Saturday, May 12, 2012

American automotive legend Carroll Shelby died...



Another sad moment in the automotive industry because American automotive legend, Carroll Shelby, passed away at the age of 89 due to pneumonia. 


An article from the April 2012 issue of Top Gear Magazine explained a story about the tuning legend's triumph that amazed automotive enthusiasts worldwide...

"Moving slowly and deliberately, automotive legend Carroll Shelby, wearing his trademark black Stetson hat, raises his right hand towards the spotlights high up in the rafters and acknowledges the crowd’s applause. It’s amazing he’s here at the 2013 Shelby GT500 Mustang reveal, as he’s been laid up in a hospital bed, fighting his long-running health problems, until about an hour ago. But then, Shelby, even at 89, is amazing.

He’s been fighting the competition and the odds for the past 50 years, so yanking out his life support system to be present at a car launch isn’t unusual for him. It’s just business as usual  for the guy who has put his name, reputation and life on the line for cars all his adult life."

Carroll Shelby was once a pro racer in the 1950's until he established his own racing team to take on Ferrari using the legendary Shelby Cobra. Today, the Shelby name became synonymous thanks for having his name used in the most powerful version of the Ford Mustang, the GT500, which in 2013 Model Year, has the most powerful V8 engine in the world.

R.I.P. CARROLL SHELBY 1923-2012

"Packed sa Sarap!"

On the May 11, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Explorer gags

- Mr. Assimo at the Gas Station

Mr. Assimo


- This is going to be the ugliest of the Santa Cruzan...ever...

- Tita Herminigilda reads (and re-enacts) a letter from someone who's on an argument against her father that led to a worse case scenario.

Tita Herminigilda


- Imaginin mo ang pinakapaboritio mong bagay, tapos i-times 1 billion mo. Ganon ka-sarap to. Bubble Gang does Voice Combo Sandwich by spoofing this commercial as Poise Combo Sandwich! PACKED SA SARAP!

Bubble Gang does Voice Combo Sandwich


- Alien? Alien! Brod Pete and pals are back to answer your questions on ANG BAGONG DATING DOON!

Ang Bagong Dating Doon


Jackie Rice asks "Meron po bang nasusulat tungkol sa magulo at malungkot na pamilya?" Ang Dating Doon asks why; ANG NANAY NIYA'Y NAGLALABA, ANG TATAY NIYA'Y PAGOD. ANG NANAY NIYA'Y NAGLALABA, ANG TATAY NIYA'Y PAGOD. NAIPIT NG MAKINA SA PABRIKA.

Pekto asks "Meron po bang nasusulat tungkol sa taong matakaw sa tulog?" Ang Dating Doon explains; HINDI KO NANG MASILAYAN ANG SIKAT NG ARAW. HINDI KO PA NAMAMASDAN PA ANG GANDA NG BUWAN.

A PM from someone who lives in Benguet asks Brod Pete if there's anything that has wrong meaning. For this moment, we have Litsong Kawali. Nope, that's wrong. You can't eat kawali. Why did they called it Litsong Kawali? It supposed to be Pritong Baboy!

A PM from someone asked where did the names of the musical instruments come from? It's from the sound themselves that gave them the name of those musical instruments. Take this drum for example, this is one of the first musical instruments where in prehistoric times, they used the bones of the chicken drumstick and they do this...DDDRRRRRRUUUUMMMM!!!

Ano sa tagalog ang foot spa? Is-paa!!!

- The senate hearing is getting a bit...MASUNGIT...even if someone's too illiterate...

- IyoTube in Harana

- A new kind of drama involved on psychics!

Friday, May 11, 2012

Let's Do The News! (May 11, 2012)

Okay, we're doing the news now and ever since the launch of the new E160 Toyota Corolla in Japan, is the Belta dead?

Well, frankly yes. That was told by a Japanese-speaking Toyota dealership in the South of Tokyo. He said that with the launch of the new Corolla, they will be stop selling the Belta/Yaris Sedan. Yep, but that hasn't been verified because the Toyota Belta is still listed on the Japanese Toyota website. If the Belta was removed from their lineup, we'll confirm that the Belta is dead. The Belta cease to exsits.

Anyway, while waiting for the verdict, Toyota said that they'll be offering Aero parts for the brand new 2013 Toyota Corolla Axio and Fielder. We have some pictures here...








(wow)

Ooh, bodykits for the Axio and Fielder looked nice. I like the TRD Sportivo kind of thing anyway though.

Yeah. I gotta say that they really looked good if they are on their different clothing. Those aero kits are an option for the buyer.

Anyway, while we are waiting for the new season of Top Gear next year, Top Gear USA presenter Adam Ferrera confirmed that there will be a new season of Top Gear USA in the works. 


(wow)

Ah! What a twist. When Jezza's said that there will be no new Top Gear till next year, Adam Ferrera said the complete opposite when it comes to the American version. So, when will they shoot?

Uh, says here that shooting for the next Top Gear USA will start in the weekend so stay tuned for more TG updates.

Right, uh...chaps? About the very last Saab 9-3...Guess what? The Saab fanatics finally got their hands on the last Saab ever built. Yep, they raised enough cash to purchase the final Saab, what is likely to be the last Saab of any sort ever produced.


Oh. Good job Saab fans. You deserve the credit to preserve the final Saab in its existence. It's the fans that deserve the credit more than the Detroit giant.

Anyway, uh I got news that starting May 25 to 27, Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series starts in Sepang Circuit, Malaysia. This starts of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series where we can see Gallardo race cars racing from  Sepang, Fuji, Ordos, Zhuhai, Penbay and Shanghai for the Grand Finale in November. Sadly though, they didn't mentioned Subic because (clears throat)


So, anyway, what to see at the 2012 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series?

We expect teams from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and mainland China push the Super Trofeo to its limits. This race is sponsored by Blancpain, Swiss watchmaker and the European series’ title sponsor.

So, let's move on to something something because the new F30 BMW 3-Series has arrived in the Philippines.

TopGear.com.ph Philippine Car News - The all-new BMW 3-Series has arrived

It's available in two models such as the 2.0-liter 328i with its TwinPower Turbo-equipped engine that puts out 242hp and 350Nm of torque, and the 2.0-liter 320d, which produces 181hp and 380Nm of torque and is billed as "one of the world’s cleanest and most economical diesel engines." This new F30 3-Series is offered in three lines; the Sport Line, the Luxury Line and the Modern Line.

So, how much is the BMW F30?

Prices of the BMW 3 Series (F30) starts at 4,290,000 Pesos for the 328i while the 320d is priced at 3,490,000 Pesos so on paper, the diesel variant is cheaper than the petrol variant. Oh yeah...


Now, what about this? The new Ferrari FF?

TopGear.com.ph Philippine Car News - Up close and personal with the FF

Yep, the Ferrari FF is now in the Philippines courtesy of Autostrada Motore. We know all about its details, its bespoke 4WD, its V12 GDi engine, its four seater, everything. Last year, it sold out since its Geneva debut just like the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. An article of Top Gear Philippines said that someone from GMA's Eat Bulaga was the first one to bought the Ferrari FF. Who could that be? Tito Sotto? Vic Sotto? Joey de Leon? Jose Manalo? Nobody knows who's that person from Eat Bulaga bought the Ferrari FF but anyway. It's good to see the Ferrari FF landed on Philippine soil. I drove this one on Forza Motorsport 4 and I have to say that despite its 4WD, it still acts like a RWD. IT ACTS LIKE A FERRARI!

There is a simple lesson learned from Clarkson's DVD that the Ferrari 458 is fast but if you encounter a puddle of wee, you'll need a 4WD or you could be in big trouble. Yep. You've seen the part on Powered Up where the 458 lost at the final corner covered in pee. Jeremy Clarkson thinks that the FF is ugly.

I have to admit it that the Ferrari FF did featured on one episode of Top Gear against the Bentley Continental GT V8.

What's next for Autostrada Motore? I hope it's the new F12 berlinetta, the new flagship Ferrari that FORZA MOTORSPORT 4 failed to put it on future DLCs! When will Forza 4 get the F12 berlinetta as a DLC? What about the BRZ? The Evoque? The 2012 Yaris SE? When will they get their shot of fame on Forza 4? Where's the Atom? The Ascari? The Caterham? Oliver the Opel Kadett? Veritas?

What? What is it?

That's the problem with DLCs. Previously on Forza 3, they did focused on the latest cars firsts with old cars later. But now in Forza 4, what they did is ruining the balance. It's now common to see old models being featured for the first time in Forza 4. Old cars like for instance the Alfa Romeo Montreal, the Austin Healey, the Alfa Romeo GTV-6, can Forza 4 focus on the latest and the hottest cars rather than featuring old ones? Anyway, forget about what I said and let's talk about the upcoming Porsche DLC pack. So far, they mentioned the #31 Petersen-White Lightning 911 GT3-RSR (996) and the 1970 Porsche 914/6, which are comebacks. Tomorrow, they'll announce another Porsches and will the Panamera be on the list? Oh gosh, I hope so but this is a road ahead till the Porsche DLC Pack's on sale date so stick around because this is going to be a month-long marathon of Porsche announcements on Forza 4. Stay tuned!

Anyway, I just picked up that what's serving on Namco Namja Town are some menu items inspired from animes like Bakemonogatari and Nisemonogatari. They'll be serving those by May 18 to July 8.


So, what's serving?

Let's see um...

  1. Hitagi's Fluffy Ice Cream 
  2. It's Tsubasa Cat's Gelato Nya~! 
  3. Mayoi Maimai, Spiral Crepe 
  4. "There's Deneb, Altair, Vega..." Hitagi's Blueberry Mousse 
  5. Hitagi's Love-Love Gyoza 
  6. An Ice Cream Parfait, Ararararagi-san! 
  7. Double Jump Hamburger Steak Plate 
  8. Nadeko's Strawberry Rare Cheese 
  9. Nadeko's Streeetchy Ice Cream 
  10. Black Hanekawa's Cat Gyoza 
  11. Shinobu's Ice Cream for Donut Lovers 
  12. Struggle Against Shinobu! Donut Gyoza 
  13. The Fire Sisters' Hot Fried Egg Sandwich 
  14. It's Karen Bee's Strawberry Mousse! 
  15. Tsukihi the Planner's Delicious Gyoza 
  16. The Bravery to Betray Others Gyoza 
  17. Koyomi's Round Gyoza 
  18. Bakemonogatari Popped Rice Cracker Set 
  19. Nadeko Snake 
  20. Shinobu and Koyomi's Bathtime 
  21. Mayoi's Stuffed Animal Gyoza 
  22. Karen and Tsukihi's "Justice" Ice 
  23. Gahara-san's Tsuuundere Gyoza 
  24. Hitagi's Heavy Crab Gyoza 
  25. Hitagi's "Let's Go Eat Crab" Pasta 
  26. Nadeko's Casquette Hat 

That's what they're serving, so what's your pick?

Mine, I'm not into these. I haven't been at this...NAMCO NAMJA TOWN yet.

Come on! This is much like Star City, even better. They did collaborations with Gintama, the opening of the Macross Frontier: Sayonara no Tsubasa film, the opening of the Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos film, the opening of The Prince of Tennis: Eikoku-shiki Teikyū-jō Kessen! film, the debut of Squid Girl Season 2, the premiere of the Persona 4 television anime series, The IDOLM@STER anime, the Tiger & Bunny anime, the K-ON! film, and for four different series for their "Spring Girls' Festival 2012" event. You haven't been there, right?

Never...Uh, anyway, THE AVENGERS. Anyone watched this movie, right? It's a team up between Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, and Captain America, among many others from SHIELD. Somethings's a bit cocky after the closing credits. Who is the character at the final scene?


Some say that in the final scene after the closing credits, it served as a sign that says "TO BE CONTINUED".

Yep, they're planning what will the next Avengers movie will look like but while this sequel hasn't been told, they confirmed that "Iron Man 3" is slated for release less than a year from now on May 3, 2013.  "Thor 2" will follow on November 15, 2013, and "Captain America 2" is scheduled for April 4, 2014.

I see...

Anyway, about controversial DJ Mo Twister. A few days ago, Mo Twister asked all the listeners to make a trending topic out of the hashtag that says #CharicePempengcoSexTape. That topic enraged famed singer Charice and she tweeted Mo Twister that he should be getting a good lawyer. That tweet was later deleted but later Radio DJs Mo Twister (Mohan Gumatay), Suzy (Tin Gamboa) and Mia Bayuga of Magic 89.9 were suspended  two weeks for putting “an objectionable hashtag about Charice Pempengco on Twitter.”


So, what's what?

You see, there was a one part on a radio show called GOOD TIMES where DJ Mo Twister tell the listeners to make #charicepempengcosextape a trending topic. That thing was supposed to be a joke and a satire until this gone wrong when Charice noticed it. That made Charice so angry, she said that this is a STUPID CRUEL JOKE.

Okay, I got word from the mouth is that Japan faces 'extinction' in 1,000 years. How's that possible? Japanese researchers on Friday unveiled a population clock that showed the nation's people could theoretically become extinct in 1,000 years because of declining birth rates.

Oh come on. Japanese people are doing just fine...

Just fine? Why don't you ask DOCTOR WHO to time travel through Japan in the future and find out?

(laughing)

Uh...uh...uh...

I find it very disappointing that a many modern Japanese men has no interest of sex to women. It seems that modern Japanese men are now becoming feckless bed-wetting Parmesan-shaving imbecile who rebels into his own uselessness. Something has to be done. We need a MAN LAB! Something like James May's Man Lab, even better for the Japanese!

(laughing)

Uh okay. A Man Lab for the Japanese modern men. Sounds perfect! That then, Japanese people won't become "Endangered Species" for the next millennium!

Uh, anyway. About Rufa Mae Quinto. I got reports that after saying good-bye as host of  GMA 7’s “Showbiz Central” a few weeks back, she decided if she wants to give it a try as one of the presenters of Willie Revillame’s variety game show “Wil Time Bigtime.”

(ooohh)


Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Rufa Mae's joining the ranks as one of the Wil Time Bigtime presenters?! But...but...Ugh! I lost one of my Bubble Gang faves. I lost Wendell Ramos, who is now on Lokomoko U. I can't afford to lost another...

Let's put this sadness behind us and for something special because reports said that Fil-Mexican contestant on this season's American Idol, Jessica Sanchez, finally made it to the Top 3 spot!

(applause)


Wow! I never though that a contestant with Filipina blood make it this far! I never knew she can MAKE IT THIS FAR! I was wrong. She was now one of the best!

And that's the news!

Toyota Corolla Axio and Corolla Fielder (E160)

Welcome everyone to the eleventh incarnation of the best selling car in the world for decades, the Toyota Corolla, and what you're looking at here are the JDM-spec eleventh generation Corollas serving as a template of what will the global version will be. From Japan, two body styles are offered such as the Axio, which is the 4-door sedan model, and the Fielder, an estate model targeted for the average Japanese adventurer.
2013 Toyota Corolla Fielder

2013 Toyota Corolla Axio


Looks can be deceiving for the Japan-spec E160 Corolla. On the front view, it looks like the current Volkswagen Jetta, which is a bit of a shame for a Japanese automobile giant to copy the front view of a German midsize sedan. The Axio's rear view looks somewhat identical to the Subaru Impreza G4 while the Fielder's rear view looks exactly the same as the previous Fielder. This is going to be one heck of an identity crisis for this new model when it comes to its exterior design. Hmmm...What about the interior?

2013 Toyota Corolla Fielder interior
2013 Toyota Corolla Axio interior
Well, the interior of the Japan-spec E160 Toyota Corolla looks new to us. Toyota Motor Corporation said that the new Corolla's interior is made through consideration was given to spaciousness and ease of use, and the high quality can be sensed the minute the door is opened. The new Corolla Fielder is what made them apart because this comes with the reclining rear seat for enhanced relaxation for the rear passenger and as for the luggage space, well if the rear seats are folded down, you would expect a 2,025mm of length and as for the height, well it's 735mm to be exact. Those rear seats at the Fielder can be folder easily with a touch of a button so no manual labor is done to fold the rear seats for luggage purposes. Like most Toyotas, the new Axio and the Fielder do come with nanoe technology sourced from Panasonic; nanoe is an air-cleaning system that fills the cabin with refreshing air characterized by an ultimately balanced ratio of positive and negative ions. This plasma cluster purifies the air inside the car by preventing absorption of mold, fungus, and dust.

2013 Toyota Corolla Axio
2013 Toyota Corolla Fielder
The Axio comes with the 1.5L 1NZ-FE VVT-i and the new 1.3L 1NR-FE Dual VVT-i engine. The Fielder comes with the 1.5L 1NZ-FE VVT-i and the 1.8L 2ZR-FAE Valvematic Engine. Most 1.5L variants (and the new 1.3L model for the Axio) will get a conventional Super CVT-i. Some variants for the Corolla Axio and Fielder do come with a 5-speed manual transmission, a transmission only a taxi driver in Manila would take advantage of. Let's be honest, most Corolla taxis in the Philippines do come with a 5-speed manual. I wonder if this could work. Anyway, how about something else? The new Corolla Fielder's 1.8S AEROTOURER variant comes with a Super CVT-i that comes with a Manual Mode for the modest of shifting feel.

Depending on the variant, the 2013 Corolla Axio and Corolla Fielder come with an optional Active Torque Control 4WD system that automatically transfers torque between front and rear wheels for optimum performance in all conditions.

For fuel consumption, well the 1NZ-FE has 20.0km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode test cycle, 19.6km/L for the Corolla Fielder 1.5L, the 1NR-FE available only on the Axio has 20.6km/L, and 16.6km/L for the 2ZR-FAE engine mounted on the Corolla Fielder. Here's the most crucial part. The 1NZ-FE comes with the optional Toyota Smart Stop system that shuts off the engine when stopped, guaranteed to have 21.4km/L of fuel consumption for the Axio and 21.2km/L for the Fielder. To be sure if the Corolla has the Toyota Smart Stop fuel-saving technology, look for the SMART STOP logo at the back just in case. What you're looking at here is an eco-car that is guaranteed for Japan's ECO CAR GENZEI system.

Available colors for the Corolla Axio are Super White II, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Mellow Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Blackish Red Mica, and Dark Blue Mica.

Available colors for the Corolla Fielder are Super White II, Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Super Red V, Bronze Mica Metallic, Blue Metallic, and Dark Violet Mica Metallic.

My comment:

The eleventh-generation Toyota Corolla (E160) is the world's best selling car made even better and thanks to the 1.5L engine fitted with Toyota's fuel saving Smart Stop technology, this is more of an eco-car. The 1.3L engine fitted for the Corolla Axio is something more than enough...to kill the Toyota Belta off to the lineup. Sad to say that thanks to the eleventh generation Toyota Corolla (in Axio sedan and Fielder estate), we are going to bid farewell to the Toyota Belta/Yaris Sedan. Yep, Toyota will dropping out the Belta/Yaris Sedan on their lineup this year and Toyota Philippines should better stop making the Belta for good because starting now, the Belta is dead. I repeat, the Belta is dead. Long live the new Corolla!

Oh, and before you can Google search the words "is the Toyota Belta discontinued?", use the comments instead of Google searching for these words. That's what a Japanese-speaking Toyota dealer said. No more Belta or Yaris Sedan for now... Yep, the Belta is dead. No more Toyota Belta. Sorry.

Mind you, the new 2013 Corolla Fielder and 2013 Corolla Axio are produced at Central Motor Co., Ltd.'s cutting-edge Miyagi Plant in the Tohoku region, which began operations last year. Another Toyota vehicle made by the hardworking Tohoku people who are struggling for the road ahead after last year's massive disaster.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

The Stig drives the Hyundai Veloster Turbo

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

As you may remember in last week's episode of Top Gear Korea Season 2, the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, for the first time, appeared on Top Gear Korea in the flesh. The racing driver, Kim Jin Pyo, test drove the Veloster Turbo and this is somewhat too different to the one that Jeremy Clarkson wrote on his column. The Veloster Turbo even had a drag race against the Mini Cooper S.

After Kim Jin Pyo's test drive of the Veloster Turbo, it was the turn of The Stig to lap the Veloster Turbo round the Top Gear Korea Test Track. 



The Hyundai Veloster Turbo did it in 1:46.05, faster than the Mini Countryman and the Chevrolet Camaro but a few seconds slower than the Kia K5 T-GDi.

For full Top Gear Korea Power Lap Times: http://series.lifestyler.co.kr/Program/416/11/Contents/View

I think the Tulfo brothers are losing the fight!!!

Thrilla in NAIA


While most Filipinos are getting a bit head-scratching about the whole THRILLA IN NAIA story where Mon Tulfo, Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto are involved in a fistfight, there is still a bit of a news here and I think the Tulfos are losing thanks to MTRCB...

MTRCB placed TV5's T3 program on a 20-day suspension over threatening comments made on air by brothers Ben, Raffy and Erwin Tulfo against showbiz couple Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barreto.

Guess the suspension of the T3 show really meant to say that the Tulfos are losing to the fight against the Santiagos in the THRILLA IN NAIA fight!!!

Toyota Pixis Epoch

2013 Toyota Pixis Epoch

2013 Toyota Pixis Epoch

This is the fourth member of Toyota's new PIXIS kei car range. The first Toyota Pixis, the Pixis Space, is much more of a Toyota equivalent of the Daihatsu Move Conte. Pixis number 2 and 3 were the Pixis Truck and Pixis Van which are essentially a rebadged version of the Daihatsu Hijet Truck and Hijet Van. And now we have this, the fourth Pixis, which is essentially a rebadged version of Daihatsu's most fuel efficient car on the market today which is more fuel efficient than the Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV but now overshadowed by the Suzuki Alto Eco, the Daihatsu Mira e:S.

It has the special KF engine that accumulates 52PS/6800rpm of power output and 60Nm/5200rpm of torque output. It even comes with a CVT for optimized fuel economy and smooth driving. The fuel economy of the Pixis Epoch (ピクシス エポック) is 30.0km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode test cycle thanks to the Eco Idle (Idle Stop and Go) system, newly developed i-EGR (ion controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system (that applies the ion current combustion control, in which ions in the combustion chamber are used to identify the state of combustion, to EGR control), lighter bodywork, thermal management, and Eco power generation control (with regenerative braking functions).

Available colors are Sky Blue, Shell Rose, Cotton Ivory, Plum Brown Crystal Mica, Black Mica Metallic, Bright Silver Metallic, Pearl White III, and White.

My comment:

In essence then, the all new 2013 Toyota Pixis Epoch is just a rebadged version of the kei car that Bruce Willis endorses...

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

New Generation Daihatsu Altis (AVV50N)

After a two year hiatus, the Daihatsu equivalent of the Toyota Camry, the Altis, is back and this time, it was based on the all new, hybrid-only Toyota Camry that was launched in Autumn last year. If you never heard about the Daihatsu Altis, you're not alone. Toyota owns Daihatsu, right? The Daihatsu Altis was launched in March 2000 and what Daihatsu do is throwing away Toyota badges in the 6th generation Camry. Same thing happened when the Altis went full model changes from 2001 and 2006 until in 2010, Daihatsu won't be selling the Altis because they fed up with this until now...

2013 Daihatsu Altis

2013 Daihatsu Altis

2013 Daihatsu Altis interior

This is still the current-generation hybrid-only Toyota Camry but replaced with Daihatsu badges on it. You still have the 2AR-FXE (2.5L DOHC Dual VVT-i) engine loaded with Toyota Hybrid System II, which produces a standard 160PS/6,000rpm of power output, 213Nm(21.7kg-m)/4,000rpm of torque output, and the fuel economy of 23.4km/L on JC08 Mode scale (26.5km/L on 10-15 Mode scale). One trivia that the 160PS power output can be increased up to 206PS once the 105kW 2JM electric motor is active. Like any other hybrids, the new Altis has EV Mode that keeps only the 2JM electric motor active rather than the 2AR-FXE engine for zero-emission driving. The CVT is the standard transmission offered for the new Camry for enhanced fuel economy and comfortable driving on winding roads.

Being a SU-LEV (Super Low Emission Vehicle) needs to be the safest, and the new Altis has the memo for that. It includes the finest safety features available such as Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake force Distribution, Pedestrian Warning system that emits noise on some pedestrians, including the blind, Hill Start Assist Control, Discharge Headlamps, 7 SRS airbags, and Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) for a reinforced bodywork.

Available in seven exterior colors such as White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Dark Steel Mica, Attitude Black Mica, Olive Mica Metallic, and True Blue Mica Metallic. It's available only in "HYBRID G PACKAGE" trim.

My comment:

What is the difference between Toyota Camry and Daihatsu Altis? Well, the only difference I can expect was the badges and that's it. Nothing. The same current Toyota Camry Hybrid, the same luxurious interior, the same 2AR-FXE engine, that's what I expect. Don't start asking what's the difference of these two because this Daihatsu Altis can only be find at your nearest Daihatsu dealer.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co, Ltd.

Welcome Back: 2009 Seat Ibiza Cupra

Are you the Ibiza Bocanegra?


This is one of my favorite cars returned on Forza Motorsport 4. It's a 2009 SEAT Ibiza Cupra and even though it comes from Spain, it's still comes from Volkswagen, which is German. The Ibiza Cupra has a striking exterior design, sporty on-board atmosphere, twin charger 180 hp 1.4 TSI engine, excellent traction capacity, and top-notch equipment that what makes it so special for a car made by the Spanish arm of the Volkswagen Group.

Stories told that SEAT made an Ibiza Bocanegra model and here in Forza 4, the front face of the Seat Ibiza Cupra may just be perfect enough to shade it black to replicate the Ibiza Bocanegra, which is a bit too easy for a geek. If you show it to your friends, they might be saying "Ooh! A Bocanegra!" and this trick can fool even the stringent of the aristocrats. Wow indeed and the SEAT Ibiza Cupra is just one of the hot hatches offered on Forza 4. I never knew that there are joys of driving a hot hatch because they're more fun to drive as supercars and you could get someone in the boot and somewhat reasonable to maintain than supercars. They really are that nimble on the racetracks.


Thursday, May 10, 2012

Red Bull gives you wings for the Filipinos...eh wait a minute...

Ever since Rhys Millen arrived in the Philippines for some drifting, that signaled the launch of the Red Bull energy drink in the Philippines...no wait. No, that's not right. We already have Red Bull but why would they launch an energy drink that was already in the Philippines for years?!

A spokesperson said "We’re launching Red Bull in the Philippines for the first time, and for us it's the 165th country that we're going to be in," but there was already a Red Bull in the Philippines for years. We even bought these at 7-Eleven stores so why would they launch Red Bull in the country where Red Bull's already been there?

"We'd like to clear up that the other Red Bull is a different company from ours,"

"Ours are in blue-and-silver cans and every single one is produced in Austria and exported out. The other one is of Thai origin. We're the brand that Rhys and all the other famous athletes work with."

The spokesperson said that but wait. Thai origin? The Red Bull in blue-and-silver cans are made in Austria? There were two Red Bull companies in this world? Austria and Thailand? A Red Bull that was made in Austria and a Red Bull made in Thailand? Those history lessons about Red Bull will be somewhat an argument. Some say, it was invented by an Austrian named Dietrich Mateschitz. Others said it was made by a wealthy Thai named Chaleo Yoovidhya, who died a few months ago.

Never mind, while we're in deep history hell right now, the pricing of this canned Red Bull is somewhat much more expensive than the bottled Red Bull. 98 pesos to be exact.



Next season of Top Gear will be next year, says Jezza

Top Gear 18
Top Gear Series 18 DVD


"There's a rumour in internet land that there will be no more Top Gears this year. I'm afraid that apart from the Xmas special, it's true" Those are the words said by Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson via his newly made Twitter account, jcrclarksonesq, and it's true. There won't be a new Top Gear in the second half of 2012. That's the bad news for TG fans worldwide but on the upper side, next season of Top Gear will be in early 2013.

A South African radio station interviewed Jezza about Hot Hatchbacks in Monte Carlo, the upcoming Ron Howard movie titled Rush, a 1976 F1 duel between Niki Lauda and James Hunt, and an upcoming Top Gear Live 2012 event. Guess this guy's having a break from destruction, except for Hammond where he's in the USA, mastering the toughest machines on BBC America's show, Richard Hammond's Crash Course. James May, on the other hand, has his hands full as a commentator for the Grade One Grand National from Aintree. Yep, both of them have very hectic skeds and the reason why Sundays at BBC are fully booked up is because of something like X Factor or The Voice UK. "Sunday nights will be full of fat people singing," "Top Gear is a medium size van. Cowell is a juggernaut. When he has finished his singing competition, our new series will start."

Just because a new season of Top Gear won't be coming until early next year does not mean you should be readying your paintball to hit Jezza's testicles just like what ex-F1 driver David Coulthard did during the Car Art episode.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Let's Do The News! (May 9, 2012)

And now, the news! But before that, can we just say that we're a bit of an itch about the 2013 Subaru Legacy lineup that comes with either a new FB25 or the new FA20 Direct Injection Turbo engine.

Really? What is it?

You were right. Dropping out a performance-oriented 6-speed manual transmission really was a bad news for the 2013 Legacy. I mean hello? CVT mated for the turbocharged 2.0L engine? This is much more worse than that. Some car enthusiasts think that most CVTs are the fun-killers and overall, they made the cars too boring.

Uh, what about CVTs with manual modes?

Same thing here. Fuji Heavy Industries shouldn't drop that kind of transmission because the 6-speed manual is just good for the new FA20 Direct Injection Turbo engine. Imagine if a hotter version of the BRZ will look like using that engine. Wake up, Fuji Heavy Industries! Why does most Japanese carmakers often rely on something eco rather than performance? Where are the fun Japanese cars?

(laughing)

Uh, you better cut off to that point. Anyway, remember that fight in NAIA? Some eagle eyed observers are suggesting that some say there were Mon Tulfo and couples Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto involved in a fistfight. You can't tell that they were actually involved on that airport fight.


Oh wait? Mon Tulfo? Raymart Santiago? Involved in the fight in NAIA?

Yes it was. There was a brawl broke out between those two. There were videos of this fight uploaded on the net.

Really? I just wanna see it but speaking of which, that reminded of one thing! If it's something more like the Thrilla in Manila fight or even the Mayweather-Cotto fight (which Mayweather won the fight and remained undefeated), this could be it. This could be...THRILLA IN NAIA!!!

(laughing)


THRILLA IN NAIA! THE BIGGEST FIGHT OF THE YEAR! HA HA HA!

(laughing)

Here's a good thing. While Mon Tulfo enraged on a airport brawl with Raymart Santiago, why not bring the Ben, Raffy, and Erwin do a fistfight against Randy, Rowell, and Miriam Defensor-Santiago? This would be a hit!

(laughing)

Hey buddy. You better be careful about that Miriam Defensor-Santiago...

Why?

In the senate, she's a loud mouth. So loud, someone had to cover his ears. That's what this is. If you see Miriam Defensor-Santiago in the senate hearing yelling and becoming a total loud mouth, cover your ears. You can't survive against her.

(laughing)

Oh okay. If no one can survive against Miriam Defensor-Santiago, how come she's very good at Pick-Up Lines? BOOM!

(laughing)

Uh....uh....Anyway, while the whole THRILLA IN NAIA is getting a bit too cocky, how about advancing to the next one?

Right, uh anyway a Forza 4 unicorn car, the MINE'S R32 GT-R was unexpectedly appeared when I fire up that game.

(ooohh)


As you can see, this is a Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 modified by MINE'S, one of Japan's renowned tuning companies. The 2.6L engine fitted on the R32 has been tweaked from 320HP to 621HP. 0-60mph in about 3 seconds and top speed of about 207mph. No idea how I got it but some say that after I read this week's REAR VIEW MIRROR article at the official Forza Motorsport site and Turn 10 dev, johniwanna asked the Forza Faithfuls how do they like Porsches, in a tribute for the upcoming Porsche Expansion Pack this late May 2012. He even told that he will give them a unicorn of their choice for the ones who explained why do they like Porsches. I said to him...

"Anyway, what I like about Porsches are their fame, their racing pedigree, their heritage, and how are they being bonkers. I am an avid fan of Porsche myself and those cars really shaped up the automotive world. Take this 959 for example, this became the world's fastest car in the 1980's until it was short lived by the 201mph Ferrari F50. Despite that, the people from Porsche are what made them so special. So special that only the desirable are favored to drive one.


When a Porsche was featured on Top Gear, I was salivated to see one and now with Porsche returned on Forza 4, I now have a chance to push them all to the max at the Top Gear Test Track. This is a dream come true for me and hopefully, they will carry on in the future."

That's how I got this car and thankfully, the legendary Porsche 959 I told was included on the Porsche Expansion Pack. What can I say huh? Porsche 959? Yeah, do a drag race against the Ferrari F40 just like on the Series 16 finale of Top Gear, the one with the 80's supercar nirvana.

Anyway, while waiting for this, I decided to give The Stig the keys to the MINE'S R32 GT-R. Play the tape!




Well, the MINE'S GT-R R32 did it in 1:23.303, personal best. So I think this tuned version of the R32 Skyline GT-R is somewhat a perfectionist. No wonder they can make the best better.

Speaking of which, I once taking a hard time at this week's Community Bounty Hunter event held at the RISING STORM II rivals event in Fujimi Kaido -Old Kaido-. The score set by Turn 10 staff, T10 SIDEFX, was 77,145. I drift with the tuned Ford Escort RS1800 and this was a struggling experience!

Really?

Yes, this was a struggling trial-and-error because this Escort RS1800 is just too hard to countersteer and bounded to spin! I never knew that the 1977 Ford Escort RS1800 was just one of the scariest rides I have ever experience but at an interest of winning the Top Secret S15, I stuck with it.

So, what's the score?

I did it in 78,589 points, that is the best I can do and I can do no more. I pushed hard and that was the toughest challenge I had ever face.

(applause)

I am noteworthy of claiming the Top Secret S15 if the event was over tonight. Speaking of which....How come my Top Secret Supra hasn't been landed on our garage. I was in last month's VIP Rivals event...

(laughing)

Calm down. It should arrive soon. Anyway, I got reports that Nissan's Juke-R is headed for limited production. 

TopGear.com.ph Philippine Car News - Nissan to put Juke-R into limited production

Last January, the Nissan Juke-R, the Juke with the Godzilla engine on it, appeared on Dubai and it trounced every supercar on the planet. It was so good that two of the three orders have come from high-profile residents of the Middle East.

So, hardcore enthusiasts are ready to get their hands on the Juke-R?

Yes, and Nissan said that it will build more Juke-Rs upon request and will be taking orders in the coming four weeks before it begins production of the car. For inquires, email Juke-R@Nissan.co.uk


So, will there be someone from Japan getting their hands on the GT-R powered Juke?

(wow)

Wow indeed. And let's get back to the whole THRILLA IN NAIA story. It seems that Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto are now filing physical injury and child abuse complaints against Mon Tulfo and grave threats against Ben, Raffy, and Erwin.


Oh my. It seems that the Santiagos are winning the THRILLA IN NAIA against the Tulfos.

(laughing)

THE TULFO BROTHERS ARE GOING DOWN! HA HA!

Okay, enough now. Now last April 2012, the facelifted 2013 Lexus RX was launched in Japan and by timing, it's here in RX350 only.

TopGear.com.ph Philippine Car News - Lexus Manila reveals updated RX350


You can expect the new Spindle Grille first seen at the new GS and a new steering wheel. There is a new trim level that includes a tilt-and-slide moonroof; new 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels; driver-seat, steering-wheel and side-mirror memory functions; a multipurpose roof rail; perforated leather seats; power rear door; and a backup camera integrated in the rear-view mirror.

(wow)

Wow! So, what's the pricing?

Prices start at 3,578,000 Pesos for the 2013 Lexus RX350.

So, it's not what they called cheap, right?

Indeed it is...

So anyway, we got reports saying that actor Xian Lim will be at the Eton Centris, Centris Walk on May 13, 2012 at 7:00PM Philippine Standard Time for his "So It's You" album mall tour.


(wow)

Whoa! Hold on! The guy frrom My Binondo Girl gets his own album?!

Well, frankly yes, he does.

Amazing!

Wait, hold on a sec. I picked up some info that Morrissey is coming at the World Trade Center, Manila, this Sunday, May 13, 2012, at 8PM!


Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! More events this May 13?! No wonder summer time in the Philippines' getting hectic right now...

And that's the news!!!!

It's not what you called cheap but it's cheerful

It's a little big world out there for the smart


It was in one of these, well not exactly one of these. This is the smart fortwo, one of the cars you can find on Forza Motorsport 4's May Top Gear Pack and I think this is somewhat too wrong. Back in January when I got the January Jalopnik Pack, it seems that the devs put up the wrong Audi RS5 because there was a facelifted RS5 out there but what they did featured was the pre-facelifted model. This is the same situation. There was a 2013 smart fortwo unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show but again, the devs showed up the pre-facelifted smart fortwo on this game. Has the Turn 10 devs never stay in touch with the latest automotive news and rather focused on putting old cars on this game? Never mind, but still the smart fortwo is just more of a fun to drive micro mini that Forza fans waited for this...well almost.

Sensible to challenge against a 747

With that looks, it looks like a Little Tykes
Cozy Coupe out there!

It's not what you called cheap, 15,000 CR, which is 5,000 CR more than the starter cars such as the Nissan Micra, Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1, Peugeot 107, Volkswagen Fox, and the Vauxhall Agila but what you got here is a hatchback that has the layout of a Porsche; rear-engine rear wheel drive. Yep, it's an RR micro-mini. That's what that is. I like the way Mercedes-Benz getting too sensible of making this nippy little rascal. With that size, you can have fun playing car football with this just like what you saw on a Top Gear Live event a couple of years ago. Really?

The engine mounted at the back was a 1.0L 3B21 engine produced by Mitsubishi Motors and this one's Naturally Aspirated. The 3B21 engine that powered the smart fortwo has 11.4:1 compression ratio and premium fuel (95+ octane RON) is recommended. This produces 70HP of power and 68lb-ft of torque so it's not what you called quick. 0-60mph in 13.3 seconds, 0-100mph in 50 seconds, and top speed of 101mph, so again, it's not quick but despite that, the smart fortwo is much lighter than the Toyota Aygo and the Volkswagen Fox. Perhaps no wonder the car football part at the Top Gear Live event a couple of years ago used that car. He he he....

Says who?

The smallest of cars do the most sensible stuff, even in Forza Motorsport 4. It can slip past against the IT at the game of TAG VIRUS, agile enough to remain IT at the game of Keep the It, it can do better when everyone in a game of CAR FOOTBALL are driving smart fortwo cars, that is everything. This micro mini made by Mercedes-Benz is all about being too sensible but for me, there's something else more than being sensible with the sensible smart car.

Let me explain something, you see, a couple of months ago, Mercedes-Benz Japan showcased a Puella Magi Madoka Magica smart electric drive itasha at the 15th Japan Media Arts Festival in Tokyo from February 22 to March 4. Later on, they allow guests to test drive those if they have a license to drive in Japan and a (free) Mercedes Benz Connected Card membership. I was convincing to see someone recreating the Puella Magi Madoka Magica electric car on Forza 4 and guess what? It did and here it is afterwards...

That's Akemi Homura on this side....

...and a Madoka Kaname on this side!!!

I stumbled across the Forza 4 storefront and I found this. This looked like the Puella Magi Madoka Magica smart electric drive that most Japanese otakus saw one at the Mercedes-Benz Connection in Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan. The detailing is just 97% good (couple that with the 5ZIGEN ZR+520 rims, painted green, and it will be 98% accurate). I can see Madoka Kaname, Kyubey, and Akemi Homura on there. This could have only done by some Forza Faithful under the XBOX Gamertag "arata YH", who was responsible for recreating the CR-Z race car vinyls on this game. I was going to give thanks to him but gosh, this is just how it completes the look of the smart fortwo. My vision of seeing a Puella Magi Madoka Magica smart electric drive design on Forza 4 became true and sadly, you can't get one because the player who made it was limited to 100 copies and it costs 10,000 CR each. Gladly, I finally got it before the stocks ran out and I was very happy to play with the smart that was once sensible, now even more sensible when a Madoka Magica vinyl contracted on this car. It's amazing when you see the words "Contract with me!". This car makes me want to contract it.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 35

Please, attention everyone. A lot of you are trying to find out what is the song on either the Indian Hyundai Sonata TV commercial or the Mazda CX-5 Commercial. Would you just refrain from doing that? If I caught you saying that what is the song on the Hyundai Sonata Indian TV Commercial or the Mazda CX-5 commercial, I'll put your heads in the drain. Shut up or be dead!

Or you could find some of my another five driving musics (Car Commercial Songs) to find. Sorry about my harsh behavior...

5) AMAMI by Matia Bazar - from the 1987 Mitsubishi Galant Japanese commercial.

4) Torero by Azucar Morero - from the Honda CR-X Del Sol Japanese commercial.

3) The Alphabeat by David Guetta - Renault Twizy commercial song.

2) How it Starts by The Features - 2013 Ford Mustang Commercial Song

1) Push Upstairs by Underworld - 2005 Renault Samsung SM5 Commercial Song


...and there you go. Another set of five driving musics (Car Commercial Songs) as an alternative for asking questions on Google about what is the name of the song on car commercial. Be warned, search engines has no room for question marks... That is all. Thank you.


Let's Do The News! (May 7, 2012)

And now the news but before that, I heard something about Round 2 of the 2012 Super GT match happened a few days ago.

Really? What is it?

In Round 2 of the 2012 Super GT300 race held at Fuji Speedway, the Good Smile Racing Hatsune Miku BMW Z4 won despite the wet condition.


(whoa)

Can't believe it. That one who became 2011 Super GT300 Champion is making a comeback in the 2nd round. The one with the Hatsune Miku design, driven by Nobuteru Taniguchi and Tatsuya Kataoka, that was just staggering!

Yeah, really is quite impressive for a car that has a Vocaloid vinyl on it! Ha ha.

Yep. Really is. Now it's time for the result of Round 2...

At the GT300 Class;

Third place goes to: triple a vantage GT3

Second place goes to: EVANGELION RT TEST TYPE-01 Apple Shiden

Winner is: GSR HATSUNEMIKU BMW


At the GT500 Class;

Third place goes to: MOTUL AUTECH GT-R

Second place goes to: RAYBRIG HSV-010

Winner is: DENSO KOBELCO SC430


That was verified. Next race is on Sepang, Malaysia this June 9 and 10. Anyone who's Malaysian and if you want tickets for this race, better hurry up before they're sold out. Thank you

Right, onto the issue of the massively popular IDOLM@STER. Guess what? Sammy, a video game maker, is collaborating with Namco Bandai for a pachinko slot machine based on the phenomenal IDOLM@STER series. We got some clip here...



Excuse me? What's it called?

It's called THE IDOLM@STER Live in Slot and like the original game, players are more than welcome to become the producer managing the careers of idol singers from 765PRO. A debut event will be held in Tokyo's Akihabara district in May 23 and the first play is free. Guest appearances are scheduled to attend and perform.


So, you're saying is, most of the V.A. behind the 765PRO girls will be on the launch event in Akiba?

I guess it is. They're will be there...I think

(laughing)

Ugh, okay. Here we go again. More iM@S mayhem for the petrolheads in Japan. Welcome to the sound of music with 765 Pro All-Stars.

(laughing)

Anyway, the Peugeot 208, the replacement for the 207 and proven that its touch screen is more fun than the Suzuki MR Wagon's Touch Panel Audio. Guess what? Peugeot's launching a competition version of the 208. See, look.



This is known as the Peugeot 208 R2 and it was made to race in the R2 rally category. It comes with a 1.6L engine mated with a 5-speed sequential transmission. It will make an appearance as a "zero" car for next week’s Tour de Corse (May 10-12), the fourth round of the 2012 Intercontinental Rallye Challenge.


I kinda glad to see the Peugeot 208 with racing colors. Good job Peugeot. Still care about its racing pedigree.

I know. This R2 version is more than just being a rally racer but it's kinda bit too messy to see a 208 kitted out with racing-spec paraphernalia on it. They have to think better than that but whatever, that would work on Tarmac, Gravel, or Snow.

Anyway, everyone heard about the Chinese clone of the Ford F-150 pickup truck called the JAC 4R3 but for developing news, Ford Motor Company silently succeeded to prevent JAC from creating a F-150 clone. A Ford exec said "There were a couple of press reports that 'oh', at the Beijing Auto Show there's going to be an F-150 clone. It didn't happen. Not going to happen." and later, "We did our job. There was good global teamwork," "So, yes, we can protect ourselves in China, it’s not easy, but you can do it. Is it expensive? Not really, I mean, it would be less than filing here."


(ooohhh)

Excuse me? Ford prevented JAC's efforts to launch a Chinese copy of the F-150 at the AUTO CHINA 2012 in Beijing? Touche!

You're right and if that happen and if some American in China saw a Ford F-150 that turned out to be a cheap knock-off, he might get angry that the Chinese often humiliating the FAST FOOD NATION. Yep, but that bother me, why can't USA join forces with the Philippines against the Chinese during the Scarborough Shoal scandal?

Nobody knows...Anyway, China's going to be pissed off about a global protest set by Filipinos on May 11. We'll yank it out soon but moving on...

Now, there was that kid in Toronto, Canada. He said that he bought Portal 2 for the PS3 at Walmart and when he opened the case, what he see was nothing but a WHITE BLANK DISC!

(oohhh)

No, I'm not making this up! Some guy in Canada bought a copy of the PS3 version of Portal 2 and when he arrived home to play this game and when he opened it, he saw a WHITE BLANK DISC!


Oh, and he said that he went back to Walmart where he bought that game and it turned out that "it happened more than once with this type of situation." He said that he's the very first victim of the serious case where...um...

Where what?

Idiots bought a game, then swap with a blank disc, wrap the game in its original form, and return the game back in the store. It's shocking to see someone being affected by this kind of modus operandi.

Were you affected?

Of course not!

(laughing)

I am a very careful buyer.

Weh? Are you that kind of clever enough? You see that Canadian kid who got affected by this modus operandi?

Kind of but to be honest, I'm not that kind of careful...

(laughing)

Anyway, enough just know. About that Negima manga Volume 37 I just read.

Yep, really. The one we got a bit disappointed about the end of Negima.

That volume said that there will be a final volume (Volume 38) coming up. Here's the cover.

魔法先生ネギま!(38) (講談社コミックス)

Ooh!

See here is the real finale of the Negima manga. Volume 38 will be out this May 17. This is really the finale and you know it...

Right! Now, about that Hayate the Combat Butler manga? Guess what, starting at Volume 32, time to meet the new logo, here's the cover...

ハヤテのごとく! 32 (少年サンデーコミックス)

Wow, sure about that this is the new logo?

Indeed it is but there's going to be a limited edition packaging, see look...

ハヤテのごとく! 32巻+0巻サービスパック (特品)

It's somewhat a bundle between Volume 0 (a prologue) and Volume 32, which is the latest volume of the hit action comedy adventure manga that I cared the most than Negima. It should be out this May 16 and this special "Service Pack" will cost about 1000 Yen.

Oh! Oh! Oh!

And that's the news!

JDM Rally Legends Nirvana!

If you like the rivalry between the Mitsubishi Evo and the Subaru WRX STi, then you should check out the ones that set the stage. Both of them are featured on Forza Motorsport 4's May Top Gear Pack and these are the BC5 Subaru Legacy and the E39A Mitsubishi Galant VR-4. Oh my words! Would you just look at that!

Rally Legends Nirvana!

I can't recall ever seen those two together on the Top Gear Pack so let's get cracking, beginning with this one...

Stay professional! This is the second time
I'm into this car!

This is the first generation Subaru Legacy. First introduced in Japan since February 1989 and available in the following variants; the 220 PS (162 kW) DOHC 2.0-liter turbocharged "RS" with a 5-speed manual transmission only, followed by the "VZ" sedan and wagon and the "TZ" sedan and wagon with the 150 PS (110 kW) DOHC 2.0-liter engine. A smaller 102 PS (75 kW) SOHC 1.8-liter engine was used for the "Vi" sedan and wagon with FWD only, "Ti" sedan and wagon, the "Mi" and the entry level "Ei" sedans and wagons.

This first generation model was also involved in motorsports. The 1990 Safari Rally saw two Subaru Legacys finished the race, with one driven by Patrik Njiru winning the Group N Category. Then moments later, a Group N Legacy finished the Acropolis Rally, driven by Ian Duncan, in 8th place.

This car was homologated by the Subaru World Rally Team in the 1990 World Rally Championship with the partnership of Prodrive. It hasn't been competitive at first but it showed its true potential under the supervision of Markku Alen, who managed a 3rd place finish at the Swedish Rally in 1991. 1992 saw the appearance of both Ari Vatanen and the late Colin McRae for Subaru WRC effort. Each driver achieved a 2nd place finish, providing the boost for Subaru's WRC efforts.

In 1993, the Legacy placed 3rd at the Swedish Rally and a one-two finish after the first leg of the Acropolos Rally. Eventually the boss of Prodrive wanted to debut the Impreza rally car but charged with the Legacy winning the race before the Impreza's time to shine. In the eight round of Rally New Zealand, the Legacy, on its final year of its WRC service, along with the late Colin McRae, won the fight against Francois Delecour and his Ford Escort Rally Car.

I drove this first generation Subaru Legacy on Tokyo Xtreme Racer Drift 2 (日本名:KAIDO BATTLE 峠の伝説) and I just wanna say that this first generation became the template why the Impreza was born on rallying. The nostalgia, the originality, the perfection, the 4WD layout, I can't really think how good is this old chap is. This is more of a childhood hero for an average petrolhead and this isn't just pride and power. It's all about storing up memories by the time you saw one. Thanks to Forza Motorsport 4's Top Gear Pack, I finally got myself a second chance of driving the first generation Legacy. Ah the memories...

When the first generation Legacy was involved in rallying, it's formidable rival was none other than this...

This reminded me of my uncle's car!


The 2.0L turbocharged 4WD Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 E39A.

The sixth-generation Galant was launched in Japan since October 1987 with variants such as the 2.0L-powered MX, VX, VZ, 1.8L-powered MS, VS, 1.8L-powered MF, GF, 1.6L-powered ME, GE, and G. Two months later, 4WD versions such as the 2.0 DOHC TURBO VR-4 and 2.0 DOHC VX-4 were launched and it has won the Japan Car of the Year in 1987.

This VR-4 version comes with the 4G63T DOHC 16v inline 4-cylinder engine that has a peak power of 177 kW (241 PS; 237 hp) at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 304 N·m (224 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm. It is mated with either a 4-speed AT or a 5-speed MT.

This was homologated for the Group A class, using the underpinnings from the Starion 4WD. By 1988 to 1992, it was campaigned by Ralliart Europe and it won three events courtesy of Mikael Ericsson (1989 1000 Lakes Rally), Pentti Airikkala (1989 Lombard RAC Rally) and Kenneth Eriksson (1991 Swedish Rally). Kenjiro Shinozuka pushed this Galant to victory at the Asia-Pacific Rally Championships in 1988 and by 1991 to 1992, Ross Dunkerton did the same thing. Tim O'Neil also pushed the Galant to victory at the 1992 American National GT Championship.

Anyway, this isn't more than just I already played this one in some video games, this is more of a "family memory" if you asked me. Back in the Philippines, I have an uncle, Rosendo Cosme, who drove a sixth-generation Galant as a replacement to his aging Daihatsu Charade 3-door. Every time when I saw his car in most video games, I would say "Ooh! That's Tito Endo's car!" and my reaction goes on and on every time. This sixth generation Galant reminded me of the one which is owned by my Tito Endo. Tito Endo, if you're reading this, thanks for reading. Now that my uncle's car appeared on Forza Motorsport 4, I was gonna say that my uncle's better than everyone else but to be honest, my iffy driving style would ruin my uncle's car.

Both these cars have 4WD and 2.0L turbo engines but how does it stack up? The 1990 Subaru Legacy RS' peak power output is 217HP of power and 199lb-ft of torque. It weighs 2990lbs, 0-60mph time of 6.7 seconds, and top speed of 146mph. My uncle's car, the 1992 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4, has a peak power of 237HP, peak torque of 224lb-ft, weighs 3,153lbs, 0-60mph time of 6 seconds, and top speed of 151mph.

To translate this from science to lap times we need a driver and of course we have one. Some say, he's very angry at me for ruining his birthday party and he is... Sorry, Stig.




Both of these are close! By personal best, the BC5 Legacy did it in 1:35.418 while the E39A Galant VR-4 did it in 1:34.774! Unbelievable, the Galant VR-4's racing pedigree toppled the Legacy RS! Perhaps no wonder the rivalry between the Evo and the WRX STi became a decade-run phenomenon! Perhaps those ancestors really set the stage from rallying to racetracks! This is more like choosing your heroes!

Choosing between these heroes

Choosing your heroes is like choosing your shirt or trousers. That's just pointless but let's be honest, without these two, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo and the Subaru WRX STi didn't exist at all and they didn't have rally racing legends on the road. We have to owe them a big thanks. These two cars are incredibly important because these pair dominated the whole World Rally Championships for decades right before their retirement. Before them, you have Lancias, Audis, and Fords and in evolutionary terms, this is like one huge step for mankind. With these two, this is even more better than reading a big encyclopedia. They really are that important.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

ITC280 Update 5

Here's what I learned on Week 5:


1) Physical path to the root of my space on zephir;
/home/classes/ldelro02


2) Physical path to the root of my web space on zephir
/home/classes/ldelro02/public_html


3) Commands to get to my sandbox from the root of my space
cd public_html

cd Sandbox


4) Command to see all files and folders in the current directory
ls -l


5) Here are some rules regarding file permissions:

drwxrwxr-x 4 ldelro02 ldelro02 4096 Apr 23 17:13 redsplash


drwxrwxr-x 3 ldelro02 ldelro02 4096 Apr 16 15:38 RedTie


-rw-rw-r-- 1 ldelro02 ldelro02   88 Apr  9 17:55 template.php


-rw-rw-r-- 1 ldelro02 ldelro02  111 Apr  4 17:53 test.php


First three letters are your permissions


Second three are your group


Third three are the public


r = read = 4


w = write = 2


x = execute = 1


0= no permission


1= execute only


2= write only DANGEROUS!


3= write and execute DANGEROUS!


4= read only


5= read/execute


6= read/write DANGEROUS!


7= read/write/execute DANGEROUS!


DANGEROUS NUMBERS: 2, 3, 6, 7


w in the public area is world writable and a huge security risk

6) Command to create password file for .htaccess
/usr/bin/htpasswd -c ~/pass ldelro02


7) Finished .htaccess for 301 redirect:

#the following disallows access to our file


<Files .htaccess>


order allow,deny


deny from all


</files>




#the following redirects users to a genetic error page for old page addresses


ErrorDocument 404 /~ldelro02/error-404.php




#root of visible web space (virtual path in this case)


Redirect 301 /~ldelro02/old/index.php


http://zephir.seattlecentral.edu/~ldelro02/new/index.php


* POP QUIZ # 7: 10/10 (100%)

*TEST # 4: 68/100 (100%)

Notes:
So, barely an improvement on Week 5 but when it comes to finishing the extra credit on Assignment number 5, I'm afraid to tell you that creating an error 404 page would be extremely difficult for me...

How can I create a custom 404 error page and link to a 'non-existent' web page in my Zephir web space?  Where would I put it on my Zephir? I have to find some help so I can finish my extra credit for Assignment 5 before Monday because for me, I haven't got a clue. This is very challenging...