UPDATED: Enough with the Rumors, Here are the Official Prices, Variants of the 2020 Suzuki S-Presso and 2020 XL7

UPDATE: Read the complete specs of the XL7 here, and the S-Presso here. (3/13).

In the lead up to the launch of their two all-new crossover offerings this month—the S-Presso mini-SUV and the XL7 7-seater small SUV, Suzuki Auto Philippines has had it with so-called leaks and has finally revealed the official pricing for these two much-awaited models.

First up, there’s the 2020 Suzuki S-Presso mini-SUV; this de facto replacement to Suzuki’s Alto is priced at P 518,000 for the sole GL M/T variant.

Powered by a 1.0-liter K10B 3-cylinder engine, it makes 68 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 90 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. The sole transmission on offer is a 5-speed manual. Though the power outputs don’t seem impressive, it’s worth noting that the S-Presso only weighs a lightweight 726 kilograms thanks to its HEARTECT platform.

In terms of handling, it features front MacPherson Struts and a rear Torsion Beam Axle while at all four corners are 13-inch steelies (with full covers) shod with 145/80R13 tires.

Features include an “SUV inspired front fascia”, twin chambered headlamps, and C-shaped taillights. Inside, it also comes with a center-mounted gauge cluster which Suzuki calls Dynamic Center Console, a high-seating position, and centrally-located power window switches. In terms of safety, it comes with airbags and ABS with EBD as standard.

Meanwhile, the Suzuki XL7 7-seater sub-compact SUV go against the likes of the Honda BR-V, Toyota Rush, and upcoming Mitsubishi Xpander Cross with its P 1.068-million price tag for the only variant, the 1.5 GLX A/T.

Based off the Ertiga 7-seater MPV, the XL7 carries the same K15B engine making 105 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. Unlike the Ertiga that comes in both manual and automatic flavors, the XL7 comes only with a 4-speed automatic. And while it rides on the same platform, the XL7 boasts of 200 mm of ground clearance and 195/60R16 wheels at all four corners.

Feature-wise, the XL7 comes chockfull of standard features such as LED headlights, roof rails, and blacked out roof pillars outside; and push-button start/stop, steering wheel-mounted controls, and automatic climate control inside. Safety equipment comes in the form of dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, and even Electronic Stability Control with hill hold assist.

Marking the announcement of the S-Presso and XL7’s official prices, Suzuki Auto Philippines is offering a P 15,000 and P 30,000 discount respectively for all reservations done between today and March 18, 2020.

In both cases, to avail of the special price, a P 5,000 minimum reservation free is required (can be done through cash, check, or credit card). The discount is then deducted upon full cash payment or bank P.O., or in the case of financing, full downpayment. Customers must take delivery of their S-Presso or XL7 on or before April 30, 2020.

Piaggio to Start Assembly in the Philippines

Autoitalia Philippines Enterprises, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Piaggio in the Philippines has taken the next step, and has entered into a technical licensing agreement with Piaggio to manufacture and assemble its vehicles not just for the Philippine market, but for export to other ASEAN countries as well.

The deal was formalized between Autoitalia Philippines Enterprises, Inc. (APE) and Piaggio with the ceremonial signing of the technical licensing agreement of CKD (Complete-Knock-Down) Kit Assembly.

Autoitalia will import CKD kits from Piaggio Vehicle Private Limited (PVPL), Inc. in India, and will assemble them at their assembly plant in Cabuyao, Laguna. The finished three-wheeled vehicles will then be sold not just locally, but to ASEAN countries such as Laos and Cambodia.

With that, plans are in place to enroll the Piaggio APE three-wheeler as part of the Board of Investments (BOI)’s Motor Vehicle Development Program (MVDP) or Executive Order 156.

Autoitalia and Piaggio is targeting to localize at least 40 percent of the CKD components, or at least source it from other ASEAN countries. With that in place, it will allow the joint-venture to export its three-wheeled vehicles from the Philippines to other ASEAN countries without duties as part of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement or AFTA.

Moreover, the signing of the technical licensing agreement gives Autoitalia the privilege to do both domestic and export sales. It also opens the door for Piaggio to infuse capital into the joint-venture which may give them partial ownership in the future.

But as a part of the Autohub Group of Companies, Autoitalia says its operations will remain geared to satisfy Philippine requirements first.

Currently, Autoitalia has dealers located in Tagaytay, Cavite, Pampanga, Dumaguete, Cebu, Bohol, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga. They will also open in more locations nationwide.

Toyota Motor PH President Now Knows: Our Public Transportation Sucks

Metro Manila’s mass transport system sucks. Almost everyone who uses a jeepney or MRT to get to and from work knows it, but it’s just different when the observation comes from no less than the president of the country’s biggest carmaker.

During his first week as the new Toyota Motor Philippines’s President, Atsuhiro “Hiro” Okamoto decided to see and feel for himself the struggles of a Filipino commuter. For that, he rode a bus, took a round trip of the MRT, rode the jeepney, rode the UV Express (complete with the long wait times), and took a tricycle ride to Tondo.

In the end, he said that the experience was a good learning experience for him. Quoting Mr. Okamoto, “I realize that unlike Japan or Singapore, the Philippines’s current mass transport system is not enough to accommodate the huge number of daily commuters. I would like Toyota to take part in this big challenge to upgrade the quality of life for many Filipinos.”

Part of “Genchi Genbutsu” (literally, “Go and See”), it’s integral to the Toyota Way philosophy of directly observing a location, and its conditions in order to understand and solve any problems faster and more effectively.

Okamoto-san is no stranger to Philippine road and traffic conditions. Before his assignment as Toyota Motor Philippines President, he was the Executive Vice-President of Toyota Motor Asia Pacific. One of their major activities he participated in was the “5 Continents Drive.” This global drive which sought to understand how Toyota vehicles are used by their customers on a daily basis drove through Metro Manila, Bulacan, Tarlac, La Union, Baguio, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales, and then back to Manila in 2019.

Kia PH Extends Anniversary Blowout Promo

Kia Philippines continues its first anniversary celebration by extending its anniversary blowout promo until March 31, 2020.

Kia’s way of saying, “thank you” to its loyal patrons, it gives buyers the chance to enjoy low downpayment and low monthly payment schemes offered by the AC Motors-owned carmaker.

The Kia Sportage LX Gas, for instance, can still be availed of for just P 1,000 all-in low downpayment and P 24,488 per month for 60 months. In addition, zero interest plans are also available for the Sorento, Stinger, Forte, and Carnival.

Customers may inquire about the promo at the nearest Kia dealership in their area.

To make it a lot easier for more Filipinos to avail of these cool anniversary deals, Kia Philippines will also embark on a mall tour at select Ayala and SM Malls this March:

• SM Pampanga, Pampanga - March 9 to 15
• SM Megamall, Mandaluyong - March 19 to 25
• Glorietta 2, Makati - March 27-29

All-in downpayment offers are available exclusively through BPI Family Savings Bank. Other financing packages can be availed through other partner banks namely BDO Unibank, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), EastWest Bank, Chinabank Savings, PNB Savings, Security Bank, and PSBank.

Nissan to Halt PH Manufacturing According to Sta. Rosa City Mayor

The decision of Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) to stop local assembly may not be the last. Sta. Rosa City mayor Arlene Arcillas revealed that Nissan is following suit as well.

In a radio interview with DZMM program Dos-Por-Dos, Arcillas says that the city council has already been made aware of Nissan Philippines’s plan to stop the manufacture of the Almera sub-compact sedan locally.

Unlike Honda though, Nissan plans to maintain a presence in Sta. Rosa, but only in an assembly capacity. Arcillas says that the third best-selling car brand in the country will assemble vehicles using CKD kits imported from outside the Philippines. This will result in Nissan having to downsize its workforce says Arcillas, but the effect would not be as drastic compared to Honda’s decision to shutter its assembly which will lay off more than 380 workers.

Currently, the Nissan Almera is built from the ground up (including body panel stamping) at the Nissan Technopark in Sta. Rosa, Laguna by Univation Motor Philippines (formerly Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc.).

Arcillas also says that the “Motor City of the Philippines,” will stand to lose around 80-million pesos in annual business taxes from HCPI’s closure.

We have reached out to Nissan Philippines regarding this. This story will be updated with any new information.

Suzuki Auto PH Inches to 77 Dealer Target with Butuan Ground Breaking

Suzuki Philippines remains bullish in its nationwide expansion as it breaks ground for the new and improved Suzuki Auto Butuan, now complete with offerings such as sales, service, and spare parts. Capping last 2019 with 21.17 percent sales increase, Suzuki Philippines is set to end the month of February with 77 dealerships in total.

Suzuki Auto Butuan is located at Kilometer 3, Baan, Butuan City. Rising in its new location, this new site will have the capability to display and accommodate seven units, an upgrade from its former three-unit display capacity. The new site also allows for Suzuki aftersales services to be within reach to existing patrons in the area and neighboring towns with a higher quality of integrated service.

Suzuki Auto Butuan is owned and managed by Grand Canyon Multi Holdings Inc., which currently manages 11 Suzuki dealerships strategically positioned in progressive cities nationwide.

The Suzuki Auto Butuan will be completed, ready, and fully operational by March 2021.

Targeting to ink a total of 77 dealerships nationwide by the end of February, Suzuki Philippines is set to add more milestones in the company’s roster of achievements.

Volkswagen Says the Gearbox of the Future Will Have 1 Gear

Volkswagen believes that the future of the gearbox is this: a single-speed gearbox system. As the world enters the era of e-mobility, VW understands that the nature of electric motors fundamentally changes the way power is transmitted to the wheels. For that, they’ve developed the APP310 e-drive unit.

Found in the ID.3, VW’s so-called “next-generation people’s car,” this single-gear transmission is built by Volkswagen Group Components in Kassel, Germany. According to the carmaker it’s versatile in more ways than one. For instance, the ultra-compact gearbox is quite compact, enabling engineers to easily fit it to more vehicle types easily in the near future (it can be fitted into the MQB architecture, for one). More importantly, despite having just one gear, it can cope with all driving situations.

Volkswagen explains that because electric motors have their maximum torque available immediately and remain constant over a wide range of speeds, a single-drive gearbox is enough.

However, because an electric motor needs to spin at very high speeds to achieve its peak power (up to 16,000 rpm in the case of the ID.3), a 10x transmission ratio must be used. However, realizing that using one cog might result in a bulkier design, Volkswagen opted to use a two-stage design with two smaller cogs, instead.

In addition, because an electric drive is very quiet, Volkswagen doesn’t just check its 1-speed gearbox for manufacturing precision, but they also check them for relevant noise values, too!

Ford's New Chief Operating Officer Wants to Make Sure the Carmaker Builds Their Cars Right

Former Toyota man and now incoming Ford Chief Operating Officer Jim Farley laid down his plan to turn around the American carmaker. With the surprise retirement of Joe Hinrichs, Farley will become the front man starting March 1.

A marketing man by trade, Farley moved to Ford from Toyota in 2007 and held positions including President for Global Markets, and President of New Businesses, Technology, and Strategy. Now as COO, he’s tasked to accelerate Ford CEO Jim Hackett’s USD 11 billion turnaround plan.

Farley’s first order of business is to make sure that key vehicles such as the Bronco SUV and Mustang Mach-E will go smoothly.

Last year, Ford pretty much botched the launch of its all-new 2020 Explorer which suffered from build quality and assembly issues. It was so dire that dealers ended up doing required repair work even before these SUVs could be sold to customers.

Aside from smoothening out product launches, Farley wants Ford to spend less on warranty repairs. Currently, the company spends USD 5 billion annually, but he believes that with the power of big data, it will help them head off potential problems.

Farley’s appointment as COO comes at a very difficult time for Ford. In fact, he sees this as a repeat of 2008 when Ford almost ended up in bankruptcy. However, he believes that Ford does its best during these trialing situations. He said, “When I see Ford at its best was in ’08, coronavirus, Thai floods, earthquake in Japan…When there was a threat, the team comes together, decisions get made quickly at the right level. It’s very natural.”

Source: Bloomberg

UPDATED: Geely PH to Introduce Hybrid Tech in Their Upcoming Compact SUV

UPDATE: It has been officially named as the Geely Azkarra (3/11).

Geely is taking a bold step by introducing its very own gasoline-electric hybrid technology into its upcoming compact SUV. The yet unnamed offering may beat the Subaru Forester e-BOXER as the country’s first electrified compact SUV.

The compact SUV will pair a 1.5-liter turbo-charged gasoline engine complemented by a 48-volt belt-starter generator (BSG) integrated in the Front-End Accessory Drive (FEAD) of the engine, a 48-volt to 12 DC/DC converter, a 48-volt lithium-ion battery module and battery management system (BMS), along with a recuperation braking system and a hybrid module control system.

Sojitz G Auto Philippines Corp. (SGAP) President & CEO Mikihisa Takayama said, “Hybrid and electric vehicle technology is becoming increasingly popular in the auto industry. This is where the future is heading to. 2020 is definitely going to be a landmark year for Geely in the Philippine automotive market as it steps up its game, with the introduction of the MHEV.”

The integration of the mild hybrid technology allows the vehicle to have various EV functions such as idle start/stop, pure electric mode during coasting, and energy recycling through the regenerative braking system.

The Coolray’s big brother will also come with what Geely promises to be exciting styling, luxurious interior, and smart vehicle technologies. It is slated for market launch by the second quarter of 2020.

Volkswagen PH Launches New Brand Campaign with Aim to Better the Filipino Motoring Experience

Volkswagen Philippines enters 2020 with a rejuvenated brand campaign: “We Move You” and kicked it off in spectacular fashion last week at the Activity Center of Trinoma in Quezon City.

The brand’s new ambassador, Gary Valenciano staged a grand performance in front of thousands. His endless energy on stage earned him the nickname, “Mr. Pure Energy,” perfectly personifying Volkswagen Philippines’s “We Move You Campaign.”

The partnership between Volkswagen Philippines and Gary V has been seen to represent the perfect blend of one extraordinary performer and an equally iconic automotive brand. Gary V has built a legendary reputation as a total performer in his 34-year career in the music, film, and television industries. The Volkswagen brand, on the other hand, has created and maintained a global heritage and tradition of manufacturing German-engineered automobiles designed for people and their families for 83 years.

In his opening remarks, Volkswagen Philippines President Felipe Estrella said, “The Santana, Lavida, and Lamando were all designed and built utilizing the 83 years of accumulated automobile knowledge of Volkswagen. This automotive know-how has been combined with more than 30 years of experience in building millions of cars per year in Asia’s largest automotive market. These cars are made in automotive plants that have done the process of building cars millions of times per year for more than 30 years. It is a tried, tested, and proven manufacturing process that has given birth to the Santana, Lavida, and Lamando cars that you see here. These VWs truly and absolutely embody the ‘Heart and Soul’ that Volkswagen is known for and the Philippines is fortunate to be the only other market in Asia with access to these vehicles.”

Without naming any specifics, Volkswagen Philippines aims to capitalize on their rejuvenated brand campaign by introducing new models throughout 2020. These models, will, according to the carmaker, be suited to the needs and aspirations for Filipinos in a bid to better their motoring experience.

The P 6.21-million "Urban Pack" is the Most Popular Land Rover Defender 110

Order books are now open for the three-door Land Rover Defender 90 following the successful launch of the five-door Defender 110.

Since its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2019, there has been an unprecedented demand for the luxury off-roader. More than 1.21 million people have configured a Defender on the official Land Rover website, with over half choosing one of the four Accessory Packs.

The introduction of the Accessory Pack makes the all-new Defender the most accessorized and personalized vehicle Land Rover has ever produced. Statistically, the Urban Pack—with its front undershield, bright rear scuff plate, metal pedals, and a spare tire cover has been the most popular choice, selected in more than 35 percent of those who wanted an Accessory Pack. Followed by the Explorer Pack.

Now that order books for the Defender 90 have been opened, Land Rover says interest is sure to grow even more.

The Front Row Center Seat aka jump seat allows three people to travel in the front row. Conceived and designed as an occasional seat, the practical addition means the Defender 90 can accommodate six occupants in a size no bigger than a compact family hatchback. When not in use, the seatback folds down to provide a front armrest and oddment storage, including a pair of additional cupholders.

The addition of the three-door model aside, the Defender family will grow even more later this year as an efficient plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant and even commercial derivatives come into the mix as well.

For the Philippine market, customer deliveries for the Defender 110 starts by May 2020, with the Defender 90 arriving some time in July. Pricing for the 2020 Defender 110 starts at P 6.090 million, but with the addition of the Accessory Pack it goes up to: Defender 110 Urban (P 6.21 million), Defender 110 Country (P 6.26 million), Defender 110 Adventure (6.34 million), Defender 110 Explorer (P 6.51 million), and finally the Defender 110 First Edition (P 9.29 million).

Road Safety Groups Caution Against Used, Worn Tires Amidst Possible Shortage of Low-Cost Tires

While most people link the Coronavirus to the closure of vehicle manufacturing plants as its most direct effect to the automotive industry, it may also have an effect on something that concerns current vehicle owners as well: the supply of low-cost tires.

With low-cost tires becoming a popular choice among motorists, the fact that a vast majority of these tires come from China or Southeast Asia, where the majority of COVID-19 cases are found, this may result in a reduced stock of low-cost tires in the near future.

Stocks are currently stable at the moment, but road safety groups are now cautioning owners who might have been in the market for these low-cost tires against the dangers of partly worn or used tires. Not only is there a possibility that these tires have been poorly patched up due to puncture damage, but used tire sellers might not actually be able to expertly determine whether or not these used tires are actually safe to be re-fitted into a car.

Road safety groups remind that tires must have a remaining tread depth of 1.6 mm to be considered as safe. Taking this into consideration, a new tire, even with a higher initial price tag, may represent a better lifetime value given worn tires will require more regular replacement.

In case that low-cost tires become scarce, buyers are recommended to skip worn or used tires, and simply go for mid-priced ones. Moreover, motorists are reminded to check air pressure, condition, and tread depth on a regular basis.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf Hot Hatch Comes in Three Flavors

Volkswagen has finally lifted the covers off the hot hatch version of its all-new Mk. 8 Golf, and it comes in three flavors: gasoline, plug-in hybrid, and even diesel. Meet the 2021 Golf GTI, GTE, and GTD.

Taking the standard Golf as a starting point, Volkswagen has given the GTI, GTE, and GTD their own unique appearance. All are sportier and more menacing than the compact hatchback, using elements such as front fog lights that seem to blend into the honeycomb pattern of the lower grille. 17-inch rims are standard, but 18s and 19s are also on offer. Oh, and despite its similarities with each other, they carry unique design detail that set each one apart. For example, a narrow strip near the hood denotes whether it’s a GTI (red), GTE (blue), or GTD (silver). The same goes for the rear end, where the GTI gets one tailpipe on the left and right, the GTD gets two on the left, and the GTE with no visible tailpipe.

Inside, all three hotted Golf models receive the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit and a 10-inch infotainment system. For the driver, there’s a sport’s steering wheel with touch controls and configurable ambient lighting. Oh, and as a nod to Golf GTIs of yesteryear, the checkered design is still present. Now called “Scalepaper,” all models start with a gray and black motif, but the GTI adds red; the GTE, blue; and the GTD light gray.

Powering the all-new Golf GTI is an evolved version of the tried-and-tested 2.0-liter EA888. In this guise, it now gets 245 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque. Power is routed either via a 6-speed manual or a drive-by-wire 7-speed dual clutch.

Meanwhile, for the GTE, it pairs a 150 horsepower 1.4-liter TSI gasoline engine with a 114 horsepower electric motor. This is good for a combined 245 horsepower, while torque rises to 400 Nm. Oh, and thanks to a 13 kWh battery, it can be driven at speeds up to 130 km/h in full electric mode.

Finally, there’s the GTD which debuts Volkswagen’s cleanest diesel ever. The 2.0-liter TDI engine here generates 200 horsepower, but maximum torque is at 400 Nm of torque. For this version, Volkswagen is offering it only with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Regardless of model, the Golf GTI/GTD/GTE offers handling improvements thanks to its Vehicle Dynamics Manager. With three settings, Comfort, Eco, and Sport, the system controls both controls the electronic differential lock (XDS) system as well as dampers.

Sadly, when asked whether the Philippines will get the Golf Mk. 8, Volkswagen Philippines replied that there is currently no plan to bring it in. Hopefully, that’ll change even if it’s just a limited run model.

A More Powerful Engine is Making Its Way into the Subaru XV by 2021

The American customers asked, they listened. Subaru is finally addressing one of the major complaints with its Subaru XV subcompact crossover come 2021 over there: it’ll get a larger engine.

Tom Doll, the CEO of Subaru of America told Automotive News (subscription required) that the Japanese carmaker will add a new variant to its Subaru XV line-up, at least in the U.S. Called Subaru XV Sport, this new variant will come packing a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine. The highest trim there, called Limited, will also get the larger engine option.

While Doll didn’t give technical details during his interview, it’s understood that the 2.5-liter engine he’s referring to is the Forester / Outback / Legacy’s FB25 engine. This means it’ll up this subcompact crossover’s output to 182 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque.

With the introduction of the FB25 in the Subaru XV, this makes it the vehicle with the most varied engine choices in the carmaker’s line-up with potentially four engine configurations: the 2.0-liter FB20, a mild-hybrid (e-BOXER), a plug-in hybrid, and now, a 2.5-liter FB25.

Though the Impreza should also stand to benefit from this new engine, Doll didn’t mention whether or not Subaru’s compact car will receive it as well. Moreover, there’s no word whether this new engine will be made available outside of the U.S. Honestly, for Philippine market conditions, the 2.0-liter engine in the Subaru XV is enough, what’s really needed here is a bigger engine for its Forester.

Source: Automotive News

Honda Just Gave the Jazz an SUV-Like Makeover

Understanding that crossovers have a broader appeal nowadays, Honda has come up with an SUV-inspired version of the all-new Jazz. Called the Jazz Crosstar, it comes with features that make it better suited for those who aspire to live “active lifestyles.”

Taking the all-new Jazz as a starting point, the Jazz Crosstar adds its own unique suspension that raises the ground clearance to a comfortable 160 mm (from the regular Jazz’s 135 mm).

After that, it gets some SUV-like design cues like substantial scratch-resistant black plastic all around the lower part—bumpers, side sills, and doors. It also gets wheel arch extensions, a more formal grille, and roof rails for good measure. The changes are capped off by thicker 185/60R16 tires fitted on unique wheels for the Jazz Crosstar. Further complementing its positioning as an SUV, it even gets water-repellant fabric seats.

Apart from the raised ride height, the Jazz Crosstar is still pretty much the Jazz inside and out. For that, the same engine options remain: the L13B engine (98 horsepower, 118 Nm of torque) or the LEB-H5 gasoline-electric hybrid (109 horsepower, 253 Nm of torque). Interestingly enough, this cutesy SUV-ish hatchback comes with all-wheel drive as an option.

The best news is that the Jazz Crosstar won’t just be a Japan market exclusive. It’s been confirmed to go on sale in global markets such as Europe. Currently, it’s still too early to tell whether ASEAN countries such as the Philippines will get this SUV-inspired Jazz. However, it’s worth noting that it does come with a hefty 290,400-Yen (~ P 135,000) premium over the regular Jazz.

Do you think it’s worth it for Honda to bring it to ASEAN, and are you willing to pay that much premium to just these SUV-like features?

Is Hyundai Making a High-Performance All Electric Vehicle?

Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design philosophy is coming to EVs, and it’ll be previewed by the Prophecy which will be shown in full at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show.

The new concept is accentuated by curves flowing over the broad rear blanks with a boat-tail line, created by the rear quarter panels, complemented by an integrated spoiler and pixel lamp taillights.

“‘Prophecy’ does not follow trends. It accentuates timeless beauty that will stand the test of time,” said SangYup Lee, Head of Hyundai Global Design Center. “ Its iconic design stands to expand Hyundai’s design spectrum toward even broader horizons.”

The name “Prophecy” reflects the concept’s purpose, defining the direction of future Hyundai designs, while establishing itself as a design icon for Hyundai’s EV lineup.

Ferrari Museum Opens Exhibit Dedicated to Its Grand Tourers

In celebration of Enzo Ferrari’s birthday, a new exhibition has been opened at the museum that bears his name in Modena, Italy. Entitled “Ferrari Grand Tour, a journey through beauty and passion,” celebrates the Italian carmaker’s most elegant grand tourers, all of which happen to be truly global in their appeal.

Featuring Ferrari’s Grand Tourers both past and present, the journey takes visitors through five different cities: Paris, London, New York, Shanghai, and Abu Dhabi using a mix of audiovisual presentations.

The Paris arch opens the area devoted to Europe, where Ferraris such as a 1954 Ferrari 375M and 330GT 2+2 are displayed. Moving to the United States, there’s the 1959 250 GT Berlinetta SWB. To the Far East, represented by Shanghai, there’s a 2006 599 GTB Fiorano, and a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti; while finally, in Abu Dhabi, there’s the Ferrari FF.

Of course, the journey ends in Maranello where the Grand Tour caps off the display with the all-new Ferrari Roma—the latest Grand Tourer in the Italian carmaker’s stable. Developed by Ferrari’s Maranello Style Centre, it’s a contemporary take on the sophisticated chic of the “Dolce Vita” of the 1950s and 60s.

2020 MG Live! Kicks Off with Cebu Concert This Weekend

MG Philippines continues to showcase the best OPM talents as it kicks off MG Live! 2020 this February. This year MG Philippines is going national: the MG Live! free concert series will be brought to key locations around the country, starting with the first leg happening in Cebu from February 27 to March 1, 2020.

“MG Philippines had a breakout year in 2019 and we want to make sure that we give the public bigger and better offerings in 2020. This February, we are excited to bring back one of our most enjoyable brand engagement activities: the MG Live! free concert series,” says Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla, President and CEO of MG Philippines.

The first leg of MG Live! 2020 happens in Cebu, at the SM City Cebu North Wing, from February 27 to March 1.

Throughout the 4-day event, MG will be displaying their entire line-up. Of course, MG Live! will also bring OPM talents headlined by Spongecola on Saturday, February 29. The show starts at 4 PM and admission is free.

For P 416k, Porsche Will Put Your Fingerprint Onto Your Brand-New 911

Just imagine what sort of privacy problems this could bring. While ill-informed netizens went gaga over the OR code that comes with the LTO’s so-called “third plate,” Porsche has gone a step further, and is now offering your very own fingerprint as a decorative strip on your brand-new 911.

Admittedly, the tech behind this is cool. It’s a direct printing method developed by Porsche wherein the design, in this case, a customer’s fingerprint, can be placed directly onto any painted body part of a vehicle.

Direct printing makes it possible to produce designs that are not possible with conventional painting. In terms of look and feel, the new technology is clearly superior to film application. The operating principle is similar to that of an inkjet printer: using a print head, the paint is applied to three-dimensional components automatically and without overspray.

For those who’re concerned about privacy, there’s no need to worry says the German automaker. The biometric data is processed so as to make sure it cannot be used for an unauthorized purpose. The entire process takes place in direct communication with the customer, who has a complete overview of how their personal data is used and is also integrated in the creation process of their print graphic

Porsche says the service is now available at all Porsche Centres nationwide, but the entire process—from submission of the fingerprint to the competition of the printing job will be done by consultants straight from the Exclusive Manufaktur in Zuffenhausen, Germany. In the future, Porsche will be offering other designs as well.

The cost? Well, if you had to ask, individualizing your Porsche 911 with your very own fingerprint will cost 7,500 Euros or roughly P 416,000.

Rolls-Royce Makes an App That's a Mix Between Facebook and Frontrow

Open-minded ka ba? Well, if you’re a Rolls-Royce owner, you can now tap into a very exclusive, very small clientele of multi-millionaires and billionaires to invest in your business. This is one of the things you can do in one of the most elite digital clubs in the world: Whispers.

While the name itself is reminiscent of a brand of feminine napkins, the digital platform allows new (sorry, pre-owned buyers, you’re not included) Rolls-Royce owners from the U.S., Middle East, and Europe (for now) to share ideas and networks, social contacts, and even business opportunities not just with Rolls-Royce Motor Car themselves, but with each other.

So yes, it’s sort of a like a Facebook minus, we presume, trolls and the jeje.

The platform, developed over two years ago was done under a cloak of secrecy—perhaps because these guys hold the nuclear launch codes or the cure to cancer or something. Now though, it’s out of the testing phase and available to Rolls-Royce owners in the three markets mentioned.

Aside from “privately communing with some of the world’s greatest minds,” the app connects owners to individuals or enterprises that can, among other things, help them build their own racetrack, book a private performance with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, or even smuggle you out of a musical instrument case (we kid you Carlos Ghosn, we kid). It can give owners access to events such as the Grammys, the Academy Awards, and the like.

The app itself is available for both iOS and Android, but log-in credentials will only given if you happen to purchase a Phantom, Ghost, Wraith, or Cullinan.

Hyundai's Off Hunting Civics with the 2020 i30

Hyundai is off to hunt Honda Civics (at least in Europe) with the i30. The Korean carmaker’s compact car has been updated with a new design, better connectivity features, and an available 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.

Available in three body styles—hatchback, fastback, and wagon, the biggest change to the i30 is with its exterior design. The front takes a cue from the Sonata with its wider, accentuated grille. Sandwiching it are slimmer headlights with LED technology and V-shaped LED DRLs. The same lighting tech is found in the back, while a new bumper design there was developed specifically to improve aerodynamic performance. The sportier N Line ups the ante with an even wider grille upfront, and a built-in diffuser in the bumper out back.

Inside, the i30 receives more modern…air vents. Yeah. That’s it.

For 2020, the i30 gets a new 7-inch digital cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. What’s more, wireless phone mirroring will be arriving later.

For engines, the i30 is powered by a 1.0-liter turbocharged engine with 120 horsepower. Moving up, there’s a 136 horsepower 1.6-liter diesel with a mild hybrid system. Finally, there’s the 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 160 horsepower also with mild hybrid technology. All engines are available in either manual (6-speed) or automatic (7-speed dual clutch) flavors.

The enhancements are capped off by improvements to Hyundai’s SmartSense advanced safety package. This includes lane follow assist, rear collision-avoidance assist, and leading vehicle departure alert.

Subaru PH Now Offers 360-degree Camera for Subaru XV and Forester Models

Subaru is doubling down on its commitment to offer cutting-edge safety on their vehicles by adding a 360-degree camera on its most popular models—the Subaru XV and Forester.

The system, dubbed Superview Around Recognition (SAR) is a 360-degree camera system that integrates seamlessly into the Subaru XV and Forester’s Panasonic head unit. The system adds three additional cameras and stitches them together to create a bird’s eye view. This gives additional driver confidence when navigating tight or challenging confines.

The Superview Around Recognition (SAR) system is available on the following models. Their respective retail prices are also listed:

• Subaru XV 2.0i-S EyeSight with SAR 360 – P 1,858,000
• Subaru XV GT Edition with SAR 360 – P 1,938,000
• Forester 2.0i-L EyeSight with SAR 360 – P 1,888,000
• Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight with SAR 360 – P 2,018,000

For customers who just bought their respective Subaru XV or Forester, don’t worry. Good news is that for as long as your vehicle is compatible, the SAR 360 system can be installed as a dealer accessory for P 40,000—not a bad deal, especially for those who’re not too confident of their parking skills.