BMW 3-Series F30

Served as the entry-level sedan at the same level as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Audi A4, the BMW 3-Series has a heritage that span over five generations since the first one came in 1975 and this sixth-generation 3er (designated as F30) continues the 3er legacy under its new circumstances and new perceptions to provide the joy of being BMW's entry-level luxury RWD luxury saloon that is fit for the beginners.

2012 BMW 3-Series

For the first time in 3er history, the new BMW 3-Series is now available in three equipment lines that suit your personality such as the new SPORT LINE, LUXURY LINE, and MODERN LINE. The Sport Line features a dynamic appearance on the F30, the Luxury Line provides elegance and exclusive appeal, and the Modern Line provides a contemporary character of the F30 3-Series. In my point of view that despite the three lines, all I can expect is the eccentric front view that comes with a very eccentric front lamps that doesn't look good. If that wasn't eccentric enough, the new F30 features a side view that comes from the old E90, and the rear view that came from the BMW 5-Series F10. What was that? Come on BMW, you can't just mash up like a machine gun. You just need to emphasize the elegance and perfection of the new F30 in order to look good but what BMW did on the F30 made me confused. I don't really get it.

2012 BMW 3-Series interior

The typical interior looks the same as all of the current BMWs and that is very confusing in the eyes of the BMW enthusiast. What differs for the new BMW 3-Series is when the four circular dials (fuel gauge, speedometer, rev counter and oil temperature gauge) come with a black panel display and a freestanding standard-fitted iDrive monitor with high-resolution display that has no folding mechanism. That doesn't matter because what's more enjoyable on the F30's interior is connectivity. Thanks to BMW ConnectedDrive, drivers can use BMW apps to post Facebook statuses, Twitter tweets, iPhone connectivity, Bluetooth office, and surf the internet while driving. That is very convenient for a hard-working businessman in Europe.

2012 BMW 3-Series

To keep the F30's performance sticking true to its "Freude am Fahren" slogan, it comes with a selection of BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol or diesel engines that are Euro V compliant. Because there are so many, let's make it a bit more simple from each and every variant.

Information for BMW 320i
Combined fuel consumption: 6.3 to 5.9 l/100 km
Urban: 8.4 to 7.7 l/100 km
Extra urban: 5.0 to 4.8 l/100 km
CO ₂ emissions combined: 147-138 g / km

Information for BMW 328i
Combined fuel consumption: 6.4 to 6.3 l/100 km
Urban: 8.5 to 8.2 l/100 km
Extra-urban: 5,2 l/100 km
CO ₂ emissions combined: 149-147 g / km

Information for BMW 335i
Combined fuel consumption: 7.9 to 7.2 l/100 km
Urban: 11.1 to 10.2 l/100 km
Extra urban: 6.1 to 5.5 l/100 km
CO ₂ emissions combined: 186-169 g / km

Information for BMW 316d
Combined fuel consumption: 4.5 to 4.4 l/100 km
Urban: 5.5 to 5.4 l/100 km
Extra urban: 3.9 to 3.7 l/100 km
CO ₂ emissions combined: 118-114 g / km

Information for BMW 318d
Combined fuel consumption: 4.5 to 4.4 l/100 km
Urban: 5.5 to 5.4 l/100 km
Extra urban: 3.9 to 3.8 l/100 km
CO ₂ emissions combined: 118-116 g / km

Information for BMW 320d
Combined fuel consumption: 4.6 to 4.4 l/100 km
Urban: 5.8 to 5.4 l/100 km
Extra urban: 3.9 to 3.8 l/100 km
CO ₂ emissions combined: 120-117 g / km

Information for BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition
Combined fuel consumption: 4.1 l/100 km
Urban: 5.2 to 5.0 l/100 km
Extra urban: 3.6 to 3.5 l/100 km
CO ₂ emissions: 109 g / km

At the start, the 320d, 320d EfficientDynamics Edition, 328i, and the 335i are the first F30 models to be available as of press time while other models will follow shortly. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard but customers can be offered with an 8-speed automatic transmission sourced from ZF. To provide fuel economy, drivers can turn on the ECO PRO mode to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 20%. Also, most models come with an idling stop function that shuts off the engine when stopped at the red light. Don't worry though that for some haven't know, air conditioning still active when the engine is stopped courtesy of idling stop. To provide drivers with more throttle response and sharper handling, they can switch on the Sport Mode but believe me, this would end up into an uncomfortable experience on the roads ahead.

There are numerous features that can be somewhat beneficial for the safety of the drivers' eyes such as the Surround View, that checks on both sides at the front so you won't need to turn your head from left to right because this feature does the thing for you. Then, there was also the Park Assist that provides parking safety, essential if you're undertaking parallel parking. The BMW F30 comes with the Real-Time Traffic Information to check out some traffic updates all around you and guess you may find it that this is better than listening to the radio for real-time traffic, which is a complete waste of time! Those are a lot of safety features equipped on the new BMW F30 but sadly, I have no time to explain what are the safety features equipped on the F30.

Anyway, the new BMW F30 3er comes in seven exterior colors; Saphirschwarz metallic, Havanna metallic, Melbourne Rot metallic. Glaciersilber metallic, Imperialblau Brillianteffekt metallic, Mineralgrau metallic, and Alpinweiβ uni.

My comment:
BMW's entry-level RWD sedan, the 3-Series, is now on its sixth-generation and it continues the tradition that was span over three decades but for such design, I wasn't very impressed because what BMW did is just a mash-up of absolutely nonsense. Although, I don't like the way the new exterior behaves, the uniform interior seems to be getting a bit state of the art thanks to BMW ConnectedDrive. Because I can't find any boring Natural Aspiration on the new 3er, well count me in because of the BMW TwinPower Turbo engines with direct injection technology that provides better fuel economy without sacrificing performance. If this is the kind of car BMW made, well count me in because this is the future of BMW but why would we all want to leave the present with this new model?

Photo: BMW AG

3rd Generation Fiat Panda

The Panda has been around for over 30 years when the first Fiat Panda came out in the 1980's and the second-generation Panda reached a milestone of over 2,000,000 units made last year. For this third-generation model, the all new Fiat Panda will do anything to make Fiat stand up from the ongoing European debt crisis that was plunged last year. Produced at the revamped Pomigliano d'Arco plant in Naples, Italy, the new Panda is all about Italian pride that expresses the art of car passion, no matter which league you are.

2013 Fiat Panda

Previous generations of the Panda seems a bit more squarish and ugly to look at because everything seems to be squarish and "it's cool if you're an 11-year-old boy". For this new Panda, the design is finally went to the right direction and I was going to say that I love the new look of the this 3rd-generation model. Although it still has the same side view design from the previous model, the new design is definitely enough for the average Italian motorist who are looking for a city car that is stylish. So what I'm looking now that this new Panda is no longer the ugly squarish type of Panda. The round shaping really makes it up to its bubbly personality, which is nice. Good mark for Fiat there.

2013 Fiat Panda interior

Okay, what I don't really get about the new Panda is the new interior. When you get inside, you really don't get it that there is too much square around here. From the parts of the steering wheel, the instrumental panel, the climate control, everything is so squarish! If you have a decent top-of-the-line model, you would find out that there are so many squares are imprinted on the seats that can accommodate up to five people. Perhaps if you're a kid, you would find out that those seats with several squared imprinted on it are somewhat fun to touch and your parents won't be noticing it. If you're up to connectivity, the available Fiat Blue&Me, in collaboration with Microsoft, provides you with hands-free voice commands that lets you listen to music, make phone calls, navigation, and more, without letting your hands off the wheel.

2013 Fiat Panda

At the start, the all new 3rd-generation Fiat Panda is available in two petrol engine types such as the 1.2 69cv and the 0.9 TwinAir Turbo 85cv engine with idling stop function, and the 1.3 Multijet 16v 75cv engine.. Okay, the new 1.2 69cv Fire EVO II engine, which is the latest evolution of the Fiat FIRE engine range that boasts over 10 million units made. It provides 69PS of power and 102Nm of torque with improved fuel economy (combined) of 19.2km/L (5.2L/100km) and 120g/km of CO2 emissions. Lastly, the 0.9 TwinAir Turbo 85cv engine, which is the first of the new range of two-cylinder engines developed by Fiat Powertrain, develops 85PS of power and 145Nm of torque but it can be reduced to 100Nm if the driver presses the ECO key on the dashboard to save petrol, leaving the fuel economy up to 23.8km/L of fuel economy and CO2 emissions equal to 99g/km, which is impressive for an Italian eco-car. On the 1.3L Multijet 16v diesel engine, it produces about 75PS of power and 190Nm of torque. Thanks to its fixed geometry turbocharger with intercooler, this diesel variant promises about 104g/km of CO2 emissions and 25.6km/L of fuel economy. Most of these variants come with a 5-speed manual transmission but there will be more variants for the new Fiat Panda coming soon this year.

Ten exterior colors are available on the new Fiat Panda such as Beige Accogliente, Bianco Sincero, Marrone Avvolgente, Nero Seducente, Rosso Cupido, Turchese Sognante, Blu Dipintodiblu, Grigio Allegro, Rosso Gioioso, and Viola Profumato.

My comment:
With the all new, 3rd-generation, Fiat Panda had its design finally came to the right direction, it tries to be more bubbly and cheerful for this cheap and cheerful Italian 5-door hatchback. With prices start at around 10,200 Euros for the entry level 1.2L POP up to 14,400 Euros for the 1.3L Multijet 16v 75cv S&S Lounge, this new Panda is definitely a cheap and cheerful hatchback that is more affordable than the Toyota Ractis. I was going to say that (sigh) I love it. Mwah!



Photo: FIAT

Elia modified the Renault Wind with matching Lotus F1 Team colors

Elia Renault Wind

Despite that Lotus and Renault are now in separate ways since the end of 2011 Formula One season, Elia modified the Renault Wind roadster that featured, and while you're sitting down, Lotus F1 Team livery! While Elia doesn't explain about its specs, this modified Wind is dressed in the former Lotus Renault GP team livery all over the car and it comes with a sports exhaust system and some low-profile tires.

A little late for the party but it doesn't matter for this modified Renault Wind.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/02/elia-dresses-up-renault-wind-in-f1.html

Venta in the Metro sparked outrage in the Philippines

Lamborghini Aventador in Metro Manila

When someone in the Philippines reacted via Top Gear Philippines' Facebook page that a white Lamborghini Aventador spotted in the Metro Manila, it seems most and most spur relentless comments that are too fun to read.

Okay, this is turning like the "Who is The Stig" iPhone app but instead of doing that, there are some several "some say" comments to explain some ludicrous things about the Lamborghini Aventador's maiden voyage at the Metro Manila.

Some say it was belong from the Customs. Some say it was belong to Grace Lee. Some say, it was bought at Auto Trend for under 25 million pesos. Some say, the Aventador is going to Las Pinas because this place has wealthy Filipinos. Some say if everyone in the Metro saw the Aventador, their cars went overheat. All we know is, what a complete waste of time explaining what would the Aventador do in the Philippines.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/photos-of-lamborghini-aventador-on-local-roads-a-hit-on-facebook

For some irrelevance to this story, word from Top Gear Philippines is that Ramon Magsaysay Blvd. will be closed for another Bourne Legacy shooting, beginning February 11 to 13 at 1am Philippine Standard Time. Who cares? Nobody's going to Ramon Magsaysay Blvd. at that time, except maybe buses and people who worked overtime.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/ramon-magsaysay-blvd-to-be-closed-for-bourne-legacy-shoot

Are you the 2013 Lexus RX minor change?

Some Minkara blogger, mercilessly scanned a brochure that what would the 2013 Lexus RX minor change would look like. Check out the scans that you may found out that there's a high possibility that IT IS the 2013 Lexus RX facelift.

2013 Lexus RX brochure scans

2013 Lexus RX brochure scans

2013 Lexus RX brochure scans

2013 Lexus RX brochure scans

2013 Lexus RX brochure scans

Based on this leaked brochure done by an Minkara blogger, the 2013 Lexus RX facelift will feature Lexus's new trademark SPINDLE GRILLE that was last seen on the all-new 2013 Lexus GS. On the interior, a new steering wheel design takes place and for the first time, Lexus will be offering an optional rear seat entertainment system on high-range models. Also new for the 2013 Lexus RX is the F-Sport variant.

Based on the scans, it should come out in Japan this April 2012.

Source: http://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid/556631/car/481148/2977698/photo.aspx

"Capture the Island Experience"

What just happened at the February 10, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang?

- Those Bubble Gags ruined too much Valentines dates...

Fresco Bar & Resto

- The woman explains what's going on at the church...

- Imagine life on the household if its "too tight" to handle...

- Cheche is writing a Valentines Day card for her dad? Really?!

- Bubble Gang does Boracay Rum by spoofing this commercial as BAROCAY RUM. Capture the island experience with Barocay Rum.

Bubble Gang does Boracay Rum

- Some say Dahon faces a new rival named Bungo, and even the tamed pickupista, Boy Pick Up, is no match for Regine Velasquez. All we know is it's called PICKUP LINES!! And we're off!

Bungo

1) Meron bang droga ang mata mo? Kasi, nakakalason ang titig mo!

2) Di baleng may asthma ako. Basta lips mo ang nebulizer ko.

3) Tatakbo ka ba sa pulitika? Kasi, botong-boto sa'yo ang pamilya ko.

4) Pag-ibig ko sa'yo parang presyo ng fish ball. Kasi, hindi nagbabago.

5) Para sa'yo, ako na ang mas bobo. Kasi, akong BOBOO ng buhay mo

6) Alam mo, nakaka-in love yung mga mata mo. Kasi, ang A, B & C, ay number 2 sa keypad.

7) Kung magiging superhero ako, hindi ako si Batman, Superman, o si Spiderman. Kasi, I'm your man, magpakailanman.

8) Alam mo ba, kakaiba ka? Kasi, ang capital ng Burgundy ay BOOJUMBURA! (?)

- Mr. Assimo at the fast food chain

Mr. Assimo

- Special guest, Mikey Bustos explains the brighter side of us, Filipinos, out there.

Mikey Bustos

- The cupid is going to the jail.

- IyoTube in Britney Spears' Stronger with some female guesting alongside the Moymoy Palaboy duo.

Welcome Back: 2009 Ford Fiesta Zetec S

Fiesta WRC rally car on its shakedown test!

Who's better at hooning? Ken Block or The Stig?

There was one part of Top Gear where Jeremy Clarkson turned an ordinary Ford Fiesta test drive into a hilarious adventure, and that was none other than the "Sensible" Fiesta test. Clarkson tries to address a complaint from someone named "Mr. Needham" because Mr. Needham complained that why Top Gear never do a decent test drive just like the old Top Gear. Trust them, on Top Gear, clouds go backwards, sportscars smoking through the test track, metaphors got tortured, and they last for about five or six minutes but for Top Gear's Sensible Fiesta Test, that was way too much adrenaline and too much rush. However, I really love the Sensible Fiesta Test because this is the best Top Gear moment ever because it included a chase scene between the Ford Fiesta vs. the Chevrolet Corvette at the shopping mall and the part where the Ford Fiesta takes part at the Royal Marines' combat training as a beach assault craft!

"So there you are Mr. Needham! The most thorough test of a car ever undertaken on British television! Fiesta's come through with flying colors!" - Jeremy Clarkson, Top Gear

...and if that wasn't enough of this Top Gear Sensible Fiesta Test, what about in the USA? Top Gear USA's Tanner Foust astonished us with his "indoor speed record" of 87MPH in his Ford Fiesta Rallycross and when The Stig tried it round the TGUSA Test Track, it set an astonishing lap time of 1:19.5 (although this isn't a road car).

The Ford Fiesta returned on Forza Motorsport 4 and it tries to be more sensible on this game. What's even more sensible that those Ken Block Monster liveries made for the Fiesta are truly the best-sellers round the Forza Motorsport 4 storefront. Hey, I can see plenty of Ken Block liveries on the FM4 storefront frequently because of such popularity for the boy-racers in mind. The outlook was good, no wait, the outlook was very good for the Ford Fiesta.

As for me, I personally like the Ford Fiesta not only because it is popular not just in the USA, Europe, the Philippines, ASEAN, and the rest of the world, but it is because it holds a special place in Top Gear history.

Chicago Approach

The 2012 Chicago Auto Show is open to the public this February 10 to 19 at the McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois. Here are some of my hand-picked cars you might want to approach on this venue, making them a perfect Chicago Approach.

2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible

This here is the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible. In celebration of SVT's 20th anniversary, the revised convertible version of the hardcore GT500 Shelby that comes with the most powerful V8 engine in its class; a 5.8L V8 engine that produces a Camaro ZL1-crushing 650HP of power.

2012 Kia Trackster Concept

Kia Motors imagines what would their Mini Cooper rival look like with the Trackster Concept, a 3-door sports concept car that was based on the popular Soul crossover. Kia Motors America chief designer, Tom Kearns, said that the Trackster is made to be tough looking like a bulldog. Hmmm...tough like a bulldog, got that idea from the Honda City Turbo II.

2013 GMC Acadia

GMC's Acadia crossover gets a minor change for the 2013 Model Year but despite being a minor change, there is somewhat an oddity that behind the new front, most of the body panels were really derived from the defunct Saturn Outlook. This is a first from General Motors to save production costs.

2013 Acura ILX

The production-spec Acura ILX made a world premiere at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show and it will be on sale in North America this spring 2012. Of course, this is a much luxury version of the 9th-generation "NOT MADE FOR JAPAN" Honda Civic. There's going to be much TRANSACTIONS with this entry-level sedan and also, if come on sale in Canada, it will replace the Civic-based CSX once and for all.

2013 Hyundai Avante Coupe (subject to change)

Lastly, this is somewhat the Hyundai Avante MD that goes "more fun, less doors". Yes, we're looking at the Hyundai Avante Coupe (subject to change), or what the Americans called it the "Elantra Coupe". This car is a celebration of the Avante's 2012 North American Car of the Year win and this would be a fluidic alternative to the Kia Forte Koup.

New Nu 2.0L CVVL engine, effective on 2013MY YF Sonata and K5

Hyundai YF Sonata

Kia K5

Effective on the 2013 Hyundai Sonata (쏘나타) and the 2013 Kia K5, they are equipped with the new "Nu 2.0 CVVL" engine that replaces the Theta 2.0 MPi engine. The all new "Nu 2.0 CVVL" engine produces 172PS of power and 20.5kg-m of torque. This will provide a maximum fuel economy of 14km/L but if you come with an "IDLE STOP & GO" option, it will achieve 14.8km/L of fuel economy. This is going to be the first Korean-made vehicles to come with a Continuous Variable Valve Lift technology ever to be on sale in South Korea.

Nu 2.0 CVVL engine

Scoop:

1) http://www.kia.co.kr/about-kia/prcenter/news-view.aspx?idx=1578

2) http://blog.hyundai.com/frontoffice/html/blogview.aspx?category=30&pidx=890

Idolm@ster-itasha versions of Prius, Ractis Verso, and Wish coming at Amlux this February

Toyota WISH -THE IDOLM@STER- Version

Toyota Prius -THE IDOLM@STER- Version

Toyota Ractis (Verso-S) -THE IDOLM@STER- Version

   

Some say, it happened again but this is different from last year. All we know is, THE IDOLM@STER returns to Toyota's Amlux this February! That's right, petrolheads in Japan. They're back, and this time, Amlux will feature Idolm@ster itasha versions of the Toyota Prius hybrid, Toyota Ractis (Verso-S) hatchback, and the Toyota Wish MPV from February 11 to March 31, 2012.

For about 1,000JPY, visitors can have a one hour test drive in either the Prius or the Ractis Verso while listening to the original IDOLM@STER radio program but those must be reserved in advance.

For some who haven't known, last October 2011, Toyota displayed some IDOLM@STER itasha versions of the Toyota Prius Alpha (Prius v or Prius+) MPV and the Toyota Vitz/Yaris hatchback and it lasted 'till late November 2011.

Guess those IM@S fandom really turned us into petrolheads...

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-02-08/idolm@ster-prius-to-be-displayed-at-tokyo-showroom

The Ferrari California (if you're a bloke or a girl)

California drifting in London

When this kind of Ferrari debuted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, what can I say about this Ferrari California (フェラーリ・カリフォルニア)? Is this a convertible? A long distance cruiser? A supercar? And still be a Ferrari? We're not diddling about this like what Vicki Butler-Henderson reviewed on Fifth Gear but this Ferrari California is stubbornly different than the other Ferraris ever made. Enzo Ferrari will be turning in to his grave when he encounters this kind of Ferrari but this is not some kind of a long distance grand tourer and a supercar all rolled into one. The California is Ferrari's first ever FR sports cabriolet that comes with a first retractable hard-top that can be opened or closed in less than 14 seconds. It is the first to come with the first fuel-injected 4.3L V8 engine that can go 0-60m in under 4 seconds and a top speed of 310kph. This car marks the start of Ferrari's commitment to reduce emissions and it will yield more women with the California. It has CO2 emissions of 305.6 g/km while the combined fuel economy is 13.1 l/100 km, which are bad numbers for a supercar. It even comes with the new 7-speed double-clutch paddle shift transmission, which is a first for a Ferrari road car.

Stig remembered that this car is
driven by Vicki Butler-Henderson

It maybe somewhat a Ferrari convertible you may fall in love it but because of the car's firsts, this car made me feel like a jerk. I felt like I'm ending up on the same league of Tiff Needell, Vicki Butler-Henderson, and the rest of the Fifth Gear presenters, but I don't want to be like them because a show like Fifth Gear is really really boring. By the way, it was featured on Jeremy Clarkson's 2009 DVD titled "Duel", where Clarkson's Aston Martin Volante battled against Vicki's California and it all ended on a "Dead Heat". Not only that, the people behind the Gran Turismo series were responsible for the Ferrari California's promotional video that was seen at the special Ferrari website, way before its Parisian debut since Autumn 2008.

This California only live twice...

Having the Ferrari California featured on Gran Turismo 5 is somewhat an ambitious act to follow but when I drove this thing the first time after watching the duel between Clarkson and Vicki Butler-Henderson, I love it. I think this car is might have been a whole new romance but when I corner around the sharpest of corners, well, let's be honest, let's say difficult. Despite that, the California is more fun and I am going to be bonkers, just as women in the motoring journalism drive me mental.

Edo Competition modifies the Panamera Turbo S up to 340km/h!

Edo Competition Panamera Turbo S

The Porsche Panamera Turbo S may be the most powerful Panamera ever built but if you found out that's not enough, don't worry because the boffins from Edo Competition modified the Panamera Turbo S to reach a top speed of 340kph and it's all thanks to modifying the turbocharged V8 engine that gives this modified Panamera Turbo S over 700PS of power, 880Nm of torque, and naught to 60 in 3.5 seconds. When it comes to styling, it comes served with 22-inch rims in Carbon-Look.

Scoop: http://www.auto-news.de/tuning/anzeige_Porsche-Panamera-Turbo-S-von-Edo-Competition_id_31634