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.