Here's a lesson for all aspiring to enter motorsports: never celebrate too early. As this guy, Riccardo Russo found out as he celebrated his "victory" a lap too early in the 2012 Italian CIV championship race in Mugello.
July 14, 2012
Never Celebrate Too Early
Here's a lesson for all aspiring to enter motorsports: never celebrate too early. As this guy, Riccardo Russo found out as he celebrated his "victory" a lap too early in the 2012 Italian CIV championship race in Mugello.
July 13, 2012
First Drive: 2012 Ford Focus
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang and Ford Press |
KRABI, THAILAND – A sweeping right-band bend appears on the horizon. You settle
yourself into the bucket seat, brace your right foot against the dead pedal, and
tighten your grip on the steering wheel. Do you slow down or speed up? A
split-second later, you mash the throttle and take the bend. Your car remains
planted. Secure. Without a tire squeal from the front Michelin tires. You crack
a satisfied smile, and continue on with the rest of your journey. This is your
new family car. This is the all-new Ford Focus.
Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Unveils Lancer EX 1.6
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| Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Press |
Meanwhile, MMPC has also refreshed 2-liter GT-A as it is poised to offer still the best value for money in the compact sedan segment given its top of its class features.
July 12, 2012
HCPI Launching Expanded Civic Line-Up on Monday
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is finally launching a much needed expanded Civic line-up on Monday, July 16. Though pricing and availability will be formally announced on Monday, from what we gather (and this was presented in the Civic launch early in the year), it will mark the return of a base variant of the Civic as well as the 2.0-liter model.
Snooping around the net reveals some interesting specs: the 1.8-liter S (as how neighbor Thailand dubs the base variant) will have a 5-speed manual transmission mated to the same 1.8-liter engine as before: 141 horsepower and 174 Nm of torque. It will also continue to be equipped with 15-inch alloys with 195/65 tires.
Meanwhile, the 2.0 EL model will likely serve as the Civic's flagship model. Like before, it will have 155 horsepower and 190 Nm of torque and it will be solely available with a 5-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Key features will likely include: a push button engine start/stop, cruise control, HID headlamps, 17-inch alloys with 214/45 tires among others.
Follow us on Twitter as we follow the unveiling of several new Civic on Monday, July 16. Our coverage starts at 11:00 AM.
Goodyear Launches Quietest Tire Ever
The new Eagle EfficientGrip is Goodyear’s quietest, most comfortable tire ever. The leading tire company’s latest innovation is engineered with advanced “Quiet Tred” technology to minimize road noise and help deliver a silky smooth ride, without compromising safety which is the hallmark of all Goodyear tires.
Designed for luxury car drivers in the country who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the urban environment when they step into their cars, the new Goodyear Eagle EfficientGrip can help make the journey more quiet and smooth.
Hyundai Posts 36% Growth in June
In June, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) posts 36% growth in total sales to 2,356 units from 1,737 units in the prior month. The Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment made an impressive comeback with 101% surge, or 1,108 units sold in June versus the 550 sold a month ago. The arrival of stocks of the Tucson model contributed to the overall boost of Compact SUVs with 600 units sold.
This led to a 23% growth in sales for the first six months of the year with 12,751 units sold compared to the 10,355 units sold in the same period last year. For the said period, models in the PC segment, namely the Accent and the recently-launched EON, upped by 66%.
Photo Break #3: Sweeping Bend
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| Photo by Ulysses Ang |
Like all other Photo Break, this one's in high-resolution format (1280 x 800). Free free to download them as your wallpaper.
Philippine Car Price Guide: July 2012
We bring to you the July 2012 installment of the monthly car price guide. In this update, there are some notable changes including:
- Audi A1
- Chevrolet Colorado
- Ford Explorer 3.5 V6
- Ford Focus
- Ford Mustang
- Honda Jazz 1.5 V, SE, and Mugen (!)
- Isuzu Alterra Urban Cruiser X
- Isuzu D-MAX variants
- Kia Sorento variants
- Kia Sportage 2.4 DLX
- Mitsubishi Lancer EX 1.6
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport 3.0 V6
- Suzuki Alto K10
July 10, 2012
Review: BMW 118d Urban
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Normally,
you'll be cursing to yourself when you've got a BMW stuck in midday EDSA
traffic. Normally, you'll be wishing for a wide, open road with a
billiard-smooth surface to sample the BMW's impeccable balance and spirited
engine. Normally, you'd wish everyday was a Sunday. Sadly, Sunday happens just
once a week and in the six other days, you have to be content crawling through
traffic in your P 2-million hatchback. Yet, for all the traffic and
unpredictable weather Manila offers, this is the sort of environment that tests
the all-new BMW 118d. Rarely does a car prove itself while stuck in traffic,
but that's exactly what this premium car did. For a minute, you can forget that
BMW's were designed to tackle the autobahn, and relish a fuel economy that's
close to 20 km/l (and that's not a typo).
July 9, 2012
All-New Ford Ranger is Here (Finally)!
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| Photo courtesy of Ford Press |
Revealed in April at the Manila International Auto Show, the all-new Ford Ranger comes to market in the Philippines, combining the toughness and capability of a pickup truck with smart technology, outstanding safety, excellent fuel economy and high standards of quality and comfort.
“We are thrilled to start deliveries of our class-defining all-new Ranger and invite our customers to test drive the Ranger at their nearest Ford dealership,” said Dino Obias, AVP for Marketing.
The all-new Ranger is available in three variants - the 2.2L 4x2 XLT in both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions and the 2.2L 4x4 XL in manual transmission – at the suggested retail price of PhP1,179,000 for the 2.2L Ranger 4x4 XL, PhP1,069,000 for the 2.2L Ranger XLT 4x2 MT and PhP1,119,000 for the 2.2L Ranger XLT 4x2 AT.
July 6, 2012
Chevrolet Colorado Now Available in PHL
The Covenant Car Company Incorporated (TCCCI) gives pick-up enthusiast something to be excited about as it introduces the all-new Chevrolet Colorado in the Philippines. The New Chevrolet Colorado is built on nearly a century of Chevrolet trucking heritage and engineered with the best combination of power, durability, comfort and economy in its class. It has been subjected to a tough development and validation process, and has been tested in the toughest conditions around the world. The result is a midsize pick-up truck that is best-in-class in terms of power, torque and acceleration over all terrains, and under all operating conditions.
July 5, 2012
All-New Ford Focus Debuts in PHL; Sales Start in September
The all-new Ford Focus makes its Philippine debut, setting a new standard in its segment with its unmatched combination of smart technologies, outstanding fuel economy, expressive design, responsive performance, responsive performance and high levels of craftsmanship and occupant safety.
The dynamic Ford Focus will go on sale in the Philippines in September and will be produced at Ford’s new USD 450-million, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Rayong, Thailand, which will supply the entire ASEAN region as well as other export markets.
July 4, 2012
PGA Cars Launches A1
PGA Cars, Inc., the official distributor of Audi vehicles in the Philippines has announced that the A1 is now available at their Greenhills, Alabang, and Global City Showrooms.
Audi's most compact model comes with the S-Line body kit and is being offered in several colors. It's powered by a 1.4-liter engine that features both a supercharger AND a turbocharger. It's also equipped with the 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. Thanks to the small engine as well as advanced transmission and start/stop system, the A1 returns an impressive 18.86 km/L.
For more information about the Audi A1, you may contact PGA Cars at (+63-2) 727-0381 to 85.
July 3, 2012
Review: 2012 Mazda3 2.0 R
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Admittedly,
when the curtains were pulled off the all-new Mazda3, the reception was a bit
lackluster. Given the first-generation 3 collected numerous accolades and was
for a time, the Philippines’s best-selling compact car, expectations for the
new model was stratospherically high. Plus, since its arrival was a full two
years (and a facelift) behind schedule, everyone was expecting to be blown
away. Rumors circulated about the possibility of having a 2.0-liter hatchback,
a manual transmission option, and even the arrival of the mythical Mazdaspeed3.
July 2, 2012
CAMPI Announces Motor Show Schedule
Optimism hasn’t been any higher for the 13
members and affiliates of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the
Philippines, Inc. or CAMPI as they have officially announced the dates of the
fourth Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). Slated from Thursday, 16
August to Sunday, 20 August 2012 at the World
Trade Center
in Pasay City, this year’s show carries the theme
of: “Drive the Fun”.
June 29, 2012
Photo Break # 2: Road Less Traveled
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| Photo by Ulysses Ang |
All Photo Break photos can be downloaded as a desktop wallpaper This one's in a 1280x800 pixel resolution. Enjoy.
June 28, 2012
Lexus Tops J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Initial Quality Study
Lexus earned the honor as the highest-ranking nameplate in the automotive industry in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) with 73 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100).
Lexus has ranked highest in the IQS study in 14 of the last 23 years, beginning with the brand’s first model year in 1990.
June 27, 2012
Ford Philippines to Conclude Manufacturing Operations by Year-End
This decision, part of Ford's ongoing restructuring of regional manufacturing operations to improve efficiencies and costs, and better leverage economies of scale, was made following a comprehensive assessment of opportunities to bring a new product program to the Philippines.
UPDATED: Subaru BRZ PHL Specs Leaked
With the Toyota 86 officially launching next week, Motor Image Pilipinas has already begun pre-selling their version of the acclaimed rear-wheel drive sports car. So, how much is the BRZ worth in Philippine Pesos? Well, if you're expecting a hefty discount versus the 86, you'll be disappointed. The Subaru BRZ is currently pre-selling for P 2,200,000 with deliveries starting 4th quarter of 2012.
However, the differentiating factor between the BRZ and its 86 cousin is the specs. The BRZ is expected to be better loaded, if just a tad. Preliminary specs include:
UPDATED: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Sliding Sideways Real Soon
C! Magazine, the Philippines's leading car enthusiast magazine has blown the covers off the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe with an exclusive first test. The sport coupe is currently on the magazine's Facebook page cover photo and some digging reveals a July or August 2012 release date, raining a bit perhaps on the Toyota 86's parade. There will be a slight price increase, topping out at P 1,990,000.
June 26, 2012
Volvo Launches S60 Polestar Performance Concept
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| Photo courtesy of Volvo Press |
"We are proud to present Polestar’s interpretation of the Volvo S60," says Christian Dahl, founder and CEO of Polestar. "It’s a car developed with our own preferences in mind which, we, from experience know, are shared by a group of active drivers."
Review: 2012 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
June 25, 2012
Simply Brilliant: Driving the Hyundai Eon to Baguio
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Normally, when you think “road trip”, your
mind gravitates towards bringing a crossover or a large van with you where it
is you need to go. So when we were invited to drive Hyundai’s newest (and
smallest) city car, the Eon up Baguio,
there were questions as to whether the diminutive vehicle would actually make
it in one piece. We actually conjured up scenarios where the Eon would be
thrown about by the crosswinds of passing busses or stalling up the steep climb
up Kennon Road.
June 24, 2012
Columbian Autocar Corporation Extends Partnership with Philippine Azkals
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| Photo courtesy of Kia Press |
With a year of exciting collaborations with the team, CAC extended their contract for a second year as the Azkals’ official transport provider. Held at the Azkals Sports Bar last June 21, the signing event was witnessed by the motoring and sports media.
Following its aggressive sports marketing strategy, KIA will be one of the major sponsors at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. As one of the official FIFA partners, KIA will be supplying vehicles from its model line-up that will be used during FIFA events. KIA is also boosting its brand recognition through a number of marketing activities and A-board advertisements in the stadiums during the games.
KIA Motor’s commitment to sports and passion for football are showcased in its continued partnership with the Philippine Azkals. With the different sports sponsorships, KIA Motors Corporation will continue to strengthen the brand as a global automaker that is adventurous and young-at-heart.
June 22, 2012
Ford Philippines Upgrades Explorer 3.5 V6
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| Photo courtesy of Ford Press |
The all-new 3.5L Ford Explorer Limited features additional segment-first technologies that include Active Park Assist, Lane Keeping Technology, Blind Sport Information System and Adaptive Cruise Control.
June 21, 2012
First Drive: 2012 Toyota 86
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Upon his appointment as Toyota Motor
Corporation CEO, Akio Toyoda has one goal: make Toyota fun-to-drive once again. As the
founder’s grandson, Akio-san knows that one vital ingredient to make this dream
a reality is to create an affordable and spirited sports car. Before the birth
of the 86, it was puzzling that Toyota—being
the world’s largest automaker, didn’t have a single sports car in its line-up.
The absence was made even more obvious given the carmaker’s illustrious past:
Toyota Sports 800, 2000GT, Celica, MR2, and Supra. Now, after years of
anticipation and excitement, the long wait is over as the company has
introduced a new addition to its line-up; one that finally re-introduces a
legend: the Toyota
86 sports car.
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