Ssangyong Torres

Ssangyong Motor Company is still in financial trouble. Edison Motors, which would have been Ssangyong's new owner, backed out, and now, the Korean SUV specialist's looking for its new master again. However, all hope is not lost for Ssangyong and with a potential new owner in the spotlight, they've launched a brand new crossover SUV that promises Ssangyong's return to roots.

2023 Ssangyong Torres

Ssangyong's brand new crossover SUV is called the Torres and it sounds manly for a crossover SUV built to tackle tarmac, gravel, and snow like a proper SUV. Priced below the 28 million won mark, the Torres is a rugged-looking crossover that Ssangyong claims it should return to its roots that traced back from the original Korando jeep to the legendary Musso SUV of the 1990s. 

2023 Ssangyong Torres

Starting with the design, the Torres looks like a combination of modern-day SUVs and crossovers we are familiar with. In other words, it's like a mashup between a Chevrolet Trailblazer, a Jeep Cherokee, a Ford Explorer, and the previous-generation Range Rover. Overall, this bizarre mashup is what made the Torres as macho as a Bollywood action star showboating in British telly. Believe it or not, there's also a storage box located on the passenger side just like the one from the new Land Rover Defender, although the hood handles look odd on the Torres.

2023 Ssangyong Torres interior

Macho the exterior design is, the Torres' interior boasts a buttonless minimalist approach. It's got two touch screens with the top for InfoConn purposes and the lower for controlling the room temperature and drive modes, which is a bit of a tricky attempt for speedo boys behind the wheel. Guess this is why speedo boys are afraid of touchscreens these days. 

Anyway, in terms of room comfort, the Torres can accommodate up to five people and can be folded down to deliver up to 1,662 liters of boot space, which is ideal to place the optional air mattresses while spending the night out in the woods. Believe it or not, the Torres can be specified to have an optional emergency escape tool that is handy in an event of a disaster. There are other useful features available such as the smart tailgate, built-in air purifier, optional side steps, and an optional roof basket.

2023 Ssangyong Torres

Under the hood, the Torres is powered by a 1.5L T-GDi engine mated to an Aisin 6-speed AT. This engine produces 170PS of power and 28.6kg-m of torque. It even comes with an ISG system that shuts the engine off when stopped at the red light and then restarts when set off. In FF configurations, it has a combined fuel economy of 11.2kmpl while AWD variants get 10.2kmpl.

The Torres, being a crossover SUV, behaves like a normal midsize car thanks to its front MacPherson struts and rear multilink suspension. In its FF guise, it feels rather basic but in its 4WD configuration, the Torres is starting to take shape and with the AWD LOCK mode on, it's almost good to drive on the tarmac, gravel, and snow, although it feels questionable while spending weekends at Hannibal's.

Sturdy bodywork and eight airbags aside, the Torres features a wide array of ADAS such as Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection warning, Blind Spot Detection Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Assist, and Safety Exit Warning.

Questionable but rugged looks, minimalist interior, a 1.5L T-GDi, a nearly-capable AWD system, and a heap of ADAS, this is what the Torres is all about. For a crossover with a manly name, it's hard to question the first-ever Ssangyong Torres but could this be the glimmer of hope Ssangyong needs as it tries to return to its roots? It's hard to say for the time being but for now, feel free to look around the Ssangyong Torres and if you're ready, be it.

Available colors: Grand White, Iron Metal, Platinum Gray, Forest Green, Cherry Red, Dandy Blue, and Space Black.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Daihatsu Move Canbus (Gen 2)

Back in 2016, Daihatsu launched the Move Canbus, which is basically a kei minivan that is roughly as small as a Tanto but a fine choice for young Japanese females on the move. Now in its second generation, the new Canbus tries to continue where its predecessor left off with new features that will accommodate just about everyone looking for a dependable friend on wheels.

2023 Daihatsu Move Canbus Theory

2023 Daihatsu Move Canbus Stripes

Priced at 1.496 million Yen plus additional costs, which is more expensive than its main rival, the Suzuki Wagon R Smile, the all-new Move Canbus is offered in two different styles; the single-colored Theory and the two-toned Stripes for those who want a little nod from the previous Canbus. Whichever Canbus you pick, the new model still looks fairly similar to the previous model it replaces and when you pack alongside them, you can't truly tell the difference between them.

2023 Daihatsu Move Canbus Stripes interior

2023 Daihatsu Move Canbus Theory interior

While the new model features an awkwardly similar exterior design, the interior design has been heavily changed with a rather cozy dashboard design that works like a tray to place your stuff, especially your smartphone thanks to its optional wireless charging port. With the touchscreen monitor positioned above the dashboard and the speedo on the driver's side, the new interior is more functional than the previous model. In terms of comfort, it's still as roomy as its predecessor. It has four seats and it can be folded down for various situations, be it for work or for relaxation time, whichever floats your boat.

2023 Daihatsu Move Canbus Stripes

Now running on the DNGA platform, the new Canbus drives better and more smoothly compared to its predecessor. Under the hood, the new Canbus still runs on a 660cc 3-cylinder engine in natural aspiration and turbo configurations. Mated to a D-CVT gearbox, fuel economy is around 22.9km/L on the WLTC Mode scale, which is less efficient than the Suzuki Wagon R Smile as expected. On the bright side, it's more efficient than its bigger but cheaper sibling, the Tanto.

Having satisfied with its small sizing, DNGA platform, and improved NVH, the new Canbus is loaded with Daihatsu's new-generation Smart Assist that comes with up to 17 active safety features ranging from Collision Warning, Collision Avoidance Support Brake, false start suppression, line deviation warning and suppression control, stagger alarm, roadside deviation warning, sign recognition, AHB, ADB, ACC, LKC, Smart Panorama Parking Assist, and more. It's the safest Canbus ever made in times of the new normal.

Despite its stale looks and being outlasted by the Suzuki Smile, the all-new Daihatsu Canbus is ready to cater to typical Japanese people with its functional interior, improved driving, and tech that will make their day feel like it's the weekends. Feel free to relax with the all-new Canbus anytime you want.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

My FH5 Log: American Muscle Powerhouse

While Americans are busy with their grills and fireworks, here in FH5, it's time to honor America with a quick comparison between the three American muscle powerhouses.

America truly is the home of muscle cars and even in the new normal, Gen Z people still want to have a blast of the past by settling the debate over which muscle car is the best, and here are the three competitors;

First up is the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, a track-focused version of the Camaro ZL1. The normal Camaro ZL1 is powered by a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine, it produces 650HP of power and the same amount of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The 1LE offers the same amount of performance as the ZL1 but with the added track performance to make it capable on the track. From its track-focused aerodynamics, Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve dampers, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires built specifically for this car, and weighing 60lbs less than the normal ZL1, the ZL1 1LE is the ultimate Camaro built for the most elite drivers everywhere.

Next up is the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, the sixth-generation Mustang on steroids. Dubbed as the most powerful Mustang ever made, the GT500's 5.2L Supercharged Cross Plane Crank V8 engine produces 760hp of power output and 625ft-lb of torque. Mated to a TREMEC 7-speed Dual Clutch gearbox, it's capable of hitting the 0-60mph mark in the mid-three second mark and a quarter-mile in less than 11 seconds. The GT500 runs on the near-similar aerodynamics as the GT4 racecar as well as the optional carbon fiber pack for lesser weight and a more enjoyable driving experience. It features next-gen magnetic dampers that allow the GT500 to have the best lateral acceleration of any Mustang experienced.

And finally, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, which is still revered as the ultimate muscle car. The Demon is a special-edition Challenger SRT that made supercars cowered in fear because of the supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine producing up to 840HP of power and the fastest 0-60mph time of any production sportscar, 2.3 seconds to be precise. It was well known to break every world record in history, especially the fact that being the first production car in the world that can do the longest wheelie as verified by the Guinness Book of World Records.

With the trio of ultimate American muscle cars set, it's time to settle once and for all which of these three is the greatest, and with that, let's use the hill climb course located somewhere near the caldera. It's like the Mexican version of the famed Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in my mind and the hill climb is the perfect discipline for the trio to flex their steroid-induced muscles as they attempt to drive their way to the top. Let's find out which one came out on top, shall we? Roll the tape!

After flexing their muscles on the hill climb, here are the results;

ZL1 1LE - 3:15.596

GT500 -  3:11.225

Demon - 3:29.109

What a shocking result! The most powerful muscle car in the world got beaten by a Mustang that is nearly a hundred less! Looks like Ford is the winner because their new GT500 not only is powerful full-stop but also capable of handling through the track like a European sports car, which is the GT500's breakfast, lunch, and tea. 

It's a shame that despite the Demon is the most powerful of the three, it ended up dead last in my little hill climb experiment with the trio. Well, I got to say, despite whatever happened, these muscle car powerhouses did make America great for good times and bad times, whatever the reason.

Whether you're representing the General, the Blue Oval, or Mopar, it's a real privilege to experience the ultimate American muscle cars. Although they may not be forever, their legacies will be forever remembered just by the smell of the high-performance race fuel exhumed from their tailpipes and the burnouts they've pulled.

Welcome to America!

UKRAINE CONFLICT: 7/5/2022

                                   

The latest in the ongoing Ukraine conflict:

• 'Terrified' Griner appeals to Biden for her freedom
• NYC temple members travel to Ukraine border to bring comfort and 'bear witness'
• Indonesian leader’s Russia-Ukraine trip divides critics at home
• Ukrainians displaced near Kyiv fear for war-damaged homes

COVID-19 SITUATION: 7/5/2022

                                                                                             

The latest in the ongoing COVID-19 situation:

• Remulla acts on ‘Covid deaths’ of New Bilibid Prison inmates
• 50% to 75% workforce for trial courts in areas under Covid Alert Levels 1 & 2
• DILG: Unused Covid funds flagged by COA already returned to national treasury
• 1.7 million locked down in China's Anhui province

Let's Do The News! (July 5, 2022)

                                     

Your daily round-up of today's news:

- The BRP Andres Bonifacio is "mission-ready" to patrol the West Philippine Sean and Palawan, according to the military.

- The COMELEC is expecting 300K to 400K additional voters for the Barangay and SK Elections.

- Seven soldiers were hurt in mine explosions during the conflict against the NPA in Samar.

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos holds his first Cabinet meeting.

- The Kalayaan College ends its operations after 22 years of service.

- Iranian offices and schools were closed when a sandstorm hits Tehran.

- Six people were killed when a gunman fired a high-powered rifle during a US Independence Day parade in a wealthy Chicago suburb.

- Italy blames climate change for the Alpine glacier collapse that killed seven people.

- Sports reporter Hank Goldberg dies at the age of 82.

- Newscaster Anthony Taberna reveals his daughter's near-death experience.

TTFN

My FH5 Log: The second-generation Barracuda

Ah, America. Land of the overpowered muscle cars. With their massive displacements, loud grunt, and muscular looks, muscle cars are what made America great. With muscle cars like the Mustang, Camaro, and Charger made America great, there are some forgotten ones that deserved to be appreciated and one of them is the second-generation Plymouth Barracuda.

Having obtained one of the most forgotten American muscle cars in history straight from FH5's Series 9 Storm Playlist, let's get to know more about the second-generation Barracuda, the one before it became the Cuda.

Launched as a 1967 model year car, the second-generation Barracuda still carries the same bits and bobs as the Plymouth Valiant just like its predecessor. Running on an A-body and offered in coupe, convertible, and fastback, the second-generation Barracuda features a range of a Slant-6 and a couple of V8 engines. Seen here is the Formula-S variant powered by a 383ci V8 Super Commando engine that produces 300hp of power. This variant was introduced in the 1968 Model Year.

Although less appreciated than its Cuda successor, this second-generation Barracuda has a lot of questions that need to be answered and with that, it's time to let its rough side out with a little dirt race against other muscle car enthusiasts who are not afraid to get their muscle and pony cars dirty. Send in the tape.

Mud, sweat, and gears. These ancient muscle cars sure love to go all-out in the name of Lady Liberty.

Although it has less appreciation than the big names in the muscle car era, the Plymouth Barracuda is proof that it was the rising star in the golden age of muscle cars, despite being classified as a pony car. What? Muscle cars and pony cars are different, you know, but you get the point and thanks to its Barracuda's NSD approach, it evolved into the Plymouth Cuda we know and love and fought its way until the very end. Quite an interesting story, eh?

Anyway, enjoy your new ride, and happy America day!