Third-generation Ford Escape

Just like the third-generation Ford Focus that sold globally, this all new, third generation Ford Escape is now ready to take on the world and show the rivals how does this American-made radical crossover capable of. For the first time, like the upcoming Fusion which will sold in the world market as the new Mondeo, the new Ford Escape will be sold as the new Kuga. This is part of the ONE FORD approach. The Ford design executive director of Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa, Martin Smith, said "Escape's athletic good looks are no accident. We wanted to create the impression of an athlete like a runner or swimmer in the new body - right down to the defined muscles that convey movement and energy."

2013 Ford Escape

Despite the athletic design, think of this as a third-generation Focus that has the back of the Hyundai Tucson iX because the front view does look like the new Focus while most of the body really look like the Hyundai Tucson iX! Who would knew such a thing? It's like some of the designers are Asian Americans! Anyway, I think this new model looks a bit more "Made in USA" rather than being a Tucson wannabe and it really looks, um...well let's be honest, feisty. That's right. It's a very feisty crossover you can park with pride at Los Angeles' Walt Disney Concert Hall.

2013 Ford Escape interior

On the interior, the Ford design DNA really spills it out on the new Ford Escape. A rather typical Ford interior, like the ones you seen at the Fiesta and the new Focus, provides a kinetic expression for the driver in each and every angle. Interior colors include Charcoal Black on Charcoal Black or Charcoal Black on Medium Light Stone. (Depending on the exterior color) The Ford Escape accommodates up to five people and with the rear seats folded down, it provides enhanced cargo capacity — 68.1 cu. ft. of space for luggage concerns. If you go for Ford's SYNC powered by Microsoft, you can take advantage of its eight-inch LCD center touch screen, a four-inch LCD screen located on the instrument cluster, dual USB ports and Wi-Fi® capability. SYNC allows you to use voice recognition, listening to music, hands-free calling, integrated SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link, EcoRoute, and everything to keep you interested while driving the new Escape. An optional Sony Audio System features 390 watts of power, 12 high-quality premium speakers and a dual-channel subwoofer. This is all about innovation made to achieve new heights.

2013 Ford Escape

The entry-level engine for the new Escape was the 2.5L Duratec iVCT I-4 engine that produces 168HP of power, 170lb.-ft of torque, 9.7:1 of compression ratio, and EPA estimated fuel mileage of 22 City / 31 Hwy. If you're not into this, you are now opted to choose one of two newly developed engines for the first time available for the new Ford Escape. First up, the 1.6L EcoBoost Ti-VCT GTDI I-4 engine that produces 178HP of power, 184lb.-ft of torque, 10.1:1 of compression ratio, and fuel mileage of 23 City / 33 Hwy. Lastly, the new 2.0L EcoBoost Ti-VCT GTDI I-4 engine produces 240HP of power, 270lb.-ft of torque, 9.3:1 of compression ratio, and fuel economy of 22 City / 30 Hwy. All of those are fitted with the 6-speed SelectShift transmission. EcoBoost-equipped Escapes do come with the optional Intelligent 4WD System that monitors traction and cornering conditions every 16 milliseconds and automatically adjusting torque distribution where needed. It comes with Torque Vectoring Control that enhances the G's by transferring torque to the wheels that have the most grip, making handling a bit more agile like a lightweight hatchback. This is like a big fat Focus but feeling like on a South Beach diet!

The new 3rd generation Escape comes with the active park assist, like most Fords, that allows the car to park by itself, making parking a hassle-free for the driver who's getting to have his or her neck broken for spending most of the time turning his or her head to the rear side. Hands-free parking is the same thing you'd expect from the SPAS fitted on modern Hyundais! Who would knew such a thing?! Another safety feature is the optional BLIS® with cross-traffic alert that detects blind zones and alerts you to incoming cross traffic while you are slowly backing out of a driveway or parking spot.

Available colors are; Ginger Ale, Tuxedo Black, Deep Impact Blue, Frosted Glass, Ingot Silver, Kodiak Brown, Oxford White, Ruby Red, Sterling Gray, and White Platinum.

My comment:

The design of the all new 2013 Escape really makes you want to park with pride outside Los Angeles' Walt Disney Concert Hall but sorry. This isn't for you. There are a lot of other cars who can do the job much better. But the Ford team chose another route to show the Escape's true potential. Nope, it's not the streets of Sydney, not the Italian autostrada, not the Autobahn, and neither is the Swiss. It's TRANSFAGARASAN. Yep, Transfagarasan highway. I really wish I want to put the new Ford Escape on the twists and turns of Transfagarasan, just to show how good it really is thanks to its Torque Vectoring Control and the optional 4WD.

With this whole Transfagarasan idea wasn't part of my imagination, this new Escape may have as well park with pride at the suburbs or at the kiddie playground. Sadly then, it's cool if you're a soccer or a tiger mom. Prices start from 22,795 up to 30,695 US Dollars so on paper, the base model is much more affordable than the idiotic Chevy Equinox! To be clear; IT'S CHEAPER THAN THE NEW EQUINOX!! STICK WITH IT!

Photo: Ford Motor Company

"Hanggang saan aabot ang Twenty Pesos mo?"

In the May 19, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang;

- Three young girls revealed themselves as Lesbians

- "Puputulan ng kuryente" gags

- PICKUP LINES with Bisugo, Dahon, and Boy Pick Up!

Veux-Tu M'Epouser?

1) Sa tingin ko, magkakadiabetes ako. Kasi, sobrang tamis ng ngiti mo!!

2) Alam mo, ang pagibig mo para sa'yo ay parang isang assingment na kinopya. Kasi hindi ko maitindihan. Yung lang yon!

3) Surgeon ka ba? Kasi ikaw lang ang nakapagbukas ng puso ko!!

4) Ulam ka ba? Kasi, tulo laway ako sa'yo!

5) Alam ko, kahit hindi ako sikat, parang ang laki ng ulo ko. Kasi ikaw lang ang laman nito eh...

6) Ang sarap mong sigurong halikan. Kasi, ang Ingles ng trak ay truck!

7) Busy ka ba bukas? Kasi kung hindi, magpakasal na tayo!

8) Hindi ka magsisi kapag ako ang minahal mo. Kasi ang pangalan ng poodle ko ay Jamabelle!

- Hanggang saan aabot ang Twenty pesos mo? Bubble Gang does Selecta Cornetto White Chocolate by spoofing this commercial as Selesta Surenetto White Chocolate! Sarap ng P20!

Bubble Gang does Selecta Cornetto

- Everybody has complaints about the wrong TULI...

- IyoTube

- Idiots protesting at the barber shop

- James Wang rushes to the hospital to investigate a woman killed by an unknown assailant...

- more TULI or NOT TULI where several cuts are mentioned to the complaints...

Welcome Back: 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTi MK6 and 2010 Volkswagen Golf R

In XTM's Top Gear Korea, the standard Volkswagen Golf VI served as the reasonably priced car. Guests include Alex, Ahn Jae-Mo, Ryu Soo-Young, Boom, Ha Ha, Tony, Song Sun Mi, Huh Gak, and others pushed the Golf too hard to get their best possible lap times. Even Top Gear Korea host and touring car racer, Kim Jin Pyo, pushed this too hard. Surely, there will be more Korean celebs pushing the Golf for the top of the Top Gear Korea track.

These cars though, are not the Volkswagen Golf but rather they are Volkswagen Golfs with new brains and pumped up muscles. They started out in life as the Volkswagen Golf VI but since then, both of them are sport oriented for the enthusiasts in mind.

This is the Golf GTi...

...and this is the Golf R.

First was the Volkswagen Golf VI GTi, it still has the legendary GTi heritage dating back in the 70's and it's pumped up with the 2.0L engine that produces 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) of power, 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) of torque, 0-60mph time of 6.9 seconds and top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph). Surely, the GTi is one heck of a popular choice for the Volkswagen fans worldwide not only because of its heritage, but also for its sensible performance. It was one of my favorite Volkswagens ever made but when it comes to performance, I think the Golf VI GTi never won my heart because there was one kind of Golf that really won my heart because it was much of a tamed version of the GTi.

The Golf VI R is known to be the most powerful Golf ever made thanks to its improved 2.0L TSi engine that produces 270 PS (199 kW; 266 hp) of power, 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) of torque, 0-60m time of 5.7 seconds and top speed limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). What's surprising that the Golf R is packed with the 4Motion all-wheel drive system that no longer requires a difference in speeds between the front and rear axles thanks to some electric pump is used to build pressure. This car then really eat my Golf GTi Mk6 for breakfast but how? Let's compare both of these with a little time attack at the Top Gear Test Track...

Our Golf GTi Mk6 did it in 1:32.891 while the Golf VI R did it in 1:29.063 so on paper then, the Golf R really is quicker than the Golf GTi with such a huge gap to fill it in by other cars. But still, I can't deny that both the GTi and the R really worked out their magic of being track wolves in sheep's clothing. They may be mild but menacing.

A Taste of Venom

Hennessey Performance Engineering, a Texas-based tuning company specialized on creating one of the finest tuned cars in America. It was founded in 1991 by John Hennessey, whose competitive spirit, engineering creativity, and burning desire made him creative to create fast cars out of them. His first project was modifying the Mitsubishi GTO, which participated in various events that included Nevada open road races, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb and a record setting 173-mph run at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Later on, Hennessey tunes some of the finest Japanese sports cars such as the Toyota Supra and the Mazda RX-7 until in 1993, Hennessey Performance challenged themselves by modifying Dodge Vipers that made him competitive in similar events. His creation, the Hennessey Venom 500 Viper was born and the 163mph beast in the Silver State Challenge attracted much attention. The year 2005 saw Hennessey Performance pushed further with the goal to tune the Ford GT into something capable of shattering the 200mph barrier. With several years later of tuning success, the one man tuning firm became a 30-employee company located at a 30,000-square foot facility off Interstate 10 about 45 minutes west of Houston. Out of Hennessey's finest tuned machines, one car stands out among the rest...

A Taste of Venom

It's called the Venom GT, Hennessey's pride and joy that is based on the Lotus Exige and powered by the turbocharged version of the engine that powers the Corvette ZR1. Beware of its venomous looks and its quirky handling that will become extremely lethal even the slightest mistake. This is getting more dangerous to drive than the Koenigsegg CCX, just, faster than the original Bugatti Veyron, and this Venom shouldn't be called a Venom. This is a potential Devil car you can buy for a million pounds. Sounds explosive but just how "Devil" is this real-life Devil car?

The Devil wears "Lotus Elise"

Simple, just like the Noble M600 we tried a few months ago that has three adjustable modes that you can choose from 450HP up to 650HP, the Hennessey Venom GT also has three adjustable power modes but this time, hairy-chested drivers have the choice to drive it at 800 bhp, 1,000 bhp & 1,200 bhp. On the maximum power mode, it will get 1,155 lb-ft of torque and it has a power to weight ratio of 767.23 hp per ton or 2.61 lbs / hp. In Top Gear math, this is more powerful than the Bugatti Veyron! Oh, speaking of "more powerful than the Bugatti Veyron", hear this; 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds and 0-200mph in 15.3 sec. (Bugatti Veyron = 24.2 sec.) Here you go. One simple science lesson that the power to weight ratio of the Venom GT is more powerful than the Bugatti Veyron, making it a formidable for you wouldn't want to see one at your rear view mirror.

When I first tried the Hennessey Venom GT, this Lotus-based hypercar is just too hyper. This car is way too fast and very very difficult to drive. It only works if you are hairy-chested or brave enough to tame the venom within your veins. When you put your foot in the pedal, your body becomes extremely drunk with power and soon, you will become enslaved to the Venom GT's powerrr!!! POWERRRRR!!!! It turns experienced drivers into a prisoner of its kind where he can't escape the Venom GT and if you overstuck the mark, even slightly, it will kill you, harshly. It will always harass you more than the Koenigsegg CCX and worse of all, your experience to the ride quality of the Venom feels like you've been stabbed by the knife.

The killer handling is what made
the Venom GT special...

The Hennessey Venom GT demands FEAR and RESPECT among the hairy-chested of the car enthusiasts, even those Forza Faithfuls who got their hands on the star attraction of the May Top Gear Pack, which is now on sale. If you've been harassed by someone driving a Venom GT, your best bet is to surrender now unless you find something to exorcise this car on the track. If your in the Venom GT, be warned that the devilish exterior and the harassing cornering is truly a WORK OF A "Le Crinale" or "The Devil" (sorry about this...) and if it happened just like Stig crashed the Koenigsegg CCX, I don't care because the devil's already got you as his prey. Yep, the Venom GT is somewhat the kind of car you will be stuffed. If only someone as brave as The Stig, would be wise to choose it.

The cone...already harassed by the Venom GT

This car really harassed me...a lot. But being harassed by the Venom GT's looks and handling is just what makes it special.

Let's Do The News! (May 16, 2012)

So, the Mitsubishi RVR, the Citroen C4 Aircross, and the Peugeot 4008. Are they really are different even though they were from the same path?

It certainly is, even though their interiors are different. The performance is what really mattered for these. The RVR currently has the newly developed 4J10 MIVEC engine with the new Auto Stop & Go feature, an idling stop function which is Mitsubishi's first. The C4 Aircross and the 4008 however, didn't have that kind because they offer in diesel engines mated with a 6-speed manual. The C4 Aircross has a 1.6L engine while the 4008 doesn't. That's what differ from each other.

So, the question is, which of these three do you prefer? The Mitsubishi RVR? The Citroen C4 Aircross? Or the Peugeot 4008?

I'm afraid I can't answer that question but anyway, it is now time to do the news!

Right, and we will begin with a little something. Now, Kotobukiya, one of the finest toymakers based in Japan, they've launched another one of their IDOLM@STER figures. They announced the new Miki Hoshii -Angelic Island- figure, which will go on sale this September with the 8,190 Japanese Yen pricing.

URL: http://main.kotobukiya.co.jp/figure/pvc/im_hosiimiki.html

This is the 2nd Kotobukiya IDOLM@STER figure ever made. The first one was the Makoto Kikuchi figure, which will be on sale this August.

Mmmm...Mmmmm....mmmmm!!! That Miki Hoshii, surely is one of my favorites. You can't deny how cute she is.

Whoa there buddy. You're getting obsessed with her?

(laughing)

What? No! I mean yes! I mean no! That's not what I meant! I really really liked this figure but this Kotobukiya-made Miki Hoshii figure, it's a bit too bland. I would rather prefer the Beach Queens Miki Hoshii figure because it looks good, I can't deny it.

Okay....Why don't you pre-order those and find out?

(laughing)

Anyway, forget figure hijinks. I got noticed by someone from Toyota that Gazoo Racing modified the Toyota 86 into something a bit more highbrow...

GRMN SPORTS FR Concept

Some say, this is the GRMN SPORTS FR Concept, and this is based on the Toyota 86. They've put some kind of twincharger that Toyota remains it secret. Yep, nobody knows what's behind this twincharger but who knows? This is like Polo GTi technology...

(laughing)

Anyway, word from Toyota is that the 86-based SPORTS FR Concept will be displayed at this year's Nurburgring 24 Hour Race.

Honestly, that 86-based GRMN SPORTS FR Concept, it doesn't look similar from the Toyota FT86 G Sports Concept but this one's way too better, just, way more better from the Subaru BRZ STi Concept from Los Angeles last year. What I like about this GRMN SPORTS FR Concept is that this is some kind of Toyota 86 and Lexus LFA crashed into one.

(laughing)

Uh-huh...Looks like it...

Anyway, the Renault Espace, currently on its longest running 4th generation, it seems that Renault won't giving up this popular people carrier that a certain Top Gear episode turned an Espace into a convertible people carrier.

(laughing)

Instead, they give this old chap a mild minor change thanks to its new Renault trademark face. Here's the pic...

2013 Renault Espace

No much info yet for now but Renault says that they will have more info in the 3rd quarter of 2012.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/05/renault-gives-espace-people-carrier.html

The 2013 Espace is standing tall despite being too old. Heh, no wonder Renault's trying to keep this rubbish people carrier a little longer by giving it a mild makeover. That seems to be a bit too old-fashioned... But there's something that is not old fashioned as this...

2013 Toyota Estima

2013 Toyota Estima interior

2013 Toyota Estima Hybrid

2013 Toyota Estima Hybrid interior

It's the 2013 Toyota Estima and the 2013 Toyota Estima Hybrid. This is the second time they've facelifted the third generation Toyota Estima. New exterior look, refreshed interior, same performance.

Scoop: http://paultan.org/2012/05/15/toyota-estima-mpv-gets-a-new-facelift-for-2012/

Yep. Same performance, you would still expect the unchanged 2.4L, 3.5L V6, and a Hybrid version that carries a 2.4L engine with Toyota Hybrid System II. Prices ranged from 2,750,000 Japanese Yen to 5,137,000 Japanese Yen.

Uh, the Toyota Estima seems to be more good looking than the Espace but let's not forget that the Estima is also sold in countries like Australia (as Tarago), Taiwan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, and China. I don't see countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia on their list. So...

So...

So...

This situation is the same as the other Japanese MPVs but the most annoying people that...

(ahem) 

Oh. What did I say?

Remember what I told you?

Oh...Sorry. Let's forget about this and let's move on...

Right!

2013 Nissan Cima

Next week, Nissan will be selling the all new 2013 Nissan Cima and I got some interesting news. A few moments ago, I got reports that the Nissan Fuga Y51 will be sold at Mitsubishi dealerships this summer as the new Proudia (nope, not the one that was the old Hyundai Equus). Now, it gets even more interesting that the Nissan Cima Y51 will be coming at Mitsubishi dealerships as the new Mitsubishi Dignity.

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/1062906/

(ooohh)

In case you don't know, the Dignity is somewhat the long wheel base variant of the Mitsubishi Proudia. Ugh....This is getting be rather confusing about this but I got reports that this new Mitsubishi Dignity will come in Japan this summer. (God help us)

Anyway, here comes Sebastian Vettel's kung fu movie, courtesy of Infiniti. Check out KUNG FU VETTEL: DRIVE OF THE DRAGON starring Celina Jade and Sebastian Vettel.

About the RS1800:

The RS1800 was based on the Mark II Ford Escort for the European market (1975-1980). It was essentially made for rally racing but road-legal versions are proven to be a classic rarity for car enthusiasts. Mk. II Escorts have a reputation for its undefeated run at the RAC rally from 1975 to 1979, winning a host of events worldwide. In the 1979 WRC season, Bjorn Waldegard, who drove a RS1800 rally car, won the driver's title. 2nd-placer Hannu Mikkola and 5th placer Ari Vatanen were also driving rally-spec RS1800's.

In 1981, Ari Vatanen drives a rally-spec RS1800 and won the driver's title. Despite the debut of the formidable Audi sport quattro, Ford became part of the best three in the manufacturer's championship 6 times in a row.

Anyway. No time for history lessons. Our RS1800 Escort did it in...

1:38.950

So, a little please and thank you goes a long way for the Ford Escort RS1800. This car gave it all it can for the sake of the S15 in my collection and this is much like the others. Everyone, treat the RS1800 Escort with the respect it deserves.

Anyway, a quick update on the FM4 Porsche DLC Pack so far...

2010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic

2010 Porsche Boxster S

1955 Porsche 550 Spyder

1970 Porsche 914/6

2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997)

1995 Porsche 911 GT2

2004 Porsche 911 GT3 (996)

1987 Porsche 959

2010 Porsche Panamera Turbo

1989 Porsche 944 Turbo

2008 Porsche #2 Gruppe Orange Racing 911 GT3 Cup

2005 Porsche #31 Petersen-White Lightning 911 GT3-RSR (996)

1987 Porsche #17 Racing Porsche AG 962c

2007 Porsche #80 Flying Lizard 911 GT3-RSR

2008 Porsche #16 Dyson Racing RS Spyder Evo

2011 Porsche #54 Black Swan Racing 911 GT3 Cup

2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo 

2011 Porsche #45 Flying Lizard 911 GT3-RSR 

2011 Porsche #17 Team Falken 911 GT3-RSR

2012 Porsche Cayman R

Earlier, they placed the new Cayman R on the list. That makes it five out of the seven new Porsches coming on Forza Motorsport 4. Which means, there's only two slots left. God help us...If they mentioned another GT3-RSR or by any chance, the GT3 RS 4.0, there won't be room for the 2013 Boxster or the 2012 911 (991) Carrera S. I just hope that Turn 10 Studios should be putting those because I really want to see the new Boxster and the new 911 on the list. If that wouldn't work out or if they put something, this Porsche DLC Pack on Forza 4 may have as well criticized for not having the new Boxster and the new 911 on their list. GOD HELP US!

Anyway, be happy that the Panamera Turbo's on the list. The recently announced 1989 Porsche 944 Turbo makes it nice because back in Clarkson's DVD, Thriller, Jeremy Clarkson added some homemade rocket launcher on the Porsche 944; combining horsepower and firepower. (LOLZ)

And that's the news! We'll leave you with some greatest commercial hits made by Surf Reyes.

Peugeot 4008

Some say this is the Mitsubishi RVR but it isn't. Its the Mitsubishi RVR's French cousins; the Peugeot 4008 and the Citroen C4 Aircross. This isn't the first time the French carmakers using underpinnings from Mitsubishi. Back in 2007, PSA Peugeot-Citroen collaborated with Mitsubishi Motors for their own versions of the Mitsubishi Outlander crossover known as the Peugeot 4007 and the Citroen C-Crosser. In 2010, they did it again by turning the all-electric Mitsubishi i MiEV into a Peugeot iOn and the Citroen C-Zero. The Citroen C4 Aircross and the Peugeot 4008 are somewhat to be the third difficult album about a partnership between PSA Peugeot-Citroen and Mitsubishi Motors.

2013 Peugeot 4008

2013 Peugeot 4008

This Peugeot equivalent of the Mitsubishi RVR, the 4008, is the better looking of the triplets. It's just as better looking than the C4 Aircross and the RVR, just, it's much more fun to see than looking at a Scottish actress in her black Mizuno racing swimwear, and it doesn't have a petrol engine like the Citroen Aircross. This 4008 is the thinking man's crossover, a smaller brother to the Peugeot 3008 crossover which gives them some choices for Peugeot's crossover lineup consists of the 4008, the 3008, and the new 508 RXH. Peugeot's design DNA really perfected the 4008's credentials and judging by the way it looks, it's just right. This is just like a young woman in her Mizuno racing swimwear armed to the teeth with her P90, a Five-seveN, combat knife, and a dose of stun grenades. That's why I like this 4008's exterior because it's very feisty to look at.

2013 Peugeot 4008 interior

The interior is just RVR-ish because you would expect the Mitsubishi-favorite Rockford Fosgate audio and navigation system, an optional panoramic roof, seating for five, foldable rear seats, and that's about it. Nothing's different when it comes to the 4008's interior because, again, this is just a Mitsubishi RVR in Peugeot's clothing.

2013 Peugeot 4008

Unlike the Citroen C4 Aircross, which has a 1.6i petrol engine, an HDi 115 diesel, and the HDi 150 diesel engine, the new Peugeot 4008 has two variants such as 1.6L HDi FAP 115ch BVM6 and a 1.8L HDi FAP 150ch BVM6. That's right. There is no petrol engine available on the 4008, serving this as a major difference. You can also expect the Drive Mode Selector, which provides the driver three different modes to choose from such as 2WD for better fuel economy, 4WD Auto for traction, and 4WD Lock where you want to take it on tarmac, gravel, and snow, even in the rain.

Available exterior colors are Blanc Antartique, Gris Cool Silver, Noir Perle, Gris Thorium, and White Pearl.

My comment:

It's amazing that the Peugeot 4008 is much more better looking than the Mitsubishi RVR and the Citroen C4 Aircross even though they're on the same platform and having the same interior look. I can't deny that the 4008 is a better looking compact crossover, a proper Nippon-French cooperation since...ermmm...ever. Sadly, I think that the partnership between PSA Peugeot-Citroen and Mitsubishi Motors' a bit on a problem because PSA Peugeot-Citroen found a new partner, which is General Motors. The 4008, which is one of the PSA-Mitsubishi co-op, won't be available as a right-hand drive and sadly, the 4008 is NOT coming in United Kingdom. Sorry...

Photo: PSA Peugeot-Citroen

Citroen C4 Aircross

Some say this is the Mitsubishi RVR but it isn't. Its the Mitsubishi RVR's French cousins; the Peugeot 4008 and the Citroen C4 Aircross. This isn't the first time the French carmakers using underpinnings from Mitsubishi. Back in 2007, PSA Peugeot-Citroen collaborated with Mitsubishi Motors for their own versions of the Mitsubishi Outlander crossover known as the Peugeot 4007 and the Citroen C-Crosser. In 2010, they did it again by turning the all-electric Mitsubishi i MiEV into a Peugeot iOn and the Citroen C-Zero. The Citroen C4 Aircross and the Peugeot 4008 are somewhat to be the third difficult album about a partnership between PSA Peugeot-Citroen and Mitsubishi Motors.

2013 Citroen C4 Aircross

2013 Citroen C4 Aircross

The Citroen C4 Aircross is just rather a spin-off of the Citroen C4. Remember, despite the naming, it doesn't share some of the components of the second generation Citroen C4. What you expect underneath on the Citroen C4 Aircross is actually a Mitsubishi RVR from Citroen's point of view. Imagine if you try to put your Citroen C4 Aircross at your nearest Mitsubishi service center and chances are that they might think you're driving an RVR. In true French fashion, the Citroen C4 Aircross do come with a very quirky design DNA that truly expresses the brand's "Creative Technologie" slogan.

2013 Citroen C4 Aircross interior

On the interior, well, the C4 Aircross really looked the same as the Mitsubishi RVR. You would still expect getting the Mitsubishi-favorite Rockford Fosgate audio and navigation system, an optional panoramic roof, seating for five, foldable rear seats, and that's about it. Play a game of "Dashboard Spot the Difference" between the two and you would expect that there is only one change occurred; the steering wheel.

2013 Citroen C4 Aircross

The Citroen C4 Aircross has three engines available; a 1.6i petrol engine, an HDi 115 diesel, and the HDi 150 diesel engine. At first, the C4 Aircross is FF but with optional 4WD, you'll have the Drive Mode Selector, which provides the driver three different modes to choose from such as 2WD for better fuel economy, 4WD Auto for traction, and 4WD Lock where you want to take it on tarmac, gravel, and snow, even in the rain.

Back on the engine types. The 1.6i petrol engine produces 115PS of power, 154Nm of torque, 0-100kph in 11.3 seconds and top speed of 182kph. This engine has a combined fuel economy of 5.9L/100km and CO2 emissions of 135g/km. Onto the HDi 115 diesel, this has 112PS of power and 270Nm of torque. A Citroen C4 Aircross HDi 115 with 2WD will have a combined fuel economy of 4.6L/100km and 119g/km of CO2 emissions. A Citroen C4 Aircross HDi 115 with 4WD will have a combined fuel economy of 4.9L/100km and 129g/km. On the much powerful HDi 150, this produces 150PS of power and 300Nm of torque. With 2WD, expect a combined fuel economy of 5.4L/100km and 142g/km of CO2 emissions. With 4WD, you should expect 5.6L/100km of fuel economy and a
CO2 emission of 147g/km. The 1.6i petrol will have a 5-speed manual and HDi models will have a 6-speed manual.

Exterior colors are; Blanc Antarctique opaque, Gris Cool Silver metallise, Noir Perle nacre, Rouge Chili's metallise, Brun Mangaro metallise, Gris Papyrus metallise, Gris Titanium metallise, and Blanc nacre.

My comment:


Yes, the Citroen C4 Aircross is just a Mitsubishi RVR altered and edited to be sold in Citroen dealerships in Europe but terribly sorry, the C4 Aircross won't be made for right hand drive use and terribly, it won't be coming to the United Kingdom. Like the C-Crosser and the C-Zero, don't expect this one coming to Japan, but what the heck? It's just a Mitsubishi. A Mitsubishi RVR perhaps a little bit different when it comes to the outside and the performance figures.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

Remembering the Civic Type R...

So, the Civic Type R, one of the most respectable and the most memorable high-performance version of the tuner's favorite car, the Honda Civic. It was one of the best Hondas ever made to capture the mass audience of noise-making boys in their baseball caps, tattoos, piercings, jerseys, and low rider jeans. Punks to you. Anyway, how about tackling down on memory lane of the three Civic Type R's that revolutionized the world as the punk-friendly sports car only punks want to make noise on the neighborhood.

The EK9 tries to redeem itself on the road...

...and on the track

The EK9, the Civic Type R that started it all, became a phenomenon when it came out in Japan since 1997. Even though generations changed, rest assured that the EK9 is still the grandfather of the Civic Type R story. It was based on the 6th generation EK Civic and it draws inspiration from its big brother, the legendary Integra Type R. It has a B16B VTEC engine that produces 185HP of power and the chassis was made of monocoque for enhanced rigidity. On the inside, you might expect red Recaro sports seats, titanium shift knob, Momo steering wheel, and other Type R essentials that joyriders loved. The EK9 Type R is still, by far most, the best Type R ever built because those young punks in their baseball hats and their breath smells like cigarettes. If Yosi Kadiri was a driver, this is what he's driving...

Whoa! British Type R gone crazy at Suzuka!

The EP3 Civic Type R is a different kind of Civic Type R. It was first introduced in the United Kingdom since 2001, where it was manufactured in Swindon, England. Swindon...That's where former Doctor Who actress Billie Piper lived... (heh) Anyway, even though the EP3 Type R was made and sold in Britain, Japan imported this and retained some of the EK9 essentials such as the Limited Slip Differential and the red Recaro seats. It now uses the K20A 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC engine that produces 212HP of power and it comes with different intake manifold, exhaust manifold, higher-lift camshafts, higher-compression pistons, chrome-moly flywheel and ECU programming.

The EP3 Type R gained much praise from the motoring journalists in Britain. It won HOT HATCH OF THE YEAR awards more the once from Top gear, Fifth Gear, and What Car?

In 2004, an updated version was released and it comes with revised power steering, improved suspension, halogen headlamps, lighter clutch, flywheel assembly, and so on. It was made to address the criticisms include understeer on the limit, numb steering, and lack of low end torque.

FD2 crosses through the Honda headquarters...

This is the last Civic Type R in its existence in Japan, the FD2 Civic Type R. This was launched in 2007 as a 4-door sedan only for the first time while the hatchback version, the FN2, was sold only in Europe but later launched in Japan since 2009 as the Civic Type R Euro. It still has the K20A engine that became sacred to Honda fans everywhere but this time, 222HP of power, more than the Type R Euro we tried from a rival video game. The suspension is heavily tweaked, handling is hydraulic, modest aerodynamics, superb chassis, and this FD2 Type R is much more agile than the European FN2. It will go 0-60mph in under 6 seconds and it will go on up to 160mph. Really? The speedo reads up to 180kph like what most Japanese cars have.

Most car enthusiasts like to find out the 0-100kph time of Japanese cars but the Japanese car culture don't care about 0-100kph time, power to weight, top speed and so on. They'll only focused more on CVTs, fuel economy, JC08, 10-15 Mode, safety features, blah blah blah blah blah. All Japanese cars have speedos that read up to 180kph and that's it. About the Civic Type R, this is becoming more of a punk favorite. Joyriders stole them, villains use them as getaway cars, and insurance charged them with premiums. The Civic Type R is more of a high speed safety hazard or rather an invitation to break the law. The Civic Type R is a car made for criminals and some say, this is a nuisance to the neighborhood because of the extremely loud noise coming out from the Civic's muffler, like what most Honda sports cars do all the time.

Whatever, at least the Civic Type R is dead now and as told, the 9th generation Civic is not available in Japan. Yep, the Honda Civic is dead. CIVIC IS DEAD.

Welcome Back: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

A very different approach...

The Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, a muscle car disguised as a premium sedan made from Sindelfingen, Germany. Eh...Don't worry, I saw the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG in one episode of Top Gear alongside the 5th generation Chevrolet Camaro, as reviewed by Richard Hammond. Anyway, it may not be more of a muscle, it still acts like a muscle even though this has a 6.2L V8 engine mounted on it. When The Stig got his hands full on the E63 AMG, it lapped a 1:24.9 lap time at the Top Gear Test Track. It's a remarkable German muscle in disguise, faster than the Lotus Evora or a Lamborghini Gallardo.

Despite that this is the potent E63 AMG, it's still the W212 E-Class that I know. The kind of car you would want to get from Everest Hills to De La Salle Zobel, making it an epic long-distance cruiser. A grand touring premium sedan blessed with the technology it deserves. I was more than happy to take the wheel of the W212 E-Class, in E63 AMG guise, because the design was just elegant unlike any other. Like most AMG models in their 6.3 AMG designation offered on Forza 4, the E63 AMG do come with the SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed for faster shifts and with traction control off, I may as well smoke all day long. The E63 AMG though may not as been dynamic as the Cadillac CTS-V but its still a proper all-round German muscle that tears down corners like scissors. Some say that the CTS-V sedan is no match to the E63 AMG because by due consideration and some Motor Trend article, the E63 AMG trounced the CTS-V. Yes, the CTS-V sedan is better than the M5 in corners and quicker than the Jaguar XFR in a drag race but when the CTS-V faced against the E63 AMG, they were close. It maybe as expensive than the CTS-V sedan but we're calling it a winner to the E63 AMG because, well, let's be honest that the king of super sedans has been dethroned, for now....

Let's Do The News (May 13, 2012)

Let's Do The News! Anyway because it's Mother's Day, we like to take a peek at one of the Top Gear flashbacks from the past, which involve Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May brought their mothers to test drive the Renault Modus, Peugeot 1007, and the Honfa Fit (Jazz).

The Top Gear Mum Run episode? Wow, good thinking. Good thinking that the Top Gear hosts brought their mommies to do the test drive for them. He he he...

Anyway, care to take a look at this...

This is the MINI that ends all MINIs. The 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP is the most powerful MINI ever made thanks to its Nurburgring lap time of 8 minutes and 23 seconds. This car is limited to 2000 units worldwide but specific output was 100 kW/136 hp per litre of displacement. Still less details for now...

Read: http://www.netcarshow.com/mini/2013-john_cooper_works_gp/

Oh, a Mini that done better in the Nurburgring? Now that's an elite MINI. I so wanna have one.

Really? Imagine parking this car at the Monte Carlo casino, that would be totally absurd to see a hot hatch parked. This wasn't made to park at the Monte Carlo casino, this Nurburgring-honed rascal is made to hone its skills on the toughest corners. Overall, I think this is going to be the most uncomfortable MINI I have ever driven in my life...

I would rather go for this...

The BMW M135i, part of the new BMW M Performance vehicles but its not just that, this was based on the new 3-door version of the new BMW 1-Series...

Read: http://www.netcarshow.com/bmw/2013-m135i/

Read: http://www.netcarshow.com/bmw/2013-1-series_3-door/

That is the most absurd looking 1-Series I have ever saw in my life but the M135i version really did well, making it the only FR hot hatch you can find in Europe. It has a straight six-cylinder engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology, delivers a maximum power output of 235 kW/320 hp at 5 800 rpm.

(ooohh)

So is it quick?

Let's see... 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds (automatic: 4.9 seconds) and reaches a top speed of 155mph - the top limit permitted by the vehicle's electronic speed control system.

Yeah, as a poster, it is quick. Anyway, what if I don't want a quick hot hatch and I want something practical for the average European family? Take a look at this...

The brand new 2013 3-Series Touring from BMW. Same as the current-gen 3-Series but with added luggage space at the back. This estate version kinda suits this classification.

Read: http://www.netcarshow.com/bmw/2013-3-series_touring/

Uh, actually, I'm not into this...I'm actually so not into this...I may not more of a soccer mom (or dad) myself but this actually wasn't for me. That BMW 3-Series Touring wasn't being my perennial favorite but I can't deny that this new model is actually done well like the sedan version.

Anyway, let's talk F1. The Spanish GP held at Circuit de Catalunya was packed with thrills. Guess who won the Spanish GP at Catalunya? Williams-Renault's own Pastor Maldonado!

Scoop: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2012/5/13347.html

HOLY S#%@! This 2012 Formula One race is getting the scrambles. In Australia, Jenson Button won. Then in Malaysia, Fernando Alonso takes the prize. Later in China, Nico Rosberg takes the lead. In Bahrain, they got Sebastian Vettel. Now, in Spain, it's the time for Maldonado to shine! This is spiraling out of control! Who's still in the lead?

A 1st-place tie between Vettel and Alonso with 61 points. Then, Hamilton's left with 53 points. This is getting more of a catch-up to be honest. Finding the winner for this year's F1 season will be difficult. Very very difficult...

Yeah right...Let's move on...

Anyway, THE BIGGEST GAME SHOW IN THE WORLD ASIA is finally over. We've seen the Philippines pushed too hard against Indonesians, Thais, and Vietnamese. Sadly, I'm too short for words but I'll explain who made it. For 3rd place, it's a two-way tie between Indonesia and Thailand. We, the Philippines, made it in 2nd place, which is not bad. And Vietnam hailed as the champion of THE BIGGEST GAME SHOW IN THE WORLD ASIA. Congratulations to all of you and congratulations to the Philippines for achieving 2nd place in THE BIGGEST GAME SHOW IN THE WORLD ASIA.

(applause)

Yes, we never know they made it this far, they pushed too hard, and they give everything they got. We may have beaten the Indonesians and Thais but that's just the beginning. Again, congrats to the Indonesians, Thais, Filipinos, and Vietnamese for winning THE BIGGEST GAME SHOW IN THE WORLD ASIA. You guys really did well. I was wrong. I'd never knew they made it that far.

(applause)

Thank you TV5 for the coverage of THE BIGGEST GAME SHOW IN THE WORLD ASIA! Speaking of which. Joy of joys that Top Gear (UK) won the Honorary Rose Award at the Rose D’Or Festival, held in Lucerne. They really are ambitious, factual, and successful! But rubbish...

Scoop: http://transmission.blogs.topgear.com/2012/05/11/international-acclaim-for-top-gear/

Rubbish? Don't say that. You should be thankful that Top Gear has won the award!

(applause) (laughing)

Yeah. This is an achievement. An achievement where Top Gear's going anywhere and show the world their trophy for gloating. They really are BAD WINNERS. A modest win for the hit BBC motoring TV show hosted by the dimmest of morons.

Uh...what's that I'm not hearing?

What's that I'm hearing about?

What is it?

What?

Anyone?

Oh! I got reports that there's going to be a live-action movie of the horror novel that inspired an TV anime a few months ago titled "Another".

Take a look...

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-05-12/live-action-film-trailer-of-horror-novel-another-posted

Says here that Kento Yamazaki (Control Tower) plays lead protagonist Koichi Sakakibara alongside Ai Hashimoto (Confessions, Avatar) as Mei Misaki, the mysterious girl whose eye-patch hides a secret.

Another...that anime aired in Japan since January 2012...I really didn't like it. I really didn't like the storyline but anyway, that is terrifying.

Terrifying than what?

Ugh...uh...um...ah...never mind. 

(laughing)

Anyway, something's bothering us that I saw Prince Charles doing a weather report for BBC Scotland.

(laughing)

No, it's true! Prince Charles does the weather forecast in BBC Scotland! We have some footage of it...

YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE HOW COULD THAT HAPPENED? A member of a royal family downgraded to a weather reporter?

(laughing)

Well actually, Prince Charles made a special appearance when he visited BBC Scotland's HQ in Pacific Quay, Glasgow. The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay met the staff during the tour to celebrate BBC Scotland's 60th year.

BBC Scotland...hmmm...Wasn't that the BBC Alba?

No. It's different. BBC Alba is all Gaelic. BBC Scotland is different because they speak English. BBC Alba is sometimes speaking English but mostly speaking Gaelic.

Um, Ms. Karen Gillan, if you've watched that, don't explain how the heck Prince Charles does the weather report in BBC Scotland.

(laughing)

Wait. Do they have a BBC channel in Scotland that airs Top Gear and Doctor Who?

(awwww)

Kindly better not asking this question...Anyway...

My Top Secret D1-Spec Nissan Silvia S15 has arrived in my Forza 4 inbox as a prize for kicking T10 SIDEFX where it hurts, his high score at the Rising Storm II Rivals Event. I also got a Mugen Civic Type R '04 on the May 10, 2012 article of the official Forza Motorsport website's Heavy Metal Affliction for describing a certain Porsche owned by the father of a certain Forza faithful. Anyway, I asked the Stig to do a lap on the Top Secret S15 and we have to play the tape to see...

Well, it did it in 1:22.039, personal best, meaning that was as quicker than my personal best set on the MINE'S R32. So, do you have plans to push your Ford RS1800 round the test track? This is the car you should be thankful for getting the Top Secret S15. Uh...I'll think about it...That's the news!

Size and width does matters!

Pinto in the Top Gear Studio

Hello and welcome to the classic Ford Pinto. This car was featured on Car Town as a starter car, we drove it on Forza Motorsport 4 a couple of months ago, and Adam Ferrera drove one at the Top Gear USA's Dangerous Cars episode. The Ford Pinto is definitely not more of a classic but it is very rare to see a Ford Pinto driving around the streets of Seattle. Despite the fact that it produced over two million Pintos are sold, it's too rare to see one, making it a rare classic car you would find in Seattle.

The Pinto emblem

Burning rubber in my Pinto

The Ford Pinto was introduced to the market since September 1970 and it has a powertrain proven in Europe from the European Ford Escort. This is the Runabout model and some say, it competes with cars such as the AMC Gremlin and Chevrolet Vega as well as Volkswagen, Datsun, and Toyota. By January 1971, the Pinto sold over a hundred thousand units and on its last model year, Ford built almost 70,000 Pintos. During its 10-year tenure, over two million Pintos are sold.

Sadly, some media criticized the Ford Pinto not only as the worst car in America but also one of the most dangerous cars to drive, partly because of the fuel tank mounted and the back and rear-ending the Pinto's fuel tank will result in fires from spilled fuel. This resulted the conspiracy of THE PINTO MEMO, coined from a 1977 Mother Jones article where a cost-benefit analysis that it said Ford had used to compare the cost of an $11 repair against the monetary value of a human life. Ford was aware of the design flaw and they don't want to pay for a redesign but rather preparing for lawsuits from casualties.

Leave no asphalt burnt

No wonder the media called the Pinto not only it's one of the worst cars according to TIME Magazine but this is one of the most dangerous cars to drive because the gas tank is bolted to the back and crashing through it may cause flames. That's why there are only a few Pintos lurking around the Fast Food Nation. Something bugs me...this Ford Pinto somewhat do have an identical twin. Something more of a substitute for the Ford Pinto....

Hey! You're that last place from the Top Gear Olympics!

This might be a contender. It's called the AMC Pacer.

The AMC Pacer was been produced in 1975 in the wake of the energy crisis. The Pacer was supposed to be clean and frugal but it turned out to be dirty and very thirsty. In "old" Top Gear, Vicki Butler-Henderson reviewed the AMC Pacer. Several years later, the AMC Pacer took part in Top Gear's Carlympics Challenge episode. Sadly, the power-to-weight ratio of the Pacer didn't make this American compact jump high, 6.2 meters to be exact, sending this to the last place. The AMC Pacer made a movie appearance in Wayne's World. It inspired Cars 2 character, Acer, one of the baddies.

This is the X model of the AMC Pacer. It was available from 1975-1978 on the coupe version of the car until it renamed this variant as Sport in 1978 and later discontinued. It has vinyl bucket seats, sports steering wheel, custom trim, as well as a floor mounted gear shift and front sway bar.

The catchcopy for the AMC Pacer was "The first wide small car". Despite the AMC Pacer discontinued in the 80's, it still gained supporters, including stuntman Evel Knievel, country singer Conway Twitty, and Bridgitte Bardot.

This Pacer is all about charisma

Question...is the Pacer and the Pinto identical? Which is better? The Pinto or the Pacer. I pushed both the Pacer and the Pinto on the straight and the Pacer mullered the Pinto. What about Lap Times? Let's bring it to Le Chevalier D'Stig!

By personal best, the Ford Pinto did 1:48.275 while the AMC Pacer did it in 1:47.448, meaning that they're both very close by a second. That's unbelievable.

By general, I prefer the Pacer more than the Pinto because it has presence. Despite the Pacer is dying due to the oil crisis, it gained many supporters such as Evel Knievel, Conway Twitty, and Bridgitte Bardot. It made an appearance on a film WAYNE'S WORLD and it inspired Cars 2 character Acer. I think this Pacer is becoming more of a fan favorite than the utterly dangerous Pinto. I wouldn't blame anyone who drove the Pacer or the Pinto because they're both epic.

ITC280 Update 6

What I learned on Week 6 of the ITC280 class...

1) Here are the minimum credentials necessary to connect to MySQL via PHP
The MySQL Server Name
The MySQL UserName
The MySQL UserName's password
The name of the database

2) We use variables at the top of the page to load our credentials.
$myHostName = "localhost"; //use localhost for same machine, (zephir) or name given to you by hosting company
$myUserName = "horsey01"; //your MySQL (or Zephir) username
$myPassword = "xxxxxxxxx"; //your MySQL password (the one you made up!)
$myDatabase = "horsey01"; //db name, which is the same as our username on Zephir

3) We can store a variable with our SQL data. That way we can change it quickly.
$sql = "select * from test_Customers";

4) Here are the six steps to connect to a DB from the web:
Connect to MySQL, authenticate the MySQL users


Connect to the Database, verify authorization to this resource


Select data to be retrieved via SQL statement


Retrieve data set (result)


Loop through the data, and insert it into our page


Disconnect from MySQL, and release resources


5) We can use MySQL_num_rows to see if there is data
//loop through the data
if (mysql_num_rows($result) > 0)//at least one record!
{//show results
while ($row = mysql_fetch_assoc($result))
{
print "
";
print "FirstName: " . $row['FirstName'] . "
";
print "LastName: " . $row['LastName'] . "
";
print "Email: " . $row['Email'] . "
";
print "
";
}
}else{//no records
print '

What! No customers? There must be a mistake!!

';
}

6) We can create a custom error handler:
or die(myerror(__FILE__,__LINE__,mysql_error()));

SCORES:

*Pop Quiz #8 - 7/10 (67%)
*Test #5 - 73/100 (73%)

NOTES:
We did two assignments in one week! Assignment 6 involves more on adminer while Assignment 7 is involved more on db_test.php. We already done Assignment 6 but as for Assignment 7...

Clearly, some Blue Sky Thinking involved for me because since Wednesday, we did Assignment 7, which involves on db_test.php that has to be worked on two working sites. I have the SQL and I have one onto my Zephir but as for the alternative host...Well, I kinda need some blue sky thinking right now but I have to act fast because I have until Monday to finish Assignment 7.

That is all...