October 2017 | CarGuide.PH | Philippine Car News, Car Reviews, Car Prices

October 31, 2017

Mopar Unleashes 707-Horsepower HEMI V8 as Aftermarket Crate Motor

After Honda unveiled that they’re making available the Civic Type R’s engine as a crate engine, Mopar is doing the same with its Mopar 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8. Dubbed the Hellcrate, this specialty engine boasts of a mind-blowing 770 horsepower and 880 Nm from the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. Unlike the Demon, its power figures come unlocked straight out of the factory.

Racers, tuners, and Honda enthusiasts listen up: you can now buy the Civic Type R’s engine as a full-on crate engine. Available through application via Honda Performance Department (HPD), it serves US customers for now with plans to expand to European- and Asian-based ones in the future.

It’s hard to make out what’s going with the Hyundai Tucson. After being mostly impressed with their just-below-the-range-topper model, the 2.0 S CRDI 2WD last year, it’s time to sample what’s supposed to be their mid-tier model, the 2.0 GLS CRDI 2WD to see if the magic rubs onto the lower models as well. In a twist of fate however, Hyundai has re-shuffled its variants for beginning in September which means this particular Tucson now sits just below the top-of-the-line model: the available-by-indent-order 4WD variant. With far less equipment than before and a higher price tag, can the Tucson 2.0 GLS CRDI 2WD still be considered as a good value compact crossover?

Subaru Admits to Lax Car Inspections at Japanese Assembly Plants

Subaru is the latest carmaker to get embroiled in a scandal involving lax inspection procedure for the Japanese domestic market. After Nissan is set to recall 1.2 million vehicles, Subaru may have to recall 255,000 Legacy, Forester, and Impreza models at the cost of 5 billion yen (~ P 2.2 billion) for the Japanse market.

This Thing is a Big Hit With the Ladies at the Honda's Tokyo Motor Show Pavilion

The Honda pavilion at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017 is a big hit for the ladies because of one rather unexpected reason: this hotdog cart-like thing called the Honda RoboCas Concept.

As part of its year-end toy car promotion, industry leader Petron Corporation is offering the country’s first scale-model collection of Pagani Automobili hypercars.

Foton Philippines’s rapid dealership expansion continues as United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), the exclusive distributor of Foton vehicles in the country, together with its authorized dealer, Antara Ventures, Inc. officially opened the doors of Foton Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), makes sure motorists traveling this Undas will have a hassle-free and enjoyable trip by offering fuel discounts, free vehicle check-up and medical assistance.

EasyTrip Services Corporation is reminding its customers that the company has no plans to phase out the EasyTrip tag for use on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

The IMx Concept is Nissan's Not-So-Distant EV Future

Nissan says electrification and autonomous vehicles may change the very idea of driving. And responding to those changes is their new IMx Concept which made its debut at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017.

While the Viziv Performance Concept took centerstage at the Subaru’s 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017 display, Subaru is showing something even more showroom ready with two spruced up models: the Impreza Future Sport Concept and the Subaru XV Fun Adventure Concept.

If you’re in the process of restoring a 1970s to 1980s Japanese car like the Toyota AE86, Mazda RX-7, or Datsun 240Z, Yokohama’s got your back when want everything period correct down to the tires. Starting today, the Japanese tiremaker is re-issuing its Advan HF Type D tire as part of its “Advan Stylish Collection.”

Toyota Shows Us What Modern Public Utility Vehicles Really Look Like

The Philippine government and commercial vehicle body builders should take a page from Toyota’s playbook when coming up with a modern public utility vehicle. Shown at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017, are the JPN Taxi and Sora fuel cell bus—two vehicles which will forever change the landscape of metropolitan Japan’s mass transportation.

Honda is pushing to electrify two-thirds of their global line-up in 13 years time as part of their Vision 2030 strategy. One of the interesting solutions that solves a part of the problem (cost and complexity) is Honda’s decision that not one hybrid system fits all. They have, in fact, rolled out three systems under the Sport Hybrid family and one of them can even be found in the Honda City!

Honda Will Make You Want to Drive An EV with the Sports EV Concept (w/ 11 Photos, Video)

Honda certainly knows how to warm a car enthusiast’s heart on the prospect of driving an Electric Vehicle or EV in the near future. After coming up with a winner of a concept with the Honda Urban EV Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Japanese carmaker is following that up with the Sports EV Concept at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017.

Think about all the memories you had about the Mitsubishi Evolution. Now, erase them. That’s essentially what Mitsubishi is having you do as they rolled out a flagship high-performance vehicle concept with a very familiar name at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017.

After Toyota, Honda, and Mazda all confirmed the safety of vehicles using Kobe Steel aluminum components, Subaru Corporation has done the same. And like the other Japanese carmakers that have made announcements, Subaru is saying that all of their vehicles are safe.

Subaru is showing off what the future WRX could look like. Though the full-model change (along with the subsequent shift to the Subaru Global Platform) is still some years off, the Japanese carmaker wasted no time revealing the VIZIV Performance Concept at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017.

Mazda’s mission to save the internal combustion engine continues on by giving its game-changing HCCI engine, Skyactiv-X, the body it deserves. Making its formal debut at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017, the KAI CONCEPT is a production concept that gives everyone the first glimpse of the all-new Mazda3.

Volvo Philippines has announced that the 2018 XC60 is finally here in the Philippines after being previewed a few months ago. This new generation XC60 will feature three new advanced driver assistance features aimed at keeping the driver out of trouble. This is in addition to the beautifully sculpted body, luxurious interiors, intuitively connected infotainment, and a superb ride and drive.

The Honda Collection Hall is a Must for Every Honda Enthusiast (w/ 51 Photos)

With around 300 restored motorcycles, automobiles, power products, and racing machines on display, the Honda Collection Hall is a must for any Honda enthusiast visiting Japan.

After 38 years, off-road enthusiasts in the Philippines is saying goodbye to a legend. As the Patrol Super Safari (Y61) ends assembly in the Philippines, Nissan Philippines (NPI) is paying homage to the off-road icon by releasing a limited final edition model aptly named: Nissan Patrol Super Safari Legend Edition.

The pickup-based passenger vehicle (PPV) segment is currently the hottest contested segment in the country and everyone wants to get into the game. While the Foton Toplander has had its shining moments, the lack of an automatic gearbox limited its appeal. Two years since its Philippine launch, Foton has finally given its SUV a two-pedal layout and you know what? It’s worth the wait.

Rainy days present many challenges to motorists. Besides the trouble of getting drenched by the downpour, heavy rains cause floods in many areas in and around the metro, worsening the already daunting traffic situation. Long lines at train and bus stations snaking through the street further compress packed roads and contribute to the slow flow of traffic.

BMW Raided Over Anti-Trust Allegations: Report

The BMW headquarters was raided by European Union (EU) officials who are investigating an alleged cartel among German carmakers, Reuters reported.

As Chevrolet marks its eighth year in the country, The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the country, is offering all-in low downpayment deals through The Unstoppable Chevrolet Motorama.

Because of its unparalleled versatility, globally, the SUV has evolved into the “aspirational” vehicle of most people who dream of owning a car. “Goodyear, recognizes the versatility of the SUV, as well as the fact that SUV owners are a diverse group, with complex requirements,” shared Goodyear Philippines Market Director Kenneth Sambajon at the launch of Goodyear’s latest range of SUV tires. Goodyear launched not one, but four models of SUV tires for versatile SUVs and the diverse people who love them.

Sport Utility Vehicles or SUVs are sought after because they’re practical and great value-for-money. And while buying one may be left to the moms or dad, everyone has a say. It can be difficult to get a consensus among the family members if each has his or her own priorities or needs, and even more so, when the car is shared by everyone. Thankfully, there’s one SUV that meets the needs of everyone in the family and that’s the all-new Hyundai Tucson.

Mitsubishi Motors is launching a 3-year strategic plan to deliver sustained and profitable growth for the carmaker. With “Drive for Growth”, Mitsubishi is targeting a 30 percent increase in unit sales to 1.3 million units and revenues to 2.5 trillion yen (~P 1.13 trillion).

If you think getting stuck in traffic is already bad, then pray that your car never breaks down while you, along with thousands of other souls, are traveling to your respective Halloween holiday destinations.

Ford Driving Skills for Life Lands in Davao for the First Time

To reinforce its commitment to road safety and expand awareness on the importance of safe driving, Ford Philippines recently brought its globally-recognized Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program to Davao City, a first in the 10-year history of DSFL in the country.

Centro Manufacturing Corporation, the Philippine’s largest truck body builder, continues to be optimistic about the wing van market in the country.

After confirming that the Urvan Premium is getting an automatic transmission variant last Month, Nissan Philippines has released yet another nugget of information: it’s already en route to the Philippines and will launch in November. Additionally, it comes with refreshed styling as well.

Experience True MINI Lifestyle at First-Ever MINI Festival

MINI fans, Bonifacio Global City may be the perfect place to spend this weekend. The first-ever MINI Festival is happening today until tomorrow Sunday, October 22 from 10 AM to 9 PM at the BGC.

The US-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or IIHS has just initiated a tougher new crash test standard, one that makes sure carmakers are paying attention to the safety and well-being of front passengers just as well.

The Japanese newspaper Nikkei reports that Toyota, Honda, and Mazda have confirmed the safety of their aluminum components after being dragged into the falsification product quality data that rocked Japan’s third-largest steel maker, Kobe Steel.

Tata Motors Opens San Fernando, Pampanga Dealership

Pilipinas Taj Autogroup, Inc. (PTAJ), the exclusive distributor of India’s largest automaker, Tata Motors, opened their newest dealership in San Fernando, Pampanga last October 5, 2017.

Fast Autoworld Philippines Corp. (FAPC), Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC)’s authorized dealership, broke ground for the establishment of an additional Mitsubishi Motors outlet and first Fuso dealership in Lapu-Lapu City. FAPC – Lapu-Lapu branch is FAPC’s third outlet in Cebu and tenth Mitsubishi outlet in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Other dealership outlets of FAPC are in Tacloban, Ormoc, Tagbilaran, Dumaguete, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, and Ozamis.

Foton Philippines is pushing its bid to be recognized as a mainstream car brand in the Philippines by launching the much-awaited automatic transmission variant of its Toplander midsized SUV.

BMW Philippines to Launch Brand's First-Ever 7-Seater MPV

Following the success of the BMW Xpo 2017, Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the country, will go on the road to reinforce their commitment to joy. Beginning October 27 to 29 at the North Court of Power Plant Mall in Makati, the BMW Roadshow 2017 will be headlined by the first-ever 7-seater MPV: the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer.

Ford Philippines has unveiled its yearend sale deals offering customers more opportunities to own a Ford vehicle before the year ends.

Toyota is Helping Everyone Get Moving: Meet the Concept-i Series

Toyota is pushing its vision of the future of mobility with its Concept-i series. It’s a future where artificial intelligence or AI enables cars to understand the driver, effectively allowing people and cars to become partners.

If your vehicle is one of the thousands covered in the Takata airbag recall and you’re still dillydallying about having it fixed; well, here’s a video that’ll convince you to do so.

There are those who like flaunting their success with outward displays of wealth, while there are others who are equally successful but prefer not to attract any attention. Among the pickup trucks available in the market today, the one that perfectly fits the latter’s description is the Isuzu D-Max. It may not have the same headline grabbing power as some of the other choices out there, but it doesn’t mean it’s less capable. In fact, it’s an honest-to-goodness vehicle that drives and rides very well.

Victory Liner Acquires 20 Hyundai Universe Luxury Buses

Victory Liner, Inc. (VLI), one of the country’s largest provincial bus operators, fortified its long-established partnership with Hyundai Philippines through its recent acquisition of 20 Hyundai Universe space luxury buses.

Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), recently awarded the grand winner of “True Power from Within” with a brand new 2017 Chevrolet Camaro RS A/T and P 100,000 worth of Caltex Starcash to go with it. The nationwide promotion for Caltex customers was in conjunction with Michael Bay’s latest Transformer’s installation, Transformers: The Last Knight.

Hino Motors Philippines (HMP) celebrated another milestone with the grand opening of its newest dealership along United Nations Avenue in Manila on October 12.

Ford Philippines celebrated the Global Caring Month last September with corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs focused on building homes and provision of medical and dental services.

Japanese Steel Scandal Spreads to Tires, Engine, Transmission Components

After triggering the largest scandal to befall the Japanese steel industry, beleaguered steelmaker Kobe Steel has admitted that its “inappropriate actions” has spread to more than just aluminum components.

Following the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s decision to upgrade an investigation into potential excessive exhaust or carbon monoxide leaks in the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer, Ford Motor Company has made the decision to offer free repairs to more than 1.4 million affected units in the North American market.

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