My FM Log: Precise, I presume?

The Acura #6 ARX-05 DPi is the first-ever prize car of the new Forza Motorsport game. Those who conquered the first featured tour of the game, the Track Tour, can get their hands on Acura's last DPi-class contender used in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

But first, let's get to know more about the ARX-05 DPi.

The #6 ARX-05 DPi used in the 2020 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship marks the final time Team Penske and Honda Performance Development collaborated before HPD's switch to Wayne Taylor Racing and Meyer Shank Racing for the 2021 season.

Driven by Dane Cameron, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya, and IndyCar legend Simon Pagenaud, the #6 ARX-05 DPi finished sixth overall while its #7 counterpart, driven by Helio Castroneves, Ricky Taylor, and Alexander Rossi, became the champion.

Complying with DPi specifications, the twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 engine produces 600hp of power while mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox. It features a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and pushrod double wishbone suspension setup as well.

The ARX-05 is the last DPi-class Acura machine ever raced until it was replaced by the GTP-class ARX-06 in the 2023 IMSA season.

Let's get started with some gameplay footage of the car in action on the iconic Road America circuit.

The car's aerodynamics are incredibly well-designed, allowing for some seriously quick times. As you can see, we have some aggressive cornering lines, and the car handles incredibly well on the straightaways. However, it's the tight hairpins that really put this car to the test.

The suspension and brakes work perfectly together to give the driver a sense of control in tight spaces. As we make our way around the corner, the car's advanced aerodynamics allow us to maintain speed and complete the turn with ease.

Moving on to the high-speed straightaways, we can really see the car's speed potential. The steering is precise, and the car's handling is incredible. As we speed around the circuit, we can feel the rush of adrenaline as we push the limits of what's possible on this track.

Of course, the real magic happens on the tight hairpins. As we make our way around the first one, we can feel the car's grip on the road. The suspension works perfectly, allowing us to maintain speed and complete the turn with ease.

The second hairpin is equally as thrilling, as we make our way around the tight inner corners. The car's agility is on full display, and we can feel the precision required to complete the turn.

As we make our way around the final lap of the circuit, we can really see the car's speed potential. The aerodynamics are at their finest, and we can feel the car pushing hard on the brakes as we make our way around the final straightaway.

Overall, the ARX-05 DPi car is an incredible driver's car. The advanced aerodynamics, precise handling, and speed potential make it a dream car for any racing fan.

Thanks for watching, and I'll see you next time for more Forza Motorsport gameplay!

Acura Integra Type S

The modern-day reboot of the Acura Integra may not be the revival they were hoping for but for a fancy equivalent of the Honda Civic FL1, it feels rather impressive on various levels. Turn the volume up to the highest level because the loudest Integra is here.

2024 Acura Integra Type S

2024 Acura Integra Type S interior

The first-ever Acura Integra Type S, starting at 50,800 US Dollars plus additional costs, pushes the rebooted Integra to the loudest level and when you hear one passing by, get your earmuffs ready because this is by no means the loudest Integra ever made.

Speedo boys like it loud so the Integra Type S showcases the loud side of the rebooted Integra with its wide fender flares, enlarged air ducts and vents, 19-inch wheels, and triple-exhaust layout derived from its Honda Civic Type R equivalent. On the inside, it's been kitted with a perforated leather sport steering wheel, dark titanium-finish knob, and Ultrasuede-trimmed sport seats. Although it works and feels just like the normal Integra, as well as the spacing good enough for your next tailgating party, expect no safe spaces for your eardrums when the Integra Type S comes out to play.

Under the hood, the Integra Type S runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the Honda Civic Type R while mated exclusively to a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox. It produces 320HP of power output and 310lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is a combined 24MPG based on EPA calculations.

Unlike its other Type S brothers such as the TLX and the MDX, the Integra Type S is exclusively front-wheel-drive but who cares about it. This is what the loudest Integra should be and in terms of dynamics, the Integra Type S feels just like the Honda Civic Type R in various ways and means thanks to its Dual-Axis Strut front suspension, improved chassis rigidity, and large front Brembo monobloc brake calipers. With the Integrated Dynamics System set to its exclusive Sport+ mode, the Integra Type S shows its true colors on the road and on the track.

Just like its normal equivalent, the Integra Type S is equipped with AcuraWatch safety and driver-assistive technologies such as CMBS, RDM, ACC with Low-Speed Follow, LKAS, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, Traffic Jam Assist, blind spot information system, rear cross-traffic monitor, and low-speed braking control.

The first-ever Acura Integra Type S is the Americanized Civic Type R that loves to live loud from the West Coast to the East Coast. This is absolutely what the Integra speedo boys wanted since the return. Good luck sleeping quietly when this car passes by.

Available colors: Lunar Silver Metallic, Majestic Black Pearl, Liquid Carbon Metallic, Performance Red Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Apex Blue Pearl, and Tiger Eye Pearl.

Photo: Acura

Acura Integra (DE4)

The Integra, a favorite among speedo boys, was revived as a posh equivalent of the Honda Civic FL1. It really took the nerve to revive an iconic nameplate for a new entry-level Acura everybody can afford but what's it all about?

2023 Acura Integra

Priced at 30,800 US Dollars plus additional costs, the return of the Acura Integra is an arduous task to do because while the nameplate is heavily synonymous with the speedo boys in the neighborhood, this reboot can be easily likened to a plate of chop suey you ate at home because it was met with mixed results.

Beginning with the design, the new Integra looks more like a baby TLX for obvious reasons with the rearview reminiscent of an ancient Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Overall, it looks more like a commoner's Acura even with the Integra markings can't help. Mind you, the Integra markings on the front and back are an ode to the previous model, the previously-known last-generation Acura Integra before it got replaced by the RSX, which is known globally as the final-generation Honda Integra. Wordiness aside, the fastback styling made an impression.

2023 Acura Integra interior

2023 Acura Integra interior

Asked about the interior, the new Integra has a similar modern Honda interior DNA found in the Civic FL1, meaning it's about as driver-focused as the one it was based on. On the passenger side, its five-seater capacity means it works rather well as a family car but why would someone want to turn the Integra into a family car? This was made for road trips with your pals itching for a game at Round 1 or going for broke at the shopping center. Just don't bother toying around with the Amazon Alexa feature on it. It might kill the mood of everybody around you.

Speaking of shopping, the fastback styling results in a decent boot space good enough for your tailgating parties with your mates while the rear seats can be folded down for various situations such as carrying sensitive stuff to your clients or turning it into a nice little sleeper while on vacation.

2023 Acura Integra

The beating heart of the all-new Acura Integra is the 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine, which kicks out a decent 200hp of power and 192lb-ft of torque. Mated to a sport-tuned CVT gearbox with paddle shifters, it delivers a combined 33MPG rating, which sounds good for long trips, but for speedo boys looking to bring the Integra to its bosom potential, a 6-speed manual gearbox is offered with 30MPG combined fuel economy. This gearbox comes with Rev-Match Control as well as a helical LSD that helps transfer maximum power to the road.

Asked about dynamics, the new Integra behaves pretty much like the Honda Civic FL1 in various ways thanks to its sport-tuned suspension setup and its Integrated Dynamics System with four driving modes with a customizable Individual mode that lets you mix and match the dynamics.

Although speedo boys aren't happy with it, the new Integra is equipped with AcuraWatch safety and driver-assistive technologies such as CMBS, RDM, ACC with Low-Speed Follow, LKAS, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, Traffic Jam Assist, blind spot information system, rear cross-traffic monitor, and low-speed braking control.

The modern-day reboot of the Acura Integra may not be the revival they were hoping for, just like reboots of classic movies, but for a fancy equivalent of the Honda Civic FL1, it feels rather impressive on various levels. For daily driving to weekend getaways, the new Integra is all about delivering its first impression with explanations. Welcome to the new normal.

Photo: Acura

Acura MDX Type S

For the first time in Acura history, there is a Type S SUV in the stable, and the first-ever MDX Type S, based on the fourth-generation MDX, promises sportscar-like thrills in SUV packaging. Does every speedo boy in America want a Type S SUV? Do they? Let's find out.

2022 Acura MDX Type S

Priced at $66,700 plus additional costs, the MDX Type S is the first SUV that has worn the Type S label since it came back from today's TLX sedan. Like the TLX Type S, the MDX Type S features sports-tuned dynamics, SH-AWD, and a turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine that sounds like music to their ears. More with that later on.

To differentiate itself from the normal MDX, the Type S features sporty styling, quad exhausts, 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in wide-performance tires, a choice of Orchid and Azurite Blue leather, and available 16-way power front seats with 9 massage modes, delivering a premium feel to a sporty crossover that is burgeois to compare to Acura's greatest hits.

Like the TLX Type S, the MDX Type S is powered by a turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine that produces 355HP of power, and 354lb-ft of torque, and while mated to a 10-speed AT as well as VCM, it has 19MPG of combined fuel economy. It's capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs of payload.

Underneath, the MDX Type S features double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, allowing this crossover to handle like a sportscar at ease. Exclusive to the MDX Type S is the Dynamic Air Suspension that can be adjusted based on different configurations. It can be raised via Lift mode or lowered via Sport mode.

If the TLX Type S is the antithesis to the Audi S4, then the MDX Type S is the antithesis to, let's say, the Audi SQ5. With such performance, looks like we're itching to drive this Type S crossover someday. Like it or not, this Type S crossover could be the go-to SUV you want to have someday.

Photo: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Acura TLX Type S

A long time ago, Acura previewed the return of the Type S marque with the Type S Concept at the 2019 Monterey Car Week, which spawned the second-generation TLX. Although the new TLX matches the look and feel of the Type S Concept, it wasn't really a Type S at all, until now.

2022 Acura TLX Type S

With the arrival of the first-ever TLX Type S, which is priced less than 55 grand, the dream of the Type S Concept sprawling to life has become a living thing, delighting speedo boys with its sports-tuned dynamics, SH-AWD, and a turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine that sounds like music to their ears.

To differentiate itself from the normal TLX, the Type S features sporty styling, proper quad exhausts pumping at the back rather than rear bumpers donning faux exhausts, a carbon fiber dashboard, and Ultrasuede-trimmed seats, among many others. With such treatments, you can be sure that this is the TLX you're looking for.

The turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine that powers the TLX Type S is as roaring as a modified Honda Civic blitzing through the Osaka Kanjo at midnight. It produces 355HP of power, which is more than the Audi S4. Mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox, it does 0-60mph in around five seconds, which is slower than the S4, while the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. Apart from that, the engine comes with a VCM that shuts off half of the cylinders to save fuel.

Apart from its sport-tuned dynamics, Adaptive Damper System, and large Brembo front brake calipers that made the TLX Type S a breathable sports saloon on the road and track, it even comes with a rear-biased SH-AWD system that lets you have fun no matter the road conditions you're on. Of course, you may experience slight understeer on the bends but when you get it right, the TLX Type S really is a fun-to-drive sports saloon that is near S4 levels of excitement.

With performance and dynamics that made the TLX Type S the antithesis to the Audi S4, this sports sedan will put the whole world on notice, and judging by the way drivers feel, they're getting jealous, wishing they want to drive Acura's ideal alternative to the Audi S4.

The return of the Type S marque on the first-ever TLX Type S is worth celebrating and this is Acura at its best.

Photo: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Project CARS 3: The NSX Story

From the first-generation NA1 to the second-generation NC1, the NSX is a legend in Honda's sportscar history and although not perfect, it still knows how to pull the right punches in the modern motoring world. As sportscars come and go, the NSX remains one of the all-time greats.

The first-generation NSX, included in Project CARS 3's Legends Pack DLC, is where the story begins. Unveiled at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show as the Acura NSX, the car became a game-changer because of its potential to compete against the world's best exotics. From its all-aluminum construction to its 270HP V6 VTEC engine mounted in the middle, the NSX delivered supercar performance for a moderate price. No wonder Ayrton Senna got involved in the making of this car.

As the NSX's production came to an end in 2005, they've used that void to work on its potential successor and after a decade of trial and error, the revived NSX has been unveiled at the 2015 North American International Auto Show and then went on sale a year later. Inspired from the 2012 NSX Concept, the reborn NSX features a Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system that connects the turbocharged 3.5L V6 engine with three electric motors and a Li-ion battery, making it capable of producing 569HP of power while mated to a 9-speed DCT. Unlike its predecessor which is made in Japan, the reborn NSX is made in the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, a made-in-USA hybrid supercar known the world over. 

To see how much the NSX progressed from the NA1 to the NC1, let's find a proving ground to see the evolution in action, and with that, I went to the streets of Long Beach, California, to conduct this experiment. Of course, I've done this one several years ago from another game but it never hurts to conduct such experiments for the fun of it. Let the experiment start.

After a quick lap around the streets of Long Beach, here are the results;

1997 Acura NSX - 1:44.451

2020 Acura NSX - 1:29.502

From the past to the present, the NSX never fails to impress drivers behind the wheel and although they are different, these two generations carried the same game-changing spirit that upsets the motoring world in every way. This is why the NSX is one of the all-time greats and that is the bottom line.

Fourth Generation Acura MDX

The all-new, fourth-generation, Acura MDX crossover has arrived with some nearly improved looks, a new interior, new tech, and more importantly, improved performance that makes customers scratching heads for more answers at the moment they got their hands on. So, what's it all about the new MDX?

Priced at 46,900 US Dollars plus additional costs, the all-new, fourth-generation MDX is a step forward for the best-seller that enjoys spitting its saliva to the face of the Audi Q5 and that's quite a surprise for those squinting their eyes towards this new model.

Acura went crazy over the publicity of the new model, saying it traces its roots from their popular sports cars such as the Integra and the NSX, as well as their success in motorsports including IMSA. They call this heritage, I called it a symbolic pain in the butt because of the dynamics that are not sportscar material...or is it?

The Prototype version gave Acura fans a glimpse of what the new MDX looked like and with the production version, it's nearly similar to the prototype, which is relatively superior by the looks of it. From the signature precision grille, sharp-looking headlamps that are no longer a threat to people with trypophobia, sharp sidelines, and the rear lamps inspired from the second-generation TLX saloon. Clearly, you can refer to it as a TLX with some extra seats at the back, but that would be nuts to call it for a seven-seater SUV that brags about its sportscar-like performance.

Come inside, you will be greeted by its driver-oriented interior that not only looks good to the driver behind the wheel but also the passengers sitting on it. Of course, while it features some of the show-off stuff worth toying around such as the Dynamic Mode switch, ambient lighting, AcuraLink, smartphone connectivity, ELS STUDIO 3D premium audio system, and so on, the new MDX still works as a family car, although the third-row seating's a bit cramped just like the one found in the Honda CR-V. Even the removable middle seat at the second-row couldn't help it. Still, even with the third-row seats present, the new MDX still has room for today's grocery list and if you need to store more in case you're using this crossover for your delivery work, you can fold the seats down and you have a workhorse that is capable of storing up to 95 cubic feet of stuff. It's a crossover that is great for men of all walks of life.

Now, we get to know more about its performance and why Acura's hellbent on tracing the MDX's performance to their iconic sportscars in an absurd manner.

Under the hood, the new MDX is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine producing 290HP of power and 267lb-ft of torque while mated to a ten-speed automatic gearbox. Despite being more powerful than the new TLX, it couldn't keep up against it due to the weight but on the plus side, that performance gives the new MDX up to 3,500lbs of towing, which is great for towing your NSX on your next track day. As for fuel economy, the new MDX delivers an EPA-estimated mileage of 22 MPG combined.

Apart from the performance, the new MDX is the first Acura SUV to have a new double-wishbone front suspension and in addition to its ultra-rigid chassis, variable-ratio steering with new electric power steering, and its bespoke platform, it's no wonder why Acura bragged the new MDX into thinking that this three-row crossover has the dynamics of their iconic sportscars and although it's hard buying into this nonsense, it really showcases its sporty and lively character from within and when you toy around with the Integrated Dynamics System, you'll find plenty of reasons to enjoy it.

Having satisfied with the improved dynamics this crossover delivers, the new MDX features a wide array of safety tech under the AcuraWatch banner such as Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System, Pedestrian Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Traffic Jam Assist, among many others worth noticing about.

It's absurd to call the MDX the crossover inspired by Acura's greatest sports cars in such as the Integra and the NSX but this crossover sure knows how fun it can be when you give it a spin. Either way, this new MDX is a major improvement compared to the previous model and until the time comes that it spawned a sporty Type S variant, looks like Acura's on the roll now.

Photo: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Second Generation Acura TLX

The Acura Type S Concept first spotted at the 2019 Monterey Car Week has been reborn as the all-new, second-generation Acura TLX and as the motoring world is facing the rise of SUVs in the limelight, this newly regenerated sports sedan won't give up without a real fight and looks like they're on the roll with what is known to be the best sports sedan Acura made.

Priced at 37,500 US Dollars plus additional costs, the all-new TLX is no longer the wilder side of the Honda Accord because this is a real, proper, no holds barred, Acura sports sedan built from scratch and with the Audi A4 as its main target, looks like the new model is ready to have a roast with it like a vapid businessmen who spread his sandwich with wasabi.

Before we get to know more about its driving style, let's look at the styling and happy days, the styling of the new model is heavily inspired from the Type S Concept. Nearly every inch and every detail from the said concept car is translated into production form and such design is what speedo boys are enraptured about. Of course, you will still be greeted by Acura's trademark Jewel Eye headlamps which are not suitable for those who have trypophobia because one look and it will make their skins crawl.

On the inside, it suits to its sharp theme just like its exterior and while the driver-focused cockpit makes you feel like you're in an NSX but with some extra seats for your friends and a decent boot space fit enough for your groceries and deliveries, the gadgetry added to it really means business for the drivers behind the wheel. Harder to master, easy to get hooked of course. From the touchpad that controls the sat nav, adjustable seats, ELS premium audio system, internet connectivity, and much more, looks like you'll have plenty of reasons why these tech makes you want to toy with it while not on the go.

Unlike the previous model which runs on Honda Accord blueprints, the new model features a bespoke chassis and body built exclusively for this car and to make it more enjoyable to drive than the previous model, the new TLX brings back the double wishbone front suspension and with the inclusion of the Adaptive Damper System and Integrated Dynamics System with three default settings and a customizable, the NSX-derived brakes, and the optional SH-AWD for those who want a more enjoyable treat everywhere, you can really feel the well-balanced proportions that no luxury sports sedans had. Such dynamics will make you want to drive the new TLX for longer. Whether if you want to make it behave like a luxury car or go all out like a sports car, the new TLX does it all for your driving pleasure.

Under the hood, the TLX is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 272HP of power and 280ft-lb of torque while mated to a new 10-speed automatic gearbox, which sounds like a lot. In front-wheel drive guise, it has an estimated mileage of 25MPG combined. 24 for SH-AWD variants.

Of course, despite being the most enjoyable TLX ever made, it's also the safest ever made thanks to AcuraWatch safety features in addition to Blind Spot Information System, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, and Surround-View Camera.

No longer the wilder side of the Honda Accord, the new Acura TLX is now matured to be the most engaging, more enjoyable, and technologically advanced sports sedan sold in the good old U S of A.

Photo: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Project CARS 3: The heroes of the game

The Mercedes-AMG GT R, the Acura NSX, and the Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray are the stars of Project CARS 3 and these machines deserve the respect it needs because these cars truly defined what makes Project CARS 3 great.

Without further ado, let's get to know more about the heroes of Project CARS 3.

First off is the Acura NSX, known as the Honda NSX in the rest of the globe. Ever since Honda revived the NSX after its 2005 discontinuation, the world rejoiced and by many surprises, the modern-day NSX shares nothing in common with the old NSX, although it retains the midship engine layout from its predecessor. Although Japanese in spirit, it was built in the USA, and powering it is a revolutionary Sport Hybrid SH-AWD where the 3.5L V6 DOHC Twin Turbo engine is connected to three electric motors that take care of the Power Drive Unit and a li-ion battery that takes charge on the Intelligent Power Unit, resulting to a total power output of 581PS of power. In its updated version, the NSX features refined chassis components, tires, and software tuning to make it more engaging than before.

Next is the Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray. For the first time in Corvette history, the eighth-generation model is now a mid-engined sports car, which most purists call sacrilege. Matching the best of Europe in terms of performance, the mid-engined C8 Corvette is powered by an all-new 6.2L LT2 V8 engine, producing up to 495HP of power and 470lb-ft of torque, while mated to a Corvette-first double-clutch gearbox. With the Z51 Performance Package, the C8 Corvette is armed with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 which reads the road every millisecond and adapts in about 10 to 15 milliseconds.

Lastly, the Mercedes-AMG GT R. Served as the high-performance version of the AMG GT sports car, it's powered by a specifically-tuned version of the AMG 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine that produces 585HP of power and 700Nm of torque while mated to a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT. It does 0-100kph in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 318kph. In the recent update, the AMG GT R was made even better with the special PRO variant with improved suspension, lightweight construction, aerodynamics, and appearance.

Now that we get to know about the three hero cars, it's time to find out which of the three PC3 hero cars is the best and with that, it's time to conduct my little experiment at a Tuscan vineyard, which was displayed on the game's official key visual.

Let the experiment begin.

After a quick lap around the vineyard, here are the results;

Corvette - 1:19.593

NSX - 1:18.168

AMG GT R - 1:18.893

The mid-engined, four-wheel drive, hybrid-powered NSX emerged is the winner of this experiment and as a result, this is the best of the three PC3 hero cars. Score another one for the Japanese carmakers.

There is a clear reason why the NSX, the C8 Corvette, and the AMG GT R are the hero cars of Project CARS 3 because these three cars represent the world of motorsports we live in. The NSX represents Asia, the Corvette represents America, and the AMG GT R represents Europe, therefore Project CARS 3 features the world's best cars and racetracks for everyone to take on.

This is the brave new world of motorsport we live in and only the fastest will come out on top.

Good luck and welcome to the world of Project CARS 3.

Infiniti QX50 (2nd Gen) vs. Acura RDX (3rd Gen) vs. Lincoln Nautilus

The crossover craze is an outbreak that can't be contained unlike SARS, Ebola, or MERS and the United States of America is the biggest to be hit by the pandemic where more and more people making the switch from conventional saloons to utility vehicles that are more than just vehicles, they're lifestyle checks. Specifically, people driving one would go out for garage sale hunting, trips to beauty spots, shopping, everything a crossover owner would do in their time. Infiniti brought us some of their examples in their time but one such crossover they have is a game-changer as they claimed.

2019 Infiniti QX50

2019 Infiniti QX50

This is the all-new Infiniti QX50. Priced at $36,550, it's one of the most reasonably priced luxury crossovers offered on American soil and Infiniti insists that this crossover is a game-changer because of what powers it. More than that later on but at the moment let's take a quick talk about the QX50. About over a decade ago, its predecessor called the EX was launched and it arrived on Japanese soil as the Nissan Skyline Crossover two years later. A normal one, because it runs on the same Skyline platform, is rear-wheel drive. Some say that this crossover is somewhat a spiritual successor to the Nissan Stagea but due to the policy shift Nissan faces, this new QX50 will not be a Skyline Crossover in the same way the new Q60 Coupe is not offered in Japan as the new Skyline Coupe. It's a shame really because judging by the looks of it...

2019 Infiniti QX50 interior

2019 Infiniti QX50 interior

The new QX50 is a concept turned reality and because it draws inspiration from the QX Inspiration Concept, that design is a warning shot for carmakers trying to tone down the concept car's design for production. That means you, Subaru, but although the design looks like it was derived from the Q50 and the Q60, it looks more like the Mazda CX-5 when you squint your eyes harder. On the inside, the dashboard really works like the Q50 and the Q60 as well because of the dual screens mounted on it; one for display and the other for control. While there's nothing so special about its handcrafted dashboard, the QX50 is surprisingly comfortable for a five-seater luxury crossover that works not just as a family car but for escorting VIPs as well. On the back, its 65.1 cubic feet of cargo space means that it has plenty of room for stuff listed from your to-do list such as trips to the laundry, to the birthday party, to the baptism, family vacation, so on, so forth, and because it comes with the motion-activated liftgate, opening the back door becomes more convenient for the Joneses.

Now, let's talk more about the engine it powers it and this is what it refers to as the world's first 268-hp 2.0-liter VC-Turbo Engine. This all-new Variable Compression Turbo engine is the first-ever publicly available variable compression ratio engine that is capable of delivering an optimal compression ratio from performance to efficiency, from 8:1 to 14:1 respectively.  It's like having two engines in one and that really is a game-changer that Infiniti has done for us so well done but not yet because while the first-ever VC-Turbo engine is worth its first impression, its dynamics are worth questionable. The old model has a standard rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. This new one, because of its new platform that runs with it, is now front-wheel drive, which is a bit of an upset for drivers everything that it's starting to behave like the Acura I'm showing later on, and adding AWD just won't burn your eyebrows either.

It's no fun crossover to drive but it's worth soothing your brows all the way home and to make the journey home more interesting, Infiniti gave the new QX50 with new driver assistance technologies such as Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Advanced Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, and Distance Control Assist. It all sounds good but unless the Jalopnik boys get a stab on it, it might be worth complaining.

It's fair to say that because the new QX50 is front-wheel drive at default, some are complaining that the days of being a Skyline Crossover of yesteryears are well and truly over, in fact, that is why this new QX50 is not available in Japan as of now. But there are more reasons to think of rather than why this luxury crossover is not offered in the Land of the Rising Sun and the dynamics it possess can be rather explained in this...

2019 Acura RDX

2019 Acura RDX

This is the all-new, third-generation Acura RDX. It starts at $37,300, it's slightly more expensive than the QX50, but this crossover has a lot of explanations to deal with apart from being a glorified Honda CR-V in 3-Series money.

Acuras of today are adopting to their Precision Crafted Performance mantra but it's the facelifted ones like the MDX, the TLX, and the RLX are getting those new faces and no matter where you're looking at, they look a bit more average because of their age. Since this RDX is all new, this is the first time an Acura underwent a full model change to don the Precision-inspired face and by the looks of it, this glorified Honda CR-V never looked so alive, although the rear view looks like it came from the Subaru Impreza, if you know what I mean.

2019 Acura RDX interior

2019 Acura RDX interior

Inside, the new RDX looks like it was copy-pasted from the Lexus NX because the dashboard looks pretty much like the NX as they said. Getting clueless about that NX-esque dashboard, the question of comfort is pretty much as decent as most crossovers. It's pretty nice to live with but because it has more boot space than the new QX50, you can hardly imagine where will you put it with that extra 11.8 cubic feet of space. Perhaps fill it with some jumbo-sized plushies you won at the country fair.

The new RDX is starting to drive like the very first one because the first generation had a 2.3L K23A1 Turbo I4 engine while the previous and rather disappointing second generation had a 3.5 L V6 engine. This one has a brand new 2.0L VTEC TURBO engine with 272HP of power while mated with a 10-speed automatic, which is four more than what the previous model had and before you can say "VTEC just kicked in, yo", please consider. While the new QX50 returns with 24/ 31 City/Highway MPG of fuel economy, the new RDX will return with 22/28 City/Highway MPG. That's about less than what it needs but there is more good news to the RDX because the old model featured a rather simple AWD powertrain which is somewhat average but for this one, they brought back the SH-AWD in the new model and with the SH-AWD armed, the new RDX is starting to feel like, well, you get the idea but it's starting to liven things up even in the rain. In the journey home, the AcuraWatch safety systems ranging from Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Road Departure Mitigation, as well as additional tech, are on standby and although puzzling for speedo boys, these techs will make the journey home more secure even when it's dark outside and it's raining hard.

So, while the QX50 is considered to be efficient thanks to its game-changing VC-Turbo engine, the new RDX's revival to form is starting to get the best out of the QX50. However, while some suggesting that they're not good-looking crossovers and others labeled it somewhat a minority, which is going to be troublesome, consider the alternative a wild card for the day.

2019 Lincoln Nautilus

2019 Lincoln Nautilus

This is the all-new Lincoln Nautilus and while the name sounds like a Pakistani beverage from the distant past, the Nautilus is a luxury crossover that has the ones I've mentioned above worth noticing because the starting price of $40,340 makes it the most expensive of the three. Sounds abysmal and then we go deeper into what is known to be a glorified Ford Edge with a Lincoln badge on it.

2019 Lincoln Nautilus interior

2019 Lincoln Nautilus interior

The old model, the MKX, is of course a glorified Ford Edge of some sorts but for the new Nautilus, Lincoln wants to elevate it to further heights and by observing the design, it's like the best of both worlds because as you can see, the exterior dons the Continental-style nose that served as the new face of the Lincoln Motor Company while the side view is reminiscent of today's Ford Edge and the rearview is a bit Porsche-ish. Overall, the Nautilus' design is pretty decent indeed. As for the interior, it's all the usual Lincoln interior that works pretty much like every new Lincoln I know and in the comfort zone, the Nautilus is surprisingly elegant to get yourselves cozy. Boot space, the Nautilus boasts 68.8 cubic feet so it may not be as spacious as the new RDX, it's got more room than the new QX50 and looks like the space issue is where the Nautilus sits at second place.

The standard 2.0L turbo engine with an 8-speed manual produces 245HP, which is the least powerful of the three and also the least fuel-efficient of the three with the EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 21 city/26 hwy/23 combined but what one thing the others don't have is that the Lincoln Nautilus can be fitted with a 2.7L V6 turbo engine producing 335HP of power and this is how the Nautilus will win a game of Top Trumps with that power output, although I'm not sure if the Nautilus is the clear winner per se but while the V6 turbo sounds irrelevant for some, the Nautilus finds itself struggling to keep up with its rivals in the dynamics department and while it is considered to be above average compared to them, there's a strong feeling that the Nautilus might be ignored by many just as many American carmakers getting slammed by Consumer Reports for being less reliable. Ouch.

So, there we are. To sum things up, the new QX50's VC-Turbo engine excels in being economical while the new RDX excels in the spacing issue and the new Nautilus, with its available V6 Turbo engine, is as American as it can get. Either way, these new crossovers are proof that the crossover outbreak is far from over. In fact, there are more on the way that will keep this pandemic spreading for many generations to come but in the meantime, feel free to enjoy what they offered just for you.

Photo: Infiniti, Acura, Ford Motor Company

Forza Motorsport 7: Indy Jaws

Having Indy hangovers, I went back to the racing capital of the world, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and drive cars that possess the same potential as IndyCars of today. From Chevrolet side, I summoned the Corvette Z06, and on Honda/Acura side, I summoned the NSX. Both these sportscars possess some motorsport pedigree it delivers and while these cars are a direct representation of the past and the present, well, that's what I'm here to find out.



I am already familiar with the Corvette C7 Z06 since me and the car first met with some untapped impressions that got me away with it. Although it's now a middle child of the range, its supercharged V8 engine is too much to ignore as well as C7.R-inspired aerodynamics, making it a race car built for the road and track, a best for both worlds. True to my experience, the Corvette C7 Z06 is the kind of car you won't get out until you're fully satisfied with its performance but even if you're happy with it, you still want to keep driving with this Corvette for more.



As a representation of today's world, the NSX hybrid supercar is a very clever masterpiece that shouldn't be overlooked upon. Although it's not as fast as its Euro rivals but such performance and intelligence really made this hybrid worth enjoyable to drive non-stop and while this is all's fair in love and war, the NSX is all about shuffling drivers with its own whim of stroke. Like the original, the NSX really is the king of Hondas, leaving the Civic Type R its own prince and such hierarchy is what made Honda a favorite among speedo boys worldwide.





Chevrolet and Honda have always been longtime rivals in the world of IndyCar, the two opposite sides of the same coin, a little reminiscent of the time the Japanese blown Pearl Harbor and start the war and ended with the Americans dropped a big bomb to Hiroshima. With its road-going equivalents deployed, the American-Japanese rivalry rages on the track and like all good IndyCar drivers, it's not just about impressing their bosses after the race, it's about how good a Chevy or Honda-powered one can do and for the Corvette and the NSX, we're now on a different kind of ballgame.

Ball game aside, it's time to see with the help of these road-going equivalents, it's time to see how the rivalry between Chevrolet and Honda payed off with a quick lap round the GP portion of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Time to show the world how these cars can do and which one packs the hardest bite out of their Indy jaws.



With their laps done, it's time to see the results...

C7 Z06 - 1:35.064
NSX NC1 - 1:35.831

By such result, seems that the gap between the past and the present are a .8 of a second apart and because this is an American motorsport, Chevrolet packs the biggest bite than Honda. Homegrown advantage, huh? I'm not surprised by this. I mean come on, this new NSX is made in the USA but in the end, the American has beaten the Asian-American by such margin. Man, I'm going to be in a lot of trouble for this.




The Corvette and the NSX are representatives of longtime rivals in the world of IndyCar and no matter the result, this different kind of American-Japanese war will go on and with a plethora of world-class drivers in store, choosing the side between the Americans and the Japanese is all about playing Game of the Generals.

Of course, I still had my Indy hangovers after this run but like all good heroes and icons, I'll be back and looks like I'll be bringing my snacks for the biggest race ever to happened in the final week of this month. Are you excited for Indy 500? Me too.