My GT7 Log: Beyond Competition

Japan and South Korea are known as “frenemies.” They have a checkered past since Japan split Korea into two. This past did not stop the two countries from jointly hosting the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which was a true display of frenemies. The same goes for present-day WRC when Toyota Gazoo Racing and Hyundai N clash for dirt supremacy.

In honor of the recent Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival, we celebrate the rivalry between the two Far East motoring superpowers by comparing the two Vision Gran Turismo concepts from Hyundai and Toyota.

The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo is a concept car that paved the way for Hyundai’s high-performance division. This hybrid race car has a hydrogen fuel cell system that delivers 871 horsepower through four independent motors. This fuel cell and motor combination allows the Hyundai N 2025 to have a phenomenal driving experience.

The FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo is what happens when the FT-1 Concept, which served as the blueprint for the Supra revival project, transformed into a race car. It's a futuristic version of the Toyota Supra used in the JGTC (Super GT) races in the past, but it's not a JGTC car. While it's just a concept, the FT-1 VGT proves Toyota has a lot of potential and passion for motorsports.

After a quick introduction of the cars from Toyota and Hyundai, let's pit these Far East rivals around Suzuka Circuit, which is considered the sacred ground of Japanese motorsports. Let's roll the tape.

Here are the results...

FT-1 VGT - 2m05.872s

N 2025 VGT - 1m46.484s

It's a huge shocker of a result, judging by the fact that Hyundai's investing heavily in the world of electrification while Toyota's lagging behind and sticking to its old-school principles. Either way, while Hyundai has the upper hand against the Japanese motoring giant, the results don't really matter because this comparison is a demonstration of how capable these two Far East motoring giants are.

Hyundai and Toyota are known for shaking things up. They are both creating fun-to-drive cars as hinted by their high-performance divisions; Hyundai N and Toyota Gazoo Racing. While the N cars stick to the "never just drive" mantra, the TGR cars are all about "pushing the limits for better."

They've raced as competitors. But when they meet, a new thrill begins.

Beyond competition, united by passion.

Let's Do The News! (October 26, 2024)

                           

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

- Israel carried out strikes on military targets in Iran. Israel has hit Iran with what it called "precise and targeted" air strikes and warned Tehran not to retaliate.

- Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries pleads not guilty to charges of sex trafficking.

- Hyundai showcased the RN24 Concept at the recent N Day.

Hyundai RN24 Concept

- Ford returns to DTM after three decades with the Haupt Racing Team running the Mustang GT3 racers in the 2025 season.

- Volkswagen Group's new US-only brand Scout Motors unveiled two offroad EV concepts, the Traveller SUV and the Terra truck, with production planned in 2027.

- Game 1 of the World Series saw the LA Dodgers draw first blood after beating the New York Yankees at the score of 6-3.

TTFN.

Call of Duty Black Ops 6

Are you ready for the truth? If not, get ready for the most intense Black Ops experience of your life.

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 (XBOX)

Now available on PC and consoles, Call of Duty Black Ops 6 promises to be the most intense Black Ops experience ever made. Even conspiracy theories can't keep up with what to expect in this newest installment.

The Call of Duty series is known for its quality. Black Ops 6 continues this tradition with a solo-player campaign that will leave you glued to the screen. However, you'll want to bring some friends along because Black Ops 6 features the most extreme multiplayer mechanics and the ultimate zombie experience!

Beginning with the campaign mode, which is set in the early 90s when the Cold War ended and the US emerged as the world superpower, players will unravel a dark conspiracy that will rewrite the history of the United States of America. Fighting through enemy threats mission after mission is one step closer to uncovering America's darkest secret. This is where players will be familiarized with new ways to enjoy this game, including a new control movement layout favored by expert gamers.

Having enjoyed the conspiracy-driven story mode, players can test their skills in various multiplayer mechanics featuring 16 new maps at launch with 12 core 6v6 maps and 4 Strike maps that can be played 2v2 or 6v6. Win or lose, players can gain XP points and funding to collect new weapons and gear while some, mostly time-limited ones, can be obtained via pass progression, free or premium. The game's Prestige system is getting more "prestige" than ever. Expect more to come via updates and DLCs so stay tuned.

BO6 marks the return of Round-Based Zombies where you and three other players work together to eliminate undead threats in two maps at launch with more on the way post-launch. Be warned, though, tougher zombies are incoming the more rounds you survive.

With a conspiracy-driven storyline that is a real Back To The 90s, a benchmark-setting multiplayer experience, and the ultimate Zombies experience, conspiracy theories can't keep up with the most intense Black Ops experience ever crafted. The truth is out there. Go get it.

My FH5 Log: Gone Lagonda

Forza Horizon 5's Back to the 90s Winter Season Playlist introduced us to an Aston Martin sedan we are unfamiliar with, the Aston Martin Lagonda.

We, Forza babies, don't know about this ancient Aston Martin saloon. The only Aston Martin saloon we remember is the Rapide. Anyway, long story short. Let's get to know about the Aston Martin Lagonda, the sedan.

First launched in 1974 and designed by William Towns, the Aston Martin Lagonda is the company's second attempt at creating a premium sedan and served as the successor to the ancient Lagonda Rapide. The first model was originally a saloon version of the Aston Martin V8. Still, later updates gave the Lagonda sedan a squarish and edgier shape, something unheard of on premium sedan standards. 

Seen in FH5 is the final version of the Lagonda, the Series 4. Featuring a more rounded but slab-sided styling compared to the Series 3, the Series 4 Lagonda is powered by a 5.3L V12 engine producing 289bhp of power and 321ft-lb of torque.

Until production ended in January 1990, only 105 units of the Series 4 Lagonda were made.

The Lagonda managed to last until the start of the final decade of the 20th century. But do you know something that came out before that? The comedy-horror movie Beetlejuice came out in 1989. That's why I've sent the ancient Lagonda to GT Deny's reenactment of Lydia Deetz's neighborhood in time for Halloween celebrations. Ready for a little tour around the hood? Let's roll the tape.

Nostalgia is all part of the game, more or less.

What are your thoughts on the ancient Aston Martin Lagonda sedan? Do you think the car looks good? Is the Lagonda a good car? Are there any particular features of the Lagonda that you like or dislike? Let me know what you think of the Aston Martin Lagonda.

Anyway, enjoy your new ride!

Let's Do The News! (October 25, 2024)

                          

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

- The Department of Trade and Industry is preparing the aid that will be delivered to the business sector affected by the devastation of Typhoon Kristine.

- More than 150,000 family food packs have been distributed to those affected by Typhoon Kristine, according to the DSWD.

- PH President Bongbong Marcos is conducting aerial inspections in areas affected by Typhoon Kristine.

- Child killer Lucy Letby loses her bid to appeal against conviction for attempted murder of the baby girl.

- An LA prosecutor backs the resentencing of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who killed their parents in 1989.

- The United Nations warns that the world temperature could hit a record 3.1C this century. The global community is being urged to make large efforts to reduce emissions.

- Mitsubishi Motors showcased the DST Concept at the Philippine International Motor Show.

- MG showcased its EXE181 Concept in honor of the 1957 EX181 land-speed car.

- Actress Kim Soo Mi passed away.

- FTISLAND member Minwhan will no longer appear in The Return of Superman after his ex-wife speaks out.

- USF basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim dies at age 43.

- ICYMI: Female co-hosts of Willie Revillame were removed in Wil To Win. This includes Ana Ramsey, Christine Bermas, Cindy Miranda, and Almira Teng.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (October 24, 2024)

                         

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

- The Philippine Ports Authority has recorded 7,313 stranded passengers at the ports in the country today due to the ravages of Typhoon Kristine. The 17 air assets of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are now prepositioned at the Villamor Air Base and in Cebu to assist the Bicol Region. Red Warning Level raised in part of Batangas; Cavite, Laguna, and some parts of Quezon Province are under Orange Warning Level, while Metro Manila, Rizal, Bataan, Quezon, and Laguna are under Yellow Warning Level.

- Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa and Senator Christopher "Bong" Go will be allowed to defend themselves in the Senate hearing on the former Duterte administration's war on drugs on October 28.

- At least five people have died and 22 are injured in an assault on the HQ of an aviation firm near the Turkish capital Ankara. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, cited by state-run Anadolu news agency, said the two attackers — a woman and a man - had been "neutralized" after an operation was launched to capture them following the attack he blamed on Kurdish rebel group PKK.

- The United Nations canceled its polio vaccine plans in northern Gaza, saying the escalating violence means it cannot reach children in need of immunization.

- Two lost ancient cities have been discovered in the mountains of southeastern Uzbekistan. The cities are thought to date back to the 1st century BC.

- Kia teases the Sportage NQ5 minor change.

- Andre Lotterer has announced he will be leaving Porsche Penske Motorsport after the 2024 World Endurance Championship season. The race in Bahrain will be his last.

- Nissan and Jaguar were fined over Formula E cost cap breaches.

- Marvel confirms the next Spider-Man movie with Tom Holland reprising the role. Filming begins next year.

- Jessi issued an apology in response to a recent incident.

- Two-time World's Strongest Man Geoff Capes dies at the age of 75.

TTFN.

DAISUKI FULL POWER

 The third season of Love Live! Superstar!! is here! In an exciting first for the Love Live! TV anime franchise, this season will bring the girls' adventures to a thrilling conclusion. But first, they'll have to face off against their biggest threat yet: Wien Margarete, the rival school idol who was defeated by Liella! She's transferred to Yuigaoka Girls High with one thing on her mind: revenge! 

As fanatics enjoying the dramatic final chapter of the Liella girls, the closing theme song has arrived!

DAISUKI FULL POWER

The third season of Love Live! Superstar!! has arrived, and with it comes the closing theme song, "DAISUKI FULL POWER." This single is the only thing you need to listen to the latest theme song and the coupling song, "Within a Dream." There is no other choice!

The third season of Love Live! Superstar!! airs every Sunday night on NHK ETV.