Panned for its lackluster design and dynamics, Honda has rushed a redesign of its Civic compact and here it is. The question is: are the changes enough?
November 30, 2012
UPDATED: Will This Fix Everything? Honda Reveals 2013 Civic Redesign at LA Auto Show
Panned for its lackluster design and dynamics, Honda has rushed a redesign of its Civic compact and here it is. The question is: are the changes enough?
November 29, 2012
Goodyear Philippines Appoints New Managing Director
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has appointed a new managing director for the next phase of its growth in the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam and Hong Kong.
Effective December 1, 2012, Ron Castro will take up the newly created position of Managing Director for Goodyear Philippines & Distributor Markets. He will have direct responsibility for the Philippines business and oversight on the strategy and development of programs for Taiwan, Vietnam and Hong Kong. Castro will report to Paul Cadena, Managing Director for Goodyear ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and relocate to the company’s Manila office.
Toyota Unveils 2013 RAV4 at LA Auto Show
The all-new 2013 RAV4 crossover SUV made its world debut at the 2012 Los Angeles International Auto Show. Toyota's fourth-generation RAV4, the world's original crossover sport utility vehicle, arrives early next year. With a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, new six-speed transmission, two-row seating for five, and a host of available in-cabin technologies, RAV4 offers a nuanced balance of performance and all-around capability, including class-leading cargo capacity, striking design, class-leading eight standard airbags, and a compelling array of standard features.
Ferrari California 30 Now Available in Philippines
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Autostrada Motore, Inc., the Philippines’s official importer and distributor of Ferrari cars in the Philippines is celebrating Christmas extra early this year as they launched a new and faster variant of their award-winning Ferrari California just last week: the Ferrari California 30.
Thirty is the operative number of the Ferrari California 30 as the car is 30 kilograms lighter and 30 horsepower more powerful than the standard California, hence the unique name. The California 30’s 4.3-liter V8 engine is now rated at 490 horsepower and 505 Nm of torque thanks to a new exhaust manifold and engine mapping. In addition, the California 30’s torque curve has been modified and is broader throughout the engine’s rev range. As a result, the California 30 can accelerate to 100 km/h from a standstill in just 3.8 seconds.
Reserve your Nissan Almera Now and Get Exclusive Accessories for Free
Launched successfully in various countries including Thailand, U.S., China, India, Singapore and more recently, Malaysia, the Almera has become branded as Nissan’s global best-selling sedan, with sales reaching to more than 500,000 units to date. Built with a reputation of an “affordable dynamic sedan,” the all-new Almera boasts of class-leading comfort and space, upscale design together with great functionality, yet comes at an affordable price that is competitive in the sedan segment.
November 28, 2012
Round 5 of 2012 Lateral Drift Championship Series
The recently held round 5 of the Lateral Drift Championship night race was considered a success, together with the Zero to 400 Drag race event produced by Emperor Motorsports wherein a total recorded gate spectators was about 2,000 plus who entered the Clark International Speedway and witnessed this one of a kind and most awaited night drift event by motor enthusiasts.
It was an action packed race day at the CIS as the action started as early as 7:00 am and with the time attack by Circuit Showdown which ended around 2:00 pm. After which, it was now time for the Drag and Drift that would end up until the wee hours of the night. This is the 2nd time Later Drift Productions produced a night drift this year and last year.
November 27, 2012
Cebuana Lhuillier Links to Federal Phoenix for CTPL Issuance and Claims Processing
Bound by a common vision of bringing insurance closer to the Filipinos and hasten vehicle registration at the Land Transportation Office (LTO), major motorcar insurer Federal Phoenix Assurance Co. (FPAC) embarked on a groundbreaking partnership with the leading microinsurance agency Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions (CLIS), insurance arm of the country’s largest pawnshop chain Cebuana Lhuillier, through the Cebuana Compulsory Third Party Liability (CTPL) Insurance or Cebuana CTPL.
Volvo to Show 508 HP S60 Polestar at Los Angeles Auto Show
With the glamor and bright lights that symbolize the City of Angels, what better place for the global auto show debut of the Volvo S60 Polestar Concept than the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show? After all, the 508-horsepower beast, built by Volvo's official performance partner, Polestar, is arguably the most glamorous and lightning-quick Volvo concept car ever made.
Review: 2012 Ford Everest 2.5 Limited
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
November 23, 2012
Lexus Manila Launches All-new LS
Lexus Manila unveiled the new 2012 LS model range, including the LS 460L 5-seater and 4-seater.
Following the recent GS and ES models, the new Lexus flagship is a bold blend of refinement and evolution. It incorporates powerful new styling featuring the Lexus spindle grille design, with enhanced driving dynamics and industry-leading technology.
Ford Continues Philippine Dealership Expansion with New Ford Pampanga, Ford Alabang
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| (L-R): Minnie Valencia, VP for Marketing and Sales, Paolo Borromeo and Max Borromeo, Dealer Principals, Matt Bradley, Ford ASEAN President and Randy Krieger, Ford Group Philippines President. |
3M Car Wraps to be Featured at Manila Auto Salon
Auto enthusiasts have a treat in store at the upcoming 6th Manila Auto Salon, with the latest trend in vehicle customization through 3M Vehicle Wrap Film Series 1080. Exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Winterpine Marketing Corporation, 3M car wraps will be showcased through an on-site installation at their booth at the SMX Convention Center from November 29 to December 2, 2012. As a special offer for Manila Auto Salon visitors, all bookings for a 3M full vehicle wrap will be offered at 50% discount.
In partnership with Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru in the Philippines, and Auto Trend, a premium car dealer, three outstanding vehicles will be customized with the 3M Vehicle Wrap Film for the exhibit.
November 22, 2012
First Drive: 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera S
There’s no shape more instantly recognizable than the silhouette of a Porsche 911. With its illustrious history going back to 1963, no other car has been the epitome of careful progress and evolution from the stables of Stuttgart in Germany. From tip to stern, the all-new 911 (internal designation 991) continues the legacy penned by Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche but modernized with cutting-edge technology.
The all-new 911 is one of the biggest development steps in the history of the model. Almost 90 percent of components have been redeveloped including an all-new platform, only the third since the original 911. The new 911 grows 100 millimeters between the wheels and some 55 millimeters in overall length, but with shorter overhangs (minus 32 millimeters in front and 12 millimeters at the back) and a lower roofline than the previous model. Yet despite the increase in size, because the 911 predominantly uses aluminum in its construction, the new car is up to 50 kilograms lighter than before.
BMW 5 Series is Official Transport for 37th Consular Corps Ball
Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW cars in the Philippines, will serve as the official premium mobility sponsor of the 37th Consular Corps Ball which will be held on November 30. A fleet of 5 Series units will be used to shuttle VIP guests during the said event.
Volvo Comes Up with Automated Traffic Assistance System
Volvo Car Corporation has taken another step on the journey towards autonomous driving - self-driving vehicles - by demonstrating a new traffic jam assistance system. The new system, whereby the car automatically follows the vehicle in front in slow-moving queues up to 50 km/h, will be ready for production in 2014.
November 21, 2012
Food, Fun, and the Ford Focus: Two Unique Fuel Eco Runs
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang and Ford Philippines |
Fuel economy runs have become dime-a-dozen for us in the motoring media. Whenever there’s an invite for one of these things, we put on a game face, all for the glory of which team sips the least fuel. The strategies and techniques for becoming the ultimate fuel miser are well-known that there are no “trade secrets” to speak of. In short, give us a list of who’s going on a fuel economy run, and we can tell which team will win even before the start flag’s waved.
Sensing this predictability, Ford Philippines has come up with two unique fuel economy runs designed not just to test the mettle of its newest compact, the Focus, but to bring out hidden talents of some in the motoring press.
Kia Fans to Play for New Apple iPad, Picanto
With more than 150 thousand ‘LIKES’, Kia Motors Philippines’ Facebook page just upped the ante for local and multinational brands who use the social media website for their digital marketing campaigns. Bringing ‘A Different Beat’ experience to its customers, Kia launched the Kia Beat Bop and Create Your Own Beat which allows their Facebook fans to play for a new iPad and even a Kia Picanto.
AVID January-October Sales Up 18%
The positive sales performance was steered by British United Automobiles, Inc. (MINI), The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (Chevrolet) and Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc.’s newly launched models. Each member registered an overall increase of 41%, 23%, and 13% respectively.
November 20, 2012
Review: 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5 V
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Manila Auto Salon 2012: Racing with Legends
Manila’s premiere styling and tuning show, the 6th MANILA AUTO SALON opens its gates again on November 29 to December 2, 2012 at the SMX Convention Center , Mall of Asia in Pasay City with a legendary twist.
“Racing With Legends” is a documentary, which for the first time ever, shows the great racing events that transpired during the Golden Age of Philippine motor sports and tells about the pioneering spirits of the race car drivers and organizers of that special era.
November 19, 2012
Hyundai Enters Q4 with 13% Growth Fueled by Passenger Car Sales
Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, opens Q4 with overall sales up by 13% to 18,818 units sold from January to October, as opposed to 16,705 units in the same period last year. While total sales of the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment declined by 12%, vehicles under the Passenger Car (PC) segment hoisted sales with 11,593 units sold, 37% better than the 8,474 units sold from January to October in 2011. This positive performance was due to the impressive sales of the Accent and EON.
Meanwhile, October alone saw a drop in sales by 9% with 1,662 units sold, due to the delayed unit arrivals of some models, as compared to the 1,822 units sold in the same month last year. Although PC sales in this month experienced a slowdown in sales, LCV sales grew by 28% due to the timely arrival of units of the all-new Santa Fe.
Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Launches Mirage
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation is adding more fun and excitement to its vehicle lineup as it introduces the all-new Mirage. The all-new Mirage is a global car developed on the concepts of high fuel efficiency, affordability and compactness. Produced in Mitsubishi Motors Thailand, this global car features excellent fuel economy, very environment friendly with very low carbon emission, optimized equipment for exceptional value and most of all it is fun and easy to drive. The all-new Mirage is available in GLX and GLS variants with both 5-speed manual transmission and Continuously Variable transmissions to choose from.
Toyota Motor Philippines Sets New Sales Record in October
Mitsubishi Mirage Philippine Launch: The Video
This is perhaps one of the most innovative launches in recent memory for a car in the Philippines. Using the Microtel Hotel near Mall of Asia as a screen, Mitsubishi playfully projected moving images of its Mirage going through its paces. Here's wishing we'll get more launches like these!
Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force a Look at G-Class of the Future
At the Los Angeles Design Challenge 2012, Mercedes-Benz is presenting its Ener-G-Force Concept, a cool design study that shows off what a G-Class will look like in 2025. And according to Gorden Wagener, Director of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars, it proves a clue about a "new beginning for the off-road design idiom of Mercedes-Benz".
How Porsche Re-Manufactures Classic Emblems: Video
Porsche Classic is now willing to sell reproduced emblems for early 911 or 356 models. Of course, what makes it even more spectacular is the level of detail they go through just for one of these crests.
November 18, 2012
Petron Officially Launches "Passion for Porsche" Promo
The big boys of the Petron basketball team have caught the “Passion for Porsche” fever! In photo are (L-R): Chris Lutz with the red Porsche Cayman and the silver Porsche Cayenne; Danny Ildefonso holding the white Porsche GT3 RSR available starting December 1; and JunMar Fajardo with the blue Porsche Panamera and the black Porsche Carrera.
These Porsche collectible toy cars are offered in the “Petron Passion for Porsche” promo, which runs from November 1, 2012 to January 31, 2o13. For every P1,000-worth of Petron Blaze, XCS, Xtra Unleaded, Turbo Diesel or Diesel Max purchase, a Petron customer can avail of a Porsche collectible toy car for only P180.
Manila Auto Salon 2012: Big Guns Collide Again
Manila’s premiere styling and tuning show, the 6th MANILA AUTO SALON starts the big guns firing on November 29 to December 2, 2012 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Again the Big Guns are expected to collide as the show begins in the garages of the top tuning shops in the country.
“Every year the collisions are more intense and the crowd sees more and more talent, in terms of designs, configurations, and out-of-the box thinking” explains organizer Tradeshow International President, Sophie de los Santos. “The drama for the show begins at the tuning shops as they strategize for the win.”
Petron Announces Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Promo Winners
Two very lucky ladies spent the recent holidays watching the spectacular Formula One Grand Prix live at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi from November 2-4, 2012.
Cheryl Lancero of Dasmariñas, Cavite, and Catherine Liwag of Sampaloc, Manila, both businesswomen, were two of the thousands who joined the Petron “Blaze Your Way to the Grand Prix” promo. Running from July 15 to September 15, 2012, the promo was open to all Petron customers who used their MasterCards to purchase P2,000 worth of Petron fuels, Petron lubricants, or Petron Gasul from participating Petron stations, and registering a unique code in the official Petron Facebook page (www.facebook.com/PetronCorporation).
Subaru Launches Forester in Japan: Video
Watch how Subaru launched their Forester in a very unique fashion in Japan using the cars as screens. The effect is you see the car being "assembled" on stage. It makes for a great start to the week :-)
November 13, 2012
UPDATED: Official: Subaru Releases 2014 Forester Details
After countless spy photos, speculations, and even clandestine photos taken from Subaru's stockyard, Subaru has finally released details on their all-new 2014 Forester which is slated to debut in Japan on November 13 and for the North American market at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Review: 2012 Ford Mustang GT Premium 5.0 V8
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
This is, by far, one of the most powerful cars I’ve ever come across with. The Ford Mustang is not only a frighteningly potent car (the mere mention of its 420 horsepower V8 was enough to whiten my knuckles), it’s a clear sign that the folks working at Ford Philippines are true car enthusiasts who wanted to bring the iconic muscle car back to the country.
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