Mercedes-AMG GLC63

Well, it had to happened. After getting a taste of how Mercedes-AMG does with the GLC43 which turns your auntie's crossover into a different kind of animal, here comes the ultimate GLC ever made for those who think they had enough with any kind of GLC and go with something two times the spiciness. Welcome everyone to the Mercedes-AMG GLC63.

2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC63

2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 Coupe

Available in normal and Coupe variants, the GLC63 is the result of what happens when you send the one that was used to be your auntie's crossover into the gym and then inject it with anabolics to make it more beefed up for work outs. This crossover sure wants to feel the burn but whichever body style you choose; from the normal GLC63 to the GLC63 Coupe, it's going to mean something for the brave and the tough. To help differentiate it from the mild and tangy GLC43, the 63 features the new signature Panamericana grille as seen from the GT R and while it looks downright scary, this new grille will be applied in future AMG models so expect the fear factor on the front that scares the motorists more than the rear view of the Ford Mustang.

On the interior, its typical AMG-themed interior really smells like the footballers' locker room post-game. The paneling on the dashboard is themed after carbon fiber, the instrumental panel has a lap timer that sounds pointless on an SUV, the steering wheel is as squishy as a stress toy at the office, and the sports seats are as fun to touch as a pair of Adidas.

The GLC63 comes with two different specs; one is the base variant with 476HP of power unleashed from its 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine from the AMG GT sportscar and the other one is the most exciting part. This S variant uses the same 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine as before but with 510HP of power and 700Nm of torque unleashed while mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed sport transmission. With the specifically-made AMG Performance 4MATIC+, it goes like an ice cream missile with the 0-100kph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed normally limited to 250kph, 280 km/h if you go for the optional AMG Driver's Package.

Apart from that performance, what makes the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ so special to crossovers like these is it comes with the fully variable torque distribution that can make them behave like two cars at the same time. 

It can either be four-wheel drive or even rear-wheel drive which reminds us of the Ford Focus RS in so many levels and armed with the AMG Sports Suspension and Electrical Rear-Axle LSD, you'll have plenty of reasons to enjoy it but don't get to excited just yet because even with this kind of witchcraft, you drivers need to take some calisthenics before getting behind the wheel because the driving experience with this crossover is about as hot as the Korean hot noodles you bought to the store. If your arms are up for the challenge, so be it. Hope you got your painkillers ready when the inevitable comes.

Should you buy it? The Mercedes-AMG GLC63 starts at 82,705 Euros for the normal one and 86,335 euros for the GLC63 Coupe so they're more expensive than any other crossover in the market but those who are brave enough to tame these wild crossovers, these crossovers are here for those looking for a challenge and with such dynamics, no doubt they're behaving like a Focus RS in every possible way and while they're very loud to see and hear on public roads, the fun factor on the open road and on a hot lap will keep these serious drivers occupied until the dynamics will break one of their arms off so if you value your arms, better be off with the normal GLC for the time being.

Photo: Daimler AG

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

When Porsche introduced us the second-generation Panamera, it remains a disdain among Porsche traditionalists because this is more of a saloon than what a Porsche should be and behind the ugly looking exterior design comes the beating heart of the Porsche DNA that makes it a four-door supercar that promises everyone to ditch their chauffeurs and drive anywhere they like in this Porsche saloon beyond the limit. With the success of the second-generation Panamera, Porsche wants to do more with the Panamera with the introduction of the first ever Sport Turismo variant.

2018 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

2018 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

The Sport Turismo is the shooting brake variant of the second-generation Panamera that was heavily coined from the concept car five years ago and while it features the same exterior design as its saloon derivative, the Sport Turismo is hands down one of the sexiest luxury cars on the market and because it's as sexy as a high school swim meet, you can't help but noticing the alluring silhouette that puts the deceased Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake or the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso into shambles.

2018 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo interior

The interior boasts the same creature comfort as well as the very complicating dashboard from the saloon but the Sport Turismo is the first Panamera to be offered with three seats, making it essentially a five-seater for the playboys who want a little night at Monaco. While not essentially spacious at the back, the Sport Turismo's boot space is surprisingly 20 litres more than the saloon, meaning there's still more room with some essentials you need for your next visit to the posh hotel or if you're heading to a posh event like an outdoor gala where you'll make everyone seeing stars with all the lights out. It can be a luxury car or can be a family car but because being a Porsche, you don't need to have a chauffeur to experience luxury in a whole new meaning.

2018 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

At the start, the Panamera Sport Turismo offers the same choice of engines as the saloon version with the queen of the pack goes to the Turbo variant with the 4.0L V8 Twin Turbo engine and with the optional Sport Chrono package, it does 0-100kph in 3.6 seconds and onwards to 304kph. Like the saloon, all models are mated with an 8-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (Double Clutch Gearbox). Of course, because this is a Sport Turismo, many are wandering if this new model still comes with the awesome pop-up retractable wing as seen on the saloon. Well, you can rest easy folks because the Sport Turismo features the first adaptively extendible roof spoiler in the segment which works well if you're driving at the Autobahn.

Like the saloon, the Sport Turismo can get a bit mild and tangy on the handling because of its four-wheel drive drivetrain which is standard on all Sport Turismo models but with the PDCC Sport and the Porsche Traction Management on it, it almost really feels like driving a Subaru WRX on a hot lap at the Nurburgring while escorting a VIP to a posh gala. So it's sporty and luxurious at the same time, not bad for a Porsche. Speaking of escort, it still comes with a wide array of safety tech that will get the escort duty done, including the NVG feature that detects objects after dark.

The Sport Turismo starts at 97,557 euros including VAT and while it's more expensive than the saloon variant, the added boot space and the sexy exterior design that balances the right with the wrong really shows that this shooting brake really means business for Porsche and whether if its taking it on the hot lap around your favorite racetrack or an escort job with a VIP at the back, the Panamera Sport Turismo does it all. It really is the jack of all trades or tirades if you may because with this car, it mixes business and pleasure at a steady pace.

Photo: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: IT tycoons to appear before parliamentary audit sessions

Twelve parliamentary committees are holding their last sessions this morning at the parliamentary audit sessions. This Monday, the leaders of Korea's IT giants are gathering before lawmakers assessing the sector.

Executives from the country's most popular internet portals will likely raise the issues surrounding what they see as problematic government regulations that hinder their business operations. According to reports, the main opposition Liberty Korea Party ended boycott and decided to return to parliamentary audit which ends on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the top nuclear envoys of South Korea and China will meet this week to discuss their coordinated approach towards threats from North Korea.

Lee Do-hoon, South Korea's special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, will meet with his Chinese counterpart, Kong Xuanyou, in Beijing this Tuesday. The meeting marks the first time since the two representatives took office.

It also came after Lee met his US and Japanese partners in trilateral talks held in Seoul in mid-OCtober. The two will share their evaluation of the current security situation and discuss ways to resolve the North's nuclear weapons.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (October 30, 2017)

- The Commission of Elections is now rushing to purchase the necessary supplies for voter registration after the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. The Comelec Bids and Awards Committee has announced it will accept bids for the delivery of registration supplies four days early.

- The Philippine National Police will implement Oplan Kaluluwa nationwide on All Saints' Day and All Souls Day to ensure peaceful and orderly observance of these special days. PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa advised the public not to leave their houses unattended or unsecured as burglaries became rampant during UNDAS.

- Thousands of Marawi residents have returned to their homes after being forced out by the fighting between government forces and Islamic extremists for five months. More than 350,000 people from in and around Marawi were displaced because of the conflict, which ended on Oct. 23 when troops killed the remaining Maute gunmen inside a mosque.

- Hundreds of thousands of Catalans took to the streets of Barcelona to voice their opposition to the region's declaration of independence amid vast political uncertainty for the region in northeast Spain. Catalonia's political leadership was fired Saturday by central authorities in Madrid who are trying to tame the worst political crisis Spain has seen in decades. So far, Catalan's former leader has insinuated that he won't step down. In response to the lawmakers' secessionist vote, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy triggered unprecedented constitutional powers, firing Catalonia's secessionist regional government and calling an early regional election for Dec. 21.

- Swiss reports told that six people have been injured in a roller coaster crash and a merry-go-round mishap at a fair in the city of Basel.

- As their caliphate's in ruins, the Islamic State militants are now regrouping through Syria's remote desert in preparation for their next incarnation, according to reports.

- The third series of Attack on Titan will premiere this summer after January compilation film that looks back on the second series.

- Fate/Grand Order illustrator Aotsuki Takao deleted his Twitter and Pixiv account following copying complaints over two characters bearing the same facial expression.

- Ferrari upgrades the FXX K with the new Evo, which features improved aerodynamics resulted to 23% improved downforce, improved drag resistance, improved dynamics, and more.



TTFN!!!

2017 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup - First Data 500

Martinsville Speedway gets a little rowdy as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup playoffs continues with the Round of 8 as the road to the finale is paved with crashes and burns like you would expect from most NASCAR races this season.

Now, let's jot down what went happened so far in the Martinsville race. In Lap 35, caution goes up when the #13 of Ty Dillon and #17 of Ricky Stenhouse Jr. got spun. In Lap 89, another caution occurred when the #47 got spun. On Lap 130, Keselowski won Stage 1 of the race. In Lap 205, the #22 car tries to squeeze itself through the two cars and this meant scrapping the right side of the car through the wall. In Lap 260, Keselowski snagged another win at Martinsville. In Lap 498, Chase Elliott got spun as Denny Hamlin takes the lead.

As Kyle Busch wins the race, a near-finish wreckage has occurred on those behind him, making it one heck of a finish in Martinsville. That really is a bombshell no one saw it coming but for Busch, his win earns him a shot at the finals.

The playoffs continue at Texas Motor Speedway for the AAA Texas 500 on the 5th of November.

GT SPORT: Art Meets Speed

Behind these closed doors lies one of the newest Vision GT machines you can only see in GT SPORT. In case you don't know what that is or if you need a refresher, Vision GT is a project that calls on the world's top car manufacturers to create a car that is uniquely Gran Turismo. Here in GT SPORT, new and returning Vision GT cars are joining the action and one of the newest Vision GT cars you can only see in GT SPORT is this...



Oh, sorry. Is the suspense killing you? Anyway, time for the big reveal...



Now this maybe a Vision GT car but the car company in question is pretty much new to us and it's named after a motorsport legend. Enter Fittipaldi Motors. And this is their maiden car, the EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina.

Situated in the Sunshine State, it was run by the two-time F1 champion and two-time IndyCar champion named Emerson Fittipaldi, a Brazilian, and its main focus is to create ultra-light supercars that utilize advanced racing technologies, efficient powertrain structures, enhanced safety features and autonomous vehicle intelligence. The EF7 VGT is the first of their kind and it is an all-carbon fiber supercar designed in Italy by Pininfarina, engineered in Germany by HWA AG.



Underneath the aggressive but beautiful exterior design, the EF7 utilizes a solid carbon fiber body and monocoque that not only is lighter by less than a ton but also very rigid. which exceeds FIA standards. Apart from the body, the engine is an old-school, naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces over 600HP of power while mated to a bespoke 6-speed gearbox that is positioned low for better center of gravity.

What's even more amazing is that unlike most VGT cars, the track-only EF7 VGT will be produced in limited quantities and potential customers can personalize the EF7 with their own signature Pantone color as well as their favorite racing number, along with customizable interior and wheel options. And unlike complicating track-only cars, it's surprisingly easy to operate. They can just turn the key and go racing at their favorite racetrack and thanks to its reliability and low maintenance costs, they can drive it faster and harder for longer.

Those who got their hands on the EF7 will receive a complimentary membership to the Fittipaldi Racing Club, where owner-drivers will take part to exclusive global VIP racing experiences and special perks and privileges, as well as private members-only races and on-track coaching with the one-and-only Emerson Fittipaldi himself.



On a normal track day, the EF7 is just so fun to drive for an extreme track toy and because of its low centre of gravity and impressive aerodynamics, you'll have more reasons to enjoy Fittipaldi's masterpiece, but when races get rough, the EF7 is less bark, more bite. Yes, this car can bite even in a middle of a race full of opponents driving these and because of its dynamic behavior, you'd best be careful with this powerful machine or you''ll end up cruising for a bruisin at the rough seas, but the more you drive with it, the more you will starting to realize its true potential as a car that was forged by motoring legends.



For a car commissioned by a motorsport legend, designed by Italians, and engineered by Germans, this car can really be considered a work of art that can be appreciated by those who answer its call. Speaking of which, let's find out how good the Fittipaldi EF7 is by taking a lap round the Big Willow, just to get you a glimpse of what is like when "Art Meets Speed" as they said.





Even if it was made by a new boutique car manufacturer and even if its a track-only car, the EF7 is all about honoring motoring greats with grace and grunt and because it was made by the hands of Mr. Fittipaldi himself, it really is a legend in the making for those who seek greatness from within and if you want to experience it by yourself, pick up a copy of GT SPORT now.

Assassin's Creed Origins

Since 2007, the Assassin's Creed franchise has been rewriting history from Jerusalem to Victorian London. From Altair to Jacob Frye, every Assassin is a turning point in world history that rewrites the very future of humanity as we know it. In celebration of the Assassin's Creed franchise's 10th anniversary, the latest installment has arrived and we're in for a treat because this new chapter introduces us the Assassin that gave birth to the Brotherhood.

Assassin's Creed Origins (PS4)

Assassin's Creed Origins (X1)

Assassin's Creed Origins introduces players to the warrior who would become an Assassin. Enter Bayek, a Medjay warrior in Ancient Egypt as he is seeking revenge against a tyrant and a group of powerful individuals for the death of his son while witnessing the birth of the Brotherhood from our very eyes.

Like most Assassin's Creed installments, Origins is an open-world adventure that showcases the wonders of Ancient Egypt and as demonstrated by the Ultra 4K HDR, every sight and sound of Ancient Egypt never felt so alive and so is the dynamism of Bayek's journey. Of course, in typical Assassin's Creed fashion, the storyline adds a dramatic feel to this installment, introducing the dark secrets and hidden myths Ancient Egypt has to offer and blending history with fiction, it adds some drama to it.

Gameplay mechanics have been refined as well and with numerous weapons and items to collect, it's not just the battles you'll need to master, it's the strategy you'll really need to get the job done. Whether if you're going stealth or go all out against enemies, it's important that you'll need the right equipment and the right tools to ensure that you will succeed against all odds. From powerful close-range weapons, defensive armor, and a bow for long-range attacks, every piece of it can be upgraded to make it more suitable for upcoming conflicts.

Be wary though that even though heavily armed enemies are something to worry about, what's even more worrying about during your expedition is the wilderness and if you're not careful, you'll be their next meal so hunt them down before they hunt you out. If you did hunt some wild animals, you can collect some animal skins to sell it for money or some crafting items to upgrade your equipment. Speaking of crafting, did you know that you can dismantle unnecessary weapons for crafting materials needed to upgrade your equipment?

What's also new in AC Origins is you can ride on camels or horses to ensure a quick progress. You can even let them ride themselves as well if you're stuck. Also, more importantly, when the objective is near, you can summon an eagle to detect targets from far away,

Like all good adventure games, you can't just rush into the main story just yet because if you need to progress through the story, you need to level up. Taking side quests is a great way to level up before taking on your quest to get back on the tyrants behind your painful pasts. As you'll level up, you can gain new abilities that will be proven useful on your journey such as fire bombs, smoke screens, sleep darts, you can even gain an ability to tame the wilderness and use them to your advantage.

To add some fun with the game, AC Origins features a photo mode where you can share your Egyptian journeys to the other players. Also, you can avenge your fallen players and earn bonuses as well. Lastly, there are downloadable contents including powerful items and upcoming chapters that will enhance your AC Origins experience throughout the coming weeks.

So, what's my take on AC Origins? For those who are a fan of the Assassin's Creed games since 2007, this origin story is the closure fans have been clamoring for and so are the memorable cast of characters they can expect in this new tale. For those who are new to the franchise, they are more than welcome here. Besides, this is game is all about the first Assassin behind the rise of the Brotherhood after all so those who need to catch up to from the beginning shouldn't need to hurry. But hey, newcomers can be fast learners and you will learn something from them.

With its breathtaking graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, dramatic storyline, and hours of fun in the deserts of ancient history, it really is the best Assassin's Creed game in ages. What a way to celebrate 10 years of the Assassin's Creed franchise and with Bayek joining the ranks of other Assassins we are familiar with, it really is history in the making.