Saturday, September 29, 2012

Jaguar Cars Philippines launched the XKR-S!

2012 Jaguar XKR-S

Well, I'm delighted to say that the time is right because I've just heard that Jaguar Philippines finally launched the most powerful Jaguar ever made, known as the Jaguar XKR-S. This model is available in hardtop coupe and soft-top Convertible variants and what you get is the 5.0 litre V8 Petrol Supercharged AJ-V8 GEN III R engine that blows away 550PS of power and 680Nm of torque. It has a 0-60mph time of 4 seconds and top speed limited to 186mph.

Here's an article from TOP GEAR PHILIPPINES:

Over a year after it was launched at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar XKR-S has finally arrived in the Philippines courtesy of the British carmaker's authorized distributor in the country, Jaguar Cars Philippines.

For the first time with a series production car, Jaguar has broken into the exclusive '300kph club' thanks to the XKR-S's supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine that has an output of 542hp and 680Nm of torque, allowing it to sprint from zero to 100kph in 4.2 seconds. Putting the power down to the XKR-S's rear wheels is a six-speed automatic transmission.

If the superb power output and sensation of speed aren't enough to excite your senses, then perhaps the car's performance-oriented active exhaust will with its dramatic, motorsport-inspired aural feedback.

Despite the XKR-S's prodigious power output, Jaguar claims that it is the only car in its class to emit less than 300g/km of carbon dioxide.

The XKR-S sports a unique front-end design to differentiate it from the standard XKR with its twin nacelles, side intakes and carbon-fiber splitter. Helping to emphasize the 10mm lower ride height are the extended side sills. Step around to the rear and you'll discover not just the new rear apron and its carbon-fiber diffuser but also the rear wing and its carbon-fiber center section.

Jaguar has also enhanced the XKR-S’s handling by upgrading both its front and rear suspension systems, reprogramming its active differential control, and fitting it with lightweight forged Vulcan 20-inch alloy wheels.

For its interior, the XKR-S has been subtly refreshed with a host of new trim materials, including ebony soft-feel paint for the switches and gloss black finish to the center console. A new leather-wrapped, multifunction steering wheel has also been added, "providing a beautiful, tactile interface between car and driver," while the new carbon leather accents that cover the seats now feature unique contrast micro-piping and stitching combinations.

The XKR-S is now available in either coupe or convertible form through Jaguar Cars Philippines.

What to see at the 2012 Mondial De l'Automobile?

2012 PARIS MOTOR SHOW


The 2012 Mondial De 'Automobile kicked off in PARIS EXPO in Porte de Versailles, Paris, France from September 29 to October 14, 2012 despite the Euro debt crisis. So, what to see on that venue?

Here's the list of what you may expect on the 2012 Paris Motor Show.


2013 Aston Martin AM 310 Vanquish



2013 Aston Martin DB9


2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster


2014 Audi A3 Sportback



2012 Audi Crosslane Coupe Concept


2014 Audi RS5 Cabriolet
2014 Audi S3


2013 Audi SQ5 TDI
2012 BMW Active Tourer Concept



2012 Bentley Continental GT3 Concept
2013 Cadillac ATS
2014 Chevrolet Trax (*NOT AVAILABLE IN THE US)



2013 Citroen C3 Picasso



2014 Citroen DS3 Cabrio



2013 Dacia Logan
2013 Dacia Sandero
2013 Dacia Sandero Stepway
2013 Fiat Panda 4x4
2013 Ford Fiesta
2013 Honda CR-Z
2014 Jaguar F-Type



2013 Kia Carens
2013 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4
2013 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Edizione Tecnica
2013 Land Rover Range Rover
2012 Lexus LF-CC Concept



2013 Maserati GranCabrio MC
2013 Mazda 6 Sedan
2013 Mazda 6 Wagon
2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider
2012 McLaren P1 Concept



2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Concept
2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake
2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake
2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT
2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP
2014 Mini Paceman
2013 Nissan Juke Nismo
2012 Nissan TeRRA Concept
2013 Opel Adam
2012 Peugeot 2008 Concept
2014 Peugeot 208 GTi
2013 Peugeot 208 R5 Rally car

Peugeot 208 Type R5 rally car - live at 2012 Paris Motor Show reveal

2012 Peugeot Onyx Concept
2013 Peugeot RCZ Coupe
2012 Peugeot RCZ R Concept
2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe
2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet
2013 Porsche Cayenne S Diesel
2012 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept
2013 Renault Clio
2013 Renault Clio Estate



2013 Renault Clio RS 200



2013 Seat Leon
2013 Seat Toledo



2013 Skoda Rapid



2012 Smart forstars Concept



2012 SsangYong e-XIV Concept



2012 Suzuki S-Cross Concept



2013 Toyota Auris
2013 Toyota iQ EV
2013 Vauxhall Adam
2013 Volkswagen Beetle R-Line
2013 Volkswagen Golf
2012 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion Concept
2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept
2013 Volvo V40 Cross Country
2013 Volvo V40 R-Design



URL: http://www.netcarshow.com/ncs_paris-2012.htm

MUGEN RZ - Japan-only, limited-to-300 units Supercharged CR-Z

2013 Honda MUGEN RZ

Remember the Mugen Honda CR-Z concept last year? Yes I know, it really was the supercharged version of the CR-Z sport hybrid we really dream of having one but with the arrival of the 2013 Honda CR-Z, that concept became a reality because MUGEN, Honda's sports subsidiary, launched the MUGEN RZ, which really is the supercharged version of the 2013 Honda CR-Z.

2013 Honda MUGEN RZ

What to expect on this spiced-up version of the sport hybrid? For starters, the MUGEN RZ is fully armed with a modified suspension for added grip, hence the height was lowered and rigged with 17-inch lightweight rims. Also, thanks to its superchager, it now produces from the normal 91kW (122hp) to around 130kW (174hp).

2013 Honda MUGEN RZ interior

Sadly though, it's limited to 300 units and available only in Japan. That's it. Prices start at about 4,494,000 Yen.

Honda CR-Z minor change (ZF2)

Most nerdists think that all hybrids are peaceful, calm, and serene because they always hum like happy monks. Hybrids are all about respect, calm, and harmony. We know. But, can a hybrid that we're going to show it to you today can give you adrenaline?

2013 Honda CR-Z

Hybrids are nothing more than eco cars made for the enthusiasts of armpit hair and brown rice but for this one, adrenaline was added. What this is...is a Honda CR-Z. Sure, it may come with some hybrid peripherals such as the display's telling the drivers when the electric motor's running, when the battery's charging, and so on but there's a feature that made them interesting. When the CR-Z's set to ECO MODE and when driving slowly and frugal, the speedometer's colored green. When set to NORMAL and driving in a usual way, it goes blue, and when it was set to SPORT MODE, the speedo's all red and it behaves like a different animal.

2013 Honda CR-Z interior

And for this, the 2013 model year, aside from mild cosmetic changes such as new front bumpers, new lamps, new rims, and so on, power output from the LEA+MF6 combo has now been upgraded from the previous model's 114PS power output to 120PS of power output but how? Sure, the 1.5L VTEC engine (LEA) remains untouched but for the first time ever, the conventional nickel batteries was been thrown away and replaced with the kind of battery that you would normally use on the laptop computer, that is a Li-ion Battery. So then, this is the first ever Honda to come with the Lithium ion battery. Some say that the transition from the soon-to-be-defunct nickel battery to Lithium-ion battery will help hybrid cars improve acceleration and better fuel efficiency as well as increased energy regeneration when braking.

If you say better fuel economy then you're darn right because for CVT variants, it will reach up to 23.0km/L of fuel economy and for 6MT variants, it will go all the way to 20.6km/L.

Also new for 2013 is this interesting feature for those that Sport Mode is not enough to tickle their jingle bells and this one's called the PLUS SPORT mode (S+). When you press the S+ button with your thumb, this new mode sacrifices fuel economy in exchange for sharper throttle response, sharper handling, and about as rough as Paul Phoenix in some sorts.

This new mode though, I think it's fine on most racetracks but on normal roads, it is a bit too nasty and a bit too uncomfortable, if you have a date and when you're driving this one on PLUS SPORT mode, chances to disappoint your date will be likely and it will end up annoying your date badly. That's right, badly.

There is now a new variant for the CR-Z under the banner "α Master Label" and for this spec, the interior comes with handmade and tailored sports seats made of fabric. This is a first-class CR-Z for the privileged few.

IF this is the future, count me in. But to be honest, we're not sure why do we have to have one of these even though it was the world's first hybrid sports car that gives them adrenaline.

AVAILABLE COLORS: Premium Energetic Yellow Metallic, Premium Northern Lights Violet Pearl, Premium White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Milano Red, Polished Metal Metallic, and Horizon Turquoise Pearl.

PRICE LIST (in Japanese Yen):
1.5 ベータ CVT - 2,365,000 Yen
1.5 ベータ 6-speed Manual - 2,365,000 Yen
1.5 アルファ CVT - 2,575,000 Yen
1.5 アルファ 6-speed Manual - 2,575,000 Yen
1.5 アルファ マスターレーベル CVT - 2,630,000 Yen
1.5 アルファ マスターレーベル 6-speed Manual - 2,630,000 Yen

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

"All Yyou need is LOVE and Yam Yam"

On the September 28, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Dracula gags by night...

- Mr. Assimo asks his Inday...

- If Eat Bulaga's got Mr. Pogi, Bubble Gang's got Mr. Pangit! Let the ugliness shine through!

- Bubble Gang does Lucky Me Nam Nam by spoofing this ad as LUCKY VI YAM YAM! ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE AND YAM YAM!

- Ladies and gents, here comes celebrity A-list ZAC APRON with his line of aprons!

Zac Apron


Back Apron

Black Apron

Shock Apron

Stuck Apron

Suck Apron

Wasak Apron

- Brod Pete and friends returned to answer life's most complicating questions on ANG BAGONG DATING DOON.

1) Antonio Aquitania asks "May nasusulat po ba tungkol sa mga Orgs? Mga aswang?"

From the pages of PSY 5:6:7:8 "Oppa is Gangnam Style, Gangnam Style. Oppa is Gangnam Style. A girl who is warm and humanly during the day. A classy girl who know how to enjoy the freedom of a cup of coffee. A girl who gets hotter when night comes. A girl with that kind of twist."

(MANANANGGAL, as told...)

2) Chariz Solomon asks "May nasusulat po ba tungkol sa anti-dandruff shampoo?"

From the pages of Balakubak 3:9 "So get out, get out, get out of my head and fall into my arms instead. I don't, I don't, don't know what it is but I need that one thing"

3) A tweet from someone from Quezon City asks "Bakit po maniit sa Tuguegarao?

TUGUEGARAO -> TOO BIG + ARAW

4) A tweet from someone living from Paranaque asks "Sumasangayon po ba kayo sa konseptong less is more?

MORE OR LESS...

5) A tweet from some wealthy person from San Miguel, Bulacan asks "May nasusulat po ba tungkol sa sabong?"

IT DEPENDS....MERON O WALA? MERON OR WALA. They're sabong terms...

- Cheche and Bureche at the cafeteria...

- IyoTube in Dilemma by Nelly featuring Kelly Rowland

Friday, September 28, 2012

Outtakes: Hyundai Santa Fe 2013 Philippines?

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

OUTTAKE

Over the months, ever since the all new 2013 third-generation Santa Fe from Hyundai was launched in South Korea in April 2012, I've been battered by so many Filipinos inquiring that when will this new model be launched in the Philippines. I know, we've been tormenting for months now and yes, the torment continues by a bunch of die-hard Hyundai fans in the Philippines, asking about the 2013 Santa Fe's Philippine arrival.

No wonder why our article about the THIRD GENERATION HYUNDAI SANTA FE DM ended up for being one of the most read posts in this blog for a couple of weeks now. Other posts that made it to the top ten most read posts on my blog include the ending of Mara Clara, most read by Malaysians thinking how does this end. If you were a Malaysian watching Mara Clara, please back off about how it ends until the moment of truth. Remember what Doctor Who's River Song said...

Spoilers.

(laughing)

Anyway, back to the issue of the endless torment , to shut your K-Pop addict mouths, I've just heard that the official Facebbok page from Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (https://www.facebook.com/hyundaiph) said that they've already released the all new 2013 Santa Fe...quietly. Here's the message from the official Hyundai Philippines Facebook page...

Ladies and Gentlemen, finally it has arrived! Check out the All-new Hyundai Santa Fe in most Metro Manila Hyundai dealers today! For inquiries you may contact your preferred dealer, here's our locator to help you out: http://bit.ly/HARIDealerLocator 

For more information about the All-New Hyundai Santa Fe, check out the spec sheet through this link: http://bit.ly/AllnewSantaFe

Also informed that prices start at 1,768,000 Pesos for the 2.2 R e-VGT FWD model and 2,228,000 Pesos for the 2.2 R e-VGT 4WD model with added features such as sunroof, HID headlamps, automatic wipers, chrome door handles and a 'dark chrome' front grille.


Happy now? Now get out of the way, Filipino Hyundai fans. Get out of the way...

OUTTAKE END

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Let's Do The News! (September 27, 2012)

Tsk...I can't believe that you didn't like the BRZ either!

Yep.

Couple of months ago when the Scion FR-S broke into Forza Motorsport 4 since August, you said that it was terrifying and then you chose the Korean-made Gen. Coupe instead. What's gotten into you old man?

(audience laughing)

Uh...

Wait, don't tell me. You think the BRZ is too horrid much like the FR-S or 86. Oh hold on! Both the FR-S, 86, and the BRZ are the same thing! They both have boxer engines, they both have rear-wheel drive, they're both coupes, and how come you dislike them.

Look, Hammo. Before you get frustrated on this, let me think of something. When the Scion FR-S showed up in Gran Turismo 5, I am unsure that this is a Gran Turismo-only car but when the FR-S showed up on Forza 4, I got enraged and then...well, honestly, the 86 and the FR-S is NO HARM DONE to me. I am starting to respect the GT86/FR-S like what you said there but with the Subaru BRZ, this is a different story. I mean it's going to be another one of those cars that are "IT'S MORE FUN IN GRAN TURISMO" such as the Insight, or the Countryman, or even Lister, the Jaguar XJR9, or whatever Gran Turismo throws us at it.

(audience laughing)

You mumbling moron, pal. You think the BRZ is going to be another car that you'll going to hate, much like the MINI COUNTRYMAN that you said that this is the car made for those who are sackboys, those who are interested in PS3-only IDOLM@STER 2 costumes, and Whovians.

(Audience laughing)

Anyway, should we do the news then?

Right, the news and for this nerdy conundrum, Namco Bandai unveiled the 12th and final DLC Catalog for THE IDOLM@STER 2 for the PS3.

Okay, what's it for this final DLC Catalog for THE IDOLM@STER 2? Do they got some costumes from the XBOX 360 version?

Yes.

(oooohhh)

But just one.

(awwww)

It was the Exercise Wear NEO costume that resembles a P.E. uniform. It's the one we saw from THE IDOLM@STER G4U Volume 7 a couple of months ago.

Just one? Don't tell me. Namco Bandai added some PS3-exclusive costumes...

(audience laughing)

Sorry to disappointing Jezza but they did. New-to-PS3 DLC costumes are...

1) Marine Check Statice


2) Twinkle Spangles


3) Astral Messenger


...plus, there are accessories on this final DLC Catalog as NBGI prepares to unleash THE IDOLM@STER Shiny Festa this October.



That made me disappointed. I can see why those DLC costumes made for the PS3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 are different and I am very disappointed about those differences. Don't care why...

(audience laughing)

So, what's next?

Oh I know! DROP THE TARDIS TO THE SUBARU BRZ and who knows? It's like Top Gear dropped a dumpster to the Maserati Biturbo! Who knows? It got what it deserved!

(audience laughing)

(cheers and applause)

Oh dear. You did it again. Another rant for that. (laughing)

Or why don't I'll drop the Subaru BRZ to the TARDIS! Both the BRZ and the TARDIS are wrecked!

(audience laughing)

What's the matter? Doctor Who got you're tongue? Oh wait! Is it because of that PS3 game you've played, that's what's in your head...

Before thinking of that, I also forgot that NBGi did add a DLC song exclusive to the PS3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2. It's titled ふるふるフューチャー☆ but anyway, move on...

That song, ふるふるフューチャー☆, and that Subaru BRZ, or the Mini Countryman, or the Honda Insight, it's like....um...this is what I think of it...

I'M IN A GLASS CASE OF EMOTION

(audience laughing)

IN A GLASS CASE OF EMOTION LIKE DAVID TENNANT, HUH? (laughing)

Afterwards okay, this is what I think of it...

"Every minute I'm listening out for that stupid TARDIS sound." - Amy Pond, Doctor Who

(audience laughing)

What could possibly go wrong?

Wanna know why? Simple! (imitates TARDIS engine whooshing sound)

(audience laughing)

(cheers and applause)

Enough! Okay! Enough! I had enough of that stupid TARDIS sound for that metaphor you came up! Can we move on?

Anyway, before moving on, let's just say that BBC Worldwide announced that Doctor Who Series 7 Part One is coming to DVD and Blu-Ray this late 2012 and aside from the five episodes offered, there is a Pond Life featurette, behind the scenes, and a footage of Matt Smith, Arthur Darvill, and Karen Gillan at the San Diego Comic Con.

Doctor Who Series 7
Part 1 DVD

Doctor Who Series 7
Part 1 Blu-Ray

In America, this is available for pre-order at http://www.bbcamericashop.com/dvd/doctor-who-series-7-part-1-16855.html

Okay, Lamborghini, for the Paris Motor Show, they've unveiled an updated version of the baby Lambo, the Gallardo LP560-4 and hey, this can't get any insane than this...

2013 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4


No way! That looks better than the Reventon-styled LP560-4 thingy.

But wait, there's more! They've also featured a special model called the LP570-4 Edizione Technica.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Edizione Technica

Cool! Like the Superleggera, only sinister in Red and Black! Ohhh la la! (wolf whistle)

(audience laughing)

I kinda admit that with that black and red coloring on that Edizione Technica, it really looks like the track-only Sesto Elemento. That really is a genuine devil even though Lamborghini is currently under Audi's hands. As before, Audi did the boring engine stuff while Lamborghini gone insane with the styling. Perhaps what Lambo didn't do is put some space thrusters, machine guns and anything cool to make Lambos crazy.

But all Lamborghinis are crazy party crashers. Don't forget that.

Anyway, Bentley, another carmaker owned by Volkswagen, rethinks their Continental GT as a racing machine, marking the return to their motorsport racing. Here it is look, it's the Continental GT3 Concept and this study shapes Bentley's return to motorsports...

Bentley Continental GT3 Concept


Also, VW plans to rethink what would their 2014 Golf GTi will look like by showcasing a prototype version of the 2014 Golf GTi at this year's Paris Motor Show. Here it is look...

2012 Volkswagen GTi concept


For mine, it was Porsche trying to rethink the Panamera by making a Sport Turismo version that some say, it will take on the CLS Shooting Brake in the future but it's a concept.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo concept


Pbbt....just could the Panamera couldn't get ugly...

(audience laughing)

Anyway, later on in the public day of the 2012 Paris Motor Show, we'll featuring what will the cars be featured on this show and if you're there, Number One rule....NO TAKING PICTURES OF GIRLS. Okay? They're nothing but a waste of money from the organizers, putting up girls on car shows. That's not good. Consider the Euro debt crisis.

(audience laughing)

So, what do we do?

Well, with all that time wasted, could we finish this up?

Ahem, we're too short for that. Can you please ask more?

Okay. Sorry for that. Anyway, is your tissue boxes ready for the Ponds' end on the fall season finale of Doctor Who?

(audience murmuring)

Right. Although, I do got so many tissue boxes rationed just before the moment we say goodbye to Amy and Rory.

Ahem, we only got few tissue boxes...

(audience laughing)

Never mind about that. Next time, I should be working on my farewell stuff for Amy and Rory. Little known fact that if it weren't for them, our life would be boring.

Ahem, Real life or Doctor life. Your choice...

(audience laughing)

Should we make a farewell letter to the PONDS?

Yeah, but which PONDS? We might confuse it over your sister's facial wash that is POND'S...

(audience laughing)

Amy and Rory. We are going to say goodbye with a bang.

Really?

Yeah, let's think of something...and on that bombshell, that is the news... Gosh, what GIF overload...Anyway, and we'll leave you with this...Car Town highlighted a genius template designer known by the name of RidesXGee (https://www.facebook.com/RidesXGee). So, if you want a really really good template on your car from Car Town, RidesXGee got your back. This CarTown template genius has spent lifetime creating the most ideal Car Town templates your cars would love. Feel free to stop by okay?

Right, and also leaving is a little something we got from a store that sells anime figures. Surely, it's our pick. It's Nako Oshimizu from Hanasaku Iroha as part of the BEACH QUEENS range. Have a look around with Nakochi...

Nako Oshimizu

Nako Oshimizu

Nako Oshimizu

Nako Oshimizu

Nako Oshimizu