Beastly Benz V8 voted best

The Mercedes-Benz 6.3-litre V8 engine gained plaudits from the panel of judges in the "International Engine of the Year Awards" , driving away with first prize in two categories.

"Our renewed success this year in the two categories is testimony to the out-and-out positive test results for the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in all the media. The top spots also reflect the great enthusiasm of our customers." said  Friedrich Eichler, Head of Engine & Powertrain Development at Mercedes-AMG.

With a power output ranging from 336 kW to 420 kW kW , the monstrous Mercedes-Benz V8 snarled its way to the top spot in the "Best Performance Engine" and "Above 4 litres" categories, warding off German,Italian and American rivals.

Another salient feature of the AMG-fettled engine - apart from the immense power it produces - is the thunderous burble emitted through its large tailpipes. Some jurors believed victory should have been based solely on this merit - "For its fantastic engine sound alone it deserved first place!", said Carl Cunanan, editor of C! Magazine.

The "International Engine of the Year Awards" has been held since 1999 and involves an independent jury of 65 motor journalists from 32 countries.

Games4U: Drake to voice Gears of War character

Gamers with a preference for hip-hop will be surprised to hear the vocal talents of recording artist Drake, when the Xbox game Gears of War 3 is released in 2011.

Drake, whose album “Thank Me Later” was released on June 15, is set to voice the character Jace Stratton in the final instalment of the immensely popular gaming saga.

“When Epic came to me with the role, I couldn’t pass it up,” said Drake. “They’ve created an amazing character in Jace, and I’m looking forward to my tour in Delta Squad.”

“Jace is a central character in the comic books, so he was an obvious choice as a character we wanted to bring into the third game,” said Epic Executive Producer Rod Fergusson. “When we began casting for the role, ‘So Far Gone’ had just released, and Drake’s combination of heart and grit was just what we were looking for. Rather than search for somebody who sounded like him, it was clear that we should approach him directly… fortunately he turned out to be a huge fan.”

Gears of War 3 will be launched worldwide in April 2011.

Gadgets4U: No need to Pop into the gym with this LG

For many, the onset of winter is accompanied by panic: we’re often found scrambling hastily to treadmills and last-minute-booked Pilate sessions to cease the unsightly burgeoning of weight - unwanted insulation against the prevailing temperatures.

But you needn't squander money on renewal of gym a membership contract to fight those winter blues - rather invest in the new LG GD510 Pop phone.

Featuring novel new fitness applications and a slim physique envied by lithe gym instructors, it's certainly this seasons must-have accessory.

Admittedly, I was rather skeptical when the handset arrived on my doorstep - i've had my fair share of gimmick-laden LG mobiles, notably the KE600 DJ phone, complete with a miniature turntable that distorted ones music when moved back and forth, emitting a generic pre-recorded noise hardly resembling the rhythmic and aurally-pleasant scratch sounds found in legendary Run DMC and Beastie Boys tracks of yore.

Much to my surprise, the two key applications, Weight Tracker and Running Mate proved to be functional rather than a mere trick used to dazzle and inveigle consumers. Running Mate acts as a personal odometer, enabling one to monitor the distance covered on cycling and jogging routes.Techno-inepts can rest soundly in the knowledge that it is incredibly easy to use: simply select a time limit by gliding your finger alongside the scroll-pad on the LG's ultra-clear 3-inch touch screen and the mileage you have covered will be displayed after the duration of the excercise has ended. Data of previous running sessions are saved in an inventory, giving one the opportunity to beat personal best times. Of course, you'll need to ensure that your efforts to shed the winter weight are fruitful. Weight Tracker allows one to determine their Body Mass Index and even undertake the frankly pedantic task of calculating body fat percentage. Entertainment is essential when embarking on a quest for fitness and the 8 gigabyte internal memory provided ample space for my music library.

Typically LG, the GD510 is an aesthetic masterpiece. It complements the palm with its slim width, uncluttered visage and exterior crafted from brushed aluminium that exudes solidity - assuring full functionality even after sustaining a fall or three.

At a price of R1 749, the new LG GD510 Pop phone is set to be a hit among fitness seekers and those simply wanting a piece of affordable touch screen technology.

Hyundai Verna – possibly next Accent, premieres at Beijing show

“There are nine Million bicycles in Beijing”, sang the attractive Auburn-haired Katy Melua, in her 2004 hit song, Nine Million Bicycles.

Euisun Chung, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Company must have similar aspirations for the Verna, which was unveiled recently at the Beijing Automotive Exhibition.

While the Verna was designed particularly for the Chinese market – with Hyundai’s product planning division initiating extensive research programmes to ensure that their new baby conforms to local preferences – the Verna will be introduced into other regions, although it is likely that it will be re-branded with the more familiar Accent nomenclature.

Aesthetically, the Verna is typically Hyundai – this is not a bad thing, boasting styling cues that resonate from the trendy, stylish i30. It appears that Hyundai have shed the air of insipidity that once characterized their range of products. Much like the taciturn girl you knew throughout Primary school, with braces and the slightly overweight physique who miraculously blossomed into eye-candy a few years later.

Vying for the spot of eco-pioneer in the automotive industry, Hyundai have equipped the Verna with an engine that meets the criteria of China’s Step 3 fuel economy regulations two years prior to the deadline.

There are two engine derivatives available in the Verna: a 1.6L DOHC producing 90.4Kw@6300rpm and a 1.4L DOHC producing 78.7Kw@6300rpm for those with a limited budget.

The Verna seems like a vehicle that maintains the level of quality ushered in by recent Hyundai models. Although one would have for it to arrive on our shores before deciding whether the lyrical waxing on paper materializes in the actual product.

Gadgets4U: LG GW300

I recently had a chance to be a part of the Blackberry fad that seems to have swept the world.

The device in question, however, was far from being as capable as the American-spawned must-have accessory for those seeking to look cool while keeping abreast of schedules and other business activities. It was in fact an LG GW300 – a poor man’s Blackberry of sorts.

Almost all of my contemporaries commented on what they thought was a “cool-looking Blackberry” upon seeing me exploiting the function of my thumbs on the LG’s QWERTY keypad. But I couldn’t blame them: since the compact dimensions and slim yet square shape have resonated from the trendy ‘berry, the GW300’s aesthetics are stylish, complementing one’s palm.

But unfortunately, this is where the similarity ends. And unlike models from the fruity counterpart, the LG scores low in terms of user-friendliness and ease of use: it’s tarnished by an often unresponsive interface that infuriates and flimsy keys which click loudly and need furious prodding to function.

Being of the Mxit-generation, this was a real disappointment - especially since the packaging of LG GW300 promises a product enabling “better texting”.

My consolation was the impressive music player, which supports most codec types. It obviated the need to carry around my iPod – being just as good, organizing one’s inventory into Recently played, Playlists, Albums and Genres just as one would find on the Apple.

One needn’t undertake the frustrating task of sifting through their song list and selecting just a few tracks to transfer to the LG, as it is equipped with a micro SD slot. The test unit arrived with a 2 Gigabyte memory card that provided ample storage space for my array of tunage, which was pumped out through the LG’s 3.5mm-Earjacked ear phones.

The GW300 will do if you lack the fiscal means to afford the real deal.

Hot cop car could Terminate your ride

Think again next time you consider attempting to evade Police pursuit after hearing those sirens wail – you might be unlucky enough to have one of the six new Nissan GT-R Police vehicles on your tail.

With 600bhp on tap, propelling the GT-R from standstill to 100km/h in a mere 3,5 seconds, this stealthy and agile Japanese ninja is guaranteed to assist our boys (and girls) in blue in their endeavour to rid our streets of the reckless drivers that endanger the lives of other motorists.

As if the GT-R’s aggressive aesthetics weren’t enough to send a shiver down the spin of perpetrators the vehicle has also been given the name, Terminator.

In order to give the vehicle maximum competence in the intensive application of police pursuit, Nissan’s performance division, NISMO was consulted in the development of the GT-R Terminator. The removal of standard luxury items that feature in the GT-R’s interior sees a weight reduction of 200 kilograms. Additional storage compartments have been fitted to house ‘cuffs and other important police paranephilia.

To ensure that the GT-R Terminators enjoy a long service life and are driven properly – these cannot, after all be as easily replaced as the standard Focus ST or Gti cop cars – those lucky enough be assigned to the task of commandeering the vehicles were subjected to thorough training by the Nissan Precision Driving Academy.

Forget the cool uniforms and the guns – never has there been a more exciting incentive to join the force.
  
*Image: Quickpic

Silver Ghost "best of the best"

Since 1955 the “red dot: best of the best” award has been reserved only for the finest and most exemplary pieces of product design, in categories ranging from Architecture, Medicine to even Fashion.


It’s certainly no surprise then, that the new Rolls Royce Silver Ghost has been awarded with the prestigious accolade in the Automotive category.

The Silver Ghost received acclaim for its groundbreaking aesthetics, being said to have an unmistakable appearance and design that reinterperets the classic values of the brand, in a more contemporary fashion suitable for the 21st century.

“This is a tremendous accolade for the entire Rolls-Royce design team, as a designer the challenge lies in translating ideas into a medium which others can see, touch and feel. We are very proud of what we have achieved with Ghost and are delighted to have been recognised with this very special award”. Said Chief Designer Ian Cameron.

While the Silver Ghost retains traditional Rolls Royce styling cues – the long hood and short front overhangs for example, some new, modern elements have been infused too. The renowned grille sees slight rejuvenation, the aim being to “create an effect less reminiscent of the traditional Parthenon style and more like that of a Jet intake” said Cameron.

As if sublime Rolls Royce engineering and the exclusivity that accompanies ownership weren’t enough, those lucky enough to sit behind the coveted Spirit of Ecstasy mascot now have something else to brag about.