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August 5, 2012

1-2 Victory for Audi R8 LMS at Spa 24 Hours

Photo courtesy of Audi Press

For the second consecutive time, the Audi R8 won the most important endurance race for GT3 sports cars – thus writing another chapter of motorsport history. For the first time ever, an automobile manufacturer managed to decide the three most important 24-hour races in Europe in its favor: Nürburgring (D), Le Mans (F) and now Spa-Francorchamps (B) – within just 71 days.

66 sports cars from twelve different marques competed at the 54th running of the 24-hour race on the Grand Prix circuit in the Belgian Ardennes. After 509 laps on the 7.004-kilometer track two Audi R8 LMS ultra cars prevailed against their competition from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Ferrari, McLaren and company. Andrea Piccini (I), René Rast (D) and Frank Stippler (D) triumphed in the R8 of Audi Sport Team Phoenix in front of their brand colleagues Christopher Haase (D) Christopher Mies (D) and Stéphane Ortelli (MC) from Audi Sport Team WRT.

Photo courtesy of Lamborghini Press

Fuji, Japan - Set against a misty Mount Fuji in Oyama, Japan, the Fuji International Speedway this weekend played host to 18 “Racing Bulls” scrambling for victory in the second stop of the 2012 Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Asia Series. Following an exciting first race weekend in May in Sepang, Malaysia, Italian supercar manufacturer Lamborghini and its luxury watch partner Blancpain left the tropical heat behind and brought their passion for motor racing to the Far-East.

First Drive: 2012 Audi A1

Photos courtesy of Audi Press

Blame it on the economy, but more and more people are thinking of downsizing their next car purchase. The other shoe, which still has largely yet to drop, is for automakers in the Philippines to convince consumers of the merits of a luxury subcompact, paying a price premium for a longer list of creature comforts, options, and badge appeal.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Priced from P 1.508M - AutoIndustriya

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press

AutoIndustriya just let the cat out of the bag. According to their sources, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is launching in the Philippines by next month with sales starting between the fourth week of August to early September.

Plus, it seems that Hyundai's new "Storm Edge" crossover will receive a hefty price increase. The most affordable Santa Fe will now start at P 1,508,000 for the 2.2 R-VGT CRDi 4x2 M/T. This will go up to P 1,768,000 for the 2.2 R-VGT CRDi 4x2 A/T. And things will top off at P 2,228,000 for the 2.2 R-VGT CRDi 4x4 A/T.

Source: AutoIndustriya

Honda Launches 1'M Blue Campaign

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) in collaboration with partner-convenors today launches the 1’M Blue (an Eco-Safe Driving) Campaign, a new addition to its environmental and safety advocacy program.

1’M Blue (read as I’m blue) is the catchphrase for 1 Million Eco-Safe Drivers under the framework of Clean Fleet Management Program. 1’M Blue resonates Honda’s global environmental slogan, “Blue Skies for Our Children”, adopted to express its commitment to the realization of this environmental vision through expanded environmental initiatives. It represents a passionate and unwavering effort to help preserve our environment for the next generation.

Photo courtesy of Petron Press

In line with Petron Corporation's mission to be the leading provider of total customer solutions in the energy sector, the company is expanding its trademark Lakbay Alalay program into a full-blown, year-round campaign.

Now billed as "Lakbay Alalay, Kasama Mo Sa Biyahe", the expanded program includes a slate of activities reaching far beyond the traditional motorist assistance services. Through this program, Petron hopes to strengthen the bond of companionship and unity with Filipinos everywhere, in all aspects of their daily lives.

Alberto Suansing, the former LTO Chief and now Secretary General of Phil Global Road Safety Partnership, hosted the 4th Bikers Club Meet Up held last June 30 at the Rasak Covered Gym in Tayuman, Manila. Several motorcycle clubs from Tondo, Kalookan, Navotas, Malabon, Makati and Valenzuela responded to Mr. Suansing’s invitation and spent the whole afternoon exchanging views on the current affairs of motorcycle riding.

Subaru Impreza Pulls Dodge RAM + Trailer Out of Mud

Continuing the YouTube trend of showing what Subaru's famed Symmetric All-Wheel Drive can do, here we have a Subaru Impreza wagon (non-turbo) pulling out a Dodge RAM pick-up truck plus a trailer out of mud.

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

July 31, 2012

Lexus Unveils 2013 LS

With its dynamic handling, bold new design and superior craftsmanship, the 2013 LS flagship models hail the future of the Lexus brand as it embarks on its third decade in the premium luxury category. While retaining many of the qualities that have defined Lexus for more than 20 years, the LS reaches new heights with an exciting blend of beautiful design, modern refinement and advanced technology.

The 2013 LS line-up includes the LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600hL hybrid, and the first-ever LS 460 F SPORT. LS 460 and LS 460L are available in RWD and AWD. The LS Hybrid is available with a full-time AWD system.

AVT, a Filipino company pioneering in vehicle navigation and multi-media devices, will once again be showcasing a new range of products at the upcoming 4th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), to be held from August 16-19, 2012, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

The latest model of the AVT personal navigation range, the AVT PN-504, will be launched at the event. Featuring a new high-resolution 5-inch LCD touchscreen, the AVT PN-504 is powered by the latest Atlas IV 533MHz CPU with a built-in high sensitivity GPS receiver that is quickly able to acquire a GPS fix in 3-minutes. In terms of functionality, the AVT PN-504 also serves as a multi-media player (MP3/MP4/WMA/WMV/AVI/3GP), a photo viewer, and offers extras such as a calculator, calendar and unit conversion.

Photo by Lazlo Trinidad

It was a guaranteed successful kick-off event for automotive drifting fans as they witnessed sideways action of the Lateral Drift Championship Series held last weekend at Quirino Grandstand. Last year, only a portion of the grandstand was occupied, specifically the curved road going to the entrance of Ocean Park because it was partnered up with another event. But this year the entire Parade Grounds was solely occupied only for drift action for spectators to enjoy.

Photo Courtesy of Volvo Press

While the Shanghai International Automotive City Group (SIAC) marked its first anniversary of the electric vehicle (EV) campaign on July 20, 2012, Volvo Car Corporation delivered 15 Volvo C30 Electric cars to the City for pioneering open road test-drive project - EV100 Days. Meanwhile, Volvo C30 Electric was also awarded "Green Car of the Year" in China at the 4th China New Energy Mobility Summit in recognition of its world-leading safety and superb performance on the same day.

Merging Driver Gets Revenge on Another Driver

Next time you try to merge, please be more considerate. As the Russian in the Toyota sedan found out, not giving way to a Land Cruiser Prado will end in a muddy consequence.

Happy start of the week, everyone!

Review: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Avantgarde

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Mercedes-Benz has always been regarded as the choice of the privileged and the upper class. The mere sight of the three-pointed star atop the radiator grille is enough to cause a sea of traffic to part, the security guards to salute and the valet to give up the VIP parking slot. Lately though, Mercedes-Benz has embarked on a diversification campaign, creating almost every conceivable permutation it can make from four-door coupes, to SUVs of varying sizes to even premium hatchbacks. Nowadays, every Tom, Dick, and Harry can get a Mercedes-Benz that feels tailor-made to his budget, taste, and lifestyle. Thankfully, Mercedes-Benz hasn’t lost sight on the cars that made them successful in the first place.

Tuason Races in the Belgian F1 Track

After posting the best time in his division in Germany, Multi-Awarded Racecar driver JP Tuason has continued on to the Porsche Sports Cup in Circuit de Spa, the Formula 1 track in Belgium.

Tuason, who went to race in Germany to explore the different opportunities for Filipino Racers in Europe, posted the fastest time around the famed Nurburgring track, and was invited once again to race in the next level of Competition.

Drifting is the fastest growing motorsport in the world, and now starts its season once again here in the Philippines dubbed as the 7th Season of the Philippine Lateral Drift Championship Series 2012. This season will have a full calendar of six rounds which will start this July until the month of November. The 4 rounds will be held in Manila and the other 2 rounds at Clark Pampanga. A total 40+ Amateurs and Pro drivers from all over the region have been counted and ready to start this year action.

Photos courtesy of Subaru Press

Subaru is on a hot streak in the Philippines. After launching their all-new XV compact crossover at the 8^th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) last April, orders have steadily come in. In fact, thanks largely to the overwhelming success of the XV as well as the Forester, the brand is heading towards another record year in terms of sales. And they haven’t stopped to take a breather just yet.

Lexus Manila Launches 2012 ES 350

Photos courtesy of Lexus Press

The introduction of the all-new 2012 ES350 marks the sixth generation of Lexus’ popular luxury sedan since its introduction over 20 years ago. Featuring the signature Lexus spindle grille, a progressive new design and enhanced handling, the ES brings new levels of refinement and quality to the entry luxury segment. The ES is sure to impress new and loyal consumers. “Since its introduction in 1989, the ES has been the benchmark luxury sedan for quality, reliability, ride comfort and value,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The new ES350 raises the bar once again.”

Photo courtesy of Lexus Press

Last April, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) launched the Toyota Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles (TCPOV) program with the aim of providing a one-stop shop convenient service to its customers. This July, TMP is introducing the same program to its luxury brand Lexus. With the launch of the Lexus Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles (LCPOV) program, Lexus brings its world renowned service another level higher.

Petron Offers "Blaze Your Way to the Grand Prix" Promo

Gassing up with Petron and paying with your MasterCard could win you a free trip to the Formula One Grand Prix! The "Blaze Your Way to the Grand Prix" promo is an e-raffle running from July 15 to September 15, 2012.

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August 5, 2012

1-2 Victory for Audi R8 LMS at Spa 24 Hours

Lamborghini Super Trofeo Cars Take on a Wet Fuji Circuit

August 2, 2012

First Drive: 2012 Audi A1

August 1, 2012

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Priced from P 1.508M - AutoIndustriya

Honda Launches 1'M Blue Campaign

Expanded Lakbay Alalay Takes on Environmental and Health Projects

Safe T Ryders Goes to Tayuman

Subaru Impreza Pulls Dodge RAM + Trailer Out of Mud

July 31, 2012

Lexus Unveils 2013 LS

AVT Navigation and Multi-Media Devices Showcased in 2012 PIMS

Round 1 of 2012 Lateral Drift Championship Series

Volvo C30 Electric Awarded "Green Car of the Year" in China

Merging Driver Gets Revenge on Another Driver

Review: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Avantgarde

July 27, 2012

Tuason Races in the Belgian F1 Track

Lateral Drift 2012 Starts Saturday, July 28

Bright Stars for Subaru in the Philippines

July 26, 2012

Lexus Manila Launches 2012 ES 350

Lexus Manila Now Offers Certified Pre Owned Cars

July 25, 2012

Petron Offers "Blaze Your Way to the Grand Prix" Promo