Words by Jose Carlo Roberto R. Sapera | Photos by Christopher Kho
The BMW 3 Series has been around for 35 years now and is said to be the company's best-selling model since its launch. While domestic sales only began 19 years ago, it immediately commanded the biggest volume in all BMW models sold in the country. And now, just seven months after its world debut, Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, has finally officially launched its successor to the title, the all-new sixth generation 3 Series.
Published in
Newly Launched
14 May 2012
Ford Philippines' numbers up by 9% in April
Finally, Ford Philippines can say that they're back up on their feet after reporting retail sales of 677 vehicles in April 2012, which is a 9% increase over the previous month. With strong demand and improving local supply, the blue oval brand should be able to reclaim its title as the country's fastest-growing automotive brand in no time.
Published in
Industry Update
12 May 2012
End of an Era: Carroll Shelby passes at 89
Words by Niky Tamayo
The first inkling that British lawmakers had that speed limits might be a good idea was a day back in 1963 when a small British sportscar with a big American engine did 185 mph on the fabled M1... or so the story goes. In 1965, Ford produced a limited run of high-performance Mustangs, co-built with the small racing shop that built that 185 mph monster. They leased a number of these to Hertz Rent-A-Car, calling them the GT350H. These rental racers were so good that some came back from customers with the engines swapped out. When Hertz returned the whole consignment, even more of the cars had had those upgrades... borrowed.In the early 60’s, the Ford GT40 racing program, borne of Henry Ford's hate for Enzo Ferrari, was faltering. But in 1966, that same small racing shop straightened out the racing program, and the GT40 came in first, second, and third at LeMans.
Such is the legend of Carroll Hall Shelby. Responsible for some of the most iconic cars in history. Sadly, the great man passed away last May 11, 2012 at the age of 89.
Published in
Motorsports
Words by Leslie Sy | Photos by Christopher Kho
I don't know about you, but I love my old, well-worn shoes. They just feel proper on my feet - fitting just right, comfortable, and familiar. They’re something that you put on and walk straight out the front door with without giving it a thought. And this is exactly how I felt about my weekend with the all-new 2012 Kia Rio.
On paper, the all-new Rio is your typical subcompact sedan, with a 1.4L engine under the hood that produces 107 horsepower and mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission with semi-manual shift control. Safety features include three-point seat belts, driver-side airbag, ABS, childproof locks, and side impact beams. But the car is more than the sum of its parts on paper.
Published in
Subcompact
Words by Hans Gerald Chua
Ever wished you could drive around the streets of Metro Manila, especially on EDSA, without encountering a traffic jam even on weekday rush hours? Study shows that traffic jams occur when one inattentive driver suddenly hits the brakes - creating a chain reaction that leads to a complete traffic stoppage for a few dozen cars behind. Well, it seems like Honda has already successfully developed a system that could solve all that.
With help from the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, Honda Motor Co. Ltd developed the world first's technology that could detect the potential for traffic congestion. It also monitors the vehicle's acceleration and deceleration behavior to determine whether the driver's driving pattern could cause traffic.
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News
Get your day off to a good start with Petron's “Kape at Balita” promo this summer. Simply gas up between 6:30 to 8:30 am at participating Petron stations nationwide and enjoy a FREE cup of coffee and newspaper.
For a minimum single receipt purchase of P1,000 of Petron Blaze 100, Petron XCS Unleaded, Petron Xtra Unleaded, Petron Pinoy Gasoline, or Petron Regular Gasoline, customers get one FREE sachet of San Mig 3-in-1 Coffee and newspaper from The Philippine Star. The free coffee and newspaper may be redeemed from the same Petron station upon presentation of receipt from 6:30 to 8:30 am.
Published in
Contest and Promos
Words by Jade Lu | Photos by Christopher Kho
Since pioneering the luxury SUV segment 14 years ago, Lexus has effortlessly maintained its position at the forefront of its class. In this light, the luxury automaker launched the new 2012 RX350 Luxury Crossover last May 8, 2012 at the Lexus Manila Showroom in Taguig.
The 2012 edition of the RX350 boasts a bolder but more refined frontal styling and showcases Lexus' new signature “Spindle” grill design that's also seen in the CT and GS. The headlamp clusters have been updated to incorporate halogen and High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights, complemented by LED Daytime Running Lights. This may sound a trifle flashy, but Lexus definitely kept it classy.
Published in
Newly Launched
Some of you might have already learned this from experience that, the very first stop you'll ever make in your brand new car is not your house, a mall, or a restaurant, but the nearest gas station. You see, most dealerships only pour in just enough fuel to be able to move their stockpile of cars around the storage bay, leaving you the hassle of having to fill it up after. But this summer, worry no more because Shell and Ford are teaming up to give you the perfect combo so you can start enjoying better fuel economy with Shell FuelSave.
Published in
Contest and Promos
