Forza Motorsport 5: Battle Italia

The Lamborghini Aventador - the latest flagship V12 Lambo. Served as the replacement to the decade-old Murcielago, powered by a newly-developed 6.5L V12 engine, and remains one of the most popular exotics at this modern age.



The Ferrari F12berlinetta - the latest flagship V12 Ferrari. Launched at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, lapped quicker than the 599 GTO at Fiorano, and powered by a 6.3L V12 engine that has more power than the Lamborghini Aventador.



Here in the world of Forza Motorsport 5, the battle between the two Italian flagships are finally come into fruition, figuring out if horses or bulls will win the fight for Italian sovereignty...sort of. Today, which is better? The bull or the horse?

The Lamborghini Aventador has four-wheel drive and has a 6.5L V12 engine mounted in the middle. The Ferrari F12 has rear-wheel drive and has a 6.3L V12 engine mounted in the front. The Aventador has a single-clutch seven-speed gearbox operated by paddle shifters. The Ferrari F12 comes with a Formula One 7-speed double clutch gearbox operated by paddle shifters. The Aventador can reach to 60mph in 2.9 seconds. The F12 can reach it in under 3.1 seconds. Top speed for the Aventador is 217mph while the F12 gives up the ghost in 210mph.




Enough for the jibber-jabber, time to translate numbers into action by sending them to the Top Gear Test Track. Fastest time is the winner.


Even though it has 4WD and with the engine placed in the middle, the Aventador can suffer from minor understeer and it's like knitting the carrot at the middle of the blanket. The F12 finds less mistakes in the corner and it doesn't understeer than the Aventador, although its dynamic character might cause a fair hint of oversteer and one small mistake can cause a big one.

After a quick lap at the Top Gear Track, here are the results of this experiment;

1:18.240 - LP700-4
1:20.608 - F12

So, conclusive proof that even when the Aventador has less power than the F12, it still leaves it to dust thanks to the clever suspension, 4WD, and lighter weight not to mention the good use of its aerodynamic design. Well, I'm glad I cleared that up so the winner in this comparo is...the Lamborghini LP700-4.

Mitsuoka ends the Orochi with the "Final Orochi"

2015 Mitsuoka Final Orochi

The Mitsuoka Orochi. While it may not be the prettiest sportscar to look at, it's a product of an unsung car company called Mitsuoka. While the body and the chassis is a Mitsuoka original, the 3MZ-FE 3.3L V6 engine was sourced from Toyota and mounted at the middle while mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox. Of course, you maybe familiar as the car James May drove on an episode of Top Gear a few seasons ago.

2015 Mitsuoka Final Orochi

Mitsuoka announced that the production of the super-hideous Orochi sportscar ends this September 2014 and to finish it off, they offered the Final Orochi, a final model that features...well, about the same as the Orochi except with a bigger price tag.

2015 Mitsuoka Final Orochi interior

2015 Mitsuoka Final Orochi interior

Because it's limited to five units, three final Orochis are colored in Gold Pearl while two are painted in a purplish color called Fuyoru-oh (不夜王). It features an exclusive emblem, 19-inch aluminum wheel, and some exclusive interior combinations depending on the color.

No alterations on the spec here. Still comes with the same 3MZ-FE 3.3L V6 engine which churns out 233PS of power and 328Nm of torque while mated with a 5-speed automatic gearbox. It has rack and pinion steering, double wishbone suspension, ventilated disc brakes, on and on and on and on...

The Final Orochi is priced at an ultra-expensive 12,700,000 Japanese Yen (estimated $127,000) and like I said, only five units are made.

URL: http://www.mitsuoka-motor.com/lineup/new/finalorochi/
Source: http://release.nikkei.co.jp/detail.cfm?relID=359887&lindID=4

Third-Generation Toyota Vitz/Yaris Minor Change

2015 Toyota Vitz

It's the new Toyota Vitz (Yaris)! Sort of. The latest minor change for the third-generation Toyota Vitz/Yaris brings a keen look to Toyota's compact hatchback which, in this third-generation, has been with us four years ago since its December 2010 debut, and even though it has a new Auris-styled nose as well as an updated exterior and a slightly updated interior, this minor change feels as fresh as a tangerine on a sunrise.

2015 Toyota Vitz interior

Like the pre-facelift, the 2015 Vitz/Yaris still offers three petrol engine configurations ranging from a 1.0L, 1.3L, and the 1.5L engine but for the 2015 model year, the biggest change is the addition of a brand new 1NR-FKE engine.

1NR-FKE

What is 1NR-FKE? This brand new 1.3L engine uses the Atkinson Cycle commonly used in their hybrid cars. With this, the new 1.3L petrol engine provides and enhanced expansion ration and reduces waste heat through a high compression ratio of 13.5:1. It can be utilized with the use of a tumble flow-generating intake, cooled EGR, and VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing - intelligent Electric) technology.

With this brand new engine, the fuel economy is now 25.0km/L, as calculated by JC08 Mode standards, which is 15% more than the old 1.3L engine and it's more fuel efficient than the 1.0L petrol engine, which provides 24.0km/L when paired with Smart Stop technology, as well. Well, I'm glad we cleared that up.

2015 Toyota Vitz

2015 Toyota Vitz

2015 Toyota Vitz

The new model is now priced from 1,155,600 to 1,994,073 Japanese Yen (estimated $12,000 to $20,000) and it's available in the entry level F, mid-range U, ladies-favorite Jewela and the sporty RS model. But wait...

2015 Toyota Vitz RS G's

2015 Toyota Vitz RS G's

For 2,044,145 Japanese Yen (estimated $20,450). you can opt in for a more sportier G's model and for the RS G's model, the RS model that was sporty-ish has been made even sportier with the help of some stylish aerokits, sport-tuned suspension, and a sporty dark interior that suits its sporty character.

Available colors (depending on the model): Super White II, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Black Mica, Cherry Pearl Crystal Shine, Super Red V, Dark Red Mica Metallic, Bordeaux Mica Metallic, Beige Mica Metallic, Copper Mica Metallic, Bronze Mica Metallic, Dark Brown Mica Metallic, Luminous Yellow, Jade Green Metallic, Cool Soda Metallic, and Blue Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

About the worst maritime tragedy in South Korea

It might be best to interrupt your day with one of the most shocking news that has been abuzz worldwide. It was known to be one of the worst maritime disasters ever happened in South Korea and it happened while I was in a middle of the Holy Week break in case you didn't know that.

The ferry in question, the Sewol ferry, carries about 476 passengers and six days ago, it sank off the southern coastline. As of now;

- 108 confirmed dead
- 194 missing
- 174 rescued
- 476 total passengers

What's even more shocking that there are 325 high school students were on that ferry while they were on their field trips and in response to the worst maritime disaster in South Korean history, all school field trips are banned throughout the nation.

There's even a radio transcript stating that the Sewol crew didn't know how to handle the evacuation.

South Korean president Park Geun-hye declared the cities of Jindo and Ansan as special disaster zones, stating that these cities will provide assistance from national disaster assistance programs.

Folks are criticizing the South Korean president for mishandling the situation of the Sewol search and rescue operations, even though she's opposing against the ferry's captain in question, Captain Lee Jun-seok, and his crew for "actions akin to murder". Prosecutor Lee Bong-chang told the Yonhap news agency that the captain of the Sewol ferry's causing all this by failing to slow down while taking a narrow route and making an excess turn. If found guilty, Lee Jun-seok will face 5 years to life imprisonment.

Those poor people. They can never rebuilt their lives. This maritime disaster not only is considered to be catastrophic but it breaks my heart because I was heavily concerned on those high school students who were caught in this maritime disaster. This topic is too heartbreaking to be ignored, much like the Malaysia Airlines' Flight 370 case where rescuers are busy searching for that missing jet.

F1 2014 Chinese GP

Well, there's no stopping Lewis Hamilton right now, even in China where the fourth round of the Formula One 2014 season commenced. Using his pole position as his big advantage for this Mercedes F1 team racer and after 54 laps of a battle hardened match, Hamilton even managed to scamper his third win for the season, nice and easy, leaving his teammate Nico Rosberg at 2nd place and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso in 3rd. Wow, wouldn't you believe that in the age of downsized Formula One engines, this guy makes the cut in this season?

Report: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2014/4/15753.html

So, with Hamilton took another win for this season, will he do better in Spain? Find out this May 11.

Top Gear-tuned Genesis Coupe to appear in XTM's THE BUNKER

Now, if you're an avid viewer of Top Gear Korea, you might remember this modified Genesis Coupe called the TGK 520. Tuned by the presenters themselves, the TGK 520's engine develops 520HP of power and 70kg of torque, and they only cost them over 30,000,000 KRW (estimated $29,000) to modify this Genesis Coupe.

Word from the station that brought you Top Gear Korea is that the TGK 520 will be making a special appearance on the XTM show called The Bunker. The Bunker is a show where they provide a normal car, modify it, and auction it to the highest bidder. Think Pimp My Ride meets Auction Kings because a modified car is worth a bidding from the public audience.

There's going to be a SPECIAL AUCTION in a special episode of THE BUNKER airing this April 27th at 10:50 PM Korean Standard Time.

Stars of 2014 New York Auto Show

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible

The 2014 New York Auto Show is in full circle right now and visitors got until next Sunday to check out what's new in the world of automotive industry as well as next-generation car technologies built for the future ahead so...what cars to expect in this year's car show?

• 2015 Infiniti QX80
• 2015 Infiniti Q70
• 2015 Dodge Challenger F/L
• 2015 Dodge Charger F/L
• 2015 Subaru Outback
• Ford Transit Skyliner Concept
• 2015 BMW X4
• 2015 Ford Focus Electric
• 2015 Volkswagen Jetta F/L
• 2015 Acura TLX
• 2015 Nissan Murano
• 2015 Ford Focus
• 2015 BMW M4 Cabrio
• Ford Mustang 50th Anniversary Edition
• Scion FR-S Release Series 1.0
• 2015 Chevrolet Cruze F/L
• 2015 Chevrolet Trax
• 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible
• 2015 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe
• Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept

...and more.

SIDE NOTES:

- Kia revealed their new MPV which will be the replacement for the Carnival minivan. We can't tell you what that name is because of search engine reasons but it's close. We just have to wait what would the Koreans call for Kia's new flagship MPV recently revealed at the New York Auto Show.

- The QX50 has been renamed into QX80 while the Infiniti M has been renamed into Q70 in part of Nissan's luxury brand's new naming scheme. For 2015, they're both updated with refined exterior, new trims and for the Q70 flagship saloon, a long wheelbase model is offered for the first time but only petrol models will take part to the extended wheelbase model of the Q70.

- Mazda celebrates the Roadster's 25th year featuring the past, present, and the future of the Mazda Roadster.

- The Ford Mustang 50th Anniversary Edition will be limited to 1964 units and it's made in honor of the Mustang's 50th birthday with its throwback looks and a commemorative plaque on the interior.

For more: http://www.autoblog.com/2014/04/17/we-obsessively-covered-new-york-auto-show/

Subaru LEVORG (VM)

This is probably one of the most ideal cars to drive when you woke up at 3 o'clock in the morning and go out for an early cruise round the town. Sure, you have the roads with you at the time but in this new model I'll be tackling about, think of it like you're going away from your house in the suburbs, then travel round town until you reached your granny's house, which is about a few miles from a historic site. How lucky this scenario would be especially the car you were driving is an estate available only in Japan.

2015 Subaru LEVORG

This is the LEVORG and even though it has a very weird name, Subaru claims that this is a Real Sports Tourer as said in their advertising but come on, even though it's a sports tourer which is the size of the outgoing Legacy Touring Wagon, which will be phased out this year, I don't really hold much hope even though it's not going to be offered worldwide because it's available exclusively to the Japanese market.

Sure, it was similarly sized to the Legacy Touring Wagon but unlike the Legacy Touring Wagon, the LEVORG looks clean in the exterior design department and it looks handsome as well. The bonnet scoop adds a nice touch because what's underneath it are one of two DIT engines which I'll talk about it later but anyway, because it looks more like a European sports tourer, there's nothing to criticize about how the LEVORG looks and as for the interior...

2015 Subaru LEVORG interior

It's all typical Subaru interior in here but when fully equipped, you get the same experience that you felt from watching a very erotic Danish commercial. While taking an early morning cruise on a Tokyo highway, the LEVORG really soothes my mind and I don't need to worry a single thing or two because it's a very comfortable ride because it's as well-lubricated as a jar of Vaseline.

It's the first to offer Eyesight Ver. 3, which is the new and improved version of Subaru's very own pre-crash safety system. For Version 3, it integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. If you have any doubts, handle this stuff with care.

So, on the city highways, the LEVORG is brilliant because of its comfort zone and the clever suspension setup that makes this tourer feel like in a different league but as dawn reaches and the open roads are in reach, the LEVORG starts to unravel.

2015 Subaru LEVORG

The LEVORG comes with two turbocharged petrol engines available and because they're turbocharged, you can expect them to be somewhat fun to drive but this car's no fool, though because even with the turbocharged engines, the only transmission available is a LINEARTRONIC CVT gearbox but different engine types offer different settings on the CVT gearbox. First, there's the FB16 DIT engine which develops a modest 170PS of power output and with the fuel economy of 17.4 km/liter (JC08 mode), it's quite okay to drive for a little bit longer and models rigged with the 1.6L DIT engine have two modes in the SI-DRIVE, determining the best gear control for fuel efficiency and driving enjoyment.

Then, there's the top of the line FA20 DIT engine which develops an impressive 300PS of power output and 400Nm of torque. With models using this high-performance engine, there's a S# in the SI-DRIVE and when set, drivers can take advantage to its paddle shifters and shift from one to eight. Eight simulated gears, eh? That's enough fake moving mechanisms that will keep the LEVORG longing for days but better still, this SPORT LINEARTRONIC makes this CVT gearbox more responsive than any other CVT gearboxes and can be taken lightly.

Couple that with a new chassis as well as Subaru's legendary SYMMETRICAL AWD system, the LEVORG really is a sports tourer well-lubricated for the road ahead and oh, in the speed bumps, there's a bit of worry in here but that's fine because you get the little feeling that you were an angry yobo driving a Subie wagon on the roads of Africa. Yes, I just said that but that's the way Subarus are meant to be, they can take on any terrain no matter how bad they can be.

2015 Subaru LEVORG

If I have any doubts about the LEVORG, I would say that the interior's a bit too stale, the CVT gearbox is not a fit for a turbo engine (if you're a Subarist), and the biggest problem to this care is the price and with prices start at around 2,667,600 JPY (estimated $27,000) it's pricier than its rival tourer from Toyota, the Avensis but unlike the Avensis, the Subaru LEVORG is much more enjoyable to drive because of the turbocharged engine and it has all the right elements that a good sports tourer should be; being agile in the corners while maintaining the ability of being a family car or a company car. You can even use it to drive at the shops as well and take advantage to its bigger boot.

It might have a silly name but the LEVORG is definitely a serious daily driver's car for the serious drivers. Despite being a serious machine, the LEVORG can be taken lightly with care and I just want one of those in my whole life.

Available colors: Crystal White Pearl, Steel Blue Grey Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Lightning Red, and Galaxy Blue Silica.

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries

Toyota Passo and Daihatsu Boon - Second Generation F/L

2015 Daihatsu Boon

2015 Toyota Passo

2015 Toyota Passo

The second generation Toyota Passo and the Daihatsu Boon may have been around for four years since their 2010 regeneration but these looks never make the grade and remained exclusive to the Japanese market as of now. Now, both these models underwent a minor change and this time, the updated second-generation Passo and Boon are now fuel efficient than even because they're now have a brand-new 1.0L petrol engine equipped which is 30% fuel efficient than the outgoing engine it replaces.

2015 Daihatsu Boon interior

Although the engine still retains the 1KR-FE designation, this brand new engine is developed jointly with Daihatsu. It achieves a maximum thermal efficiency of 37% thanks to the use of a tumble flow-generating intake, cooled EGR system, and an improved compression ratio. Couple that with the idling stop feature and the result is a record-high 27.6km/L fuel consumption as calculated by JC08 Mode standards. That's 30% more than the last one.

Of course, you can expect the new 1KR-FE engine to be equipped in both the Passo and the Boon but the 1.3L 1NR-FE Dual VVT-i engine? That's only available for the Passo (in normal and +Hana versions). The 1.3L petrol engine still develops a modest 95PS of power and 121Nm of torque while its fuel consumption is a meager 19.0km/L.

2015 Daihatsu Boon interior

2015 Daihatsu Boon interior

2015 Toyota Passo interior

2015 Toyota Passo interior

Of course, since both the Passo and Boon are low-cost Japanese eco boxes made for the average of customers, you can still expect the plasticky interior. Even though it has a radio and an aircon, it still feels like a low-cost car. However, in the +Hana versions of the Passo, the cozy two-tone seating really covers up its low-cost interior perhaps but even though with the +Hana, it's still feels cheap and you don't get the excitement that you get from other compacts.

Price wise, the new Passo costs from 1,098,655 to 1,652,400 Japanese Yen (estimated $11,000 to $17,000) while the Boon costs 1,263,600 to 1,549,800 Japanese Yen (estimated $13,000 to $15,500). You know both of these were manufactured at Daihatsu's Ikeda Plant in Osaka but why is the Boon costs more than its Toyota equivalent, the Passo, even though it doesn't have a high-end model and a 1.3L engine?

In the meantime, even though the updated versions are still terrible for the enthusiasts too many, the pricing is a fair start in the compact hatchback market in Japan.

Let's Do The News! (April 14, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Disney alum Bridgit Mendler is the new Save the Children Artist Ambassador! She recently kicked off the Baby Sit In campaign.

- There's a new show coming this Summer 2014 on ABC. It's called Sing Your Face Off and in this brand new show, we will witness celebs in their transformation into pop sensations. Hosted by John Barrowman (better known to you and I as Captain Jack Harkness from the world of Doctor Who), this show features China Anne McClain from ANT Farm, musician Sebastian Bach, basketball player Landry Fields, comedian and actor Jon Lovitz and soap opera actress Lisa Rinna on their road to transformation. The show airs this May 31st on ABC. Check your local listings.

SING YOUR FACE OFF

- YOUR TIME-WASTER FOR THE DAY: There's a new Family Guy game now available on the App Store and Google Play! Family Guy: The Quest For Stuff brings fans of the hit dysfunctional TV series to build their very own Quahog on the go! In the game, Quahog is destroyed after a fistfight between Peter and the Giant Chicken. What would Peter do? Simple, really! REBUILD QUAHOG! This free game allows you to create your own Quahog just the way you want, unlock most of your favorite characters from the show, unlock outfits, make them do some stuff, keep the town safe from imminent threats and much much more! It's available for free on the App Store and Google Play so run, run as fast as you can and tell them the news...just before you injured your knee and go ssssss....ahhhhh...

Sssss....ahhhhh....

- Check out the latest commercial for Dannon's Danimals starring Austin and Ally's Ross Lynch and Shake iT Up's Bella Thorne.

- The US-Spec Chevrolet Cruze gets a minor change complete with an awkward-looking new front face, new interior, and an updated software for added convenience. It will set for its premiere at this month's New York Auto Show.

2015 Chevrolet Cruze

- In this week's Jay Leno's Garage webcast, presenter Jay Leno takes a look at the pristine 1925 Doble E-20 Steam Car.



- Because of the fire happened under the Quezon Bridge in Quiapo, the DPWH limits this bridge to light vehicles only. Top Gear Philippines has this story.

- As the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 continues, the Australian government will soon be deploying autonomous marine vehicles to help speed up the search.

- Holy Wednesday will be half-day for the University of the Philippines, in preparation for this year's Holy Week.

- Yesterday's Pacquiao-Bradley match was a blast with Pacman putting the end on Bradley's undefeated win streak...but Mommy Dionesia's the laughing stock during the match because...ah, you'll see.

TTFN!

Latest episode of Kojima Station showcased some Ground Zeroes world records

In the fourth episode of the Kojima Productions' KOJIMA STATION (English version) webcast, our experts showcased some unbelievable records set by players who played the prologue to Metal Gear Solid V, titled Ground Zeroes. As of April 10, 2014, players from all over the world spent a grand total of 3650446:04:36 hours of gameplay, that's an equivalent of 416.71 years!

There are some impossible world records set by the most expert of players and that gave them a scratch in the head how in the world did they set such a record like this. 456.89m of the longest range headshot, longest two-wheel driving time is an unbelievable 34:338:41.990, farthest distance enemy sent flying is a whopping 290.38m and the most impossible of all...Longest Range Headshot (tranq.) is an impossible 301.10m! 

It's impossible to perform a longest range headshot using a tranquilizer gun in Ground Zeroes but is it?

Watch the latest at: http://www.konami.jp/kojima_pro/station/en/

Oh, and be sure to grab a copy of Ground Zeroes now and see if you can set some records...

Pacman wins and Bradley's undefeated no more!

The rematch between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Timothy "Desert Storm" Bradley has been one of the most long-awaited matches in boxing history and this match promises to make it right because two years ago, some mix-up snafu from the judges' verdict made Bradley a controversial win from Pacquiao. Now, we fast forwarded two years later and here it is, the rematch that will surely set things right.

With twelve rounds of fist fights from two of the biggest superstars, the stakes are high, very high, and even though it's a high stakes battle, both fighters showcased their strengths and weaknesses on the ring. After just twelve rounds, the judges' verdict is in and it's a unanimous decision for...yes, you guessed it...PACQUIAO!

Finally, that foul-mouthed Bradley faced his most upset moment in history as he's undefeated no more and Pacman's finally reclaimed his world welterweight title he's been longing to take it back from him.

Report: Spin.ph