Top Gear S20E05

Top Gear S20E05

In episode 5 of BBC Top Gear Series 20, we saw Jeremy and James investigating crossovers (with some caravan carnage involved) and then using the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Mazda CX-5 as their basis to spend a couple of days living like the kind of person who would buy one.

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

Meanwhile, Richard Hammond gone berserk in Italy, driving the Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and then the track-only Sesto Elemento. Yes, the Sesto Elemento is track-only and it does not count on the POWER LAP BOARD even though it set an impressive lap time of 1:14.0.

Oh yeah, also, James May tries to show his love for 911's by driving a modern recreation of the classic Porsche 911 called the Singer 911.

In that episode's SIARPC segment, Aerosmith lead vocalist Steven Tyler was the guest and he set a rather disapproving lap time round the Top Gear Track in the Vauxhall Astra Tech Line in 1:51.

Next week will be the Season 20 finale of BBC Top Gear as the boys are bringing on the big guns...THE BEST OF BRITAIN!

F1 2013 Hungarian GP

In the Hungary GP of the F1 2013 season, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton made his first win for this season despite the struggling tyre wear from his F1 machine. From Hamilton's pole position, that gave him a huge advantage right until his struggles as this race went on and on until his victor that makes Hamilton one of the few who won the Grand Prix for Mercedes-Benz.

However, after the race, Ferrari was fined for Fernando Alonso's misuse of the Drag Reduction System and they charged them 15,000 euros by the Hungarian GP committee.

Story: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2013/7/14855.html

So far, Vettel still leads with 172 while Raikkonen advanced ahead of Alonso with 134 to 133. The next match will be held at Belgium this August 25, 2013.

Super GT 2013 Round 4 Sugo

#8 ARTA HSV-010

It's raining in Sugo, making round 4 of the 2013 SUPER GT season more challenging for the Super GT racers in both the GT300 and GT500 class. In a surprise twist, two ARTA-liveried Honda racers took the checkered flag in the rain. For the first time in 3 years, the #8 ARTA HSV-010, driven by Ralph Firman and Kosuke Matsuura, won round 4 while in the GT300 class, the #55 ARTA CR-Z GT, driven by Shinichi Takagi and Takashi Kobayashi, won the round, making it a double ARTA win in the wet Sugo racetrack.

Story: http://supergt.net/pages/pg:news_detail/device:pc/ln:en/id:13149

Next round is on Suzuka Circuit for the 42nd International Pokka Sapporo 1000km match. This happens this August 17-18, 2013.

What's in our Car Town garage today? (July 28, 2013)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

1959 Cadillac El Dorado Convertible

The Biarritz, named after a posh French resort town patronized by the likes of Napoleon and Queen Victoria, is the open-top convertible version of the legendary Cadillac El Dorado, which redefined the term "land yacht" because of its unique tail fins and the rocketship-style taillights at the back. Powering the El Dorado Biarritz was the 345 horsepower triple-carbureted 390 V8 engine, which bring this land yacht to a top speed of 130 mph. No wonder Elvis Presley had one for him.

1959 Cadillac El Dorado Convertible

2001 BMW M3

Based on the E46 3-Series coupe, this M3 Coupe incorporates with BMWs concept of being "The suspension must always be faster than the engine" because of its clever suspension system which compensates the power of its 3.2L straight-6 engine. Since its launch,  this generation was mated with a Getrag 6-speed MT but later, BMW added an SMG II, the company's double clutch semi-automatic transmission.

2001 BMW M3

2011 Ferrari 458 Spider

When taking a roof of a normal car, it somehow loses its rigidity and then resort to making it heavier than its coupe equivalent by any means of stiffening needs. For the 458 Spider, that's a different agenda. It maybe slower than its hardtop equivalent because of its 198mph top speed thanks to its added weight but when you take it for a spin, you'd never feel its heaviness. It packs the same fun as expected from its hardtop model. You may remember that in the 3rd episode of Top Gear Season 20, the 458 Spider revealed as the choice for the cost-conscious convertible fan. It's the convertible supercar we're all agree on.

2011 Ferrari 458 Spider

Andrew E, IHAW NA!

Legendary Pinoy rapper, Andrew E., is the guest of the day of July 26, 2013's Banana Nite's IHAW NA segment. Andrew E's famed for his rap song "Humanap ka ng Pangit", which he believes that this is the song made to capture the wide audience and Andrew E's famed for his nickname "Gamol".

Meanwhile, Chazz is back for some more CHAZZ DO IT where Chazz roams around the Metro Manila to make unsuspecting men fall prey from Chazz. Some lipstick and a blindfold to those unsuspecting victims would work.

"Ako'y tiwala sa'yo"

On the July 26, 2013 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Zoo gags

- Mr. Assimo is one of the judges of some beauty pageant.

Super Bonggaderang Mermaid

Mr. Assimo

- The Adventures of Rufa Mae Kwento in...getting kidnapped.

- A trip to the principal's office about...a problem child doing magic tricks...

- Tata Lino helps out other people with some quotes such as...

1) Lagi kang hihingi ng tawad sa minamahal mo, eh bakit hindi palengke ang nililigawan mo?

2) Ang lalaking hindi naghihintay, bukas samakalawa maging tatay.

3) Ang pagibig, parang electric fan. Walang manlalamig kung laging nasa number 1.

4) Lahat ng problema, may solusyon. Kung walang solusyon, wag mo nang problemahin yun.

- Caring, Reliable, Trustworthy. Bubble Gang does Charmee by spoofing this commercial as CHARMING. Ako'y tiwala sa'yo.

Bubble Gang does Charmee

- An interview with a psychic who can...awaken the third sex.

- The Adventures of Rufa Mae Kwento in...the rooftops!

- Super Selosa...BASED ON REAL EVENTS. Sort of...

- The story of Antonietta unfolds...

- Highlights of Bagong Gang auditions.

For this highlight, the top 10 soon-to-be-BG-members were introduced...

Jan Manual

Arny Ross

Juancho Trivino

RJ Padilla

Denise Barbacena

Joyce Ching

Nicole Borgonia

Abel Estanislao

Maricris Garcia

Roel Mendoza

For this initiation, 10 hopefuls were split into two groups for their group performance. Each group is doing a sketch about getting stuck by a bottle of rugby.

Anyare?! Bakit di nakadikit yung isang kamay???

Hello!!! Ikaw kaya ang kumuha?!

Sana magkatabi kayo...

Nasusunog?! Eh hindi naman nakababa ang plantsa?!?

Soon on Bubble Gang is the elimination rounds of Bagong Gang. Stay tuned.

Cars GT6 Should Put (Volume 2)

Everyone knows that more and more car gamers everywhere are willing to prefer the upcoming Gran Turismo 6, coming this winter exclusively on the Playstation3 console, than the upcoming Forza Motorsport 5, coming this autumn exclusively on the new XBOX One console. However, despite the 1200-car lineup, there are some cars GT6 should put...

Cars like...

1) Mazda CX-5 XD '12

WHY: If I recall, the Nissan Leaf was added in Gran Turismo 5 last year because of its 2011-2012 Japan COTY win. That was the theory but if that became truth, why not add the CX-5? The CX-5, thanks to its clean diesel engine, KODO design, and SKYACTIV Technology, won the 2012-2013 Japan COTY award and this crossover deserves to be in GT6. Imagine if I can abuse this crossover round the Top Gear Test Track or at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca...

2) Lotus Exige S '12

WHY: What Gran Turismo 6 needs is a lightweight V6-powered Lotus because the Evora is not enough to tickle my fancies. How about the new Lotus Exige S? It maybe heavier than the old one but the supercharged V6 engine from the Evora S really makes it a competitive British lightweight even if it weighs more than one ton. I love driving this new Lotus Exige S so much, I just really wish that the V6-powered Lotus Exige S should be part of the GT6 car lineup. Please make it happen for the sake of Lotus fans.

3) Holden HSV GTS '13

WHY: Gran Turismo 5 never featured a Premium Australia car. The only Holdens offered in GT5 were the VZ Commodore SS and the Monaro sports coupe. That's not enough because what Gran Turismo needs are some new V8 Aussie muscles. With rumors suggesting that GT6's adding an Australian race track, I just hope this came true and if that, I really need to see some new Australian cars, especially the Gen-F HSV Holdens. Maybe the new Gen-F HSV GTS would do. It has the same engine that powered the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, making it the most powerful performance production car ever built in Australia.

I just want one...to be in GT6. Please? Do this for our Australian mates?

4) Mazda Atenza XD L-Package '12

WHY: Two generations of Mazda Atenza or Mazda 6 were featured on GT5. For Gran Turismo 6, can you please just feature the latest incarnation of the Mazda Atenza saloon car? Yep. It's the one that look like the Takeri concept car, has SKYACTIV Technology, Kodo design, and comes with two body shapes; a saloon and the wagon. I wonder if the SKYACTIV-powered Atenza fares well in the world of Gran Turismo 6...

5) Peugeot 208 GTi '13

WHY: The Peugeot 208 GTi uses the 3-door 208 as its basis for this high-performance model that harks back to the legendary 205 GTi. It was reviewed in the Series 20 opener of BBC Top Gear with Richard Hammond behind the wheel. This hot hatch makes it a perfect addition to GT6 so if you had the time, please feature it. Thank You.

The results please? So, if Polyphony's still on the rethinking process whether these cars I've mentioned will be featured on Gran Turismo 6, whether in game or as a DLC, you can't say that I didn't had a bit to do with that.

Take that to Kaz Yamauchi!

Threats from North Korea - A Week in Review (July 27, 2013)

And now, the week in review of what's what at the Korean peninsula...

July 22, 2013

- Panama authorities combing through a seized North Korean ship have verified the contents on board.

- Government officials and experts from South Korea, the US, and China gathered to seek solutions to the North Korean nuclear issue in Seoul.

July 23, 2013

- The rival parties have concluded that the 2007 inter-Korean summit dialogue transcript is nowhere to be found at the National Archives.

- Military officials of South Korea and the U.S. will meet in Seoul on Wednesday and Thursday,... to hold the second round of talks on working out how much Seoul should pay Washington next year to help cover the cost of keeping U.S. troops stationed here.

July 24, 2013

- North and South Korea are ready for the 6th round of their inter-Korean talks on Thursday amid fading hopes for a swift normalization of their joint business park.

July 25, 2013

- Two Koreas once again failed to reach an agreement in their inter-Korean talks.

- Seoul and Washington wrapped up two days of defense dialogue, aimed at finalizing the amount of money, each side would put toward keeping US troops in the country.

- South Korea plans to spend some 214.5 trillion Won over the next five years to boost the nation's military operations and defense capabilities.

July 26, 2013

- US President Barack Obama proclaimed Saturday to be Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. In his proclamation, President Obama said all Americans should observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor the bravery and sacrifices made by the country's Korean War vets.

Let's Do The News! (July 26, 2013)

River's Diary

Okay, River's Diary, tell me what's going on around here...I'm bored as a fudge...

- At the MINI Design@Home event, Mini showcased a concept model which serves as a preview to the next-generation Mini hatchback. With the Mini Vision Concept, do you think that this is a sheer sign that the Mini's regeneration is on its way?

2013 Mini Vision Concept

- First and foremost, what is Diary ng Panget anyway? If you are an addict for romance novels, you might as well disregard this question but if you never heard of it, it is one of the most anticipated novels in Wattpad with a whopping 18,306,503 reads...and counting. Written by Wattpad user HaveYouSeenThisGirL, this book captures the hearts of young readers and made them laugh every time when they read through every chapter. It's about the story of Eya or Reah Rodriguez, a girl who thinks she's ugly and will meet Cross "CM" Sandford, the most annoying monster in the eyes of Eya. There has been a lot of colorful characters in this novel including Lory Keet, Chad Jimenez, Memo Clarkson, Sync Mnemosyne, Trey Dinaro, Seven Astute, and more. There's even a sequel to the novel available!

Oh, and for those who REALLY got hooked on this surreal love story, there's a signing for the Diary ng Panget book happening at the National Book Store Trinoma at August 24, 2013, 2:00 PM Philippine Standard Time, and at the National Book Store SM Mall of Asia this August 31, 2013, 2:00 PM Philippine Standard Time.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/events/220516401444095/?ref=3

- EPIC FAIL TO WATCH: Some man got fallen down the building while climbing horizontally through the 30-foot building. Watch here

- Some say...Hasbro plans to remove the "jail" in the Monopoly board game in a move to attract younger buyers. Read here.

- 90's Child Stars in the Philippines...WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Watch here.

- Something new is coming in the world of Asphalt. Yep, Gameloft announced the newest sequel to the Asphalt mobile racing game franchise. Its called Asphalt 8: AIRBORNE and sheesh, it seems that the driving video game wars of 2013 gets even more interesting.

Anyway, for the new A8 AIRBORNE, you can expect some returning cars from A7 HEAT as well as new additions such as the Lamborghini Veneno, then there will be 8 new places, weather conditions, and the new physics engine that defies the limits.

Read the announcement: http://blog.gameloft.com/index.php/2013/06/11/asphalt-8/

- Some say...The Gran Turismo franchise will have its first ever film courtesy of Sony Pictures. Really?!

TTFN!

What's in our Car Town garage today? (July 26, 2013)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

1971 Dodge Demon 340

The Demon was made to be a sportier version of the Dodge Dart muscle car. Originally, this car would have named the "Beaver" for Dodge's take on the Plymouth Duster but because of the word "beaver" turns out to be a CB slang for...well you know...(Can't use the V-word), it was renamed as the Dart Demon.

1971 Dodge Demon 340

1999 Honda Integra Type R

The Integra Type R, the first ever front-wheel drive Type R Honda ever made, was based on the facelifted DC2 JDM Honda Integra sportscar and it was debuted in 1995 to be a high-performance version of the said model. It's powered by a 1.8L VTEC engine which develops 200PS of power while mated with a close-ratio 5-speed manual. It may not be one of the quickest Hondas ever made, but it is one of the track-focused Japanese sports cars ever made. In the streets, this one's a head turner especially when owners tuned this car up.

1999 Honda Integra Type R

1993 Acura Integra

The second-generation Honda Integra was marketed for the first time in North America as the Acura Integra. It is available in either a 4-door saloon or a 3-door liftback model, which is proven to be popular among tuners of today. The most notable Integra model was the GS-R model because it was the second Acura, since the NSX, to come with a VTEC engine and notably one of the most powerful 4-cylinder engines available in North America at that time.

1993 Acura Integra

Let's Do The News! (July 25, 2013)

At the studio...

(cheers and applause)

JC: What? What? What are you applauding?

RH: Yeah, you're right. The Integra is dead for good as well as the Type R nomenclature. However, good news! The Integra's back!

JC: Really?

RH: Yeah. The Integra's back...as a bike.

(audience laughing)

JC: What? You're saying that the Integra is back...as a two-wheeler?

RH: Yeah. I heard that a couple of months ago that the Integra name returns as a two-wheel bike by the name of NC700D Integra. It's essentially...another grown high school boy's scooter since the...um...the Honda XRM.

JC: Richard! Nyan nyan nyan. Enough about that. Let's do the news!!!

JM: Okay, the news and..um...hey! They announced the name of the Royal Baby!

JC: Really?!

JM: Yeah. The name of the Royal Baby from the hands of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton is...wait for it...wait for it...wait for it...

TWO TO SIX MINUTES LATER...

JM: Wait...for...it...Wait...for...it...

JC: James! Are we there yet?!

(audience laughing)

JM: Oh! There it is. The Royal Baby's name is...George Alexander Louis. Yep. George Alexander Louis is the name of the Royal Baby capable enough to become the future royal successor to Prince William and Prince Charles.

JC: Yeah and since he's just a baby, I was expecting for this Royal Baby for when he grows up, he has to be somewhat very special. Perhaps he was born to...Be More...

(audience laughing)

RH: Be...More?! Are you nuts, Jeremy?!

JC: Whoops...Why did I just said that. Sorry about that Mr. and Mrs...um...

JM: Jeremy!

JC: Oh, Your Royal Highness. I'm sorry about that...

(audience laughing)

JC: Anyway, bad news. You know when you guys watch the hearing from the US House of Representatives and then there's the part whether to approve or reject the amendment that would bring NSA to the brink of a financial ruin since the Edward Snowden scandal? Anyway, here's what you've been missed during the House Hearing...

JC: "House rejects Amendment to kill NSA surveillance programs". You know what this means? It seems that the US politics are still supporting over the controversial NSA surveillance programs in regards of collecting phone calls from the entire US county. Now because of that, 60 million Americans are terrorists in the eyes and ears of NSA...and also US President Obama.

(audience laughing)

JC: No. This is not a laughing manner. There's a well known theory that because of the House supporting over NSA surveillance programs...the NSA will think that 60 million Americans as well as the foreign immigrants from other countries are terrorists and gets worse...

JM: Worse?

JC: Well, we don't know what's going to happen but...prepare for the worst.

(suspense music plays)

JM: Oops. Sorry. My phone...

(audience laughing)

JC: Anyway, a few days ago, we tackled about the new generation S-Class, which I think it's one of the best premium saloon cars ever made with a price. Now, tuner Brabus prepares some tuning program for the W222 S-Class. Here it is...

2014 Brabus S-Class W222

JC: What Brabus done here is boost the power output to a massive 730HP of power, 1,065Nm of torque, and a top speed of 202mph. Yeah. This is what an S-Class should be...

JM: And I'm unaware about the whole thousand torques thing. Because this S-Class got a thousand torques, I'm expecting to be more like a cannibal because by the time you're driving this one like an animal, you'll end up like what you did to the Brooklands a few years ago.

JC: Which is...

RH: Blowing the tires.

(audience laughing)

RH: Anyway, there's a new special edition Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse coming up. Here it is...

Bugatti Veyron Jean-Pierre Wimille

RH: That's called the Jean-Pierre Wimille edition of the Bugatti Veyron and for the next 12 months, Bugatti will reveal six special editions based on the Veyron Vitesse, which I believe to be the fastest open-top roadster in the world. This special model was named after Jean-Pierre Wimille, one of the longest-serving test drivers at Bugatti, bringing home a number of race wins, including the 1947 Bois de Boulogne, where he drove a 4.7-litre Monoposto Type 59/50 B. Only three models are built.

JC: Three units available? This is just like what Lamborghini did to the Veneno.

RH: Yeah except it's quicker than the Lambo Veneno you might ask.

JM: However, if I were one of the fools driving one of those...I was expecting to be a bit more flashy because "hey! look at me! I'm driving a Bugatti Veyron! Wanna ride with me?"

(audience laughing)

JC: It's a good thing we didn't use that in Spain. Too expensive. More expensive than your Audi R8 Spyder you drove...

(audience laughing)

JC: Oh, and that reminds me, I went to the internet and I found this rather interesting interview video of someone named...Niki Yang, who was an writer and storyboard artist in Clarence, Adventure Time, Family Guy, Gravity Falls, Fish Hooks, she did the voices in Adventure Time as Lady Rainicorn and...um...uh....

RH: And what, Jeremy?

JC: (mumbling)

(audience laughing)

RH: What? What you said?

JC: (mumbling)

RH: Ahem...What is it?!

JC: (gulps) BMO.

RH: B...MO?! Wait a minute...

(audience laughing)

JC: Anyway...an interview clip. Take a look...

RH: Wait...what?!

JM: Never heard of it. Bravest Warriors?

RH: James. That's some web cartoon made by the same studio and the same men behind Adventure Time. There's a new one coming this August.

(audience laughing)

JC: Anyway, that's definitely a bombshell. That is the end of the news!

Forza Motorsport 4: The first Type R Honda

Memories of Integra Type R

The Honda Integra Type R, if my memory serves me correctly, was the first ever front-wheel drive Type R model ever made. When it comes to the word "Type R", you know what that means. Yep, it's total noise pollution to the suburbs and speedo boys from around the world are indulged in such a phenomenon that caused a stir in the neighborhood. Hondas are like...gangsters or criminals in the past because when night falls, the noise from every souped-up Hondas' exhausts kicks in and it's...TOTAL NOISE POLLUTION. He he he...When a Honda gets tuned by a speedo boy, that's what this kind of carnage gets. He he he...

Anyway, the Integra Type R, I know this is a memorable car but let's remember, this is the car that gave a spin to the Type R moniker. Let's start with the DC2 model, the first of its kind...

The first of its kind...

The Honda Type R roots pay tribute to their first ever winning F1 car and essentially high-performance versions of their respective models. Type R models have unique features such as a red Honda badge, improved VTEC engine, weight loss, and special Championship White paint.

The Integra Type R, based on the facelifted DC2 model, was first introduced in Japan in 1995. The Integra Type R is available in either a 4-door saloon or a 3-door liftback. The 1.8L VTEC engine was uprated to 200PS of power and it was equipped with a 5-speed manual and Helical LSD.

Basically, Integra Type R models are made for homologation purposes to meet FIA certifications to compete in N-series and World Cup racing. Little known fact that for each model sold, Honda lost money even though extra dealer markups sometimes made for excessive dealer profit.

Start the clock...

The DC2 Integra Type R did it in 1:32.562...

Okay, so what about the Acura equivalent?

Japanese Type R vs. American Type R.

For 2000, the Type R model was joined in the Acura Integra lineup and for this Acura version of the Integra Type R, it has the same 1.8L engine as expected from the JDM Honda Integra Type R but the power output is lowered by 195HP of power and 130lb-ft of torque but on that time, it was one of the most powerful 4-cylinder powerplants available in America.

For the Type R model, the ride height has been lowered and features a revised shocks, springs and sway bars for sharper handling. To reduce weight, the Type R provided less sound insulation, a 10% thinner windscreen, and lightweight wheels.

During its 4-year production run, about 3,822 Type R models were sold in North America.

Start the clock!

...the Acura Integra Type R lapped round the track in 1:32.501...That's about almost as similar as the JDM DC2 Type R, even though the Acura Integra Type R has less power and torque.

And now...the last Integra Type R ever made...the DC5! Imagine!

Here comes the DC5!

Shortly after the Honda Integra gained a full model change in summer 2001, the high-performance Integra Type R model was also offered and for the DC5 model, the 1.8L engine from the old model was replaced with the K20A 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine capable of delivering 220HP of power.

Aside from its new engine, the DC5 Type R features Recaro seats, four-piston Brembo front brakes, a close ratio six-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip differential, and a stiffer suspension.

In the spring of 2006, Honda announced the discontinuation of the Integra because of the diminishing coupe market but because of customer feedback, Honda will keep producing the car until July 2006 and produce 150 more Integras.

Start the clock!

The DC5 Type R Integra did it in 1:29.190, and thanks to its improved power from its 2.0L engine, that's worth the capability even though the DC5's heavier than the DC2 Integra.

It was worth a shot giving a tribute to the first front-wheel drive Type R in Honda history and even though the Integra's no longer with us since its discontinuation in 2006, it's still a Speedo Boy's favorite next to the speedo boy favorite...the Honda Civic. Sure, the Integra's dead, the Civic's dead, the Type R's dead. Short story...