My FH5 Log: Ferrari de Mayo (Part 5)

The Series 7 update in Forza Horizon 5 celebrates Ferrari taking over the entire series playlists in time for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Here is the last one in the Ferrari de Mayo takeover in FH5; the ultimate V8 midship Ferrari ever made. It's called the F8 and it's yours to drive after hitting the 20-point mark on the Hot Season Playlist. What a way to wrap up the Ferrari takeover.

Since the F8 Tributo is new to Forza, how about a little introduction first, shall we? Served as the replacement for the 488 GTB, the F8 Tributo is the ultimate midship V8-powered Ferrari ever built; a fitting tribute to the best midship V8-powered Ferraris in history. Using the same 720PS 3.9L V8 Twin Turbo engine from the hardcore 488 Pista, while mated to an F1-style double-clutch gearbox, the F8 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.

Here we go again with the F8 Tributo. Having familiarized with the ultimate V8 Ferrari from other video games that featured it, it's great to know that it's the Forza franchise's turn to give the F8 the minute to win it, although it takes more than a minute to win the approval from players, even me, anyway, it's great to have the F8 featured in the world of Forza, especially in FH5. Having stuck with numerous 488 models, including the range-topping Pista, for a long period, we finally had the chance to drive what is known to be the ultimate Ferrari midship V8 masterpiece ever crafted. Every noise it makes, every turn it makes, every moment it delivers, the F8 really is the proper send-off to the era of ICE-powered Ferraris as the switch to electrification, as demonstrated by the LaFerrari and its protege, the SF90 Stradale, is inevitable.

Now that the entire Series 7 Ferrari collection's complete, it's time to give the F8 the ideal thriller it deserves and with that, a thrilling street race against the fastest supercars ever assembled. It's going to be a rough ride to the finish line as always. Ready? Roll the tape.

What a rush for Ferrari's grand finale.

The F8 Tributo truly marked the end of an era for proper ICE-powered Ferraris but nevertheless, this grand finale will go down in history as one of the all-time greats. A future classic, if you may.

I may consider this the end of our Series 7 journey but I had a brilliant idea. Since we got the SF90 on the deck, looks like the F8 wants to have a duel against its electrified cousin. With that, consider this meeting adjourned.

To be continued!

Skoda Enyaq iV Coupe RS

Launched last year, the first-ever Skoda Enyaq iV is an all-electric crossover that is more of a Czech equivalent of the WCOTY-winning Volkswagen ID.4. Now, let's say ahoj (Czech for hello) to the Enyaq iV Coupe RS, the Czech equivalent of, you guessed it, the Volkswagen ID.5 GTX.

2022 Skoda Enyaq iV Coupe RS

2022 Skoda Enyaq iV Coupe RS interior

Priced at 1,559,900 Kč plus additional costs, the Enyaq iV Coupe RS is more expensive to own than its ID.5 GTX equivalent, despite the fact that both of these juiced-up electric coupe crossovers belonged to the same Volkswagen Group family tree. Needless to say, the Enyaq iV Coupe RS is the only Enyaq iV Coupe you can buy at this moment in time.

To differentiate the coupe version from its normal equivalent, the Enyaq iV Coupe RS features a coupe-like silhouette unheard for a Skoda crossover, something that was learned from the Germans because the Germans first introduced the motoring world to the coupe utility vehicle with the original BMW X6, which shocked speedo boys when it was first launched. Anyway, this is smaller than the X6 but it's bigger than the ID.5 GTX, meaning there will be concerns about how to drive it on European roads because of its sizing and width that claimed to be too big on European roads. Still, the aggressive front view looks rather impressive for an electric car.

Although the Enyaq iV Coupe RS still possesses the minimalist dashboard and seating for five, just like the normal Enyaq, it's been given RS sports seats to give it a race car-inspired approach when drivers tucked in and go for a twirl. Being a coupe, it's less spacious than its normal equivalent due to its sloping roofline but with the rear seats present, it's more spacious than the ID.5 GTX. Sadly, it's less spacious than the ID.5 GTX when the rear seats are folded down. Still, it's more than enough to tackle everyday activities.

Just like the Volkswagen ID.5 GTX, the Enyaq iV Coupe RS features a 77kW battery pack and two electric motors powering all four wheels, making it a 4WD electric crossover capable of handling through tarmac, gravel, and snow, despite the fact that the bulk of its powertrain gave it a mild driving feel. The electric powertrain produces 299PS of power and 310Nm of torque, capable of hitting a 0-100kph time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 180kph. As for the driving range, the Skoda Enyaq iV Coupe RS is good for 504km in one full charge and it will take up to 35 minutes to reach 80% when plugged into a 135kw charging outlet. At home, it will take about seven and a half hours.

The Enyaq iV Coupe RS, like its normal equivalent, boasts a wide array of safety tech features including Proactive Crew Protect Assist and Travel Assist, not to mention the parking assistance included as well.

So, what do you think? Despite being costlier to own and slightly slower than the ID.5 GTX, the Enyaq iV Coupe RS can go further than the ID.5 GTX and because of its sporty character, it's better looking as well. Guess the new normal doesn't feel normal with this one, huh?

Available colors: Modrá Energy, Zelená Mamba, Bílá Moon metalíza, Modrá Race metalíza, Stříbrná Brilliant metalíza, Černá Magic metalíza, Červená Velvet metalíza, Šedá Graphite metalíza, and Oranžová Phoenix metalíza.

Photo: Skoda Auto

THE IDOLM@STER STARLIT SEASON 04

This is the fourth and presumably the final installment of the STARLIT SEASON CD series inspired by THE IDOLM@STER STARLIT STAGE video game.

THE IDOLM@STER STARLIT SEASON 04

For this fourth and presumably the final installment of this range, you can expect old iM@S favorites such as MUSIC♪, オーバーマスター, and IDOL☆HEART, reshuffled and performed by your Project Luminas favorites. Ending the range is two versions of the game's theme song, GR@TITUDE, one by the rest of Project Luminas, and the other performed by Kohaku Okuzora (CV: Aimi Tanaka), and Aya (CV: Rina Hidaka), not to mention the song titled なんどでも笑おう performed by the original 765PRO All-Stars, Koharu, and Aya. Finishing the range is two bonus tracks; READY!! and お願い！シンデレラ.

In addition, two new songs are featured such as KAWAII ウォーズ and ダンス・ダンス・ダンス. There's also a new audio drama part featuring new adventures from your favorite idols.

The STARLIT SEASON range is complete. Feel free to collect all four STARLIT SEASON CDs and figure out which one is your favorite.

UKRAINE CONFLICT: 5/24/2022

     

The latest in the ongoing Ukraine conflict:

• Missiles, helicopters: 20 countries offer new arms for Ukraine
• Ukraine's Zelensky says he would meet with Putin to end the war
• Danish anti-ship missiles expected to help Ukraine control its Black Sea coast

COVID-19 SITUATION: 5/24/2022

                                                               

The latest in the ongoing COVID-19 situation:

• Pfizer Covid vaccine for under-fives effective with three doses
• Fevered persons in DPRK top 2.81 mln
• Be ready for new Omicron subvariants – health expert
• NCR's COVID reproduction number increasing but area remains "low risk" - OCTA
• Long COVID: About time

Let's Do The News! (May 24, 2022)

     

Your daily round-up of today's news:

- The COMELEC is eyeing to proclaim all the winning party lists this week.

- India to remain "strongly engaged" with the Philippines under the new administration, according to the Indian Ambassador to the Philippines.

- The Philippines and Qatar vow cooperation on reforms for the safe migration of Filipinos.

- The WHO said monkeypox outbreaks can be stopped outside endemic countries as the risk of spreading is "very low" for now.

- US President Joe Biden angered China with a vow to defend Taiwan.

- Japan hosts a Quad summit in hopes to counter Chinese threats.

- New York police released images of the suspect in a fatal subway shooting.

- Toyota cuts production in Japan by 100k due to COVID-19 and parts shortage.

- Volkswagen to launch the Scout brand for US-market pick-ups and SUVs due 2026.

- K-pop girl group LUNARSOLAR disbands and parts ways with their agency.

- Nebraska Cornhuskers football suspending red balloon tradition due to helium shortage

- Kate Moss set to testify in Depp vs. Heard defamation trial

- Filipino boy band Ben&Ben sets a "major sendoff concert" at the CCP Open Grounds in September.

TTFN.

2022 NASCAR Cup Series - NASCAR All-Star Race

Sunday night in Texas came alive with the biggest NASCAR event ever assembled; the NASCAR All-Star Race. It's the epic Sunday night race to decide who will take home one million dollars.

As the green flag waved in Texas Motor Speedway, the million-dollar showdown has begun. From the moment Kyle Larson's day in Texas came to an end following a crash, followed by huge impacts were involved for the #1, #9, and #18 cars. Ryan Blaney's stage win, and a climactic caution that triggered the overtime, the all-star million-dollar race in Texas really is a Sunday night to remember.

Screengrab from NASCAR

After an intense race to decide who will take home one million dollars, Ryan Blaney wins the NASCAR All-Star Race!

The next race is at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600 this May 29th.