Nissan Juke (2015 minor change)

2015 Nissan Juke

The Nissan Juke has been around since its June 2010 debut and gained pretty much mixed reviews from the global press. Other say that it's funky, some disregard for its bizarre looks, and a few got confused with it. Anyway, since it's already four years old, Nissan decided that this bizarro crossover needs a facelift and here it is. All warm and dry to take on the world.

Okay, so what's new about the 2015 minor change Juke? Well, look closely on the weird-looking front view and you will notice that it comes with a new front lamps reminiscent of the Z34 Fairlady Z's. That new headlamps look perfect but when it comes to its overall looks, there's no hiding from its bizarre looks and because it's still as hideous as its pre-facelift, it's going to stand out from any crowd more than Brainiac himself. Meh...They can spot one quicker than finding a stick insect.

2015 Nissan Juke

2015 Nissan Juke interior

What's also new, but even more noticeable, is the Personalization option for the Juke. Before buying a new Juke, customers can choose which color and which accents they can fit on their Juke, this is just like making a few tweaks of their blog's CSS to make it look neat and clean. First, they can choose which variant; either a 1.5L or a 1.6L DIG TURBO model, then select one of nine exterior colors (Sunlight Yellow, Super Black, Azurite Blue, Dark Metal Grey, Radiant Red, Passion Red, Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver, and Night Bell Purple), and then choose what colors fit for their door mirrors, door handles, and the interior. There are over 90 ways to personalize your new Juke and that's not science, it's how it's made to make the Juke exclusive to you.

2015 Nissan Juke speedometer

Yes. Like I've mentioned earlier, the new 2015 Juke still comes with the 1.5L and the turbocharged 1.6L direct-injected engine under the hood. The 1.5L engine, mated with the CVT gearbox and idling stop feature, now comes with dual injectors and it develops 114PS of power, 150Nm of torque, and fuel economy (by JC08 Mode standards) of 18kmpl.

The 1.6L DIG TURBO, on the other hand, is bolted with the ALL MODE 4x4-i with Torque Vectoring, which theoretically reduces understeering for more direct steering, and the XTRONIC CVT features a 7-speed manual mode. Seven fake gears that will keep you longing for miles. With 190PS of power output and 240Nm of torque output, this model is the Juke you would really wanna buy for the fun of it but for that power comes with the price; the fuel economy is a grumpy 14.2kmpl on the JC08 Mode scale. Don't think we're done about this because coming this fall, there's going to be a NISMO RS version of the Juke as well.

Prices for the 2015 Juke start at 1,737,720 to 2,678,400 Yen with tax included.

Photo: Nissan Motor Corporation

Let's Do The News! (July 14, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Images of Japan's Mitsubishi-made ATD-X experimental stealth fighter has surfaced through the airwaves. Set to fly this year, this prototype demonstrates the Japan's Ministry Of Defense's "Spirit of the Heart" slogan and leads Japan to a larger high-performance production aircraft with stealth capabilities...



...hopefully, some Ace Combat nerds would understand what that is before they'll go Fox Two.

- Top Gear got involved over an accident with two Peugeots, driven by Clarkson and May, on it!

- Johan de Nysschen left Nissan's Infiniti division and became the new head of General Motors' Cadillac brand.

- GET READY FOR THE NEXT BATTLE! Tekken 7 is announced during the Evolution Championship Series 2014. This next installment is their 20th anniversary present to the Tekken franchise and features a next generation gaming engine that will fit through any new generation console it wishes.



- The official full length TV trailer for Doctor Who Series 8, starring Peter Capaldi as The Doctor (now The Twelfth Doctor and he's now 2,000 years old) and Jenna Coleman as Clara, has emerged!



- There's a supermoon occurring on August 10, 2014 and September 9, 2014. A supermoon occurs when the elliptical orbit of the moon will bring it closer, and appear larger than usual.

- The threats from North Korea continue as they've fired artillery shells into the ocean.

- Some say that your iPad and other handheld devices might cause you some rashes.

- Typhoon Glenda has maximum winds of 95kph with 120kph of gustiness and moving west at 28kph. Signal No. 2 was raised over the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes and Sorsogon. It was forecast to hit Catanduanes Tuesday morning and would move towards the provinces of Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Southern Quezon, Laguna and Metro Manila.

TTFN!!!

FIFA World Cup 2014 FINALS

The two nations who rose from the top, Germany and Argentina, are battling to take home the coveted trophy and the title of FIFA WORLD CUP 2014 champion. Having spent the last 90 minutes of the match defending, kicking, passing, committing fouls, and whatever they can throw from their arsenal of the best football players of the nation, the epic climax to the FIFA WORLD CUP Brasil has became one of the biggest events in sports history.

Forward player Gotze is the German who scored the goal is the man who sent Germany taking home the coveted trophy and the prestigious title of FIFA WORLD CUP 2014 champion. Yes. 1-0. Germany wins. Germany is the 2014 WORLD CUP champions!

That's it! That concludes this year's World Cup in Brazil. The Germans are the winners of this year's World Cup and the baton has passed for the 2018 World Cup match in Russia.

Thank you and Obrigado!

What's in our Car Town garage today? (July 14, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

2015 Ford Mustang GT

The year 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic Ford Mustang muscle car and what better way to celebrate its 50th birthday is by regenerating our favorite muscle car into something more modern and more Mustang than ever before. The 6th-generation Mustang maybe look more of a following to today's trends but its Mustang heritage is always at its inner self. The top of the line model comes with the 5.0L V8 engine developing over 420HP of power. This isn't just a car, it's the pride of Ford Motor Company.

2015 Ford Mustang GT

2011 Pagani Zonda R

The Zonda R got round the Nurburgring in 6 minutes and 47 seconds and that's even more faster than almost anyone that land themselves at the Green Hell. The R is a track-only version of the revered Pagani Zonda hypercar which pushed this machine to even greater heights. With the combination of the 740HP AMG V12 engine, extensive use of carbon fiber, track-focused handling, and a shorter stopping distance, there's no doubt this Zonda is the king of all Zondas.

2011 Pagani Zonda R

2014 Scion tC

The tC is the attempt from Toyota's youth-oriented Scion brand to take on the likes of other affordable front-wheel drive tuners from the likes of the Honda Civic and for this second-generation, it gets even better especially when Scion increased the size of its engine from the old model's 2.4L engine to the new 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. For the 2014 model, the appearance looked even more aggressive, sleek, and sporty while remaining some of its performance carried over from its pre-facelift.

2014 Scion tC

FIFA World Cup 2014 - Brazil vs. Holland for 3rd place

Brazil and Holland, two losing nations are facing against each other in a play-off duel for the 3rd place. For Brazil, even though they didn't make it, they were glad they've hosted this year's World Cup to bring the soccer fever not for Brazil but for the rest of the world.

In the play-off for 3rd place, the nation that garnered the bronze is...the Dutch football team after their 0-3 win against Brazil. It's all over for the Brazilian football team! Well, even though they've reached the end of the road, the Brazilians will be remembered for their joyous moment competing with the world at their home turf.

With Holland officially placed 3rd, the epic finale starts tomorrow as everyone in the world ask "Who will win the World Cup? Germany or Argentina?" Don't miss the epic ending to this year's World Cup!

Report: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255957/match=300186502/index.html#nosticky

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

The Planet of the Apes origins continues with the new movie set just moments where Rise of the Planet of the Apes left off and this new sequel, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, continues the secret origins of one of Hollywood's cinematic masterpiece, very long long before the first Planet of the Apes movie. Since this is just the continuation of its origins, fans of the Apes franchise can dig deeper more on the simian uprising portrayed at the eyes of the ape named Caesar.

A decade has passed after Rise of Apes, when the human civilization has been heavily enslaved by highly-intellectual apes. Caesar (played by Andy Serkis) and his ape army are living quietly at the San Francisco woods until a ragtag group of human survivors, led by Malcolm (played by Jason Clarke), trying to restore the hydroelectric plant. With an unlikely encounter, the human Malcolm and the ape Caesar agreed to help each other but it remains complicated as the war between men and apes sparks fury.

This movie is nothing more of a shocking vision of what if apes became the alpha of the chain and while the movie continues to develop, viewers tend to hang in there until some of the questions are answered but mostly just for the heck of it. Despite having flaws, the movie is still one of the most ideal summer blockbusters to watch...if you really want to make it out alive when the film ends.

Even though you won't be able to make it out alive even after the movie ends because of so much stuff that can traumatize you in your whole life, Dawn of Apes still answers the questions that left untold from the entire Planet of the Apes franchise. It continues to tell its origins on even greater heights and overall, you would really guess what happens next after this.

My rating: 3.7 out of 5

Balitang Six Six for 7/11/2014

Breaking news from the July 11, 2014's Banana Nite's BALITANG SIX SIX!

- Isang lalaki na hobby ang pamamaril sa gubat nagpaputok ng baril, hindi nga lang siya nakapagsinturon bago gawin ito.

- Isang dalagita gustong subukan kung kaya niyang mag-golf, nalaman niya na hindi niya ito kaya sa isang ikot lang.

- Isang babae, dahan-dahang bumaba sa buhangin, dahan dahang siyang nag-umpisa pero mabilis siyang nakarating sa ibaba!

- Isang ina naisipang mag-twerk habang nag-aalaga ng bata, hindi niya alam na gusto rin sumali ng kanyang anak!

- Isang babae gustong maging G-Force nag-video ng kanyang audition tape, huling-huli sa video ang kanyang kapalpakan.

- Isa pang dancer ang gusto namang patunayan na madali lang ang pagsayaw sa ibabaw ng mesa. Hindi nga lang madali kung ang mesa ay gawa sa salamin.

Bubble Gang - July 11, 2014

On the July 11, 2014 episode of Bubble Gang...

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...your post saying "So many questions"!

- Kabit gags

- Lala Ytera messes up the girls in auditions.

- Patient at the hospital sneaks up for some alcohol.

- The confession of a war veteran...

- Istambay, Istambay sa Looban, Ikaw ba ay napagbintangan, kahit na hindi mo kasalanan, kagaya ng binata si...ALLAN!

- More explanations explained by Brod Pete and his folks in ANG BAGONG DATING DOON!

Strong 6.8M quake triggered small tsunamis

Earlier today, a strong 6.8 magnitude quake jolted Japan's northern coast near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant, the same location where the March 2011 disaster occurred, killing ten thousands of people and caused a meltdown at the power plant. Japan's Meteorological Agency states that this quake struck 10km below the seat surface off the Fukushima coast and triggering a 20cm tsunami at the coast of Ishinomaki Ayukawa, 50 minutes after the quake.

So far, after the strong quake, the Fukushima Daiichi and two other nuclear plants along the coast found no abnormalities and their reactors and fuel storage pools are safely cooled.

Report: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/619039/strong-quake-hits-japan-triggering-small-tsunami

OFFICIAL: LeBron James returns to Cleveland

It's official, NBA fans. Looks like the basketball superstar, LeBron James, is packing his bags from Miami Heat as he decided that he's going back to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

There are things to consider why LeBron James is going back to Cleveland is simple; the Ohio State is where he lives, his business HQ, the Cavaliers can offer James a promising roster, a well-respected coach who developed a strong ties with James, the assets, and facing with the Cavaliers' current ownership.

LeBron spent his first seven seasons in Cleveland until he switched to Miami Heat four years ago where his superstardom rises when he and the Heat went to the NBA finals four times.

Report: http://sports.inquirer.net/158637/lebron-james-says-hes-returning-to-cavaliers

Top Gear USA: Cool Cars for Grownups

The boys of Top Gear USA are investigating whether is it possible to have a car that combines the practicality of a family car and the sportiness of a sportscar. To find out, they went to Colorado to find out the best high-performance family car. Adam drives a Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate with its 5.5L Twin Turbo V8 engine while Tanner drives a Porsche Cayenne Turbo S and Rut's gone nuts with...some kind of a Honda minivan tuned by Bisimoto Engineering. They have to undergo some challenges and in the end, they'll race at the Pikes Peak Hillclimb.

The first challenge involves practicality and acceleration. They have to quickly load some stuff at the back, accelerate to 120mph, and stop. Fastest time wins. At the end of the first challenge, the man in the station wagon is the winner.

The second is the spare tire challenge, whoever's the fastest to replace theirs with a spare tire is the winner and it's a challenging one until Rut in the van wins the challenge.

Next, it's a race against a Corvette Z06 driven by The Stig at a raceway. Whoever's the closest next to The Stig's lap time by two laps is the winner. Who's closest to The Stig's is Tanner's.

With all boys winning each challenge, they all battle against each other in the race at Pikes Peak, one of the most treacherous hill climbs in the world. The boys will give it all they've got to conquer Pikes Peak and survive until the winner is named.

In the end, Tanner wins, Adam places 2nd, and Rut in the van is last.

Let's Do The News! (July 11, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- The Land Transportation Office just gave the local car scene the finger and there are newer reports told that most car owners should seek permission from the LTO before modifying their cars. This is a warning sparked by the LTO spokesperson Jason Salvador after some reports told that there are some drivers modified their cars without permits or clearance from the LTO.

In case you want to know, the LTO's DO No. 2010-32 states that any individual or manufacturer should first bring the vehicle that will be modified to the LTO-Northern Motor Vehicles Center for inspection. Under DO, the following modifications that are not allowed are axle modification, chassis modification, extended chassis and body, additional sidings of dump trucks, extended overhang, change of rim size, modification of handle bar and exhaust, and reconfiguration of body dimension and design. They even prohibit, and they're not joking, HID headlights.

- We otakus living outside Japan don't really know what is KanColle (Kantai Collection) but it remains a talk-of-the-town in Japan even though it's not anime material, even though someone's working on it now. It's a browser game in collaboration with DMM and Kadokawa Games where players collect a fleet of...young women named after naval machinery.

One of the baddies from the utterly unknown KanColle, called Aircraft Carrier Wo-class, gets the Good Smile Company treatment as a 1/8 scale figure and she's on sale this February 2015 for 12,778 Yen plus tax. The pre-orders are open for booking right now.

KanColle Aircraft Carrier Wo-class 1/8 scale figure

- Announced by the BBC America, the phenomenal hit drama series, Orphan Black, gets renewed for Season 3, due early 2015.

Orphan Black

Oh and here's a little DIY about the success of this series; 

• It was the #1 show trending on Twitter and Tumblr since the first day of premiere
• BBC America was the first cable network to live-tweet a TV show with GIFs.
• The official Orphan Black Tumblr page gained 750,000 notes from almost 140K fans in season two.

You, members of the Clone Club, are the best and so did Sarah Manning from the show.

- Crime drama, Broadchurch, starring former Doctor Who lead actor David Tennant and Olivia Colman, will return for a second season this 2015.

- While basketball superstar LeBron James is still deciding whether if he's returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers or staying with Miami Heat, there's a report about what's going to be his fate if he chooses between the two NBA teams.

- Senator Juan Ponce Enrile has returned at the Philippine National Police General Hospital in Camp Crame after his arraignment at the Sandiganbayan. He left the anti-graft court earlier at around 1040 hours Philippine Time and arrived at the police hospital after 1100 hours.

- Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes Jr. denounces President Benigno Aquino III's refusal to resign Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad, stating that the president's reject was to protect Abad and himself. This report has this story...

- Check out the sights from the recent 2014 Seoul Auto Salon.

- Shooting for the seventh Fast and Furious movie has finally completed and all set for its April 2015 showing.

TTFN!!!

2015MY Lancer Evo sparks end of the TC-SST

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Here it is, folks. The end of Lancer Evolution draws near as Mitsubishi finally announced their 2015 update to one of Mitsubishi's 4WD rally super star which drawn a lot of attention to numerous speedo boys when it first launched in 2007 and been there for seven years, standing.

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Twin Clutch SST FINAL

Mitsubishi announced that the TC-SST (Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission)-equipped Evo will reach its end of its lifespan and they'll be offering special amenities on the TC-SST-equipped models such as scuff plates that says "LANCER EVOLUTION X Twin Clutch SST FINAL" and a special serial number located at the top the gearbox that says "FINAL ###". Mitsubishi will continue to sell the GSR model with the 5-speed manual gearbox.

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Twin Clutch SST FINAL

For the 2015 model, the Lancer Evolution gained turn signals on the door mirrors, accented front door trims, and a Lightning Blue Mica color that will replace the outgoing Cosmic Blue Mica exterior color.

The suggested retail price has been changed so for now, the GSR model with the 5-speed gearbox costs 3,899,880 Yen ($39,000 estimate) while the GSR model equipped with the 6-speed Twin Clutch SST along with the GSR-Premium, the last Evo models to be using that double-clutch gearbox, costs from 4,159,080 Yen ($42,000 estimate) to 5,405,300 Yen ($55,000 estimate).

Press Release: http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/publish/pressrelease_jp/products/2014/news/detail4794.html

Once again...another recall problems for Honda hybrids...

2014 Honda Vezel

2014 Honda Fit Hybrid

Another day...another problematic recall for Honda regarding their hybrid models equipped with the 7-speed double clutch gearbox. Typical... This whole 7DCT problems keeps getting on and on and now, the latest chapter of the "I-got-problems-with-my-Honda-hybrid-with-the -7-speed-double-clutch-gearbox" issue involves...

Hmmm...Interesting...unintended acceleration. Yes. Unintended acceleration, just like what Toyota faced a few years ago. Over 175k units of Honda hybrids such as the Fit and the Vezel were recalled for such potential problems due to a software glitch at the ECU, which could lead to unintended acceleration. Honda received 11 reports of accidents from December through April due to the problem but no deaths occurred.

Source: Autoc-one.jp, Jalopnik

Let's Do The News! (July 10, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Renowned musician Ryuichi Sakamoto was reportedly diagnosed with cancer. He's suspending his performances so he can focus on the treatment of his mesopharyngeal carcinoma in New York City.

- If you're a car enthusiast living in Japan and you're a big fan of the classic TV series, Knight Rider, here's your chance to take home a replica of KITT for just 8.80 million yen (about $88,000). It's based on a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am mated with a 5.0L V8 and a 4-speed automatic.

Knight Rider

- Actress Eva Mendes is pregnant and she's expecting a baby with her boyfriend Ryan Gosling.

- OOPS! A demo track of Britney Spears' song "Alien" without Auto-Tune got spilled over the world wide web, revealing what Britney Spears sounds like without Auto-Tune. Her vocals are unpredictably off-key!

- Israel is going to intensify the attacks on the Gaza Strip. So far, the civilian death toll in Gaza is increasing.

- Honda's Acura ILX models got recalled over headlamp problems that would ignite flames.

Acura ILX

- Chief engineer Tetsuya Tada announced that they're working on the regeneration of the Toyobaru coupes, the Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ.

- Meanwhile in Metro Manila, there's a P500 fine for jaywalkers and for those who never pay the fine for such violation may face 3-hour estero cleaning. Ouch...

- Harry Potter actress Emma Watson is named as United Nations Women Goodwill ambassador. She was appointed to that position with the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, providing better opportunities for the female population.

- Guess what's also coming at this year's San Diego Comic Con? That's right! Phineas and Ferb, Gravity Falls, and Wander Over Yonder, three of our Disney XD hits coming to the biggest comic convention in America!

- There's going to be an update on the PS3-exclusive THE iDOLM@STER ONE FOR ALL video game. Due on the 29th of July, the same date as the soon-to-be-announced DLC Catalog 3 will come out. The update includes some improvements on the greetings, producer rank, difficulty settings, quintet live, and shop items.

TTFN!!!

FIFA World Cup 2014 - Semi-Finals (Holland vs. Argentina)

The battle of Holland vs. Argentina in the FIFA WORLD CUP Brasil has ended with the penalty match when the regular match didn't let anyone scored a single goal from and when the penalty match kicked in, it was Argentina that sealed their fate on the final round after their 2-4 win against The Netherlands.

So, in the final match of the FIFA WORLD CUP Brasil, it's Germany vs. Argentina but who will be 3rd place? Brazil or Holland? The play-off for third place begins on Saturday, July 12.

Report: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255955/match=300186490/index.html#nosticky

Forza Motorsport 5: The only 2015 model car you can play with

At Forza Motorsport 5, we always accuse this game for not featuring the latest and the hottest cars in the market today. Even though they claimed that they're living up to their "next-generation" promise, the car lineup is worth noticing and with every monthly DLC Pack offered, they're mostly carryovers from the previous games while a few were new to the Forza...most were 19XX's and 200X's rather than focusing on new machines. When they asked them for facelifts, they denied it. If it's a new generation of a certain model, they denied it. They keep denying new generation machines in favor of older ones. So far, there are three 2014 models in the game; the Fiesta ST, the Civic Si Coupe, and the Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray. Amazingly...no 2015 model in sight! Nothing! What's wrong with Turn 10 these days?



With Forza 5's Hot Wheels Car Pack is officially named "the last monthly car pack" in the game, they really mean it because THIS is the last DLC car pack they've released for the game. Don't lie to us, Turn 10. Because this is the final Forza 5 DLC pack to be offered in the game, this is the only 2015 car you can drive in the game; the 2015 Audi S3 Sedan.

Time for the assessment on what they're doing during the development of Forza 5's DLC Pack through the months since its November 2013 debut along with the XBOX One. First, what are they thinking? What are those Turn 10 staff doing these days? Looks like to them, the year 2014 will foretell doom to all of Turn 10 because why? They're mostly afraid of cars built from 2014 model year to now. I'm kinda believed that just before the year 2014 hits, most of the team from Turn 10 kinda have their so-called post-2014 bunker so most of them will hide from civilization like you'd expect from a nuclear holocaust situation. Go ahead, folks. Once you step inside the corridors of Turn 10 Studios. No one's here except anyone hiding in their secret post-beginning-of-2014-bunker located under their HQ. What they do have in their bunker is some survival stuff. Some boxes of junk food, boxes of soft drinks, anything you would expect from a nuclear holocaust bunker. Most of the stuff and the offices where the T10 staff used to worked on...we're all covered in dust and litter like any holocaust movie you've seen.

That's how this happened! They're too afraid to see the changing world of the automotive industry! I can't believe anyone from T10 we're too scarred to step out from the outside world for some further inspiration for their DLC Car Packs. Where did they get their inspiration for their packs? From their Used Car Guides you would find most in the grocery stores! Maybe that's why they're afraid to go out and visit some car shows from Geneva, Los Angeles, Chicago, Tokyo, Paris, Beijing, Shanghai, Frankfurt, or any city where car shows featuring new cars occured. (Sigh)



They just really don't know what might have been in the future of Forza Motorsport and Turn 10, do they? I'd reckon that they won't be surviving next year especially when the list of upcoming full model changes, facelifts, and debutantes of cars keeps on growing and Turn 10 is in the brink of collapse moments before celebrating Forza Motorsport's 10th birthday, just to let you know.

It's a shocking vision of Turn 10's grim future. The Forza franchise will never be the same again when it comes to featuring fully licensed cars but mainly focused on more past and less present in-game and DLC alike.



The Forza Motorsport franchise and all of Turn 10 have failed to place the latest 2014-2015 machines, they've failed to put Top Gear's latest reasonably priced car, the Vauxhall Astra Tech Line, they've failed to bring facelifted machines, and most of all, as what Comic Book Guy would say; Worst...Fan Service...Ever... I can say that but I really don't mean it.

The 2015 Audi S3 Sedan, the only 2015 model year car you can play in Forza Motorsport 5 and the only MQB-platform car you can toy around in the game, has its fate sealed in this game, foreseeing the grim future of Turn 10 because of their defiance against new machines and don't expect any 2014-2015 model year cars to arrive on FM5 soon because...as what this car pack claims...The Hot Wheels Car Pack is the final DLC Car Pack in FM5 so deal with it.



ALL ABOUT THIS CAR:

The third-generation Audi A3 was launched in 2012 and it was the first Audi to use VW Group's expendable MQB platform where it is expected to be used in upcoming vehicles from their portfolio and this new platform is flexible enough to allow individual models to have a variety of wheelbase, track and external dimensions. Thanks to the A3's use of the MQB platform, not only the 3-door, 5-door Sportback, and the Cabriolet versions were spawned but for the first time, a sedan version was offered.

The S3 version is the slightly high-performance version of the A3 and for this sedan version, like its hatchback equivalents, it is powered by a 2.0L turbo engine develops over 300HP of power and 280lb-ft of torque. With the s tronic equipped, the sedan version can get a 0-100kph time of 4.9 seconds. It comes with quattro all wheel drive where most of the power goes to the rear axle via a Haldex clutch.




I've been driving around with the 2015 S3 Sedan for moments in this game and I have to say that even though the handling's a bit too mild because of its 4WD system on it and its use of MQB platform, the S3 Sedan really showed me the error of my ways knowing what might have been and after my drive with this on FM5, I was so stressed that why is Turn 10 is just shying away from the latest automobiles from the new era.

The more I'm driving with the S3 Sedan, the more I'm starting to get interested with the only 2015 model car and the only MQB machine in the game and when you get used to it, you can get used for more while discovering the outer limits of this car's potential.

 

While the S3 Sedan keeps on shouting "WAKE UP, TURN 10!" for all the reasons, this car is worthy to be idolized for being the only 2015 car in FM5 and what will its quiet beginning be when players picked one up from The Hot Wheels Car Pack in FM5 is anyone's game or risk. It's just like the whole Wake Up Girls thingy, there are some struggles and obstacles that can hinder your road to fame and this S3 Sedan would be on that fate where it was chosen to be.

San Mig Coffee, they've done it again!

The fifth and final game of the 2014 PBA Governor's Cup Finals pits the two teams; San Mig Super Coffee Mixers and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in a do-or-die match to win the coveted title. Held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, two of the brightest stars in basketball are slugging against each other to become the victor.

In the end, with the score of 92-89, the San Mig Coffee Mixers declared GRAND SLAM CHAMPIONS of the PBA! A 4-peat! Four championship wins on the trot!

Congratulations again, SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE MIXERS! You guys deserved the Grand Slam title!

There's no stopping them now!

Toyota Crown hybrid models gain 4WD

2015 Toyota Crown Majesta

2015 Toyota Crown Athlete

2015 Toyota Crown Royal

All hybrid models of the Toyota Crown range, the Royal, the Athlete, and the flagship Majesta, have gained four-wheel drive system. This is the first time Toyota has a 4WD hybrid saloon in their lineup.

Both the Royal and the Athlete hybrid models come with the 2.5L 4-cylinder 2AR-FSE engine connected to an electric motor and nickel metal battery, the same as the one from the Lexus IS, while the Majesta model comes with the 3.5L V6 engine bolted with an electric motor and a nickel metal battery, same as the Lexus GS. With the 4WD system, these Crown models provide better stability and better traction on slippery surfaces, as a theory. Fuel economy for the Royal and Athlete returns at 21km/L while it's 19km/L for the Majesta model.

Pricing is now adjusted so the Crown Royal now costs 3,630,857 up to 5,729,143 Japanese Yen (around $36,400 to $57,300) while the Crown Athlete now costs 3,672,000 up to 5,806,963 Japanese Yen (around $37,000 to $58,100) and the Crown Majesta now costs 6,274,286 to 6,891,428 Japanese Yen (around $63,000 to $69,000).

Report: http://m.car.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20140709_657187.html
URL: http://toyota.jp/crown/

Let's Do The News! (July 9, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- THIS IS THE NEW OPEL/VAUXHALL CORSA. Fourth-generation of Opel/Vauxhall's compact hatchback is set to raise the class benchmark for drivability, comfort and practicality in a model which has become a household name for British small-car buyers.

2015 Vauxhall Corsa

- Laura Marano (Ally Dawson from Austin and Ally) and Leigh Allyn Baker (Amy Duncan from Good Luck Charlie and Queen Delightful from The 7D) will star in an upcoming Disney Channel original movie titled "Bad Hair Day", due next year.

- Who is the Chinese man who sued American electric carmaker, Tesla Motors, for trademark infringement?  Yes. His name is Zhan Baosheng and he field a lawsuit against Tesla a few days ago, alleging trademark infringement. He requests Tesla to shut down their Chinese operations and demand them to pay him 23.9 million Yuan in compensation.

- Ezra and the rebels are awaiting you! The rebels of Disney XD's upcoming series, Star Wars Rebels, will be in San Diego Comic Con 2014 this 24th of July!

- What are the most flood-prone areas in the Metro Manila? This report explains what... Stay sharp because this habagat season, this will serve as a precaution.

- The next-generation Volvo XC90 will get a new T8 twin-charged hybrid plug-in drivetrain.

- While the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) issue in the Philippines is still stirring right now, Senator Bam Aquino told that lawmakers who would be found to abuse the government's DAP funds should be prosecuted and detained. He really wants the explanation from Budget Secretary Florencio Abad to on DAP.

- Daihatsu Mira e:S is now on its 2015 model year and this time, the fuel economy is now increased to 35.2kmpl, that's .2kmpl more than its Suzuki Alto Eco rival. How that happened? Daihatsu added some powertrain enhancements with the use of Atkinson cycle, dual injector, improved thermal efficiency, and more. That's how its fuel economy numbers gone up slightly.

Daihatsu Mira e:S

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TTFN!!!

Audi S3 Sedan and S3 Cabriolet (Typ 8V)

The hatchback versions of the latest Audi S3, in 3-door and 5-door Sportback models, maybe more of a competitor's luck in the hot hatch combat where history decides the winner but even though they're hot in their performance, they're not quite civilized in the day-to-day traffic especially when it comes with quattro all wheel drive system. Now, while there are S3 hatches offered for hot hatch enthusiasts, there are now four kinds of S3 models to choose from while the other two are so in a different league right now.

2015 Audi S3 Cabriolet

2015 Audi S3 Sedan

Call them different but these two new S3 models, the S3 Cabriolet and the all-new S3 Sedan, are here to showcase that even though they're not classified as the same hatchback status as the normal ones, they can still have the guts to be in the S3 family...but the only thing is, I really don't hold much hope.

The S3 Sedan version costs 40,400 Euros but the optional S tronic double clutch gearbox model will charge you 1,900 Euros more while the S3 Cabriolet costs a more expensive 48,500 Euros and it's available exclusively with the same S tronic double clutch gearbox as the saloon model.

Like the hatchback equivalents, both the S3 sedan and cabrio is powered by a 2.0L turbo engine develops over 300HP of power and 280lb-ft of torque. With the s tronic equipped, the sedan version can get a 0-100kph time of 4.9 seconds while the cabriolet version can get up to 100kph in a pedestrian 5.4 seconds. Why? Because the Cabriolet version is the heaviest of the S3 range because of too much stiffening like most convertibles do, that's why it's slower even though they bought have the same engine and the same gearbox. Don't ask...

Because the S3 sedan and Cabriolet, like its hatchback equivalents, do come with quattro all wheel drive, most of the power goes to the rear axle via a Haldex clutch. That sounds chunky and sounds clever. When you get round the corner, it feels a bit okay but not quite as good as any other hot hatches tuned for nimble performance. You can get too grumpy when you take it seriously and that's an endless struggle to survive from the corner because of its weight from the all wheel drive malarkey. Mind you, this is built entirely from Volkswagen's MQB platform so this is becoming more of a drama class right now despite the use of the company's expendable platform.

With the new S3 sedan and the new S3 cabriolet, you can put your fate in these four S3 models; from the 3-door, 5-door Sportback, 4-door sedan, and the two-door open-top cabriolet. What comes next? The world will never know...

Photo: Audi AG

FIFA World Cup 2014 - Semi-Finals (Brazil vs. Germany)

As the end draws near to the FIFA WORLD CUP Brasil, looks like it's the end of the road for the hosting nation, Brazil, in the fight against Germany in the semi-final match. With the score of 1-7, looks like the Brazilians will have to make do in the "play-off for third place" match against which country is going to lose tomorrow. Yes. Tomorrow's semi-finals will involve Holland and Argentina.

Info: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255955/match=300186474/index.html#nosticky

Let's Do The News! (July 8, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- In Game 4 of the PBA Governor's Cup 2014 finals, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters leveled the score at 2 after their 88-79 win against the San Mig Coffee Mixers, meaning that these two are on the final game of the championship.

- The Ferrari F40 and the Ferrari F50, two Ferrari legends are now included on the latest Real Racing 3 update.

- Yes, there's going to be an Enchanted sequel in the works right now.

Giselle

- After 14 years, actress Jessy Mendiola has finally been reunited with her British-Lebanese father.

- Singapore's Ministry of Manpower denied reports about "Maids in Display".

- The 1975 Honda CB750 Titan motorcycle is featured on the recent Jay Leno's Garage webisode.

- Typhoon Florita is out from the Philippine Area of Responsibility and it's heading next to Japan.

- Japanese PM Shinzo Abe said that they're always open for talks with China, amidst the Senkaku Diaoyu Islands dispute that raised tensions between the two Asian nations.

TTFN!!!

Seat Leon Mk3 Cupra

2015 Seat Leon Cupra

Over the years, SEAT is nothing more than cheap VWs in disguise even though the fact is that it's a division of the Volkswagen Group. Of course, today's Leon Mk3 is typically a VW Golf in Spanish flea but that doesn't stop them from having one of these on the roads because of its new MQB platform that you can now find it in most models from the VW Group.

Thanks to the success of VW's hot Golf models, the GTi and the R, they prompted Seat to make their own version of those hot Golfs using the Leon and here's the result: the new Leon Cupra, a hotter version of the Leon Cupra that looks more like a normal Leon but with the added superiority and firepower of a hot hatch.

Starting at 27,800 Euros for the 3-door SC model and 28,150 Euros for the 5-door model, you can hardly see you have choices to make between these two and when you decide your fate between these two, you can choose which setup your Leon Cupra will have. The 2.0 TSi engine with dual injection and variable camshaft timing can deliver either a 265PS or 280PS. 265PS of power is fine but for those looking for a challenge would go for the 280PS version. Yes, Your fate would most likely go for the Leon Cupra 280 model. Why? Not only it's the most powerful Seat ever made, it's one of the quickest hot hatches money can buy because it went round the Nurburgring at 7:58.44. With all that power, aerodynamics, and the use of VW's MQB platform, the Leon Cupra sets standards in the hot hatch combat.

2015 Seat Leon Cupra interior

Although the Leon Cupra is now an ordinary Golf faux-simile transformed into a track-ready hot hatch honed to take on the world, I'm afraid that this is not one of the most sophisticated cars to drive on a normal city streets. Because the suspension is all stiffened to the brink of having a driver some serious osteoporosis, it's becoming more difficult to keep it comfortable and when you drive it to the potholes while holding a cup of coffee on the cup holder with no cover on it, there's going to be some massive spillage. If you have a double-clutch gearbox on the Cupra 280 model, it doesn't feel as enjoyable as the manual gearbox. It will just spoil your fun more than the hot Renault Clio.

I know, it's not all cruising on the streets but when you take it on the open road and on the track, the Cupra shines through and while taking advantage of its dynamic chassis control, it feels more critical and a bit dramatic when it sees a corners and with the front-axle diff lock, the grip is mild and menacing. As mild as...mild lyrics from your favorite song.

2015 Seat Leon Cupra

2015 Seat Leon Cupra

So, would you credited for the new Leon Cupra? Well, it's less expensive than the VW Golf GTi and with that pricing, the Leon Cupra is a track weapon because of its Nurburgring lap time and its uncanny agility only works on track day but as a daily driver's car, it's not solely recommended and if you have a family of your own, ditch that car for a less attractive people mover. It's your fate, drivers. You need a track-day car? Here's one.

Available colors: Negro Universo, Dynamic, Rojo Emoción, Plata Estrella, Blanco Nevada, Gris Pirineos.

Photo: SEAT, S.A

BECAUSE DUBAI: Arabs are making a mall bigger than our MOA

3D rendering of Mall of the World

The United Arab Emirates is a nation packed with urban masterpieces no other country comes close. There was the Burj al-Arab, a hotel where only the rich and famous can stay for the night. Then, there was the Yas Island, an island made by the most ambitious people in history. And then, there's the tallest building in the world...the Burj Khalifa. This Arab nation is full of urban wonders the folks from Lonely Planet would only dream of. Now, the Arab nation has got even more ambitions for its sleeves because as approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, they're going to build a mall bigger than MOA, transforming Dubai, the most ambitious city in the world, into the shopping capital in the world. It will be the world's first temperature-controlled mall-city with a total area of 48 million square feet with the shopping center occupying 8 million square feet.

When finished, Mall of the World, Dubai is expected to have over 180 million visitors per year.



Report: http://www.philstar.com/video-features/2014/07/07/1343507/watch-dubais-mall-world-bests-manilas-mall-asia

Get to know about The 7D!

The 7D

In case you missed it, Disney XD's new cartoon series, The 7D, was recently aired its first episode. Much obliged to forget about the seven dwarves we knew from the story of Snow White, The 7D is made for just one thing; to forget about everything you knew about the seven dwarves ever again. Ordered by the Queen Delightful of Jollywood, The 7D are here to save the day from troubles, especially against the evil crutches of the Glooms (that's Hildy and Grimm).

Let's get to know about The 7D from their brand new show now on air on Disney XD!

Sleepy - This fella's so sleepy, he can't finish a dream without nodding his head off. When the sandman visits him, he brings...a dump truck. His snores are so loud, they frightened thunder. Sheep count him to go to sleep.

Sneezy - Pepper is terrified of him. His sneezes will blow you away. No, seriously. Stand back. When he goes achoo, all countries say gesundheit. His last sneeze became a dance craze. He onced sneezed at the beach and formed a sand castle. 2,000 sand crabs lived there now.

Happy - If you'd fell off a cliff, he'd admire the view. He's happy and he knows it. Clap your hands. Legend has it, he even made Grumpy smile...barely.

Dopey - A dwarf of many words and all of them (whistling). Dopey is so cute, he makes puppies go awww. His favorite food is whatever you're eating. Dopey has so many pets a zookeeper would be jealous. A skunk named (wolf whistle), a snake named (hisses then whistle), and a bear named (roars).

Doc - He is so smart, he can recite the alphabet backwards and upside down. Currently, he's writing a book called "The History of The Future". He's that smart. He daydreams in Latin. He once divided the circumference of the Jack-o-Lantern by its diameter and he made pumpkin pie. It was delicious.

Bashful - When he plays Hide and Seek, he can't even find himself. He's so good at blending in, chameleons come to him for advice. He's so shy as own parents haven't met him yet. He plays extreme peekaboo. He's not only scared of his shadow, his shadow is scared of other shadows and think about it. He's that scared.

Grumpy - This guy is so grumpy, he can bust a pinata by just looking at it. He can pop balloons with a single glance. He smiled once just to see what it felt like. He didn't like it. He invented Cranky Pants.

In short...just like the theme song goes...Happy's songs are always sunny, Sneezy's nose is always runny, Dopey's gags are always funny, Bashful's shy, Doc's bright, Sleepy snoozes day and night, and Grumpy's wound a bit too tight. It's Hi-Ho for The 7D!

The 7D airs on Disney XD, check local listings. And be sure to play with The 7D Mine Train available on the App Store. Hi-Ho!

Let's Do The News! (July 7, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- To commemorate BMW's 1-2 finish at the past Super GT races this year, there's a Japan-exclusive GT Spirit model for the BMW Z4. The livery looks similar to its Super GT equivalent and it's priced at 6.09 million yen.

BMW Z4 sDrive 20i GT Spirit

- Holland's Spyker Cars is still not out in the red yet as reports told that local tax authorities have forced the Dutch carmaker to liquidate some of its assets.

- Typhoon Neoguri (known by Filipinos as Florita), that crossed the PAR yesterday, was blowing with sustained winds of 185kph and its blowing over the Pacific Ocean in the northeastern part of the Philippines, inducing strong rains but too far off for landfall.

- The next generation of iPhone may not due before this Autumn 2014 but there's a report about everything you need to know.

- The annual Pamplona Bull Run in Spain was occurred and thousands of visitors run like hell on the streets of Pamplona while getting chased by bulls.

- Throughout the month of July, the Bar Ginza Panorama Shibuya branch is offering Rail Wars-themed cocktails in honor of the recently-aired TV series. There are cocktails made in honor of Rail Wars female characters such as Aoi Sakurai, Haruka Koumi, and Mari Sasshou.

TTFN!!!