Shifting Up

Need For Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed

Shift returns! And this time, it's getting more and more real. Slightly Mad Studios, the geniuses behind the first Shift, are now working on the second Shift, and this time, there's more damage, more horsepower, and more visuality. The dudes say that the game will feature over 140 cars varying from Nissan, Maserati, VW, Pagani, and many more. There's even a helmet cam which gives you the driver's view from inside his helmet. Sounds like Shift is making heads with Gran Turismo. I hope the cars are grippier than they were in Shift. The cars then were drifty even with racing tires. Anyway, Shift 2 Unleashed is due in March of next year. Let's see if this racer has what it takes.

Like Father, Like Son

2012 Audi A6

Audi was supposed to reveal this car tomorrow, but they managed to release the actual photos today. This is the all new Audi A6. As you can see, it's taken a lot of design from it's big daddy, the Audi A8. There are lots of LED's in the front and rear lights for brightness even in pitch black darkness. The engines available are a 2.0-liter TDI (Turbo Diesel Injected) 174 horsepower diesel engine, a 3.0-liter TDI 204 horsepower engine, another 3.0-liter TDI 245 horsepower engine, a 2.8-liter V6 FSI 204 horsepower engine, and a 3.0-liter Supercharged V6 TFSI 300 horsepower engine. There's also a hybrid insight with a 252 horsepower engine. 0 to 60 times range from 7.7 seconds to 5.5 seconds. There are a lot of new features that make this car more luxurious and technologically enhanced, like massaging front seats, Bang & Olufsen surround sound system, and even iPad integration. It looks nice, for a baby A8. It will be officially unveiled tomorrow. I hope the RS6 version looks even greater.

GT5 Madness!

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Stealth Model

Reality meets virtuality. Gran Turismo 5 has to be the next best thing to real-life racing. The standard cars may suck, but there are some hot premium cars out there. For example, this awesome SLS AMG Stealth Model in the wet at Eiger Nordwand doesn't look any better. I've been having tons of fun racing and customizing cars in this game, but I definitely have more fun customizing. When I got it, the SLS had 600 horsepower. After some tuning, I managed to get it to 792 horsepower. I haven't customized the gear ratio yet, but the car speeds to 213 MPH. That's much faster than the original model, which has 563 horsepower and only goes up to 198 MPH. I didn't stop there. I'll have more tuned cars on the way. Stay tuned for my review of this game this weekend.

P.S: If anyone from Europe has the Audi R10 Stealth model and wants to trade, I'm totally up for it.

Exclusive Prancing Horses

2009 Gemballa MIG-U1

This here is the Gemballa MIG-U1, Gemballa's attempt to maximize the Enzo Ferrari. Under the hood is the same 6.0-liter V12 engine from the regular Enzo, only now it has been maximized to 700 horsepower. Inside are lots of gizmos and gadgets that I don't have time to talk about. The main thing is, this car was exclusive, with only one released. One serious Ferrari collector from Dubai bought it just because it was an Enzo. He loves the Prancing Horse. So, why is he so important?

2011 Ferrari 599 GTO Matte Red (Courtesy of WorldCarFans)

This is why. This extra-special matte red 599 GTO is the "first and last" red matte Ferrari 599 GTO to run off the factory line in Modena, and our lucky Ferrari collector has already placed dibs on it. It still has that 6.0-liter 670 horsepower V12 engine and still has a top speed of 208 MPH with a 0 to 60 time of 3.3 seconds, but only in matte paint will the speed be more enjoyable. Hats off to our Ferrari Collector. He's done a good work for the Prancing Horse.

Volvo Air Motion Open Air Car Design Concept Futuristic Car

Sport futuristic car Volvo Air Motion design concept presented at Los Angeles Auto Show Car Design Challenge Competition, Volvo car Maker Company. Unique open air car design technology whole innovative level with its “lighter than a Formula 1 racing car” study vehicles development. New Volvo Air Motion’s aerodynamic car body mirrors design the look of a clam shell and are built from an ultra light carbon fiber material that tips the scales at less than 1,000lbs. In addition its strong however ultra-light body kit structure, the Volvo Air Motion car concept auxiliary adds to its superlatives eco-friendliness, as it is not using a single drop of gasoline while driving wild.

 Volvo built Volvo Air Motion concept car through fewer components and replaced the heavy internal combustion engine with powerful, nevertheless simple minimalist, compressed air motors. To compress the air wanted for the centrally mounted air tank, Volvo came up with a design for Air Replenishment Sites. Intended at enthusiast, Volvo Air Motion can be seen at the show in 1/4 scale model displayed in the area that connects the South and the West Halls. It fully showcases the beauty and purity of Scandinavian vision and further delivers a guilt free, raw driving experience.

Top Gear USA - the Second Episode

Rutledge Wood with 2 Racing Hens (370Z's)

The second episode premiered last night, and it was pretty interesting. Still, not much interaction between the three like you see between Jezz, Dick, and Jim, but it's getting there. First off, Tanner Foust took on some skiers in a race down a Ski Mountain. His weapon of choice: a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X. He loved that car, and he handled it pretty well. Now, in most Top Gear races, there is a time where the car loses to the other racing force. For example, Richard Hammond took on a flying man in a Twin-Turbocharged Porsche SUV. The flying man won. Another example: Hammond took on a RAF Fighter Jet in a Quad-Turbocharged Bugatti Veyron. The Jet won. In this race, however, it was Tanner Foust, a rally racer/pro-drifter, against two pro-skiers. Tanner actually won, even though the skiers stole his keys in the beginning. What sounds amazing, cuz the car actually won, is also so embarrasing. Why? Hammond had that same race against two other skiers in the Alps. He was driving a Twin-Turbocharged Audi RS6. That car has 580 horsepower. He lost to the skiers. Tanner's car only had 291 horsepower. Do you know how embarrasing that is? Anyway, after Tanner's race, big man Rutledge Wood was James Bond for a day testing out two Aston Martin Vantages: the V8 one and the all new V12 one. Even though the V12 Vantage was $60k more than the V8, Rutledge says it was definitely a better car. He also said that the British are liars when reading speedometers. Who knows if he's right? Anyway, Stig put the V12 Vantage around the track and managed to execute a time 1 second faster than the 291 horsepower Evo X. That car is something else. After the lap, Dominic Monaghan was interviewed by big man Wood and was put in the Suzuki SX4. This is strange, because on regular UK Top Gear, Clarkson does all the interviews. Here, they're alternating it. Anyway, Monaghan managed get a time faster than Astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Then, Rutledge and Adam challenged Tanner Foust to a little drifting competition in Nissan 370Z's. But, instead of putting Tanner by himself, he was teamed up with a Blind man. Wow! Don't underestimate him though. In all three challenges, Blind man Bryan actually won. Looks like Tanner is good as a driving and drifting instructor. Before the end of the show however, the most epic thing happened. After the three introduced Bryan, his guide dog literally pees on the stage. Yes he does! Look it up on YouTube! Watch the re-run on Friday! The dog literally pees right in front of everyone! I started balling off my chair. It was so hilarious! Anyway, conclusion: this second episode was descent, but good. We got to see an exciting race between man and machine, and we got to see a dog relieve himself on stage. Hopefully the next episode will be even better.

NFS Hot Pursuit Car Profiles: Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV

2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV

This is it: the last hurrah for one of the greatest supercars ever produced from Lamborghini. This particular raging bull is the fastest and most powerful Murcielago ever made. Under the hood is the same 6.5-liter V12, but instead of producing 631 horsepower, this one produces 661. 0 to 60 is reached in 3.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of 212 MPH. With the nitrous topped out, you should reach 232 MPH. As you can see, speed is this car's main objective, and Lamborghini have done all that they can to help this car achieve this objective.

Night Speed

First off, there's a lot of carbon fiber going around in this car. The rear wing, side mirrors, front splitter, sideskirts, and some material in the interior are made of carbon fiber. With this, Lamborghini managed to make this Murcielago 220 lbs. lighter than the original. They've also taken away the radio, but why would you need it when you can listen to the mighty roar of that massive V12 engine.

Green Bull

As a last hurrah for the Murcielago and it's glorious V12, this car really packs everything: power, composure, and handling. It feels very light when drifting and very grippy in the corners thanks to it's All-Wheel Drive system. In the straights, this car just takes off. It's much easier to reach the top speed in this than in the regular Murcielago. In fact, in a drag race, this car left the regular one in the dust. That's how fast it is. This is truly a staggering car.

Limelight photo

The Murcielago has become one of the supercar greats. You could buy one now in the real world for over $450,000, but the last Murcielago LP670-4 SV rolled off the lot in Italy last month, so you're better off finding a used one. But, why would you need to when you can drive it here in this game.

NFS Hot Pursuit Car Profiles: Aston Martin DBS Coupe

2010 Aston Martin DBS Coupe

Here's another car from the SCPD Rebels Pack. This time, it's from Aston Martin, and it happens to be one of the best cars of the DLC. You've seen my review of the DBS Volante, but only this coupe will make you feel like James Bond. You still get the same 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 510 horsepower. 0 to 60 is reached in 4.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 191 MPH. This is all very cool, but in order for Mr. Bond to choose this car over, let's say a Lamborghini or a Porsche, there must be something that excites him about it.

High-Class Speed

First off, most spy agents use very discrete luxury cars for transport, and this is the most luxurious. Aston Martin isn't only about performance. They are also masters of luxury and design, proven with this DBS. The interior includes very rich leather and some carbon fiber. Outside, you get gorgeous looks with some sexy side vents and an awesome integrated rear wing. This is all very high class. So, you would wonder were the performance comes in.

Casino Royale Silver

Yes, the top speed of this car is 191 MPH. But, if you stretch the Nitrous, you should reach almost 218 MPH. Sounds impossible right? Believe it! It has been done, by me. This should be good, since spies, like James Bond, have to get from point A to point B very quickly. Speed isn't the only thing that's impressive with this car. It is quite heavy (3480 lb.), but when you drive it, it doesn't feel this way. You will be able to pull insane drifts and grippy corners in this car. I tested the handling at the ridge in Seacrest County. The car is very composed. Drifts are smooth and light, it's like sliding on chocolate cream pudding.

Luxury at a gas station

Jeremy Clarkson notified this car as the best car in the world. I can't see why not. It's very good. However, the bad thing about this car is that it's gopping expensive: $270,000 to be exact. No matter. You'll have fun driving this car in this game. You can even beat Gallardo Superleggera's with this car. Trust me. It's been done.

Filled happiness moments of the new Miss Universe 2010

With a beautiful face is not tainted , chasms deep brown eyes and a perfect body , right from the start Miss Universe 2010 , Jimena Navarrete was a candidate for the throne Miss . And a few hours , by way of demonstration of confidence and professionalism of a model plus the ability to conduct intelligence, Jimena Navarrete has excellent pass 82 beauties from different continents to become the owner of the Miss Universe crown expensive . This result is no surprise because in the viewers’ poll on professional prestige beauty site Globalbeauties , Miss Mexico the name always stood first in the top was the love of beauty . stunning beauty of Jimena Navarrete led the jury as well as many spectators track competition was conquered and captivated .

 Filled happiness moments of the new Miss Universe 2010

Jimena Navarrete Rosete was born on 22.02.1988 in Guadalajara , Jalisco (Mexico ) . Before winning the highest throne in Miss Universe contest this year , she was a high 1.74 this famous model and won his Miss Universe 2009 Mexico . Come to the evening gown competition of the tournament this morning , Miss Mexico was chosen for her a gorgeous red dress by Sherri Hill label , comes as a pair of earrings and a bracelet with colored stones also Nexux Red Diamond Labs . ” I chose a red dress because this year Mexico celebrates 200 years of independence and this color has a lot of sense , ” Navarrete explained . But the first question in the exam but Navarrete behave calmly and confidently . When asked about the comments related to the effects of the Internet in young lives today , she has been through the interpreter answered very clearly , briefly : ” I believe the Internet is an indispensable tool and necessary at the present time , however we must very carefully watch our children and young people are watching what . Of course we have to guide the children so that they can use the Internet within the permit and under the supervision of the family . ” With excellent answer above, the beautiful 22 -year-old overcame four contestants from Jamaica, Australia , Ukraine and the Philippines to bring honor to the country of Mexico in the arena second largest beauty of this world .

Here are pictures of her new super- sexy Miss , invite you along to admire :

Miss Universe

South Africa also made the top 10 at Miss Universe

South Africa also made the top 10 at Miss Universe!
Our sexy durbanite girl!

not her best picture, here's some from Donalds website

Miss Universe Top

 Stefania Fernandez the Crowned Miss Universe 

Kosovo – Gona Dragusha 

Dominican Republic – Ada Aimee De la Cruz 

Stefania Fernandez the Crowned Miss Universe

Iceland – Ingibjorg Egilsdottir

Sexy Miss Universe , Dayana Sabrina Mendoza Moncada's bikini sexy

Top Gear UK

Hosts (left to right): Richard "Hamster" Hammond, Jeremy "Jezza" Clarkson, James "Captain Slow" May

If you miss these three studs here, don't despair. I've got some stig from another source that they are returning to the BBC next year. In fact, they already have some episodes in the works as we speak. For example, about a month ago they flew to New York to drive three impressive supercars. Clarkson drove the revolutionary Mercedes SLS AMG. May drove the brilliant Ferrari 458 Italia. Hammond, as usual, drove the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Why? He said he wanted one, and thought that car would make him look young. Anyways, they were also spotted in Israel shooting for a Christmas Special coming up soon. They were driving three beat up roadsters: a Mazda MX-5, a BMW Z3, and a Fiat Barchetta. It has been said that they were retracing the steps of the Three Wise Men who went by Camel to see Baby Jesus and Virgin Mary. Only now, two millennia later, they didn't do it in Camels; they did it in three beat up old roadsters. So, there you are: a sneak peek of what's to come next year for Top Gear UK. Ohh, and did I mention that there's a new Stig?

Top Gear USA Episode 2

Tanner vs. Skiers

Tonight is another epic episode of Top Gear USA. This time, the introductions are over. Now the boys get down and dirty as Tanner Foust uses a 291 horsepower Lancer Evo X to race two skiers down a mountain. Also, Rutledge Wood studies the glory that is Aston Martin on the Top Gear USA track. Dominic Monaghan (dude from LOST) is the Big Star in the Small Car, and Adam Ferrara does a little drifting in a Nissan 370Z. As you can see, there's a lot to be excited about. Don't take my word for it. Check out tonight's episode starting at 10/9c on the History Channel.

GT Racers Beware

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Stealth Model

Unless you have this particular Gullwing supercar, in this particular Gran Turismo Tuning Kit, if I find you, get ready to get creamed. Because I have it, and it's fast! Stay tuned for my review of Gran Turismo 5 this week.

Gran Turismomania!!!

Corvette ZR1 Custom (Courtesy of GTPlanet)

Gran Turismo has built up hype since it's release. I myself am really excited for this game. Reviews are flowing in and they're already positive. It is true that the game has some flaws, but because of the sheer beauty of the game and the cars, we don't even pay attention to the flaws. So, what makes this game so good? Find out next week as I post my review.

NFS Hot Pursuit Car Profiles: Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S

2010 Maserati Quattroporte GT S

Here's another car from SCPD Rebels Pack, the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S. It's hard to believe why Criterion Games put this car, of all the exotic cars out there, in this game. But, as I'm driving it, I start to see why. Under the hood is a 4.7-liter Ferrari V8 producing 434 horsepower. 0 to 60 is reached in 5.1 seconds on it's way to a top speed of 177 MPH. How it manages to reach the speed with 4552 lb. of weight, I don't know. But, what's astonishing is that it is what it is: a Maserati, nothing more, nothing less.

Maser drifting

This is a very big car, so expect some trouble when drifting. But after that, get ready to be amazed. This car is unbelievable. It might be heavy, but it drives as if it's shedding weight. I put this weight to the test at the Eagle Crest Mountains in Seacrest County. It handled the sharp curves like nothing I've ever seen before. You don't even need to go slow around the corners to control it, because this car does it for you.

Scenic driving

As for speed, it's a Ferrari with 4-doors, so expect it to blow your head off. It's supposed to go all the way to 177 MPH, but with the Nitrous topped out, you should reach 194 MPH. That's fast for a 2 and a half ton sedan. You won't even need that speed to take out the cops. Since this car is so heavy, you can take them out with ease, and that includes it's police car doppelganger.

Glorious Italian Sedan

I'm truly baffled by this car's weight, and yet it's had a Carbon Fiber makeover. Yes! Carbon Fiber! The wheels are now made of Carbon Fiber. There's Carbon Fiber in the interior. Even Carbon Fiber in the hood and exhaust. But, it doesn't matter. This car is brilliant. In the real world you can have it for about $140,000. In this game: $3.99, and it comes with 6 other cars as well. Now that we have two of the three performance saloons in this game, all we need is the Aston Martin Rapide, and the collection will be complete. Nonetheless, you will truly enjoy this Maserati. It's just staggering!

Lexus Maximus

2011 Lexus LFA

Lexus, also known as the Japanese Mercedes, has been with us for over 20 years now and has given us the best of the best in Luxury and Design. They were the first to invent the automated parallel parking system that most cars have now. They were the first to invent the luxury hybrid of which became a competition for BMW. So, as you can see, they've done a lot. So, when they said, "We've built a supercar", I went "Ha!! You're joking." However, a couple days later, I found out, they weren't joking.

Japanese Supercar

This is the 2011 Lexus LFA. Now, Lexus's have many interesting features like massaging seats, hybrid engines, and so on and so forth. This car, has only half of that. There's no hybrid engine under the bonnet. The interior is luxurious, that is, if you're a racing driver. Don't expect the seats to massage you, however, you may get excited when you see the retractable rear spoiler go up after speeding at 80 MPH like this...

Rear Spoiler UP!

And as for that hybrid engine, how does a 4.8-liter V10 engine sound? Well it must be good, since the engine produces 552 horsepower, about as much as a Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. It's also as fast as a Gallardo with a 0 to 60 time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 202 MPH. The best part about it is that it's rear-wheel drive, so you can have some real fun with this car. 

Matte Black

What impresses me more is how this car was made. That 4.8-liter V10 packs a lot of power, but the dudes at Lexus managed to make it as big as a V8 and as light as a V6 for weight purposes. There's a lot of science and aerodynamics in this car as well. The side mirrors (as seen above) were formed that way to funnel air to the back. The vents on the side and front were made that way also to funnel air for faster speeds and better aerodynamics. That small vent in-between the hood and the Lexus mark is there not because of shoddy building. But, for more aerodynamics and air circulation. The cleverness continues inside as well. The LFA transmission is a 6-speed ASG (Automatic Sequential Gearbox), so you will get flappy paddles behind the steering wheel. But, what makes the paddles so clever is that the paddle to shift up is much lighter than the paddle to shift down, to let you know that you're going in the right direction. Also, when you turn the car on, you'll notice that the instruments are electronic and not analog. Lexus did this only because an analog instrument wouldn't keep up with how fast the car revs. That's genius!

Wet Driving

This car is amazing, an intelligent blend of science and design. They've done a good job with this car. Well, I guess so, since it took Lexus 10 years to make it. The first concept was made out of Aluminum, but it was later deemed too heavy, so it was scrapped. They began another one with Carbon Fiber. This one started working. So, they began improving on it. In the end, there were many concept models before this final model was released. In fact, one of the concept models you can drive in Need For Speed: Shift. But, anyway, this final model was made out of Carbon Fiber. The interior as well was shaped with Carbon Fiber. The steering wheel was made from Carbon Fiber. The pedals were made out of a single shred of Aluminum, but that's it. Carbon Fiber dominates this car. So, in that case, it's very light: 3263 lb. to be exact. If that's so, this car should handle pretty well.

Intelligent Creation

Now, Lexus has a strict rule on letting amateurs drive their exclusive creations, particularly this one. Fortunately, I'm no amateur. I had a go in this car and found it to be very composed. Around the corners, it feels like nothing. As for speed, oh yeah, it's fast! That unbelievable V10 engine sounds so glorious. It's like driving in heaven. After the test drive, I went home to drive it in Gran Turismo 5 and I found the car to be very precise. You can try to go drifting in it, which I did, but you need to get it just right, or else it will spit you out. For a car that took 10 years to make, it's amazing!

Aggressive Front

 This is a truly staggering car, but is it worth it? Now, comes the bad news. You can buy this car, but not for the price that you think it is. It's closest rival, the Gallardo LP560-4, costs $235,730. You would expect this Lexus to be about the same, or a little bit less. No. This car costs $370,000. That's over $130,000 more than the Gallardo, for a car that's no faster than a Gallardo. Even at that price, Lexus plans to make it exclusive. Production runs from now until 2012. Only 500 will be made, with 20 made every month. So, this car is too perfect, even for Lexus, to sell. Save up and buy one quickly, because they're going fast.