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January 15, 2014

OFFICIAL: 2014 Subaru WRX STI Carries Same Heart, Promises Better Handling (w/ Video)

After countless renders, leaks, reports, and even a reveal of its racing version, Subaru has finally pulled the curtains off the all-new 2014 Subaru WRX STI, and based on the official information, they seem to have concentrated on giving their flagship performance sports sedan better handling. After all, it was designed with “Pure Power in Your Control” as its motto.

UPDATE: Aside from photos, Lexus has now released a slew of data on the RC F.

Lexus has released the first few photos of its new RC F high-performance coupe in the lead up to the North American International Auto Show. And we’re liking what we see. Based on the already spectacular looking RC Coupe launched at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013 in November, the RC F shows off added muscularity and power through more fins, ducts, and scoops. All this and it’s supported by V8 power-eschewing the downsizing trend started by its German rivals.

Spend 60 Days with the All-New Ford Ecosport. Find Out How.

Ford Philippines announced a new interactive pre-launch campaign, in anticipation of the arrival of the all-new Ford EcoSport in the country. ‘EcoSport Urban Discoveries’ is designed to bring out the city adventurer in every Filipino consumer by inviting them to share their favorite urban discoveries around the metro and how the all-new Ford EcoSport makes it easier to get there.

Hyundai’s flagship sedan, the rear-wheel drive Genesis Sedan is getting the full unveil at the North American International Auto Show. Though it’s generally a niche product (here in the Philippines, at least), it showcases the Korean carmaker’s future design direction with Fluidic Sculpture 2.0.

Responding to Akio Toyoda’s call for more design revolution and more heart-pounding design at Toyota, the Japanese carmaker launched the “Future Toyota 1” or FT-1 Concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). So-called because it’s Toyota’s ultimate expression of what a Toyota coupe should be, it successfully builds up on Toyota’s rich heritage with cars including the Celica, Supra, and the 86.

Fresh from winning the title of North American Car of the Year, the Chevrolet Corvette is finally raising its middle finger against the Porsches and Ferraris, yes the Porsches and Ferraris of the world, with the introduction of the four-generation Corvette Z06. This is the most powerful, most capable Corvette yet with a face-melting 625 horsepower and 816 Nm of torque (at least) from its supercharged 6.2-liter V8.

After a couple of teasers, Kia finally unveiled what they called their “most aggressive concept car”: the GT4 Stinger. The name certainly sounds like a video game sequel, but make no mistake: this one’s taking the fight to the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 IF Kia decides to build it.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The Touran is a seven-seater?! This is the all-too common reaction when you show them Volkswagen Philippines’s entry in the MPV market. And who could blame them? At just 4,397-mm in length, it’s about the same size as a compact sedan, not an MPV. But before they could pass further judgment, they open the door and step inside. Then it makes them realize: the size is just right. Truly, an MPV shouldn’t be judged by its exterior, but by what it does with the interior. In that regard, the Volkwagen Touran comes out as a perfectly-proportioned MPV; a great choice to ferry the family around Manila’s small roads.

Ford Unveils All-New F-150, Now with 2.7-liter Ecoboost

The Philippines hasn’t seen the Ford F-150 for quite some time, but in the good, old U.S. of A, it still rules and is still is the best-selling vehicle there. For that reason as well as its never ending rivalry with the Chevrolet Silverado is the reason why Ford is unveiling what they dub to be the “smartest, most capable” F-150 yet. Well, they didn’t say it would be the most bad ass.

In just over a year since its establishment, Hyundai Motorsport is ready to join the ranks of the competitive FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) next week with two Hyundai i20 WRC cars entered into the prestigious Rallye Monte-Carlo, round one of the 13-rally 2014 WRC season.

In the Hyundai tradition of giving back to the community, 40 Hyundai scholars from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) expressed full support for HARI Foundation, Inc.'s (HFI) advocacy to promote environmental awareness across the country by becoming part-time “Hyundai Eco-Teachers.”

Audi showed off their newest concept car, the Allroad Shooting Brake that is supposed to “combine a host of visual elements of future sports car models with the Audi-typical allroad concept and ‘shooting brake’ car body form.” This could likely mean that the Allroad Shooting Brake could preview what the next-generation TT and the Q1 would look like.

Strong sales across the entire Ford lineup in the Philippines helped drive full-year retail sales in 2013 up 41 percent to an all-time record of 13,285 units.

The record year was powered by all-time best full-year sales in the Philippines for the all-new Ford Ranger, Ford Explorer and Ford Mustang nameplates, as well as the second best-ever full-year sales for the Ford Everest.

Peugeot has chosen Novak Djokovic, a worldwide tennis icon, as its international ambassador. With this partnership, Peugeot confirms and strengthens its strategy in the tennis world, in a year that also marks the 30th anniversary of the partnership with Roland Garros, the French Open. Novak Djokovic’s worldwide fame, in particular his reputation in China, the largest car market on the planet, was a decisive factor in establishing this partnership.

Petron Corporation, the country’s leading oil company, is kicking off the new year with even more rewards for its loyal Petron Value Card holders. Fueling up with Petron Blaze 100 Euro 4, Petron XCS, Petron Xtra Advance, Petron Super Xtra Gasoline, Petron Turbo Diesel or Petron Diesel Max allows you to earn one value point for every P250-worth of fuel spend. And, unlike other loyalty cards that only earn points for future redemption, Petron Value Card allows you to earn points and pay for your Petron purchases with points, thus giving you real savings on your fuel spend.

All-New Subaru WRX STI Goes Racing Even Before Unveil (w/ Video)

Even before its unveil at the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Subaru has revealed that its all-new Subaru WRX STI is going racing. It’s going to compete in the 2014 Nürburgring 24-Hour Race slated for June 19-22. Subaru and its in-house tuning arm, Subaru Technica International (STI) aims to win its third victory in the SP3T class following its win in 2011 and 2012.

Philippine Car Price Guide: January 2014

Happy New Year! This is the first edition of the monthly Philippine Car Price Guide. Though it's generally a slow month for the auto industry, there are some notable additions/deletions/updates in this price guide including:

Honda City (added MUGEN model, updated pricing)
Honda CR-V Modulo
2014 Hyundai Accent,
2014 Hyundai Elantra
2014 Hyundai Tucson
2014 Suzuki Grand Vitara
2014 Toyota Corolla Altis

Video: Subaru Impreza Beats Differently

Subaru has brought in Kouteisennin and Time Machine, along with beat boxers Tatsuya and Rinka to let you experience the spirit of the Impreza without even seeing the car. The result is a rather eclectic mix of interpretative dance and movement. Quite unique if you ask me. Have a great weekend!

January 9, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Gives Us a 360-horsepower Compact Crossover in the GLA 45 AMG

Mercedes-Benz has lifted the veil off its high-performance compact crossover, now christened the GLA 45 AMG, before its official debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show. Targeted for a younger demographic, the GLA 45 AMG is dubbed as the “all-rounder with driving performance” thanks to its powerful motor and 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) attained a new sales record with 75,587 units sold for 2013 tallying its highest annual sales performance since its start of operations in 1988. In the Passenger Car segment, TMP sold a total of 25,847 units while its Commercial Vehicle segment made up for the balance with 49,740 units.

In a very unique move, Audi first showed off the interior of its next-generation TT Coupe at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) even before the rest of the car. However, it seems fitting given Audi wants to tout several new technologies.

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January 15, 2014

OFFICIAL: 2014 Subaru WRX STI Carries Same Heart, Promises Better Handling (w/ Video)

UPDATED: Lexus Unveils 450 HP RC F Coupe in Detroit

January 14, 2014

Spend 60 Days with the All-New Ford Ecosport. Find Out How.

2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan Shows Fluidic Sculpture 2.0: Brand's New Design Identity

Toyota FT-1 Turns Up the Excitement (w/ Video)

625 HP Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is a Race Car in Street Clothes

Kia's GT4 Stinger Concept Proves It Means Business

Review: 2014 Volkswagen Touran 2.0 TDI Comfortline

January 13, 2014

Ford Unveils All-New F-150, Now with 2.7-liter Ecoboost

Hyundai-Shell World Rally Team Set for WRC Debut

Hyundai-PUP Scholars Embark on "Eco-Teaching"

Audi Allroad Shooting Brake Shows Off Future Design, Products

Ford Philippines Delivers Record Full-Year Sales in 2013

Peugeot Chooses Novak Djokovic as International Ambassador

Earn More Petron Value Card Points Up to February 5, 2014

January 10, 2014

All-New Subaru WRX STI Goes Racing Even Before Unveil (w/ Video)

Philippine Car Price Guide: January 2014

Video: Subaru Impreza Beats Differently

January 9, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Gives Us a 360-horsepower Compact Crossover in the GLA 45 AMG

Toyota Motor Philippines Passes 75,000 Sales Mark; Highest Annual Sales Since Start of Operations

Audi Shows All-New TT Interior at CES