My GT7 Log: Xiaomi The Money

For the first time in Gran Turismo history, a Chinese car company, Xiaomi, has joined the franchise. As the Gran Turismo series begins to cater to Beijing, many are questioning the future direction of this iconic car racing series.

To the commoners, Xiaomi is a Chinese tech giant known for premium gadgetry at affordable prices. When a Chinese tech giant like Xiaomi ventured into the automotive business, this was uncharted territory worth conquering, and a car like the SU7 Ultra is proof of it.

First launched in 2024, the SU7 is Xiaomi's first mass-produced vehicle that incorporates Xiaomi's gadgetry know-how into a high-performance EV sedan. It was offered with a choice of Standard, Pro, Max, and, this, the Ultra.

The SU7 Ultra features a tri-motor all-wheel-drive system that produces a total output of 1,527 horsepower. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just 1.98 seconds and can reach a top speed of over 350 kph, showcasing supercar-level performance for a high-performance Chinese electric saloon.

In addition to its impressive speed, the SU7 Ultra boasts high rigidity and a lightweight design, thanks to carbon-fiber body panels and a cell-to-body construction. It generates up to 285 kg of downforce and has a stopping distance of 101 feet when braking from 100 kph to a complete stop.

The SU7 Ultra lapped the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife in 6m22.091.

I visited the Yas Marina Circuit in the UAE, the venue for the F1 season finale, to showcase the impressive performance of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. Honestly, this level of performance made me anxious about how China has produced such an outstanding super saloon that could outshine Western counterparts. Let’s take a closer look.

My moment with the SU7 Ultra made me post a 2m04.350s lap time around the Abu Dhabi track. Not my best result, but I got the taste of the performance this Chinese super saloon delivered. Call me worried.

From producing high-quality gadgets at affordable prices to making waves in the automotive industry with the fastest super saloon in the Green Hell, Xiaomi is on a roll. The SU7 Ultra is a clear indication of what's to come from China. No wonder the folks from Gran Turismo urged to bring the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra to GT7. Whether we like it or not, it's a real headline-grabber.

That is the Chinese food for thought for the night.

Michael (2026 film)

The untold story of one of the world's legendary performers, Michael Jackson, is now on the big screen. Jaafar Jackson takes on the role of the late Michael Jackson in this powerful biopic that highlights the rise of a music icon.

Michael (2026 film)

The story of Michael Jackson unfolds through a cinematic lens, showcasing the life and legacy of one of the world's legendary performers. Viewers will experience the challenges and triumphs of his journey, starting from his childhood as the youngest member of the Jackson 5 to his rise as a successful solo artist. The narrative also covers the accident that ultimately changed the course of his life forever.

This is what Michael Jackson's life showcased before his controversial image change that shocked the world: the bitter struggles he faced, the legendary career he launched, and the numerous successes he achieved—everything that made Michael Jackson, well, Michael Jackson. 

From start to finish, this movie demonstrates how a legend like him was made.

Let's Do The News! (April 24, 2026)

            

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- US President Donald Trump says the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire was extended to three weeks after their White House meeting.

- US President Donald Trump says that King Charles' state visit could help mend US-UK relations.

- Two were arrested over alleged drug sales in High Street mini-marts after the BBC undercover investigation in the UK's West Midlands.

- The first air-conditioned passenger waiting room at the LRT-1 Baclaran Station has been officially opened, aiming to provide additional comfort to passengers against the extreme heat of the weather.

- The Malacañang maintained that there was no contradiction in the statement of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Justice regarding the situation of former congressman Zaldy Co in the Czech Republic.

- The Philippine National Police (PNP) is pleased with the signing of a unified interagency standard operating procedure for the implementation of the executive order banning the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country.

- Peugeot unveiled the 6 and 8 concepts at the 2026 Auto China.

- The Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric was unveiled.

- The Volkswagen ID.BUZZ was updated for the 2027 model year with physical buttons in the interior.

- Honda is ending its car sales to the South Korean market by the end of 2026.

- Lucas leaves SM Entertainment.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 23, 2026)

           

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The Malacanang says the Office of the President will grant the new travel authority request of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte to allow her to travel abroad while impeachment hearings are ongoing at the House of Representatives.

- The PH Commission of Elections will now require the attachment of a birth certificate upon the filing of a certificate of candidacy for the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections and succeeding elections.

- The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed all charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity.

- NASA released photos of Earth captured by the Artemis II crew during their journey to the Moon in celebration of Earth Day.

- Two more people were arrested over an alleged conspiracy to commit arson at the site connected to the Jewish community.

- The Kimera EV038 Collezione Martini was unveiled. The 2.1L twin-charged engine now produces 640 bhp.

- The BMW 7-Series G70 received a big minor change for the 2027 model year, featuring a new controversial interior layout with tech inspired by the Neue Klasse.

2027 BMW 7-Series

- The Morgan Supersport 400 was unveiled. Its 3.0L straight-six engine from BMW produces 402bhp of power.

- Gunther Werks unveiled a one-off finale to their Porsche 911 (993) Speedster projects, the Project Endgame.

- Court grants injunction suspending contracts of nine THE BOYZ members with ONE HUNDRED.

- Song Min Ho of WINNER asks for a second chance amid a possible prison term

- Chelsea FC head coach Liam Rosenior was sacked after less than four months in charge.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 22, 2026)

          

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- US President Donald Trump has extended the Iran ceasefire for a few days while retaining the naval blockade at the Strait of Hormuz.

- A man pleaded guilty to the religiously aggravated rape and assault of a Sikh woman in Walsall, UK.

- UK police said a 17-year-old male was charged over the arson attack on a London synagogue. The boy was released on bail and ordered to appear at court on June 4th.

- Sacked civil servant Sir Olly Robbins faced MPs over Peter Mandelson vetting row.

- Devotees flock to the shrine of "the Lady who calls" in the Philippines for the coronation centenary. Millions of pilgrims have gathered in Pangasinan, marking the centenary of the canonical coronation of the image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag.

- Pininfarina gave a first look at the JAS Tensei supercar, inspired by the first-generation Honda NSX.

Pininfarina JAS Tensei

- The GEN4 Formula E racing machine was unveiled and set to race in Season 13.

- TOEI established its gaming brand.

- The Switch 2-exclusive Splatoon Raiders arrives this July 23, 2026.

- METRO 2039, the fourth installment in the METRO series inspired by Dmitry Glukhovsky's novel trilogy, will be released this winter for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series consoles.

- Big Ocean's Europe tour was canceled at the last minute.

- Kentucky state governor Andy Beshear slams the University of Kentucky's athletics decision-making, including the seven-figure gig retiring athletic director Mitch Barnhart.

- Actor Rif Hutton dies at 73.

TTFN.

Himitsu no AiPri Ring Series Music Collection

The second chapter of the Himitsu no AiPri TV series, known as the Ring Arc, saw Himari Aozora and Mitsuki Hoshikawa taking on the AiPri Contest against new and returning AiPris in their bid to win the Eternal AiPri Contest. Throughout the story, the Poppin' Dreamin' tandem fought hard against Love Juriel, Jumping Rocket, VIVI&CHII, Luminous Flora, and Quartet STAR, not to mention uncovering the truth behind Princess Ring Clover, the shadowy princess who orchestrated the AiPri Contest.

The original soundtrack from the Ring Series of Himitsu no AiPri has arrived. It's the definitive experience to listen to songs and score from the Poppin' Dreamin's final adventure.

Himitsu no AiPri Ring Series Music Collection DX

Himitsu no AiPri Ring Series Music Collection

The Himitsu no AiPri Ring Series Music Collection is the ultimate album featuring all your favorite songs from the final series. It also includes all the background music (BGMs) from the last season of the TV show. Additionally, those who purchase the deluxe (DX) version will receive a Blu-ray disc containing all the music videos from the first season.

This collection is a way of expressing gratitude to fans for watching the "Himitsu no AiPri Ring Series". Although Himari and Mitsuki's story has concluded, the AiPriVerse continues with the newest adventure, "Onegai AiPri", which airs every Sunday morning at 9:30 AM JST on TV Tokyo.

Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A + Mega Dimension Super Music Complete

 

Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A + Mega Dimension
Super Music Complete

Launched in October 2025 for the Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch 2, Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A invited players back to Lumiouse City, where they can battle against the city’s strongest trainers in the Z-A Royale using a variety of new Mega-Evolved Pokémon. Players will also have the opportunity to uncover the conspiracy behind the urban redevelopment plan. However, to keep it brief, you've already completed this game from start to finish.

The original soundtrack of Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A is finally here, giving Pokémon fans a chance to listen to all of the background music from the game with this six-disc compilation covering not just the main game but the Mega Dimension DLC as well. It even comes with the booklet that takes you behind the scenes of the game's BGMs.

From the streets of Lumiouse City to the Hyperspace, this soundtrack is for you. Just don't let the Alpha Pokémon get in the way of listening to this mega-evolved soundtrack.