Words by Christopher Kho
It was only a little over six months ago when we got word that PGA Automobile Inc., the same guys behind Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini, has been appointed as the sole authorized importer and distributor of Bentley in the Philippines. Kinda makes you doubt that the Philippines is indeed a third-world country, doesn't it? Well who cares when we'll have something this good cruising down our streets some day. And at last, these guys are ready to begin selling these beautiful winged “B's” as Bentley Manila officially opens for business.
Bentley Manila is the British luxury automaker's the first-ever showroom in the country. It's currently located on the 2nd floor of the PGA Building along EDSA.
Published in
Industry Update
Words by Christopher Kho
Soichiro Honda was once quoted saying: “If Honda does not race, there is no Honda.” And one of their biggest undertaking was Formula 1.
It started as early as the 60's where they enjoyed success as a full-fledged team. They then returned in the 80's as an engine supplier for McLaren and won the driver's and constructor's championship from '88 to '92 with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. Honda even had a short stint as a constructor a few years ago, until the company pulled the plug in 2008 due to limited success.
Sadly, Honda's motorsports program has been dormant for the past few years, which made us wonder wether Honda has lost their way. Well, I'm glad to let everyone know that their dry spell is almost over. That's because Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has just announced their return to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship from the 2015 season onwards as an engine supplier for McLaren once again.
Published in
Motorsports
Words by Leslie Sy
Traffic jams are a daily reality for anyone who drives around Metro Manila. Day or night. And it only gets worse even if it rains ever so slightly. With today's technology and internet connectivity, there should be some way of knowing which roads are free and which ones are to avoid altogether in real time, right?
There are those like MMDA's Traffic Navigator that does well to inform its users of the traffic condition on major roads in the Metro. But what about the thousands of kilometers that are not covered by the MMDA's system? Fortunately there is a solution and it's an app called Waze - available for both iOS and Android devices. Best part is, it's free.
Published in
Features
Words by Hans Gerald Chua | Photos courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
Time indeed flies when you're having fun, especially when you work for Lamborghini. Would you believe, the Italian supercar maker started out by building tractors from surplus World War II parts. Then, in 1963, founder Ferruccio Lamborgini decided to switch to building sports cars after a certain Mr. Enzo Ferrari told him that a tractor builder knew nothing about sports cars. And as the say, the rest is history - all 50 years of it.
So in celebration of Lamborghini's 50th birthday, they launched a tweaked and even more uncompromising Aventador called the LP720-4 50° Anniversario, limited to only 100 units worldwide. Of course, each unit is marked by a forged composite badge with the 50° logo and a serial number.
Published in
Newly Launched
Words by Christopher Kho
It was only a few weeks ago when the Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, introduced their newest ownership program called FlexiLease.
ACC describes it as “an operating lease program that offers flexibility for companies and individuals who want to experience sheer driving pleasure at the most convenient way possible.” It does this by offering “low initial cash-out and monthly rates and drive a brand new BMW vehicle every two or three years depending on the lease term applied for.”
But seriously, is it really better than paying cash outright? Think about it, after paying two or three years in lease, you don't get to keep the car. That left us with the question: “What's the point?” Thankfully, ACC Marketing Manager Karl Magsuci took time off from his busy schedule to explain to us how FlexiLease really works.
Published in
News
Yeah, you don't have to tell us that it's the middle of summer. We can feel the scorching heat too. So what does the country's sole all-BMW car show do to host their 10th year anniversary? Rent a huge ass air-conditioned tent in the heart to Alabang, of course! This way, all visitors can bask not in the heat, but in the passion of everything BMW.
Bimmerfest X, the 10th annual all-BMW car show hosted by the BMW Car Club of the Philippines (BMWCCP), sizzled last May 4, 2013 at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang. And doing what they do best, this year's show focused on BMW's two most famous tag lines: “The Ultimate Driving Machine” and “Joy.”
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News
Words by Leo Lim | Photos courtesy of SEAT S.A.
With no existing Philippine dealer, I always had to follow SEAT's progress over the web and TV via the Wold Touring Car Championship (WTCC). Impressed, yes. Excited, well not really, that is until I saw their latest racing design concept. Enter the badass Leon destined to duke it out on the WTCC and other racing series in Europe: the SEAT Leon Cup Racer.
Published in
Motorsports
It was only a month ago when the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) began implementing a new number coding scheme for brand new vehicles. Memorandum Circular No. 06 entitled “Guidelines in the implementation of the UVVRP for new vehicles without license plates but with conduction stickers” required new car owners, specifically those who have yet to be issued plates by the LTO, to prominent display the conduction sticker number “on spaces allotted for regular license plates in front and at the rear of the vehicle.”
The problem was, the MMDA simply wanted car owners to copy the conduction sticker number on a piece of card board and place it on the plate number holder. So unless you've got serious art skills, chances are, your home made temporary plate will look like a preschooler's art project and so will your brand new ride.
Luckily, new Volvo owners won't have to go through this trouble. That's because Volvo Philippines is providing them with specially-made conduction plates until the LTO issues them license plates.
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News
