James May's absolutely useless! But the Renaultsport Clio III Phase II isn't!

Autocar, the magazine that fired James May in the past, once said that by pound for pound, the Renaultsport Clio (known in Japan as the Renaultsport Lutecia) is the most exciting car on sale. As I'm sure, I saw this one on a Top Gear episode where the presenters and their hot hatchbacks are placed to the test from the labyrinth of Lucca, Italy, to the Monaco Cote D'Azur. On the Monaco part, it was been proven that Jeremy Clarkson and his Citroen DS3 Racing is 5 seconds faster than the idiots Richard Hammond with his Fiat 500C Abarth Esseesse and James May in his Renault Clio III Renaultsport 200 Cup. That's just the beginning.

With those three hot hatchbacks featured on Clarkson's DVD titled "Clarkson: Powered Up", Jeremy Clarkson enlisted Lotus F1 driver, Karun Chandhok, to find out which of these three hot hatchbacks is the fastest at some part of the Paul Ricard Test Circuit. As proven, The Fiat 500C Abarth Esseesse was the slowest of the three and the fastest of the three? Nope, it's not the Citroen DS3 Racing. It's James May's Renaultsport Clio. Despite that this is the only non-turbo hot hatch of the three, this is the fastest of the three. James May's absolutely useless!

Oh look! James May's here in his driving instructor's car!

So, this is the fastest of the three. As a response from many Forza Faithfuls who are part-time Top Gear fans, the Renaultsport Clio III Phase II was featured on Forza Motorsport 4 via the March Pirelli Pack, now on sale. Although, it is difficult to say that how did that dopey old idiot was doing because this even feels fast. The little Abarth 500 is all about style and the Citroen DS3 is like a spongecake. Very soft and very comfortable but for the Renaultsport Clio 200? This does none of these things...

The Renaultsport Clio's too noisy at 70MPH in 4th Gear!

This car is better than the pre-facelifted model I have on the game, the 2007 Renault Clio 197. Not only that, it's lighter as well because while the 2007 Renault Clio 197 weighs 2,778lbs, the 2010 Renault Clio RS weighs about 2,654lbs. From the looks of it, it has a Formula One style front splitter for enhanced aerodynamics. The 0-60 time is the same, which in fact both the old and the new can do 6.9 seconds, but the Power/Weight ratio is what matters. With the old Clio RS 197 has 158.88BHP/tonne, the Clio RS 200 has 161.34BHP/tonne.

With the Cup chassis, it's stiffer and lighter, providing some nimble agility and lowered height. In reality, a standard Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup has no airconditioning and no navigation. What that moron had on Top Gear has an aircon as a maker option. Heh, that's James May's problem right now...

I bet most of these are optional...

If you watched Clarkson Powered Up DVD, you should realize that the Renaultsport Clio's a bit too noisy while it was cruising on 70MPH in 4th gear. That is bad for the economy, bad for emissions, and bad for the ears. Jeremy Clarkson's ears hate this car!

Although Autocar claims that the Renaultsport Clio is by pound for pound, the most exciting car on sale, it wasn't enough but that's okay though. I am getting a hang on this car. Although it is not turbocharged, this is somewhat nimble, stiffer, quicker, and above all, bonkers to drive. Perhaps this should have been five seconds quicker than Hammond's Abarth and Clarkson's Citroen. Never mind, what matters is that I'm happy to have that Clio. Now what I don't want to do is catching someone who's reading James May's Man Lab Book of Usefulness.

2013 Honda StepWGN range coming soon!

2013 Honda StepWGN

    

Some say, that for the 2013 Model Year, the StepWGN and the StepWGN Spada, on its 4th generation, will be getting its first facelift, a first when the 4th generation StepWGN was launched in October 2009.

2013 Honda StepWGN

2013 Honda StepWGN Spada

No further details about the upcoming facelift but we do know that the 2013 Honda StepWGN and it's sporty version, the 2013 Honda StepWGN Spada, will get themselves a new face. A new face to keep those two fresh and updated.

Some say, the 2013 Honda StepWGN minor change range will be out this Spring 2012.

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/1002872/

GM Korea releases special edition Chevrolet Spark Tattoo and Spark Stripe

2012 GM Korea Chevrolet Spark Stripe

2012 GM Korea Chevrolet Spark Tattoo

 

GM Korea Company, the South Korean division of General Motors, launched two special editions for the Chevrolet Spark compact car. First up is the Chevrolet Spark Tattoo which features some "Circles" vinyl on the exterior. What's more, it's available in Sapporo White with pink circles vinyl and Monaco Pink with white circles vinyl, it's available only in 1.0L engine, and it comes with 15-inch rims. This special edition Spark is targeted for the young Korean females.

For the young Korean males, here comes the Chevrolet Spark Stripe. Available in 8 colors; Iceland Blue with White Stripes, Havana Green with White Stripes, Santorini Blue with White Stripes, Belgian Brown with White Stripes, Barcelona Red with White Stripes, Prague Black with White Stripes, Sapporo White with Black Stripes, and Manhattan Silver with White Stripes.

What's more, it comes with a stylish 15-inch rims.

Price List:

1) Chevrolet Spark 1.0L Stripe 5M/T - 11,330,000 Korean Won

2) Chevrolet Spark 1.0L Stripe 4A/T - 12,630,000 Korean Won

3) Chevrolet Spark 1.0L Tattoo 5M/T - 11,440,000 Korean Won

4) Chevrolet Spark 1.0L Tattoo 4A/T - 12,740,000 Korean Won

Scoop: http://www.megaauto.com/newcar/carinfo_body.php3?carinfoid=47686&family_id=icomes&menu_id=472&val=&Nstep=2&beforeyear=&frame_id=5&frame_url=list/drive.php3?id=55864

The Biggest Thriller for a baddie thanks to its fractiousness and psychopathic nature

In Jeremy Clarkson's DVD, Thriller, the Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series is the biggest thriller car. In Top Gear at the Movies DVD, the best villain car with the best engine noise is for its fractiousness and psychopathic nature, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante. Here on Forza Motorsport 4, this is much better. This car is the best of both worlds because this one is the biggest thriller and not only it looks villainous, it sounds nasty. Nasty enough to become a bone-crushing continental crusher. This could only come from a Los Angeles-based tuner.

If you're not careful, the noise would start an avalanche!

At first glance, it looks like a Bentley Continental GT, a British grand tourer that is somewhat popular among blinged-up celebrities, but a tuner named Platinum Motorsports injected some steroids on this car. The finished project is called the "Platinum Motorsport Continental GT". Surely speaking, this was heralded as 2011 E3 Car of the Show awarded by Forza Motorsport 4.

We asked to someone who doesn't like a normal Continental GT
and they're thrilled!

I don't really know how did those punks from Los Angeles pimped this Continental GT but by the looks of it, it's definitely villainous. That car comes with a special wide body kit that consists of redesigned front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and wide fenders. Also, it has some high performance exhaust system that packs a rattling noise. Then, it comes with a smoked headlights and windows and some black rims that makes the exterior design look nasty. In the game of Tag, Pass the It, or Keep the It, this car is a menace. If you're driving a tricked out hatchback, you have to keep an eye out against that car because if this car catches you, you're sitting duck!

Anyway, the 6.0L W12 engine from the Continental GT, it's been tweaked with added power, so now, it gets over 700HP, and it's mated with a 6-speed paddle shift transmission. Although Platinum Motorsport didn't explain the specs of that project, Forza Motorsport 4 has the figures of this fully blinged-up but deadly serious version. This car can go 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds and flatout, it will do 210mph. There, simple as that...

The noise is so loud enough, Andy Wilman would cover his ears!

There are so many reasons why avid players are having fun with the Platinum Motorsport-tuned version of the Bentley Continental GT because this is one of the best-sounding cars you would hear on the game. Forget the in-game BGM, the noise of this car is music to your ears! The bellowing of the tuned W12 engine is just perfect if you want to listen to the sound of music. This car should have been the biggest thriller and it should be the best sounding car for a baddie with its fractiousness and psychopathic nature. I should have one of these in real life!

Porsche returns on Forza 4 this May!

Porsche Expansion Pack

Time now for the news and this is great news! A news for those to warm the hearts of the Forza Faithfuls. PORSCHE IS BACK!

That announcement really render them speechless like Jeremy Clarkson lost his voice! Porsche returns on Forza Motorsport 4 this May 22, 2012 with the Porsche Expansion Pack. This pack contains 30 Porsche cars. Most of these will be familiar but the seven out of the 30 Porsche models on this mega DLC pack will be brand new but what could it be? The 918 RSR? The GT3 RS 4.0? The new Cayenne Turbo? Or possibly the 991? We can't tell but this Porsche DLC Pack will be available this May for 1600 MSP ($19.99).

Firstly, we thought Porsche will not be featured due to EA exclusivity but thankfully, Turn 10 stood up and they finally featured Porsche again. I just hope that Turn 10 and EA are the only ones to feature Porsche.

Aside from that, Porsche-related challenges will be offered as well as new Porsche-related Achievements to collect.

Scoop: http://forzamotorsport.net/en-us/porsche_expansion_announce/

What's more, there's a new Forza coming soon. What's that? Some say it's tentatively called Forza Horizon. Check that clip:

Renault Samsung to launch SM3 Bose Edition this March 16

SM3 White Ibiza Party

Got a note from Renault Samsung Motor's official Facebook fan page. It seems that Renault Samsung will be releasing an SM3 Bose Edition this March 16, 2012. Not much info left but it will showcase at the SM3 White Ibiza Party this March 16, 2012.

URL: http://on.fb.me/SM3_Party

This Superleggera is different from the old one...

As a proud owner of Forza Motorsport 4 Limited Collector's Edition, I got a privilege to drive this, the most lightest Lamborghini ever built.

LP570-4 Superleggera's moment to shine

This is the Lamborghini...Gallardo...LP570-4...Superleggera. It has, by far away, the longest name in the world, but when I watched the first episode of Top Gear USA, it has been proven that in a straight line, The Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera is faster than the Lamborghini Murcielago SV. Needless to say, this car was featured on Jeremy Clarkson's 2010 DVD titled "Clarkson: The Italian Job" and described it as "a great version of a great car" but it's not really a track-day car. Also, it's less racy than the old Superleggera.

It's hopeless to drift a mid-engine 4WD car

I disagree, however, because this Gallardo is more good-looking than the old Gallardo. The hint of the front view and the rear view is what matters because the differences between the old Gallardo and the new Gallardo is somewhat easy. Because it is 4WD, the launch can be somewhat bogged out but in the corners, it's somewhat stable, especially with the traction control off. Oh wait, if you're not careful, your new Superleggera will get flung out like a slingshot.

Under the hood, it comes with the same 5.2L V10 engine you get from the LP560-4 but it has been tweaked by 10 horses, providing a maximum power output of 570PS and torque output of 398lb-ft. It can do naught to 60 in 3.4 seconds and flatout, it can do 202mph. That's exactly as similar as what you get from the Ferrari 458 Italia but both the LP570-4 and the 458 are not in the same league. Try competing that with the 599 GTO and this would be somewhat interesting...

Old Superleggera vs. New Superleggera

Unlike the 458 Italia, which has a double-clutch transmission, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera doesn't have that because it has a e-gear transmission that shifts through its six gears extremely smoothly and far more quickly than could be achieved by human reflexes. As a general rule, I'm highly bothered by those cars that come with flappy-paddle gearboxes because I can't come quicker than what I was expected. A car mated with an automatic transmission is like a rated G show. If it comes with a flappy-paddle gearbox, it's rated PG. And if it's a manual with 3 pedals under your foot, it's rated SPG. This car then is rated PG. Please don't blame me but this is my point of view for different kinds of transmissions in the motoring world.

Now where's James May's caravan blimp?!

Those FM4 VIPs who drove a LP570-4 Superleggera has a knack of turning this into a Lamborghini Gallardo Balboni. I was one of them. I covered the "Superleggera" vinyl and design it with some Balboni credentials on it. Also, I stripped off it's 4WD drivetrain and turning into a MR exotic. Yep, I turned it into a rear-wheel drive Gallardo by my own hands and it's possible to turn the LP570-4's drivetrain from 4WD to RWD at the Upgrade Shop. When I drive this one with RWD setup, it's somewhat hard at first but it left me a good smile on my face. A shift from 4WD to 2WD for the Gallardo LP570 is a somewhat a good strategy if you want this car to be more drift-happy rather than a 4WD exotic that is focused on the grip but that's just the half of the story.

Welcome Back: 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera

Not possibly a good Driving Heaven but whatever...

Away from the clattering "dig-dig-dig-dig-dig-dig" sounds of hell and to the sounds of heaven, the old Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera returned on Forza Motorsport 4 and to avoid any confusion to the current Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera (a VIP only car), a true Forza player knows the difference between the old Superleggera and the current Superleggera, but still this is the kind of car you would love to drive if you want to find your own "Driving Heaven" on Forza Motorsport 4, much like when Jeremy Clarkson drove this one on the presenters' quest to find the world's greatest driving road, which is the Stelvio Pass.

However, this car is just like a game of Tetris; very dull, very boring, and most of all, it made me unhappy to drive the old Superleggera until my VIP membership payed off for having me taking behind the wheel of the LP570-4 Superleggera, which I'll be tackling next.

Today, the old Superleggera is a modern classic car because with over a hundred units ever made since production ended in 2008, making it a very rare vehicle to see one passing by, all of your life.

Now, the old Superleggera is listed as a Unicorn Car, a car that you can't get it through numerous reasons because you have to get it on promotional reasons. For instance, you have to take part of a special contests held at Forzamotorsport.net Forums such as the Official Forza Motorsport 4 Fantasy Livery Contest, Official Forza Motorsport 4 Race/Replica Livery Contest, or The Official Forza Motorsport 4 Photo Mode Competition. If your entry is chosen to be a Turn 10 Pick, you have much chances to win that car.

Mido is the best milk!

Okay, what's up from the March 4, 2012, episode of the now-rated-SPG Lokomoko?

- Jungle gags

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Kung ang INA ang ilaw ng tahanan, pumapatak din ba siya sa metro ng kuryente?

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Kapag ninakaw ba ng may-ari ang gamit na ninakaw sa kanya, magnanakaw na rin siya?

- Lokomersyal in Mido Milk! Mido Milk is the best milk ever!

Mido Milk

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Pang bading lang ba ang parlor games?

- Some traitors are around the Katipunan...

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Kung ang saging may puso, nasasaktan din ba ang kanyang damdamin?

- Who's Line Is It...Anyhow?!

1) You blew me away on your special day - Birthday Cake

2) Forever na lang ba akong magbabantay ng bukid? - Scarecrow

3) Ale, nasa langit na ba ako? Boss, kayo po ba si San Pedro? - Rugby Boy

4) Bakit gustong gusto mo ako kainin pero hindi mo naman ako kayang lunukin? - Chess Piece

5) Pinag-aagawan niyo ba ako para matira niyo lang ako? - Bola ng basketball

6) Bakit ba lahat nalang gusto niyong masagap ko? - Antenna

7) Time, I've been passing time, watching trains go by. All of my life... - Guard sa MRT

Forza 4 meets Audi ultra lightweight technology; The Audi R18 TDI

Outta my way, Peugeot! You're no longer belong at Le Mans!

Diesels are now the stalwarts of the 24 Hours of Le Mans because petrol can't keep up with today's happenings such as the environment, economy, and tensions from the Middle East. With the rivalrly between Peugeot and Audi are getting a bit hotter on Le Mans over the years, this is the kind of Audi LMP that trounced the Peugeot last year and therefore, Peugeot no longer being a part of the Le Mans 2012 season at Circuit de la Sarthe. What you're looking now is Audi ultra lightweight technology, the Audi R18 TDI.

Three kings of Sebring

Positioned as the stalwart of Forza Motorsport 4's February ALMS Pack, players got themselves the first time getting behind the wheel of the Audi R18 TDi, but to be specific, the Team Joest #2 Audi R18 which was driven by drivers Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Treluyer. The R18 TDi that stayed on to the very end of the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans season, getting it's first win and continues Audi's reign at Le Mans. Like the Peugeot 908 HDi, it's a diesel LMP so you might be expecting some clattering "dig-dig-dig-dig-dig-dig" sounds of hell but thanks to such lightweight technology, the R18 TDi is surprisingly lighter than the other Audi LMPs on the game, above all, it's lighter than the outgoing Peugeot 908 TDi, which we will no longer see it on the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans season.

A Le Mans Prototype that is as light as a buttercup

Under the bonnet, the 3.7L TDi engine with a single Garrett TR30R VGT turbocharger produces 540HP of power and 664lb-ft of torque. What we're realizing that the R18 TDi is not quite as powerful as the Audi LMPs in the past, and above all, not powerful enough than our absolute favorite LMP from the past, the rotary-powered Mazda 787B.

It can do 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds, that's about the same time as my absolute favorite supercar, the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 and flatout, it can do 207MPH, so there's gonna be some chase here. For stopping power, the Audi R18 TDi will halt from 100mph to nothing in 201ft.

Audi R18 TDi making "tambay" at the Top Gear studio

There is somewhat a familiar story about the R18 TDi because it was participated in other races such as the 1000km Spa round of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, Imola 6 Hours, Silverstone 6 Hours, Petit Le Mans, and China 6 Hours. Originally, the R18 TDi want to take part at the Sebring 12 Hours but due to development and logistics, the R18 wasn't take part at Sebring but instead, Audi used two Audi R15+ machines. It's a bit of a history lesson but doesn't matter. What matters is that we played with the R18 TDi on Forza Motorsport 4 and the Audi ultra lightweight technology makes it an ace of its sleeves against your rivals.

Welcome Back: 2006 Koenigsegg CCX

Koenigseggisseggggnignigsegigisegggg CCX with Top Gear wing

Koenigseggisseggggnignigsegigisegggg CCX interior

Close Call! I thought you may end up the same fate as Stig's!

The Koenigsegg CCX is definitely one of the most dangerous rides you would love to risk on this game. This car may have the longest name in the lap board (Koenigseggisseggggnignigsegigisegggg CCX) and this is the car The Stig has ever stuffed.

The Koenigsegg CCX comes with a body made of carbon fiber, a 4.7L twin-supercharged engine that produces 806HP, and a drag coefficient of a fish. Yep, Jeremy Clarkson said that and this was proven to be more addicting than smoking cigarettes. Because this car has no Traction Control, there's going to be a risk there. When The Stig lapped the CCX round the Top Gear Test Track in 1:20.4, Stig said that he can do faster than that, so he does it again and suddenly while he was at the Follow-Through, he manages to correct the steering but it doesn't have enough track for this car, resulting to a major accident.

Stig believed that if the CCX has a rear spoiler, it would corner well, and therefore, Koenigsegg got the memo and equipped the CCX with a rear spoiler, resulting a new record of 1:17.6, beating the Zonda F's lap time.

The CCX returned on Forza Motorsport 4 and it was one of the cars featured on the game's Autovista feature where you can learn some facts about the CCX or hear Jeremy Clarkson's commentary about the CCX. Be warned that the CCX is highly dangerous to drive for an unskilled player but if only someone who's as brave as The Stig should be wise to choose it.

Spotlight: 2003 Nissan Fairlady Z (Community Bounty Hunter -sinnermac-)

2003 Nissan Fairlady Z Community Bounty Hunter edition

What you're looking here is a 2003 Nissan Fairlady Z customized by FM4 player sinnermac. His design showcased the bounty hunters of Star Wars such as Jango Fett and Boba Fett. It was selected as the Bounty Hunter prize car for those who beat sinnermac's time at the "Compact Combat" Community Monthly Rival challenge. Those people who beaten sinnermac's time of "00:12.100" at that challenge got rewarded with the 2003 Nissan Fairlady Z modified by sinnermac. I beat sinnermac with a lap time of 00:11.967 using a 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit GTi with some modifications I bought from the storefront that says it can be faster than sinnermac's.

With the Community Bounty Hunter against sinnermac's Compact Combat lap time round and over, seems that I don't need the tuning setup I bought at the storefront and I decided to tune my Rabbit GTi by myself. But anyway, I'll surely keep sinnermac's Z33 with Star Wars Bounty Hunters design as a prize. I would gladly thank sinnermac for this challenge.

Anyone else who beat sinnermac got this?