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August 10, 2012

Honda's US Operations to Take Lead on Vehicle Design

News from Automotive News reports that Honda is clearly learning from the lackluster response to the all-new Civic. According to that news outfit, Honda is shifting some vehicle design, including the all-new Civic, responsibilities over to Honda R&D Americas.

Additionally, Honda R&D Americas is penning the all-new Acura NSX. Currently, they have 2,000 employees, a number which mostly likely to go up in the next few years.

Source: Automotive News

August 8, 2012

Metro Manila, Makati Lifts Number Coding for Thursday, August 9

Here's a bit of good news for motorists who have to go to work tomorrow.

The Makati City government has lifted the vehicle reduction or number coding scheme for Thursday, August 9. This is will certainly help those who need to go to and from work, especially if it's located in the CBD or Central Business District.

UPDATED: Now, according to a tweet sent by the Malacanang, they've confirmed that number coding is suspended tomorrow for the entire Metro Manila including Las Pinas.

Stay safe, everyone!

UPDATED: Mazda Previews All-New 6

Photo courtesy of Mazda Press

Mazda is releasing teaser after teaser of its upcoming all-new Mazda6. Its mid-sized sedan, which for a time was close to being axed, will be showcased at the 2012 Moscow International Automobile Salon which runs from August 29 to September 2, 2012.

Though details are still somewhat sketchy, it's been revealed that the all-new 6 will wear the "Kodo - Soul of Motion" design language pioneered by the CX-5. The 6 (at least in European spec) will feature a brake regeneration technology called "i-ELOOP". The 6 will also feature the a SkyActiv-G engine with 2.0-liters of displacement mated to a 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic. Whether the 6 will see a power bump from the CX-5's mill remains to be seen.

While you're waiting for the all-new 6 to show itself, a preview video is available after the break straight from the folks at Mazda:

Senator Francis Pangilinan appealed for a “price hike holiday,” especially on fuel and food.

In a statement, he asked private firms to go easy on jacking up prices to allow residents in Metro Manila and a major part of Luzon to get back on their feet.

"Maawa naman ho tayo sa taumbayan sa mga panahong ito. Naiintindihan namin na kailangang mabuhay ng mga negosyo, pero sa panahon ng krisis tulad nito, sana ay ipagpaliban muna ng mga kumpanya--lalo na yung may mga 'buffer', ika nga, sa kita nila--ang pagtaas ng presyo. Lubog na nga ang mga tao dahil sa grabeng pagbaha, ilulubog pa ba natin sa pagtaas ng presyo mga bilihin?" he said.

Some oil companies adjusted prices on Tuesday.

Source: ABS-CBN News

August 7, 2012

Mitsubishi Showing Mirage, New Outlander at PIMS

Following the lead of Nissan Motor Philippines, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporaiton (MMPC) has just launched a teaser for their Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) line-up.

Headlining their display is the all-new Mirage (which we've already driven in Thailand). According to Mitsubishi, the Mirage will arrive with a 2-DIN touch screen DVD/GPS navigation for the top-line model. In addition, the Outlander is also making a comeback to the Philippines after being shown for the European market at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Pinoys just love the Honda CR-V. When it comes to functionality, practicality, and comfort, the CR-V is hard to beat. So much so that it has been the country's best-selling compact crossover since its market introduction in 1997.

Nissan Philippines to Showcase Almera, 370Z in PIMS

Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI) is the first car maker to reveal more about what to expect at the upcoming Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) which will run from August 16-19 at the World Trade Center.

Our new DTS Ultimate chip is here, been a long wait but the factory in UK has come through with a real beauty. This is the latest Diesel Upgrade chip available now and it makes more power plus more fuel savings than our competitors.

With a processor that runs 6X’s faster than other brands, this chip has a sampling rate faster than anything else in the world. The New Generation board is 2012 technology and the processor is the latest and fastest that’s available in the market today.

Porsche 918 Testing Enters Next Phase

Photo courtesy of Porsche Press

Driving trials of the Porsche 918 Spyder are entering the next phase. A permanent fixture of the test program for the 918 Spyder – and in the tuning process for all Porsche vehicles – is the 20.8 km long challenging Nürburgring-Nordschleife race circuit. After all, a lap time of less than seven minutes and 22 seconds is one of the development goals of the innovative super sports car with a plug-in hybrid drive.

Photo courtesy of Audi Press

Audi presented the German Olympic squad going to the 2012 London Olympics with an Audi A1 e-tron in the German colors. As a partner of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and the National Paralympic Committee Germany (DBS), Audi provided the Audi A1 e-tron as an exhibition car which will serve as a shuttle service between the German House and the MS Deutschland cruise ship. The Ingolstadt based automobile manufacturer has provided a total of 60 vehicles.

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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