Let's Do The News! (August 23, 2024)

    

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- According to the Bureau of Immigration, Alice Guo remains in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the NBI prepares cases against Shelia Leal Guo and Cassandra Ong.

- The Sandiganbayan overturned the conviction of Senator Jinggoy Estrada in the case of direct bribery and 2 counts of indirect bribery.

- US Vice-President Kamala Harris says she will make a pitch to "all Americans" as she accepts the Democratic nomination for president.

- The body of tech mogul Mike Lynch was found in the Sicily shipwreck but his daughter Hannah is believed still missing, according to reports.

- The Grand Tour's series finale, titled One For The Road, will stream on Prime Video this September 13, 2024.

- Aston Martin's new V12-powered supercar will be revealed this September 2, 2024.

- The Mazda CX-80 will go on sale in Japan this autumn. It will be offered with a choice of SKYACTIV-D 3.3, e-SKYACTIV D 3.3, and SKYACTIV-PHEV.

2025 Mazda CX-80

- NFS UNBOUND's Volume 8 update adds Porsche 959 and Lotus Evija to the car roster, plus new Hot Pursuit mode with playable cop cars to collect.

- Isotta Fraschini announced its dropout from the 2024 WEC Season.

- Meet the winners of the 2024 K-World Dream Awards.

- K-pop girl group VIVIZ renewed their contracts with Big Planet Made Entertainment.

- Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz and assistant Jon Budmayr are suspended for the Hawkeyes' season opener as part of a school-imposed penalty for a recruiting violation in late 2022.

- Influencer Andrew Tate placed under house arrest as Romanian prosecutors probe new human trafficking and sexual exploitation allegations.

- According to reports, TV presenter Jermaine Jenas was fired by the BBC over workplace conduct.

TTFN.

My FH5 Log: The Last Toyota Camry

In case you forgot, Toyota ended sales of the Camry executive midsize sedan in Japan at the end of last year. Japan did bid farewell to the Camry and with it popped up on Forza Horizon 5, it's time to have my last words with the Camry.

The tenth-generation Toyota Camry popped up on Forza Horizon 5 as a prize car in the High-Performance Dailies Storm Season Playlist and now that I got it, it's time for the final word with the last Camry sold in its native market.

The tenth-generation Toyota Camry was launched in the summer of 2017 and it runs on the TNGA platform. In Japan, it's offered only as a hybrid and it features a brand new 2.5L A25A-FXS petrol engine mated to an 88kW electric motor and a Li-ion battery, resulting in a combined power output of 211PS of power. With a CVT standard, fuel efficiency varies by 28.4 to 33.4km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards. With sales of the Camry ending in Japan at the end of 2023, the 10th-generation Camry will be the last Camry sold in Japan.

This marks the third TNGA Toyota car to enter the world of Forza since the Lexus LC500 and the Toyota GR Yaris and here's hoping for more TNGA Toyotas.

The car shown here is not the one I mentioned. It's the North American-exclusive Camry TRD. It has a 301-hp 2GR-FKS 3.5L V6 petrol engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It also has a TRD-tweaked aero kit and improved dynamics.

It's amazing that North America still has V6-powered Camrys like this, although the tenth-generation model marked the final time a Camry is powered by a V6. Anyway, long story short, it's time to find out just how good the un-Japanese Camry TRD is by tackling the competition in one of the four new sprint races that debuted in the High-Performance Dailies update. Let's roll the tape.

This Camry TRD is a road-legal NASCAR hero. It's a lot of fun to drive, especially since it may be the last time a Camry like this is powered by a not-for-Japan V6 engine.

The Toyota Camry is already discontinued in Japan, but it continues to be sold in other countries. It's a sad time for Japanese car enthusiasts and another sign that Japan is becoming more of an isolationist state when it comes to world cars. Yes, I said that at the moment Toyota announced the end of the Camry in its home market after 43 years. Long story short but you get the point.

Sayonara, Toyota Camry. You made us proud.

Maserati GranCabrio (AM189)

The second-generation Maserati GranCabrio is similar to the hardtop GranTurismo, but it has a foldable soft-top roof. The GranCabrio has most of the same features as the GranTurismo, including a powerful engine, luxurious interior, and sleek exterior. Let's take a deep dive into the newest GranCabrio.

2025 Maserati GranCabrio

The second-generation Maserati GranCabrio is the convertible version of the second-generation, Maserati GranTurismo. The GranCabrio is the evolution of the definitive Italian grand tourer, and is primed and ready to tackle the new normal with its quintessential style and dramatic performance that you would expect from a Maserati. 

The previous Pininfarina-styled shape is gone, and replaced by an MC20-inspired one penned by Maserati themselves. Although it bears similarities to its predecessor, the new shape adds drama and valor to this grand tourer, giving observers a whole new meaning of passion at first sight.

Inside, the new model is display overload behind the wheel because you will be greeted by not one, not two, but five displays such as the 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch satnav, 8.8-inch climate control touch panel, a heads-up display, and a digital clock that dramatically displays the Maserati logo when you start it up. 

Like the previous model, it's a 2+2 setup but you can only fit through the front because the rear seats are rather small, meaning you'll have to fit your poodle behind you as well as your designer handbags in case you can't find more room in the 172-liter boot capacity.

The Trofeo variant, priced at 235,000 Euros plus additional costs, is powered by a 3.0L twin-turbo Nettuno V6 engine derived from the MC20. In the Trofeo version, it produces 550hp of power and 650Nm of torque. With the 8-speed automatic gearbox and 4WD, a first for a Maserati Grand Tourer, it does 0-100kph in 3.6 seconds and flat out in 316kph, faster than the previous GranCabrio. 

The all-electric, 210,700 Euro, GranCabrio Folgore, meanwhile, features a tri-motor setup that powers all four wheels, generating a power output of 761PS of power and 1350Nm of torque. It will go from 0-100kph in 2.8 seconds and flat out at 290kph. As for its driving range, it's good for 455km. The ideal zero-emission grand tourer.

The all-new GranCabrio is fitted with a range of driver assistance features such as Maserati Active Driving Assist, which provides autonomous emergency braking, active lane assist, emergency lane keeping, Dynamic Road View, rear emergency braking, and a surround-view camera. While this is controversial for Maserati fanatics, it's the new normal for luxury cars.

The second-generation GranCabrio, like its hardtop GranTurismo equivalent, rewrote the rules of what an Italian grand tourer should be judging by its dramatic style, interior, performance, and technology, not to mention the all-electric Folgore variant. This is Maserati, reloaded.

Photo: Maserati

Let's Do The News! (August 22, 2024)

   

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The PH House of Representatives confirmed at the Quad-Committee hearing that the Bureau of Immigration of Indonesia is holding Cassandra Lee Ong who is linked to dismissed Mayor Alice Guo.

- The Infinity Spa in E. Rodriguez, Quezon City, issued a statement after the local government announced that a new case of mpox came to them, a 33-year-old male. Residents of Quezon City are urged to calm down following the recent mpox case.

- The fish caught in Cavite is now safe to eat. According to Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla, this is based on his conversation with DA Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel, after almost a month of ordeal caused by the oil spill.

- The Traffic Regulatory Board will penalize drivers without RFID or have insufficient load starting August 31, 2024.

- About 36 flights were canceled while 201 flights were delayed at the New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, Japan this weekend after a store near the boarding gates lost its scissors. 

- Former US President Bill Clinton made his appearance at the Democratic National Convention, strongly expressing his support for Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential fight as well as her running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

- Two more bodies from the Sicily shipwreck were found.

- Authorities in Pakistan have arrested a man on suspicion of cyberterrorism, about disinformation thought to have fuelled the UK unrest.

- Four people, including three children, died in the house fire in Bradford, UK, as the suspect is arrested on suspicion of murder.

- Nike teams up with the Forza franchise to bring a special 1969 Chevrolet Camaro that was themed after the Jordan Luka 3 "Motorsport" shoes. The special playable car will be gifted to players of Forza Motorsport this September 9 and Forza Horizon 5 this September 10.

- The ONE PIECE Netflix show's second season casts Katey Sagal as Dr. Kureha and Mark Harelik as Dr. Hiriluk. The second season will cover the manga's Drum Island arc.

- A civil lawsuit against former NBA star Dwight Howard alleging sexual assault and battery has been dismissed, according to reports.

- Joey Votto, the six-time All-Star and 2010 MVP in the National League, announced his retirement.

According to reports, Ousted Utah State head coach Blake Anderson intends to sue his ex-employer for wrongful termination.

TTFN.

Volkswagen Passat B9 vs ID.7 Tourer

Even in the age of the "new normal" the Volkswagen Passat managed to survive with its ninth generation but with only one twist; it's now wagon-only.

2024 Volkswagen Passat

That's right. The all-new Volkswagen Passat B9 is now offered exclusively as a five-door station wagon starting at 39,995 Euros plus additional cost. Sometimes, a painful sacrifice has to be made to keep the Passat alive and kicking amid the "new normal".

2024 Volkswagen Passat interior

Beginning with the design, the all-new Passat prefers to keep it clean and Golf-ish even in its sporty R-Line trim. While incorporating modern-day VW design standards, it's surprisingly bigger than the old Passat Variant thanks to the MQB evo platform it dons.

Step inside, the minimalist interior is getting more interesting to toy with because of the buttons of the steering wheel instead of the utterly irresponsible touch panels, not to mention two screens with the latter being the 15-inch touchscreen that controls the infotainment, navigation, smartphone connectivity, and climate control. It's a tricky job.

Getting accommodated with its ergoActive front seats with 14-way adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, the sharp increase in dimensions made it the most spacious Passat ever made and with up to 1920 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded down, Volkswagen's not joking about it.

2024 Volkswagen Passat

Under the hood, the Passat B9 is offered with the choice of a 1.5L turbo eHybrid, 1.5L eTSI, 2.0L TSI, and 2.0L TDi. The eHybrid is mated only with the 6-speed DSG while the eTSi, TSI, and the TDI variants are mated to a 7-speed DSG. The 1.5L eHybrid variant is the most powerful of the range with 272PS of power and 400Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 225kph. It has 0.4l/100km of fuel economy based on WLTP standards and running on electric power alone, it's good for 118km. Not bad for a German PHEV wagon.

The Passat B9 is more interesting to drive than previous models, especially with the available Dynamic Chassis Control Pro. This system features two valves that provide more precise control of the suspension's rebound and compression. The new Vehicle Dynamics Manager controls the electronic XDS system, which provides better handling and stability.

As for safety, the Passat B9 has a long list of available ADAS such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance), adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane change assist, and more. Coupled with the Park Assist Pro, it's now the most technologically advanced Passat ever made.

The Passat B9 is proof that it's here to stay even though it's a wagon only. However, despite being all-new, it feels like its days are already numbered thanks to this.

2025 Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer

This is the first-ever Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer, it's the all-electric alternative to the all-new Passat B9. With prices starting at 54,795 Euros, this is shockingly cheaper to own than the one Passat B9 variant I know, the 2.0 TSI R-Line 4MOTION DSG.

2025 Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer interior

The ID.7 Tourer features most of the bits and bobs from its saloon counterpart but with up to 1714 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded down. That's less than the Passat B9's boot space although the Tourer's dimensions are bigger than the Passat B9's.

Like its saloon version, the ID.7 Tourer is powered by the APP550 electric motor that runs the rear axles, producing 286PS of power and 545Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 6.6 seconds and a Japanese-esque top speed of 180kph. As for the driving range, it's good for 605km for one full charge.

Being aerodynamic is the top trump for the ID.7 Tourer. Despite being rear-wheel-drive, its mild driving feel is what sums up the ID.7 really well. As for safety, it comes with Travel Assist which comes with assisted lane change maneuvers and assisted parking maneuvers, among others.

If you prefer a conventional internal combustion engine or need a car with a well-established service network, the Passat B9 might be more suitable. If you're ready to embrace electric mobility and want the latest tech, the ID.7 Tourer is likely the better fit. It's the new normal, after all. Up to you.

Photo: Volkswagen AG

Let's Do The News! (August 21, 2024)

  

Your daily round-up of today's news...

-  Philippine President Bongbong Marcos vows "heads will roll" as Alice Guo reportedly fled the country. Marcos said this incident "exposes the corruption that undermines our justice system and erodes public trust."

According to the PH Department of Health, Dengue cases in the Philippines have reached over 150K.

- An mpox case in Quezon City, as confirmed by the City Health Department and LGU, clarified that he is not a resident of Quezon City.

- The PBBM administration unveiled its senatorial lineup for the 2025 midterm elections. The list includes Manny Pacquiao, Benhur Abalos, Francis Tolentino, Bong Revilla, Erwin Tulfo, Tito Sotto, Ping Lacson, Lito Lapid, Abby Binay, Pia Cayetano, Imee Marcos, and Camille Villar.

- Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle gave headline speeches at the Democratic National Convention, pledging their support to Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign.

- As divers struggle to search for the six missing passengers on the sunken yacht off Sicily, a body of a man recovered from the yacht is believed to be that of Canadian-Antiguan chef Recaldo Thomas.

- The bodies of six hostages held in Gaza have been retrieved from the Khan Younis area, according to the Israeli military.

- King Charles arrives in Southport where he will meet survivors of the deadly knife attack that triggered violent protests.

- Straight4 Studios announced that Project Motor Racing will arrive by next year.

- MG will unveil the all-new ZS this August 28th.

- Check out the announcements from the gamescom 2024 opening night.

- Seiyuu Atsuko Tanaka passed away at the age of 61. Tanaka is famed for roles such as Major Motoko Kusanagi from the Ghost In The Shell series, To Aru Kagaku no Railgun's Harumi Kiyama, Jujutsu Kaisen's Hanami, and Frieren's Flamme.

- The Prime Video series Secret Level streams this December 10th. The 15-episode animated anthology series uncovers more on world-famous gaming franchises such as Rockman, God of War, and PAC-MAN.

- Tennis player Jannik Sinner avoids ban after twice testing positive for steroid.

- Singer Jennifer Lopez files for divorce from actor Ben Affleck after two years of marriage.

TTFN.

KGM Actyon (J120)

Long before the BMW X6, there was the Actyon. Launched in the autumn of 2005, the Actyon is the world's first sports utility coupe. Hot on the heels of its 20th anniversary, the Actyon returns as the coupe version of the Torres.

2025 KGM Actyon

Starting at 33.95 Million Won plus additional costs, the Actyon is back as the coupe version of the Torres, the crossover that made Ssangyong born again as KGM.

2025 KGM Actyon

Beginning with the design, the Actyon is nearly identical to the Torres but with an illuminating front grille reminiscent of the lines from the South Korean flag, showing its nationalism on four wheels. Although the Torres-esque looks is the tip of the iceberg, the rear view can be broadly mistaken for today's Range Rover Evoque. Can't blame them.

2025 KGM Actyon interior

The all-new Actyon's interior, like the exterior itself, is also a resemblance of the Torres but the differences are the steering wheel and the center console. On the driver's side, you are greeted with a panoramic wide screen with two 12.3 inch screens with the first half as the cluster and the latter half a touchscreen with INFOCONN that takes charge of the car in terms of airconditioning, telematics, entertainment, smartphone connectivity, and so on. It can be nerve-wracking for first-timers but it takes time to get used to it.

With the rear seats folded down, the all-new Actyon has up to 1,568 liters of boot space, which is less than the Torres because of its coupe formation.

2025 KGM Actyon

The all-new Actyon is powered by the same 1.5L T-GDi engine from the Torres 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 11kmpl while AWD variants get 10.1kmpl.

The all-new Actyon has front MacPherson struts and rear multilink suspension. The front brakes are ventilated discs and the rear brakes are discs.

Sturdy bodywork and eight airbags aside, the all-new Actyon features DeepControl, a suite 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.

The all-new Actyon is no longer the one you've been familiar with since your high school days. It's now a muscular sports utility coupe that blends its Korean nationalism, the KGM way. After all, isn't what KGM's slogan is all about? Korea Great Mobility. Although not as great as the X6 and the Evoque, it's the bargain of the season.

Available Colors: Royal Copper, Royal Copper 2 Tone, Grand White, Grand White 2 Tone, Latte Greige, Latte Greige 2 Tone, Iron Metal, Iron Metal 2 Tone, Forest Green, Forest Green 2 Tone, Dandy Blue, and Space Black.

Photo: KGM