Bulilits race for the gold!

On the July 29, 2012 episode of Goin Bulilit

- Goin Bulilit music video of "THE FACEBOOK SONG" by Tanya Markova

- Marathon gags

- Coring and Liwayway in palengke...

- Goin Bulilit spoofs Lorenzo's Time in LORENZO'S RHYME!

- In the Goin Bulilit spoof of Aryana titled AROWANA, is Arowana looks delicious to eat? Uh oh....

- Cycling gags

- Goin Bulilit spoofs Lorenzo's Time in LORENZO'S MIME!

- Some more corny jokes on I'M CORNY!

- Goin Bulilit spoofs Lorenzo's Time in LORENZO'S SLIME

- Ready Get Set Goin in Bisikwela!

Cadillac ATS

2013 Cadillac ATS

At first glance, I thought that the ATS will be a successor to the CTS but I was wrong. The all new Cadillac ATS is not a CTS replacement. What this here is the baby Caddy that competes to the same level as the BMW 3 series, Mercedes C-Class, and Audi A4. Confused? Back then, when the CTS launched in early 2002, this was made to be the baby of the Cadillac range and revolutionized the ART & SCIENCE design that kept Cadillac alive and kicking. When it got a full model change in 2007, the CTS was graduated from 3-Series rival to 5-Series rival and as of that, there is no Cadillac that can compete against the baby luxury saloons until the arrival of the ATS.

When you look at it, the ATS does really look like the CTS because...well it's a bit too confusing, the headlights, the ART & SCIENCE grille, the typical Caddy rear, everything looks the same! That's right! It looks the same but when you look at the dimensions between the ATS and the CTS, you'll realize that the ATS is a bit too shorter than its big brother so, therefore, it really was a "Compact Luxury Sport Sedan". That was a catchphrase but oh well, that suits the ATS well.

2013 Cadillac ATS interior

Don't be deceived on the exterior because the interior of the ATS is all functional and it's also got the Cadillac CUE as we first seen on the flagship XTS sedan. This new telematics system provides drivers some ease-free navigation, music, news, Pandora Radio, or some Bluetooth connectivity. We know, we examined that before and you can even update the CUE via USB during the life of the vehicle. That's amazing, a software that can be more current when you trade in your Cadillac than when you bought it. It's like updating my PS3 via storage media. He he he....

Anyway, the well sculpted interior of the ATS makes it as comfortable as an ultra expensive full size saloon in car that costs less than its rivals. All that ART & SCIENCE really gives some atmosphere around this compact luxury saloon and if I'm honest, surprisingly quiet.

For a real treat, this one comes with the BOSE PREMIUM AUDIO SYSTEM, which is the same brand you could expect on those Renault-Nissan Alliance cars. That ten-speaker surround sound system, this is the best thing I'd expect from this baby Caddy and of course, this is way even better than the pathetic Mark Levinson audio system I've tried from the Lexus IS. No wait, even better than the Toyota Premium Sound System expected from those luxury Toyota minivans that pathetic ASEAN idiots got obsessed with. Every time when you see a car that has a BOSE on it, you'll know that BOSE has the best audio quality than any other and when applied on selected cars, you'll know that this combo gives it a better experience for music-worthy drivers.

As of now, you can expect the 2.5L (2,499 cc) LCV I-4 and the 3.6L (3,564 cc) LFX V6 petrol engines for now. The 2.5L engine generates 202 hp of power while the 3.6L V6 engine produces about 321 hp of power. Sure, they're all mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission but if you're patient, Cadillac will offer you a turbocharged 2.0L engine in late 2012, which generates 272 hp of power and can be mated with a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission, developed exclusively for the ATS! Sounds juicy then and then there was this; a Chevrolet Corvette-derived MAGNETIC RIDE CONTROL provides this ATS some touring car-like agility which can be somewhat useful on some corners. This feature benefits increased performance, safety, comfort and balance, for positive stopping power.

Sure, the ATS do come with safety equipment such as the Forward Collision Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, as well as the Adaptive Cruise Control, adaptive forward lighting and so on but then, there's a real catch because the ATS comes with the all new SAFETY ALERT SEAT - a next-generation warning signal - that sends pulses through the driver's seat cushion, left and right simultaneously, alerting you from potential hazards.

Available colors are: Radiant Silver Metallic, White Diamond Tricoat, Silver Coast Metallic, Glacier Blue Metallic, Thunder Gray Chromaflair, Summer Gold Metallic, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Opulent Blue Metallic, Black Diamond Tricoat, and Black Raven.

My comment:

So, the all new Cadillac ATS, it maybe the baby of the Caddy lineup but it is proven to be a worthy contender against the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Nissan Skyline sedan, or even the Lexus IS. With some luxurious features you can expect from an ultra-expensive car, you'll regret that you're in an entry-level Cadillac that is a bit too suitable for the accountants, people who want to go to the country club, or someone named Keith. I never knew that the Americans made a car that competes with the entry-level European luxury saloons but on balance, I would rather buy a CTS instead because it's the best Cadillac ever made and it's well balanced and sadly, no CUE yet until next year's full model change for the CTS. As a matter of fact, I have to make do with the ATS, the baby Caddy for made for everyone who don't want European-made saloons.

Photo: General Motors

When a car's gone skydiving for ad purposes....

We've seen car ads from all over the world doing exciting ways to please the crowd but nothing got us better than ads of cars skydiving.

This here is the debut commercial for the Mazda Premacy back in 1999 in Japan. Of course, the Premacy debuted in Japan in 1999 and the slogan was "Premacy Capsule". What you can see here is the Premacy gone skydiving but that's just special effects you can see. Yep, just special effects.

Anyway, when we say the advert for the new Toyota Spade, which is just a Porte with a different styling, this is what we saw...

This one's real, right. No special effects involved. The Toyota Spade just got dropped for some skydiving. PROFFESIONAL STUNT. DO NOT ATTEMPT, FOLKS. That gave us thinking, this Toyota Spade commercial we just saw kinda reminds us of Chevy Sonic's first skydiving...

Yep, that's that. Toyota took the idea from General Motors to drop the Spade from the sky just like what happened to the Chevy Sonic.

Now, if I were going to steal the idea from Clarkson's Duel DVD, where he dropped the Ford Scorpio and a coin to the surface, I would rather drop the first-generation Mazda Premacy, Toyota Spade, and the Chevy Sonic, to see who can fall but in order to do that, I have to be in Japan. For the first-generation Premacy, which was built from 1999 to 2005, I have to find one at the used car dealer, which sounds reasonable. For the Toyota Spade, as I said, it's available at Corolla and Netz dealerships for 1,450,000 Japanese Yen. For the Chevrolet Sonic, I have to find one at a Chevy dealer for 1,890,000 Japanese Yen.

Now, all I need now is some cranes to hang those three, no wait, have them bolted with a giant parachute and place it to the cargo plane. If all according to plan, I would want to see if these three did exactly as they did on these ads and find out which is the best skydiving car from the ads. This is a duel but it's not because it's three cars. See about that and I hope someone got my memo...He he he he....SPOILERS!

A Tale of two C8's

Clive Crowley Aileron and the Laviolette!

What you're looking here are two Spykers hooning around Forza Motorsport 4 everyday. If you don't know what Spyker is, well, it's a Dutch car company that in 1925, they went out of business but in the new millennium, a Dutch businessman revived Spyker and built the C8. We'd never know that this supercar came out from Holland and hey, this is like messing up Vincent Van Gogh's famous Sunflower painting with the words "FOR AMY, VINCENT". Wait...Did I said that Who reference? Anyway, forget about it, what we have here is the limited edition LM85 and the recently arrived in my desk Aileron, which was part of the July Car Pack for sure, which both have Audi's 4.2L V8 engine but anyway, what made them differ?

Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85

The LM85 is a special edition Laviolette model that celebrates the company's involvement in the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 2002. Sticking to its Le Mans theme, only 24 units were made and each owner has an invitation to the 24 Hours of Le Mans race as a VIP guest of Spyker and they will receive a special Chronoswiss 24 Hours Pilot Watch with an orange crocodile strap.

It comes with a naturally aspirated Audi 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine that generates 400PS of power and 480Nm of torque. 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds and top speed of 300kph.

This special edition model is finished in a distinctive burnt almond orange colour with the contrasting Gun Metal 'S' logo and charcoal-tinted polycarbonate roof panels. The interior boasts the signature Spyker attention to detail, with the seats, door panels, centre tunnel, roof lining and dashboard top finished in black leather or Alcantara.

Spyker Aileron

Revealed at the 2009 Salon International de l'Automobile in Geneva, the Aileron served as the next step in Spyker's evolution thanks to its sleek aerodynamics, a long GT wheelbase, luxurious and spacious cabin and world-class ZF six-speed automatic transmission. The Aileron comes with the naturally aspirated Audi 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine that generates 400PS of power and 480Nm of torque. 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds and top speed of 300kph. A 6-speed automatic transmission is the first for the Aileron and it features a regular torque converter and offers drivers a choice of fully automatic or clutch-less sequential manual gear shifting using the standard paddle shifts behind the steering wheel.

An exclusive Kharma in-car entertainment system was equipped for the first time ever on the Aileron, marking the Kharma brand's debut in the world of automotive entertainment. The "Reference" Kharma sound system incorporates a FM and DAB digital radio, iPod connectivity, 8 GB memory drive, and USB and AUX inputs, benefitting from the bespoke-designed control on the central console mechanism behind the gear selector, and selections are shown in the integrated dashboard LCD panel.

Sure, both of them have the same engine, they have the F1-inspired suspension, they have eccentric looks, they have no airbags, no stability control, no traction control, but anyway, when you compare two of these cars, it appears that both of these Dutchmen want to go to the bar for some arm wrestling but hey, their interiors look as better than several Hermes bags that Mommy D have. Heh, Hermes bags...no wonder she loves those... 

When you take them both to the track, Clive Crowley Aileron and the Laviolette are getting along with the road just fine and with such handling, it feels like it's well balance, well poised, and kinda feels like a Lotus Elise dressed up with a smoking jacket. I have to say, that even though these two don't work to be rivals against Ferrari, Aston Martin, Porsche, or Lamborghini, these giant earrings are far out stylish and if I were to put these two at the Cool Wall, it would be over the top. The country that give you Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Big Brother, made a very stylish car that is more than just driving...it's a Hermes Bag in wheels.... 

The Death of the Mercedes-Benz Kompressor as I knew it...

2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG

So, the G55 AMG served as the "last of the Kompressors" and now the Mercedes-Benz Kompressor story is now come to an end when it was replaced with the G63 AMG which has more power than the V8 Kompressor from the outgoing G55 AMG.

It pains me to say this that it appears the Mercedes-Benz killed the Kompressor name for good and yes, there are no Kompressor models ever built. Mercedes-Benz Kompressor is now consigned to the history books, or in short, extinct.

Anyway, while we mourn about the death of the Kompressor, what exactly is a Mercedes-Benz Kompressor?

Kompressor, which is German for SUPERCHARGER, is an engine option available on past Mercedes-Benz models such as the SLK230, C180, C230, SL55 AMG, G55 AMG, E55 AMG, CLK55 AMG, and other defunct models wearing the KOMPRESSOR badge.

Back in the 1920's Mercedes developed their first supercharger with assistance from Ferdinand Porsche. In fact, they became the first German carmaker to fit selected models with superchargers.

Compared to traditional superchargers, the Kompressors uses a turbine to compress air and doesn't recycle air, making it smoother and powerful that doesn't lag like most supercharged engines do.

However, Kompressors can be somewhat noisier than conventional superchargers. Even though they've been fitted with a silencer to reduced their volume, they're still the loudest on the market.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/about_5081444_mercedes-benz-kompressor.html

So that's why Mercedes-Benz killed the Kompressor line for good because it was too noisy and some drivers can be easily bothered by the noise of the Kompressor engine. So, is there a point to this sad story? I'm afraid not but to be honest, it's how sad that Mercedes-Benz no longer making supercharged cars for good. Is it because of the emission regulations? I don't know but we have to find out sooner or later.

Fear her, sweetie! It's the torchbearer from Woking Town!

Challenging against the best from USA, Germany,
and Italy!

Simple question; how did a British racecar, that is the McLaren MP4-12C GT3, became the star of Forza Motorsport 4's July Car Pack. To put it this way, the Great Britain is the country that...SPOILERS, SWEETIE, hosted the 2012 Olympics. Because of Great Britain became the hosting country of this year's games, Forza Motorsport 4 appreciated the British recognition by placing the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 race car as the star of the July Car Pack, as well as the Community Monthly challenge titled HOMETOWN HERO. This car, it maybe not an Olympic material but all that firepower and all that noise makes us saying that this could have been the torchbearer heading to the London stadium! METAPHORS!

Wow, what a creepy looking face for a racecar!

So what exactly is the MP4-12C GT3? Oh wait, let me get River Song's Journal. He he he he....SPOILERS! I mean METAPHORS!

Okay, this is getting more metaphor-worthy about this but anyway, someone around here had River Song's Journal and because the journal's been flipped to the page I'm reading...SPOILERS!

This race-spec version of the MP4-12C produces less power than the standard model, 493 bhp (368 kW; 500 PS) to be exact, due to homologation but it comes with a bespoke six-speed gearbox that is 80 kg (176 lb) lighter than the road car's seven-speed, developed with Ricardo. The steering wheel is lifted straight from the McLaren MP4-24 Formula 1 car.

CHARIOTS OF FIRE!

This car made its debut at the Spa Francorchamps round of the British GT championship followed by the 2011 Spa 24 Hours, 2011 Macau Grand Prix (driven by Danny Watts), and the 2012 FIA GT1 World Championship, where this car took its first victories in the world at the two races of the Circuito de Navarra round of the 2012 FIA GT1 World Championship season being run by Hexis Racing.

These writings by someone who've spend most of the time playing after working at the BBC Television Centre seems to have a point there. With the MP4-12C GT3, the Woking-based sportscar manufacturer stepped back into the world of GT sports car racing and served as the Hometown Hero in the country where this year's games were started. We have no idea if in our minds, this racer born and raised in Woking Town spiraling its way to the top of the stadium and ignite some giant cauldron with its flaming exhaust but hey, we'd love this to happen but it can be completely bonkers! He he he he....METAPHORS!

(Sound Effect: Record Scratch)

Girl: Excuse me but I need it back

Hey! That one's taking River Song's Journal back but no matter. Because all that olympic-sized metaphors occurred about the MP4-12C GT3's story, all I have to say is that this race-spec version of the MP4-12C is all about British pride and always ready to wave the British flag in Forza Motorsport 4. Sure, it maybe as slower than the road car because of homologation and a bespoke six-speed gearbox that is 80 kg (176 lb) lighter than the road car's seven-speed, developed with Ricardo but this car makes a good show if you asked your friends to do a one-make race with this. Also, you can make countless race liveries with your imagination because with such colors mixed and match with your pride, it makes them unique when you're racing with your friends.

With the British flag waved from this car, we are very sure that the Brits finally got the best of us.

Let's Do The News (July 28, 2012)

Olympics logo

Now, the London 2012 Olympic games has finally started and athletes from all over the world, especially the Philippines, have been gathered for this biggest event ever told. Tell you what, that opening ceremony's definitely a blast! I wish David Tennant would see that going to that big cauldron at the top. Heh, Olympic tradition of burning a big cauldron as the start.

Wait...did you got that from a Doctor Who episode? The one when the Tenth Doctor and Rose Tyler went to 2012 for the London 2012 Olyimpics and then later on The Doctor got the torch and run through the top of the stadium and saved the London Olympics?

Ah...whoops! Slipped my mind. He he he.... Someone told me that the opening ceremony, there were Queen Elizabeth, Mr. Bean, and James Bond performed a spectacular entrance to the London 2012 opening ceremony. Oh, someone told me that there were some TARDIS whooshing sounds involved at the opening.

(audience laughing)

Really? Who said that?

My little sis, and oh, Rowan Atkinson, who is Mr. Bean to all, joined the London Symphony Orchestra to perform his version of CHARIOTS OF FIRE.

Scoop: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/james-bond-mr-bean-add-glitter-fun-to-london-olympics-opening-ceremony

Unbelievable. That was the coolest start I've ever heard and for the next 17 days, athletes from all over the world, in different shapes, colors, and sizes, have been gathered and GOING FOR THE GOLD. Good luck to everyone, especially the Philippines because...we know you can do it. Don't let us down!

(applause)

Anyway, let's do the news and we begin with this.

2013 Lexus LS F Sport?

Ideally, Lexus will premiere the new 2013 LS next week and what you can see here...isn't a full model change but rather a Phase III of the current generation LS. Again, NOT a full model change, it's their second minor change!

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/07/lexus-drops-official-image-of.html

Phase III? Second minor change?

Look. The Lexus LS was launched in Japan since Autumn 2006, then in Autumn 2009, it's the Phase II of the Lexus LS, with the addition of the LS460 Version SZ. When this guy's launched in Japan soon, it will have the new Spindle Grille first seen on the New GS and then, an F Sport variant, which will replace the outgoing SZ version.

So, what you're saying is that in the 2013MY, the F Sport version will replace the SZ version? Sounds convincing but still even with its GS-inspired front face and some dynamic designing, it's still a car for those who are a bunch of business accountants, seniors playing golf, and someone named Brian.

(audience laughing)

Now, Subaru's been getting along just fine at the Nurburgring but they still want to go back to its rally roots. For a twist, at the 2012 Japan Rally Champinoship, Subaru's ready to put a rally version of their brand's first FR sport coupe, the BRZ. Here's the pic.

2012 Subaru BRZ ZERO CAR

Although, no further details yet, this rally version of the BRZ is called the ZERO CAR but you can see the familiar Subaru livery wrapped on the BRZ, that looks cool but will it work? An FR sportscar dressed in rally overalls for the 2012 Japan Rally Championship?!!

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/07/subaru-to-debut-brz-zero-car-at-2012.html

Look, in my understanding, FR cars don't really work on dirt courses. I've experimented various FR cars back in Tokyo Xtreme Racer Drift 2 years ago and I have to say that in most dirt courses, well Hokkaido is their only dirt course in the game, FR cars never really worked.

Yep, I have to agree on your words but...why would they want to put a Toyobaru at a dirt course?

I don't know. Maybe the WRX STi's tenure is up, I don't know....

(audience laughing)

Anyway, while the BRZ goes on the 2012 Japan Rally Championship, its brother, the TOYOTA 86 wants to join the Britcar 24 Hours endurance race. Here's the sketch...

Toyota 86 racer?

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/07/toyota-to-field-gt86-at-britcar-24.html

Whoa! This is getting a bit proper for the TOYOTA 86 but seriously, this new guy's ready to take on the Britcar 24 Hours?

Not sure but by the looks of it, it's still work in progress for this TOYOTA 86 racer. Surely, TOYOTA 86 is all fun with the rear-wheel drive layout, it still needs an expert tamer to tame this new Toyota sportscar. As we all know, if a video game asked if they want the Toyota GT86 or the Scion FR-S be featured, I'm afraid that they will said no because as said, the Gran Turismo games has the exclusive rights for the Toyota 86 and the Scion FR-S, probably because of Toyota planning a Playstation-like track day black box for these. If I was wrong, I will show a picture of myself wearing a fez...

(audience laughing)

A fez? What's a fez?

Some sort of hat that monkeys wearing, like Abu from Aladdin.

Really? Doctor Who wore that on the Series 5 finale and said that "fezzes are cool".

Fezzes are cool? Wow. Thank you for that motivation, Doctor.

(audience laughing)

Speaking of Doctor Who, how's that Sonic Screwdriver toy?

Pretty good. Sounds like the real thing, flashes like a real thing, and how much fun I can pull off.

Oh really? I saw something that there's another take on The Eleventh Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver that looks like the real thing but it can do better than that flashing toy replica.

What?

A sonic screwdriver universal remote! Never saw one? Here: http://www.bbcamericashop.com/house-and-home/doctor-who-sonic-screwdriver-universal-remote-control-16857.html

Although it was styled to look like The Eleventh Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver, this uses infrared (IR) to control entertainment systems including TVs, iPod docks and DVD/Blu-ray players. Up to 39 codes can be stored on this sonic screwdriver remote.

I wanna have one but....

..but you have to wait 'till Late Summer 2012 or Autumn 2012 to buy one for under hundred Dollars.

Oh....

That's more than the flashing sonic screwdriver toy I've recently bought. But a universal remote? Bet someone wants one, even me.

(audience laughing)

Oh come on. You've already have a piece of Doctor Who in your house but bet you can't have one single piece of something British on your home or else you might end up like this

"Europe Face" from the K-ON movie

The ヨーロッパ facial expression from last year's K-ON movie.

(audience laughing)

Oh really.

Yes, this is what will look like if you're obsessed with British pop culture.

No! I don't want to be like that!

Calm down, calm down. It's not too late for this whole ヨーロッパ face. All you have to do is slow down, nice and easy, okay?

Got it. And anyway, on that bombshell, that's the news and we'll leave you with a clip featuring a Audi Sport quattro S1 driving through the Kyustendil Hillclimb.

"Go Special for Today!"

On the July 27, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang...

- "Pinasukan tayo" gags

- How can you explain the bad news in different ways?

- Pick Up lines with Bagoong, Dahon, and Boy Pick Up!

1) Para kang dagat. Kasi kulang ang mundo kung wala ka

2) Siguro wala kang payong no? Kasi nang umulan ang kagandahan, sinalo mo lahat!

3) May super vision ka ba? Kasi you can right through me!

4) Aircon ka ba? Kasi hindi ako makatulog kung hindi ka turn on!

5) Microphone ka ba? Kasi yung ganda mo, parang pagaagawan ng mga lasing!

6) Hindi ako makatulog sa kakaisip ko sa yo! Kasi mahirap magisip ng tulog!

7) Damohan ka ba? Kasi parang ahas, gusto kitang gapanin!

8) Kung hindi mo ako sasagutin, sasagutin kita! Kasi, tanong ka ng tanong ng bakit!

- Bubble Gang does Lucky Me Special by spoofing this commercial as LUCKY VI Special! Go Special for Today! Love it!

- Bubble Gang State of the Nation Address!

- Brod Pete and the gang are back to answer questions on ANG BAGONG DATING DOON!

1) Boy2 asks kung may nasusulat tungkol sa kanta ni Marsha.

A song for Marsha: "Wag John, wag John, may kiliti ako John. Wag John"

2) A tweet from someone asking for some more wrong terms.

a) Buy One Take One - It supposed to be buy one, free one. Take one's a bit rubbish. What if Take Two?

b) Electric Tape - does this tape shock you with electricity?

c) Tumutulo ang bubong - it supposed to be "tumutulo yung ulan" because if "bubong" or "roof", it hurts.

d) Mama said "Late ka na, salubungin mo ang bus". Wrong term because, it's hit and run for the kid running late for school!

3) Dennis Trillo asked if there's something healthy about the sabaw from the balut. It's simple, the balut has some wee from the chick inside of it! There you have it, Ang Bagong Dating Doon told the secret of what's inside the balut!

- This runner's conserving his energy to run at the Olympics!

- This man was released from jail but his memories is getting a bit jagged

Doctor Who: Eleventh Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver

As with the TARDIS toy I have a couple of weeks ago, I bought another one that is a must have for a Whovian; a toy based on the Sonic Screwdriver used by the Eleventh Doctor (played by Matt Smith) from the phenomenal BBC flagship sci-fi series, Doctor Who.

Yes we know, this is the coolest piece of Doctor Who fandom I have ever had. I'd never touched one yet but now, I am!

Batteries included, yes!

About the Sonic Screwdriver:

Gallifreyan technological device carried by The Doctor, which has been used in an amazing variety of ways. It can unlock doors (except deadlocks or wood), scan various species, increase or decrease power levels of some objects, and so much more.

(Heard that from the Doctor Who Encyclopedia)

Whoa! Showing it's true self!

This toy doesn't do the same thing as the real sonic screwdriver can do but how much fun was that? The noise is familiar to any Whovians!

Oh great! Even Nagi Sanzenin-ojousama want's to touch it because some say she's a big fan of this BBC flagship sci-fi series!

For a quick round up:

1) Doctor Who got featured on Entertainment Weekly. Yep, The Doctor's in the cover of Entertainment Weekly!

Scoop: http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2012/07/doctor-who-lands-the-cover-of-entertainment-weekly/

2) Mary Tamm, who played the first Romana during the Tom Baker years of Doctor Who, was passed away.

Scoop: http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2012/07/rip-mary-tamm-the-first-romana/

A Hot Metal with the M5 on Forza 4

In Forza Motorsport 4, I got myself a pleasure of tasting different flavors or generations of the BMW M5 starting from the...

E28 (1985-1988)

BMW E28 M5

 E34 (1989-1995)

BMW E34 M5

E39 (1998-2003)

BMW E39 M5

E60 (2005-2010)

BMW E60 M5

F10 (2011-present)

BMW F10 M5

The clash of the M5's!

Now whenever I see different generations of the BMW M5 clashing around the racetracks offered on Forza Motorsport 4, I kinda think like which family member think is the most deserving because they're all just pumped up 4-door saloon cars, they're all made in Germany, they're all carrying different stories, and they're all have different talents to showcase at this game. This would be like Hot Metal...Wait, don't know Hot Metal? It's Jeremy Clarkson's 2004 DVD showcasing cars from the past against the cars from the present. Pretty cool, huh?

WHICH M5 WILL YOU CHOOSE?

BMW X1 minor change

2013 BMW X1

Three years ago, we've examined the baby Beamer crossover known as the BMW X1 and we think that the baby of the BMW suvs is actually the clever one when it comes to its looks and its behavior. Now, however, there is a new version which is a bit different.

For its minor change in the 2013 Model Year, the new BMW X1 seems to be a bit almost the same as the pre-facelifted model we examined three years ago. For the first time ever, the facelifted BMW X1 is going to be available in North America and for the Chinese market; the facelifted model will be built at the newly opened plant at Tiexi in Shenyang Province. Sounds convincing but how convincing is the new model?

On the outside though, it looks pretty much the same as the old one except that know, you can expect some new bumpers, new sides, refined lamps, and a refined kidney grille to keep it intact. It can be typical for a BMW X model but this styling really keep the BMW X1 looking fresh and rejuvenated like it was..."bagong gising" perhaps. For the first time, we can expect the Sport Line and the XLine on the new X1 for an added personalization that matches your style and motion in your everyday life. The Sport Line is perfect for those who have the urban lifestyle while the XLine is made for the adventurous type. Which line you chose is based on your judgment.

On the typical BMW interior for the X1 though, there are some subtle changes we might expect. The side of the centre console is now shallower, panel for the sound and climate system controls now has a high-gloss black surface to match the air vent surround, a storage compartment in the centre of the instrument panel, and that's about it.

Meet the selection of X1 variants to choose from, either petrol or diesel, choices are based on your judgment;

BMW X1 sDrive18i
Combined fuel consumption: 7,9-7,7 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 185-180 g/km

BMW X1 sDrive20i
Combined fuel consumption: 7,1-6,7 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 165-157 g/km

BMW X1 xDrive20i
Combined fuel consumption: 7,7-7,1 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 179-167 g/km

BMW X1 xDrive28i
Combined fuel consumption: 7,8-7,2 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 182-168 g/km

BMW X1 sDrive16d
Combined fuel consumption: 4,9 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 128 g/km

BMW X1 sDrive18d
Combined fuel consumption: 5,0-4,9 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 132-128 g/km

BMW X1 xDrive18d
Combined fuel consumption: 5,5-5,4 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 144-143 g/km

BMW X1 sDrive20d
Combined fuel consumption: 5,0-4,9 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 132-129 g/km

BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition
Combined fuel consumption: 4,5 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 119 g/km

BMW X1 xDrive20d
Combined fuel consumption: 5,5-5,4 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 145-143 g/km

BMW X1 xDrive25d
Combined fuel consumption: 5,9-5,5 l/100 km
CO2 emission: 154-145 g/km

Depending on these variants, I could expect the ECO PRO mode on the new X1. Yes, I've seen that on the new 1 Series last year but how does the ECO PRO mode work on the new BMW X1? It can be activated with a push of a button and supports a relaxed and economy-optimised driving style through targeted adjustments to the accelerator mapping and the shift characteristics of the automatic transmission.

XDrive variants of the X1 comes with the electronically controlled multi-plate clutch allows the system to transfer power variably to the front and rear wheels, thereby guaranteeing maximum traction, the highest possible safety, outstanding handling and optimal power development regardless of weather or road conditions. Sounds simple but it wasn't.

Most variants of the X1 are also featuring the an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Auto Start-Stop function, and the Brake Energy Regeneration.

Available colors for the new X1 are Saphirschwarz metallic, Kaschmirsilber metallic, Tiefseeblau metallic, Glaciersilber metallic, Mineralweiß metallic, Sparkling Bronze metallic, Marrakeschbraun metallic, Midnight Blue metallic, Mineralgrau metallic, Valencia Orange metallic, Alpinweiß uni, Schwarz uni, and Le Mans Blau metallic (exclusive on the M Sport Pack).

My comment:

Hmmm...instead of calling it a minor change or a facelift, let's call it an LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) because BMW uses the term LCI for a model's minor change but anyway, the X1 LCI though, it may now have the Sport Line and the XLine that caters the exclusivity for owners with different causes, comes with the 8-speed automatic that sounds too many, ECO PRO mode that compromises the performance for the sake of economy, host of petrol and diesel engines which are EURO 5 compliant, and more that I can ask about it. I have to be honest that this minor change er....um....X1 LCI is getting a bit freshened from the ground up and seems that it's ready to take on the Fast Food Nation.

Photo: BMW A.G.

Let's Do The News! (July 25, 2012)

All rightie! Let's do the news but however there's a problem. My two friends were away for some trip. Probably from Leadworth or Cwmtaff, I think.  Anyway, I have a better idea. Let's do the news in a style I saw from the Vice Advice segment of Gandang Gabi Vice every Sunday night. If you don't know what Vice Advice is, it's the segment Vice Ganda answers as many questions as he can within a time limit and Vice's answers were...doesn't make any sense but very funny indeed. All I have to do is...do the same. I have two minutes to answer questions that I'm about to find in the fishbowl. Ready? 3...2...1...Go!

1) Is this the facelifted 2013 Audi R8?

2013 Audi R8

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/07/audi-reveals-2013-r8-facelift-debuts.html

Yes. It is the minor change for the Audi R8.

2. What exactly is the Audi R8 V10 plus?

Audi R8 V10 plus is an improved version of the R8 V10 with the 7-speed S tronic transmission.

Further reading: http://www.netcarshow.com/audi/2013-r8_v10_plus/

3. Is this the third-generation Mazda Atenza?

Third-generation Mazda Atenza

Yes. It is the third-generation Mazda Atenza (Mazda6)

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/07/first-official-photo-of-all-new-2014.html

4. Is the new Mazda Atenza going to be revealed at this year's Moscow Motor Show?

Yes. It will be at Moscow this August 29 and runs through to September 9, 2012. 

Scoop: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2012/201207/120725b.html

5. Mariners legend Ichiro is now a member of the New York Yankees. Is that true?

Yes. Ichiro says goodbye to the Seattle Mariners as he packed his bags and moving to the Yankees.

6. Is the latest generation Chevrolet Malibu is going to sold in Australia as a Holden?

Holden Malibu

Yes. Sales of the Holden Malibu starts next year.

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/chevy-malibu-dons-a-holden-badge-for-australia/

7. Is Square Enix Still Working on Final Fantasy Versus XIII?

Yes. Despite rumors, work goes on,

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-07-24/ceo/square-enix-still-working-on-final-fantasy-versus-xiii

8. Lexus Manila launched the all new ES350?

2013 Lexus ES350

Who gives a damn? Selling a un-Japanese Japanese car? Who would rather buy the all new ES350 anyway? I don't like that car either!

Scoop: http://www.autoindustriya.com/auto-industry-news/lexus-manila-launches-the-all-new-es350.html

9. Heavy metal band MEGADETH is coming to Manila?

Yes. July 29, 2012 at World Trade Center, Hall D, Pasay City.

10. How's your Beach Queens Teana Lanster figure?

Cool. Next month, I'll get Nako from Hanasaku Iroha.

(audience laughing)

11. Did you watch THE HEALING?

No but it's brilliant movie. Must see because of Kim Chiu's acting.

12. Are Leadworth and Cwmtaff exist?

No. Why don't you find out for yourself, Whovian.

(audience laughing)

13. What's a kissogram?

Did you kiss Karen Gillan with that mouth?

(audience laughing)

14. Do you see the back of the Forte replacement, the Kia K3?

Kia K3?

Yep. I can see clearly...nearly...

(audience laughing)

15. Did you see the picture of the GT3 crushed by a fuel truck?

Yes. Very horrible to see.

16. Sword Art Online or .hack//? Which is best?

Actually. I never seen that Sword Art anime thingy and I think it's a bit more of a .hack// ripoff,,,

17. Do you wanna see Going For Gold on BBC America starring Matt Smith?

Yes because I wanna see Doctor Who trading his bowtie for a tank top.

18. Have you ever visited the DOCTOR WHO EXPERIENCE in Cardiff, Wales?

No but this whole DOCTOR WHO experience is a must visit for Whovians.

19. Japanese for Spade is スペード. For Toyota, why did the Spade is スペイド?

Didn't trust the Google Translate. Same as Suzuki Swift (スイフト) and Subaru Legacy (レガシィ).

20. How does Super CVT-i work?

Don't know but see for yourself, pal.

21. Honda working for an all new Civic Type R. Aren't you excited?

No. Because Civic is dead in Japan. No hope for Japanese Type R.

22. Is Kompressor gone?

Yes. Mercedes-Benz killed the Kompressor name.

(audience laughing)

23. Billie Piper, Freema Agyeman, or Karen Gillan? Who's your favorite Doctor Who actress?

Karen Gillan because she's well balanced and a petrolhead's dream to have her at the passenger seat! Even Stig has a crush on her!

(audience laughing)

(BEEP)

Okay time's up! That's it for this whole VICE ADVICE stuff. If those two were not here, we could do this whole VICE ADVICE stuff! Anyway, on that bombshell, that's the news!