Driving Music Vol. 127

The Driving Music segment is returning today because it's officially Undas week and everybody's gearing up to travel to the nearest cemetery to pay respects to the departed relatives and friends. With heavy traffic mostly expected, it's time to jot down the latest batch of Driving Music to listen to while getting stuck in an Undas-related traffic jam.

1) The One and Only by Chesney Hawkes - from the Honda Integra 2 commercial

2) I Feel Love by Donna Summer - from the Alfa Romeo Junior commercial

3) Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles - from the Kia Europe EV3 commercial

4) Do It Like That by TOMORROW x TOGETHER - from the Fiat 600e commercial

5) Renegade by Splize - from the BYD Europe Seal commercial

6) In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins - from the Renault Master commercial

7) Such a Good Day by Lewis Ofman - from the Dacia Spring commercial

8) P:Machinery by Propaganda - from the Renault Symbioz commercial

9) For the Art by Sulene - from the Toyota Harrier commercial

10) Barbara Ann by The Beach Boys - from the Daewoo Lanos Juliet Sports commercial

Driving Music from Leopaul's Blog is the segment that solves every car enthusiast's question about the song's title in car commercials—with the risk of MATCHED THIRD PARTY CONTENT on their status. It's your jam. Drive to the Music You Love.

The Grand Tour presents One For The Road EPISODE REVIEW

When it comes to cars, adventure, and crude toilet humor, no one comes close to Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. These three men have been butting heads for over two decades and now, their time has reached its bittersweet end as the final Grand Tour adventure, titled One For The Road, signals the end of the world's most undesirable but desirable threesome.

The Grand Tour presents One For The Road

The Grand Tour trio bought three classic cars for their final road trip across Zimbabwe. They ventured and survived to Botswana, the fateful place where the first-ever Top Gear special occurred nearly two decades ago. James chose the Triumph Stag, Richard chose the first-generation Ford Capri, and Jeremy chose the Lancia Montecarlo.

Tackling through Zimbabwe's worst road conditions, forest fires, coal dust, crocodile-infested waters, and bustling towns, the trio is doing whatever means necessary to get from Zimbabwe to Botswana, where they will relive the fateful moment they conquered their first-ever Top Gear special nearly two decades ago by driving through the flats towards Kubu Island.

After over two decades, the days of seeing Clarkson, Hammond, and May butting each other came to a complete end. From Top Gear to The Grand Tour, driving and rambling across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, they have cemented themselves as the greatest motoring trio that ever existed and now that they've fully served their purpose, it's hard to imagine what's next for them after their final Grand Tour.

An appropriately grand goodbye to TV's most iconic motoring trio that sped around the globe in fast cars and crude toilet humor.

Goodbye forever, Clarkson, Hammond, and May.

My Top 10 Favorite Grand Tour Episodes

Popped up from the time Trump won the presidency, The Grand Tour welcomed back the infamous Clarkson Hammond and May trio for more exciting motoring mayhem since leaving Top Gear in 2015. For eight years, fans have witnessed their globe-trotting motoring mischief from Portimao to Sahara, but sadly, the time has come to say goodbye as The Grand Tour's series finale is coming next month.

The Grand Tour Episode 1

As the world prepares for The Grand Tour's final road trip, it's time for me to jot down my top ten favorite episodes from the hit Prime Video TV series.

10) Season 3 Finale - Season 3 finale not only marked a fitting tribute to Ford saloons but it also marked the final time the show featured the tent full of audience and the Eboladrome.

9) Season 2 Episode 3 - The third episode of The Grand Tour Season 2 featured James May driving a Kia Stinger against skateboarders. Hammond and May turned a business park into a racetrack for salarymen to enjoy. And Clarkson took a trip from Monaco to Italy in the Bugatti Chiron. The Chiron segment is my favorite in terms of mindfulness.

8) Mongolia Special - The penultimate episode of The Grand Tour Season 3 saw the boys explore the Mongolian wilderness using their DIY off-roader. With scarce supplies at their arsenal, the trip became a struggle for survival. The epic struggle of survival comes with massive twists even at the end of their Mongolian adventure.

7) Season 1 Episode 11 - This episode of The Grand Tour features the trio driving second-hand Maseratis in the north of France. The climax is truly a thriller and comedy gold, and I couldn't stop laughing at the "Deshabille" sign on James' Zagato Spider.

6) Season 1 Episode 2 - The second episode of the first season saw the boys in a military training ground in Jordan which involves rescuing a VIP from a hijacked plane and escorting the VIP to safety while being pursued by terrorists. After several attempts later, the boys cleared the exercise...only if they didn't count Jeremy Clarkson as a casualty at the end of the exercise. On the plus note, we get to see the Audi S8 Plus in action.

5) Seamen - After the end of Season 3, The Grand Tour moved on to focus on cross-country adventures, and one such is Seamen; where the boys are on an aquatic adventure from Cambodia to Vietnam. The watery hijinks and some history lessons from Clarkson made this adventure one of my favorite Grand Tour episodes to watch over and over.

4) Season 1 Episode 9 - This episode features one of Clarkson's craziest inventions: a Mercedes SL rigged with monster off-road wheels called "The Excellent." It also showcases post-apocalyptic vehicles that are not immune to attacks from military vehicles such as tanks and battleships.

3) Season 1 Episode 3 - This episode of The Grand Tour features the trio on an epic Italian road trip. They drive an Aston Martin DB11, a Rolls Royce Dawn, and a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. While in Venice, Hammond's American habits ruin the rest and relaxation of the other presenters. Even after they reach the end of the trip, no one is safe from Hammond's American antics. In the segment following the road trip, Hammond and May destroy Clarkson's home after losing a bet from the pilot episode.

2) Season 2 Episode 5 - This episode of The Grand Tour features one of my favorite moments. Jeremy Clarkson stages his own Gymkhana-style video using a Subaru Impreza WRX. In true Clarkson fashion, some sheep are killed in the making of that clip.

1) Eurocrash - Of all the Grand Tour episodes I've watched, this ended up being my favorite. In Eurocrash, the boys set off on a road trip no one tried; from Gdansk, Poland, to Lake Bled, Slovenia. A cheeky-named backup car, Formula Easter, the second-largest Jesus statue in the world, an old WW2 POW camp, a stolen Nigel Mansell wax statue, a Praga Bohema hypercar, archers, and a climactic race to the airplane, this is The Grand Tour like no other.

The Grand Tour presents One For The Road premieres this September 13, 2024, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. Before the tearful finale, be sure to binge-watch the entire series!

My Top 10 V10-powered Road Cars

The V10 engine dies tonight as Lamborghini is set to unveil the replacement of the Huracan powered by its newly developed V8 Twin Turbo engine. As the motoring world mourns the death of the ten-cylinder powerhouse, here comes my list of Top 10 V10-powered road cars.

2024 Lamborghini Huracan STJ

10) Dodge Ram SRT-10 - The Dodge Ram SRT10 was launched in 2004. It's the only pickup truck ever to be powered by a V10 engine. The engine is from the Viper SRT10 and has 510 horsepower. The transmission is either a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. The Ram SRT10 came in a two-door regular cab or a four-door quad cab.

9) BMW M5 E60 - The E60 BMW M5 is the only BMW in history to be powered by a V10 engine. Specifically, it's powered by a 5.0L V10 naturally aspirated engine that produces 507PS of power and 520Nm of torque. Mated to a 7-speed SMG, it does 0-100kph in 4.7 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250kph or 305kph with the optional extra. It is offered in saloon and Touring wagon.

8) Dodge Viper (SR) - The Dodge Viper was first conceived as a concept car in 1989. It was intended to be a modern interpretation of the legendary Shelby Cobra. The first-generation Viper was introduced in 1991 as the RT/10 roadster and was later joined by the hardtop GTS variant. The Viper was the first road car to be powered by a V10 engine.

7) Dodge Viper SRT-10 (ZB) - The ZB-spec Dodge Viper is the second coming for America's only V10-powered powerhouse with styling inspired by the GTS-R Concept. Under the insanity of Chrysler's SRT team, the V10 engine's size was increased to 8.3L which resulted in 500HP of power output. Until its 2010 ending, the ZB-spec Viper underwent numerous changes with the ACR the King of Vipers.

6) Audi R8 (1st Gen) - Unveiled in 2007, the R8 is Audi's first exotic sports car that was named after a winning Le Mans Prototype, inspired by the Le Mans Quattro concept car, and it shares most of the Lamborghini components. The 4.2L V8 engine is the only engine offered at launch but in 2009, the Audi R8 V10 came into view. Powered by the same 5.2L V10 engine from the Gallardo, it produces 525hp of power. When the first-generation R8 got facelifted, it gained the V10 plus variant which features a new S tronic double-clutch transmission as well as the updated version of the 5.2 V10 engine generating 550HP of power output.

5) Lamborghini Gallardo - Unveiled in 2003, the Gallardo served as the little brother of the Murcielago and it's the first Lamborghini road car to be powered by a V10 engine. In 2008, the Gallardo received a big minor change known as the LP560-4. With Reventon-inspired styling, the V10 engine's size has been increased from the former's 5.0L to 5.2L, producing the titular 560PS of power through all four wheels. The Gallardo was replaced by the Huracan in 2014.

4) Dodge SRT Viper (VX) - Unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the SRT Viper GTS comes with the same 8.4L V10 OHV engine from the previous Dodge Viper SRT-10 but now it churns out 640HP of power and 600lb-ft of torque. It is mated with a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission with a shorter throw shifter, close gear ratio, and shorter final drive ratio of 3.07. With a triple-digit weight loss, the power-to-weight ratio is better than the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 and the Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1. Production ended after the 2017 model year and Dodge offered customers a 1-of-1 customization program that allows them to create a bespoke Viper for themselves. 

3) Audi R8 (2nd Gen) - Premiered at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the all-new Audi R8 features a new Audi SpaceFrame, a new interior (including the Audi Virtual Cockpit), a new exterior, and so on. Because it features components from the Lamborghini Huracan, the new R8 features an updated 5.2L V10 engine with two power outputs; 540PS for the base model and 610PS for the range-topping V10 plus model. In the V10 plus model, equipped with the S tronic double-clutch transmission, 0-100kph takes about 3.2 seconds and onwards to 330kph. The second-generation Audi R8 was facelifted for the 2020 Model Year featuring a revised design and improved performance. Production of the R8 ended in the first half of 2024.

2) Lamborghini Huracan - Launched in 2014, the Lamborghini Huracan is the successor of the Lamborghini Gallardo which was named after a Mayan god. It was powered by a 5.2L V10 engine developing 602HP of power and when mated to a double-clutch gearbox derived from the Audi R8 as well as its 4WD system, it has a top speed of 202mph. The Lamborghini Huracan has gone through numerous updates over its near-decade lifespan and the STJ is in its final form with only 10 built and sold. This is the last-ever V10-powered road car in history.

1) Lexus LFA - The Lexus LFA was the pinnacle of Lexus' pursuit of perfection when it made a world premiere at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show and then went into production a year later. With 500 units built from its two-year lifespan, the LFA comes with Japan's first-ever V10 engine producing 552HP of power and 354lb-ft of torque. Even though production ended in 2012, the LFA is a legendary JDM supercar in its own right.

The V10 engine is an automotive icon. Its monstrous roar made it famous and will go down in history as one of the greatest engines of all time. From the Dodge Viper to the Lamborghini Huracan, the V10 powered some of the most iconic cars of our time.

Today is a sad day for automotive enthusiasts, as the V10 engine is being laid to rest. It joins other automotive dinosaurs, like pop-up headlights, in the automotive graveyard. The saying goes that nothing lives forever, and that includes the mighty V10 engine.

GOODBYE FOREVER, V10 ENGINE. You made us proud and loud.

List of two-seater SUVs you CAN buy

The Land of the Oppas is one of the few places in the world where you’ll see two-seater SUVs. Most people think they’re just a myth, but they’re real! 

Two-seat sport utility vehicles are designed to be used both for business and outdoor purposes. In contrast to other sport utility vehicles, these vehicles consist of just two seats and an empty trunk. It could be said that the wall in the back is their third wheel. Despite their lack of creature comforts, they are surprisingly enjoyable to drive.

Here is the list of two-seater SUVs you CAN buy.

Hyundai Casper Van - The Hyundai Casper Van is the smallest and cheapest two-seater SUV you can buy. It starts at 13,750,000 Korean won, plus additional costs. It has a 1.0L Smartstream engine, a 4-speed automatic transmission, 14.3 km/L of fuel economy, and 940 liters of boot space. It has a 300-kilogram capacity, so it's a great option for both business and outdoor use.

Hyundai Casper Van

KGM Torres Van - The two-seater KGM Torres Van, priced at 26,660,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, strips away the second-row seating and replaces it with a wall behind the front seats and railings on the rear passenger doors, giving it 1,462 liters of boot space and 300kg capacity. It still comes with the 1.5L T-GDi engine producing 170PS of power while mated to an AISIN 6-speed AT.

KGM Torres Van

KGM Torres EVX Van - You've seen the petrol variant. Now here comes its EV equivalent, now in a two-seater variant. Just like its petrol-powered equivalent, the all-electric EVX Van, priced at 44,380,000 Won plus additional costs, strips away the second-row seating and replaces it with a wall behind the front seats and railings on the rear passenger doors, giving it 1,462 liters of boot space and 300kg capacity. Like the normal EVX, it comes with a 152kW electric motor with a 73.4kWh battery. The driving range is an average of 411km in one full charge.

KGM Torres EVX Van

Renault QM6 Quest - The Renault QM6, formerly sold Euro-wide as the Koleos before it was replaced by the sixth-generation Espace, still exists in South Korea and it's been facelifted for the third time. The recent minor change welcomes the two-seater Quest variant powered only by a 2.0L LPe engine that produces 140PS of power and has a fuel economy of 8.7km/L. Prices start at 30,700,000 Korean Won plus additional costs. The two-seater QM6 Quest strips away the rear seats for a wall and railings. As a result, it has 1,413 liters of boot space, less than the KGM Torres Van, and like most two-seater SUVs, it has a 300kg capacity.

Renault QM6 Quest

...and these are the two-seater SUVs you CAN buy. The next time someone says there's no such thing in the world as a two-seater SUV, tell someone to go to South Korea. The answer is all over from Seoul to Busan. Even Jeju Island.

Annyeong!

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

The secret origin of Furiosa, a character who appeared in the Mad Max Fury Road movie a decade ago, has arrived and it's going to be "fast" and "Furiosa". Pun intended.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Starring Anya Taylor-Joy as the young Furiosa and Thor actor Chris Hemsworth, the spin-off to the Mad Max saga curated by George Miller uncovers more on Furiosa, a character who appeared in the award-winning blockbuster, Mad Max Fury Road.

A Mad Max movie without Mad Max himself feels odd. Still, because the insane world of Mad Max deserved to be expanded since the 2015 movie and the video game spin-off, this spinoff movie is a clear reminder that the Mad Max universe is opening up for more possibilities.

As fans got the chance to get to know Furiosa's secret origins, the classic Mad Max recipe is still there; lots of destructive carnage, hellish stunts, and an insane cast of characters minus the Mad Max you know. It's everything mad men want in a story of a femme fatale who's about to incite chaos against chaos.

Even without Mad Max, the secret origin of Furiosa proves that the franchise blows its doors off for expansion opportunities, and "what a lovely day" it is. Want chaos? Watch this movie. It's the most chaotic thing from the Mad Max universe.

Driving Music Vol. 126

 

First things first. One, it's officially Spring Break on American Soil. Two, Monday's total solar eclipse rings out at the start of Spring Break 2024. As Americans set out for a week-long Spring Break road trip with the viewing of the solar eclipse at the start, why not simmer down with the latest batch of Driving Music to listen to while in the middle of a Spring Break Cannonball Run?

1) Scarface (Push It To The Limit) by Paul Engemann - from the new Renault Scenic ad

2) Roche by Sebastien Tellier - from the Renault Korea intro ad

3) Moldova by Sergei Trofanov - from the Nexen Classe Premiere ad

4) Blinding Lights by The Weeknd - from the Peugeot e-3008 ad

5) I Want You To Know by James Blake - from the Lexus EU LBX ad

6) Sky And Sand by Paul Kalkbrenner - from the Cupra Formentor ad

7) Pure Imagination by Superhuman - from the Renault Austral ad

8) Beginnings by Prudence - from the Nissan EU Qashqai ad

Driving Music from Leopaul's Blog is the segment that solves every car enthusiast's questions about the title of the song of car commercials...with the risk of MATCHED THIRD PARTY CONTENT on their status. It's your jam. Drive to the Music You Love.

Driving Music Vol. 125

 

Ah Holy Week, the time of the year when the entire Philippines went to Silent Mode until Easter Sunday. As you are preparing for another quiet road trip in the middle of the Holy Week exodus, why not simmer down with the latest batch of Driving Music to listen to while in the middle of Visita Iglesia?

1) Time Travelers by Universal Production Music - from the Ford Australia Explorer commercial

2) Pump Up The Jam by Technotronic - from the Mini Countryman commercial

3) Positive Ideas by Ikoliks - from the Honda N-Box Slope commercial

4) Wild Child (Main) by Al Rudd - from the Volkswagen Golf 50th anniversary commercial

5) Crazy for Love (feat. Lucy) by Mondays - from the ENEOS commercial

6) Amandoti by CCCP Fedeli Alla Linea - from the Alfa Romeo Tonale commercial

7) Johnny and Mary by Robert Palmer - from the Renault commercial

8) Equinoxe Part 5 by Jean-Michel Jarre - from the Renault 14 commercial

9) Why? by Bronski Beat - from the Peugeot 205 commercial

Driving Music from Leopaul's Blog is the segment that solves every car enthusiast's questions about the title of the song of car commercials...with the risk of MATCHED THIRD PARTY CONTENT on their status. It's your jam. Drive to the Music You Love.

The Grand Tour presents Sand Job

The Grand Tour returns for its biggest and longest adventure yet. Because being the biggest and longest adventure yet, it will take about the length of a Marvel superhero flick to fully watch it.

The Grand Tour presents Sand Job

The latest Grand Tour adventure is titled Sand Job, and in this ultimate adventure, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May are sent to the remote African country of Mauritania (yes, it's a real place) to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Paris-Dakar Rally while driving used Grand Tourers modified for offroad use.

Clarkson drives a Jaguar F-Type Roadster, Hammond drives an Aston Martin DB9 Volante, and May drives a Maserati GranCabrio.

Started out with the encounter with the longest coal train with the cars attached between it and the guard car, the trio traversed through war-torn Mauritania by surviving the harsh elements of the Sahara desert. 

From a bat-filled cave that led them to a minefield, an Aston went autonomous (sort of), an exploding fuel tanker, a visit to the British embassy, a drag race at a traffic-filled runway, to a shocking ending, it really is the biggest and longest Grand Tour adventure yet. It's worth watching it over and over again if you find it relaxing and funny at the same time.

Although unconfirmed, the Sand Job proved that The Grand Tour really came out with a bang. A big explosive bang.

Driving Music Vol. 124

 

So, the Kansas City Chiefs are now three-time Super Bowl champions with Patrick Mahomes as the MVP, congratulations to them. Do you know what are the real MVPs of this year's Super Bowl? The Game Day ads.

Anyway, with the Super Bowl well and truly over, you good "neighbaaas" deserved a Super Bowl-inspired batch of Driving Music to jam to your driving playlist.

1) Express Yourself by Charles Wright & The Watts 103 Street Rhythm Band - from the BMW USA "Talkin Like Walken" ad

2) Elephant by Tame Impala - from the Lexus GS "Secret Entrance" commercial

3) Wish I Was Here by Cat Power & Coldplay - from the Kia EV9 "Perfect 10" commercial

4) I Am...I Said by Neil Diamond - from the VW USA "An American Love Story" commercial

5) Electrify Me by ZHU - from the Honda USA Prologue ad

Driving Music from Leopaul's Blog is the segment that solves every car enthusiast's questions about the title of the song of car commercials...with the risk of MATCHED THIRD PARTY CONTENT on their status. It's your jam. Drive to the Music You Love.

Driving Music Vol. 123

 

It's officially Chinese New Year weekend, and Driving Music is back to give you drivers the latest batch of Driving Music to listen to while taking a trip to the nearest Chinatown to witness some Lunar New Year celebrations. Kung Hei Fat Choi!

1) Wild Child by Al Rudd - from the Volkswagen Golf commercial

2) Crazy for Love (feat. Lucy) by Mondays - from the ENEOS commercial

3) Little Things Mean a Lot by Bettye Swann - from the Volvo EX30 commercial

4) Ms Jackson by Outkast - from the Peugeot e-208 commercial

5) Praise You by Grace Cummings - from the Toyota Europe C-HR commercial

6) Movement by Hozier - from the Kia Europe electric line-up commercial

7) It's My Life by No Doubt - from the Dacia Sandero commercial

8) The Power by SNAP! - from the Caltex PH Power Diesel commercial

Driving Music from Leopaul's Blog is the segment that solves every car enthusiast's questions about the title of the song of car commercials...with the risk of MATCHED THIRD PARTY CONTENT on their status. It's your jam. Drive to the Music You Love.

My Top 10 ICE-powered JDM Executive Midsize FF Sedans

The third-generation Mazda 6 will go down in history as the last JDM D-Segment front-wheel-drive saloon to be powered by internal combustion and with production ending this April, this race is now sadly extinct due to the never-ending rise of crossovers and SUVs.

The third-generation Mazda 6 is the last JDM FF
executive midsize saloon to be powered by internal combustion

As this species is set to be extinct in the springtime, it's time for me to jot down my top 10 JDM executive midsize front-wheel-drive sedans powered by internal combustion.

10) Sixth-generation Toyota Camry - At the end of 1996, the Camry Gracia was launched in sedan and estate variants. The Gracia is the luxury alternative to the Camry and it served as the replacement for both the Camry Prominent and the US-built Scepter. With the fifth-generation Camry's production ending in the summer of 1998, the Camry Gracia took its place and it was known as the sixth-generation Camry when it was facelifted in 1999. This is the last Camry to have a V6 engine offered in the Japanese market. A year later, Daihatsu sold the Toyota Camry as the Altis.

9) Suzuki Kizashi - Originally meant to be a US-exclusive model, the Suzuki Kizashi went on sale in Japan in the fall of 2009. With styling inspired by the three concepts, the Kizashi is powered by a 2.4L petrol engine producing 188PS while mated to a CVT with Manual Mode. The Kizashi is the last Suzuki sedan offered in Japan and production ended in 2015.

8) Seventh-generation Honda Accord - Launched in 2002, the seventh-generation Honda Accord features a sleeker design compared to its predecessor as well as improved dynamics. It was the first to feature Honda's Internavi Premium Club service, providing drivers the fastest route to their target destination. Powering the seventh-generation Accord is a choice of a 2.0L and 2.4L mated to a 5-speed AT. The Euro-R variant is powered by a 220PS 2.0L engine mated only with a 6-speed MT. This generation marked the last time to feature the Euro-R grade. The seventh-generation Accord was exported in Europe, in the US as the Acura TSX, and in Oceania as the Honda Accord Euro.

7) Nissan Cefiro A32 - Launched in 1994, the Nissan Cefiro A32 eschews its predecessor's FR layout in favor of a stable FF layout with comfortable driving in mind. Powering the Cefiro A32 is a choice of three VQ V6 petrol engines from 2.0L, 2.5L, to 3.5L. All are mated to either a 5-speed MT or a 4-speed AT.

6) Eighth-generation Mitsubishi Galant - Launched in late summer 1996, the eighth and final generation Mitsubishi Galant is no doubt one of the best-looking executive midsize saloons at that time with the sporty 4WD VR-4 variant the most aggressive-looking. It even spawned an Aspire twin two years later. The eighth-generation Galant is the first production car to be powered by a Gasoline Direct Injection engine for improved performance and fuel economy. It won the 1996 Japan Car of the Year award.

5) Sixth-generation Honda Accord - Launched in September 1997, the sixth-generation Honda Accord incorporates the Honda DNA through this D-segment executive midsize saloon, hence the car's slogan. Joining alongside the sixth-generation Accord is its Torneo twin and both of them are powered by a choice of 1.8L and 2.0L VTEC engines. In 2000, both the sixth-generation Accord and the Torneo received a minor change and gained the sporty Euro R variant powered by a 2.2L VTEC engine mated exclusively with a 5-speed MT.

4) Honda Inspire CP3 - Debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, the CP3 Honda Inspire is powered by a J35A 3.5L i-VTEC PGM+FI V6 engine that produces a power output of 280PS and 342NM of torque. This engine comes with Variable Cylinder Management that shuts half of its cylinders. Coupled with the 5-speed AT, it has a fuel economy of 9.9km/L based on Japan’s 10-15 Mode standards. 9.6km/L based on JC08 Mode standards. Production ended in 2012, making it the last pure V6-powered Honda saloon ever made.

3) MAZDA6 (GJ) - Launched in 2012, the third-generation Mazda6, formerly known as the Atenza, is the first Mazda saloon to be powered by the SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine mated to a six-speed SKYACTIV-MT, a first for a JDM Mazda in the SKYACTIV era. In addition, the Mazda6 is powered by a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine and the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine with Dynamic Pressure Turbo System. The Mazda6 was facelifted twice with the recent one in 2019 when Mazda decided to drop the Atenza naming in favor of the Mazda6 naming.

2) Nissan Teana J32 - Launched in 2008, the second-generation Nissan Teana is powered by a choice of a 2.5L and a 3.5L V6 engine mated to an XTRONIC CVT. Carrying over from the first-generation model, the Teana J32 comes with a signature front ottoman seat on the passenger side.

1) Nissan Teana J31 - Launched in 2003 as the replacement for the Cefiro, the Teana is Nissan's luxury premium midsize sedan that slots between the Skyline and the Cedric/Gloria sedans. While the styling is rather contemporary for a luxury sedan, the Teana's turning point is its luxurious interior which is about as cozy as the sofas and chairs you bought from the IKEA store. The Teana J31 is sold in South Korea as the Renault Samsung SM5 and SM7, and in other countries as the Renault Safrane.

It's a sad day in the world of motoring as there will be no more internal combustion-powered front-wheel-drive JDM executive midsize saloons on sale in the Land of the Rising Sun. If you want an executive midsize FF JDM saloon, you'll be going to make do with the hybrid ones. Actually, there are only two; the Lexus ES and the upcoming Honda Accord e:HEV.

Domo arigato, ICE JDM FF executive midsize sedans. They have served their purposes and now they're officially extinct because of SUVs. Although they're gone, they'll be never forgotten. 

Winners of the Top Gear Awards 2023

The January 2024 issue of BBC's Top Gear Magazine unveiled this year's TG Awards winners, the first time since the Top Gear TV series went dark "for the unforeseeable future" following Freddie Flintoff's on-set accident late last year.

Winners of the Top Gear Awards 2023
Image: BBC

The Top Gear Awards features questionable but unique titles, which is nonsense to some, to be given to the cars as featured by Top Gear. Unlike most automotive awards, the folks from Top Gear went to a more unscripted approach to determine which is the best car of the year. And now, the winners...

Disruptor of the Year: Tesla Cybertruck

Manufacturer of the Year: Lamborghini

Bargain of the Year: Dacia Spring

Luxury Car of the Year: Rolls-Royce Spectre

Hypercar of the Year: GMA T.50

All The Car You'll Ever Need: BMW M3 Touring

Design of the Year: Toyota Land Cruiser 250

Track Car of the Year: Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992)

GT of the Year: Aston Martin DB12

Family Car of the Year: Kia EV9

Car We're Most Looking Forward to Driving in 2024: Ford Mustang GTD

Performance Car of the Year: Honda Civic Type R (FL5)

Innovation of the Year: Koenigsegg CC850 Engage Shift System

Eco Warrior of the Year: Volvo EX30

Lifetime Achievement Award: Adrian Newey

Retro Hero of the Year: Tamiya Wild One Max

Car of the Year: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

URL: https://www.topgear.com/car-news/2023-topgearcom-awards/revealed-winners-2023-topgearcom-awards

Congratulations to the winners of this year's Top Gear Awards!

At the 2023-24 Seattle International Auto Show

The Seattle International Auto Show returns for its 2023 outing at the Lumen Field Event Center from the 16th to the 19th of November, 2023. The ideal pre-Thanksgiving treat for Washingtonians.

As expected, this year's car show wasn't in full force at least but it managed to showcase some newest vehicles such as the all-new Toyota Prius, the all-new Hyundai Kona, the all-new Honda Accord, the Lexus RZ, the all-new Ford Mustang, and others. There's also a beach-themed car meet provided by the members of AVANTS as well.

Anyway, here are some of the pics that I got during my visit to the car show.

For the full set: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.845349020927842&type=3

Vlog:

I hope you've enjoyed another edition of the Seattle International Auto Show, the ideal pre-Thanksgiving treat for car-loving Washingtonians out there. Expect bigger things for next year.

Driving Music Vol. 122

The Driving Music segment is making a comeback today because it's officially Undas Day and everybody's gearing up to travel to the nearest cemetery to pay respects to the departed relatives and friends. With heavy traffic mostly expected, it's time to jot down the latest batch of Driving Music to listen to while getting stuck in an Undas-related traffic jam.

1) Amandoti by Gianna Nannini - from the Alfa Romeo Tonale commercial

2) Live in the Moment by WEARETHEGOOD & Scootie Wop - from the Toyota Crown "CrownxDiscovery" commercial

3) Deorc Decuple by Formantx - from the Renault Japan Megane RS commercial

4) Binary Heavens by Formantx - from the Renault Japan Megane RS commercial

5) Like a Rock by Bob Seger from a Chevy Trucks commercial

6) Are You Gonna Be My Girl by Jet - from a Volkswagen USA commercial

7) Hey Soul Sister by Train - from a Chevrolet commercial

8) Lights Out (feat. Alioth) by Taska Black - from the Kia K5 DL3 facelift commercial

9) Fabulous by Sonny Oh! - from the Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV commercial

10) Oh L'amour by Erasure - from the Renault Clio V facelift commercial

11) Informer by Snow - from the Skoda Fabia commercial

Driving Music from Leopaul's Blog is the segment that solves every car enthusiast's questions about the title of the song of car commercials...with the risk of MATCHED THIRD PARTY CONTENT on their status. It's your jam. Drive to the Music You Love.

At the 2023 Pacific Northwest Historics...

Every Independence Day weekend in the US Northwest, Washingtonians gathered around at the Pacific Raceways in Kent, WA to attend the Pacific Northwest Historics.

Ran from the 30th of June to the 2nd of July, 2023, the 2023 version of the Pacific Northwest Historics celebrates the 120th anniversary of Ford Motor Company, meaning they're paying tribute to all things Mustang. They've even brought in Steve Saleen as their special guest star.

Because Saleen, the company behind tuned Mustangs, was present at the event, Washingtonians got the chance to witness the S1, a sportscar that is yet to be available, as well as its GT4 equivalent.

That really is a milestone worth remembering and I managed to snap some pics for us to enjoy.

Album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=LeopaulsBlog&set=a.748374287291983

Video log:

The Grand Tour presents Eurocrash

Last year, Clarkson, Hammond, and May explored the Scandinavian winter wonderland in three 4WD saloons. Now, they're doing something unconventional as the recent Grand Tour adventure pulled a road trip like no other.

The Grand Tour presents Eurocrash

HOLD IT! Be sure to watch the entire adventure on Prime Video before coming back, okay? Come back here when you're done watching the latest Grand Tour adventure.

My Top 10 Iconic Le Mans Legends

This weekend, the 24 Hours of Le Mans race will celebrate its 100th anniversary, and with 62 cars from different classes gathering around in this centennial milestone as well as special guest stars, rest assured that the 100th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is going to be historical indeed.

As the whole world is bracing for the centennial running of the legendary endurance race that pushes carmakers over the limit in the name of speed and survival, it's time for me to jot down my top ten iconic Le Mans legends.

10) GR010 - Following the success of their LMP1-class TS050, which propelled Toyota Gazoo Racing to three straight overall titles at Le Mans, Toyota created this competitor to the new Hypercar class, which replaced the LMP1 class after the 2020 season. Complying with Hypercar regulations, the GR010 is powered by a 3.5L V6 twin-turbo engine mated to an electric motor that powers the front wheels, making it a 4WD machine where the petrol engine powers the rear wheels while the electric motor takes care of the front, a drastic change compared to its LMP1 predecessor. Toyota defended its Le Mans success in the new Hypercar class with the #7 Toyota Gazoo Racing car emerging as the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans for two years, making it its fifth win in a row.

9) Toyota TS050 - In the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans, being the only manufacturer-backed LMP1 racer competing in its class, the #8 Toyota Gazoo Racing TS050, piloted by Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso, Formula E driver Sebastien Buemi, and Kazuki Nakajima, made a historic victory at Le Mans, marking the second time a Japanese carmaker won Le Mans since the legendary Mazda 787B and the first time a Japanese driver became part of the Le Mans-winning team. In 2019 and 2020, with the latter being the final year for the LMP1 era, Toyota emerged victorious in Le Mans.

8) Jaguar XJR-9 - Built in collaboration between Jaguar and Tom Walkinshaw Racing, Jaguar's Group C competitor is powered by two V12 engines; a 7.0L for the WSPC and a 6.0L for IMSA GTP class. Both produce 760PS of power and 828Nm of torque, while mated to a 5-speed March/TWR manual gearbox, making the XJR-9 capable of hitting a 245mph top speed. A Silk Cut-sponsored Jaguar XJR-9 won the 1988 24 Hours of Le Mans with Jan Lammers, Johnny Dumfries, and Andy Wallace behind the wheel.

7) Peugeot 905 - The V10-powered Peugeot 905 cemented the French carmaker to the list of Le Mans winners when it won the legendary endurance race twice in 1992 and 1993.

6) Audi R18 TDi - The Audi R18 TDi is known as the only diesel-powered racing machine that conquered Le Mans three times from 2012 to 2014. Not only that, it has dominated two WEC championship titles from 2012 to 2013. Such achievement proves that diesel is king until dieselgate came and most carmakers are ditching diesel-powered engines for good.

5) 919 Hybrid  - In 2014, Porsche returned to LMP1 endurance racing with their 919 Hybrid and although it didn't fare well in its first run, which led to its 3rd place finish at the constructor's championship at the 2014 WEC season, it came back with a much fighting chance and because of such will power, it managed to win not just Le Mans but also three WEC seasons on the trot from 2015 to 2017. Porsche has left the LMP1 racing program after their three-win streak with the 919, only to make a comeback in the Hypercar class with the 963 racing machine.

4) Sauber-Mercedes C9 - As part of the Sauber-Mercedes partnership, this Group C prototype was introduced in 1987 and its first success can be traced back to the 1989 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the #63 C9 driven by Jochen Mass, Manual Reuter, and Stanley Dickens, achieved a win. During qualifying for Le Mans, the C9, with its Mercedes-Benz M119 HL 90º 5.0L Turbo V8 engine with two KKK turbos, achieved a top speed of 248.0 mph (400 km/h) at the Mulsanne Straight of Le Mans.

3) 917K - The Porsche 917K is known as the short-tail version of the legendary 917, a sports prototype race car, and it gave Porsche their first overall wins at Le Mans for two straight years since 1970. Thanks to such success, it even gained a starring role in the Le Mans movie starring Steve McQueen.

2) 787B - Built as an improved version of the 787, it features the same R26B 4-rotor Wankel engine as its predecessor which produces up to 690HP of power. Aside from that, it features carbon-fiber bodywork which resulted in a light, rigid body structure and other improvements. In the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, Mazda sent two 787B machines with the race-winning #55 car driven by Bertrand Gachot, Johnny Herbert, and Volker Weider. The 787B not only became the first Japanese-manufactured race car to win Le Mans, but it's also the first-and-only rotary-powered race car to win the said endurance race.

1) GT40 Mk. II - Ford's trial-and-error process of creating a racing machine that can crush Ferrari in Le Mans is nothing more of an act of revenge from the Blue Oval following Ferrari's rejection to become part of the Ford empire. Armed with the 7.0L V8 engine producing 485HP of power and mated to a 4-speed gearbox, the GT40 Mk.II from Ford delivered a stunning podium sweep at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race, more than enough to crush Ferrari into it. Such achievement has been profiled in the biopic movie Ford vs. Ferrari.

In this centennial running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, will it be a milestone for Toyota Gazoo as it's seeking a three-peat in the Hypercar class? Will the return of Ferrari in Le Mans crush Toyota's dreams for a three-peat? Find out as this legendary endurance race unfolds this Saturday, June 10th. Don't miss it!

A visit to the Karrera Showroom

If you're a car addict and if you're on the streets of Alabang, there's a cafe made for speedo boys like you. Do you want to guess what is the cafe you would like to stop by and relax in? Here's your answer.

This is the Karrera Showroom, a cafe made by car addicts, for car addicts. It's located at Bloc 10 in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines.

Step inside the Karrera Showroom and you'll be greeted by the car-themed aesthetics this cafe delivers. From paintings of sports cars to racing memorabilia, this cafe has everything speedo boys would like to see.

Checking the menu, the Karrera Showroom offers various meals that can satisfy car addicts' appetites such as sweets, wings, pasta, fries, and the Karrera pizza. There are no soft drinks offered in the cafe. They're serving water, alcoholic beverages, and Red Bull. Yep, they had Red Bull in normal and sugar-free variants.

In random intervals, the Karrera Showroom is allowing its guests to have a crack at sim racing. Also, big-timers can reserve the whole area for private events such as birthdays and press conferences, and in the case of Formula One races, the Karrera Showroom is open late at night to allow visitors to watch F1 races.

Because this is a car-themed cafe, Karrera features random vehicles on display and they treat these machines like special guest stars. One such example is the Mercedes 190E touring car.

Come to think of it, should the folks from Gran Turismo visit this place, are they going to use this space for their scapes? If so, that would be great to have the Karrera Showroom represented to the world of Gran Turismo as one of the scapes. The boys can't wait to display their in-game rides to the Karrera space.

A cafe made by car addicts, for car addicts. This is what the Karrera Showroom is all about and if you're one of them, consider yourself welcome to the only car-themed cafe in Mega Manila.

It's a dream come true for me to visit the famous Karrera Showroom and I would like to visit this place again in the future.

Video Log:

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KARRERA SHOWROOM

360 Corporate Woods Ave, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, Philippines

Opens Monday from 9:00 AM to 11PM, Tuesday to Sunday from 7:30 AM to 11PM