Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Infiniti QX80 (Second Generation)

The all-new Infiniti QX80 is a second-generation full-size luxury SUV that rewrites the rules for what an SUV should be. It can go off-road while delivering fancy living for high rollers from Dubai to New York. Let's take a look at the new model.

2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80

With prices starting at $82,450 plus additional costs, the all-new QX80 is cheaper to own than the titanic Range Rover, although this is the most expensive Infiniti emerged. Still, this new look signaled a new era for the luxury brand of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80

The second-generation Infiniti QX80 is the first to wear the new Infiniti logo. This one shines up front, which may be a bit too flashy for some observers. After all, an illuminated front badge is about as flashy as Christmas lights on a pine tree but it's not as flashy as the available Infiniti underglows. While incorporating the new Infiniti design language, the squarish looks are now edgier than its predecessor, giving an idea of what is life to be like in the mega box.

2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80

Inside, the all-new QX80 improves the first-class experience from its predecessor, giving both the driver and passenger the same experience they expect from a business-class flight. The driver's side is packed with tech arsenals such as the panoramic widescreen that features the digital instrumental panel to the left and the touch screen to the right, the class-first available Biometric Cooling technology, Tri-Zone Climate Control System, kabuki-inspired 64-color interior lighting design, and Klipsch sound system with up to 24 speakers, including ones at the headrest.

Yes, it has third-row seats that can accommodate seven or eight people, standard heated and available climate-controlled first- and second-row seating complemented by available heated seating in the third row, and a power-sliding panoramic moonroof featuring one-touch open/close technology. It has up to 22 cu.ft. of interior cargo volume, making it spacious enough for a perfectly straightforward shooting weekend.

2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80

The real treat of the all-new QX80 is what's under the hood as the old model's V8 engine was scrapped and replaced by Infiniti's brand-new 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo engine that produces 450hp of power and 516lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 9-speed AT, it has a combined fuel economy of 17MPG and a towing capacity of 8500 lbs.

In terms of dynamics, the all-new QX80 features independent double wishbones, speed-sensitive rack-pinion electric power assist steering, all-season tires, INFINITI All-Mode 4WD, brake-actuated LSD, and available Dynamic Digital Suspension. It's still bulky to drive but it's now surprisingly more civilized and classy on and off the road.

Redefining the rules of safety, the all-new QX80 is the first Infiniti to feature the optional ProPILOT Assist 2.1 technology for hands-free driving on the motorways. It even features Steering Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control, Front Wide View, Invisible Hood View, Smart Rearview Mirror, 3D Around View Monitor with Spin Capability and Moving Object Detection, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Blind Spot Intervention, and leading-edge far-side airbag technology.

The all-new Infiniti QX80 rewrites the rules for what an SUV should be. It's the most expensive Infiniti in the range, but its price is lower than today's Range Rover. This means that the "out-on-a-limo" feeling is within reach, even if you're a super-rich high-roller who prefers cruising downtown from New York to Dubai. This is first-class luxury reasserted, the Infiniti way.

Available Colors: Anthracite Gray, Mineral Black, Coulis Red, Black Obsidian, Radiant White, Grand Blue, Dynamic Metal, Radiant White/Black Obsidian Two-Tone, Mineral Black/Black Obsidian Two-Tone, Coulis Red/Black Obsidian Two-Tone, Grand Blue/Black Obsidian Two-Tone, and Dynamic Metal/Black Obsidian Two-Tone.

Photo: INFINITI

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Let's Do The News! (September 3, 2024)

          


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

- Typhoon Enteng has strengthened again as it was last spotted 100km from the western side of Laoag, Ilocos Norte. It is moving westward at 25kph and has gusts of up to 210km near the center.

- The PBBM administration declared a National Day of Mourning over the passing of "Manlilikha ng Bayan" Federico Caballero.

- The United States seized a plane belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, claiming it was bought illegally and smuggled out of the country.

- The Israeli court ordered an end to the general strike as thousands marched and blocked roads to demand the Gaza hostage deal. Meanwhile, the UK is suspending some arms exports to Israel.

- The all-new Bentley Flying Spur will be unveiled this September 10 and it will be powered by the same V8 Twin Turbo PHEV powertrain as the new Continental GT.

- The Aston Martin Vanquish returns as the most powerful Super GT in its range. Powered by the new 5.2L V12 Twin Turbo engine, it produces 835hp of power and 1000NM of torque. It will do 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds and flat-out at 214mph. It's the most powerful and fastest production Aston Martin ever made.

2025 Aston Martin Vanquish
2025 Aston Martin Vanquish

- Dragon Ball DAIMA TV anime premieres this October 11th at 2340 hours JST.

- The Birdie Wing TV series' app game was put on hold. The game was originally slated for fall last year.

- YG Entertainment announces legal action against deepfakes.

- Girl group Lovelyz will celebrate their 10th anniversary with their first full-group concert in 4 years.

- Senator Raffy Tulfo thanked Manny V Pangilingan for taking action over the complaint from a TV5 "Talent".

TTFN.

Monday, September 2, 2024

Let's Do The News! (September 2, 2024)

         


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

- Typhoon Enteng is last spotted in the Northern Aurora-Southeastern Isabela area. The storm is strengthening as it entered the area from the North Northwest at speeds of 20kph. It packs winds of 85kph and may reach 105kph.

- PHIVOLCS warns the public of lahar flow across the Mayon Volcano.

- The far-right Alternative for Germany is celebrating a "historic success" with a big win in the eastern state of Thuringia. The AfD won almost a third of the vote, nine points ahead of the conservative CDU, and far in front of Germany's three governing parties. The AfD came second in the elections in the neighboring state of Saxony.

- Israeli trade union calls general strike as the government faces pressure to agree on Gaza hostage deal.

- Kevin Magnussen is banned from racing at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after being penalized for his clash with Pierre Gasly in Monza.

- The new-generation Formula 3 car was unveiled during the Italian Grand Prix. Compliant with FIA 2025 standards, the new machine is powered by a 6-cylinder 3.4L naturally-aspirated Mecachrome engine that produces 380HP and is planned to run on Aramco's advanced fuel compliant with the FIA's 100% sustainable fuel standard in 2025.

- The third-generation Audi Q5 was unveiled. The SQ5 brings back the 3.0L V6 TFSi engine producing 362bhp of power.

2025 Audi Q5
2025 Audi Q5


2025 Audi SQ5
2025 Audi SQ5

- Barnes & Noble founder Leonard Riggio passed away. Riggio also co-founded GameStop.

- Actress Nana signs with the new agency after 15 years at PLEDIS.

- TV Patrol Weekend reporter Alvin Elchico is now promoted as a weekday anchor as Henry Omaga-Diaz's replacement.

TTFN.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Cook Out Southern 500

It's the last race of the regular season as the Cook Out Southern 500 race of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series will decide who will enter the playoffs. Let's find out!

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Cook Out Southern 500
Screengrab from NASCAR

As the green flag waved at Darlington Raceway, the final race of the regular season began. As Kyle Larson won Stage 1, Stage 2 saw Tyler Reddick get sick but couldn't take any medicine from his pit crew, followed by Todd Gilliand colliding with the wall on Lap 129, and Denny Hamlin making contact with William Byron on Lap 224. As Larson nabbed Stage 2, and Martin Truex Jr. was playoffs-bound, the final stage saw Carson Hocevar spinning on Lap 314. followed by a Lap 322 disaster for Chris Buescher and Todd Gilliand, and The Big One on Lap 344.

After a chaotic fight for the playoffs, Chase Briscoe wins the Cook Out Southern 500 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The list of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoff contenders is complete. Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick, William Byron, Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Austin Cindric, Daniel Suarez, Alex Bowman, Chase Briscoe, Harrison Burton, Ty Gibbs, and Martin Truex Jr. are locked in for the fight to Phoenix.

The Round of 16 kicks off with the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway this September 8th, 2024.

FIA WEC S12 - Lone Star Le Mans

The 2024 World Endurance Championship season is almost over, and the Lone Star Le Mans was an exciting way to close it out. The race took place at the Circuit of the Americas, which is the venue for the Formula 1 US Grand Prix. This was the first time that Hypercars and LMGT3 racers competed together at this track.

FIA WEC S12 - Lone Star Le Mans
Screengrab from WEC

It looks like Ferrari fever is spreading in the US as well. After six hours of intense endurance racing action in Texas, the #83 AF Corse 499P of Robert Kubica, Robert Shwartzman, and Ye Yifei emerged victorious while the #27 Heart of Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT3 EVO dominated the LMGT3.

There are two venues left this season as the next race will be in Fuji Speedway for the 6 Hours of Fuji this September 15th.

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250

The 2024 NTT IndyCar Series is coming to a close, and the two-part Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250 in Wisconsin was a fitting way to celebrate Labor Day weekend. The chaotic oval racing action was worthy of being described as climactic.

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250
Screengrab from IndyCar

In the first part, Pato O'Ward trumped Will Power to extend his championship lead while Conor Daly made it to the podium by finishing 3rd. In the chaotic final part of the Milwaukee campaign, Supercars legend Scott McLaughlin trumped Scott Dixon and Colton Herta.

After Milwaukee, Palou leads with 525 points while Power is in 2nd with 492 points and McLaughlin's now in 3rd with 475 points.

Who will win the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series title? Find out in the season finale happening in Nashville Superspeedway, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, this September 15, 2024. Don't miss it!

Sunday, September 1, 2024

F1 2024: Pirelli Gran Premio D'Italia

The F1 2024 season is moving on to Monza for the Pirelli Gran Premio D'Italia. This race will mark the debut of a new Williams F1 driver, Franco Colapinto, who replaced Logan Sargeant after his fiery accident in Zandvoort.

Max Verstappen is currently leading the F1 2024 season. But McLaren's Lando Norris is surging. Can Verstappen fend off Norris's challenge and maintain his lead?

F1 2024: Pirelli Gran Premio D'Italia
Image: Formula 1

Scuderia Ferrari won the Monza Grand Prix on its home turf. Charles Leclerc drove a brilliant race to win his second career Formula One race. McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris completed the podium. Season leader Max Verstappen settles only for sixth place while the Williams replacement driver Colapinto finished his F1 debut race in 12th.

Verstappen is still leading the season, but Norris and Leclerc's recent success in Monza has closed the gap. The title fight is now too close to call, and it's going to be an exciting finish.

The next race of the F1 2024 season is the Qatar Airways Azerbaijan Grand Prix. It will be held on the streets of Baku, Azerbaijan, on September 15, 2024.