14th Generation Crown teased, coming this CHRISTMAS 2012

2013 Toyota Crown teased

Ladies and gents, Toyota Motor Corporation teased the next generation Toyota Crown series as well as its new logo for this 14th Generation.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIGuegOx7E0&feature=g-user-u

The slogan for this next generation is...

権力より、愛だね

The next generation Toyota Crown is coming...CHRISTMAS 2012

All new 2014 Silverado teased...

2014 Chevy Silverado teaser

From the beginning of your workday to the end of the day, the Chevy Silverado is one of America's most dependable trucks in America and now a full-model change is in full swing. Chevrolet Trucks teased their next generation Silverado with the topic #RaiseTheBar. It's set for a viral reveal this week (Thursday/Friday to be precise). Stay tuned...

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/12/gm-to-reveal-2014-chevrolet-silverado.html

Nintendo Wii U

With sales of the current Wii have plummeted thanks to the XBOX 360 and the PS3, it seems that Nintendo decided not to give up on their resources regardless of competition and the customer satisfaction. So when Nintendo decided to create a brand new console, it was like, hey! Let's make a totally different console to get ourselves on top! And there's the result of their R&D done...

Nintendo Wii U

Here it is and what Nintendo do is a console that that has a controller that looks like a portable hand-held device but really is a controller for this console. It's kinda dramatic but what Nintendo made is just a side-story to the Wii. Welcome everyone to the brand new Wii U. It maybe just an evolution of the family-favorite Wii but does it have the pros to get Nintendo back on top?

First of all, let's talk about this different kind of controller that Nintendo calls it the GamePad. It may look like a portable hand held gadget but this serves as a second screen on your video game. For example, when you're seeing the actual gameplay on your TV, the GamePad serves some of your gameplay progress. Really? A controller with a screen on it. I'm fine of having consoles with the barriers between me, my game, and my TV but what Nintendo claims that this GamePad feature breaks the mold between you, your games, and the TV. There are many ways to use this GamePad feature such as viewing your gameplay on your TV and the GamePad, holding it vertically, use its touch screen to control gameplay, or you just wanna play the whole game in your gamepad without the TV. That's very clever and that's witchcraft. So, good job then and for a real surprise, it's BACKWARDS COMPATIBLE!

Why? On the Wii U, you can also use the classic Wii controller for added perspective or if you have some of the Wii controllers in your box, you can use them for multiplayer fun.

There are two sizes on the Wii U. The entry level Wii U called the Basic costs 26,250 Yen and it has about 8GB internal flash memory, plus support for external USB hard drives for additional storage. For hardcore players having their cash burning their pockets, there's the flagship Premium Set which is black-colored, costs 31,500 Yen, and 32GB HDD plus a gamepad stand, gamepad cradle, and a console stand to keep it organized. Built in software includes Nintendo TVii, Wii U Chat, Miiverse, Internet Browser, Mii Maker, Nintendo eShop, and Wii Menu.

Selection of games? At its first day, buyers are opted to check out Wii U games for the first day such as New Super Mario Bros. U, FIFA 13, Mass Effect 3 Special Edition, Monster Hunter 3G HD Edition, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge, Tekken Tag Tournament 2, Assassin's Creed III, ZombiU, and Batman Arkham City Armored Edition. More games such as Call of Duty Black Ops 2, NBA 2K13, Aliens: Colonial Marines, and more will be added later on.

I almost forgot, if you're into internet videos or streaming or whatever suits your fancy, fear not because apps like YouTube, NicoNico, and Hulu are available in the Wii U's e-shop so if you got one, there's a better time to sit down, grab a popcorn and enjoy the movies! (Thumbs up)

This new game console from Nintendo is a sure fire thing to have an invitation to the elite club of video gaming consoles but uh...no. Sadly because the only thing that were accepted to the elite club were the near-decade aged XBOX 360 and the PS3 because despite their age, they've showed how wild, how cool, and how awesome they're offering. The Wii U though is just a different story. What they've should have done is a console that not only has the capabilities of old-school technology with new-generation fun but also the freedom for the players to control. Beneath every serious game creator lies a ten-year-old kid inside, waiting to spur its creativity to make things right.

...It's kid's stuff. It's obvious...

URL: http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/index.html

Subaru Pleo Plus

新世代トマールエンジン

2013 Subaru Pleo Plus

2013 Subaru Pleo Plus interior

The trend of kei car rebadging is becoming a bit too far here in Japan and the Daihatsu Mira e:S, launched last year, became a subject of rebadging. Sure, Toyota borrowed one for their new Pixis Epoch and now, in a terribly confusing way, Subaru decided to join in the fray by borrowing a Daihatsu Mira e:S and replace it with Subaru badges. What do you get in return? Something called the all new 2013 Subaru Pleo Plus! The most fuel-efficient Subaru offered and the most affordable.

Starting at 795,000 Japanese Yen, the Pleo Plus is equipped with the special KF engine that accumulates 52PS/6800rpm of power output and 60Nm/5200rpm of torque output. It even comes with a CVT for optimized fuel economy and smooth driving. Because it's fuel economy is rated at 30.0km/L in Japan's JC08 Mode scale, it is the most fuel efficient Subaru ever offered for fuel-conscious drivers in Japan. The secret of getting a good fuel economy for this new model is because of its Eco Idle (Idle Stop and Go) system, newly developed i-EGR (ion controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system (that applies the ion current combustion control, in which ions in the combustion chamber are used to identify the state of combustion, to EGR control), lighter bodywork, thermal management, and Eco power generation control (with regenerative braking functions).

I'm afraid I have no words to describe this new Pleo Plus but if you live somewhere where a Subaru dealer is nearby and if you're too lazy to get a new Mira e:S or a Toyota Pixis Epoch, consider this. End of discussion.

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Forza Horizon: Oppa Gen Coupe Style

Just K-POP-ing around...

At Forza Horizon, we don't do that latest craze made by someone Korean that is somewhat a two-word craze where the first word starts with G and the second word stats with S. Wanna guess what that is? Spoilers, we don't do that here but with the only Korean that was accepted on the Horizon fest, which is the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, it seems that it tries to show how K-POP worthy of being in the party.

With its 3.8L Lambda V6 GDi engine that produces 350PS of power, that's a lot of power for something Korean but even though it's not as quick as its other rivals, it sure knows how to do the G thing in the corners. A piece of K-POP would be enough for this car though and that would be nice to drive one of these to see if this car's fit enough for the party...

Fancy driving two Nissan Jukes? Get Asphalt 7 HEAT!

Nissan Juke Nismo and Nissan Juke R
on Asphalt 7: HEAT

For its latest update on Gameloft's ASPHALT 7: HEAT (Version 1.0.5) available on iPhone App Store and Android store, this mobile racing game added two kinds of Nissan Jukes to up the ante. The Nissan  Juke Nismo and the Nissan Juke-R are there on this latest updates and if you want them, win them on those special challenges offered.

About the Nissan Juke Nismo, this was unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and what this is, is a Nismo-tuned version of the wild-looking Nissan Juke crossover compact. The chassis which has been lowered and stiffened, while the 1.6-liter direct injection turbo gasoline engine has been uprated to deliver more power and performance. As for the Nissan Juke-R though, what happens when you put some of the Nissan R35 GT-R know how in the Juke's body? The result is a monster of a masterpiece.  A Nissan Juke fitted with the GT-R's VR38DETT's engine is not the kind of Juke you would expect on the road and it's made in a very limited production run thanks to customer interests. The first owner of this wild and monstrously wicked Juke-R was in Dubai and that guy must have been lucky to drive one of those...

Anyway, if you have Asphalt 7 and if you haven't updated to Version 1.0.5, do it now. These two Jukes are waiting for you...Don't have A7 HEAT? Buy one at the app store!

It's all thanks to our friends at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd and Gameloft!

Scoop: http://www.zercustoms.com/news/Nissan-Juke-R-And-Nismo-In-Asphalt-7-Heat.html

Let's Do The News! (December 9, 2012)

(cheers and applause)

So, the experiment continues on eh?

That's right man. I'm still continuing my science experiment for the upcoming C7 Corvette on GT5 before Chevrolet reveals it all in January.

So in terms of straight-line performance for the upcoming C7 Corvette, are the stats still a SPOILER yet?

That's right! Spoilers!

SPOILERS

(audience laughing)

Anyway, let's do the news!

Right indeed and it seems the fourth installment of the Pacquiao-Marquez fight occurred and hey! Guess what?

Pacquiao-Marquez 4
(image: Reuters)

Listen old man, we've watched the fight and Pac-man lost. Knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez after six rounds...Honest! I'm not joking! I've witnessed with my own eyes!

Scoop: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/juan-manuel-marquez-knocks-out-manny-pacquiao

Seriously?

Yeah! Pacquiao lost the fight!

I think it was odd because in the last three fights against Juan Manuel Marquez, it seems that Pacquiao edges out against him but for this fourth fight, everything's changed. Marquez has the advantage and it's absurd.

Do you think 2012 became a bad year for Pacquiao?

Well frankly yes. Manny Pacquiao got beaten twice. It's like the pact of the devil that gets the best of him. Timothy Bradley, Juan Manuel Marquez, they've beaten the once-great Manny Pacquiao and it looks like his performance is slowly degrading. Is Pacman's fame faltering within 2012's double loss in boxing?

Well, I think yes. I'm scared about Pacquiao's fame but still it's not as dirty as the Pacquiao-Bradley fight which sparked criticisms. Do you think this fourth fight between Pacquiao-Marquez fight sparked even more? I mean hey, his loss in this fight is considered a fixed point, right? FIXED POINTS CANNOT BE REWRITTEN.

FIXED POINT? You mean that this year's fights of Manny Pacquiao, the two fights of 2012 that made Pacquiao lost, cannot be rewritten even for the time turner?

(audience laughing)

Correct. You'll never rewrite such a fixed point. That's DA RULES...

Da Rules

(audience laughing)

Anyway, enough of that. There's a saying that goes... ‎"You won't really know what will happen in a boxing ring. Hard work doesn't always pay off. But the ones who succeed are the ones who worked hard!!"

Where was that?

It's from an anime titled Hajime no Ippo, a boxing anime series. Listen, please don't even try to criticize about this fight. They did fair and that's it. They're not cheating. They're doing right things, win or lose.

I think you're right James. To win with pride or lose with dignity, all it comes is from the knowledge of what they do best. Can we just put this sadness behind us? Anyway, moving on because here's the photo that the BBC sent to everyone teasing something Doctor Who-related. Here it is...

???????

What's that all of the circular stuff on this?

SPIROGRAPH?

(audience laughing)

I think it's something a bit spirograph-y about this pic the BBC sent to us...What's this? A chandelier with some Spirograph stuff on it?

(audience laughing)

Uh...may I interrupt with some Spirograph jokes about this but what they said that they're just Gallifreyan writings on it and BBC said that's the teaser for the new interior of the TARDIS.

(huh?)

Wait...new interior of the TARDIS?

Well some say it's a BIG YES because this is a new look for the TARDIS's control room. It will be revealed in this year's Christmas Special which features The Doctor's brand new partner, Clara, played by Jenna Louise Coleman, the souffle girl.

(audience laughing) (awwww)

In fact, I'm still got a funny feeling that I'm feeling blushed every time I said souffle girl.

What is it? You think she's too cute for you?

(awwww)

What are you talking about?!!!

Come on old man, I think you're having a crush on that souffle girl...Souffle girl! Souffle girl! Souffle girl!

(audience chanting: souffle girl)

Hammo! Cut it out! I'm not having such a crush on that souffle girl...

Maybe if its Christmas Eve, you're going to make a souffle and if it's Christmas Day, the day that the Doctor Who Christmas Special comes...

STOP IT!!!! STOP IT!!! Please don't mention anything about souffle girl...

All right...I promise...(giggling)

Anyway, there's been another recall for the all new 2013 Ford Fusion saloon and this time it's for the faulty headlamps.

Huh? Another recall for an all new Ford model? Oh dear...

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/12/another-recall-for-2013-ford-fusion.html

I thought that the 2013 Ford Fusion would be a better substitute for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu but thinks to some issues such as the fire risk of the 1.6L EcoBoost engine that was equipped on the Escape and now the faulty front lamps issue, turns out that this new model is not quite as reliable as the all new Malibu. Speaking of the Malibu, Chevrolet issues an "emergency minor change" for next year.

What? "Emergency minor change?"

Just like the not-for-Japan Civic as seen in the 2012 LA Auto Show, Chevrolet issues an emergency minor change for the current-generation Malibu, which is now a global midsize sedan, due to sluggish sales. Even though it's now a global midsize sedan, it's not enough for that so seems that an emergency refresh sounds fine but that's off the record about that.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/12/chevrolet-to-rush-in-facelift-for-new.html

Question is...Fusion or Malibu? Which is better?

(audience murmuring)

Hyundai recently revealed their facelifted 2013 Equus/Centennial and look at this...

2013 Hyundai Equus Facelift

So...what to expect on this facelifted Equus this time?

Let's see...um...removal of chrome trim strips on the front and rear bumpers, new set of alloy wheels, new mirrors, new controls for the audio system on the steering wheel, new dashboard, and a BMW-like shift knob that was applied on the K9.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/12/hyundai-introduces-facelifted-2013.html

Also, aside from the 2013 Equus comes with its cheaper alternative, the Grandeur, now on its 2013 model year...

2013 Hyundai Grandeur

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/12/updated-2013-hyundai-grandeur-aka-azera.html

Psst...hey buddy. No time to mention what's updated on those Korean-made luxury cars. Those damn smugglers will get them noticed...

(audience laughing)

Anyway, on that bombshell, that's the news!

GT5 C7 Corvette Testing...how fast is this? Spoilers...

Straight-line performance is the next lesson...

Last time, I've downloaded the free C7 Corvette Test Prototype for the Gran Turismo 5 video game on PS3 and I want to conduct series of brainy experiments to see if Chevrolet's trying to reinvent its next generation Corvette until the grand unveiling at the 2013 NAIAS in Detroit, Michigan. I've tried beating the time set by The Stig in the Corvette C6 ZR1 from Top Gear and barely nailed it by three attempts. Now, the science lab continues and this time it's the straight line performance...

Most forum-goers often start asking...how fast is the C7 Corvette with the LT1 V8 engine on it? I'm afraid that I'm going to use the good old River Song catchphrase here....SPOILERS I meant to say it...but rumors say that the 0-100kph time for the C7 Corvette with the said engine will do about under four seconds. All the details remain SPOILERS for now but since this is Gran Turismo 5, I decided to use the Speed Test mode to predict its straight line performance according to me...

My predictions for the C7 Corvette's
straight line performance

My prediction was that while some say that the C7 Corvette powered by a 6.2L V8 LT1 engine on the front can do 0-100kph in under four seconds, a possible top speed would be about 318kph or in the eyes of Englishmen would say 198mph. 198mph...hmmm...this predicted top speed could be somewhat on the edge of Ferrari territory perhaps? I think not...or could be because I'm not one of Chevrolet's or from the Corvette camp.

As told, the C7 Corvette's straight-line performance remains CONFIDENTIAL and TOP SECRET for know and the experiment I've conducted on GT5 is just only a prediction of what the C7's straight line performance will be. Besides, I'm still not giving up doing some science lessons on the upcoming C7 Corvette...

Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave Minor Change

2013 Chevrolet Traverse

2013 Chevrolet Traverse interior

This Chevrolet Traverse you see is no ordinary Traverse. What this is, is a 2013 minor change model for the Chevrolet Traverse. What bothers me about its latest minor change is the front because it's now has a new and controversial front face. Seems that the trademark Chevrolet grille that has been with other Chevys of today are gone and this new face could possibly be the new chapter of Chevrolet as I know it. Even though the interior's been heavily redesigned, it's still retains a family-friendly status, meaning that if you're a soccer mom, you can use it everyday when you want to take your kids from their school, soccer practice, dance class, any busy routine the kids been following at.

If you have kids in the back, one feature that really made it more family-oriented was its optional rear entertainment system. Load a DVD of their favorite cartoon and that really shut your kids up while watching their favorite cartoons, something spongy, something imaginary, something Einstein-y, something something something kid-friendly. That sounds fine but for me, this is somewhat cool if you're a posh mom who can't cope with something like economic eggs, hire cars, agency nannys or expired yogurts. AGA SAGA, I was referring to...Oops, sorry folks but still, it's a posh Chevy for the posh mums who can't cope with major disasters, not nature-related but social-related.

Under the front is a 3.6L V6 engine that promises about an EPA-estimated 17 MPG city/24 highway on FWD models, 288HP of power on the high-end LTZ model, and absolutely no sense of humor at all. The only thing you'll be hearing is the sound of your mum's sermon.

2013 GMC Acadia

2013 GMC Acadia interior

However, if you're not an AGA SAGA kind of posh mum or if you're some sort of a dad who spends the rest of his time cheering on his favorite NFL team, the 2013 GMC Acadia might be the best pick for that kind of person, sure it's a Chevy Traverse underneath it, has the same V6 engine from the Traverse and...wait a minute. Something's different with this latest Acadia. 

You see 7 years ago, the Acadia seem to look like an average American full-size crossover but for the 2013 model, something's different with this Acadia. Seems like this model has some bits and parts from the defunct Saturn Outlook, which was made in the same platform as the GMC Acadia's. Well, with Saturn already out in the picture in 2009, the same year that GM declares the death of Pontiac, seems that the components of the once dead Saturn Outlook was been recycled and put some GMC badges on it. Repurposing parts from the discontinued Saturn Outlook to refresh the GMC Acadia?! It's somewhat some kind of Six Million Dollar Man or Lady Cassandra or something something something uh...forget about it.

Pricing's a bit timey-wimey but somewhat wibbly-wobbly because the base model of the Traverse, the LS FWD, costs $30,870 while the base model of the GMC Acadia, the SLE-1 FWD model, cost you $35,440. Seriously, seems that if you're a soccer/posh mom who is always paying attention to the kids, the Traverse is a better bet but if you're a dad who loves watching too much NFL or NBA, or NCAA, or anything sports you've seen in stadiums or in TV sets, seems that the Acadia is a good choice for that typical kind of parent. Well, dads spend more cash than moms on everything only dads want to have fun rather than the whole family. Moms always use their money on grocery-related stuff. However, what if you're not fall into these kind of persons? What if you're a playboy? You're a diplomat? Or something of an upperclassman? A bachelor perhaps? Bachelorette? Hmmm...

2013 Buick Enclave

2013 Buick Enclave interior

This new Buick Enclave is more expensive than the Traverse and the Acadia, even though it also comes with the same V6 engine you get from these two. However, unlike the Traverse and the Acadia, the new Enclave is an upperclassman's favorite because some say, it looks like a preferable alternative to luxury SUVs made from the Germans and Japanese. Since it's a Buick, it's hard to explain if this new Enclave looks better than its rivals when placed on a comparative comparison.

With a well-crafted interior and a well-crafted face, this new model tries to change its course when it comes to its quirky brilliance. Guess I was wrong about the Traverse being targeted for posh moms, perhaps this is the good choice for posh mums who are a bit AGA SAGA for their lives but sadly, with the starting price of $38,445, this is more expensive than the Traverse so who will buy it? There's only one answer, seniors! Kinda awkward for me to say that but every time I see someone driving Buicks, I can only see people who are middle-aged or senior-aged driving this so, this new Enclave wasn't worth to be a decent candidate as a posh mom's car.

To sum up then, posh mums won't be picking one of these three because posh mums want something that is more family-friendly but more on features. These three though...they're not enough to be posh. Hmmm...what would posh people want and do not want?

Photo: General Motors

"WITH CURBTRIM, KANIN-JOY IT!"

On the December 7, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang

- "Higante" gags! There's a giant on the loose!

- Prove to me that you're imaginary or not...

- FIST TO PEACE! FIST TO PEACE!

- Tata Lino is back again for more quotes to live by

- Bubble Gang does CarbTrim by spoofing this commercial as CURBTRIM! WITH CURBTRIM, KANIN-JOY IT!

- If someone dies, which libingan package do you choose?

- Mr. Assimo at the return/exchange booth

- Pickup Lines

- In tradition of Bubble Gang messing up titles of famous GMA dramas such as MAKAPILI KANG MULI and HINDI KA NA MAGGIGISA, here comes PAHIRAM NG SANDAL, LING.

- IyoTube in MJ's BEAT IT

Let's Do The News! (December 6, 2012)

Kurt and Blaine from Glee wins Hypable's Battleships Polls
against Doctor Who's Rose and the Tenth Doctor

Source: http://www.hypable.com/2012/12/03/hypable-battleships-the-final-battle-glee-doctor-who/

(cheers and applause)

Excellent source of material Hammo...Excellent source of research. Turns out that two dudes from Fox's musical TV comedy-drama show Glee trounced the outdated but still admired tandem of Rose Tyler and the Tenth Doctor from Doctor Who.

Glad I was awake to stay alert on these popularity polls...

Excellent work and excellent research lad....

Now let's do the news!

Okay, there's been of a news going on because parts of Visayas and Mindanao were heavily hammered down by Typhoon Pablo over the days since it made landfall in Tuesday. This is somewhat feels like 2011's Typhoon Sendong but with a million times more painful than that because it was the strongest to hit Philippines this year. I know, very sad.

So, with Pablo bidding adios, casualty stats?

Let's see um....about 325 dead and 378 missing according to NDRRMC chief Benito Ramos but the toll count will continue as retrieval operations continue.

Scoop: http://www.interaksyon.com/article/49753/325-dead-378-missing-as-weaker-pablo-set-to-leave-country

I see. And hey, do you remember last year when Sendong battered parts of Mindanao and Visayas, there was a message written on the door of a washed-out house that seems to be a very sad message...

What's saying?

It says "A Bloody Christmas and a very sad New Year".

Whoa! That's terrible! And true because how come the Pablo victims celebrate Christmas when there's nothing left? It's a sad fate for those who survived Pablo's wrath but if you don't want their Christmas to be Bloody and their New Year to be very sad...feel free to donate at the Philippine Red Cross. Any donations, big or small amounts, will be welcomed at http://www.redcross.org.ph/donate and with you giving back to the Philippine Red Cross, you are helping numerous Pablo survivors, making this a perfect Christmas gift for the benefit of the less fortunate.

(cheers and applause)

What kind-hearted words you're saying...

Yeah, seems that you want to spread the word to help everyone affected by Typhoon Pablo.

Exactly. So anyway, let's move on because there's been new figures coming out next year...

Like what James?

There was Good Smile Company revealed their 1/8th scale figure modeled after Mayo Chiki's Masamune Usami. On sale this Spring 2013 but preorders are open for 7800 Yen.

Good Smile Company Masamune Usami figure

URL: http://www.goodsmile.info/product/en/3771/Masamune+Usami.html

(sigh) Really didn't like this...

(audience laughing)

Wha...what? Why not?

The only thing that interests me is when Masamune is on her racing swimsuit from episode five of the Mayo Chiki anime. That's what made me thrilled when I saw her in her skin-tight one-piece racing swimsuit.

Ahem...Jeremy, this is what they've got. Sorry to say that they're not going to make a figure of her wearing a racy one-piece racing swimsuit...

(audience laughing)

So what's next?

Kotobukiya unveiled a brand-new figure modeled after a fan-favorite character from the most-talked Sword Art Online TV anime. Who was that name again?

Asuna...

Asuna! Yes! It's a proper Asuna figure, proper enough to please SAO fans.

Source: http://www.dannychoo.com/post/en/26758/Asuna+Figure.html

I tell you what, it seems that SAO is going on strong because of the fans and that Asuna character remains one of the all-time fan-favorite in the series next to male lead Kirito. With this Asuna figure, it seems that most SAO fans worldwide are going to say "woo-hoo! My favorite SAO character!"

(audience laughing)

Which seems very unlikely for someone within your age...(laughing)

Well okay. It's cool if you're a 20-year-old lad living in your parents' home or a condo unit.

(audience laughing)

Hey guys! BMW's launching a replacement to the 3-Series Coupe, in concept form, at next month's Detroit Auto Show. It's called the BMW 4-Series and hey, it's still a 3-Series with two-doors only...

BMW 4-Series Concept

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/12/BMW-4-Series-Coupe.html

So the rumors are true. Seems that their next 3-Series Coupe is no longer be called the 3-Series Coupe because of BMW's new naming scheme that for now on, they will use even numbers for coupes (or four-door sports saloons in the case of the Gran Coupes).

So the meaning is that even numbers for coupes and Gran Coupes and then odd numbers for saloons or GTs like for example the 5-Series GT, which remains the ugliest BMW ever made because it looks like a pair of testes...

(audience laughing)

I agree with you that. The 5-Series GT does look like a pair of testes. Good thing I didn't like that car...

(audience laughing)

And on that bombshell, that's the news!

Nissan Sylphy TB17

Now there's a new midsize sedan from Nissan that combines the aesthetics of a luxury sedan with a fuel economy and pricing of a compact car. It's called the Nissan Sylphy TB17 (previously referred to as G12, later referred to in Nissan press releases as TB17) and the evidence of what we're about to see that it's going to be driven by some complete idiot...

(audience laughing)

One day, probably in the hospital, you would normally noticed a price list covered in the classified ads section of something something something Shinbun and if I'm looking for a car that costs under two million yen plus VAT, I could be thinking something hmmm....all that money I've spent on a sub-two million yen car could have been used to buy something interesting like...Toyota Premio, Toyota Allion, Suzuki SX4 Sedan, Mitsubishi Galant Fortis, look! You could even have a Nissan Sylphy. Mind you, you could be a complete idiot to buy one of those...

2013 Nissan Sylphy

This is the new one. The new Nissan Sylphy TB17, pretty much known to be a cheaper alternative to the Nissan Teana J32. You can pick one of these up for 1,937,250 Japanese Yen but don't because with such pricing, it's less expensive than the Toyota Premio and Allion. Besides, it's a price worth a bag of bolts. On the upside though, it's less pricey than the less appreciated Suzuki Kizashi and hey, it's a Nissan. Every Japanese likes to drive one of those. So, why do I like it then?

2013 Nissan Sylphy interior

I like the tan interior, looks luxurious. I like the view. I like the optional sat-nav system, I like the 180kph speedo, the instrumental clusters, everything. I like that way. Somewhere up front is Nissan's brand new MRA8DE engine which was based on the MR18DE engine but with added twin variable valve timing system on both the intake and exhaust valves and uses a diamond-like carbon coating. When you put your foot down...nothing happens. You get a bit more noise and you might go a bit faster but it's a complete waste of time even though this comes with a new generation XTRONIC CVT. Might as well...relax, drink a cup of coffee, and calm myself down while driving the Sylphy. Handling? Well, I can move the furniture at home but for this new Sylphy though when I turn the steering wheel...nothing.

So it's rubbish to drive, I'm going slower than you, and I feel like a geography teacher with some elbow patches on my coat. But hey, I'm in a new Sylphy though.

2013 Nissan Sylphy

 

There's also one thing the new Sylphy ruined my life though. It's now a global midsize car built for the world market. China has one, USA has one, emerging markets may soon get one, Thailaind has one, this new model is becoming a global trendsetter as part of Nissan's so-called Power 88 plan. There's one thing...it's built on the same platform as the Nissan March K13 and the Nissan Latio N17. It maybe built from the people from Fukuoka Prefecture and it's a Nissan Latio underneath it but the Nissan Sylphy is what I referred to it as a Nissan Teana in Toyota Premio money.

Who cares if they gave it a poor rating by the eyes of foreigners? Who cares about depreciation? It's just something that goes everytime at Megamall or a nice house somewhere in Tagaytay. It's something that never hurts you all the time. For that, you need a Sylphy. Every time I'm driving one of these, it kicks me in the head and runs off my wallet. It costs me a thousand yen to fill it up and does 15.6km/L if I'm careful, I could rent a king-size garage to keep her in and I need to save some more for a car wash. Servicing wasn't so bad but it has to go several times as often.

Cheap thrills? Wanna try this...it's bloody terrifying.

Available Colors: White Pearl, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Deep Iris Grey Pearl Metallic, Sapphire Black Pearl, Radiant Red Pearl Metallic, and Steel Blue Metallic.

PRICE LIST:
1.8 S - 1,937,250 Yen
1.8 X - 2,094,750 Yen
1.8 G - 2,389,800 Yen

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.