Thursday, November 25, 2010

Toyota FJ Cruiser (GSJ15W) (Japan Spec)

2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser


First appeared as a concept car at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show, then it made its official sale in North America in 2006, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is a remarkable off-road behemoth and was dubbed the Japanese Hummer because of a similar look. Most of them think that the FJ Cruiser is a copy of the Hummer H2, except for the doors. Even Filipinos rarely bought an FJ Cruiser from a grey market import just so they can enjoy their off-road adventures throughout the toughest terrains in the Philippines. At the end of 2010, the FJ Cruiser is finally at the place where it was born, Japan.

Why Japan? Some Japanese off-road enthusiasts bought the Toyota FJ Cruiser (the North America-spec) from grey market imports, for example, is BUBU, a Mitsuoka Motor-owned specialty for grey market cars from North America., and why Toyota did not sell the FJ Cruiser officially even when this was built by Hino Motors. For after four years in North America and a few countries such as China, Toyota officially start selling the FJ Cruiser starting this early December, under the chassis code GSJ15W.

On its outer appearance, try to even think that the FJ Cruiser is the carbon copy of the deceased Hummer, but the grille wears a literal Toyota badge spelled it out, paying homage to the legendary Toyota FJ40. What surprises them is the suicide half doors at the rear.

The interior is also a copy from a Hummer, however, the JDM-spec FJ Cruiser doesn't have some dashboard peripherals in the middle like the North American spec has. Unfortunately, the legroom for the driver is simply too tight to get through. Getting through the FJ Cruiser's driver's seat can be frustrating. I wonder how did someone fit in the FJ Cruiser's driver's seat? Well, many dream to have the FJ Cruiser but only a few can fit in the driver's seat of the FJ Cruiser.

The FJ Cruiser is powered by the 1GR-FE (4.0-litre V6 DOHC Dual VVT-i engine) that powers up to 276PS/5,600r.p.m. at the torque of 38.8kg-m/4,400r.p.m. This spartan engine was not spartan enough to tackle various distances because the fuel economy of the FJ Cruiser goes to a frugal 8.4km/L. The Part-Time 4WD System allows the user to switch various modes at the shift of the lever. It looks similar to the Mitsubishi Pajero Field Master, but experimenting with various modes depending on the terrain can be somewhat of a challenge. To get a grip through the rocky roads, the FJ Cruiser is armed with the X-REAS (Relative Absorber System) supplied by Yamaha.

My thoughts about the FJ Cruiser:
Not possibly a good SUV for the aficionado, but this makes a good partner in the eyes of politicians, celebrities (especially rappers), gangsters (Mafia, Triads, Yakuzas, Vory, whatever these criminals were), and adventurers. The forte of the FJ Cruiser is to deliver off-road excitement from the deserts, rocky roads, muddy pavements, and city streets. From the Arabian desert, the Grand Canyon of the USA, and now cruising through Hokkaido with the Japanese debut of the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Now, most Japanese will never come looking for a grey market FJ Cruiser anymore because all Japanese Toyota dealerships will start selling the rugged joy of the FJ Cruiser this December. Remember, FJ stands for Fun and Joy!

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Gran Turismo 5

Gran Turismo 5 (Japan Version)


WE LOVE CARS! After facing a double delay that leaves GT fans out cold, the much awaited fifth installment of Gran Turismo is finally here. And yes, this should be better than the rest.

The real driving simulator is the mother of all racing sims, now improved to satisfy the needs of every GT fans alike.

With over a thousand cars offered in GT5, players can now buy and collect as many cars as they want! Think of the Godzilla GT-R, Lancer Evo X, a WRX STi 5-door and 4-door, Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari California, Lotus Evora, and even the super cool exotics of 2010 such as the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the Lexus LFA! There are hybrids also offered here such as the Insight, Prius, Mitsubishi i-MiEV or even the sport hybrid car Honda CR-Z (oh yeah! Gotta try it!) for sure! There are two car tiers in GT5. First off is the Standard tier. Standard tiers are cars from previous Gran Turismo games such as the R33 GTR, Silvia S13, Eunos Roadster, the first and second generation Impreza models, or even the ones from your Gran Turismo PSP game. Geez, that's a lot of Standard Tier cars. Second is the Premium Tier. This tier represents new to the Gran Turismo scene, such as the third-generation Prius, Subaru WRX STi 4-door (GVB), SLS AMG, Lexus LFA, Gallardo, and some to think of it. Premium Tier cars can offer a wide array of features that Standard Tier cars don't, like for instance; a view of the interior, dislocation of the car's body parts, or even take them to a Photo Travel.

In Gran Turismo 5, there are 26 tracks with 71 layouts offered to compete against your rivals. This is going to be a race around the world! From Germany to Italy, from Great Britain to the United States, from Tokyo to Monaco, experiencing a world class race like no other is a huge surprise. What's surprising us is the Top Gear Test Track, courtesy of BBC's Top Gear. Try testing your new cars on that track and see how fast are they!

As you progress, you might be able to participate in Special Events; such as the Jeff Gordon NASCAR school, Loeb's Rally Challenge, GT Rally, Grand Tour (from Eiger to Rome) and more. Think you got what it takes to take all of these special challenges?!

Two ways to race in Gran Turismo 5; the A-Spec mode is to race by yourself and the B-Spec mode is to race with your hired driver. To initiate B-Spec, create your own hired driver. Keep that your mind that all hired drivers have their own different personality and how it affects the race. A hired driver gain more experience if they keep on racing, either winning or losing, but if its too much, the hired driver's experience may drop. You can retire the hired driver if you want when the driver's past their prime. You can also use your hired driver for online competition called Remote Racing.

The biggest aspect of GT5 is online community. Aside from competing with your friends and rivals from all over the world, you can chat with them, gift them parts, share your created tracks and photos and more.

MY COMMENT:

WE LOVE CARS! GT5 is one of the best racing titles made for the PS3 and it delivers total coolness and the "pogi points" we get from racing with everyone. With the new Course Maker, a list of cars, realistic damages, around the world races, hired drivers, and more, I gotta say that is the best! After being delayed twice, we finally got our hands on the game everyone's talking about!

WE LOVE CARS!

Official site: http://www.gran-turismo.com/

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

10 best 2011 cars of North America according to Car and Driver!



It's here! According to an American car magazine Car and Driver, here is the ten best 2011 cars!

1) BMW 3-Series (sedan, coupe, wagon, M3)

2) Cadillac CTS-V (sedan and coupe)

3) Chevrolet Volt

4) Ford Mustang GT

5) Honda Accord Inspire + USDM Accord Coupe

6) Honda Fit/Jazz

7) Hyundai Sonata YF

8) Mazda Roadster/MX-5 Miata

9) Porsche Boxster and Cayman

10) Volkswagen Golf (base, GTi, and R)

Congrats to the ten cars!

Full details:

100-octane Petron Blaze, debut!

Despite the fuel shortage because of the pipeline closure, Petron has a burning passion to bring the high octane fuel suitable for the likes of high-performance cars, even the Nissan GT-R R35 and the Subaru WRX STi 4-door.

The Petron Blaze is now 100-octane!

Scoop:

HELL YEAH! Most owners of high performance sports cars can now visit Petron for the new 100-octane Blaze. However, I am not happy for the pricing.

With fuel prices rising and the pipeline closure issue, I guess only a few can fit in the new 100-octane Petron Blaze.

Despite that, hot cars are welcomed.

Official Petron site:

Speedlab coming to Clark Speedway in Q1 2011!

I found some news for those car addicts lived in Northern and Central Luzon:


YES! Speedlab's coming to Clark International Speedway! For those who don't know what's Speedlab, Speedlab is the Philippines' after-market tuning shop that offers lots of tuning parts from various brands such as HKS, tanabe, GReddy, Toda Power, H&R, Bilstein, Cusco, Tein, and any other brands offered in Speedlab. They also offer lubricants such as Motul and Eneos.

I know this is good news, but the Clark Speedway branch of Speedway coming this 2011. Looking forward to it!

Official Speedlab site:

A real Korean drama happened between North and South...

Check this news:

The revenge between North Korean and South Korea was so deadly, seeing it makes it more like a Korean drama happening.

So tearful...

Can't these two Korean countries stop fighting each other?

This is some kind of a Korean drama, even real...

We, as Filipinos, enjoyed most from South Korea; from Korean stars, singers, products, even cars with diesel engines (CRDi, e-VGT, R-diesel engine). We Filipinos must pray that the fight between North and South Korea must be stopped.

Monday, November 22, 2010

My Top Gear USA first impressions

It was cold Sunday night in Seattle, WA, when I flickered the remote to the History Channel just to watch the pilot episode of the North American version of the hit BBC car magazine show, Top Gear.

The first episode of Top Gear US came out on a good start. There was a challenge between a Dodge Viper and a Cobra attack chopper, a segment called "Big Star, Small Car" invites former astronaut Buzz Aldrin to drive the Suzuki SX4 crossover, and a challenge of the three bulls, that is, three raging Lambos; the Gallardo SuperLeggera, the special edition Gallardo Balboni, and the raging fast Murcielago Super Veloce.

Adam Ferrera, Tanner Foust, and Rutledge Wood are the American versions of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. Oh, and by the way, The Stig also shows up in Top Gear US. The Stig looks more original to the original UK version.

I'm impressed how the North American version of Top Gear turned out to be. Expect see more of them!

Official Top Gear America site:

Toyota New Ractis (NCP120/NCP125)/Verso-S

October 2010, at the Mondial D' Automobile (Paris Motor Show) in Paris, France, Toyota unveiled the Verso-S hatchback that is redesigned to take on other popular hatchbacks from Europe, including Euro-friendly Japanese compacts such as the Honda Fit/Jazz. In Japan, the Toyota Verso-S is known as the second-generation Toyota Ractis!


2011 Toyota Ractis


Now on its second-generation (chassis code: NCP120/NCP125), the new Toyota Ractis is all new ,inside and out, and retains its compact sizing, making it a perfect rival to the Honda Fit/Jazz, Mitsubishi Colt, Suzuki Swift, or even international ones like the Hyundai Getz/Click, Kia Morning/Picanto, BMW 1-Series, Opel Corsa, or even the Ford Fiesta. This new generation is designed to be somewhat European in the eyes of compact car consumers.


2011 Toyota Ractis


There are three styles to choose from the new Ractis (much like the Toyota Mark X's standard, premium, and sports type); the Standard Type (G, X) is the basic Ractis variant suitable for those who want it simple. The Ractis L'epice is designed to be the most stylish Ractis made for those who want a sense of style. The front of the Ractis L'epice looks more like a distorted smiley face. Last, but truly an enthusiasts' choice, is the Sports Type (Ractis S), which features every sporty detail such as the sporty headlamps, standard fog lamps, rear lamps similar to the Ractis L'epice, sporty rims, and a dark interior that is perfect to call the Sports Type the "Euro Answer" for the enthusiasts.

Under the hood, the new Ractis comes with two engine types; a 1NR-FE (1.3-litre) DOHC Dual VVT-i engine and the high performance 1NZ-FE (1.5-litre) DOHC VVT-i engine. The 1NR-FE engine is great for those who needed fuel economy because the fuel economy of this entry-level engine reaches 20.0km/L. For those who want more power than the 1NR-FE engine, the 1NZ-FE engine is truly an adventurers' type because of the power output of 109PS/6,000r.p.m. and the torque output of 14.1kg-m/4,400r.p.m. Most Ractis variants from the standard, L'epice, to the sports type, are equipped with the Super CVT-i for optimized fuel economy. This results for a greater 50% tax cut thanks to Japan's "Eco-Car Genzei" system.
Oh, and one more thing, the Sports Type comes with the paddle shifters that makes it a fun to drive Euro-Japanese compact.


2011 Toyota Ractis interior


The interior of the new Ractis is evolved to make it more European than the odd interior from the previous model. Even with the Ractis' interior evolved to suit the needs for the consumers, the comfort of being a compact car remains the same. The available auto aircon looks even more easier to operate. Cooling down or warming the interior made simpler on the new Ractis. On the driver's view, the new Ractis comes with the new optitron meters. The new available glass roof is the main attraction of the new Ractis. Once you checked inside the new Ractis, you'll never guess what will come next for this Euro-Japanese compact!

My thoughts about the Ractis:
I have a feeling that Fuji Heavy Industries are going to use the second-generation Ractis for their own version called the Trezia. As far as I know, the Trezia will look like this, a Ractis/Verso-S with the Impreza's face.

Anyway, before this Trezia comes out, feel free to enjoy the European goodness in this Euro-Japanese compact that will come out in Europe next year. Who knows, this new Ractis/Verso-S can come to the Philippines soon to take place from the ugly squarish Echo Verso (FunCargo). What comes if the next-generation Vitz/Yaris comes out?

The new Ractis is designed and engineered to be more European thanks to its European performance, European design, and European packaging. The new Ractis is truly a Japanese compact with the heart of Europe.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Sunday, November 21, 2010

K-On!! Character Image CD 1 - 5

With the success of the second season of K-On (K-On!!, 日本名: けいおん!!), Pony Canyon unveiled the second series of the K-On Character Image CD Series. This time, you can experience each of the Hokago Tea Time members' songs at the comfort of your own home. You can start at Yui Hirasawa and end it with Azusa Nakano, whatever floats your desire. Which of these is your type?

1) Yui Hirasawa (CV: Aki Toyosaki)


2) Mio Akiyama (CV: Yoko Hikasa)


3) Ritsu Tainaka (CV: Satomi Sato)


4) Tsumugi Kotobuki (CV: Minako Kotobuki)


5) Azusa Nakano (CV: Ayana Taketatsu)

THE BEST BANG!!

THE BEST BANG!!


Masaharu Fukuyama is much more of a talented TV star thanks to the TV shows, movies, and commercials made his appearance. He's also one of the coolest singers in the J-Pop world.

The best songs from Masaharu Fukuyama are here in this special compilation album packed with all of the favorite MasaFuku songs, including songs heard in Japanese commercials. It's a 4-disc collection of MasaFuku's best songs, keeping all the Masaharu Fukuyama fans craving more from Masaharu Fukuyama himself.

The fourth CD is a single CD, which includes 石塊のプライド from the latest Dunlop Tire commercial, and 心color ~a song for the wonderful year~ from the latest Toshiba Regza ad. Thanks to his endorsements, I guess this extra package scored us with some craving from one of the coolest Japanese personalities.

TRACK LISTINGS:

DISC ONE:
1. 追憶の雨の中/
2. 逃げられない
3. 約束の丘
4. HARD RAIN
5. Good night
6. MELODY
7. All My Loving
8. 遠くへ
9. 恋人
10. Marcy’s Song
11. IT’S ONLY LOVE
12. HELLO
13. Good Luck
14. Message
15. Heart
16. you

DISC TWO:
1. HEAVEN
2. Peach!!
3. Squall
4. Gang★
5. 桜坂
6. 蜜柑色の夏休み
7. 虹
8. ひまわり
9. それがすべてさ
10. 泣いたりしないで
11. RED×BLUE
12. あの夏も 海も 空も
13. milk tea
14. 東京にもあったんだ

DISC THREE:
1. THE EDGE OF CHAOS ~愛の一撃~
2. 明日の☆SHOW
3. 最愛
4. 想 -new love new world-
5. 化身
6. はつ恋
7. KISSして

DISC FOUR:
1. 心color ~a song for the wonderful year~
2. 石塊のプライド
3. 道標 2010
4. 心color ~a song for the wonderful year~ (Original Karaoke)
5. 石塊のプライド (Original Karaoke)
6. 道標 2010 (Original Karaoke)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1


Year: 2010

Filmmaker: Warner Bros.

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe
Emma Watson
Rupert Grint

As we all know, Deathly Hallows is the final chapter of the fan favorite Harry Potter series. Since this final chapter loads a lot of pages, Warner Bros. decided to split the movie adaptation into two parts. Part One was now showing in theaters and Part Two coming this Summer 2011. But first, let's explain how Part One looks like...

As Lord Voldemort gains power and took control of the Ministry of Magic, he's much more unstoppable. But only Harry, Ron, and Hermione can stop him. As the trio of best friends forced to drop out from Hogwarts, they must find the Horcruxes to stop Voldemort before the Dark Lord commence total world domination.

Part One packs a lot of magic and suspense, and also a loss of someone special as someone know it. Anyone noticed it what exactly happened at Part One?

This first half of the finale packs more visual effects most kids of all ages, especially HP nerds and newbies alike, surely love, and also the elements beyond good and evil is all part of this story.

After watching Part One, think you're ready to savor the last eight months of Harry-ism?! Good luck!

Melai's tips to survive the traffic boredom...

The November 20 episode of ABS-CBN's Banana Split superpoked us with another fresh batch of showbiz news from Balitang Siksik Showbiz Edition, some beerhouse end and restaurant jokes, "Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto" with the Banana Split boys, and a game of Huwag Kang Lilingon.

Also, Kuya Keem (John Prats) tells more about parties in "Mga Shorts ni Kuya Keem". Seems someone throwing a wild party, especially some gate crasher (Jason Francisco) showed up. The biggest gate crasher in the party is inventor Igor Stojokovic Krystic (Ryan Bang) with his "pillow in head" invention.

Also crashing the party is our favorite advice giver, Melai Cantiveros, for some tips to help you survive the dreaded traffic condition on M3: Melai Mo Magwork.

5) Be a windshield wiper during traffic conditions. Bring some cleaning utensils, then when traffic's getting worse, your windshield wiping job's getting bright.

4) Establish a mobile "sari-sari" store!

3) If its getting hotter, try to go sun-bathing on the car's hood!

2) If traffic's getting worse, a fast food delivery is an option. Time to order some snacks during a heavy traffic!

1) If you want to go to your destination during a heavy traffic, lock your car and walk through your destination.

"Traffic boredom? Who needs it?" if you follow Melai's top 5 tips on M3!