What's in our Car Town garage today? (February 1, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

1994 Toyota MR2

Japan's first mass produced mid-engine sports car, the Toyota MR2, underwent a full-model change in 1989, and because it has resemblance to the expensive berlinetta, it referred to as "Poor Man's Ferrari" but there's more to it than that because this MR2 comes with the turbocharged 2.0L engine generating 241HP of power and 224.2ft-lb of torque. It's still admired by enthusiasts of all kinds in the underground tuning scene.

1994 Toyota MR2

2000 Toyota Celica

The Celica in question is the seventh and final installment of Toyota's budget sportscar when it was launched in Japan since the fall of 1999. Moments after Toyota left the WRC for good, the seventh Celica struggles to reflect the sportscars of yesteryears while still delivering cutting-edge technology. Designed by Americans and built in Japan, the new Celica has the best of both worlds and it's offered with a small 1.8L engine delivering decent power while mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

2000 Toyota Celica

2010 Toyota Tundra

The American-built Toyota Tundra was specifically designed to compete with the likes of the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram 1500, and the Chevrolet Silverado. While it was made to do the work for those who are dealing with businesses big or small, it also doubles as an everyday car. You can use it to fetch kids at school, store your bought groceries at the rear, and the perfect road trip buddy if you have mates around you.

2010 Toyota Tundra

1959 Chevrolet El Camino

General Motors brought the Australian "ute" inspiration on American soil, moments after the Ford Ranchero was released and in response, they made the El Camino, which combines the utility of a pickup truck and the fun to drive characteristics of a sports car. El Camino is Spanish for "the road", making it the perfect choice for this "ute" to drive for the road ahead. While it has some underpinnings from its relatives like the Biscayne, the El Camino comes with three engine variations including a more powerful 5.7L V8 engine.

1959 Chevrolet El Camino

1980 VW Thing

What is The Thing? Nope, not that orange Hulk wannabe from Fantastic Four, it's VW's Thing. Originally made for the German army, this military vehicle has been sold to the general public as the Kurierwagen in the country where it was made and has some of the major components from the People's Car, the VW Beetle. This peculiar vehicle lasted until production ended in the early 80's.

1980 VW Thing

2010 Opel Corsa

Utilized in the platform co-developed with Fiat, the Corsa is a European compact hatchback targeted for Europeans who are a bit busy on their hectic schedules. While you may consider this the middle child of the Opel lineup, it still behaves like an upper-class workout thanks to its fuel-efficiency on par in its class and its fun-to-drive characteristics.

2010 Opel Corsa

Let's Do The News! (February 1, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- Some Californians are installing artificial lawn due to statewide drought.

- Bruno Mars to perform at the Super Bowl 48's Halftime Show

- A New Yorker pleads guilty for the smuggling of 40,000 pirahnas in the US at a year's time.

- US accuses Syria for the delay of the chemical arms handover.

- Despite reports regarding terror threats in Sochi, Russia, in time for the 2014 Winter Olympics, US President Obama said that it's safe to go to Sochi, if everyone wishes to visit for the winter sporting event.

- NBC cancels the comedy series "Sean Saves The World" after its unsuccessful first season. This comedy series aired on NBC since Autumn last year.

- Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville will be the first STAR IN A REASONABLY PRICED CAR in the 21st Season of BBC Top Gear.

TTFN!!!

"Your Love. Their Future."

On the January 31, 2014's episode of Bubble Gang...

- Feng Shui gags

- An interview with a First Aid expert...

- A lady's making a hassle at the bank...even at times of robbery...

- Life lessons we learned from Tata Lino

- Bubble Gang does Nido 3+ by spoofing this commercial as MEDO 3+! Your Love. Their Future.

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...photography!

- Mr. Assimo vs. Feng Shui!

- Ang Bagong Dating Doon answers questions and also discussing more wrong terms.

- Istambay, Istambay sa Looban, Ang kwento ni Subas ay pakinggan, lahat ng tao ay inuutangan, madalas laway lang ang...PUHUNAN!!!

- You're listening to Samut-saring Drama with Papa Pogi.

Let's Do The News! (January 31, 2014)

What we learned today...

- IT'S THE NEW NISSAN LATIO!*

*Sort of. The facelifted model of the Nissan Latio N17 (sold in other countries as the Versa, Almera, and the Sunny) is sold in Thailand recently with the new face as seen from the Nissan Teana L33 as well as the refined interior. It went on sale earlier at a starting price of 433,000 Baht but when will the latest minor change hit Japan?

Report: http://indianautosblog.com/2014/01/nissan-sunny-facelift-launched-in-thailand-114483

- BBC planning a male-oriented channel

Looks like all hands on deck for the BBC because the British TV conglomerate plans for a male-oriented TV channel called BBC Brit. Doesn't say that much but by the time the Beeb launched this new male-focused channel for real men, its maiden broadcast kicks off with BBC's Top Gear following with the reality show titled Dragon's Den.

Report: http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/30/top-gear-spearhead-new-bbc-male-oriented-global-channels/

- V-Class

2015 Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Think of the new V-Class as Germany's answer to luxury MPVs such as the Chrysler Town and Country, Toyota Alphard, and Nissan Elgrand. This brand new model (replacing both the Viano and Vito) combines luxury and convenience all in one unique package. The only engine available is a 2.1L diesel engine with three different configurations mated to a 7G-Tronic.

Report: http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/new-mercedes-benz-v-class-revealed-2014-01-31

- Subaru to reveal sixth-gen Legacy on Chicago

2015 Subaru Legacy teaser

This February's Chicago Auto Show 2014, Subaru will reveal the sixth-generation Legacy (in sedan trim) to the general public. There are some suspecting rumors that for this new generation, the Touring Wagon (as seen in all generations) will not be added because of the Levorg. So, what would it look like upon its regeneration?

- 6-speed manual for Mazda Axela 2.0 petrol variants

Mazda announced a new variant for the third-generation Mazda Axela and this time, the SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine is mated to a SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed gearbox! On sale this April 2014 (to coincide with Japan's 8% vehicle consumption tax), it's all about being a driver-focused Axela thanks to the added power and the freedom to drive. However, it's available only in Sport hatchback model and it costs from 2,268,000 to 2,505,600 Japanese Yen.

Report: http://autoc-one.jp/news/1644889/

- Tommykaira ZZ reboot

New Tommykaira ZZ

A small company called GLM (Green Lord Motors) gave a reboot to one of our favorite Gran Turismo cars, the Tommykaira ZZ, and for the newest reboot of the 21st century, the new Tommykaira ZZ is what you can refer to it as Japan's answer to the deceased Tesla Roadster. The electric motor generates an astonishing 305PS of power output and 415Nm of torque output. Because it weighs around 850kg, the 0-60mph time is 3.9 seconds. Only 99 units will be made, each costing an eye-watering 8,000,000 Yen or around 79,000 US Dollars.

Report: http://autoc-one.jp/tommykaira/zz/launch-1644023/

URL: http://tommykairazz.com/

Renault discontinues Fluence ZE

Following the bankruptcy of Israel's BETTER PLACE, Renault sadly announced the discontinuation of the Renault Fluence ZE electric midsize saloon. It's Korean equivalent, the Samsung SM3 ZE, will live on because of the South Korean government's support for electric cars.

Report: http://www.carscoops.com/2014/01/renault-reportedly-pulls-plug-on.html

TTFN and Happy Chinese New Year!

Sofia the First: Songs From Enchancia

Sofia The First: Songs from Enchancia

Last 2013, Disney Junior sees a welcome to the new girl in crown, Sofia the First. Over the course of this latest series, toddlers see little princess Sofia in the adventure of her lifetime as she try to adjust herself to her new royal family. Whether if its trolls, mermaids, flying carpet, Royal Prep, surprise appearances from Disney princesses, and so much more. This new Disney Junior series truly deserve the royalty little girls loved for.

Anyone who has the official soundtrack to the series waited no more as the second volume is now here. Songs from Enchancia sees the addition of 15 brand new songs from the hit TV series. Whether if its befriending a little witch, confronting against the wicked Miss Nettle, a big adventure with Aunt Tilly, Baileywick's Day Off, taming a wild carpet with Princess Jasmine, discover the Floating Palace with Ariel from The Little Mermaid, undo the curse with Belle from Beauty and the Beast, these new 15 songs (with the addition of those from episodes like Two to Tangu, The Amulet and The Anthem, and the TV special titled The Floating Palace) are sure enough to have the little girls' ears getting hooked for more of Sofia the First.

TRACK LISTINGS:

1) Sisters and Brothers

2) Merroway Cove

3) The Love We Share

4) Bigger Is Better

5) (You Can Always) Count On Baileywick

6) Make It Right

7) Good Little Witch (Ballad)

8) Good Little Witch

9) The Ride of Your Lives

10) A Recipe for Adventure

11) Bring My Best Friend Back

12) The Simple Life

13) Make Way for Miss Nettle

14) Enchancia

15) Be Who You Wanna Be

Sherlock Series 3 OST

Sherlock Series 3 OST

The third season of BBC's phenomenal modern day crime drama based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, SHERLOCK, finally answered the question on how did Sherlock Holmes (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) cheat death at the end of the second season but that's just the start because after revelations about his fake death, Holmes and Dr. John Watson (played by Martin Freeman) teamed up once again as they race against time to stop a bomb before blowing up the British Parliament, saving John Watson's wedding by no means necessary, figuring out who is Magnussen in His Last Vow, and the end of the third season sees the return of a familiar face. Who could that be? Some say, like Sherlock, he just don't fear death.

Now, there's an original soundtrack based on the third season of the hit TV series and it covers most of the BGM's heard in The Empty Hearse, The Sign of Three, and His Last Vow. Like the previous two seasons, David Arnold and Michael Price really did a one-two punch on creating memorable background musics as heard in the series and hey, these BGMs do match the suspense, the thrills, the wits, and the humor occurred over the course of this series. There are 23 tracks offered in this CD.

If you're in the UK, you can buy one now but if you're in the US, you have to wait until this Spring but who cares, this is a must have if you wish to complete the BBC Sherlock soundtrack collection.

TRACK LISTINGS:
1) How It was Done
2) God Rest His Soul
3) Floating Dust
4) #SherlockLives
5) Back To Work
6) Vanishing Underground
7) John is Quite a Guy
8) Lazarus
9) Lestrade - The Movie
10) To Battle
11) Stag Night
12) Mayfly Man
13) Major Sholto
14) Waltz for John and Mary
15) Magnussen
16) Forwards of Backwards
17) Redbeard
18) To Lie in Leinster Gardens
19) Addicted to a Certain Lifestyle
20) The Problems of Your Future
21) Appledore
22) The East Wind
23) End Titles

What's in our Car Town garage today? (January 31, 2014)

What's in our Car Town garage today?

1973 Toyota Celica Liftback

While many refer to this JDM classic as a "Japanese Mustang", probably because of the liftback looks that reminiscent of the classic Mustang Liftback, the Celica Liftback is just one of the many reasons how does the Celica story began. Of course, this model is based on the first-generation model, the one that started the Celica chapter.

1973 Toyota Celica Liftback

1967 BMW 2000 CS

Since BMW stopped making the Bertone-designed 3200 CS in 1965, they made this bespoke luxury coupe that succeeds where the 3200 CS left off, only this time as the name implies, it was powered by a 2.0L engine derived from the M10 engine. For the 2000 CS model, the 2.0L engine develops 120HP of power output thanks to the added dual carburetors while mated with a 4-speed manual gearbox.

1967 BMW 2000 CS

1966 Pontiac Bonneville

Made from the days when General Motors' Pontiac brand axed the Tri Power engines for corporate reasons, the fourth-generation models see a hike in the engine displacement and for this one, you can expect a big, bulky, 7.0L V8 engine developing 390HP of power output. This model uses GM's B platform, which at its time, it was the fourth best selling platform in history.

1966 Pontiac Bonneville