones you saw on today's Mazdas while the steering wheel looks very average for a luxury car. Although the front view of the G70's not somewhat rewarding to look at, it's surprisingly high-tech because it comes with the heads-up display, server-based voice recognition service using Kakao AI platform, smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink support, wireless charging system, and 8-way intelligent driver seat, among many others. On the back, despite being 3er sized, it's surprisingly comfortable and can leave occupants on an "out on a limo" feeling every time they get out from the G70. Like most Genesis saloons, the G70 comes with the latest Quantum Logic surround technology and 15 Lexicon speakers optimally positioned for the ultimate acoustic performance.

2018 Genesis G70

Because the Genesis G70 uses the same architecture as the Kia Stinger, it offers the same choice of three engines available from the Stinger as well. ranging from the 2.2L CRDi-VGT engine with 202PS of power output, 2.0L Turbo GDi engine with 255PS of power output, and the powerful 3.3L Turbo V6 engine producing 370PS of power and 52kgf-m of torque, all mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox with Shift By Wire. All models can be either rear-wheel drive or come with the HTRAC all-wheel drive. 

In Sport variants, the G70 takes advantage of its sport-tuned suspension like you'd expect from the Kia Stinger as well as other features such as launch control, rack-mounted motor-driven power steering, dynamic torque vectoring system, and mechanical limited slip differential. As a result, the handling is expectation-shattering in every single way for a Korean luxury car but when compared to the Kia Stinger, the G70 is just plain subtle and too polite whereas the Stinger can be as bold and as brave as a village idiot.

The G70 is the first to introduce the new Genesis Active Safety Control, which features a wide variety of world-class safety tech such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Blind spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Driver Awareness Warning (DAW). Other than that, the G70 comes with the Around View Monitor which keeps this car and the driver aware at all sides of the world, no matter where it may be.

The G70 starts at 37,500,000 Korean won for the 2.0T, 40,800,000 Won for the 2.2D, and 44,900,000 Won for the 3.3T, which is slightly expensive than the Kia Stinger. So, what can I say? While the G70 upsets the public in terms of pricing, the styling, and the subtlety that is not what you expect for a luxury car, it's surprisingly comfortable, technological, and handicapable on the road. It can be a decent contender against the German "establishments" but unlike the Kia Stinger, the G70 is too honest for its own good and I'll let you decide on what to do about the G70 for the time being.

Available colors: Marble White, Platinum Silver, Racing Grey, Carbon Metal, Titanium Black, Royal Blue, Graceful Grey, Blazing Red, Umber Brown, and Lapis Blue.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Lola Nidora and sisters will get their own talk show

It's ALDUB's 26th Monthsary and many Eat Bulaga viewers kept on wondering what was that special surprise announcement Lola Nidora's in store for them. Today, all have been revealed and it's going to be very special for fans of Lola Nidora and D'Explorer sisters.

Lola Nidora, Lola Tidora, and Lola Tinidora will have their own late-morning talk show coming soon on GMA right before Eat Bulaga! Honest! They have their own talk show a la Ryzza Mae Show a few years ago and every day, they will have a special celebrity guest to ham with and poke fun.

It's great to see Lola Nidora and the gang back for their own morning talk show coming very very soon on GMA so watch for it!

Bubble Gang - September 15, 2017 #BGAgawanSaTrono

On the September 15, 2017 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Agawan Sa Trono gags

- A wedding and a funeral

- The sharp man-nizer

- More beki words to spell and use in a sentence in Spelling Beks!

- Are you a wanted man?!

- One guy adores his pal's looks

- Bingo, the literal way.

- Basa-basa-pik!

The Mulawin vs. Ravena finale

Mulawin vs. Ravena is a dark sequel to GMA's first fantasy drama series and it centers on the kingdom of Avila in the wake of Aguiluz's death from the end of the first chapter. It's about the lines between the two races blurred and the prophecy from the Balasik proclaims that a powerful being will threaten both races, forcing the two sides to unite as one.

In the last few days, we witnessed that the two sides joined forces to defeat the powerful beast, which is half-god, half-Ravena, and turned out that one of Gabriel's children, Tak, is the chosen one. Following their victory against the monstrous beast, the kingdom of Avila is peaceful again with Almiro, the son of Aguiluz and Alwina, claimed his throne and marries Anya, a Tabon. Also, the two childhood friends, Pagaspas and Lawiswis, also getting married as well. But for Gabriel, he grows suspicious that the Golden Feather might end up on the wrong hands and he needs to find a safe place to hide it. In the Ravenas' lair of Halconia, Rafael, who claimed the throne from the renegade Daragit, who was slain by the beast, is plotting a coup as he wants to get Anya from Almiro and sabotage the wedding. His plot to sabotage the wedding failed but because of the chameleons, Rafael managed to obtain the Golden Feather, got Wak and Tak hostage, and killed Gabriel. The chameleons told the Mulawin heroes they will bring back Wak and Tak in exchange for Anya. With Wak and Tak under safe hands while Anya is now under Rafael's grasp, it won't be long before Almiro and the others raided Halconia to save her while dealing with Rafael and the end of Halconia.

Now, onto the finale, as the gang trying to escape the collapsing Halconia while Maguindara's caught in the collapse, Almiro used every ounce of his strength to kill Rafael once and for all before his untimely collapse. As Anya tries to beg for help, Pagaspas came and they managed to escape Halconia. Back in Avila, as Almiro's life is on the line, Almiro sees Gabriel in the afterlife as he promised Almiro to take good care of his children Wak and Tak as well as Anya. With Gabriel bid him farewell, Almiro has awakened and the wedding between him and Anya has resumed happily.

With peace returned at Avila, it won't be long until things returned to the way things were and this concludes the story of Mulawin Vs. Ravena.

Driving Music Vol. 80

Whether if you're ready for the weekends or hanging out after that whole 9 to 5 stuff, rest assured that these Driving Musics are here to "drive to the music you love" the most. Come on, get greedy, there's plenty of songs fit enough for your next road trip ahead.

1) Can't Hold Us (feat. Ray Dalton) by Macklemore - from a Toyota C-HR commercial

2) Flash by Queen - from a Toyota Camry commercial

3) Just Tell Me You Love Me by England Dan and John Ford Coley - from a Kia Capital commercial

4) You Got It (The Right Stuff) by New Kids On The Block - from a Kia Capital commercial

5) Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra - from a Suzuki Spacia Custom Z commercial

6) Chorale VI (Sol Fa)/Cantus - Song of Aeolus by Adiemus - from a Toyota Prius PHV commercial

7) Believer by Imagine Dragons - from a Jeep commercial

8) Love Is All Around Joan by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - from a VW USA Tiguan commercial

9) Zorba's Dance by Giorgos Zampetas - from a VW USA Tiguan commercial

10) Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone by Dean Martin - from a Ford Australia Fairlane commercial

AS A BONUS FOR THE WEEKENDERS, LET'S ADD TWO MORE TO SPICE THIS SEGMENT UP...

11) Best Day Of My Life by Mayday - from a Toyota Taiwan Sienta commercial

12) Night Drivin' by Neighbors Complain - from a Suzuki Escudo commercial

Driving Music from Leopaul's Blog is the segment where solves every car enthusiasts' questions about the title of the song of car commercials...with the risk of MATCHED THIRD PARTY CONTENT on their status. It's your jam. Drive to the Music You Love.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: South Korea condemns North's missile launch

South Korea strongly condemned North Korea's recent missile launch on Friday, urging the Korean Peninsula to stop its "reckless" provocations and return to the negotiating table immediately.

In a statement, the Seoul government reaffirmed its will to cope with the ongoing threats from North Korea in close global coordination with the US and other partner nations going forward.

The North fired a ballistic missile at 0657 hours local time that traveled over Japan into the North Pacific Ocean.

The provocation came days after the UNSC unanimously adopted fresh sanctions against the North for its sixth and most powerful nuclear test to date.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (September 15, 2017)

- A spokesperson for the Joint Task Force Marawi revealed that the IS-sympathizing Maute Terror Group are using armaments owned by the government. According to him, some of the weapons used by the Maute rebels most probably given or sold to the rebels by someone in the government.

- The National Capital Region Police Office sacked the entire Caloocan City police following the police brutality of 17-year-old Kian Loyd Delos Santos and 19-year-old Carl Angelo Arnaiz last month.

- The Commission of Elections announced that it will push through with the gun ban starting the 23rd of September, even without the Barangay and SK elections.

- President Duterte named former Gabriela representative Luz Ilagan as the new secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

- Eight elderly patients died after being left inside a stifling South Florida nursing home that lost power during the wrath of Hurricane Irma, prompting an investigation and adding to the casualty list from the storm, which is now up to 81.

- 24 students died when a fire broke out at a boarding school somewhere at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

- Sweden began their largest military exercises in two decades with support from NATO countries, drilling 19,000 troops after years of spending cuts that have left the country fearful of Russia’s growing military strength.

- Volvo will reveal their first-ever XC40 crossover on the 21st of September.

- Following their disastrous F1 season, McLaren and Honda agree to terminate their Formula One partnership.

- The F-2A -NAGASE- fighter-bomber plane joins the Hasegawa Hobby Kits' ACE COMBAT model kit lineup. It will be available at most hobby stores on the 27th of September starting at 3,200 Yen plus tax and delivery. It contains all the pieces and decals needed to replicate the special F-2A as seen on the ACE COMBAT video games.



TTFN!!!

FH3 Hot Wheels: Great Dane

The Danishes; they're good at making Danish biscuits, they're good at making Legos, they're good at making furnitures, so on, so forth, not to mention the sexiest commercials in history, but they never made themselves a car of their own until this. Meet the Danish hypercar called the Zenvo ST1, a car you can you can enjoy on Forza Horizon 3's Hot Wheels.



Although made by the country that has more windmills than any other nation with its capital city a heaven for cyclists, the Zenvo ST1 is a monstrous hypercar that is powered by a twin-charged 6.8L V8 engine producing 1,086hp of power and 1,054ft-lb of torque, capable of reaching flatout speeds of over 233mph, which is Veyron territory for a thousand horsepower cannibal that has the chuckle of Mads Mikkelsen donning the maniacal role of Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Scary indeed for a Danish.



The speed is downright scary, I should say, but what's even scary is the dynamic driving style that is worthy of challenging even the most hardened of drivers elsewhere. The Zenvo has conventional suspension and a heavy, steel chassis, making it less modern than today's supercars with fancy suspension setup and as a result, an inexperienced driver would never attempt to drive this. This is a tense moment. It's like a surgery where a surgeon has to risk everything to put a pump unit on the patient's affected area while dealing with the endless blood pool too risky to handle. In other words, it's almost undrivable. Remember that Top Gear moment when the Zenvo caught fire because the cooling fan malfunctioned? Yep, I can hardly remember that moment when the Zenvo went wrong during a test drive.



Such a very challenging car deserves a challenge and since this is Hot Wheels Thrilltopia, it's even more challenging to drive the Zenvo in an obstacle-laden sandbox filled with loops, ramps, and flames. See if this Zenvo can survive this mess without catching fire like the last one. Okay, ready? Get the camera rolling!





Glad the Zenvo didn't caught fire but there's no way I'll ever going to drive this monster machine ever again until I'm good enough. For a Danish supercar, the Zenvo really is an intimidating supercar that challenges the drivers' manliness, no matter how crushing or brutal things can be. If you think you're good enough, drive the Zenvo on the Hot Wheels Thrilltopia and see for yourself.

Stars of 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show

Going on now until the 24th of September, 2017, the 2017 IAA or the Frankfurt Motor Show is one of the most exciting car shows to witness during the fall season in Germany, even in the heat of the ongoing election season in Europe's biggest nation. From debutantes, full model changes, minor changes, concept cars, this show has it all to demonstrate the past, the present, and the future of the world's automotive industry.

It's time to list down the stars of this year's IAA:

2018 Audi A8
2018 Audi A8 L
2017 Audi Aicon Concept
2018 Audi R8 V10 RWS
2018 Audi RS4 Avant
2018 Bentley Continental GT
2018 BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo
2017 BMW i Vision Dynamics Concept
2018 BMW i3
2018 BMW i3s
2018 BMW M5
2018 BMW M5 First Edition
2018 BMW M8 GTE Racecar
2017 BMW X7 iPerformance Concept
2017 Borgward Isabella Concept
2018 Dacia Duster
2018 Ferrari Portofino
2017 Honda CR-V Hybrid Concept
2017 Honda Urban EV Concept
2018 Jaguar E-Pace
2018 Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy Racecar
2017 Kia Proceed Concept
2018 Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster
2018 Land Rover Discovery SVX
2018 Maserati Ghibli GranLusso
2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG Project ONE Concept
2017 Mercedes-Benz EQA Concept
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell Concept
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe
2018 Mercedes-Benz S560e
2018 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Cabriolet
2018 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe
2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Cabriolet
2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2017 Mercedes-Benz Vision Maybach 6 Cabriolet Concept
2017 Mini Electric Concept
2017 Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept
2018 Opel Grandland X
2018 Opel Insignia Country Tourer
2018 Opel Insignia GSi
2018 Opel Insignia GSi Sports Tourer
2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS
2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Package
2018 Porsche Cayenne
2018 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
2018 Renault Megane RS
2017 Renault Symbioz Concept
2018 Seat Arona
2018 Seat Leon Cupra R
2018 Skoda Karoq
2017 Smart Vision EQ ForTwo Concept
2017 Toyota C-HR Hy-Power Concept
2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan
2017 Volkswagen ID Crozz II Concept
2018 Volkswagen Polo GTI
2018 Volkswagen T-Roc

...and more.

Further looking:

• www.motortrend.com/auto-shows/frankfurt/
• https://www.autocar.co.uk/frankfurt-motor-show-2017
• www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/news/frankfurt-motor-show-2017/

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: US seeks to impose direct sanctions targeting Chinese banks

The United States is seeking to impose about twelve Chinese banks doing businesses with North Korea.

Ed Royce, Chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, says a list with the targeted Chinese entities has been handed over to the US government, adding that it is time to impse the harshest pressure following the regime's nuclear test.

Sources say Washington is currently reviewing the option of having North Korea return to the negotiating table as it did in 2005.

Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is visiting a US military base home to nuclear-capable bombers and ICBMs. His visit to Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota comes less than two weeks after the North's nuclear test.

The trip was scheduled before the Korean Peninsula's nuclear test but it gives an opportunity for the US to highlight its powerful strategic arsenal.

South Korean government, meanwhile, said today that it is considering providing 8 million dollars in aid to North Korea through international organizations. According to the unification ministry, the government plans to hold a meeting on inter-Korean cooperation next week to finalize the plan.

Seoul suspended its aid to North Korea through UN agencies after the North's nuclear and missile tests last year.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (September 14, 2017)

- President Rodrigo Duterte explains along with other officials and soldiers about his supposed disrespect on entering the Grand Mosque in Marawi City with boots still on their feet. According to the president, they only kept their boots on because of the mosque was littered with broken shards of glass that could injure them. The Armed Forces of the Philippines regained control of the Grand Mosque from Islamic State sympathizers.

- Meanwhile, President Duterte is determined to grant the Marcos family immunity from possible prosecution in return for the voluntary turnover of a portion of their alleged ill-gotten wealth.

- The impeachment complaint against COMELEC Chairman Andres Bautista was reviewed on Wednesday after the complaint showed signs of flawed wording in the verification sheets. The complaint was threatened to be junked for insufficiency in form.

- Evacuees from Hurricane Irma have returned to the storm-ravaged Florida Keys, where sunrise will give them a first glimpse of devastation that has left countless homes and businesses in ruins. The current death toll is now up to 60.

- European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker told the EU's eastern states on Wednesday he fight for equal rights for their consumers, but their workers would not be allowed to unfairly undercut those in western members.

- Another teaser for the upcoming Lamborghini Urus SUV has gone up before its December 4 reveal.

 

- Former Doctor Who actor Christopher Eccleston returns to stage play for his lead role in an upcoming adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth.

- New Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon info on the radar! The latest info delves deeper on the mystery of the legendary Necrozma and its new forms similar to the legendary Pokemon such as the Dusk Mane Necrozma (when collided with Solgaleo) and Dawn Wings Necrozma (when crossed paths with Lunala). Also, Lycanroc's signature Z-move, Splintered Stormshards, has been unveiled, as well as two new Ultra Beasts to look out for.



TTFN!!!

Mazda CX-8

Mazda is now officially out of the minivan race as the MPV, the Premacy, and the Biante, are officially discontinued because of the rise of crossovers and following the success of their crossovers such as the CX-3 and the CX-5, they've decided to add their flagship SUV with minivan-sizing that will contemplate today's Japanese families.

2018 Mazda CX-8

This is the brand-new Mazda CX-8 and judging by the name, this will be Mazda's flagship SUV offered exclusively for the Japanese market and bearing minivan-like sizing, this crossover means business for Mazda as this SUV blends the the ideal balance of luxury, performance, economy, and safety, all in one unique crossover.

2018 Mazda CX-8

Like a man of his word, Mazda's trademark KODO design fits rather well for a big midsize crossover and by the looks of it, the CX-8 bears the impression of "Honey, I Grew Up The CX-5" because for those who think their new CX-5 not big enough for those who are having kids can either trade one for this of lend their CX-5 to someone close so their previous Mazda crossover are in safe hands while the CX-8 accommodates rather well for family use.

2018 Mazda CX-8 interior

It's all typical Mazda interior by the looks of it but because being the first-ever Mazda SUV to be offered with third-row seating, albeit for Japan, the CX-8 is not just about practicality and utility but also luxury as well because for people who picked the six-seater variant, it comes with captain's chair seats with a large console box between them. Those second-row seats were heavily inspired by luxury minivans offered in Japan such as Toyota's Alphard and Vellfire, Nissan's Elgrand, and Honda's Odyssey, and if you can picture it quite well, it's just another ride for the politicians but if you're not using it for political or business purposes, you can get one in a seven seater format, which is family-oriented. 

Of course, being an SUV with three rows of seats, expect the occupation of child seats on the second-row, making access to the third-row seats a royal pain and this may involve either squeezing. If you do make it to the third row seats by either from the second row or at the back, you have to admit that because of its minivan-like sizing, the third-row seats can accommodate even the tallest of people like me. As for the boot space, it's not so bad either. I mean, you have room for your grocery hauls and stuff for your relative's birthday as well as other occasions. 

2018 Mazda CX-8

Due to the success of the diesel variants of both the CX-5 and the CX-3, the CX-8 follows the same suit as the only engine offered at launch is the same SKYACTIV-D 2.2L engine from the CX-5 but it's been uprooted to produce 190PS of power and 450Nm of torque. Couple that with the revolutionary SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed AT and the fuel efficiency is 15.8km/L based on the very relevant WLTC mode standards. First introduced on the gasoline variant of the CX-3, the WTLC (Worldwide harmonized light duty driving test cycle) or Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure, whatever you may call it, is a chassis dynamometer test calculate vehicles' fuel efficiency in urban areas (WLTC-L), residential areas (WLTC-M) and highways (WLTC-H), just like the EPA-estimated mileage or the EU combined fuel-efficiency cycle in so many ways and this is their new and proper way to determine how fuel-efficient a car should be.

Okay, now that you are familiarized with the WLTC Mode standards, let's move on to the handling and like today's Mazdas, the G-Vectoring Control delivers a healthy balance of response and stability depending on the load of the wheels. Combined with the i-ACTIV AWD and the result is a crossover that handles pretty well in today's weather forecast, whatever it may be. As for city use, the CX-8's true asset is the safety tech courtesy of i-ACTIVSENSE such as Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM).

The new Mazda CX-8 starts at 3,196,800 Japanese Yen and arrives in dealerships this mid-December, in time for the holidays. Although not the most exciting crossover to enjoy with, the CX-8 is the crossover that delivers the ruggedness of the SUV, the spaciousness of a minivan, which Mazda no longer makes, and sedan-riding comfort, all in one unique crossover catered for the Japanese motorists. Hope this better works but that's Mazda so if any articles circulating about this crossover, it's their loss, especially someone...

Available colors: Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Grey Premium Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Titanium Flash Mica, Sonic Silver Metallic, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, and Snowflake White Pearl Mica.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation