Let's Do The News! (July 20, 2012)

You were thinking that you like the prefer the new BMW M6 more than the Jaguar XKR-S, am I right?

Yeah but it appears this new M6 is a bit of a hassle like the Jaguar XKR-S. 4.4L V8 with 560PS of power vs. 5.0L Supercharged V8 with 550PS of power. With the available M Driver's Package, it will trounce the Jaguar XKR-S in the straights.

Oh really?

Not sure. I'm not an expert of anything...

(audience laughing)

Anyway, let's do the news!

Right and most of you people already heard the mega bad news about the Nurburgring as the GREEN HELL filed for bankruptcy, which made us sad that the legendary racetrack has been succumbed to the Euro Debt Crisis.

Scoop: http://blog.caranddriver.com/nurburgring-bankrupt-whats-happening-at-the-nordschleife/

Courtesy: SAVE THE RING

Oh my. Poor Nurburgring! Can't believe that the world's ultimate racetrack has gone bust! Everyone had a lot of memories on this racetrack, even Top Gear, where the Ford Transit van, driven by Nurburgring genius Sabine Schmitz, tries to beat Jeremy's time set by his diesel-powered Jag of nine minutes and 59 seconds but she failed and her best in the Transit was 10 minutes and eight seconds.

Ah the memories at the Ring... 

Nurburgring

Nurburgring

Yeah. Good memories indeed but anyway, in case you want to know what just happened to the Nurburgring since the filing for bankruptcy, here's a link for some Q&A at:

http://mikefrison.com/1666

Here, you'll learn something about...well...what I said...Nurburgring since it went bust. But that reminds me...because the Nurburgring filed for bankruptcy, will the famed racetrack be closed? Some say...

Probably not, because the Ring earns money only when kept open. But it might be under control of the insolvency administrator or a private owner thereafter.

Yep, business as usual even the track went bust. Anyway, moving on...

Now, you may probably heard the rare case of how did someone survived miraculously after getting their heads pierced by some long stuff, especially javelins. On that news I found, I heard that a teenage girl from Japan miraculously survived after her head got pierced by a javelin.

(oooohhh)

Scoop: http://news.yahoo.com/japan-schoolgirl-speared-head-javelin-092817316.html

Would that be scary? When I think when someone accidentally thrown a javelin on someone else's head, would they die.

Well yeah. Most people died when they got their head pierced by some unsuspecting object. Remember the head shot thing? A shot in a head will be called a one-shot kill. But on this javelin story...Can't believe that she's lucky enough to survive a life-threatening situation.

Yeah, what luck. Imagine if you got survived when your head got shot by a bullet.

(audience laughing)

Anyway, while the Formula One 2012 season is getting wilder than what we think, Codemasters, the game brand behind the Formula One video games, is making a new game which combines Mario Kart gameplay with super deformed Formula One stars especially Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Nico Rosberg, Bruno Senna, and all of our favorite F1 stars.

Really? A new Formula One video game does Mario Kart? LOLZ.

(audience laughing)

What's it called?

It's called F1 RACE STARS.

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/mario-kart-meets-f1-in-new-codemasters-game/#continued

This new game packs fantasy versions of real F1 tracks but because this is just like Mario Kart, there are some power ups along the way to blast the competition. It kinda reminded me of some video game I had...

Really? What is it?

It was DIDDY KONG RACING from the Nintendo 64.

Diddy Kong Racing? Wow, you got some childhood memories out there...

I love that game when I was a kid. By land, air, or sea, Diddy Kong Racing is a bit of a childish race because of the different characters and different powerups that you can trounce your opponents. Ah those memories I've remembered when I was a kid....

Ahem, enough childhood memories for now and let's move on. 

Right, as some anime fans remember Akemi Kanda as the seiyuu behind Negima's Asuna Kagurazaka, which is one of our faves. Guess what? We heard that Akemi Kanda...um....

What?

(murmuring)

What did you said? I heard something!

(murmuring)

Right! She got married!

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-07-19/voice-actress/singer-akemi-kanda-gets-married

Why are you murmuring Clarks?

Don't regret it. As seiyuus come and go, they're moving on for bigger and better things? Life after Negima can be a bit complicating...Even Miss Akemi Kanda announced that she got married with some normal people I'd never know...

Don't get upset pal. As heard, she'll continue her job even her married life you know...

E he he he....

Anyway, Series 2 of the Seitokai no Ichizon anime is coming this fall 2012 and we just heard that there's going to be some cast changes around here...

What?

Some say...Yuka Saitou, who originally played Chizuru Akaba in the first series, is being replaced by Mina (Heaven's Lost Property's Sohara Mitsuki, Is This a Zombie?'s Kanami Mihara). Yuki Horinaka, who originally played Mafuyu Shiina, will be replaced by Iori Nomizu (Heaven's Lost Property's Nymph, Cat Planet Cuties' Antonia).

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-07-19/new-seitokai-no-ichizon-anime-changes-2-castmembers

Cast changes can be a rarity for any anime series but hey, it's kinda weird that every time when there's a new season of a certain anime coming, it's a rare thing that there's going to be some cast changes and that's very very rubbish. Cast changes are seriously uncool unless some conditions like when a seiyuu got some health concerns.

(oooohh)

Indeed you're right pal. Cast changes are seriously uncool unless some conditions like when a seiyuu got some health concerns. Better not forsake the late Tomoko Kawakami. Remember, she died last year. Don't let her down.

(calmly) Uh....okay....

Right, now anyway, on to the subject of the upcoming AFA INDONESIA, the first ever Anime Festival Asia event to held in Indonesia. Check out the ticket prices...

I Love Anisong Special Offer” :

- 2 Day VIP Pass: Rp 1.000.000

- 2 Day Standing Pass: Rp 600.000

- Standing Pass: Rp 350.000/day

- VIP Pass: Rp 600.000/day

- Exhibition: Rp 50.000/day

- Exhibtion + Stage: Rp 125.000/day

And wait! We heard that there will be big guests coming on this event such as...

Such as what?

- Akatsuki Tsukasa - guest cosplayer from Taiwan

- KANAME☆ - AFA cosplay ambassador

- 7!! (pronounced as ‘seven oops’) - JPOP band behind “Fallin Love” as a theme song for the movie “High School Debut”, “Lovers” for the anime series Naruto: Shippuden , and “Bye Bye” for Kimi to Boku.

- Sea☆ A - girl group, currently recruiting for new members, will be performing hit songs from anime series such as CardFight! Vanguard’s “Dream Shooter” and Toriko‘s “Deli-Deli Delicious”.

- KOTOKO - you remember her from opening theme songs from Hayate, Shana, and Accel World. It's her first time in Indonesia to please the fans.

- Ichiro Mizuki - he was been in AFA for 4 years and this legend will perform some of his legendary anisongs from the past such as Captain Harlock, Mazinger Z and Kamen Rider.

- LiSA - Angel Beats fans will remember her as Yui from the Girls Dead Monster band.

- Stereopony

Scoop: http://sgcafe.com/2012/07/afa-indonesia-press-conference/

Now that's big! A selection of big stars are coming and I have to say, KOTOKO is probably one of the best guests on that event.

Why?

Remember the closing theme song from Tweeny Witches? KOTOKO did that. Gosh I want that song so much because the song's a bit too catchy and repetition of this song is extremely high. I wanted this song more than any other.

(audience laughing)

1000th Aventador

Anyway, the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, it made a milestone for this car because 1,000 units were made and the the 1,000th Aventador was owned by Bavarian architect Hans Scheldecker, who was from Germany, and this 1000th Venta is colored in Arancio Argos.

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/lamborghini-celebrates-assembly-of-1-000th-aventador/

I have to say, congrats to the 1,000th Aventador owner. Glad that he's German. He he he....

(audience laughing)

And on that bombshell, that's the news! For a quick reminder though, President Noynoy's SONA will be in July 23, 2012, this Monday. Wonder what promises did this President achieved or failed?

BMW M6 Cabrio (F12) and Coupe (F13)

2013 BMW M6

So, the latest version of the BMW M6, in coupe and cabrio versions...It may have went for some downsizing issues such as replacing the V10 engine from the old model in favor of twin-turbo V8 that powered the M5 F10 but can this new model bested the old M6 even though in its newly regenerated look?

First of all, it does look like the latest incarnation on the BMW 6-Series that we saw last year but with this powerful version, it's getting a bit too shouty. Look closely at the kidney grilles, did you see the M6 badge on the right side of the kidney grille? Yes, we know it's an M6 but why would they put the M6 badge on one side of the kidney grille? Those BMW M models I know doesn't have that but for this new M6? Hello? We can distinguish it by its signature body kit and quad exhausts, as well as the M6 badge on the back. It's unnecessary to put the M6 badge on the kidney grille because...that's a lot of nonsense. Yep, that's a lot of nonsense.

2013 BMW M6 Coupe

Whatever, let's forget the shouty exterior look of the all new M6 but anyway, because the engine's downgraded from V10 to twin-turbo V8 engine, do we think that they downgraded the power? I'm afraid not because unlike the old V10 it replaces, the twin-turbo V8 engine that powered the BMW M5 F10 generates about 560PS of power - that's about 10 more than the Jaguar XKR-S! But seriously, how does the new M6 stack up against the XKR-S?!

Well in terms of crucial areas, not well. When the new BMW M6's 4.4L twin turbo V8 engine generates 10PS more than the Jaguar XKR-S' 5.0L Supercharged V8 engine, putting these two on the benchmark is a disaster. While the XKR-S' 0-100kph time is 4 seconds, the new M6's 0-100kph time is...let's say 4.2 seconds. Just .2 seconds slower than the XKR-S.

Then there was the top speed; while the M6 is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), the XKR-S is limited to 300 km/h (186 mph), meaning that while in the Autobahn, the XKR-S can easily overtake the new M6 to the max.

So what about the weight? While the XKR-S Coupe's curb weight is 1,800kg and the XKR-S Convertible's curb weight is 1,850kg, the new BMW M6 Coupe's curb weight is 1,924kg and 2,056 kg for the Convertible. There has to be some simple reason why this new M6 weighs more than the Jaguar XKR-S is because of several features added on the new M6, especially the new 7-speed double clutch transmission, which the XKR-S doesn't have because it's a 6-speed AT that finds it a bit difficult.

But wait! If you think the M6 is a bit slower than the XKR-S in terms of limited top speed, think again because for the new M6, you can have the optional M Driver's Package that pushes the M6's top speed up to 305 km/h (189 mph)! 305kph? That's about...5kph more than the XKR-S! That's staggering but I still don't know if I have to appreciate this new M6 more than my favorite Jag?

Unlike the Jaguar XKR-S, the new M6 comes with the idling stop system that shuts the engine off when stopped and then start again when the foot's on the pedal - to save petrol.

Handling wise, the new M6 is a bit too twitchy to drive than the Jaguar XKR-S because the M6's heavier than the XKR-S, as I said. Handling the XKR-S is as delicate as a piano but its as harsh as...drinking whiskey for some commercial shooting that drive the producer very angry. Did I said that line? Anyway, the new M6 though, it takes some skill to master the handling even though this new guy comes M-specific chassis technology, Dynamic Damper Control, M Servotronic, and DSC with M Dynamic Mode. You can think of it like sonic screw-driving a very complicated giant safe that contains two people freezing themselves to death. Hey! Ralph called! (vomitting)

Available colors for the all new BMW M6 are; Saphirschwarz, Havanna, Silverstone, Spacegrau, Imperialblau Brllanteffekt, Singapur Grau, Sakhir Orange, San Marino Blau, and Alpinweiß.

2013 BMW M6 Cabrio

My comment:

Choosing between those two cars is not easy. Surely the Jaguar XKR-S is a bit too delicate from its looks but wild on performance while the BMW M6 is all too shouty even though for the first time I saw a badge placed on its trademark kidney grille. Sure, the BMW M6 and the Jaguar XKR-S may have some flaws on it but when you compare these two, you'll never know which stacks up either on the track, on the streets, or Amy Pond's eyes but for me, on balance, I would choose the shouty German sports car instead...

Photo: BMW A.G.

It reminded me of all the hard work I've done...

Trying to give this car back to life...

This looks like the one I have in my old GT2 video game, back when my sort of antique was a PSOne. Although I have to be honest that this is the Alfa Romeo 155, the one that is famous for being a touring car years ago. You'd never know that all that glory came to this car is what made the Alfa 155 special even though it was just a replacement of the Alfa 75.

While the V6 TI racer was been in some museum, the old 155 sedan was left to rot until Forza Motorsport 4 rediscovered this car via the ALMS Car Pack and now, I decided to give this car one final mission.

Back at the fast lane

I'd never realize that I got the chance to drive this car again. This takes me all back to my childhood memories. The Tahiti, the sunset, Rome, Seattle, the ovals, everything. That takes me all back. Anyway, the car...

The 155 served as the replacement to the Alfa Romeo 75 and despite it has more dimensions than the 75, the 75's rear wheel drive system has been ditched in favor of front wheel drive system because of cost cutting issues. That seems to be odd but this FF layout, according to Alfa fans, spoiled the sporting pedigree of the Alfa Romeo brand.

This car tries to show its racing pedigree

There it is again, a normal family saloon car!

That seems to be odd but aside from the FF layout, Alfa Romeo did offered a Q4 variant, which comes with the 4WD layout derived from the legendary Lancia Delta Integrale, the one that won six WRC races in the trot. Under the hood lies a turbocharged 2.0L engine that produces 137 kW (190 PS) of power and 291 N·m of torque. It can go 0-60 in 7 seconds and top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph).

When I handle the 155 Q4, the grip makes it feel like I'm driving a Lancia Delta Integrale in so many ways and it's just so easy to drive so you don't need to worry about messing around with the steering because the 155's handling understands what you're saying. What I'm looking now is a Delta Integrale in Alfa Romeo's notchback clothing and I was very impressed with it. There is always a reminder that you can't be a true petrolhead without driving an Alfa Romeo and we all kinda stick to it, even in Forza Motorsport 4.

Just like old days....

Despite tarnished reputation, the 155 joined numerous touring car challenges to further enhanced its reputation via the the Supertouring-homologated GTA and the V6 TI for the DTM. Between 1992 and 1994, the 155 managed to take the Italian Superturismo championship, the German DTM championship (both with Nicola Larini at the wheel), the Spanish Touring Car Championship (with Adrián Campos), and the British Touring Car Championship (with Gabriele Tarquini). The most iconic was the 155 V6 TI because it has a record of 38 wins (plus 3 other non championship races). The victories were obtained by seven different drivers: 17 (+1) Nicola Larini, 13 (+1) Alessandro Nannini, 2 Stefano Modena, 2 (+1) Christian Danner, 2 Michael Bartels, 1 Kris Nissen and 1 Gabriele Tarquini.

That sounds convincing but I want to give the normal 155 the honor it has to be deserved just like the 155 V6 TI racer. I want to give this to The Stig...

...and across the line!

There we are, the Alfa Romeo 155 has the recognition it deserved and my car did it in...1:33.029, not bad for a car that gained a 38 win record to enhance its image that was tarnished because of its FF layout that was disliked by most fans because they still prefer the 75 over its FR layout. The unsung hero finally got the recognition it deserved...

Honorable mentioned by Top Gear

Let's Do The News! (July 18, 2012)

Okay, so you would probably prefer the Evoque more than the Q3, X1, and the GLK?

Yeah, best luxury crossover ever because of its looks, technology, performance, and that's about it. I would still prefer this car...it's too bad no other racing game would feature that but anyway, let's do the news and...remember the Nissan Invitation concept from Geneva?

Yes.

Well, it seems that the Nissan Invitation concept previewed Nissan's next compact car and you wanna see what that is?

What? The production version of the Invitation Concept?

Indeed and here it is! Are you ready? Here we go!

This is the moment!

(pulling wraps)

(applause)

2013 Nissan Note E12

Wow! It's a....it's a....it's....

Yes! It's the second-generation Nissan Note E12! Note E12! The second generation of the car Heidi questioned what is fuel economy or in Japanese, 低燃費って何？！

This new model, is Nissan's global compact car and it comes with the next generation of XTRONIC CVT transmission. It is the first ever Nissan to be fitted with the newly developed HR12DDR DIG-S engine and with the HR12DE engine from the Nissan March K13, the fuel economy will reach to a class-leading 25.2km/L of JC08 fuel economy. 

It's available to you this September 2012 at your nearest Nissan Red Stage and Nissan Blue Stage dealerships!

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/1118309/

A new Note E12 is now a global car. On sale in Japan in September and soon in Europe and before we know it, the rest of the world. It's kinda weird that they went on some downsizing because back in 2005, the E11 Note comes with the 1.5L engine but now for the E12 Note, all that downsizing do really mean some serious TNP. TNP25.2! That's what that is!

Yeah, speaking of TNP25.2 for the all new Nissan Note E12, should we do some proper news then?

Right, and anyone heard that news that during some funeral, Annabelle Rama showed up and attacked showbiz reporter Chito Alcid!

(ooohhh)

How crude for Tita Annabelle to do that! How crude to do that in the middle of Dolphy's funeral?!

Serious! Can't believe she attacked someone and what a total disgrace. Oh and you know what Tita Annabelle said to the camera during Dolphy's burial? She said something to her enemy Amalia Fuentes, and Chito Alcid...What did she said?

She said "MAY YOU REST IN PEACE?"

(oooohhhh)

Rude! Anyway, we heard that Chito Alcid's filing a blotter against Tita Annabelle and because of Tita Annabelle will never say sorry to Chito Alcid.

Scoop: http://pep.ph/news/34909/showbiz-reporter-chito-alcid-files-blotter-against-annabelle-rama-annabelle-says-she-will-never-apologize-to-chito

Blotter? I never heard of that word. What is blotter?

Blotter is...um...a book in which transactions or events, as sales or arrests, are recorded as they occur. It appears Tita Annabelle's got recorded on the police blotter because of her ultimate kabastusan. That's a shame, though....

Anyway, forget about this and anyway, we picked up some more news that...oh no...

What?

I've heard that there is a new Nendoroid Petite coming this November and this is packed a bunch of bishounens that is quite unnecessary for the customers unless you're a girl.

What is it?

I'm talking about the bishounens from Uta no Prince-sama - Maji Love 1000%. (Oh no, how did that happened. Popular male characters from shoujo mangas, animes, and games don't deserve a Nendo treatment and hey, seems like they're here first.

Scoop: http://www.goodsmile.info/product/en/3588/Nendoroid+Petite+Uta+no+Prince-sama+-+Maji+Love+1000.html

Surely it's not my cup of tea but anyway, the set contains Otoya Ittoki, Masato Hijirikawa and Natsuki Shinomiya from A-class as well as Tokiya Ichinose, Ren Jinguuji and Syo Kurusu from S-class, all wearing their Saotome Academy uniforms. There is a secret character to look out for so if you're lucky, then huh, better brag it. Each costs 500 Yen and you'll never know which prince you'll keep with because it's randomly selected.

Wait, this is just like the others. When you buy one for 500 Yen, you'll never know which character you'll get. For this, you'll never know if you got either Otoya Ittoki, Masato Hijirikawa, Natsuki Shinomiya, Tokiya Ichinose, Ren Jinguuji, Syo Kurusu, or a secret character. Anyway, I bet no one's going to like it because...it's from a love story anime and anime love stories don't deserve toys.

(audience laughing)

Hey! If most of the guys loved THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, then Good Smile Company provided a Nendoroid of Spidey in honor of the movie.

Scoop: http://www.goodsmile.info/product/en/3600/Nendoroid+Spider-Man+Hero+s+Edition.html

Wow! I think our Spidey senses are tingling!

Indeed it is! But it's called the Hero's Edition. Anyway, it's still our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

It's still him. EVERYBODY GETS ONE, tell them, mga mars.

Everybody gets one.

Right. Now anyway, Zettai Karen Children, it seems that it's celebrating its 7th anniversary by planning an all new (!) anime which is one of the seven new projects to commemorate Zettai Karen Children's 7th birthday!

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-07-12/zettai-karen-children-manga-gets-new-anime-project

So...a completely new anime? One of the seven projects in commemoration of its 7th year? What luck.... We just picked up news that it's coming for the first time in North America via Sentai Filmworks under the Psychich Squad banner but anyway, first of seven projects? What's next? An OVA? A movie? A new game? Nobody knows but....let's find out soon, okay?

Right, now Nissan Serena C26 now gets a hybrid variant this summer.

(wow)

2013 Nissan Serena S Hybrid

It's called SERENA S HYBRID and the S stands for (Smart Simple). Right now, no further details for now but Nissan says it's coming this August 2012.

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/nissan/serena/newmodel-1124464/

A hybrid version of the Serena? Could it be a direct competitor to the Honda Freed Hybrid?

Sort of but hey! If you're in Malaysia, take note. SERENA C26 NEVER EVER COMING TO MALAYSIA. Understood? We spoke everyone from Edaran Tan Chong SDN BHD, the company in charge of Nissan in Malaysia, and their responses were always the same. I once spoke to them and they keep saying the same thing. The Serena C26 will NEVER ever come to Malaysia until further notice. That's it. NOT COMING to Malaysia. The end.

(audience laughing)

Whoa, you shouldn't be too strict for that but true, Malaysia still offered the old C24 Serena and with such a gap closed, Edaran Tan Chong will never bring the C26 Serena in Malaysia. So, what if some  smugglers smuggled the C26 Serena as well as JDM minivans never sold in Malaysia?

Catch them. Smuggled cars has to be smashed for good.

(audience laughing)

Hey now, Ford Mustang RTR, a Mustang tuned with a Vaughn Gittin Jr. in mind, gets some updates for the 2013 model year. Here it is, look;

2013 Ford Mustang RTR

As you can see, it was based on the 2013 Ford Mustang but the RTR comes with a new adjustable suspension setup and up to 624 horsepower with an optional supercharger system.

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/vaughn-gittin-jr-reveals-2013-mustang-rtr-w-video/

Sounds wonderful, but what about this? It's the Chevrolet Camaro 1LE? Sure, it maybe the balanced version of the Camaro that is better than the original but not as sharper as the flagship ZL1.

2013 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/2013-chevrolet-camaro-1le-images-released-upcoming-nav-teased/

Hmmm....Is this just like the Ford Mustang Boss 302 in so many ways?

Uh...I don't know but anyway, it comes with the matte black hood, front splitter and rear spoiler for the exterior but half of the technology applied on the 1LE do came from the ZL1. However, no power upgrades were occurred so....

So it's less powerful than the Mustang Boss?

POW! You got it. Once again General Motors, you lost to Ford. You'll never made a car that will be better than any Ford model. Still, I would want to go for the Mustang RTR because it maybe a tuned Mustang made with the Formula Drift star in mind but it's all about being a dynamic and dangerous muscle.

Oh really?

(audience laughing)

Nearly...Anyway, for a real giggle, tuning company Mansory unveiled the Carbonado, which is based on the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 but wrapped with carbon fiber body work, carbon rims, and a tuned 6.5L V12 engine that now churns out 744bhp (754PS) of power and 750Nm (553.1 lb-ft) of torque.

Mansory Aventador Carbonado

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/07/lamborghini-aventador-gets-full-carbon.html

Mansory said they will only produce six examples and that gives me thinking that six is...

Six is what?

Six what the periodic number of on the table of elements. Six is Carbon! It's a SESTO ELEMENTO! Surely it doesn't look like Sesto Elemento but it's a Aventador Sesto!

(audience laughing)

Wow, you don't have to be so cocky about it. He he he.

Anyway, good news to everybody that the American Top Gear returns for an all new season on History Channel this August 14, 9PM EST!

Scoop: http://transmission.blogs.topgear.com/2012/07/17/americans-top-gear-usa-is-back/

Also, it appears those three TGUSA presenters now has their own Twitter accounts. Be sure to follow their official Twitters for Top Gear updates and more!

Rutledge: @RutledgeWood

Adam: @adamferrara

Tanner: @tannerfoust

How lucky for them to reveal their Twitter accounts for the public but seriously, who are you going to follow with?

I wanna follow Tanner Foust's twitter.

Why?

He's a racing driver. I wanna follow him for his racing updates, Top Gear mishaps, and more.

Uh, okay. Be sure to mark the date, okay?

(audience murmuring)

Right. And oh, hey know. I know some of you heard about this but GMA's flagship noontime show, Eat Bulaga, gets its own Indonesian version at some Indonesian channel...what's it called?

SCTV.

Right. Indonesia's SCTV aired the Indonesian version of Eat Bulaga, making it the first ever Filipino show to gained its international version. Just like the real thing, the Indonesian Eat Bulaga is packed with more fun and games with some segments titled “Indonesia Pintar” (“Pinoy Henyo”), “One For All, All For One,” “Bolagaan,” and “Karaoke Stud.” If we called DABARKADS, the Indonesians called it Bulagang. If we have “Bossing” Vic Sotto, the Indonesians have Uya Kuya, who is called “Boss Uya.”.

Scoop: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/366194/indonesian-network-obtains-franchise-of-eat-bulaga

Indonesia Pintar? That could mean Indonesian Genius or henyo but hey it's still the OO or HINDI game but in here, they can say um....what's the Bahasa Indonesia for Yes or No?

YA! TIDAK!

YA! TIDAK! YA! YA! TIDAK! TIDAK! TIDAK! YA! YA!

Now that's Indonesia Pintar stuff.

(audience laughing)

And on that bombshell, that's the news!

Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Minor Change

The GLK-Class...When I encountered one, I thought this crossover would be one of the finest cars Mercedes-Benz is capable of but thanks to newer crossovers such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and the Range Rover Evoque, I'm starting to turn away from the GLK but since my Aunt have one, I have no choice but to relieve the GLK from my point of view. When I got inside, it looks fine even though my Auntie bought some kind of entry level version. I even messing up with the audio system with some of my music CD collection because her car doesn't have USB connectivity on it. The GLK though, although it wasn't made to stand out for an average family, it's still worth trying to be the baby of the Mercedes-Benz SUVs and now, there's a new version...

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

Although this is a minor change, the GLK-Class now has a different front face that looks like it came from the current generation M-Class but with all that new face really does trying to keep me waiting to have one of these. So, how does it compare to the old pre-facelifted model my Aunt have? Although, the new face is a bit to distinguished, the back is pretty much the same thing except for the redesigned tail lights.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class interior

On the inside though, the facelifted GLK now comes with some kind of airplane-inspired vents that was used from the SLS AMG, SLK, and the new SL. I find those round-shaped vents a bit more better than those conventional ones my Auntie knows. Still, you can expect seating for five and the tonneau board that once you cover it, it feels like a sedan, stow the tonneau board, and you got yourself a wagon-like interior. Nice touch to that.

What about performance? There are three engine types available such as the M276 3.5L V6 fuel injected petrol, OM651 4-cylinder CRDi, and the new OM642 3.0L V6 CRDi engine with various configurations and settings depending on the variant. Because there are so many variants to mention, let's start from lowest to highest beginning from the GLK 200 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY that produces 105 kW (143 PS) of power and 350 Nm of torque up to the GLK 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY that produces 225 kW (306 PS) of power and 370 Nm of torque. Most of them do come with the commoner 7G-Tronic Plus transmission while those entry-levels come with the 6-speed manual transmission. Whatever, it looks like that Daimler's going to turn away from the manual transmissions and that's a shame.

There is now a new AGILITY CONTROL suspension that shows a high standard of flexibility and is able to resolve the conflict between the different aims pursued in designing SUV suspensions. It appears that this crossover now has some sportscar-like reflexes, something that my Aunt wouldn't mind about that because her car doesn't have one. Another thing that the new GLK have is this one - the Offroad Engineering package. This package will give the new GLK some offroad capabilities and with the finest offroad technology offered, I'm thinking that this new GLK might be perfect enough if you're trying to get away from goons while offroad. Sounds perfect but all those offroad car chases may end up getting crashed at the tree. As always, watch out for the tree, George! He he he....

Colors available on the new GLK are Feueropal, Polarweiß, Schwarz, Cavansitblau metallic, Diamantweiß BRIGHT metallic, Obsidianschwarz metallic, Cupritbraun metallic, Iridiumsilber metallic, Palladiumsilber metallic, Diamantsilber metallic, Luzonitgrau metallic, and Tenoritgrau metallic.

My Comment:

The facelifted GLK-Class isn't more than just the revised version of the car my Auntie's driving from Wenatchee but it appears it has some talent that the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1 tries to have but like as always, this new model wasn't a big deal even though it has a new face that is a bit too eccentric to me and if I had accidentally bought one, I'm afraid I have to stick with it. I would rather get the Evoque instead because it's one of my must have crossovers today and it looks better than the GLK.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class X166

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, not to be confused with the legendary G-Class, is more like Mercedes's answer to the Range Rover and like the Range Rover, it's heavier, slower, and thirstier. This car wasn't made for the typical family because this car was made for the high ranking politicians and executives because this car made them big time as you may expect them to be. Now, however, the GL-Class has been regenerated, and when I said regenerated, it's a full model change for the flagship full-size SUV from Mercedes-Benz.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Designated as X166, the all new, second-generation, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class tries to stand out the crowd of its internal affairs and of course, this Manhattan tanker's now bigger than the old X164 GL-Class. For instance, the length, height, and width has been expanded and the legroom's been expanded a little bit further so those armed men can get in to and escort their VIPs for protection. When you look at the outside of the new GL, it kinda feels like the W166 M-Class taking a double dose of something "pampa". Pampa what? Pampatigas? Pampainit? If you don't know what I'm saying, it's something more like some kind of medicine for men that is a six letter name, three consonants, three vowels, starts with letter V, and ends with letter A.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class interior

On the inside, here comes a typical Mercedes-Benz interior but the GL-Class can accommodate up to seven people and there are multiple seating arrangements which can be suitable on any given situation. But forget about all 7-seater malarkey thing because what I'm thinking about whoever getting inside at the 2nd row seat was just some sort of big shot. No wait, a big-timer would be seating at the back because when he folded down the 2nd row seats at the touch of a button, he has a place to rest his feet at. Sounds big timer and I felt like I could do the same thing on someone else's Land Cruiser; fold down the second row seats and sit at the third row to create some recliner-like feel or rather some kind of....Royal Lounge-ish... Sounds simple but it wasn't because that will get in my way of watching my favorite Doctor Who episodes via some optional rear seat entertainment system with dual monitors. Might be best to be sit on the 2nd row for a while for better viewing.

No matter though because for such interior, the GL-Class is a fit for a king and that's about it.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

A 4.7L V8 petrol engine and a 3.0L V6 diesel engine were initially offered on the X166 GL-Class with various configurations. Beginning with the GL450 that generates 270 kW (367 PS) of power, GL500 for having 300 kW (408 PS) of power and 600 Nm of torque, GL550 which comes with improved power output of 557PS and improved torque output of 760Nm, and the GL350 BlueTEC that comes with a V6 CRDi engine that comes with a CO2 emission of 192–209 g/km and the potential to be EURO 6 compliant, which will be in effect in 2014. All of these are mated with thr 7G-Tronic Plus and the fully load-bearing air suspension system AIRMATIC with load recognition. With one of the most advanced features applied, the new GL-Class does act like a premium saloon even though it was just a big chunky SUV made for offroad use and that's good if you're in Monaco, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, or in Las Vegas but if you drive it in places like Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta or even Manila, it won't work because they'll get you noticed that you're nothing more of a glutton than a high profile drug lord.

Available colors are; Calcitweiß, Schwarz, Iridiumsilber metallic, Tenoritgrau metallic, Citrinbraun metallic, Obsidianschwarz metallic, Zinnoberrot metallic, Diamantweiß, and Perlbeige metallic.

My comment;

Even though it has been regenerated, the GL-Class is still a bit a slower, heavier, and thirstier Manhattan tanker that you may end up sinking it to the harbor by a bunch of heavily armed Russian terrorists or worse, some kind of giant mecha. Anyway, with such gargantuan size for a Benz imported from the USA, the interior is somewhat as comfortable like a premium full-size sedan but with seven seats prepped up and a Harman Kardon premium audio to bring some sense to your sense of hearing. Don't blink or you are going down.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Vice Ganda meets the PBB Teens...

Hey, have you guys watched the July 15, 2012 episode of Gandang Gabi Vice?

Myrtle Sarrosa and Karen Reyes were on it and oh my gosh, some LOL moments happened on that episode when Vice Ganda messing around with these two PBB Teens. Even Roy Requero and the Agapanan twins, Jai and Joi, were present as well for some more off-the-record humor, more LOL and I don't know what just did but OMG its so GOOD.

Ah, those PBB teens showing up on Vice Ganda's face...

Dodge Dart

Back then, Dodge has a reputation of having the most rubbish compacts I have ever encountered right before FIAT got Chrysler in 2009. Compacts were the Omni, Colt, Shadow, Neon, or the biblical terrible Caliber which believed to me that this is the worst compact I have ever encountered since the Chrysler...um...whatever it's called. Now when Dodge compacts are now consigned to the history books since the Caliber went out of production last year, Fiat told Chrysler to do it again and here it is afterwards...

2013 Dodge Dart

The new Dodge Dart. Chrysler said that the Dart name traces back to the legendary Dart muscle car produced from 1960 to 1976 but by the looks of it, the modern Dart is no longer a muscle but rather a 21st century Neon you can now buy in North America. What surprised me that underneath the Dart was the same platform used on my favorite Alfa, the Giulietta. It's true, the Dodge Dart is more of the North American cousin of the award-winning Alfa Romeo Giulietta and what shook my mind was there was someone out there which is someone American that uses a platform of the European car. The Buick Verano is the North American cousin of the Opel Astra as you may recall last year and hey, the Dodge Dart is more like the tougher opponent to the Buick Verano and it will be like the man in track overalls against a man in business attire.

On the outside, it does look like a shrunken version of the Dodge Charger because hey, look at the back, it does look like the Dodge Charger if you know what I mean? Anyway, the exterior design of the new Dart is a bit round, it's a bit more oblong, it's a bit to oval. Wait, we're not talking about circles, eh? But think of this junior Charger as a basketball bouncing through the shooting hoops. SHOOTING HOOPS! It's the kind of compact sedan I would love to drive through the intersections of Los Angeles at night.

2013 Dodge Dart interior

When you get inside the new Dart, this is how it gets personal to me. The interior looks like some kind of Korean midsize sedan that I'm not going to say what is it because you might overload it but with so many ways that keep me satisfied. I could expect for an optional 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen with easy-to-use interface that allows me to take control of my music, my phone calls, turn-by-turn navigation, climate control, and more...or rather less. Anyway, the new Dodge Dart provides one of the most customizable interiors in the market, providing some exclusivity and bespoke for a reasonably priced American-made compact sedan. There's more, there's an available 7-inch instrumental cluster that is customizable by the driver but nope, it's not as fun as the Cadillac XTS's customizable instrumental panel.

2013 Dodge Dart

At the start, the new Dart comes with two available engines such as the 1.4 L I4 Turbo Multiair and the 2.0 L I4 WGE Tigershark engine. Firstly, the 1.4L Turbo Multiair engine produces 160 bhp (119 kW) @ 5,500 rpm of power and 184 lb·ft (249 N·m) @ 2,500 rpm of torque. EPA estimated fuel economy is about 39 or 41 mpg highway. On the brand new 2.0L Tigershark engine though, although I never know what in the world is the Tigershark engine, this newcomer produces the same power as the turbocharged 1.4L engine but with less torque, and if by less torque, that is 145 lb·ft (197 N·m) @ 4,800 rpm. A 6-speed manual transmission is available with all engine options, a six-speed automatic is optional on the 2.0 L engine and a Dual Dry Clutch Transmission TCT (Twin Clutch Transmission) is available on the 1.4 L turbo unit.

As for safety, the new Dart offers a class-leading 60 standard and optional safety features such as the advanced high-strength, hot-stamped steels, incredibly stiff overall structure, safety cage with outstanding protection, 10 standard airbags, reactive front head restraints, and available options like Blind Spot Monitoring and class exclusive Rear Cross Path Detection.

Available colors are; Redline Red Pearl, Header Orange, Citrus Peel Pearl, Laguna Blue, Blue Streak Pearl, True Blue Pearl, Pitch Black, Tungsten Metallic, Maximum Steel Metallic, Bright Silver Metallic, and Bright White.

My Comment:
For the first time ever, Dodge finally made a compact car that can change the way cars are, forever, and this new Dart is just a sign that Dodge is back on the compact genre ever since the Neon. Although it has Dodge design with Alfa Romeo DNA on it, European performance on an American-made sedan is what made this guy behaves well but as for me, this car can do better. Handling the Dart feels like...if you have the Desert Eagle on your room, get one and pull the trigger...Pulling the trigger of the Desert Eagle is that's how driving a Dodge Dart feels like. The sounds of the engine that powers the Dart feels like reloading the Desert Eagle with .357 magnum rounds and when it's locked and loaded, you felt like you're ready to jump shot through the corners. I really want to have one and yes you can with the pricing of 15,995 US Dollars or about 680,000 Philippine Pesos.

Photo: Chrysler Group, LLC.

Welcome Back: 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports

This is spooky...

The fastest and the most outlandish car Bentley has ever made. The Continental Supersports has its rear seats removed, racing bucket seats trimmed after the Duke of Westminster's smoking jacket, carbon fiber on the dashboard and the result that it weighs about the same as a three-bedroom terrace house. 

It comes with the same 6.0L W12 engine from the original but now it churns out 630PS (621 bhp) of power, 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 204mph even you fill this up with vegetable oil. (?) Really? Because the 6.0L W12 engine uses FlexFuel technology that allows this car to run on petrol and E85 BioFuel. If you're using an E85 BioFuel on the Supersports, power retains the same but CO2 emissions are reduced by 70 percent. Sounds wonderful if you believe in this carbon malarkey but there is a problem because there are only a few gasoline stations in the world selling biofuel.

Anyway, the Supersports do come with the carbon ceramic brakes, new suspension, and anti-roll bars. The 4WD system has been programmed so now, most of the power is coming at the rear wheels.

This car was reviewed by Jeremy Clarkson on the Series 15 opener of Top Gear and when handed to The Stig, it set a lap time of 1.24.9 at the Top Gear Test Track, even though the clip was inadvertently interrupted by some Hyundai hatchbacks playing car football.

Vuvuzela sounds too disturbing for me but driving the Continental Supersports is too disturbing for me because the handling is too harsh and it takes mastery to throw this heavyweight champion round the corners. It takes some left hook, uppercut, right hook, jab, straight, and a bit of gibberish only a rival boxer would understand.

About the TVR T350C

A TVR you can use everyday

Although it's still a TVR because of its lunacy, raucous styling, and loud brutal sounds along the way as well as the typical TVR interior which when you get in, you can't find a way to get out until you find a button that opens the door, this TVR T350 is more of a different league judging by how it feels. Even though this old fella doesn't have airbags, ABS, or traction control, the suspension has been tweaked to make it more comfortable on normal roads. It feels more matured and it's well behaved but only on the road. So what is it then this T350?

It takes mastery to learn the T350's fundamental

Produced from 2002 to 2006, the TVR T350 is based on the TVR Tamora, and is powered by TVR's Speed Six engine in 3.6 litre form. Wanna know what's what about this Speed Six engine on the T350C? Here goes...

Bore/stroke: 93 mm (3.7 in) x 83 mm (3.3 in)

Compression Ratio: 11.8:1

Power Output: 350 bhp (261 kW; 355 PS) @ 7200 rpm

Torque Output: 290 lb·ft (390 N·m) @ 5500 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio: 304 bhp/ton

0 to 60mph in a scant 4.4 seconds and top speed of about 280kph. It was mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox and integrated limited slip differential. Although a 5-speed gearbox may not be enough for a supercar but as a TVR, this is highly eccentric. Because it only weighs about 1187kg, the old TVR T350 is about um...87kg heavier than the Mazda Roadster NC but faster than that because the Roadster NC we have on GT5 produces 167HP of power.

Style-wise, the T350C is a bit more like a Tamora but a bit more like um....a larva of a fly. I mean look at it, it looks like a fly larva because the face kinda looks like it. Perhaps imagine this car when it grows up, it became a giant fly that was smothered with some radioactive nukes and posing a bigger threat to everyone, especially the Health & Safety. That looks uncool to us but in that TVR fashion, that is highly eccentric. No wonder the Sagaris, which GT5 doesn't have one until further notice, inspired some of its design from the T350 but with a million times more bonkers.

It sure loves to cut down the Hammerhead...

As before, it feels more matured and it's well behaved but only on the road. How about on the track? It feels a bit too dynamic if I'm honest. It maybe the most user-friendly TVR you can drive but remember, it has some Blackpool blood running through its veins. If you keep pushing your T350C, you'll making a hash for it because it has some understeer on it. Think of it like spiraling a Harrier Jump Jet in full 360 degrees.

However, if I drive this one on a wet track, I'm thinking that there was some grim reaper seating next to me, clearing his throat, ready to see me off. In short, the T350C is dangerous on a wet track and it requires a brave concentration to master.

The T350C has some of its TVR genes but surely, it loves to cut down every single curves. This car was featured on Top Gear and when handed to The Stig, it lapped round the Top Gear Test Track in 1.27.5.

Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha The MOVIE 2nd A's

Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha
The MOVIE 2nd A's

As with the first ever Nanoha movie two years ago, the second chapter of the Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha story has given it a silverscreen treatment and Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 2nd A's (日本名：魔法少女リリカルなのはthe Movie 2nd A's) was made to be as interesting as the first one two years ago.

Just like in the TV series, Nanoha Takamachi (played by Yukari Tamura) and Fate Testarossa (played by Nana Mizuki) are now friends and they share stories about what's going on in their world and the Time-Space Administration Bureau. Upon Fate's comeback, Nanoha and the gang faced the Belkan Knights; consisting of Signum, Vita, Shamal, and Zafira, who are ordered to fill the pages of the Book of Darkness and defend their master who is none other than Hayate Yagami. Nanoha, Fate, and the Time-Space Administration Bureau are on a mission to discover what lurks behind the Book of Darkness, the Belkan Knights, and the master.

Although it feels the same as the second Nanoha TV series but because it was remastered for silverscreen use, it packs more cuteness, more humor, and more thrills that the TV series never had. From every angle of the movie, this movie adaptation of the second series is just the perfect balance of lunacy, appeal, and the X factor Nanoha fans really need.

To be honest, this is the best movie to watch during a rainy Japanese summer holiday and the soundtrack wasn't bad either. Couple that with the opening theme song, which titled BRIGHT STREAM by Nana Mizuki, and the closing theme song, which titled 微笑みのプルマージュ by Yukari Tamura, and you have an astonishing feast to enjoy the whole movie.

CAST

- Nanoha Takamachi (CV: Yukari Tamura)

- Fate Testarossa (CV: Nana Mizuki)

- Hayate Yagami (CV: Kana Ueda)

- Chrono Harlaown (CV: Mikako Takahashi)

- The Book of Darkness (CV: Sanae Kobayashi)

- Signum (CV: Kaori Shimizu)

- Vita (CV: Asami Sanada)

- Shamal (CV: Ryoko Yuzuki)

- Zafira (CV: Kazuya Ichijo)

Let's Do The News! (July 14, 2012)

Seriously, Forza did made a mistake that the CTR2 is rear-wheel drive instead of four-wheel drive as Gran Turismo depicted it.

Why is that possible. I checked in various websites that the RUF CTR2 is a rear-engine four-wheel drive car but how can we state that this car is RWD instead of 4WD?

It's complicated but as told earlier, the RWD layout for the CTR2 is standard but the 4WD feature was an option. Sadly, we don't have the conversion to do so...

(awwww)

That's all bull to us but hey...this is the first time we encountered a mistake. Anyway, let's do the news!

Right and guess what? The Aston Martin V12 Vantage gets a roadster variant. There it is, look...

2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster

You get the same features and the same 6.0L V12 engine but now, it's a roadster version so you can drive it with the roof off, making it a perfect long distance cruiser with the wind blowing over you.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/Aston-announce-the-V12-Vantage-Roadster-2012-07-11

That bothered me about the V12 Vantage. This is the car that Jeremy Clarkson thinks that its the end of supercars as we know it. This here, is an alternate ending to the Series 13 finale of Top Gear. Get it? Alternate ending. The V12 Vantage Roadster alters up to Jeremy's sad story

(audience laughing)

Some say, Aston Martin took three years to prepare a roadster version of the V12 Vantage, unlike the McLaren MP4-12C Spider that took them one year.

Three years? What's the result?

The same as the hardtop model.

(audience laughing)

Anyway, mga mars! What's next?

You guys heard that Slovenia now made a supercar and oh my...this one's called the Tushek Renovatio T500.

Tushek Renovatio T500

Slovenia? I never heard of that country before. Anyway, is it European?

It is. Right in the heart of Europe, next to Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. Not to be confused with Slovakia, which of course, the home of Dracula.

(audience laughing)

You may also remember that a few years ago, Pinoy Big Brother swapped one of their housemates with some one of the housemates from the Slovenian version of Big Brother.

Oh wait, I get it now! Anyway, what's what about this....Tushek Renovatio T500? Feels more Ridge Racer-ish by the looks of it but it appears it was designed by some Amazonas...

(audience laughing)

This new kid on the block has a 4.2L V8 engine that produces 450bhp @ 7,900rpm of power, 428Nm @ 3,200rpm of torque, 0-62mph in 3.7sec, and top speed 193mph. It's mated with a 6-speed transmission from the S5.

I see, some bits of Audi were on it but anyway, what's the price?

300,000 Euros or about 15,407,700 Philippine Pesos but it's limited to 30 units available because they're working on a new machine. Sadly for me, this car won't be perfect to park at the Monte Carlo casino square or impress a girl who dressed as Doctor Who's Amy Pond.

(audience laughing)

You're saying it again! You kept saying the Amy Pond name! Why do you keep on mentioning that Doctor Who character?! (laughinig) What? Do you have a crush on her?! Bad news. Someone's having a crush on Miss Karen Gillan...

What are you talking about? Few days ago, BBC America's ANGLOPHENIA blog did post an article about how to dress like Amy Pond from Doctor Who. I even tried to think that aside from having a girl dressed as Amy Pond to bring at a convention, I had to think that it could be perfect to pose next to a really really fast car, especially exotics.

Yeah right. You're just imagining Amy Pond like Ridge Racer's Reiko Nagase with a million times more manageable. TINDI MO, TOL! TINDI MO!

(audience laughing)

Tindi? No, this is just a way for spending too much time hooking on BBC. In my mind, I'm picturing something...Some lucky gal dressed as Doctor Who's Amelia Jessica Pond posed herself next to something Italian, something German, something British, something American, and something French...

Uh, you're talking about supercars, right?

Bing! You're correct. As told many times, Doctor Who's Amy Pond is our Ridge Racer's Reiko Nagase with a million times more manageable. Having a gal dressed as Amelia Pond posing next to a hot car and what do you call?

Uh...something rubbish?

Nope. It's called ♫MOVIN TO THE BEAT! MOVIN TO THE BEAT! STEP BACK TO RIDGE RACER!♫

(audience laughing)

Okay, what's next, have her sitting to the Ariel Atom V8 while you drive and have her face blown off?

(audience laughing)

Anyway, forget about it and let's move on because mga mars, TVR, British automaker run by some wealthy Russian business boy, some say it was revived to have Corvette-sourced engines on it but we heard the news that TVR axed plans to restart production, which is a shame but whatever.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/A-sad-day-TVR-is-officially-no-more-2012-07-12

(awww)

Can't believe that TVR is officially officially no more but hey what comes next?

Some say, the wealthy Russian business boy, Nikolay Smolensky, focusing assets on...wind turbines?

(wow)

Wind turbines? TVR will be focusing on wind turbines?! Very funny...

Oh wait, here's a letter from Top Gear to TVR...

Dear TVR,

We read the news yesterday of the end of the TVR badge on anything other than wind turbines. It was upsetting. But have you thought this through? 

Because we've just discovered this. It's called the Blackbird and it combines both ends of your disparate businesses. On the one hand, it is a car (well, a land yacht). On the other, it is a wind turbine. 

It's fast, too. And, not unlike some of the older TVRs, a bit baffling. It was developed specifically to prove that it is possible to sail dead downwind faster than the wind , powered by the wind only. Which surely bends the laws of physics to breaking point, but such a beast has been built, tested, and works.

On July 2, 2010, Blackbird set the world's first certified record for going directly downwind, faster than the wind, using only power from the wind. Then, earlier this month, Blackbird boss, Rick Cavallaro, and his team went to California and clocked a top speed 2.01 times faster than the wind speed when headed upwind. 

So there you go - wind turbines and cars in perfect environmental harmony. And you can watch it below. 

Yours sincerely, TopGear.com

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/top-gear-solves-tvr-problem-2012-07-12

That was awkward to see that. Can't believe TVR moved on from cars to wind turbines. (laughing)

(audience laughing)

Anyway, while waiting for the next Golf, SEAT, which is the Spanish arm of the Volkswagen Group, unveiled the next generation of SEAT LEON, which is the first to use VW's MQB Platform. Here's the pic...

2013 Seat Leon Mk3

Nuevo Seat Leon....it's kinda like the enlarged version of the facelifted Ibiza Mk4 to us but hey, good job for that, first to use VW's MQB platform.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/07/2013-seat-leon-first-official-photos-of.html

No doubt about it but hey, is this new Seat Leon Mk3 going to be that good in these conditions? Well, you know, Spain is taking a battering during the Euro debt crisis and downgrades, but is this new model going to work even though its homeland is in deep financial woes?

Not quite sure but let's just wait. Moving on, now Oxigin, a German aftermarket firm, paid tribute to the legendary Gulf livery and smothered it on the 997 Porsche 911. Here's the pic

Oxigin 911

Although, no further details for now but this Oxigin 911 is more of a tribute rather than being just a modified version of the...911 Sport Classic?!

From the looks of it, we think it is. It does look like a modified version of the 911 Sport Classic but my gosh, I wanna have one...

(audience laughing)

Anyway, more of the tuning scene and now, famed BMW tuner, AC Schnitzer, got bored on what to do on the all new 2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe and now, they made the F06 some new clothes and the result is this...

AC Schnitzer Gran Coupe

(oooohhh)

My gosh, that never looked good!

What they did is some engine upgrades, available sports exhaust system with a set of chrome-trimmed tailpipes, performance braking system with 8-piston fixed calipers and a sports suspension with a lowering spring kit, aero kits, and a selection of 19-, 20- and 21-inch alloy wheels in a choice of different designs.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/07/ac-schnitzer-adds-some-pizzazz-to-bmw-6.html

I have to say that this AC Schnitzer Gran Coupe is perfect enough to wow the crowd, even those who drive were a bunch of bling bling idiots in their baseball caps reversed. 

(audience laughing)

We getting a bit hungry right now aren't we?

Right, so what should we eat?

How about some cheese top burger?

CHEESE TOP BURGER? WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?

I don't know. Couple of months ago, I heard that KFC Philippines made the world's first hamburger that has chess on top, which is the CHEESE TOP BURGER. I know it's a bit idiotic to come up with that but hey, this was the most unique hamburger I have ever heard.

Cheese top burger? That's a crazy idea. What's next? Chicken in softdrinks?

(audience laughing)

That's gross. Anyway eating a cheese top burger can be a bit messy because of the cheese on top...Get it?

I really don't want to eat a cheese top burger.

(audience laughing)

Okay, forget about cheese top and move on because I heard from someone that Haagen-Dazs, the brand that offered the expensive but classy ice creams we love, shutting down their Philippine operations, which made us sad to hear that.

Haagen-Dazs is closing down in the Philippines

Can't believe that Haagen-Dazs is withdrawing their Philippine operations. Why?

Because the sales are a bit too sluggish and in today's economy, there's no room for this. We only buy Selecta, Nestle Ice Cream, and others but not Haagen-Dazs because they a bit too expensive.

Aw man....

(awwww)

Anyway, before we left, I just wanna say that back in February, I drove Rampage Jackson's Challenger, and I found out that it wasn't that bad for a car owned by some mixed martial artist. Can't believe that a few months ago that Rampage Jackson watched the most disappointing Pacquiao Bradley fight. Anyway, let's see how fast Rampage's SRT8 goes around the Top Gear Test Track...

We assure that Rampage's SRT8 did it in 1L25.161. Anyway, though I just heard that pre-orders for the Forza Horizon game are now up and I picked up that when you pre-ordered one now, you'll receive a code for the specially designed Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 for use in FM4.

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

So, where are you going to preorder Horizon?

Amazon.com but it appears that the Forza Horizon Limited Edition wasn't listed on Amazon.com so I have to wait.

Okay then.

Right, so THAT'S THE NEWS!