2022 Repco Supercars Championship - Pizza Hut Winton SuperSprint

Winton's the next stop for the 2022 Repco Supercars Championship with the Pizza Hut Winton SuperSprint event. where the clash between Shane Van Gisbergen and Cam Waters became the trending topic of this race weekend.

Screengrab from Supercars

In the first race of the Winton SuperSprint, Cam Waters thwarted Shane Van Gisbergen's pole-to-win attempt. In the second race, meanwhile, it's revenge time for SVG as he overtook Waters on the road to victory lane. In the final race, it's two-out-of-three race wins for Waters over the course of this race weekend.

After Winton, SVG remains in the lead with 1378 points while Anton De Pasquale remains 2nd with 1095 points, and Cameron Waters is in third place with 1043 points.

The next event will be the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown this June 17-19.

2022 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship - TYPE S Scorched presented by Auto Zone

The Orlando Speed World comes alive with the world's best drifting professionals clashing each other with the TYPE S Scorched event, the third leg of the 2022 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship. Despite the name of the event, the rainy weather occurred but that hasn't stopped them from delivering the best drifting duels speedo boys can't get enough of.

Screengrab from Formula Drift

The #129 BMW driver Dylan Hughes and Chris Forsberg, who drives the new Nissan Z drift car, managed to survive their way to the finals and they faced each other in a soaked-up Orlando battleground for the finals. The two drivers struggle to drift their way through the wet course but they barely made it.

In the end, the judges have spoken. Dylan Hughes wins the TYPE S Scorched presented by Auto Zone.

After Orlando, Fredric Aasbo, who finished 3rd in this event, remains in the lead with 264 points while Matt Field's in 2nd place with 255 points and Chris Forsberg is in 3rd place with 249 points.

The next event will be The Gauntlet in Englishtown, New Jersey, this June 9-11.

#BGChillaxKaLang

In the May 20, 2022 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Nalulunod for hire

- The denial type of guy

- Pak Pak Shorts

- What Is The Meaning of This?

- The birthday girl

- Istambay Sa Looban

- Hula Who

Let's Do The News! (May 21, 2022)

    

Your daily round-up of today's news:

- US President Joe Biden met his new South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk-Yeol in Seoul where they are expected to discuss nuclear cooperation under threat from North Korea.

- North Korea reported over 200,000 new COVID cases and one death for the fifth consecutive day.

- Finland's state-owned gas operator has confirmed that Russia has cut off the supply to the country. 

- A US judge has blocked plans by the Biden administration to lift Trump-era health restrictions, allowing the expulsion of migrants at the border with Mexico without the chance to gain asylum.

- Voting for the Australian general election is underway with the Labour Party hoping to end nine years of Conservative rule.

-  Rolls-Royce unveiled their newest Boat Tail coachbuilt vehicle with only three ever made.

Rolls-Royce Boat Tail

- Disney's High School Musical The Musical The Series has been renewed for the fourth season. The third season will premiere on the Disney+ streaming service this July.

- Disney's Zombies 3 movie will star RuPaul as the voice of the Mothership. It will premiere on the Disney+ streaming service this July 15 and a Lost Song version will air on Disney Channel this August 12.

- Power Rangers actor Austin St. John has been charged on suspicion of fraud related to COVID loans. The Red Ranger actor pleaded not guilty to the charges.

- Famed music composer Vangelis passed away at the age of 79. Vangelis is known for his award-winning BGM works in movies like Chariots of Fire, Blade Runner, Missing, and Alexander.

- Veteran actress Susan Roces passed away at the age of 80.

TTFN.

My GT7 Log: Ferrari's V8 Tribute

The 458 Italia is by no means one of the greatest V8-powered masterpieces crafted by Ferrari. With the perfect balance of style and performance, it's no wonder the 458 Italia is the ultimate tour de force Ferrari has ever made. Even the opposition couldn't keep up against its charms.

Fast forward to a decade later, the 458 has grown up into the ultimate V8 masterpiece Ferrari has ever made; the F8 Tributo.

So, what's it all about the Ferrari F8 Tributo, you may ask?

The F8 Tributo says it all. It is a fitting tribute to all of the greatest V8-powered Ferraris in history from the 308 to the 488. For starters, the F8 retains the same 720PS 3.9L V8 Twin Turbo engine from the hardcore 488 Pista so with the F1-style double-clutch gearbox in place, it goes from 0-100kph in less than 3 seconds and onwards to 340kph. Apart from that, the F8 is lighter and more aerodynamically efficient compared to the 488 GTB it replaces and it's armed with a cutting range of tech such as the improved Side Slip Angle Control and the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer Plus, among many other improvements from its predecessor. It managed to shed 0.5 seconds from the Pista when it went around the Fiorano.

While downright beautiful to look at compared to the 458, except for the rearview that was stolen unashamedly from the Lotus Exige, the F8 drives like a race car because of its Scuderia Ferrari know-how implied in this ultimate V8-powered Ferrari. Give it a twirl and it sure loves to handle through the corners like a racing machine. Come to think of it, I'm already familiar with the way the F8 Tributo moves but still, this is GT7 and you're fine to introduce or re-introduce yourself to the F8 Tributo any time you want because when you give it a go, it will soon become your favorite Ferrari to drive in the game.

Speaking of which, let's find out how much Ferrari went through the years from the making of the 458 to the F8 Tributo, and with that, I went to Bathurst to conduct this serious experiment.

With Bathurst as its main testbed for the two V8-powered Ferraris, it's time to proceed with the experiment. Roll the tape!

After a quick lap around Bathurst, here are the results;

458 - 2m26.931s

F8 - 2m22.751s

It took nearly four seconds to evolve from the 458 to the F8! Kudos to Ferrari!

As the world shifts from the time proper ICE-powered vehicles becoming a thing of the past and electrification's the new normal, it's best to say that the F8 Tributo is becoming one of the all-time greats as it becomes the ultimate ICE-powered Ferrari ever built, although that designation belongs to its V12-powered big brother, it is still this is the ultimate V8-powered Ferrari ever built, no questions asked.

It's been an honor to drive the F8 Tributo in GT7. This is by no means the ultimate V8-powered Ferrari masterpiece, a tribute to the best V8-powered Ferraris in history. As the world shifts to the new normal, it will soon become an instant classic.

Nissan Sakura

Back in the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan showcased their iMK Concept, which previews an electric kei car fit for production. Nissan fulfilled the iMK Concept's promise for a production model and christened it as...oh no...Nissan named their first-ever electric kei car after a popular anime magical girl character and that name will make everyone sing the beginning of the "Groovy" song.

2023 Nissan Sakura

Yes, the greatest fear has been confirmed. Nissan christened their first kei EV car as S-A-K-U-R-A. Sakura! Get it? It's called the Nissan Sakura and it starts at 2,399,100 Japanese Yen plus additional costs. It's a real shocker why Nissan named this car after a popular anime magical girl from the late 90s but whatever the reason, those who have past traumas over that name should persuade their families not to buy this car and instead go for the Mitsubishi eK X EV, judging from the fact that the Nissan Sakura is basically a Mitsubishi eK X EV underneath. Good luck stopping your family and friends from getting Little Miss Sakura because they're willing to buy it and humiliate you for all eternity. Cue the Groovy song.

2023 Nissan Sakura

The Sakura's styling is heavily inspired by the iMK Concept as seen at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, fulfilling the concept's promise of a production model. Although it's as small as the Dayz, the Sakura incorporates Nissan's new styling direction debuted from the Ariya SUV, meaning from every angle, it's truly a Nissan. No explanations are needed.

2023 Nissan Sakura interior

The Sakura's interior mimics the layout from the Ariya as well while the shift knob and the climate control are almost identical to the Mitsubishi eK X EV's, which is of course the Sakura's based from. In terms of creature comforts, the Sakura can fit up to four people and its boot space is best-in-class as Nissan claims, making it a dependable partner for all walks of life.

2023 Nissan Sakura

The Sakura is powered by an MM48 electric motor and a 20 kWh li-ion battery pack that powers its front wheels, generating 47kW of power output, 195Nm of torque output, and has a driving range of 180km in one full charge based on WLTC Mode standards. Apart from its electric drivetrain fit for city use, the Sakura has Rack & Pinion power steering, front strut suspension, rear torque arm 3-link suspension, front ventilated disc brakes, and rear Reading Trailing Drum brakes. For a kei electric car that weighs over a ton, it's still usable and easy to drive as expected.

In addition to the Leaf-inspired e-Pedal Step feature that allows users to drive and stop using one pedal, the Sakura features ProPilot advanced driving aids, ProPilot Parking, and 360° Safety Assist. These cutting-edge safety features are proof that Little Miss Sakura's ready to go home safe and sound for all of her loyalists to see.

With Little Miss Sakura arriving in Sakura New Town, looks like her fans are ready to place orders on her right away because, as expected, this is Sakura! What more do you want to ask about the electric car that was named after the anime character from the late 90s?! After all, those who have childhood traumas about Sakura should better turn away and buy its Mitsubishi eK X EV instead, which is slightly cheaper than the Sakura. Sadly no matter how hard you tried, the choice is clear. They will get the Sakura and sing the Groovy song non-stop.

Welcome to Sakura New Town! Oh, wait, wrong anime.

Available colors: Blossom Pink/Black, Sorbet Blue/Titanium Gray, Akatsuki Sunrise Copper/Black, White Pearl/Titanium Gray, Sparkling Red/Black, Titanium Grey/Black, Frozen Vanilla Pearl/Black, Sorbet Blue/Black, White Pearl/Black, Black, Sterling Silver, Sparkling Red, Ash Brown, Sorbet Blue, and White Pearl.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Mitsubishi eK X EV

Over a decade ago, Mitsubishi Motors jumped to the electric car revival with the i-MiEV. Fast forward to the year 2022, Mitsubishi Motors is back in the electric car business with the first-ever eK X EV.

2023 Mitsubishi eK X EV

What is the Mitsubishi eK X EV? Priced at 2.398M Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the first-ever eK X EV is more of an electrified version of the Mitsubishi eK X (pronounced cross) Kei car currently on sale, but don't let its familiar looks fool you because the eK X EV is a totally different breed compared to its ICE-powered equivalent.

2023 Mitsubishi eK X EV interior

The first tip goes to its interior because the electrified eK X's dashboard is surprisingly different from its ICE-powered equivalent. The sat-nav, for instance, looks like it was sourced from Nissan while the shift knob and the climate control feature a completely new design compared to the normal eK X. Despite the altered dashboard, the eK X EV can still accommodate up to four people and despite being slightly shorter compared to the normal eK X, it's still roomy as well.

2023 Mitsubishi eK X EV

As a kei electric car that fits well on Japan's narrow roads, the eK X EV is powered by an MM48 electric motor and a 20 kWh li-ion battery pack that powers its front wheels, generating 47kW of power output, 195Nm of torque output, and has a driving range of 180km in one full charge based on WLTC Mode standards. Although not fit for long weekend trips from your home to granny's old home, the eK X EV's electric powertrain has some purpose for city car use.

Weighing over a ton, the eK X EV is still a usable compact car fit for city use courtesy of its Rack & Pinion power steering, front strut suspension, rear torque arm 3-link suspension, front ventilated disc brakes, and rear Reading Trailing Drum brakes. Although not an exciting car to drive, it feels very easy to live with.

With safety as its top priority, the eK X EV features MI-PILOT semi-autonomous tech as well as an e-assist suite of safety features for the safest driving experience fit for a kei electric car.

The first-ever eK X EV wants to become the true successor of the now-legendary Mitsubishi i-MIEV, the kei electric car that spearheaded the electric car revival alongside the Nissan Leaf. The main question is, does this kei electric car got what it takes to follow the footsteps of the i-MiEV? Only time will tell but because the eK X EV is fit for Japan's new normal, looks like it's ready, like it or not.

Available colors: Mist Blue Pearl, Olive Green Metallic, Natural Ivory Metallic, Red Metallic, Black Mica, Mist Blue Pearl/Copper Metallic, White Pearl/Black Mica, Red Metallic/Black Mica, Natural Ivory Metallic/Copper Metallic, and Oak Brown Metallic/Natural Ivory Metallic.

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation