autos
NewsCarmudi'Mitsubishi Rollback' promo offers Mirage G4 for as low as P528K
Following the success it had the previous month, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines, the local arm for the Japanese marque has extended the Mitsubishi Rollback promo for the Mirage G4 . When it was first launched seven years back, Mitsubishi Mirage G4—the sedan counterpart of the famous hatchback—become an instant hit, simply because of its design and practicality. Back then, the Mirage G4 was retailed at P538,000. The Mirage G4 GLX MT is being offered at P528,000, P10,000 below than its introductory price back then, with the extension of the promo last month to last until end of this month. Those who are planning to get the unit may consider this as an early Christmas treat. This proudly Philippine-made unit—one of the brand’s entry to the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program of the government—has already rolled out more than 700,000 units and continuously growing. Looking at the aesthetics, the Mirage G4 is equipped with a set of 15-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 185/55 R15 tires, with the GLS variant getting a dark-chromed set no matter variant you would be getting. It also has welcome lights that illuminate the front/rear position lights and the room lamp for 30 seconds, making it easier to find it in the parking lot, especially at night. Aside from that, it has coming home lights that keep the headlamps on for 1 minute even while the engine is already shut down. Be it minute in size, the Mirage G4 is engineered to have ample space inside to comfortably seat up to five adults. On an average Filipino, the Mirage G4 has sufficient headroom and legroom while trunk space can fit 450 liters of hauling space. Further, it is equipped with a double-DIN Bluetooth and iPod-ready head unit for the GLX and a 6.75-inch touchscreen infotainment for the GLS trim that GPS navigation. Also, the GLS trim among the first mainstream cars fitted with a push-start button and keyless entry/exit. Powering the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is the potent 1.2 liter gasoline engine with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system to ensure optimal performance. This, matched with lightweight and aerodynamic design, the Mirage G4 can do a 23.1 kilometer per liter mileage reading. Safety feature is not an issue as the Mirage G4 earned the Grand Prix Award for Adult Occupancy Protection in the Mini Car category, thanks to its dual airbags and ABS with EBD. Further, Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body also ensures that each occupant will be safe from harm, effectively absorbing and dispersing the crash impact from all directions. Photo/s from Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation Also read: Own a Mitsubishi Mirage now with P18k all-in down payment promo Mitsubishi PH Boosts Assistance in Extended ECQ MMPC and DENR Enters Second Phase of Plantation Project
SportsCarmudiTeam Toyota PH eyes top prize for GR Supra GT Cup Asia 2020
Despite the uphill battle that they will surely be facing this weekend, the Philippine bets are eyeing for a podium finish for the 2020 GR Supra GT Cup Asia regional finals. The three-man Team Philippines— Terence Lallave, Lance Padilla, and Jose Altoveros—will be competing against other GR Supra GT Cup Asia national winners coming from India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand this weekend (Sunday, October 25 at 7PM). The regional champs will be determined after three rounds of races taking on the Fuji Speedway, Tokyo Expressway East Outer Loop, and Nurburgring Nordschleife. For one, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) Vice President for Marketing Services Elijah Marcial is expecting the trio to give out their best. "We have followed Team Philippines' journey right from our local qualifying and final rounds and we have seen their determination and indomitable spirit," Marcial said. "I am confident Terence, Lance, and Jose will not let us down at the regional finals, and they will give their best for the Philippines." The three racers have started their journey at the GR Supra GT Cup Asia Philippines—TMP’s premier e-Motorsport tournament. Hundreds of local online racers have joined the said event; competing competing via GR Supra on Gran Turismo Sport to earn the chance to represent the country at the regional-level challenge. To better equip them in the finals, TMP—through its race management partner Tuason Racing—gave training sessions to further hone the drivers' skills in virtual racing and help devise race strategies against their rivals from other countries. TMP also had gained support from PLDT Enterprise to provide internet connectivity for the three players during the race. TMP tapped JP Tuason to stage the premier Philippine leg of the virtual race series. The regional final of the GR Supra GT Cup Asia hosted by Toyota Motor Asia Pacific (TMAP) under the umbrella of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing motorsport activities can be watched by Filipino supporters online this October 25 at 7:00 pm (PH time) via Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP)'s Facebook page www.facebook.com/ToyotaMotorPhilippines. Filipino fans can support and cheer the Team Philippines during the online broadcast via messages of support with the hashtags #GRSupraGTCupAsia and #TeamPhilippines. More information about the e-Motorsport series can be viewed at the One Esports website: https://www.oneesports.gg/grsupragtcupasia2020/ . Photo/s from Toyota Motor Philippines Also read: Toyota to launch GR Supra GT Cup Asia-PH next month Here are the first-round winners for the GR Supra GT Cup Asia PH GR Supra GT Cup Asia-Philippines produces new winners
BusinessAutoblogBMW shows off new R 18 Classic, expanded R NineT range
BMW followed up on its promise to unveil five new motorcycle offerings with a handful of announcements Thursday. Most notable among them are the introduction of the new R 18 Classic and an overhauled R NineT range. To differentiate the Classic from the already-muscular base model, BMW fitted it with a larger windscreen and straight pipes.
BusinessAutoblogThe pointy, redesigned 2021 Hyundai Elantra isn't much more expensive than before
The redesigned and pointy 2021 Hyundai Elantra is arriving in dealers this fall, and Hyundai announced pricing for the new model today. Its base price has gone up $350 with the redesign, now ringing in at $20,645 (including the $995 destination charge) for the SE. Hyundai says the SEL will represent the meat of sales, though, with this model stickering for $21,895.
EntertainmentAutoblogAutoblog is Live: Playing Mario Kart Live Home Circuit
The world is a crazy place and this is a crazy time. Everyone is looking for a good way to unwind, even us. As a way to inject some fun into our lives, we've been streaming racing and driving games on Twitch and Youtube Tuesday and Thursday from 2 P.
BusinessAutoblogFiat 500 joins the Hyundai Veloster in the three-door hatchback club
Fiat aims to retain motorists on the brink of outgrowing the pocket-sized 500 by expanding the line-up with a more practical variant fitted with a single rear-hinged half door. Called 3+1, it's offered exclusively as an electric car. Stylists made the front door shorter to accommodate a half door similar to what we've seen on several extended-cab pickups, the Mazda RX-8, and a couple of Saturn models.
EntertainmentAutoblogTravis Pastrana jumps hometown waterway in latest stunt
Professional daredevil and rally driver Travis Pastrana treated his hometown of Annapolis, Md., to a little Hoonigan-style action Thursday with a carefully orchestrated jump over one of the state capital's signature attractions. If you've ever been to downtown Annapolis — home to both myself and the man of the hour — you've probably visited Ego Alley. It's the inlet that runs along City Dock (adjacent to the United States Naval Academy and home of the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial) where boaters go to peacock in their watercraft on busy summer afternoons and evenings.
NewsAutoblogTorsus builds a monster-truck school bus even adults will want to ride in
Riding in a yellow school bus is part of growing up for many Americans, but it's an experience most of us are happy to leave behind the minute we get a driver's license. Czech Republic-based firm Torsus has unveiled a giant bus named Praetorian that was built for off-roading, and we wouldn't mind hitching a ride in it even as adults. Shaped like the box it came in, and styled like something from the Matchbox catalog, the Praetorian is one of the most extreme factory-built school buses we've ever seen.
LifestyleAutoblog2020 Polestar 1 Road Test | A humble suggestion
Autoblog has already had a crack at the Polestar 1, the Volvo spinoff’s performance halo and first vehicle offering. But my groping hands and hungry eyes, though still new to the Polestar 1, start to find familiarity as I drink the car in. The grille looks a lot like that of the Polestar 2 I drove late this summer.
ScienceAutoblogYour Bentley interior can literally rock with stone trim
The latest move comes from Bentley and its Mulliner division, which has added some special interior trims to the existing line of gloss wood. Now buyers with the means can finish their Bentley interiors in open-pore wood, carbon fiber, aluminum, color-matched paint and even stone. The stone veneers are made from slate and quartzite, and are available in four different colors: Autumn White, Copper, Galaxy, Terra Red or the Galaxy that's shown in the gallery above.
LifestyleAutoblog2021 Toyota Corolla Apex First Drive | Not the pinnacle of cheap performance
Toyota has had something of a performance car revival over the past few years. It has released the Toyota 86 and Supra sports cars, and has even developed TRD versions of the Camry and Avalon. Things are even more exciting overseas with the wild, turbocharged, all-wheel-drive Yaris GR, which will reportedly spawn a fast Corolla for the United States.
LifestyleAFP RelaxYou can turn your bicycle into a cargo bike with one of these kits
Cargo bikes, which allow users to easily transport groceries, kids or pets, are increasingly being embraced as a viable alternative to cars for city dwellers. Rather than investing in a brand new (and often expensive) model, certain brands offer kits for transforming your bicycle into a cargo bike. A radical change that in many cases takes just a few minutes of your time.
ScienceAutoblogFord Bronco Wildland Fire Rig Concept is a classy, functional tribute to Forest Service trucks
For decades, Ford has offered Broncos in emergency vehicle form for all variety of services. One of the more well-known ones has been the U.S. Forest Service with their distinct green SUVs. With that in mind the company, along with outdoor gear manufacturer Filson, put together this 2021 Ford Bronco Wildland Fire Rig Concept.
NewsCarmudiHyundai reveals WRC-inspired i20 N, to be available 2021
Korean automaker Hyundai has revealed the latest pocket rocket to extend the N family line, the all-new i20 N. Inspired by the i20 Coupe World Rally Championship (WRC) rally car, this hot hatch wears the same minimum weight requirement in the FIA-WRC—1,190 kilograms. Its motorsport DNA came from the i20 Coupe WRC, which has earned 17 at the highest level of international rally competition and was WRC manufacturers’ champion after securing four wins during the 2019 season. Hyundai Motor Company Executive Vice President and Head of Product Division Thomas Schemera expressed pride over the latest offering. “Our high-performance N brand has been hugely successful since we launched the i30 N in 2017. This time, we decided to develop a model inspired by our i20 Coupe WRC, which last year led us to success in the World Rally Championship,” he said. “With the all-new i20 N, we are expanding our high-performance N line-up to appeal to even more customers who want to experience the thrill of the racetrack in their everyday lives.” The all-new i20 N is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged GDi engine with a six-speed manual transmission. Such engine—first of a new generation to feature in a European Hyundai model—can provide 201 horsepower and 275 Nm torque. The all-new i20 N covers a 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and has a maximum speed of 230 km/h. Also the driving mode choices break out from the usual three as the all-new i20 N has five: Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom. For its exterior aesthetics, the all-new i20 N exudes its athletic nature by merging Hyundai’s rallying heritage with the company’s latest Sensuous Sportiness design identity. Compared to the base model i20 N, its ground clearance is 10mm lower, showing its sporty stance. Some of the noticeable characters of the i20 n is the wide radiator grille with N logo that has a checkered flag-inspired design, Tomato Red lip spoiler, a WRC-inspired roof spoiler as well as as the rear bumper with built-in diffuser-like elements . It sits on 18‑inch alloy wheels with a grey matte finish and N-branded brake calipers. For the interior, the i20 N has dedicated sport seats with an integrated headrest, N steering wheel, N gear knob and sporty N metal pedals. Further, it has a host of safety features that are under the Hyundai SmartSense Advanced Drivers Assistance System features such as the following: Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Forward Collision Avoidance Assist-City / Interurban / Pedestrian / Cyclist (FCA) Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) Driver Attention Warning System including Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA) (DAW+) High Beam Assist (HBA) Lane Following Assist (LFA) Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) Rear view monitor with parking guidance (RVM) The all-new i20 N is also fitted with a Performance Driving Data System that shows and saves driving data, including information on PS, torque, turbo boost. It also comes with a lap and acceleration timer. For infotainment, the all-new i20 N comes with an optional 10.25-inch LCD touchscreen navigation system with dedicated N content, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is also available with the latest version of Bluelink, Hyundai’s state-of-the-art connected car services. This offers a wide range of Connected Car services such as Hyundai LIVE Services, Connected Routing and Last Mile Navigation. Sadly, this vehicle is just for the European market. And even they will have to wait until next year springtime before they could get their hands on one. The closest we had with the i20 N was the shortlived i20 Cross Sport. Photo/s from Hyundai UK Also read: The Hyundai Reina is a car well-suited for first-time car owners Hyundai Sustains Position as One of Top Automotive Companies in 2019 HARI Delivers Universe to Victory Liner
TechnologyCarmudiToyota Prius C vs. the competition: Your other local hybrid hatchback options
Long before everyone else, the Prius sedan became the pioneering hybrid car in the Philippines when Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) brought it to the country in 2009. Three years later, the Japanese marque brought in its hatchback sibling, the Toyota Prius C. To date, TMP is offering only one Prius C variant, and judging from its contents, it’s the only one you’ll ever need. It’s got tons of powered amenities (driver seat, push start, windows, doorlocks, rearview mirror, etc.), S-flow climate control, shift-by-wire transmission, leather upholstery, and so on. Infotainment duties are handled by a 6.5-inch display with Bluetooth and USB connectivity plus call and audio streaming functions. A 3.5-inch TFT screen displays trip information. The current locally available model is propelled by a Hybrid Synergy Drive, Variable Valve Timing - Intelligent, 4-cylinder in-line DOHC, 16 valve powertrain, pushing a combined 72hp and 111Nm of torque. This combo has a reported fuel economy of 54mpg (23km/l) in the city and 50mpg (21 km/l) on the highway. Shifting is handled by an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with ECO and EV Mode Settings. You can’t really go wrong with a Toyota, and so when it comes to hybrid vehicle options, the Prius C is easily one of the most capable choices you can have. It’s also one of the many hybrids in TMP’s roster, which includes the Corolla Altis, Corolla Cross, and Prius sedan. But should you ever find the Prius C is not for you, know that our own automotive market now offers many other hybrid vehicles for sale. Here are some of the Prius C’s biggest competitors. Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid (PHP1.5 million) The Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid is fitted with a 1.6-liter CVVT engine and a 42kW Li-Ion battery. Seating up to five passengers, the crossover hatch comes with six airbags, anti-lock braking system, and a rear camera with dynamic guidelines. These and other onboard safety features helped the Ioniq Hybrid top ASEAN NCAP safety ratings. The Ioniq hybrid starts at around P1.5 million, making it a cheaper alternative to the Toyota Prius C. Some of its connectivity features include the Blue Link, which allows drivers to unlock or lock their vehicles using a smartphone app. It's Apple CarPlay or Android Auto ready, with infotainment controls housed in a 5-inch display. Lexus CT200h (PHP2.46 million) Owing to its hatchback configuration, the Lexus CT 200h is the smallest and cheapest hybrid out of Lexus’ electrified line, but that doesn’t mean it lacks in features. Powered by a 1.8-liter hybrid engine, versatile driving modes, advanced safety technology, and a luxurious, leather wrapped cabin, what the CT500h lacks in size and heft, it more than makes up for in features. Like the IONIQ, the CT200h also comes in front-wheel drive configuration. BYD Tang (PHP3.29 million) As the only Chinese-made car on this list, the BYD Tang faces some very tough competitors in a market that heavily leery of products made from The Forbidden Kingdom. Nevertheless, this four-door 7-seater crossover has showed some staying power, as it’s still around two years after release (the same thing can’t be said about the ill-fated Hyundai Kona and Honda CRZ hybrids). The BYD Tang battery boasts a pure electric range of over 80kms on a single charge. The electric motor is paired with a 2.0-liter engine that yields a combined 505hp. The cabin has leather seats, an engine start/stop button, and a central digital gauge cluster. Granted, it’s a whole lot pricier than the Prius C, but it’s also bigger. Granted, these are not the only hybrids on the Philippine automotive market. BYD also has the QIN sports saloon, Toyota has the aforementioned hybrids, and aside from the CT200h, Lexus has its own family of battery-paired vehicles as well. That's not even mentioning the range of all-electric options we now have. Considering the Toyota Prius C as your next car? Get to know more about this hybrid hatchback on Carmudi. Photo/s from Toyota, Hyundai, Lexus, BYD Also read: Toyota Japan now has an online used vehicle store Toyota transforms the Corolla into a crossover SUV
BusinessCarmudiOld against new: 2019 vs. 2020 Toyota Yaris
The Japanese automotive giant recently unveiled the fourth-generation Toyota Yaris late last year, marking many improvements that fans have been longing for to see in the car. Toyota Motor Philippines though, is taking its sweet time bringing the model here, and so the Yaris that we have locally is a carryover from 2019. While we await the arrival of the actual 2020 Toyota Yaris, let’s see how much it differs from its predecessor. Exterior Larger, sharper, prettier—these are the three words that best sum up the new Yaris exterior. Up front, the most noticeable change is the fog lamp/air vent assembly is in the lower front grille, which now takes on a curvy trapezoid shape as opposed to the reverse-trapezoid of the outgoing model. The change actually mirrors what’s been done with the Vios somewhat. Likewise, the air vent/fog lamp assembly that dimple the lower grille receives some restyling, as it now angles inward with a bit of curvature up top—just like in the new Vios. The LED headlights have also been updated, giving the Yaris’ façade a less aggressive look. There’s plenty of changes to be seen in the sides and rear as well. Suffice to say, the difference is staggering. For starters, the roof gets more sloped at the rear, and there’s a lot more curves and less angles this time around. At the rear, a massive rear door garnish links the rear combination lamps, giving it sort of an 80s retro look. Stepping back, we’d say the new Yaris is having a bit of Nissan Juke envy. As for design improvements, the Yaris features a more rigid construction courtesy of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, so drivers get lesser body roll while turning. A cross-beam element has also been added to the two front suspension struts—a feature regularly seen in high-performance cars. Interior Inside, the Yaris is roomier than ever, starting with the slightly lower seating position that allows for more headroom. Even surprising is the amount of legroom and headroom at the backseats. The touchscreen is also now floating, as opposed to the one in the older model, where the display is integrated into the center dash. The new touchscreen display placement helps keep driver’s eyes on the road. As it is outside, the new Yaris cabin features more curves, exuding a more ergonomic approach to design. Powertrain The new Yaris is equipped with a 1.5-liter Dynamic Force Engine that uses a hybrid system to deliver the highest fuel efficiency levels seen in such a vehicle. Aside from a hybrid system, the new Yaris is also offered in three other powertrain variants: a newly developed 1.5-liter inline three-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine with Direct Shift-CVT; the 1.5-liter Dynamic Force Engine with six-speed manual, and; an improved 1.0-liter engine with a compact and lightweight CVT. Powering the base E variants of the2019 Yaris is a 1.3-liter, inline-four cylinder engine producing 97hp with torque output at 121Nm, mated to either a continuously variable or 5-speed manual transmission. As for the 1.5-liter variant, it retains the same inline-four cylinder engine (106hp and 141Nm of torque) as its pre-facelift predecessor, though the G variant has been replaced with the S variant which boasts of Grip-type Chrome, six speakers, a push-button start/stop system, an eco-drive mode and a sport drive mode. Mated solely to a CVT gearbox, the 1.5 S variant now has a Toyota Vehicle Security System with alarm and immobilizer as well as Smart Entry with speed-sensing door lock. Safety Toyota dubs the new Yaris as "the world's safest compact car.” As for what makes it the safest in its class, the car comes with a lot of firsts, including an electric four-wheel drive system (a first for a Toyota compact car), Advanced Park support system (a first for a Toyota vehicle), and Turn Tilt Seats for easier ingress and egress (used by Toyota for the first time). Other nifty standard features include the latest Toyota Safety Sense, and the addition of center seat airbags that prevent driver and passenger from colliding with each other in case of a side impact. The old Yaris hosts a barrage of of safety features, from basics such as such as anti-lock brake system (ABS) a crash, to more advanced systems such as hill-start assist, vehicle stability control, and a security alarm with immobilizer. Seven airbags are standard equipment across all variants (driver and passenger, side, curtain, and knee) to help protect the occupants in case of collision. The top model also comes with Smart Entry with wireless doorlock and speed sensing feature. All of the Yaris’ focus on safety made it a 5-star rated vehicle by Euro NCAP. Options The 2020 Toyota Yaris launched in Japan in February, and came in the following options: Z (Front-wheel drive / CVT), HYBRID G (Front-wheel drive), HYBRID Z (E-Four-wheel drive). Price range is at JPY1,395,000 to JPY2,493,000 approx. (PHP 647,080 to PHP1,156,536 before fees and taxes). The old Yaris comes in seven color options: Freedom White, Attitude Black, Orange Metallic, Gray Metallic (1.5 S only), Citrus Mica Metalic (1.5 S only), Thermalyte (1.3 models only) and Red Mica Metallic (1.3 models only). Pricing for this locally available hatchback are as follows: PHP1.07 million for the 1.5 S CVT, and P952,000 and P900,000, for the 1.3 E CVT and 1.3 E MT, respectively. Feel like buying a Toyota Yaris? Shop for the car now here on Carmudi. Photo/s from Toyota Motor Corporation Also read: Toyota PH outlines changes to accommodate ‘new normal’ in business After Supras, Toyota is reproducing parts for 2000GT next
NewsCarmudiFirst look: All new Honda City and new CR-V
The local arm for the Japanese automaker Honda has officially brought the latest generation City subcompact sedan and the updated version of the CR-V compact SUV to Philippine shores. The digital unveiling for the two latest offerings from Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) is the premiere to the new normal way of introducing vehicles for the brand. The newest-generation City—which is set to go toe-to-toe against the Toyota Vios, Kia Rio, and Suzuki Ciaz—is powered by a 1.5 liter engine, replacing the turbocharged one liter engine offered in Thailand. The all-new Honda City will be available in four variants such as the 1.5 S MT (base model), followed by 1.5 S CVT, 1.5 V and the top-grade 1.5 RS (all on CVT). It sports a redesigned front fascia and the bold lines run from the sides straight to the rear, complementing the reshaped tail lamps that would remind you of its bigger brother, the Honda Civic. The interior of the RS Turbo basically stays the same, the black interiors matched with red stitching and lines in the gauges. The diamond pattern on its fabric seats give off a comfortable and elegant look and feel. The prices for the All-new City are as follows: 5 S MT: P838,000 5 S CVT: P878,000 5 V CVT: P968,000 5 RS CVT: P1.048 million Meanwhile, the powertrain options of the updated CR-V—which is expected to compete with the recently-revealed Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero and the Subaru Forester—remain the same: the 1.6 Diesel 9AT AWD or the 2.0 liter naturally-aspirated gasoline engine will both be available in the country. It is either mated to a CVT (gasoline variety option) or a nine-speed automatic for all the three variants going to the top-of-the-line. Just like most of its aesthetics, the interior of the CR-V remains the same as it still sports the moon roof available in the outgoing version. Further, the two top-tier options for the CR-V will also be equipped with Honda Sensing capabilities. The gasoline engine option is only made available for the base model while all other options will have a diesel engine. Also it will be available in four variants such as the 2.0 S CVT (five-seater), V Diesel 9AT, S Diesel 9AT with Honda Sensing and the SX Diesel AWD with Honda Sensing. The pricing for the latest CR-V are: S CVT (five-seater): P1.678 million V Diesel 9AT: P1.713 million S Diesel 9AT with Honda Sensing: P1.888 million SX Diesel AWD with Honda Sensing: P2.158 million Photo/s by Ricky Ladia for CARMUDI PHILIPPINES Also read: 2020 Honda City: Changes Explained Honda CR-V Wins Two Major Awards at ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards 2018 Honda PH Offers Latest Financing Program for New Honda City Sport
SportsCarmudiNew winners emerge from Phoenix Pulse Formula V1 Virtual Cup Race 2
The Race 2 of the Phoenix Pulse Formula V1 Virtual Cup race has produced new winning names, as Julian Colvin Tang and Alexis Clapano were crowned the latest champions in their respective categories. Shown at the Tuason Racing Facebook Page last Saturday (October 17 Saturday), Tang and Clapano conquered the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza racetrack replica in the Reverse Grid Position of the PC-based Assetto Corsa game. Tang was the king of the Race 2 Amateur division, with Race 1 champion Andre Varquez in second place and Real Lerpido at the third spot in the Virtual Cup backed by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., LG Philippines, BlueChem, Bendix, PC Express, and Family Mart. Although failing to get the top spot for the second time around, Varquez got the fastest lap time of 02:02.234. Meanwhile, Pro Class category race leader Clapano was in tight competition with Estefano Rivera, and Terence Lallave. Riding the strength of the fastest lap time of 2:01.899, Clapano snatched the pole positioning in the second lap from Rivera and kept it until the finish for the win. Crossing the checkered flag on the second spot was Zuriel Sumodobila and Daryl Brady on third. As part of its 21st anniversary, Tuason Racing wanted to give racing enthusiasts another career path in the global motorsports competition scene using its homegrown Formula V1 racing program. Since physical races are not yet allowed due to community quarantine restrictions set by the government, Tuason Racing and Phoenix Pulse are bringing the Formula V1 series in the comfort and safety of the participants' homes via the Virtual Cup. Back in Race 1 of the sim racing series, Varquez and Luis Moreno bested 53 other racers that joined the said race series. Moreno set a record of 02:01.785 in the Pro Class in Monza racetrack, while Varquez made the fastest time in the Amateur Class with 02:01.782. Photo/s from Tuason Racing Also read: Tuason Racing raises over P400k in donations for frontliners Tuason Racing helps mold “new norm” in PH motorsports Anton, Carapiet bag overall wins in 'Race for Frontliners' program
NewsCarmudiSkyway 3 free for public use for a month
The leadership of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) announced that the 18-kilometer, newly-completed Skyway 3 expressway will be toll-free for one entire month. The much-anticipated soft opening of the Skyway 3 expressway is expected to happen on December, SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang said. In his Facebook post, Ang expressed confidence that they would be able to open Skyway 3 by December and committed that it will be free— the entire 18-kilometer length of Skyway 3, from Buendia to North Luzon Expressway (NLEX)—to the public for the first month. This is the tall order he made, despite continuous rains that slowed down finishing works. “We’re very proud and excited about this project, because it will truly make a big difference to so many people’s lives—especially with our economy slowly opening up and with more vehicles coming back to our roads,” Ang said. “While we’re still doing a few finishing works, we want the public to be able to use Skyway 3 already and benefit from the convenience and ease of travel that it will bring. We have all waited long for this project, so this is the best way we can welcome everyone, by making Skyway 3 free for one month,” he added. For more than a year, SMC Buendia to Plaza Dilao section of Skyway 3 has been opened for free to the public. The connector road that took six years to complete is meant to drastically improve travel time and traffic conditions in and around Metro Manila. Since June 1, when the government eased the lockdown level in the Metro to general community quarantine, SMC was able to resume construction operations after a two-month layoff period. The said road will provide an alternative to EDSA, with a total of eight access points that traverse Makati, Manila, San Juan, and Quezon City. Among these access points include, Buendia, Plaza Dilao, Nagtahan, Aurora Blvd., Quezon Ave., Sgt. Rivera, Balintawak, and NLEX. Further, Ang expressed gratitude to the stakeholders and government partners that made the program into a reality. Privately funded and built by SMC, Skyway 3 was completed at no cost to government, with also no guarantees or subsidies. Ang cited the long-term benefits to motorists and the economy. “With Skyway 3, we will improve the daily commutes and lives of so many Filipinos. We will lessen their time spent in traffic on the road, we can increase both their productivity and time spent with their families,” he explained. “Apart from this, the transportation of goods from north and south Luzon will also be so much easier, faster, and more efficient. This will be a big boost to our economy and support growth throughout the regions.” SMC is also eyeing to complete the northbound section of the Skyway extension project, which connect SLEX directly to Skyway from Susanna Heights in Muntinlupa, also by December. The SMC chief said that when completed, travel time from Susanna Heights through the Skyway System including Skyway 3, to NLEX-Balintawak toll plaza will only eat up 20 minutes while the Magallanes to Balintawak will be for just 15 minutes. The Balintawak to NAIA will also be just 15 minutes, and Valenzuela to Makati will only take 10 minutes. Photo/s from San Miguel Corporation Also read: SMC to work 24/7 to open Skyway Stage 3 by July Fire-ravaged portion of Skyway Stage 3 replaced SLEx, STAR Toll Fees Waived for All Taal Relief Efforts
NewsCarmudiAnother EDSA U-turn to be closed on October 26
More and more U-turn slots in EDSA are being closed, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to do another round of closing starting Monday next week. Based on their latest advisory, the U-turn slot located along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) near Corregidor Street (northbound and southbound) shall be closed to vehicular traffic starting October 26, 2020 at 12:01 AM. Following this, motorists are urged to take detours: For those northbound going southbound, affected vehicles may take the U-turn slot after Dario Bridge/in front of Landers. Meanwhile those in the southbound going north, motorists may take the U-turn slot at EDSA-Quezon Avenue flyover. Last October 12, the U-turn slot (northbound and southbound) in front of Quezon City Academy was closed to traffic. The initiative was made following the closure of U-turn slot along EDSA near Trinoma Mall and North Avenue last Monday. All these follow the string of closures to ensure the efficiency of the EDSA Busway project. Photo/s from Gen. Danny Lim Facebook page Also read: Modified number coding begins Monday MMDA installs more hazard markers on EDSA MMDA junks modified number coding, UVVRP to remain suspended
BusinessAutoblogThe Hummer EV Edition 1 is sold out and it'll be years before other trims arrive
When the 2022 GMC Hummer EV was revealed, GMC noted that there would be lower trims available. Output is down to 625 horsepower and a torque rating of 7,400 pound-feet. Note that this and all other reported torque numbers are after the torque multiplication by the single-speed transmissions, hence the extremely high numbers.
BusinessAutoblogDe Tomaso claims it's moving to America so we can relearn how to design cars
De Tomaso is a truly international carmaker. Now, it has announced the next leap in its geographical game of hopscotch will take it to America, and it brazenly claimed it will bring global glory back to our industry. "We're deeply committed to returning America's automotive industry to its golden era of design, and to the treasured respect it earned between the 1920s and the 1960s," De Tomaso explained in a statement, one which firms like Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus could reasonably disagree with.
LifestyleAutoblog2022 GMC Hummer EV dimensions, clearances and off-road features explained
Looking at the numbers on the 2022 GMC Hummer EV, it seems the electric pickup has literal truck loads of each. At 86.7 inches, it's just a bit wider than a Ford F-150 Raptor, which is itself 6.4 inches wider than a comparable F-150. The Hummer is also 5.5 inches wider than a GMC Sierra.
BusinessAutoblogHere are 12 electric pickups in the works
With the unveiling of the GMC Hummer EV, the list of planned electric pickups is expanding. Legacy automakers like Ford and Chevy have theirs coming, as do startups like Tesla, Rivian and Bollinger, as well as some lesser known brands. Here are all the electric pickup trucks we know to be in the works, along with a few that are being discussed or mulled over.
BusinessAutoblogMercedes-AMG S63e caught in new spy photos
With the new S-Class officially in production, Mercedes-Benz is hard at work developing its more fascinating variants. This Mercedes-AMG S63e plug-in hybrid is one of the more noteworthy additions to the executive sedan portfolio, and one that is expected to raise some eyebrows when it hits showrooms. Like many new plug-ins, the Mercedes-AMG S63e is expected to prioritize performance over efficiency, and considering that the base S500 4Matic boasts a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, the bar for "performance" models in the S-Class lineup is not exactly set low.
What to Read Next
Taiwan welcomes latest US arms deal, says no intention of weapons race with Beijing
South China Morning Post