Toyota Alphard and Vellfire G's (G SPORTS)

2013 Toyota Alphard G's

2013 Toyota Alphard G's

This is the latest chapter to Toyota's sports conversion series dubbed as G's or G SPORTS. This is the new Toyota Alphard 350S/240S G's (G SPORTS)...

2013 Toyota Vellfire G's

2013 Toyota Vellfire G's

...and the Toyota Vellfire 3.5Z/2.4Z G's (G SPORTS). What GAZOO Racing did to these two of these...Toyota flagship minivans that most Malaysian idiots love to smuggle one because UMW Toyota Motor has no plans to bring either these two in Malaysia (as it happens, NO, UMW will not bring them here) is simple. They've lowered both the Alphard and Vellfire by about 30mm thanks to its sport-tuned suspension developed specifically by GAZOO Racing. Not just that, they even dress them up with Gazoo Racing-made body kit to make them look sharper and aggressive, then there are sport brakes fitted for increased stopping power.

2013 Toyota Alphard/Vellfire G's interior

2013 Toyota Alphard/Vellfire G's interior

There's more too. The interior's all smothered up with G's peripherals. The instrumental's changed, the seats are embroidered with red stitching while being covered in Alcantara, the engine start button's colored red, and here come the sport pedals. Besides, they still accommodate up to seven people while the 2nd row seats are a fit for royalty. So what they did here is turning a luxury MPV into a bragging machine that deserves a bragging rights to the crowd who owns minivans and showing up to the Daikoku parking area.

Sure, they both come with sports suspension, sports brakes, sport tires courtesy of TOYO TIRES for added grip, 19-inch rims, quad exhausts, and everything G's on it but performance remains the same. You still have a choice of a 2.4L engine mated with a CVT or a 3.5L V6 engine mated with a 6-speed ECT.

As for the pricing, well because the Alphard's available at Toyopet dealerships while the Vellfire's available at Netz dealerships, the Alphard 240S G's and Vellfire 2.4Z G's cost about 4,040,000 Japanese Yen while the Alphard 350S G's and Vellfire 3.5Z G'S costs about 4,420,000 Japanese Yen. They'll both arrive in selected dealerships across Japan this November 2012.

So, there you are. The G's (G SPORTS) versions of the Alphard and Vellfire are made for bragging rights at the parking lots but if you are an Malaysian trying to smuggle one, be warned. As told that UMW Toyota Motor will never EVER bring either the Alphard or Vellfire, don't even think about smuggling one or you could be in big trouble. That's an order.

Out at the park...

Hello world.

It's me again, Leopaul.

Feeling bored while doing absolutely nothing, my mum told me that we should go to the park. One park to be precise; Seward Park (http://www.seattle.gov/parks/environment/seward.htm)

Me, dad, mum, and my sis are having to have some fresh air but there is a problem. Somewhere at the park, there are crooks talking trash while cookinh up barbecue and playing very loud music on their stereos. It was like who are those? And then, I judt caught ip two heavily modified Chevy SUVs with the oversized rims and candy paint, thinking that you are the kind of person who belongs to Seattle's most notorious gangs.

Heh, because of all that crooks and criminals driving souped up cars with huge speakers and hanging out with some beer and snacks, we decided to retreat back home.

How come society often turned out like this?

Speaking of which, my office chair that I have for a few months ago got unexpectedly broken. We had that chair for months as a replacement to a two-year old office chair that went flimsy. I just really don't know how come that chair can easily became so flimsy. Also, the height adjustener's jammmed. A months-old chair feels like the old broken office chair we had. Is it because of my weight that can't keep up with the chair?

Oh my gosh....Something's has to be done...

Welcome Back: 2008 Alfa Romeo MiTo

Alfa Romeo used to have so many models but as of now, Alfa Romeo now only has two models; the MiTo and the Giulietta. Can't believe it's been reduced to a two-model brand but Alfa's future seems to be bright indeed...or is it? Besides, Alfa's future's looking bleak due to the economy right now. In the meantime, how about taking a spin on the MiTo, the baby Alfa?

Cheap and cheerful Alfa

The Alfa Romeo MiTo served as the compact of the Alfa Romeo lineup while it shares the same platform as the Fiat Punto.

The MiTo naming was meant to be a combination of cities Milan and Turin because it was designed in Milan and built in Turin but it can also be derived from the word "mito" meaning "myth" or "legend".

It was the first to come with the new Alfa DNA system which allows the owner to switch between three different modes; Dynamic, Normal, and All-Weather. The Alfa DNA system changes the behavior of the MiTo's engine, brakes, steering, suspension, and gearbox.

When it was first launched in 2008, this car won numerous awards and accolades such as Quattroruote "New Car of the Year", Quattroruote "My favorite cars" in small cars category, Repubblica.it "Most beautiful car of 2008", Survey of automotive press (February ‘09) Poland "Auto lider 2008", "Motor" and "Auto Moto" (February ‘09) Poland "Top cars of 2008", and  "Motor" e "Auto Moto" (February ‘09) Poland "Most beautiful car of 2008".

Richard Hammond drove the Alfa MiTo while Jeremy Clarkson's in a Skoda Roomster and James May's in a Toyota iQ on the Small Cars Challenge from Top Gear Season 13 Episode 3.

Anime Saimoe Tournament 2012 update (September 18, 2012)

So, that wraps up Round 1 of the 2012 Anime Saimoe Tournament. Let's see the remaining few to compete for Round 2...

Group H

September 16, 2012

Mio Akiyama - K-ON - 243
Saki Nagatsuka - Ro-kyu-bu! - 162
Nagi - A-channel - 61

Popura Tanegashima - Working! - 215
Mayaka Ibara - Hyouka - 132
Miu Takanashi - Papa No Iukoto O Kikinasai! - 123

Marika Katou - Bodacious Space Pirates - 206
Minori Kushieda - Toradora! - 135
Yukimura Kusunoki - Boku Wa Tomodachi Ga Sukunai - 103

September 17, 2012

Rika Furude - When They Cry - 237
Ayumi Takahara  -156 - 156
Uta Mihirogi - Saki - 0

Shana - Shakugan no Shana III -FINAL- - 293
Izumi Akazawa - Another - 252
Mizuki Himeji - Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu Ni - 95

Sena Kashiawazaki - Boku Wa Tomodachi Ga Sukunai - 273
Himawari Furutani - Yuru Yuri - 139
Miu Amaha - Mashiroiro Symphony - 0

END OF ROUND 1.

Here's the list of entries advanced to the next round of the 2012 Anime Saimoe Tournament

GROUP A:
Saki Miyanaga
Mahiru Inami
Reika Aoki
Kobato Hasegawa
Illyasviel Von Einzbern
Yuno Gasai
Yuki Kataoka
Koromo Amae
Nako Oshimizu
Miki Hoshii
Remon Yamano
Haruka L. Morishima

GROUP B:
Yuka Hanaki
Kanade Suzutsuki
Akari Akaza
Mei Misaki
Iori Minase
Yozora Mikazuki
Azusa Nakano
Shinobu Oshino
Ran (A-Channel)
Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke
Chris Yukine
Shizuno Takakamo
Ringo Oginome
Kanon Nakagawa
Toki Onjouji

GROUP C:
Hisa Takei
Eila Illmatar Juutilanen
Ui Hirasawa
Cthugha
Yune (Ikoku Meiro no Croisee)
Astarotte Ygvar
Yayoi Kise
Mao Sakurada
Sherlock Shellingford

GROUP D:
Houki Shinonono
Yasuna Oribe
Sana Inui
Kurisu Makise
Chihaya Kisaragi
Louise de la Valliere
Hajime Kunihiro
Makoto Kikuchi
Madoka Kyono
Nagi Sanzenin
Hinata Hakamada
Saber

GROUP E:
Sakuno Uryuu
Sanae Nagatsuki
Charlotte Dunois
Sanya V. Ltvyak
Yuu Matsumi
Kurumi Hazuki
Hibiki Ganaha
Taiga Aisaka
Rin Tohsaka
Yayoi Takatsuki
Yui Hirasawa

GROUP F:
Ryuka Shimizudani
Kanna Tanigawa
Hercule Barton
Seraphim
Eru Chitanda
Haruka Amami
Yui Funami
Kuro Matsumi
Ririchiyo Shirakiin
Kirame Hanada
Nyarlathotep
Miyako

GROUP G:
Momoko Touyoko
Kanzaki H. Aria
Rea Sanka
Nodoka Haramura
Ako Atarashi
Hitagi Senjougahara
Kotori Otonashi
Ai Nanasaki
Ika-Musume
Aoi Yamada
Hina Takahashi
Mael Strom

GROUP H:
Airi Kashii
Nasuna Takahashi
Kuroyukihime (Black Lotus)
Minko Tsurugi
Nano Shinonome
Elsie
Mio Akiyama
Popura Tanegashima
Marika Katou
Rika Furude
Shana
Sena Kashiwazaki

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

Wait? What do you mean THE POWER OF THREE? Don't think we've been invaded by a bunch of small black cubes counting down from five to zero?

Yes. Power of three. The K3 is a fine midsize sedan and I think it looks better than any other midsize sedans worldwide.

Ahem...you know it does look like a copycat of the Renault Samsung SM3, I mean look at these...

2013 Kia K3

2013 Renault Samsung SM3

They really looked exactly the same! From the front and back, they really really looked similar you fat boring middle-aged man!

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Manners, hamster! Manners!

(audience laughing)

Uh...oh all right. I have to watch my manners, but still this Kia K3 is a rubbish idea from the Koreans, don't forget that.

(audience laughing)

Hmph...

Right, the news and that really bothers me every time during the Doctor Who opening sequence. It seems that in Season 7, the Doctor Who logo's texture is changing and it seems that it varies by episodes.

Take a look at this...

That's the Doctor Who logo when Series 7 began and look at those circular stuff all over the logo, reflecting to the Asylum of the Daleks episode...

...and this is the Doctor Who logo when Dinosaurs on a Spaceship began and you can see, the logo's all smothered in a bit more dinosaur-ish texture, reflecting to that episode.

(ooohhh)

Oh...I see that beginning Season 7, the logo's covered in different texture, reflecting on the episode...

Last week, the Doctor Who logo became like this...

..it's a bit more wooden texture with some bullet shots on it, reflecting to last week's episode called A TOWN CALLED MERCY.

Whoa!

It seems that the texture of the Doctor Who logo changes everytime per episode.

So...what texture's going to be on THE POWER OF THREE? Do you think the logo's all smothered in black, reflecting to the black cubes falling down in the sky?

Uh...that I don't really really know...

(audience laughing)

We'll find that out on BBC One this Saturday, shall we?

Yeah, we'll find that out on BBC One, BBC One HD, BBC America, Space, and ABC Australia....oh and speaking of the bullet hole, I find that the bullet hole on the stetson during that last week's episode, does it sound familiar to you? Let's recall that scene...

_________________________________________________________________________________

The Doctor: Ah, well, he wasn't a very good shot then.

Isaac: He was aiming for the hat

The Doctor: He shoots people's hats?

Amy: I think it was a warning shot.

The Doctor: Ha? No. Yes. I see. Hmmm.

_________________________________________________________________________________

HE SHOOTS PEOPLE'S HATS?!

(audience laughing)

Don't you think it was someone who shot the fez from the Season 5 finale and a stetson on the Season 6 opener?

(audience laughing)

Never mind, but here's a top tip: If your friend says that you have a nice hat, don't say that your hat you're wearing, like a fez or a stetson, is cool, otherwise, someone's going to shoot your hat unexpectedly...

(audience laughing)

Yeah, watch out for that. He he he...

Okay, let's leave the stetson behind us and moving on because...Anyone remembered a Korean drama titled Dae Jang Geum (Jewel in the Palace)? I'm sure most people saw that Korean drama years ago. Anyway, we just picked up that Manwha Broadcasting Corporation, the station behind Dae Jang Geum, is making a sequel to that drama next year.

(ooohh)

Scoop: http://www.allkpop.com/2012/09/mbc-to-produce-jewel-in-the-palace-sequel-next-year

Really? They're making a sequel of Jewel in the Palace? Wow! I was amazed to hear that. I wonder what could this be...

Uh, Capt. Slow, I'm afraid you have to wait till next year to find that out what it is...

(audience laughing)

Anyway, China, I'm sure everyone around the world might have heard about Japan buying some parts of the Senkaku Islands and then most Chinese sparked fury and enraged to start anti-Japan protests. I think that the Senkaku Islands dispute is somewhat China vs. Japan, much like us, Philippines vs. China over Scarborough Shoal.

So, the case about Japan vs. China over an island is much more similar to us? Hmmm...can't believe the Philippines and Japan do have in common, they're fighting against China for control over the island. Sure, the Chinese are protesting against Japan because of the Senkaku Islands dispute. But what's the next step for the protestants in China? Boycott Japanese goods?

I believe yes. But would the Japanese boycott the Chinese? Oh wait! No Chinese products sold in Japan!

Ahem...Made in China stuff...

(audience laughing)

Anyway, while leaving on the subject of Japan vs. China over Senkaku Islands, do you have something to share about? How about you hamster?

Me? I went to California's Great America, which is a theme park in San Francisco, California. Yesterday, ABS-CBN stormed through the Great America theme park for this year's ONE KAPAMILYA GO. On that venue, the stars of the critically-acclaimed TV drama, WALANG HANGGAN, were there ranging from the good guys such as Coco Martin, Julia Montes, Richard Gomez, and Dawn Zulueta and the bad guys such as Paulo Avelino, Melissa Ricks, and Joem Bascon. Those fans were really thrilled to see their favorite Walang Hanggan stars invaded California's Great America for some...well you know fun. Also on that venue, Slater Young was there and also comedian Pokwang (who was Lady G from TODA MAX) as well. They even had auditions for an upcoming reality show titled The Voice of the Philippines, which is a Pinoy version of the worldwide talent show titled The Voice.

Were you there?

Uh...no...

(audience laughing)

The auditions, no but on the main event with the Walang Hanggan stars, yes.

Oh. I see...

And that's my story...

Thank you hamster, for your interesting story at California's Great America. Anyway...

HEY! GREAT NEWS!!!!

(audience laughing)

WHAT?

DACIA LAUNCHED THE NEW VERSION OF THE LOGAN AND SANDERO!!!

2013 Dacia Logan 2

2013 Dacia Sandero 2

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/09/first-photos-of-2013-dacia-sandero-2.html

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/09/new-dacia-logan-series-2-sedan-breaks.html

EXCELLENT!

(audience laughing)

(applause)

Anyway, last week, we heard that The President of the Philippines signed the Cybercrime Prevention Act as a law and it seems that this law has devastating results. Although this Cybercrime Prevention Act is served to fight against different kinds of cybercrime, especially piracy, but that worried me about limiting the expression of free speech.

Huh?

Yeah. Oh, and there's the worse part of it. This law is made to up against libel or infamy. With this, politicians can easily file charges against ‘hostile and combative’ critics and witnesses by claiming that virtual protesters have threatened their life and property, according to Kabataan Rep. Raymond Palatino.

Scoop: http://www.interaksyon.com/infotech/new-cybercrime-law-could-lead-to-warrantless-takedowns-of-websites-privacy-violations

Yeah, that seems to be scary.

Uh-huh. Who knows? They're going to take us down if they see the error of our ways...

(audience laughing)

...and on that bombshell, that's the news.

Kia K3

2013 Kia K3

THE VALUABLE 3

This is the very latest global mid-size compact sedan from Kia, the K3. Astonishing, isn't it? And that's not something you can say about many of its efforts from the last few years. The Sephia (1992-2000) for instance kinda feels like a Toyota Corolla but with a bit too Korean hallyu on it. At some point, I think that South Korea in the 1990's brought out odd advertising on cars, that's for sure. The Spectra (2000-2003) is one of my favorite mid-sized Kias probably back in 2002, Korean actress Jang Na-Ra even endorses it. However, the interior kinda feels like a 1995 Mitsubishi Lancer (the one with the pizza-shaped rear lamps on it), I'm still not satisfied with it. The Cerato (2003-2008) is a bit blur, it's a bit confusing, and it's a bit too...misleading. Lastly, the Forte (2008-2012) seems to be striking the right note probably because of the birth of the new Tiger Nose, designed by Peter Schreyer, that adorned most Kia models from the present and the future, but sadly, it's a bit too obvious, too weird, and undeniably boring. No wonder the slogan for the Forte "Luxury 1.6" is too misleading, thinking that this mid-size car has the comfort of a luxury car.

2013 Kia K3

This one though, it's just right. Although it may look like a Renault Samsung SM3 because the exterior kinda looks like the SM3 but it seems that Kia finally manages to balance it out the combination of compact and luxury in this package. It's compact meets luxury with a bit of Oppa Gangnam Style on it. Also, it has a Gamma 1.6L Direct Injected (GDi) engine from the Hyundai Avante MD, which produces about 140PS of power, 17kg-m of torque, and fuel economy ranging from 14.0km/L to 16.7km/L, all mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Sadly, I don't think I'm going to accept the one with the paddle shifters on it because they don't work normally. Also, they even fitted with Active Eco Assist and Idle Stop & Go which doesn't make any sense at all, although Kia says these will help with the fuel consumption but really?

2013 Kia K3

And then, the Kia K3 is the first ever Kia to be fitted to the one first seen on the new Hyundai i30, which is called the Flex Steer. The default setting is NORMAL but when I set it to COMFORT, it feels more comfortable, like a luxury car. Ideal if I am driving on normal roads and city streets but when I set it to SPORT, the K3 is getting more responsive in the handling department and it gets more agile, more precise and with a bit more feel. COMFORT, NORMAL, and SPORT, these are three modes that came from the i30-derived FLEX STEER.

2013 Kia K3 interior

On the inside, the K3 is even more better than the previous Kia midsize sedans of yesteryears and most of the Kia peripherals of the other Kia K-sedans were there such as this instrumental cluster with high visibility, heated steering wheel, an optional DMB navigation, and some other stuff that made the K3's interior more luxurious. Sounds intriguing and then this is just another Kia that comes with the Kia UVO telematics system, first applied on the Kia K9 flagship sedan. Much like Hyundai's BlueLink first applied on the new Santa Fe, it allows the user to use the smartphone as a carkey to start the engine, open or close doors, and it can ever monitor your car. Imagine if someone stole your K3 unexpectedly, it seems that all hope is not lost because thanks to UVO, you can monitor where your K3's going and for the fun of it...immobilizer so the carnapper won't think that it's slowing down and then it stopped, confusing the carnapper to get away and then get hammered by the cops. Sounds juicy, but does it worth it? I believe not because it's just an option to have Uvo on your Kia K3.

To sum up then, the Kia K3 is one ambitious but rubbish new age global midsize sedan from Kia and this Korean car is promised to sweep the world market with its sense of Hallyu (Korean wave) but when exported globally, it would either be called a Cerato or a Forte or whatever you may want to call it. Sadly though, the new K3 will not come in Europe, where the cee-apostrophe-d takes place. This car is all about THE POWER OF THREE and I do believe this is more better looking than the Avante MD and this is a proper midsize sedan I really like.

AVAILABLE COLORS: Aurora Black Pearl, Snow White Pearl, Bright Silver, Glittering Metal, Golden Beat, Temptation Red, Planet Blue, and Abyss Blue.

PRICE LIST (at South Korean Won/KRW):

K3 1.6 GDI 디럭스 M/T - ₩13,450,000

K3 1.6 GDI 디럭스 A/T - ₩14,920,000

K3 1.6 GDI 럭셔리 A/T - ₩16,770,000

K3 1.6 GDI 프레스티지 A/T - ₩18,410,000

K3 1.6 GDI 노블레스 - ₩19,390,000

K3 1.6 GDI 럭셔리 ECO PLUS A/T - ₩17,880,000

Photo: Kia Motors

Two hard-working Chevys for the hard-working

Two hard-working Chevys for the hard-working petrolheads

Really, about a couple of weeks ago, I got a Chevrolet Nova SS 396 for a test drive on Car Town and I spend several days (well, a 1 week limit for a test drive, get enough wins to keep it) to get enough wins to keep the Nova SS 396. Then, earlier, I won the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette C1, which is the first ever Corvette, on a weekly challenge to see how much points I racked up on a drag race (win or lose, it doesn't matter). I got over the 1,250,000 point mark to achieve the weekly challenge prize.

These were the Chevys I worked so hard to get it on Car Town but I really wonder what is like to take a spin on these two classic Chevys. So I have to play Forza Motorsport 4 to see what is like to be on the 1953 Corvette and the Nova SS 396...

The genesis of the Corvettes

1953 Chevrolet Corvette (C1):

The first generation Chevrolet Corvette was debuted in 1963 and it was truly a successful car that captures the essence of the 1957 Stingray Racer that shook the world with its futuristic design.

By the time it was debuted in 1953, about 300 units were built, making it one of the lowest-volume Corvettes on that generation. Most models do come with Polo White exterior color with red interiors, and black canvas soft tops. The order guides showed that both the heaters and AM radios are optional features which most 1953 models have both. The price to build a Corvette in 1953 was $3490.

In December 1953, Chevrolet opened a St. Louis plant to produce ten thousand Corvettes annually but negative customer comments led sales to plummet, probbably because of its problems such as the quality of the fiberglass body, water leaks, and doors that could open while running.

Nova SS 396 - setting the standards for the Chevy muscles

1969 Chevrolet Nova SS 396:

Chevrolet redesigned the Nova for the 1967 model year while retaining its tamed design. Only this time, it uses the same platform as the Chevrolet Camaro so it can fit big block engines. If that wasn't enough, they even introduced the SS 396 model, which features a 396-cid V8 engine, in 1968 and this produces 350BHP of power.

Car and Driver reported the Nova SS 396 as the "junior Chevy with the senior engine" and it was an instantly recognized and feared street cleaner that most should have expected but as wild as it at hoped. 

My verdict:

The classic Corvette C1 wasn't really a bad car to drive. Sure, it may be a slow start when it was first debuted in 1953 but when I drove this first Corvette, it doesn't really want to mess me up, not unlike the present Corvettes of today that always loves an assault to the driver. This one's a bit a goodie. Despite that the one I have has a two-speed transmission, it's always a great car if you want to go out cruising on the fantastic mountain roads. It is as romantic as taking your date at a drive-in theater.

The Nova SS 396 though, that is a very tricky muscle car to get off the line. It maybe a muscle car that works well on straight lines but because of my iffy gear changes, it's a bit nasty to master the Nova SS 396. I need more time to master it and yes, I REALLY DID NEED MORE because when it comes to handling, I really have to be careful or else I would mess this up. Despite everything, the Nova SS 396 really is the fruit of my labor. I wonder if there are loyalists to this Nova SS 396?

Anyway, let's find out which of these fruits of my labor is faster round the Top Gear Test Track and of course, handing them over by a tamed racing driver...

The 1953 Corvette C1 did it in 1:42.791 while the 1969 Chevrolet Nova SS 396 did it in 1:34.016 so I guess these fruits of my labor really worked hard for me. REALLY REALLY worked hard to win my heart. American iron always roars back!