C! Magazine September 2020 by C! Magazine

F E AT U R E S

TUNER

WHEEL2WHEEL

THE DRIVES

• 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV S-AWC • JAGUAR i-PACE

• MUGEN CIVIC T YPE-R • TOM'S COROLLA • JDMU CARS & CHICKEN MEET

• 2020 DUCATI STREETFIGHTER V4 S • GEAR REVIEW: LEXIN BLUINTERCOMETOOTH & VEMAR HELMET

• 2020 TOYOTA GR SUPRA • 2020 MITSUBISHI STRADA ATHLETE • 2020 CHERY TIGGO5X • 2020 FORD TERRITORY TITANIUM+

WE PICK THE BEST OF THE BEST 16

AN N UAL

AWARDS

THE CAR NOMINEES FOR THE 16TH ANNUAL C! AWARDS PhP 195 ISSUE 225 SEPTEMBER 2020

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T H E U LT I M AT E AU TO M OT I V E AU T H O R I T Y

F E AT U R E S

TUNER

WHEEL2WHEEL

THE DRIVES

• 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV S-AWC • JAGUAR i-PACE

• MUGEN CIVIC T YPE-R • TOM'S COROLLA • JDMU CARS & CHICKEN MEET

• 2020 DUCATI STREETFIGHTER V4 S • GEAR REVIEW: LEXIN BLUINTERCOMETOOTH & VEMAR HELMET

• 2020 TOYOTA GR SUPRA • 2020 MITSUBISHI STRADA ATHLETE • 2020 CHERY TIGGO5X • 2020 FORD TERRITORY TITANIUM+

WE PICK THE BEST OF THE BEST 16

AN N UAL

AWARDS

THE CAR NOMINEES FOR THE 16TH ANNUAL C! AWARDS PhP 195 ISSUE 225 SEPTEMBER 2020

W W W.C- M AG A Z I N E .CO M

T H E U LT I M AT E AU TO M OT I V E AU T H O R I T Y

ORIS x MOMOTARO As an independent company, Oris can go its own way. This year, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re collaborating with a fellow pioneer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the maverick Japanese brand, Momotaro Jeans

Oris is proud to introduce the Oris x Momotaro, a special edition watch produced in collaboration with Momotaro Jeans, the spirited Japanese company whose high-quality jeans are worn by style-savvy people in the Far East and around the world. The new watch is a steel and bronze version of the iconic Oris Divers Sixty-Five, and comes on an indigo Momotaro denim strap with two white ‘battle stripes’, the denim manufacturer’s famous signature. Named aaer a Japanese folklore hero, Momotaro was launched in 2006 by Mr. Hisao Manabe. Its roots lie in his textile com company, which he established in 1992 with just three employees in the small coastal town of Kojima in kayama. From the outset, Mr. Manabe’s vision was clear: no compromise on quality. His denim would use only the ﬁnest long-staple cotton, and only deep indigo rope dye to achieve the best possible fade. His workshops would use vint vintage shuttle looms to create a handmade feel to the weave, and every detail would be hand-sewn. Mr. Manabe wanted to set a new international denim standard. Nearly 30 years later, Mr. Manabe’s company employs 140 people in factories, stores and oﬃces in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Okayama. Okayama, once depre depressed, is now a denim capital, revived by enterprises that grew up around Mr. Manabe’s businesses. Momotaro today is known by its mantra: ‘Made by hand without compromise’. For Oris, this new partnership just makes sense. The independent Swiss watch company combines precision manufacturing with traditional hand-craasmanship to ma make beautiful, high-quality watches. The Oris x Momotaro celebrates a shared spirit.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Buy what you love and do your homework hy all the interest in car talk? If you look at what we as a group have been doing online lately, we have been trying to bring you into our world. It’s a fun world. We talk cars and racing. New cars and old cars, racing and tinkering and rebuilding, and even things like model cars and epic drives. It was great when people showed up at the office. They would stand in front of a wall of covers and another mountain of magazines, and they would end up starting a conversation. And they wouldn’t leave for a long, long time. We kept getting requests to do meetups, events, chats, which we love to do but never had the time to organize ourselves. Yet whenever a few of us would gather in the name of internal combustion, things would start. So, because we can’t exactly meet up, we started doing our little get-togethers online. And we started, again, having fun. And people started asking about joining in. Being a fly on the wall, a silent guest at a dinner table. A true note, at one point, I asked Kookie Ramirez if I could just sit at the Ramirez dinner table and just listen. Every time that family got together, it was like I was listening to global racing history firsthand. Well, now we have opened up a bit. We recorded one of our chats which came, honestly, because people kept going to us asking about cars that surprised us. And we have been quite surprised, once again, that people listened. And asked more questions. Again, not the way we expected.

Carl S. Cunanan E D I TO R- I N - C H I E F

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

Yes, we talked about new cars from the Chinese brands, and yes, we talked about driving the new Toyota Corolla Cross. But we also talked about what came up by accident, like when you should actually buy a car, or the trim level you should choose. And it was those somewhat geeky questions that ended up resonating. We now have whole new conversations going on about the timing of car buys, and people are rethinking their need to buy early so the car stays new. So they’re thinking. And talking. And they’re not just the car geeks. Yes, we have had this conversation about M cars (you know who you are), but we also had them about cars for people buying something for their college kid. Or the minivan/MPV/whatever they did’t first think about. And, oh boy, did they talk about when young Paolo used the phrase “tito car.” So, thank you. Thank you because we are now being reminded daily how much fun it is to have these conversations. Thank you for telling us that Apple CarPlay is more important to you than we thought, thank you for giving us more insight, with a far wider array of opinions and views, than we have ever had. Thank you for telling us about your experiences buying your first car, taking your first lap at Spa, walking into a pandemic-influenced showroom, learning to ride a motorcycle. Thank you. Oh, and ... “Buy what you love, and do your homework.” In our chats in Cars Casually, we kept going back to that. We kinda like it. Look for it on t-shirts near you soon. Stay safe, stay well, be kind. Let’s all come out of this into a better world and a better us.

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COVER S TORY

CONTENTS SEP TEMBER 2020 / IS SUE 225

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A N N UA L

AWARDS

2 0 2 0 N OM I N E E S

Cars 4

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FE ATURES

CONTENTS SEP TEMBER 2020 / IS SUE 225

NEW VEHICLES FOR A NEW WORLD The Jaguar i-Pace

THE NEW MITSUBISHI FLAGSHIP 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

SEPTEMBER 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ C-MAGAZINE.COM

THE DRIVES

CONTENTS SEP TEMBER 2020 / IS SUE 225

TOYOTA GR SUPRA

CHERY TIGGO 5X LUXURY

The Supreme Supra

Valued Proposition

SEPTEMBER 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ C-MAGAZINE.COM

MITSUBISHI STRADA ATHLETE 4WD

FORD TERRITORY TITANIUM+

The Overachiever

More Than Effective Brand Reengineering

E X TR A TIME

CONTENTS SEP TEMBER 2020 / IS SUE 225

WHISKY FOR BEGINNERS

What do car engines and people who like whisky have in common?

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TUNER

CONTENTS SEP TEMBER 2020 / IS SUE 225

BOOSTED!

By Francis G. Pallarco

CARS & CHICKEN

Reminiscing last year’s JDMU “Yabangan Noons Nights”

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

MUGEN ALL THE WAY

TOM’S VERSION

Here’s a benchmark catalog-type build worthy of being emulated

Check out this ultra-rare TOM’S Corolla Turbo

Making better drivers for tomorrow

Follow our road safety facebook account roadsafetybycmag

WHEEL 2WHEEL

CONTENTS SEP TEMBER 2020 / IS SUE 225

TWO WHEELS ONLY

By Maynard M. Marcelo

MASTER OF ADVENTURE

Suzuki Philippines launches the 2020 V-Strom 1050XT

CFMOTO PHILIPPINES LAUNCHES THE 300SR SPORTBIKE

MOTOITALIA LAUNCHES THE VESPA GTS SUPER AND SPRINT “RACING SIXTIES” SPECIAL SERIES

80 14

LEXIN LX-B4FM REVIEW

BIKE REVIEW: 2020 DUCATI STREETFIGHTER V4S

Audiophiles rejoice! LEXIN LX-B4FM - High Quality yet Affordable Bluetooth Intercom

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

V-HELMETS GHIBLI REVIEW

WA N T T O G O FOR A RIDE?

REG UL ARS

CONTENTS SEP TEMBER 2020 / IS SUE 225

Carl S. Cunanan

Georges B. Ramirez

EDITOR’S NOTE

Nicolas A. Calanoc

Iñigo S. Roces

APEX AND APERTURES

BACKFIRE

Chris Van Hoven

Angel S. Rivero

INSIDE LINE

ON THE EDGE

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

EVENT HORIZON

MONTHLY BUYER’S GUIDE

OUR PICKS : TOP 5 CONVERTIBLES OF ALL TIME By Nicolas A. Calanoc

Can you CatCh up? www.c-magazine.com

APEX AND APERTURES

Nicolas A. Calanoc E X E C U T I V E E D I TO R

Thinking Outside the Box

here as so many cars nowadays, it’s ridiculous!” a friend exclaimed to me as I was explaining on how busy I was with so many car launches despite the quarantine. It honestly made me think. Did that statement hold merit? Has buying a car become more complicated? There was a time that if you needed an MPV, there was

“T

a trusted select few to choose from. Today, as we conclude our comparo between the Toyota Innova and Maxus G50, we found it difficult to define the class. We were left questioning ourselves on what constitutes an MPV? Does it depend on whether it is body-on-frame or are unibody vehicles allowed? Is there a seating requirement? Is it dependent on price? We then start sliding to the question that all MPVs are SUVs anyway, or are they crossovers?

“With so many combinations of cars out there, gone are the days where you must conform to a car.”

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

Admittedly, the discussion got kind of heated because for every defining trait, there was a counter trait thrown. But then we thought, who are we to put MPVs inside a box? The fact they are MULTI-purpose means that inherently, these vehicles will have multiple facets to make themselves useful and utilitarian. It isn’t just MPVs that can get a heated discussion. If I ask you to define a sports car, we might end up arguing all night! The truth is that as much as it is difficult to define a car and its class, it is a sign of growing times for the automotive industry. With so many combinations of cars out there, gone are the days where you must conform to a car. Nowadays, there is a car out there that will fit your wants, needs, and budgets, one that will fit in like a glove. Cars today must conform to the buyers if they want to make a sale. So, as much as it can get confusing to choose a car, beyond that confusion is a car that is just right. At the end of the day, we car buyers win.

INSIDE LINE

Chris Van Hoven M A N A G I N G E D I TO R

Features or Size?

hould I buy a top-ofthe-line car or a basemodel of the next size up?” It’s a question I get asked quite often, and one that never seems to have a definite answer or conclusion. Well, that’s because it mostly boils down to personal preference. But as for my own answer? Get the bigger model. Here’s why. Let’s start off with an easy example. A topof-the-line Toyota Vios G costs around PhP 1,056,000, while the larger Toyota Corolla Altis, which can be had as low as PhP 999,000 for the manual E variant, or PhP 1,115,000 for the automatic G variant, which is PhP 59,000

“S

more than a top-of-the-line Vios. Sure, you lose cool things like a 7-inch touchscreen, 6-speakers, and LED headlamps, but these are features you can easily add through aftermarket parts. More often than not, the larger model will have features you can’t just add on or replace that easily. Things like a bigger engine, more luggage space, or more room for your rear passengers, which you get with the Corolla Altis. Manufacturers are getting better at speccing their cars too, even at the basemodel trim. Brands like Kia, Honda, and Mazda are starting to pay closer attention to infotainment systems as more and more people rely on connectivity to make buying

“Manufacturers are getting better at speccing their cars too, even at the base-model trim.”

decisions when it comes to cars, so you’ll often find that even base model trims come with touchscreens that offer Bluetooth connectivity at the very least. For brands like Kia, you’ll find Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity on even their most affordable cars. Safety is another factor that manufacturers are paying closer attention to. Going back to our Toyota example, even the base model Toyota Corolla Altis features driver, passenger, side, curtain shield, and knee airbags — something you used to find only in the top-of-the-line models. There was a time not too long ago that the decision wasn’t as easy. If you wanted nice looks, a great audio system, and important safety features, you had to go straight to the top-of-the-line model, with the only benefit of going to the bigger model to be a bigger engine, more room, and in some cases, better brakes. But as consumer preferences change, so do the way manufacturers equip their cars. And these days, even base model variants of compact cars and crossovers present excellent value for money, coming equipped with the things that matter most.

C-MAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER 2020

ON THE EDGE

Georges B. Ramirez S E N I O R E D I TO R

The Long Haul

s we enter the fourth quarter of the year, it seems our leaders feel a breakthrough in the quest for a vaccine, which may come-about by the first quarter of 2021. A new year with the light at the end of the tunnel in sight does sound promising, to say the least. Having said that, it is also said that the earliest we could get our hands on some of that commercially available vaccine would be by the fourth quarter of 2021, or end of the third quarter at best. This first batch of commercially available vaccines would mean we wouldn’t be able to get all that we require, as there is a world in need. So most probably, it will be alloted per country, an allotment that would depend on many things, like population size, its relationship with the country or company that makes it, and what deals each one can negotiate with them. Perhaps helping in the human trials will count for something, but who’s to know, really? The point is it is ten months to a year before anything will even get started. It seems our auto industry will have some hard times ahead, but let’s not forget that in these difficult times, humanity tends to adapt and innovate, and oftentimes, better things come out of it. We are already adapting with

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

virtual car launches and Zoom-type meets, but showrooms still have a way to come. Even more affected would be test-drive events for customers and media, driving courses, club events and the like. We will probably learn how to live with this situation better, adapting to a point where we can engage in these types of activities and still be safe. One example is starting with limited and smaller real events first as we are limited to what are available to us, in the manner of being safe from the Covid-19 virus. Affordable and more accurate testing would be a key factor to these driving events or just family weekends. Naturally, this would directly have a positive effect on the hotels and restaurant industry as well. The better we get at it, the more a semblance of our normal life will return, and our economy can start moving. Perhaps it won’t be booming, but enough to get us through the 10 to 12-month period before the start of a hopeful vaccine. Actually, even if it comes later, if we continue to adapt and innovate, we will grow. If things stay as they are, even 10 months will be daunting. So many have tried to re-open and have had to close, some even permanently, and if this trend were to continue for another 10 to 12 months, I am afraid 2021 will be even more distressing than 2020. Clearly, this shouldn’t be an option, as I

mentioned, we need to adapt and innovate. As consumers, we should patronize the business groups or teams that are not lazy and /or unable to be strict and vigilant with their protocols. Make it clear to them that the key to their business survival is in making customers feel safe, and then perhaps people’s confidence levels will start to heighten, and so will the wheels of our economy (our industry) gain momentum. Perhaps Government should consider a grace period for businesses during this duration, so as not to hamper them and instead focus on helping entrepreneurs stay open to keep as many jobs as possible. In other words, if there are negotiations with businesses that could hamper or even close down a business, then put these grievances aside first, so long as it means they can keep as many jobs going as possible. Honestly, how anyone can think of anything else at the moment is beyond me. History teaches us that when there are no jobs and no food, the populous does desperate things. I needn’t elaborate. Anyway, we are a dynamic industry, innovation is what we are about, and I believe we will continue to evolve throughout this crisis. If we can get the number of daily new cases down to a reasonable rate by December, the hope of Christmas could give us the strength to plod through 2021.

Iñigo S. Roces

BACKFIRE

C O N T R I B U T I N G E D I TO R

It Took a Pandemic

or once in a long time, the car industry has finally and truly become a buyers’ market. There are more cars available than people wanting to buy. We have brands bending over backwards just to get models off the showroom floor. No more dismissive looks when you step into a dealership. Every other day, you’re hearing about crazy buy-one, take-one deals on vehicles that once seemed out of reach. Services are improving too, with some brands offering virtual showrooms, test drives at home, and even preventive maintenance service at home. Perhaps one of the most novel ones I’ve come across are diagnose at home services. This is where the car owner has a video call with a service advisor in an attempt to determine the cause of a particular problem. In the past, the only time we’d get this kind of service was if we were ordering 10 units of a particular model. Or reliably buy the most

expensive model on offer on a yearly basis. This is nothing new to regular Mercedes-Benz S-Class customers or Lexus LS owners, but it’s certainly novel to us econobox-driving plebs. What’s even more curious is that many of these much more convenient services were already being studied. The only reason we didn’t get them sooner is because the last thing anyone expected was a virus that would turn us all into hermits. In truth, this shakeup to automotive customer service has long been brewing underneath. The pandemic had only forced many car brands’ hands. Those who’ve been to the US recently likely noticed just how differently electric car brand, Tesla, does it. Their showrooms are called boutiques. They’re not located in sprawling “automotive rows” like in most cities, or like what we have here. In fact, the boutiques are often found in shopping areas with a lot of foot traffic, not car traffic. The showroom is stocked with tablets that show you features. Kind of like Apple stores, their

sales associates only come near when you have questions. In fact, they leave you to ‘discover’ the car yourself. As trivial as it sounds, this unique buying experience contributes a lot to the overall ownership experience. No one has ever loudly exclaimed their approval of the decades-old showroom and service center model we’ve all come to loathe. And yet, over the decades, little has been done to improve it, other than speed up the experience. Yet now, thanks to this pandemic, car brands are finally asking customers the right questions like, “What do you hate about the car buying/ownership experience? Why didn’t you go for our car instead?” They might be surprised that it all boils down to rather trivial reasons like, “I couldn’t find a parking space.” I’m half tempted to go car shopping now, even if I’m not planning on buying anything. It’s simply because anyone who even asks about a new model is suddenly made to feel like the most valuable prospect of the week.

C-MAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER 2020

EVENT HORIZON

Angel S. Rivero C O N T R I B U T I N G E D I TO R

Oh What Fun It Is to Buy!

ashing through the road... Making spirits bright... What fun it is to ride and sing... a driving song tonight! Well, okay, okay. It didn’t go exactly that way... but it sure feels like Christmas shopping enticements have come extra early this year — with all the promos and incentives almost all the car brands are giving. I’ve seen everything, from super-low down payments to extremely tempting in-house car financing plans with freebies, to very large price cuts; to extended, free preventive maintenance plans this season. Clearly, it is a call for stimulus from our car manufacturers who are trying their best to adapt to our fragile situation. And if you’re one of those people lucky enough to still be in a position to afford buying a new vehicle this year, then I have to say... now is an excellent time to buy, to get the most value out of your every peso spent. Honda Philippines has announced and extended its promotion of huge cash discounts off many of its popular models since

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

August; while BMW Philippines has set the stage this September for its biggest annual selling event with its best deals yet — this time, purely online. Meanwhile, Jeep Philippines is running a promotional price reduction of up to Php 160,000 off its recently-introduced compact SUVs; and Toyota Motor Philippines has exciting car financing offerings for its slew of recently-launched vehicles, that are all sold for the same price per model across the country (without extra charges levied on vehicles that have to be shipped to dealerships in Visayas and Mindanao). Foton is offering its Gratour TM 300 F-Van, MPV, Dropside and Wingvan for a low, all-in downpayment promo of Php 58,000 alongside free 3-years LTO registration and comprehensive insurance. Nissan has its ongoing ‘Safer Drives and Deals’ promo, which offers an all-in, low downpayment of as little as Php 28,000 together with special financing options. Mazda Philippines, which happens to celebrate its 100-year anniversary this 2020 has actively been coming out with

regular monthly promos to celebrate the milestone, alongside releasing some beautiful, super-limited edition centennial models of the Mazda3 and MX-5. They have also wowed the industry with their most recent announcement of extending their free 3-year Preventive Maintenance Service to a full 5 years now! It was a big move for a small company, and a really thoughtful one, too — especially since they are retroactively extending this 5-year free PMS even to customers who have already purchased their units back in April, and onwards until the official announcement was made. I know these are truly trying times; but mobility is a basic need that remains greatly impacted by our equally important quarantine guidelines. All of a sudden, in the absence of full public transportation, and with increasing concerns over public health and safety, it has become ever more valuable to own a private vehicle. If you’ve thought of buying, then now’s the time to buy. And if you’ve thought of rather saving, then you can also go greener by moving around town on a bike!

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The Drives

TOYOTA GR SUPRA The Supreme Supra

Words by Kevin C. Limjoco Photos by Andréas N. Delos Reyes SINCE ITS LAUNCH EARLY LAST YEAR, the 5th-generation Toyota Supra (A90), designed at the company’s CALTY studio in California, now with the Gazoo Racing “GR” acronym embedded in the moniker, has only had a string of successes enjoyed by everyone who has had the opportunity to experience driving it or better having bought it for keeps. Unlike earlier Supra models in previous generations, the all-new generation model was developed by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, which is principally their motorsports group that participates in a myriad of motorsports events like Le Mans, World Rally Championship, Dakar Rally, NASCAR, Nürburgring 24 Hours, and others without fully orphaning the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) group that still concentrates on individual performance and aesthetic packaging aftermarket parts for the existing Toyota standard models at present. TRD is still huge in North America so Toyota will supposedly take careful measure while

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

they transition to replace it with the GR group. The GR racing performance group develops cars from the ground up, though famously with the GR Supra it was co-developed with BMW using their current 3rd-generation Z4 (G29) model with both being built in the same Magna Styr factory in Graz, Austria. You know with certainty that GR is here to stay when you realize that Akio Toyoda himself and the legendary Master Driver, the late Hiromu Naruse, founded Gazoo Racing. So TRD’s days are fairly numbered. Having done comprehensive testing on the 2020 BMW Z4 sDrive M40i roadster several months ago when it was freshly launched in North America, I can tell you all with complete confidence that it’s behavior, performance, character, and feel are distinctively different from the GR Supra despite the vastly shared components beneath the skin, especially in the cabin. The GR Supra’s steering wheel, instrument cluster, surface materials, ceiling, configuration, and seats are unique. But, the switchgear, center stack, infotainment controls, electronics, HUD and a bit more are obviously BMW so they are familiar but not exactly pulled from the Z4 parts bin. You know full well that both cars are closely related as brothers but just like people, their personalities and purpose are very different.

I like both precisely because they perform extremely well but different. Our White Metallic GR Supra looks very purposeful and organically futuristic. It is an authentic sportscar in every sense. Our Philippine-spec model is special as it produces the same amount of torque as the USA-spec Z4 M40i with 369 lb-ft, 4 lb-ft more than in other markets but its powerbands are tuned differently. Maximum power is 335 bhp which is a whopping 47 bhp less than the Z4 but it is also about 60 pounds lighter. But more appropriately compared to its predecessor, the

2+2 A80 Supra, however, it is much smaller in every dimension, weighs about 108 pounds less, produces 10 bhp and 44 lb-ft more torque over a considerably wider range with 4 more automatic gears to use. So as a Supra, it is the finest, most sophisticated and best dynamically performing model of the breed. In other markets, the Toyota GR Supra now comes with two updated powerplants. 382 bhp for the lovely turbocharged inline-6 with the same torque as before but with thirstier fuel economy: 22 mpg City / 30 mpg Highway and a different power delivery compared to

the Z4. And for aspiring enthusiasts, tuners and racers there is the new 255 bhp / 295 lb-ft turbocharged 2.0-liter engine also sourced from BMW. As it stands now though, the driver-focused GR Supra is two-tenths of a second slower than the BMW from 0-100 km/h but it is more visceral and handles better than the invigorating Z4 roadster. And we are not even discussing cost; the BMW Z4 sDrive M40i costs at least P740,000.00 more in our market. The Toyota has a larger trunk capacity by 9 liters (289 liters total in the rear hatch), it has way better NVH insulation and aerodynamics, and it has a more powerful 500-watt JBL 12-speaker audio system (compared to the optional 408-watt Harman Kardon system on the BMW). The Toyota will also be easier to maintain with the considerably larger chain of dealerships to go to around the country. Conversely, the BMW has the better instrument cluster, more prestige, better ride comfort, has the full power now, can drop the top, is more luxurious, and has a more comprehensive 10.2inch touchscreen driven by the iDrive system instead of the simplified version on the smaller 8.8-inch unit on the Toyota. I love the double-bubble roof, 6-lens autoleveling LED headlights (three low beam, three high beam), the F1-inspired backup lamps (a series of 20 LEDs located in the center of the lower bumper), the signature rear LED lights, and the fixed duck rear wing of the GR Supra. It is fitted with its own unique, more aggressive specification of Adaptive Variable Suspension, an electronic Limited Slip Differential, painted-red 4-pot Brembo™ calipers on 13.7inch vented discs up front while the rears are 13.6-inch vented discs with matching singleslider rears, handsome mixed forged alloys (9J x 19" front & 10J x 19" rear) wrapped with sticky 255/35R19 96Y front and 275/35R19 100Y rear Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. It is stiffer than the Lexus LFA, and the center of gravity is lower than an 86. The combination of the superbly composed and balanced chassis, perfectly weighted steering, and decisive power delivery make the Toyota GR Supra an immensely satisfying driver experience.

SPECIFICATIONS — 2020 Toyota GR Supra Engine: Inline-6, 2998 cc, dohc 24V, Direct Injection Twin-Scroll Intercooled Turbo, Double-VANOS and Valvetronic, 8-Speed AT | Max Power: 335 bhp @ 5000-6500 rpm Max Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 1600-4500 rpm | 0-100 km/h (0-62mph): 4.3 sec. | Top Speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) Governed | Fuel Mileage: 24 mpg City / 31 mpg Highway Price as Tested: PhP 5,050,000.00 | Plus: The absolute best Supra ever, very well-appointed, enormously rewarding and entertaining to drive. | Minus: Other markets have more power. Instrument cluster could have been better. Price. |

Rating: 10/10

C-MAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER 2020

The Drives

Black Roof Perhaps one of the more striking aesthetic upgrades to the base Strada’s design, the Strada Athlete’s blacked-out roof gives the Strada a distinct sporty appeal that makes it look just at home in an urban environment as it does in the countryside. Again, it’s all about the contrast, and it works best when paired against a light color.

MITSUBISHI STRADA ATHLETE 4WD The Overachiever

Words and photos by Chris Van Hoven

EVEN WITH ALL the new pick-up models coming out lately, the current-generation Mitsubishi Strada still ranks as one of our top picks in the segment; and with the recent release of the Strada Athlete variant, Mitsubishi is taking an already proven product and amping up its road presence with some pretty significant aesthetic updates. Let’s take a look at each one.

Black Dynamic Shield and Front Bumper Garnish Initial impressions when you spot the Mitsubishi Strada Athlete are largely dominated by the updated Dynamic Shield and front bumper garnish. The Strada’s already impressive Dynamic Shield

front fascia gets an all-black treatment complimenting the updated bumper that makes it clearly stand out from all the other cars on the road. It does a lot to make the Strada more imposing, giving the front end an almost menacing quality.

18-inch Black Alloy Wheels The 18-inch wheel size hasn’t changed from their GLS line, but it now gets an all-black treatment in glossy form as well, sporting chunky 265/60R18 Dunlop Grandtrek tires. They’re not specifically off-road tires despite our Strada Athlete having 4x4 capabilities, but the black wheel color provides a nice contrasting complement to our test unit’s “White Diamond” body color.

Side Decal Accents While not to everyone’s taste, the Strada Athlete’s flashy decals certainly attract attention. In my opinion, design touches such as this one belong more on the set of the next Fast & Furious movie than in an off-roading pick up, but I won’t deny that it got admiring glances from several passers-by, and it does add tremendously to its street presence.

Two Tone Leather Seats The two-tone leather seats (orange and black) used in the Strada Athlete are one of my favorite design elements in the car, simply because it adds so much character to the interior. The Strada’s interior has always been lauded as being straight to the point, simple, and efficient, but the added color introduced by the orange accents to the seats, together with orange accents to the gear shift panel and floor center console give the interior a complete fresh appeal which looks great even from the outside. At PhP 1,760,000, the Mitsubishi Strada Athlete is certainly on the upper end of affordability if we’re talking about 4x4 options in the market. Still, it’s not the most expensive 4x4 out there, even without taking the Ford Ranger Raptor into consideration. But for the money, you’ll get the added aesthetic upgrades plus forward collision mitigation, blind spot warning with lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system, stability and traction control, trailer stability assist, hill descent control, hill start assist, multi around monitor, and automatic high beams. The Mitsubishi Strada has always been an easy recommendation for those looking for a highly versatile 4x4, and that recommendation is made even easier now with its great looks, impressive feature list, and competitive pricing.

SPECIFICATIONS — 2020 Mitsubishi Strada Athlete 4x4 Engine: Inline-4, 2442 cc, dohc 16V, Direct Injection Intercooled VGT Turbo, MIVEC, 6-speed AT | Max Power: 179 bhp @ 3500 rpm | Max Torque: 317 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm 0-100 km/h (0-62mph): 10.2 sec. | Top Speed: 187 km/h (117 mph) | Fuel Mileage: 13.4 km/L Overall | Price as Tested: PhP 1,760,000.00 | Plus: Looks better than ever, lively handling and responsive steering, fuel-efficient | Minus: We’re still wishing for the 8-speed transmission from the Montero Sport |

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

Rating: 9.5/10

The Drives

CHERY TIGGO 5X LUXURY Valued Proposition

Words by Kevin C. Limjoco Photos by Andréas N. Delos Reyes CHERY PHILIPPINES’ new subcompact crossover, the sporty-looking Tiggo 5x, is yet another strong-value based offering in what could be the most competitive segment in the domestic automotive industry. It is priced aggressively and looks very much like its bigger 7-seater stablemate the Tiggo 8. Ironically, Chery Headquarters back in the mainland already launched a facelifted Tiggo 5x in the Chinese domestic market with a new front grille and new bumper which doesn’t look as good. However, the interior updates are more significant. There are two affordable variants offered in our market, our white test unit seen here is the Luxury model that costs P90,000.00 more for the additional standard equipment. There are no front fog lamps but there are LED DRL lights which unfortunately shut-off when the halogen projector headlights are switched on. The rear signature lighting is well designed but doesn’t use LED. The 17-inch alloys look fairly good and despite the tall, unknown Chao Yang SU318a H/T brand with 215/60R17 96H tires, the rolling stock had good grip and rode like a more premium compound tire. The long-travel suspension was tuned well too, with independent MacPherson struts up front and a torsion-beam at the rear. As a mostly urban crossover, that suspension setup works. The interior could have been even better if the optional equipment found in other markets were installed, like rear passenger air vents, wireless phone charger, and a larger panoramic moonroof. The current moonroof is good though, it is just that its fiercest direct competition, the slightly smaller but zippier MG ZS AT Alpha (which also got a facelift and more in other markets) has one for an additional P48,888.00 more. The JAC S3 is even smaller for even less money and it is a little quicker, though the Tiggo 5x is the better looking, more spacious, and better fit-andfinish solution. The GAC GS3 200T is more

dynamic, more equipped, and more refined but it costs P108,000.00 more. Don’t get me wrong, the Chery Tiggo 5x Luxury is really a good crossover. We forget sometimes how quickly the automotive industry has developed over the past five years alone. Consumers have so many choices to fit their budgets and user requirements. The Tiggo 5x Luxury costs less and has more equipment than most compact sedans sold four years ago! Even with its modest power, it uses a good sounding 6-speaker 9-inch control screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay. It has all-wheel disc brakes with ABS, softtouch interior surfaces, stability control (with Emergency Brake Assist +Traction Control System +Hill Assist & Descent Control), tire pressure monitoring system, two USB ports, cruise control, reverse camera, a tasteful

data-rich 7-inch TFT color instrument cluster, electric brake, excellent steering wheel with remote controls, start/stop ignition with smart key, automatic climate control, nicely laid out switchgear, powered driver’s seat, and dual airbags. In addition, the trunk with the seats up holds 340 liters and 1,100 liters with the seats fully folded almost flat, and the foldable split rear bench has ISOFIX rear seat mounts. The efficient CVT transmission is smooth and fairly linear but understand that the Tiggo 5x is an affordable and versatile crossover designed more for regular urban use and not aggressive canyon carving. Chery Philippines gives it 3-years of free Periodic Maintenance Service support along with a solid 5-year factory warranty, and in case there are doubts about the reliability of the powerplant, an astounding 10year, one million-kilometer warranty.

SPECIFICATIONS — 2020 Chery Tiggo 5x Luxury Engine: Inline-4, 1499 cc, dohc 16V, Multi-Port Fuel Injection, VVT, CVT | Max Power: 114 bhp @ 6150 rpm | Max Torque: 104 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm | 0-100 km/h (0-62mph): 11.9 sec. Top Speed: 178 km/h (112 mph) | Fuel Mileage: 6.6 L/100km Overall | Price as Tested: PhP 950,000.00 | Plus: Strong value for money, thrifty, spacious, generous basic standard equipment, better looking than the face-lifted model. | Minus: New facelifted model has better interior. Needs more oomph. Halogen headlights. No rear a/c vents. Rear seats do not recline. |

Rating: 8/10

C-MAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER 2020

The Drives

FORD TERRITORY TITANIUM+ More Than Effective Brand Reengineering Words by Kevin C. Limjoco Photos by Andréas N. Delos Reyes AUTOMOTIVE BRAND REENGINEERING has been going on for a very long time in the industry dating back as far as 1917 and ramped up more so in the 1920’s, so it isn’t a big surprise at all. However, with the all-new recently launched 2020 Ford Territory we need to expound more so that consumers get more clarity as Ford did considerably more than just rebadging. Let us begin with the reminder that China has in fact become the biggest singular consumer of automobiles in the world and has swiftly become the largest manufacturer as well. So even during the early 2000’s every automotive brand has explored the opportunity of entering and working with the gigantic market. Practically EVERYONE and EVERY BRAND has tried, several succeeding already, and many still will follow. The current country ranking of production, by volume, is China, then the United States, followed by Japan, then Germany, then India, and rounding up the last mass producer is South Korea. As a business, it would be very foolish not to explore the possibilities. The basic factors of commercial success are maintenance of or exceeding manufacturing standards, constant innovation, sustainability, research and development. Ford USA has been working with JIANGLING

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

MOTORS CO., LTD (JMC) since 1995 when they were issued B-shares to build the strategic partnership beginning with the Transit which launched in China in 1997. The joint venture only forged stronger every year with updated Transit models and expansion to more models. By 2014, the Ford Everest joined the production line followed by the Tourneo in 2016, and finally the all-new Territory in 2018. For further clarification, JMC and Ford are legitimate partners in JIANGLING MOTORS CO., LTD (JMC), with Ford owning 32% stake in the joint venture. So even if the Territory model name is being resurrected and used again in a different application based on an existing JMC Yusheng S330 crossover designed by Denis Zhuravlev (who also designed for Ford), it is a genuine Ford product in the end. The Ruby Red 2020 Ford Territory Titanium+ test unit you see here may have begun its life about 5 years ago as a JMC Yusheng S330 but Ford engineers appreciated how good a canvas it was and applied their expertise. The Territory was vigorously and rigorously tested by Ford engineers at Nanjing, China and the Geelong Proving Grounds in Melbourne, Australia, to ensure it meets Ford’s stringent engineering and quality standards. Every aspect of the basic

Yusheng S330 was tweaked and adjusted to create the distinctive behavior and performance expected from an authentic Ford. Engines were completely retuned, suspension recalibrated, transmissions were changed, unique lighting, materials, features, and designs were all addressed while carefully managing costs so that consumers in China as well as for exports like ours will get an optimal product consistent with the Ford brand but with more equipment than ever before at the very best retail prices possible. The Territory is very critical to the success of the JMC-Ford effort. This all-new Territory shares absolutely nothing with its endearing and successful Australian namesake. For the Philippine market, the Territory is a very spacious compact crossover intended to bridge the huge gap left when the Escape was removed from the model family lineup. It sits in between the subcompact EcoSport and the Explorer for our Philippine market. The standard engine, the 1.5-liter EcoBoost powerplant that was co-developed with the Austrian firm AVT (Anstalt für Verbrennungskraftmaschinen) has been detuned from the more potent 163 bhp / 184 lbft power produced by the Yusheng S330 to better match the Continuously Variable Transmission. This was selected by Ford to commit to the most realistic driving behavior used not only in our region but to other markets with comparable driving conditions like South America where travel speeds are mostly under 120 km/h with most critically used powerbands between 30 km/h to 80 km/h. I recognize that swapping the more dynamic and analog 6-speed automatic used in the Yusheng S330 for the CVT was a very important decision to maximize the daily use of the feature-set of the Territory. That featureset includes the most comprehensive digitally controlled equipment ever applied to a Ford sold in these markets. In the Philippine market, we got two model variants separated by P120,000.00, our top-spec Titanium+ test unit and the slightly less equipped Trend. Let me breakdown what that extra P120k gets you keeping in mind that the lower spec variant comes very well equipped unlike traditional entry-level models in the past. Let us begin with the rolling stock, you get an inch larger and more aggressively designed 18-inch alloys with slightly more tenacious 235/50R18 97H Good Year Assurance Fuel Max AW tires. Next, you get automatic rain-sensing wipers, powerfolding mirrors with puddle lamps, chrome exterior door handles, a 10-inch fully digital instrument display with three user-selectable themes. Plus additional telescopic adjustment

for the steering wheel, One-Touch Up/Down Function on all windows, additional PM 2.5 Fabric Filters for the Pollen with Activated Carbon system, and 7-color ambient interior lighting. The front seats have powered cooling and heating, four more power adjustments for the driver’s seat, standard wireless device charging pad, and a better sounding audio system with 8 speakers instead of 6. Additional active safety measures for the Co-Pilot360™ system are Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Information System, and Enhanced Active Park Assist System (for automated parallel and the segment-first perpendicular parking), and additional front sonar sensors to complete the High-Definition 360-Degree Around View system. So, you do get a heck of lot of additional and very usable equipment for the extra money. However, the Trend model without these additional niceties can be completely enjoyed too with the weight savings combined with the generous standard equipment that includes excellent full-LED head and rear lights, the FordPass™ connectivity to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, traditional cruise control, and more. A massive panoramic roof that can be genuinely used by the second-row occupants so everyone can soak up some vital Vitamin-D is also included. The trunk is not powered but it will hold 1,120 liters of cargo with the rear seats folded forward. With the rear seats in their fixed position (which have proper ISOFIX mounts), the trunk holds 420 liters, which is competitive. Dimensionally, the Ford Territory is 4,580 mm long, 1,936 mm wide, and 1,674 mm tall with a 2,716 mm wheelbase. The ground clearance is 180 mm with a 52-liter fuel tank. Compared to its competition, the Territory is slightly smaller than a GAC GS5 but decisively bigger than the GS4, it’s bigger than a Chery Tiggo7 but smaller than the Tiggo8. I wish Ford applied a similar treatment that MG used when they finished their exhaust system though. The Territory definitely does not have aspirations to be a hot hatch so it did not need to have fake dual exhausts designed into the rear bumper. Yes, many manufacturers for safety and compliance concerns separate the rear exhaust tips by design BUT there are actual exhausts in line with them.

The Territory interior is very thoughtful and thorough. The central infotainment control 4-way split screen takes some time to get used to as it manages more than the usual entertainment and parking functions. It also manages climate control, telephony, some car data, and the front seats’ cooling/heating functions. The whole cabin was designed and executed handsomely. Even the T-shaped gear knob looks and feels good, and it doesn’t have the fragile feeling like many vehicles have these days in our region. The faux-wood trim looks good in photos but it does not have the more premium tactile feel in person unfortunately. Thankfully, the rest of the cabin trim and textures are consistently good, contributing to a very good environment to spend extended periods of time. Even if the Territory is the widest in its class, the rear bench is still best experienced with no more than two adults for maximum comfort. Besides, given its modest power, you want to manage energy as efficiently as possible. The sweet spot in the powerband makes the Territory feel more powerful than it is. As long as you drive within its optimal powerband, you will be satisfied. It is the most technically sophisticated model in the Ford showroom at the moment not just with all the gadgetry but even its appearance. The outgoing

Explorer looks even more dated with the Territory next to it. Fully recognizing what Ford envisioned the role that the Territory would play in our market, the promise of having an affordable, competitive, attractive and full-featured 5-seater crossover, they have succeeded. The Territory absorbs our Philippine public roads extremely well. The calibration of the fully independent suspension was expertly done for what most Territory buyers will travel on a daily basis. That, combined with the extremely boosted steering in all but the Sport-mode setting, makes the Territory one of the most user-friendly vehicles on the road. Even on Sport mode the steering only adds the smallest of weight resistance, the instruments changing depending on which drive mode you select will distract you more. The Territory is a smooth operator that strongly resists wanting to play aggressively. It really performs its best and is most accomplished in normalcy. The Territory is not for enthusiasts, which is fine. It will please the vast majority of Philippine buyers who want a very safe, efficient, and versatile crossover wagon workhorse. The 3 years of free preventive maintenance help make the value decision even more enticing.

SPECIFICATIONS — 2020 Ford Territory Titanium+ Engine: Inline-4, 1490 cc, dohc 16V, Multi-Point Injection, Miller-cycle, Intercooled Turbo, CVT | Max Power: 141 bhp @ 4500-5200 rpm | Max Torque: 166 lb-ft @ 1500-4000 rpm 0-100 km/h (0-62mph): 10.1 sec. | Top Speed: 190 km/h (119 mph) Governed | Fuel Mileage: 6.7 L/100 km Overall | Price as Tested: PhP 1,299,000.00 Plus: Masterful real-world drivability, feature-rich, very smooth, way better than expected. | Minus: Wish it had the more potent 163 bhp @ 5400-5700 rpm / 184 lb-ft @ 15004000 rpm tuning of the JX4G15 engine. |

Rating: 9/10

C-MAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER 2020

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Cars 30

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Choosing the right car has increasingly become a challenging process to undertake as each year passes; and for good reason. Quality and commendable products are no longer just seen from the most recognized brands. New players have arrived with a spark in recent years, particularly in the local market. Armed with a collection of safety and convenience features, technology, powertrain packages, cozy interiors, and much more; each model asserts its claim for the top spot in its respective segment. For 2020, we have selected automobiles that best embody what each class has to offer in these modern times. Ladies and gentlemen, here are the nominees for the 16th Annual C! Awards

C-MAGAZINE.COM â&#x20AC;˘ SEPTEMBER 2020

AWARDS

2020 NOMINEES â&#x20AC;&#x201D; CARS

Minicompact

Subcompact

Uncomplicated and small yet injected with a lot of blaze, these urban dwellers are easy to drive in narrow and traffic-laden streets. These days, they are packed with technology, safety features, and conveniences that make them bang-for-the-buck choices.

The best-selling segment in the Philippines is still occupied by endearing, value-packed options among a growing population of SUVs and crossovers. Still viable picks for new drivers and first-time car owners.

Honda Brio

Mazda 2

Suzuki S-Presso

MG Alpha 5

Toyota Wigo

Toyota Vios

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Compact Getting more premium with each year and released model, the modern compact segment flaunts exquisite exterior designs, which are then complemented by cozy cabins and exhilarating daily drives.

Premium Subcompact Youthful and badged by familiar and proven marques, these hatchbacks provide the best introduction to premium brands in the market.

Honda Civic RS

BMW 1-Series

Kia Forte GT

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mazda 3

MINI Cooper S Hatch

C-MAGAZINE.COM â&#x20AC;˘ SEPTEMBER 2020

AWARDS

2020 NOMINEES — CARS

Premium Compact

Premium Executive

This segment is proud of being classy and sporty without compromising the practicality of a daily drive.

A segment that has always found the right mix of fourdoor luxury and performance

Audi A3 Hatch

Jaguar XE

BMW 2-Series

Kia Stinger GT

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Lexus IS

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

Mid-Sized

Premium Mid-Sized

Many claim that mid-sized cars are on an inevitable decline, but these relentless rollers beg to differ.

Timeless elegance is found in this trio.

Honda Accord

Audi A6

Mazda 6 SkyActiv-D

BMW 5-Series

Volkswagen Lamando

Lexus ES

C-MAGAZINE.COM â&#x20AC;˘ SEPTEMBER 2020

AWARDS

2020 NOMINEES — CARS

Premium Full-Sized

Ultra-Luxury

The gold standards of German luxury saloons

The pinnacle of opulence in the world of automobiles

Audi A8

Aston Martin Rapide

BMW 7-Series

Bentley Mulsanne

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II

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Luxury Grand Tourer

Sports Car Pure driving experiences are born out of a fine fusion between handling and performance.

Lavish coupes meant to be driven for long distances

Aston Martin DB11

BMW Z4

Lexus LC 500

Mazda MX-5 RF

Rolls-Royce Wraith

Toyota GR Supra

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AWARDS

2020 NOMINEES — CARS

Premium Sports Car

Super Sport

Each member of this trio effortlessly attracts attention on the road with its unmistakable badges, extravagant styling, and roaring engines.

Exotics proudly standing above the rest

Aston Martin Vantage

Ferrari F8 Tributo

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Lambroghini Huracan

Porsche 911T

Nissan GT-R Nismo

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

NEW VEHICLES FOR A NEW WORLD? THE JAGUAR i-PACE WORDS C A R L S . C U N A N A N PHOTOS N I C O L A S A . C A L A N O C

SO, WHAT IS THE i-PACE, ANYWAY? Jaguar’s full-size electric car doesn’t exactly fit into any particular mold. Even the name is somewhat confusing, because they also have an e-Pace. Which isn’t electric. But the i-Pace is. The car itself is much the same. But also, so not. For one, it is a blast to drive. It is quick, it handles, it is fun, it is a vehicle that takes advantage of all the modern technological marvelry of electric powertrains in a way that really fits the brand. It is clearly premium, it is sporty. And in markets such as ours, its only similar vehicle (if you think all fully-electric cars are similar, which they are not) is a supercar-level Porsche Taycan at a hugely higher price point. You can’t even really compare the two.

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That’s where the i-Pace is. It looks swoopy and sleek, so you may walk up and think “sportscar” or at least “sports sedan” but it isn’t really. You may consider it an SUV because of the height and the permanent all-wheel drive, but it isn’t really, either. So, what is it? It is huge fun, that’s the key point. Technically, it is a cab-forward design that gives you a rather short front, not something you would expect from sportscars or sports sedans or SUVs. But you only notice this when you stand beside it, because otherwise all you see is how cool it looks. So, it is kind of a cross-over. We drove the i-Pace from Greenhills to Clark and back, with a fair amount of quick blasts, air conditioning-on waiting and a good two to three hours of traffic on the expressway home. We ended the day with around 30 per cent of the battery charge left. Any “range anxiety” should have popped up early in the drive (when we were driving quickly) or later in the drive (when we were moving at a snail’s pace, if at all) but it really didn’t. This “anxiety” may have been alleviated by the fact that there is a

digital display that tells you how efficiently you are driving, and even when pushing the car rather quickly, you stay in the 60s (out of a hundred, in terms of how efficiently you are driving). The car is full electric, it gets its power from plugging it in at night and from pulling it back from things like braking. Twin synchronous permanent magnet electric motors provide drive power to the wheels, one unit for each axle. This means power goes out to all wheels all the time as needed. This combined with a pretty low center of gravity and excellent weight distribution, because the batteries can be placed low and evenly, allows the car to handle quite well in spite of its over 2000 kilos of weight. The engineers claim almost 95 percent aluminum for the car, so that really helps. They also claim 395 horsepower, which you do feel. One of the advantages of all-new vehicles using new technology is that you can really build to take advantage of strengths. Jaguar says this is the most torsionally rigid structure vehicle they have.

C-MAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER 2020

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The car we drove for evaluation had the optional air suspension with adaptive dampers. It is extremely smooth and comfortable, which is to be expected. Yet is is very able in handling faster and tighter curves, sudden lane changes and the like. The car is as quiet as you would expect from an electric and from a Jaguar, a little cocoon of peace and quiet. You can choose modes to fit the type of driving you would like, and things will adjust quite nicely. Please note that this was an evaluation unit, and optional features such as the air suspension system can make a big difference in how well this car will perform when you throw different things at it. In standard height, the car looks somewhat sedan-like. It will raise for off-road work, and remember it does have full-time all-wheel power. There is also a very low height setting they say is for access.

2020 JAGUAR i-PACE Engine: Dual Permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors, 90-kWh lithium-ion battery pack Max Power: 394 bhp Max Torque: 512 lb-ft Transmission: 1-Speed Direct Drive Top Speed: 200 km/h (125 mph) Governed 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 4.7 sec. Range: 440-kilometer potential fully-charged range Price as tested: PhP 7,500,000

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C! RATING 9.5 ⁄ 10 PLUS

The greatest hits of practicality and sporty, it is an EV, a lot of range

MINUS

We need more cars like this

One of the things the i-Pace has is the ability to choose one-pedal driving, which takes some getting used to. It uses the regenerative-braking system of the car to slow it down more quickly, so you basically just use the throttle pedal to do everything. This can make things very unsmooth for passengers if you aren’t used to it, and is really a personal preference. Some people love it, I think maybe I could get there given a fair amount of time but my preference is the traditional two-pedal driving choice. You can adjust how the braking effect comes in, how light or how strong, to tune it more to your own liking. People still really don’t understand electrics. We still don’t fully appreciate their advantages and disadvantages, and we still, of course, have the issues of things like infrastructure and true end result on the environment. But what is becoming clear is that companies like Jaguar are taking clean sheets of paper and using this technology to create something that really does have a place in their stable. And no, it doesn’t have a place in everyone’s stable. But then, Jaguars aren’t for everyone either.

C-MAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER 2020

Feature

2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV

The New Mitsubishi Flagship WORDS

KEVIN C. LIMJOCO PHOTOS

ANDRÉAS N. DELOS REYES

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

ur first comprehensive test of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was with the lone 2016 unit sold to the EVAP. The model you see here in pristine white is the current 2020 model that will officially be sold in the Philippine market. It has very significant improvements, most of which you can’t see underneath the tasteful yet subtle updated exterior. The new wheel design (18” x 7J alloys wrapped with 225/55R18 98H Dunlop SP Sport 5000 tires) is the most obvious change that is immediately attractive while adding the slightest hint of aggression. The Mitsubishi Outlander model series, which launched back in 2013 is currently deep in its 3rd-generation with a completely newly designed 4th generation model projected to be released at the earliest in late 2021. The new launch unit represents the 2nd-generation of the PHEV variant series. Despite the pandemic, Mitsubishi stuck to their announcement last January that they would be launching the updated 2020 Outlander PHEV by the 4th quarter of this year. The new Outlander PHEV will be presented during the EVAP Summit in late September as an added attraction. During that same January announcement, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with five dealers: Union Motor Corporation, Fast Autoworld Philippines, Motorplaza Inc., SFM Sales Corporation, and Mindanao Integrated Commercial Enterprises Inc. with the goal to open the Philippines’ first Dendo Drive Station.

The Dendo Drive Station features a solar power system combined with Vehicle to Home (V2H) equipment, a system for supplying homes with electric power stored in EV and PHEV batteries. The station is equipped with solar panels, bi-directional chargers, storage batteries, and inverters. Together, these enable the charging of power to EV and PHEV by solar power generation and the feeding of power to the outlets by EV and PHEV. This system allows charging of EVs and PHEVs in the showrooms as well as to supply electricity from EVs and PHEVs back to the showrooms. During the Tokyo Motor Show in 2019, C! Managing Editor Chris Van Hoven and I, along with Philippine media, visited Mitsubishi’s flagship Dendo Drive Station (called the MIGarden in Ginza, Japan) which was powered by one lone Outlander PHEV, the same model as our test unit. While we were there, we were served food cooked by electric grill, toaster, and oven while being served drinks cooled by refrigeration. All the appliances were powered by the same Outlander PHEV that was generating electricity for the whole incredibly efficient showcase! Mitsubishi’s sophisticated flagship, the 5-seater Outlander plug-in hybrid crossover, might look demure and modest compared to its larger 7-seater SUV brother, the Montero Sport, but it is a very refined technological powerhouse. The new test model uses the uprated 2.4-liter gasoline MIVEC engine and larger 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery that produces 1,500-watts through two onboard AC outlets so you can truly use it for outdoor adventures as well as maximize it by making it part of the power grid. The Outlander has genuine all-wheeldrive capability. It uses two separate electric motors like before with the front producing 60 kW, but now the rear motor produces 10 kW more energy at 70kW. The torque figures remain the same as before however, the front produces 101 lb-ft, while the rear produces 144 lb-ft. The gasoline fueled powerplant is now a more powerful and more efficient 2.4-liter engine with full MIVEC, Atkinson-cycle, dohc and 16-valves that produces 9 hp and 10 lb-ft more at the same maximum 4500 rpm engine speeds to protect the system from unnecessary over revving as it energizes a stronger 80-kW generator, which feeds power to the main battery and the motors. The power gains are modest but the results are profound. With the same 45-liter fuel tank size as before combined with the lithium ion battery capacity increase of 1.8 kWh, the 2020 Outlander PHEV gained 20 kilometers more of pure plug-in EV range

and a total combined range increase of 64 kilometers. Furthermore, the overall power improvements also made drivability even more effortless with a bit more dynamic verve. So, acceleration, especially in the mid-range, which is used the most in every day real-world applications, has improved dramatically. The adaptive onboard intelligence manages all the action effortlessly and automatically. When cruising at highway speeds for example, a hydraulic clutch will also engage the engine at a fixed gear ratio while working both electric motors to double up for regenerative braking. The primary directive of the smart Outlander is to function as efficiently and as cleanly as possible so it will always endeavor to extend range by default. As a result, there are so many options available to adjust the crossover’s behavior and power usage. Very similar to the Chevrolet Volt, but not as dedicated, the gasoline combustion engine functions more like a generator with the primary propulsion being driven by the electric motors. It is a very complex system that requires a good amount of time of discovery to fully exploit its vast energy capabilities. The wonderful thing is that if you are not interested in trying to actively extract every atom from the system, the Outlander will intelligently work for you anyhow and adapt

to your driving style with your best interests embedded in its artificial brain. The Outlander rides very well on its fully independent suspension; classic MacPherson struts with anti-roll bar up front and multilink with anti-roll bar at the rear. The 54:46 weight distribution has been retained and makes the Outlander feel planted and fairly agile. Braking is good with 11.6-inch vented discs in the front managed by two-pot calipers and 11.9-inch solid discs at the rear with singlesliders, which have been recalibrated with less characteristically wooden functionality. The brake-controlled active S-AWC is an Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Control System that realizes the AWC concept with four driving modes: NORMAL, SNOW, GRAVEL and the S-AWC ECO Mode. Though functionally similar to other brand’s active torque-vectoring, the Outlander PHEV’s system adds Active Yaw Control that helps regulate torque and braking force at each individual wheel for consistent all-weather driving with confidence and safety. There are six levels of regenerative braking to choose from selected by the steering wheel paddles as before so you can decide what setting best suits your needs, again if you wish to gain that last bit of incremental energy to extend range.

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Feature Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Ultrasonicmisacceleration Mitigation System (UMS), Hill Start Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control (TCL), and Automatic High Beam. There is a lot of equipment and gadgetry to play with and entertain yourself. It is not the most dynamic nor does it have the longest driving range, but the new Mitsubishi flagship, the Outlander PHEV, is a desirable crossover that has been proven in the most demanding markets to be very durable, very versatile, comfortable, and unique. I only wish it had a more accommodating price because it is an excellent full-featured vehicle that is very easy to drive and should be enjoyed by more than just a few wealthy consumers. Then again, it is precisely that exclusivity that would make it more special.

Specifications

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV S-AWC — ENGINE: Inline-4, 2360 cc, dohc 16V, MIVEC, Atkinson-cycle, 80 hp (60 kW) & 94 hp (70kW) Permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors with 101 lb-ft and 144 lb-ft, 80-kW auxiliary generator, 300-Volt 13.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, CVT

The new 13.8-kWh battery, when fully charged, will give you a maximum range 55 kilometers at speeds up to 135 km/h (up by 15 km/h) on pure electrified energy. If you plug it in to a standard 240-volt 10-ampere household socket using the provided charger it will take 5.5 hours to charge a fully depleted battery. However, in about 25 minutes, you will already have 80% of the full charge which is very advantageous. Even if you never actually utilize the plug-in feature for the extra EV range, the Outlander will function like any other standard hybrid like a Hyundai Ioniq, Toyota Prius, Corolla Altis, and Corolla Cross. The big difference is that you would now have the most affordable, most equipped, and most spacious 5-seater luxury crossover currently available in our market with full all-wheeldrive capability. Unlike other hybrids in our market, the new Mitsubishi Outlander can legitimately tow up to 1,500 pounds and does have lockable allwheel-drive. Which means that the Outlander can be used to actually trailer a jet ski to the

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beach and safely be able to launch and retrieve it in a properly graded marina slipway. The approach angle is 21 degrees, departure angle 22.5 degrees, and ramp breakover is 19 degrees. The ground clearance though is not so high at 190 mm but it can still water wade up to a maximum of 400 mm. The new infotainment system uses an 8-inch Smartphone-Link Display Audio (SDA) unit with better connectivity, more features, has Android Auto™ compatibility, rear and overhead reverse guided camera monitoring, and an excellent 510-watt 8-speaker Mitsubishi Power Sound System that sounds great and can be fine-tuned further. To save weight, Mitsubishi removed the spare tire and instead provided a full tire repair kit. The new Outlander now has full LEDlighting, still has a moonroof, has more refined interior appointments, has multiple airbags, and has a very comprehensive standard active safety suite called Mitsubishi Motors Intuitive Technology (MiTEC). This is an integrated system that features a Multi Around Monitor,

MAX POWER: 126 hp @ 4500 rpm (236 hp total combined with EV) MAX TORQUE: 147 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (221 lb-ft total combined with EV) 0-100 KM/H (0-62MPH): 9.3 sec. TOP SPEED: 170 km/h (106 mph) Governed FUEL MILEAGE: 25 City mpg / 25 mpg Highway (85 MPGe, Pure EV range 55-kilometers [35 miles], 594-kilometer [371 miles] combined fuel range) PRICE AS TESTED: PhP 2,998,000.00 PLUS: More potent, better-equipped, very smooth, efficient, quiet, innovative and refined. MINUS: Price. Could still have more range. Could use more dynamic thrust. RATING:

9.5/10

E X T R A T I M E There is more to life than just cars, so we got you covered on the other things that might interest you.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

For us, innovation must always serve function. For example, raising our bezel by 2mm has improved the grip. Just a little. When you care about watches, just a little matters a lot.

Aquis Date

E X TR A TI M E

WHISKY FOR BEGINNERS

What do car engines and people who like whisky have in common? Well, both of them thrive on some kind of oil. Car engines need motor oil to allow their mechanical parts to move smoothly. While people need a social lubricant to help enhance their interactions — and most of the time, that comes in the form of whisky!

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E X TR A TI M E

Whisky appreciation may sound a bit intimidating at first, because the spirit is often seen as expensive, and often associated with snobbish connoisseurs. But there is a big and beautiful world of whiskies for everyone â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and I find that an appreciation of its different flavors and varieties frequently brings people together rather than sets them apart. At the end of the day, you just have to find your space in the whisky universe, and mingle with others, so that you may explore as wide a range of flavor profiles as possible. WORDS

Angel S. Rivero PHOTOS

Jakob Kurc and Johnssen Li

But first things first. In order to truly embrace this fancy elixir, one must first learn more about its origins, its history, its manufacture and its evolution. And to help guide us through its nuances, I decided to tap into the wisdom of long-time whisky enthusiast Johnssen Li, from Singlemalt.ph. Johnssen shares that he's learned to appreciate whisky from a young age (his love-at-first-sip being a Macallan), and that he's always found whisky to be the most diverse among spirits. He also pointed out that he gravitated toward spirits partly because they aren't high in uric acid, the way beer is. He also loves the fact that whisky makers continue to innovate and to adapt to the times. His biggest fascination? The fact that whisky-making is both a science and an art.

So, what is whisky? Whisky is a distilled spirit made from fermented grain. Examples of these grains are: barley, malted barley, corn, rye, wheat, and sometimes even millet or quinoa. A distiller basically mashes up the grain of his choice for it to release its natural sugars. The mash is then fermented into alcohol, and then single, double, or triple-distilled. Once these are done, the spirit is then kept for long periods inside special barrels that also contribute to its color and flavors. There are young whiskies and there are old whiskies aged via different increments of years. Obviously, the longer a type of whisky is aged, the more expensive it becomes â&#x20AC;&#x201D; simply because of the investment of time and effort required to produce it, and the rarity of the

C-MAGAZINE.COM â&#x20AC;˘ SEPTEMBER 2020

Whisky producers have their own slew of industry secrets that define the unique characteristics of their products. Among these best-kept secrets is the technique of charring the insides of the casks used for aging the whisky. The pot stills, barrels & cask charring below are from Taiwan's famous Kavalan Distillery.

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E X TR A TI M E

Japanese whiskies have slowly gained global recognition with their increasing number of int'l awards. Shown above is Suntory's first Japanese Whisky, the Shirofuda 'White Label' (1929).

product. It's a much more complex universe, but I've simplified it for ease of understanding. And if you become an enthusiast, part of the fun is dissecting the details of the entire whisky-making process and the different protocols. The main differentiation you have to understand for now is that we can loosely classify whiskies into the following kinds: 1.) Scotch, or malted whisky — which is, well, generally made from malted barley with the spirit aged in oak casks; 2.) Bourbon whisky — which is primarily made from corn, and is historically from the United States; 3.) Rye whisky — which is usually made from a mash that is at least 51% rye (a type of grass that is a member of the wheat family); 4.) Irish whisky — typically made from yeastfermented grain mash or a mash of malted cereals, and eventually triple-distilled; and 5.) Blended whiskies — which are, well, whiskies from different suppliers that are blended together to constitute an independent brand. It is usually done this way to achieve a (more affordable) price point. Take note of the keyword: usually. Johnssen explains that enjoying whisky is a personal journey. Basically, you'll just have to experiment and see what works for your senses. He says senses — and not just palette — because he believes that whisky-drinking always involves all five of them. Let us determine how this happens: 1.)Eyesight — when you pour yourself a dram of whisky, you immediately observe its color; 2.)Smell — a must-do before sipping the liquid, is to sniff out the aromas... Do you detect, say, a fruity character?; 3.)Taste/ Palette — the magical moment when you take your first sip; 4.)Touch — the mouth feel as you swirl the liquid inside; 5.)Hearing — the art of listening to the feedback of others, and then comparing your whisky impressions with theirs (and with what you already know about the whisky). You can drink whisky clean, on the rocks, with soda water, or as part of a cocktail. Drinking whisky neat is probably always the first thing you should try, because it serves as the baseline taste. Before you can decide whether you'd like to play around with it, or whether it's too good to be adulterated, you'd obviously first need to experience what the pure form is like. Sometimes, adding just a few drops of water can make an amazing difference. It may sound hard to believe, but do not underestimate the trick. Some whiskies have very bold flavor profiles, with their alcohol content generally playing around the 40s to 50s in percentage. Sometimes, all it takes to bring out a gentle symphony of the flavors is to add a splash of water! Try experimenting with a few drops, and find where your sweet spot is (if it isn't already with the whisky neat).

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E X TR A TI M E

Drinking whisky on the rocks is usually discouraged by purists (as it can dull the flavors); but a more progressive view on this practice is to tolerate what best pleases the drinker. Maybe you just want a cold drink, sure. But be selective at least with the ice. A large ice ball will melt a lot slower than small pieces of ice, and will therefore not dilute the drink as quickly. And if you have the luxury — using chilled whisky stones is an excellent way to cool your drink, minus the unnecessary dilution. Whisky cocktails are usually reserved for less expensive whiskies, and Rye whiskies are a popular choice for mixing because of their compatible flavor profile (their ability to assert their innate flavors even in a mix) and cost. Cocktails may also be a gentler way of introducing oneself to whisky flavors. A Whisky Sour or Manhattan may be good places to begin with experimentation. Among Johnssen's personal recommendations for beginners to try are: Johnny Walker Black; Dewars; the Bourbons, such as Jack Daniels and Jim Beam; and Buffalo Trace. Of the single malts (for some regional, classic-style whisky), he recommends: Macallan, Ardbeg and Glengoyne. Oh, and Taiwan's Kavalan, too! Johnssen shares that it is definitely worth it to try products that are from outside of the traditional whisky-producing nations. Taiwan, for example, is known to use lychee casks, blackberry casks, and plum casks. These can add attractively exotic flavors to the drink. If you truly want to learn more about the intricacies of whiskies... attend a tasting. A whisky novice should definitely avoid buying an entire bottle before his first tasting. For a credible jumpstart, you can explore the virtual classes held twice a month at Singlemalt.ph (they're online, but they have the samples delivered to you). Remember, whiskies can be very diverse in style. As a matter of fact, it's produced by more than 40 countries today. Like Johnssen puts it, it's literally 'the beer' of spirits. So, it's also a social lubricant that can help you meet a lot of friends, because most people like to drink their whisky in good company. “So go ahead and try whiskies!” exclaims Johnssen. “Know your own character... your own flavor profile. And don't be swayed by marketing! Ask a lot of questions.” Well, that sure made me crave for a dram of Kavalan Solist (ex-Bourbon Cask)... Shall I catch you at the watering hole, then? Sláinte Mhath! *glass clank*

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TUNER LO U D ER, BA D D ER, FAS TER!

S E P TE MB E R 2 0 2 0 / IS S U E 2 25

BOOSTED!

Francis G. Pallarco T U N E R E D I TO R

HEADER TALK Because exhaust flow is important

Letting it Out When it comes to engine performance, all the air that goes into making more power must eventually go out. This means all the aftermarket performance parts put into the engine will be rendered useless if it cannot effectively get rid of the spent exhaust gases. The solution here would be to install an aftermarket header to promote exhaust flow as well as additional power by means of the scavenging process. Simple as it looks, a header is more than just a set of tubes welded together in the hopes of directing exhaust flow. A true header provides a path for the exhaust and also helps draw spent exhaust gases out of the combustion chamber.

exhaust pipe. These pipes come together in a larger diameter pipe called the collector. The individual header pipes are cut and bent so that each one is the same length as the others. This guarantees each cylinder's exhaust gases that merge in the collector are equally spaced out, thus eliminating back pressure generated by the cylinders sharing the collector. The idea behind any exhaust system is to remove as much exhaust gas as possible from the cylinders quickly. The automotive term for this is "scavenging." Effective scavenging of exhaust gas increases an engine's overall efficiency.

4-2-1 Header As the name implies, the headers start from 4 pipes that merge into 2 pipes and then into 1 pipe leading to the catalytic converter, resonator and mufflers. This design is

“Simple as it looks, a header is more than just a set of tubes welded together in the hopes of directing exhaust flow. A true header provides a path for the exhaust and also helps draw spent exhaust gases out of the combustion chamber.”

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4-1 Header These headers are designed so that all 4 exhaust pipes merge into one common collector and flow towards the catalytic converter, resonator and muffler. In most dyno tests, this produces the most top-end power, since it offers the best engine flow characteristics at high engine speeds.

What Works Best Basic Header Types (For N/A 4-Cylinder Gasoline Engines)

How do Headers Work? The idea behind a tubular exhaust header is to eliminate the manifold's back pressure. Instead of a heavy and common cast iron manifold that all the cylinders share, a header allows each cylinder to have its own

commonly used for street applications as it offers more mid-range power, which is useful for everyday driving

Ideally, a 4-2-1 header is recommended for street use as it produces more mid-range power. This is great for the street since the revs always stay somewhere in the middle and doesn’t usually reach or go near redline, usually shifting at 3-6K, and this is where the 4-2-1 headers perform at their best. The 4-1 header clearly produces the most topend power, since it usually offers the best flow characteristics at high engine speeds. However, the 4-1 offers less throttle response on the bottom end. The bottom-line here is that if it’s going to see a lot of daily driving on the street then a 4-2-1 would be best, not unless you plan on heading to the racetrack very often. Remember say NO to stock and keep it tuned!

an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of repairs Every new car has a periodic maintenance schedule that lessens the need for repairs in the future. So it pays to follow the schedule.

A SAFETY REMINDER FROM

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Events

CARS & CHICKEN Reminiscing last year’s JDMU “Yabangaan Noons/Nights” Words by Pow Anticamara Photos by Simon Valencia Aquino

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

FAR FROM THE USUAL parking areas and large open spaces, this marked the first time that we have done this annual Holiday event at this location. Making it more unique is the fact that we tied up with a chicken joint within the premises, hence the name of the meet. Like most “Yabangan Noons/Nights,” it's your usual mix and match of clean golden era projects and modern builds that wild boys have come to love. It was also great to see old and new faces and the meet was made more special because a good number of the participants who were with the community since day one were present to kick it with everybody. Some of the members also brought food for all

to share, while lots of prizes were given out. The Cars and Chicken / December 2019 Yabangan Noons/Nights is more than thankful for the continued support you guys continue to give us. We thank you for helping fuel our drive to make awesome each and every YN we organize for the community. Thank you to the overwhelming number of attendees who spent their Sunday with us. It was a sight to see old and new faces as usual, but it was truly awesome to see the old heads that helped spark this fire that we have been keeping alive since 2008. We would like to thank all the sponsors, Honda Cars Marikina,

Marvin Angelo Go Anggo, Errol Bueno of Kaizen, Topeng Delgado of KKK Carwash, Brent Co of Autoindustriya / Butamaru, Carlo Ignacio of Gem Garage, Daryll Sanchez of GNS Tire and Service, Autotech Autodetailing / Dan Domingo, Bodz Garcia, Boyok Marcelo of D' Lucky M Tire Center, Robbie Tamis of Kalikot Garage, Sef Panganiban and Jon Panganiban, JR Espinosa, Miguel Joaquin and Mark Cunanan of VcZ Garage, Dayrits Burger and Roastbeef House by Miguel Dayrit of Dayrit's Paseo de Magallanes who were generous enough to donate wonderful raffle prizes that surely made a lot of wild boys really happy! To

our friends at C! Magazine for always being there to cover JDMU meets! Thanks to Nicoh Roque for the food you shared with the guys while everyone was hanging out! We also would like to thank Chris of Chris Decals for the awesome work on the racing-inspired kitchen items that we gave away in the raffle as well. To the JDMU shoot squad, the wild boys thank you for sharing with them your talents, your sick photos and the coverage of our YNs! To our brothers who came from the far ends of the country just to be with us, we would like to thank you for your support! Thank you to all our fellow

admins, moderators, coordinators and wild boys who helped coordinate and facilitate the YN as we end the year without a snag. Papi Alex host of the year! To everyone in the community, thank you! Without your support, our year-ending event would not be possible. To the media outfits that dropped by and covered the meet, salamat! We hope you had fun and we thank you for understanding how things work during YNs. Support those who support us and support the cause! We look forward to seeing you again soon and to be with the wild boys on the next Yabangan Noons/Nights. OTS x N4E All day!

C-MAGAZINE.COM â&#x20AC;˘ SEPTEMBER 2020

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MUGEN ALL THE WAY HERE’S A BENCHMARK CATALOG-TYPE BUILD WORTHY OF BEING EMULATED WORDS

PHOTOS

FRANCIS G. PALLARCO

PAULO FERRER

C-MAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER 2020

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ven after some twentyplus years, it’s still a great street/track car with a huge assortment of aftermarket and surplus parts. Like it or not, but those are still the main reasons why Honda’s sixth-generation, Civic hatchback continues to be a favorite platform for performance enthusiasts to build and modify. These range from highly detailed car show-quality ones, to allout high horsepower, racecar builds. But the most revered and emulated one is being able to pull-off a legit Civic, (EK9) Type-R hatchback and modding it even further. Having been done in so

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many ways, but I’m now talking about a straight catalog build using genuine parts from famous Honda-specific tuning companies like Spoon, or in this case, Mugen. We’ve all seen quite a number of Spoon-themed builds, but pulling off a Mugen build is quite rare. Especially with the hype and demand surrounding these must-have aftermarket parts, not only are they hard to find, but it’s getting to the point where everything Mugen now costs as much as an arm and a leg. Fortunately, there are enthusiasts like Wahlen Pangilinan of Cabspeed with his recently finished, Mugenloaded Civic Type-R. A build that’s worthy enough to serve as the perfect

STRICTLY MUGEN Highlighting the interior is the hardto-find Mugen gauge cluster and the racespec Mugen seat among other things.

example of how to set up a straight catalog-type-build. Right from the start, what impresses me most is the fact that it has the proper periodcorrect selection of Mugen parts in almost every aspect of the car. It’s hard to imagine how he got hold of so many Mugen stuff considering that the majority have already been discontinued years ago. “This particular build is a story in itself, as it took me ten years to complete all the Mugen parts. It was only then that I finally decided to build it, together with a proper restoration of the body. Every part has a story, but the fun part has been the countless friends that I made along the way.” Being a period-correct build, a traditional B-series engine swap was done under the hood. More specifically, a bigger B18C, Type-R engine fitted with Mugen parts. Keen eyes will surely notice the Mugen Formula valve cover, air box, exhaust header and more. But what cannot be readily seen are the equally important thermostat, thermoswitch, and of course, the rare Mugen N1 ECU that allows the revhappy engine to emit all the right noises and make lots of power. “For this build, we didn’t focus much on making lots of power, but something more biased for strength and endurance on the track. Compared to the stock ECU, the Mugen N1 ECU has an earlier VTEC engagement, higher redline and better power band.” Since the rare ECU came straight off a Mugen EK9 N1 racecar that they specifically sourced from Japan, it was only natural that it came with other Mugen parts, the most rare being as Wahlen quips, “It had a race use only, N1 Mugen S1 seat that can never be bought in the Mugen catalog because it was only intended for N1 racecars making it an ultra-rare piece.” Responsible for making this Civic ready for track use is a set of Mugen N1-spec suspension on all four corners aided by Mugen strut bars that Wahlen describes as, “It’s really firm, but the overall handling is second to none, giving off a very race car feel.” The Mugen Active Gating front brake discs

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Specifications

1999 Honda Civic Type-R (Mugen-Themed) — Wahlen Pangilinan Cabspeed Autoshop — ENGINE: Honda B18C Type-R ‘98 Spec ENGINE MODS: Mugen Formula Valve Cover, Mugen Oil Cap, Mugen 4-1 exhaust manifold, Mugen Airbox, Mugen Full Exhaust, Mugen Thermostat, Mugen thermoswitch, Mugen reservoir cover, Mugen Rad Cap, Cusco Engine mounts FLUIDS: Motul H-Tech Fully Synthetic Oil TRANSMISSION: 5-speed manual Type-R transmission (4.785) with LSD, Lightweight flywheel ENGINE MANAGEMENT: Mugen N1 ECU HORSEPOWER: 200 HP @ 8,000 rpm (Factory Specs) SUSPENSION MODS: Mugen N1 Suspension, Mugen Strutbars, Front and rear Camber kit, Buddyclub Lower arms BRAKE MODS: Mugen Active Gating (300m) front brakes, Mugen stainless Brake lines, Mugen rotor discs, Mugen Type-S Brake pads, Motul RBF660 brake fluid ROLLERS: Mugen MF10 Wheels (16x7, 50 offset) bronze finish, Bridgestone RE11 Tires (215/45R16)

and matching Mugen rotors are geared towards heavy track use that’s designed to provide better ventilation and cooling. The brake system also comes with Mugen brake lines and pads. Of course, the wheels couldn’t be no less than the highly coveted Mugen MF10 wheels in 16-inch size fitment with Bridgestone RE-11 tires. Apart from the ultra-rare Mugen S1 seats, there’s the iconic Mugen FG360 steering wheel that’s period-correct for the car. But the very expensive and elusive Mugen gauge cluster really takes center stage together with the Mugen pedals and shift knob. In case you’re wondering how Wahlen got hold of all this stuff, he points out that

DETAILS Lots of time and attention was spent in making sure this build had all the period-correct parts

it’s an international effort, as they were sourced from Japan, US, Hong Kong, Malaysia to name a few as he sums up his build, “The restoration of this 20-year old millennial car was a challenge, but thanks to Ian Reynoso of Garage R for supplying most of the restoration parts and Mugen guru Erik Rugayan who personally handcarried the Mugen gauge cluster all the way from the States. Overall, it was a long, satisfying journey, and a build to remember. Every time I drive, it makes me reminisce on all the challenges and memories. But what I enjoy most is the raw feeling I get, which is just pure driving pleasure.” I can’t imagine anything less with such an epic build.

INTERIOR MODS: Mugen FG360 Steering Wheel, Mugen Gauge Cluster, Mugen Shift Knob, Mugen Pedals, Mugen S1 Seat (passenger), Mugen S1 N1 seat (Driver), USDM 2-DIN climate control, Pioneer head unit, Full Original Left-hand Drive Conversion, Honda access dead pedal, Full EK9 interior EXTERIOR MODS: Mugen Front Lip, Mugen Rear Wing BODY & PAINT: Honda Cars Nueva Ecija using Cromax, Championship white paint KUDOS TO: Cabspeed Autoshop, Jung Pangilinan, TJ Pangilinan, Christian Ramos, Michael Nieves, Garage R, Ian Reynoso, Erik Rugayan, Lawrence Go, Trimax Autoparts, Honda Cars Nueva Ecija, Haru Ono

C-MAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER 2020

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TOM’S VERSION CHECK OUT THIS ULTRA-RARE TOM’S COROLLA TURBO WORDS

PHOTOS

FRANCIS G. PALLARCO

JOEY YEPEZ

C-MAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER 2020

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uring the late nineties, a specially prepped, highperformance vehicle was available for anyone who had the budget for it. Brought about by the collaboration between TOM’S Asia and Kilton Motors, it is none other than the limited-edition TOM’S Corolla Turbo. Back then, Kilton motors not only sold surplus automotive parts and race gear, but they were also responsible for raceprepping the Corolla cup racecars for the highly competitive Philippine Touring Car Championship. On the other hand, Tachi Oiwa Motor Sport or TOM’S has been catering to the aftermarket needs of hardcore Toyota enthusiasts since its inception in 1974. With a huge parts selection ranging from superchargers to body kits, it remains popular to this day. I imagine that if such a car of the same quality were to be similarly developed again and sold through local Toyota dealers, I’m pretty sure it would do good. But hard as it is to believe, the TOM’S Corolla Turbo didn’t sell that many, ultimately causing it to become discontinued even before it could gain notoriety among enthusiasts. I guess not everyone knew about it or wasn’t aware of its huge potential as a future collectible car. Unlike the Corolla Cup racecars that were gutted-down streetcars geared for track use, the TOM’S Corolla Turbo was a road-going version equipped with a mix of go-fast and look good accessories. A complete TOM’S turbo kit with matching TOM’S Engine Control System (TECS) can be found under the hood that significantly bumped up the power level of the 1.6-liter engine to around 150 whp. As for the aesthetics department, a multi-piece body kit adorned the body, complete with a fiberglass hood that integrated a gaping scoop to draw in more air for the top mount intercooler. It also had TOM’S strut bars, exhaust, suspension and even a set of 15-inch wheels. After considering all the TOM’S stuff that it has, it was truly a groundbreaking feat in our local automotive scene. Looking back, it also gave Toyota the edge to compete against the Honda Civic SiR and the Mazdaspeed

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

323. The practice of offering specially equipped cars isn’t something new, but I believe this is still the proper way of marketing a car to make it more appealing and help develop its own “Street Cred” among enthusiasts. Given its low production figures, finding a TOM’S Corolla Turbo for sale has become wishful thinking. But anything is still possible in this day and age, given the right situation with a bit of luck and fate. Elements that explain how Christopher Delgado a.k.a. Topeng Delgado stumbled upon this TOM’S Corolla Turbo. Something that combines two elements that he is most passionate about. That, is nothing but Corollas and anything TOM’S. “I’m an avid fan and collector of the Tachi Oiwa Motor Sport (TOM’S) performance parts and accessories. From wheels, steering wheels, shift knobs, foot

RARE FIND Obviously, this is not your average Corolla as this one comes loaded with nothing but TOM'S aftermarket parts.

pedals, Lug nuts, key chain, apparels you name it. It’s the thrill of hunting them and the spirit of competition. It never fails to give me a bizarre feeling of happiness whenever I get hold of something TOM’S, although my better half would feel otherwise.” He started out in the hobby by modding a nineties-era AE92 Corolla that he sold to progress to an 8th-Gen AE111 Corolla, locally dubbed as “Love Life.” His constant search for anything TOM’S paid off when he found a brand, new old stock (BNOS) TOM’S turbo kit for his Corolla. A significant find which caught the attention of his dad as he explains, “My father (being a former estimator to an Insurance and Car Shop in Quezon Avenue) got excited when he learned that the TOM’S turbo kit was a dealer upgrade option made specially for Corollas. A week later, he told me

Specifications

1999 TOM’S Turbo Corolla (AE111) — Christopher Delgado a.k.a. Topeng Delgado KKK Car Wash and Auto Detailing — ENGINE: 4AFE with TOM’S Turbo Kit ENGINE TYPE: 1.6-Liter, Inline-4, DOHC, 16 Valve, Turbocharged and intercooled, ENGINE MODS: TOM’S Turbo Kit, TOM’S Full Exhaust, TOM’S Oil Cap, TOM’S Radiator Cap, HKS Air Filter, NGK Plug Wires ENGINE MANAGEMENT: TOM'S Engine Control System (T.E.C.S.) TRANSMISSION: 5-Speed manual HORSEPOWER: 150 WHP SUSPENSION MODS: BC (8/6) Coil overs BRAKE MODS: 2-pot Caliper front disk brakes, Rear disk brakes, APP braided hoses, Toyota Double Diaphragm Hydrovac ROLLERS: TOM'S NA-R Wheels (16x7, et35), Federal Evo RSR Tires (205/45R16), Volk Rays TE16 Wheels (16x7 et33), Nankang AR1 Tires (205/45R26)

that he knew someone who had a real TOM’S Corolla Turbo.” Good news alright, unfortunately, the owner was always abroad. After a year of waiting and despite fending off other offers, a deal was finally made. Years of neglect took its toll on the car, but it was mostly intact as Christopher explains, “Since it had a broken rear quarter glass, I replaced all the glass panels with a complete set of factory brown tinted ones. For the engine, I only added an HKS air filter and some hoses, as I plan to maintain the turbo engine in its original/mint condition as long as I can.” The body and paint was done by Pathrick Bautista of Tatangworks HQ and detailed by Vannie Aranador and Frank Arevalo of KKK Auto detailing. “As much as I wanted to make it a straight catalog build, I cannot resist having something

BOOSTED Power comes from a TOM'S turbocharged engine that significantly increases the engine's power output.

out of the ordinary.” Instead of using the 15-inch, TOM’S five-spoke wheel, he opted for a 16-inch TOM’S NA-R wheels with the iconic TOM’S-style, double-cross pattern. Inside, the interior houses a pair of Recaro SR3 Seats with TOM’S safety harness, HKS gauges, AE111 GT panels, together with its carpet and rare climate control. After all the time spent sourcing for TOM’S parts and the amount of work put into this build, it really paid off big time in the end. This is because he has successfully brought back the former glory of this limited edition TOM’S version Corolla. All the while adding his own style by adding a dash of unique parts from TOM’S no less. With his passion for Corollas and TOM’S, this particular Corolla seems to have been destined for him as if seemingly brought together by fate. Wouldn’t you agree?

INTERIOR MODS: TOM'S Strada Steering Wheel with TOM'S Horn Button, TOM'S Pedals, TOM'S Matting, TOM'S Shift knob, TOM'S 4-pt Harness with TOM's Pads, Recaro SR3 Leman's Confetti Semi-bucket Seats, AK-Spec Harness Bar, Arospeed Quick Release, Arospeed slim hub, AE111 GT Climate Control, AE111 GT Shift boot, Center Console, panels, carpet, HKS Boost Gauge, HKS Turbo Timer, Key Ring EXTERIOR MODS: TOM'S Version Body Kit: Front & Rear Bumper, Side Skirts, Hood with scoop, Rear spoiler with brake light, Wrap-around Brown Glass KUDOS TO: Vannie Aranador, Frank Valencia, Geron Bonita KKK Carwash & Auto detailing, Delbros, Tatang Pathrick Bautista of Tatangworks HQ, Koya Sherwin Bargos of SBSalon, Christian Prieto of Japan Auto Parts (J.A.P.), Michael Angelo Las Turing of TJR Autohub, To my friends and mentors - Alex Constantino, Ron Presley, John Michael Luna, Dan Lester Contreras, Ariel Diaz, Noel Sarmiento, Grupo Toyota, JDMUndergroundPH, E11 Virus, To my loved ones for the understanding, patience, support & immeasurable love Thank you all KKK CAR WASH & AUTO DETAILING A. Rodriguez Ave, Brgy. San Andres, Cainta Rizal. 09175262508 / 09155504424 Waze pin location: KKK Carwash and Auto Detailing

C-MAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER 2020

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HAD AN OIL CHANGE? The engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It keeps the many components of the engine working efficiently, and it helps reduce the accumulation of varnish and carbon from collecting on the engine. As oil collects heat, varnish and carbons during the course of protecting and keeping the engine running smoothly, it eventually becomes a sludge, no matter how good the oil is. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when you should have your oil changed.

kEEp YOUr CAr WELL-MAINTAINED.

WHEEL2WHEEL E V ERY THIN G A ND A N Y THIN G T WO WHEELS

S E P TE MB E R 2 0 2 0 / IS S U E 2 25

TWO WHEELS ONLY

Maynard M. Marcelo S E C T I O N E D I TO R

Make ABS Standard

love the rain. It gives respite to the tropical heat. It waters down the plants and trees for free, and consequently, it turns everything green. Plus, the sound it makes over our tin roofs is simply relaxing. But ironically, nothing ruins a biker’s day than even a little amount of rain. It makes riding a motorcycle a little bit more complicated; You have to adjust your riding style. It requires wearing a set of rain gear if you want to stay dry. If you don’t have a top box or a waterproof bag, then you have to waterproof your wallet, mobile phones, and other personal items inside zip lock bags. And most of all, rain makes the road extra slippery. See those shiny manhole covers and white lines on the road? Trust me, they’re very slippery when wet. Unless your bike has ABS (anti-lock braking system), braking in slippery conditions often require skill and finesse. I used to deplore ABS because of their intrusive nature, additional cost, and the feeling that it somehow lengthens my braking distance. But after it saved my skin, not to

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

mention the borrowed bikes, on several occasions not long ago, I must say I am now a believer in the technology. It simply gives you that additional split-second of control in a potentially disastrous situation after panic braking. I know some veteran riders will scoff at this electronic rider aid, but honestly, I’d rather have my perceived riding skills questioned than be on the receiving end of a car’s bumper, or worse, waking up jammed under an 18-wheeler truck. That is, if I wake up at all. Unfortunately, only a few small displacement bikes sold locally are equipped with standard ABS, and they’re not cheap. With some manufacturers purposely excluding this important safety feature from their bikes’ option list citing the extra cost. But if you have the means to buy a bike with ABS then by all means you should. You will thank me sooner or later for that. I just hope that as the technology improves, the cost of ABS will go down dramatically and become a standard equipment on all motorcycles sold locally. Just put it this way, if you think ABS is important to a car with four wheels, then what more to a motorcycle that only has two?

If you love riding in the rain, the extra amount you pay for ABS will eventually pay for itself somewhere, somehow, someday. For this issue of Wheel2Wheel, we feature no less than the newest naked wonder from Ducati that is the Streetfighter V4. Sport naked bikes like the Streetfighter V4 are basically sport bikes without their aerodynamic body covers, and in this case, a Ducati Panigale V4 S stripped of its fairings. But that doesn’t make it any less sportier than its Panigale V4 sibling. I had the rare opportunity to try Miguel’s bike, and I must confess I was intimidated and a little bit apprehensive at first. Not only because it’s Miguel’s personal bike, but also because I knew the Streetfighter V4 packs 208 Italian stallions inside that Desmosedici Stradale 90-degree V4, and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to handle all that power. It turns out all my fear was unfounded. After getting off the Streetfighter V4, I can honestly say that it’s one of the easiest and fun super naked bikes to ride around, thanks to its advanced electronics. Turn over to the next pages if you want to know more about the Ducati Streetfighter V4. Ride and stay safe!

share the road check your mirrors for motorcyclists

a reminder from

ride safe.

stay alive.

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News

MASTER OF ADVENTURE Suzuki Philippines launches the 2020 V-Strom 1050XT Words by Maynard M. Marcelo Photos by SPH

SUZUKI PHILIPPINES RECENTLY

launched via a Facebook video premiere, the 2020 V-Strom 1050 XT, dubbed as the “Master of Adventure.” We first saw the V-Strom 1050XT at the EICMA 2019 Motorcycle Exhibition in Milan, Italy last November, and we immediately liked its sharper and more slender styling. The styling is clearly inspired by elements from Suzuki’s legendary DR-Z desert racer and the large off-road model called DR-BIG from the '80s giving it a more aggressive and bolder look. The new V-Strom 1050 XT features a new liquid-cooled, DOHC, 1037 cc 90-degree V-twin engine that meets the latest Euro 5 emission control standard and a low fuel consumption of

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

News

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SPECIFICATIONS:

4.9L/100km. Power is rated at 106 hp at 8500 rpm and maximum torque of 73.76 lb-ft at 6000 rpm. Unlike the outgoing V-Strom 1000, the new V-Strom 1050XT now has the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, or S.I.R.S., which is a first in Suzukiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big bikes technology. S.I.R.S. provides intelligent and comprehensive controls from Motion Track Brake System, Hill Hold Control System, Slope Dependent Control System, Cruise Control System Suzuki Drive Mode Selector and Traction Control System to enhance safety and convenience in touring and daily commute providing a worriless riding experience. Alongside the powerful engine, the V-Strom 1050XT also offers a convenient ride with its multi-function instrument cluster, 12 volts USB power

outlet, adjustable suspension with excellent wire spoke wheel selection (110/80-R19 front, and 150/70-R17 rear), durable twin-spar aluminum frame, height adjustable windscreen, comfortable seat and aluminum tapered handlebars. Originally destined for Philippine release in the first quarter of 2020, it was pushed back for several months due to the prevailing CoVid-19 pandemic. The V-Strom 1050XT is priced at Php 859,000 and is available in three different colors. One can take their pick from Champion Yellow, Pearl Brilliant White/Glass, Glass Sparkle Black and the heritage special, Blaze Orange. Inquire and order your unit at any Suzuki Big Bikes Center nationwide or visit mc.suzuki.com.ph for more information.

Pearl Brilliant White/Glass Blaze Orange

Champion Yellow

Engine: Liquid-cooled, V-twin cylinder, dohc, 8 valves, 4 stroke Displacement: 1037cc

Tire, Front: 110/80-R19 Tire, Rear: 150/70-R17

Max Power: 106 hp @ 8500 rpm Max Torque: 76 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm Transmission: 6-speed

Fuel Capacity: 20 Liters

Brakes, Front/ Rear: 2 Disc/Disc ABS Curb Weight: 247 kg. Price: PhP 859,000

Seat Height: 850 mm

Glass Sparkle Black

C-MAGAZINE.COM â&#x20AC;˘ SEPTEMBER 2020

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News

CFMOTO PHILIPPINES LAUNCHES THE 300SR SPORTBIKE Words by Maynard M. Marcelo Photos by Motostrada THE ENTRY-LEVEL SPORTBIKE segment got more exciting with the launch of the CFMoto 300SR. Featuring an aggressive streamlined design combined with excellent handling and agility, the 300SR opens up the world of motorsport to new, young users at an affordable price point.

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

First seen as a race concept at the CFMoto booth in EICMA last November, the 300SR features aggressive styling with a sharp frontend treatment that houses the split LED headlights and LED daytime running lights. Designed by racers for racers, the track-based ergonomics of

the 300SR include a lower handlebar and a more aggressive riding stance. The ergonomic design transitions nicely to street riding as well, allowing a comfortable position for everyday use. SR stands for Sport Racing, and it shares its perky 292.4cc single cylinder, liquid-cooled, Bosch fuel-injected 4 valves, dohc motor that’s rated at 29 hp at 8750 rpm and 17.33 lb-ft of torque at 7250 rpm mated to a 6-speed gearbox with the naked CFMoto 300NK that’s not available to the Philippine market. The dual-overhead camshaft (DOHC) design of the 300SR engine, the cams, directly drive the valve train, reducing the inertia of mechanical motion and allowing the engine to produce responsive, high-revving power. Vibrations are kept to a minimum with a built-in balance shaft. The 300SR comes equipped with UpSide Down fork in front and a monoshock rear suspension. Braking hardware consists of a single 292 mm floating disc setup in front grabbed by a four-piston caliper and a 220 mm disc in the rear with singlepiston caliper governed by a standard Continental dual-channel ABS. The 300SR also features a five-inch color TFT screen with bluetooth connectivity, two riding modes (Sport and Rain), and a slipper-clutch. The 300SR comes in two colorways; black or teal blue with black and green highlights. CFMoto Philippines priced the 300SR at PhP 165,000, and it will be available at their flagship showroom in Caloocan starting on August 21, 2020. Visit the CFMoto Philippines Facebook page for more information and updates about the 300SR.

News

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by a great spirit of independence and autonomy, determinedly choosing their team, the races in which to compete, and even the aesthetics of their vehicle, particularly in terms of its colors, graphics and materials. Colors and graphics would often reflect a sense of belonging to one’s country of origin, graphic details and color schemes were selected to ensure one’s private team had a distinctive and easily recognizable look, a visual tribute to the brands that chose to support sports teams on the road to victory. The Vespa Sprint in Racing Sixties livery is priced at PhP 253,000, while the GTS Super in Racing Sixties livery is priced at PhP428,000. Both the Sprint and GTS Super Racing Sixties come with a mini fly screen and top case with mounting bracket accessory bundle.

MOTOITALIA LAUNCHES THE VESPA GTS SUPER AND SPRINT “RACING SIXTIES” SPECIAL SERIES Words and photos by Maynard M. Marcelo

MOTOITALIA, the motorcycle division of the Autohub Group, recently launched the “Racing Sixties” special edition of the Vespa GTS Super and Vespa Sprint. While mechanically similar to the regular GTS Super and Sprint, the Racing Sixties edition scooters are characterized by the distinctive yellow stripes on green, or red stripes on white color combinations. In addition to the special color scheme, a brand-new seat, golden wheel rims, and matte black details, give life to two aesthetic proposals that stand out for their elegant sportiness: the first (yellow paired with green) more classic, and the second (red with white), offering a more dynamic, fresh, and modern mood. Classic sportiness is guaranteed with both the Vespa Sprint and Vespa GTS Super thanks to the pairing of simple colors and the clean graphic lines that enhance the sides and front tie. An added style touch comes in the

shape of the matte black finish of the passenger grab handle and footrests, the front and rear light setting, the silencer cover, the rear-view mirrors, the onboard instrument cluster base and shield trim, as well as the crest on the front mudguard of the Vespa GTS Super “Racing Sixties.” They also shed their classic chrome plating to give way to the gold metallic finish of the wheel rims, and gain exclusivity and prestige thanks to the new seat in soft, velvety nubuck, coated in PVC to protect in bad weather and complete with artisan-style stitching reminiscent of that seen on 1960sˇ sports cars, and the dedicated plate, these last two features a tribute to the exciting and engaging world of racing. Inspiration for the Vespa “Racing Sixties” series comes from the gentlemen riders’ races of the ˇ60s, a world in which freedom of expression extended as far as the vehicle customization arena. During that decade, riders were fueled

C-MAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER 2020

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SEPTEMBER 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ C-MAGAZINE.COM

BIKE REVIEW

2020 DUCATI STREETFIGHTER V4S WORDS

MIGUEL BICHARA PHOTOS

RANDY SILVA-NETTO

C-MAGAZINE.COM â&#x20AC;¢ SEPTEMBER 2020

Wheel2Wheel

“Ducati claims the bi-plane wings create enough downforce at high speeds to keep the front wheel planted to the ground.”

magine the current Panigale V4 1100, with its Desmosedici MotoGPbased motor and electronics, stripped of its fairings, with high and wide handlebars in place of racing clip-ons. This, in short, is the underlying concept of the new 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4. I actually own a Panigale V4 superbike that makes a claimed 214hp at the crank. The thought of using and owning a hypersport naked that is way more comfortable ergonomically with the same power and handling characteristics of Ducati’s Flagship superbike is simply mind-blowing. In short, it’s a naked Superbike! This is the most awaited Hypersport naked of the Ducati Lineup. It’s basically the V4 1103cc power plant and chassis as the Panigale V4 Superbike. It has three power riding modes; Sport, Street and Race. So you can choose the right power dynamics with reference to your riding conditions. You can also set Ohlins suspension settings electronically or keep it on the default factory settings on the dash.

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

Hopping aboard the Streetfighter V4 is easy thanks to the bike’s slim build, upright ergos and the accessible seat height. Footpeg position is about 20mm lower than the Panigale V4 superbike’s position, making it a joy to ride. Seat height is a bit tall for short riders. For anyone who is 5’7 and over, it will be just fine. You will also appreciate the very soft OEM seat foam of this bike. I have never felt a softer seat produced from any manufacturer that is this soft and comfortable. The one piece handlebar has an inch rise and is fairly wide, making the bike even more agile to flick around. This is surely the sportiest naked model in Ducati's catalogue, as well as the most powerful in its category. You will notice bi-plane wings on each side of the bike. According to Ducati, this is based on their motoGP effort of creating downforce at high speeds. You see, putting a 208 hp motor on an

upright riding bike will cause the bike to lift as the weight has now moved to the center of the bike instead of the front on a superbike as you are hunched down and forward. On this SFV4, you are way more upright, thus at high speeds, it will add to instability as your torso is being hit by the windblast and pulling you back. So this is where the Bi-plane wings come in handy. Ducati claims the bi-plane wings create enough downforce at high speeds to keep the front wheel planted to the ground. It’s groundbreaking technology that works. But most people who will buy the bike may not feel the difference. But it does work according to Ducati as this technology was wind tunneltested and showed a significant rise in downforce as the speed increased. Ducati claimed a 30kg downforce at 270 km/h. Lower kg at lesser speeds, do the math. Simply astonishing. Just like owning a Ferrari with a spoiler at the rear to give you more grip and downforce at high speed. Now what about windblast from a naked bike point of view? There are lots of it. So those who are not used to a powerful naked bike and would prefer

some wind protection while touring, then look elsewhere. A Multistrada 1260 will give you very good wind protection for your high-speed riding aggression. But for all-out Pikes Peak twisty mountain road corner carvingtype performance, the SFV4 wins hands down. Only drawback really is wind protection. Agility, power, looks and overall fun to ride, the SF ticks all the boxes. Manufacturing quality is very high, with LED lights front and rear, and good fit and finish with cable and wire housing well hidden from view. Typical from a premium brand like Ducati. It also has a Bluetooth-enabled colored TFT dash much like the Panigale V4’s. This includes a speedometer, tachometer, riding modes indicator, temp gauge, gear position and clock. Still no fuel gauge. I was hoping to see one on the SFV4. I will immodestly claim to have

ridden many Hypersport naked motorcycles on the road and track over the past decade,, and it was readily apparent after a couple of kilometers aboard this Streetfighter V4, Ducati’s engineering team have done a phenomenal job. Just moving away from Street, Sport or race mode displayed how beautifully mapped this throttle is, with the legendary direct connection between your right hand and the rear tire evident at all throttle openings. It just gives this bike so much character and soul, which Ducatis are really known for. Like the Panigale V4, this spirited acceleration becomes so addictive, made arguably more so with the whine of the Desmosedici 1103cc V4 engine and exhaust note especially when equipped with the Ducati Performance Akrapovic exhaust system. Addictive is the word to surely describe this, and the way the

FASTER AND SAFER Modern motorcycles are faster and lighter than ever, but modern electronics like on the Streetfighter V4 are programmed to make them accessible and safe for a variety of riders.

StreetfighterV4 seemingly always has the extra performance in store when you need it. There is a claimed 208hp from this motor according to Ducati. Even on Street Mode for everyday use, it is downright impressive. In the equivalent of top gear roll-ons, winding the light action throttle wide open simply catapults you past cars traveling at expressway speeds, yet in trafficcongested city streets, it's so easy to trickle along at low speeds. Just twist and go as you know you will always have 208hp performance available via your right wrist on the StreetfighterV4 than on any other hypersport naked. It is also equipped with the same stellar braking performance as the Panigale V4’s Stylema Brembo calipers. It’s brick wall strong! Has all the electronic aids as well taken from its big brother. The SFV4S is equipped as well with TTX Electronic Ohlins front and rear Suspension, which makes the

C-MAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER 2020

Wheel2Wheel

bike run extremely smooth even on the gnarliest Phil. road surface. Which, by the way, is fully adjustable via buttons on the handlebar switchgear. It's way smoother than the Panigale V4’s electronic suspension set-up. Bike comes standard with exemplary Pirelli Rosso Corsa ll tires. Its dual compound giving you a harder compound in the center of the tire and softer compound on the edges. I was blown away by the performance of these tires. The StreetfighterV4 though, comes with the same rear tire size as the Panigale V4, which is 200-60/17. Our local Philippine Pirelli distributor doesn’t carry this size in the Rosso Corsa ll range just yet. They do in the Pirelli Diablo SuperCorsa SP range though. We’re hoping they bring in this Rosso Corsa 200/60 rear tire size as this adds to the great mileage but still gives you all-out performance with push comes to shove-type kind of riding. Worse case scenario, I will have to opt for the 20060 rear in the Supercorsa SP range. Of course, front and rear must be replaced with the same tire brand variant. The 60 series rear sidewall height just makes the bike easier to tip into the corners with ease compared to a 50 or 55 series rear tire. You can feel the difference. Ducati’s key target for this SFV4 is to seek and attract sportbike riders with a more comfortable platform but still blowing the door down with Superbike performance. At an SRP of P1.550M for this top-ofthe-line model, it's worth every centavo you can throw at her. Check out their demo units and schedule a test ride. Then you tell me what you really think of the bike. Ducati has hit a goldmine producing this ergonomically comfortable MotoGP derived Desmosedici V4 1100 in naked disguise. As I’ve said, this is the most awaited hypersport naked for 2020. It is worth waiting for. Fall in line though, as the queue is longer than you think. Specifications: 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4S — Engine: efi, liquid-cooled, V4, 4 stroke, 16 valves | Displacement: 1103cc | Max Power: 208 bhp @ 12750 rpm | Max Torque: 90.4 @ 11500 rpm | Transmission: 6-speed Seat Height: 845 mm | Fuel Capacity: 16 Liters | Tire, front: 120/70-17 | Tire, rear: 200/60-17 | Brakes, front/rear: 2 Disc/Disc ABS | Curb Weight: 199 kg Price: PhP 1,550,000 (Streetfighter V4 S), PhP 1,350,000 (Streetfighter V4) | Plus: Styling to-die-for with performance to match. User friendly and comfortable ergonomics. Superbike performance for daily use. | Minus: For the price, it should've come with stock carbon fiber mudguards rather than plastic. |

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

Rating: 10/10

GEAR REVIEW

LEXIN LX-B4FM

Audiophiles rejoice! LEXIN LX-B4FM - High Quality yet Affordable Bluetooth Intercom Words by Maki Aganon Photos by Randy Silva-Netto

WHEN IT COMES to motorcycle riding, I found out that there are two kinds of people. The first one likes the music on, the other one doesn't. I am the first one. I really have to admit, I am that kind of person who easily gets bored in traffic, even on long rides. There is a tendency that I overthink, or I get really sleepy. That's why, music is kind of a remedy. Some people say it can get dangerous, because you may not hear any vehicle noise and might result in an accident, now this is where adaptable motorcycle intercoms come in. Just like this new brand I came across with, called Lexin. Formed in 2006 as a manufacturer for OEM car audio systems, Lexin Electronics, Inc. provided motorcycle intercom products aimed to enhance riding experience at a user-friendly cost. Lexin's direction is to create affordable, yet quality gear for riders. Lexin is an American company with worldwide

distribution, with global quality products manufactured on key local markets. Now here in the Philippines, our good friends from Motovita dropped the good news as they became the official distributors of Lexin. Raemin Reyes, Head of Lexin Sales and Marketing, was able to provide us samples to let us experience the product ourselves. I was the one honestly being pushed to try the product out, for some reasons that my peers understand that I prefer to trip on music, aside from talking nonsense. Now before trying out the product, there is something that really dings my interest in this one â&#x20AC;&#x201D; affordability. The Lexin LX-B4FM Bluetooth Intercom can be availed for P4,500 per device and all the additional accessories. The lone intercom I currently use is retailed at around P30,000 per device. That's a lot of money for tripping, but I don't complain. I bought it because it's reasonably priced. Same thing goes with LX-B4FM. The question that came to mind; is it actually worth it? I used it for a week and here are my thoughts. First, the installation process. One thing I like about LX-B4FM is that it's really easy to install. It uses a papercliplike handle that you can squeeze to nip the unit on your helmet. It's easier to put compared to my other intercom. Moving it to other lids won't hurt your fingers.

Wheel2Wheel

But, if you forcefully pull the clip off, you may succeed, but the results won't be pretty. In my own experience, it's secure while moving, even on higher speeds. Second, big buttons. Even with gloves on, you can press buttons with ease, even on one-handers. You can hold the +/- volumes to skip tracks. It's a simple pleasure, especially when you have the same playlist on. Third, music is loud and clear. With Hi-Fi Stereo, you don't mince with lyrics. You can hear all the juicy pops, and the volume is just at around 60% and you don't want to go over that. The sound is generous, crisp and robust. If only they can add more bass in it, now you're speaking my language. Last but not the least, clear calls. I've had an encounter with one brand that I now barely use because of specification issues. There are times that connections are lagging for some reasons. I experienced signal interference, and it became really annoying. I've yet to encounter the problem with LX-B4FM, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good news for the brand. You know, when you need to answer right away, like when the wife calls. You'll never know. Additionally, it has Siri or S voice activation, IP67 waterproofing level, 300 hours battery life on idle, 15 hours working time, noise cancelling features, can connect up to 4 riders for up to 1500-meter range, and a handy dandy FM Radio channel. What more can you ask for? There are some things that, if I may wish for the product to improve upon, it would be great if the volume knob is like a wheel type. It acts faster than buttons do. Voice command features might be some add-ons in the future. Other than that, the price point is amazing and the people behind the distribution network operate beyond passion.

PROS: Affordability Audio Quality

CONS: Buttons Clip Quality

Wheel2Wheel

GEAR REVIEW

V-HELMETS GHIBLI Words by Maki Aganon Photos by Randy Silva-Netto V HELMETS, a Simpson Motorcycle Helmet production partner, entered the Philippine Market through Motostrada Philippines. The continuous rise of the motorcycle lifestyle paved the way for various international brands for apparel, merchandise, accessories and equipment. The receptive market opens up, while some companies are dedicated towards direct importation, and companies line up to sign official distributorship in the country, customers can turn on their wifi, connect to online stores and order whatever fits their needs in terms of motorcycle safety, protection and lifestyle. Motostrada Philippines is no different and definitely not new in the ball game. The same company behind Dreambikes in the ˇ90s, once a go-to playpen for motorcycle enthusiasts,

from high-performance motorcycles, high-end equipment and all the bikes that make you dream in broad daylight. Yep, it's them. After a long hiatus, they return with a different set of brands under their belt. At present, they are the official distributors of CFMoto, MV Agusta, and Zontes motorcycles in the Philippines. They also recently acquired the rights to import Benda Motorcycles to expand their portfolio. It simply doesn't end there, the latest brand secured after their latest EICMA trip is an Italian Helmet Brand — V Helmets. Vemar debuted in Italy in the ˇ70s. That stands out for market research and innovation.The company was acquired by Switzerland-based International Helmet Company, that banks on worldwide cred in organization, product development, financial stability and italian design know-how. Vemar Helmets, now known with a capital V, has over 40 years of experience and aims to return in the competition of helmet business. It is also openly stated that V Helmets collaborated in making the SNELL and FIA-rated famous US

PROS: Lightweight Modern Design Shell Styling Good Interior

CONS: Chin Vent Microlock Eyeglass Fitting

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

brand Simpson Performance Products. It is stated in their official website, that modern design and comfort was utilized in making the Simpson Venom (Europe) that retails anywhere around SEK 4,200 or PhP24,000. We were fortunate to be able to try out some of their products. V Helmets Marketing Manager, Ms. Camille Lu, provided us samples of V Helmets and we were able to try out the V Helmets Touring variant, the Ghibli. V Helmets Ghibli is constructed through a single Shell R-3P, reinforced terpolymers. A street motorcycle helmet designed for any road use. I am personally used to wearing snug-fitting helmets. Fitting is comfortable and the inner lining gives a rather premium feel. It has a chin curtain, breath deflector, but lacks the dual-visor. The helmet is not that heavy, using them for hours feels like wearing the market benchmark of helmet weight. The visor is pretty decent, pinlockready and scratch resistant. I definitely like the shell shape, provided with the aggressive-looking, longer rear winglet on fine matte garnish. The design provided for Ghibli models denotes modern styling, techy and sharpness. I was able to catch quick glances from riders during stoplights. At least for me, this Ghibli Warrior Matt Kaki is really worth a second look. Despite the glaring display, I was able to find out some key improvements. One is that the helmet buckle is Microlock. I'm definitely used to Double D-rings, and I personally believe that it is 'safer.' The Vemar Klima System (VKS) works well while moving but it lacks a bit of airflow on the chin vent. And lastly, I tried to look extra cool by wearing a standard sunglass with the helmet. It didn't feel too comfortable as well. Overall, the distributor offers a 5-year warranty guarantee, and solid customer support. The company is gearing towards nationwide business and ready to compete in the market, backed with a stable principal and distributor support. With plans of expanding accessories and spare parts, a wider range of variants in the future V Helmets is worth the switch and means to stand out.

M AGAZINE'S

BUYER'S GUIDE BEAST OF AMERICA THE BEST OF THE BEST FROM THE USA

BUYER’S GUIDE

TA K I N G O N T H E B R A N D

DODGE, JEEP, RAM

The original pick-ups are what made 4-wheeled vehicles turn from a luxury for of travel into a workhorse that has changed the automotive game ever since. Still true to its purpose, these are the reasons why pick-ups are not only popular, but also a must have in everyone’s garage:

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

DODGE

Classic American Muscle Reinvented If there is one thing Dodge stand for, it is freedom. They deliver the freedom to drive, the freedom of power, and the freedom to enjoy what you have. There is a saying that there is no replacement for displacement, and that holds so true with Dodge and their vehicles. If you are looking for unadulterated power and performance, then clearly you must look at either the Dodge Challenger for those who want a 2-door affair or the Dodge Charger for a more conventional take.

C-MAGAZINE.COM â&#x20AC;˘ SEPTEMBER 2020

BUYERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GUIDE

JEEP

Unbounded Adventure In this day and age where there is a comfort and serenity in travelling to the unknown, Jeep makes sure that with whatever vehicle you use in their line-up, that the journey is done effortlessly and the destination can be enjoyed with no worries. For those who need the presence of rugged on the urban jungle without breaking the bank, there is the Jeep Compass and Jeep Renegade. For the rest who want to go where no crowd has ever gone before through the wilderness and off-road, you have a very fine and capable selection with the segment defining Jeep Wrangler and the much-awaited Jeep Gladiator.

RAM

Bluer Collar Hero Arguably, the Ram (before known as Dodge Ram) was the backbone carrying the heavy payload that built America. When it comes to tough work and lifting weights, you know that a Ram truck is equal parts required and recommended. We live in a time though that with the aid of technology, you can work hard and be comfortable too. If you are looking for just a plain pick-up, there are many out there. For those though that are looking for a pick-up that can lift heavy without breaking a sweat, then you are looking at the right place with the Ram 1500.

SEPTEMBER 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ C-MAGAZINE.COM

BUYER’S GUIDE

Dodge Challenger Dodge Challenger

Engine/Drive: Front/ Rear

Body/Seats: 2 dr Coupe/ 5

POWERTRAIN

L/W/H: 5029mm/1922mm/1460mm PERFORMANCE

Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase: 2946mm

SAFET Y

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight: 1920kg

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

R/T Scatpack

6.4

485

474

—

6.3

10.3

—

3,990,000

SRT Hellcat Red Eye

6.2S

797

706

—

5.5

8.9

—

7,890,000

Dodge Charger Dodge Charger

Engine/Drive: Front/ Rear

Body/Seats: 4 dr Sedan/ 5

POWERTRAIN

L/W/H: 5100mm/1905mm/1468mm PERFORMANCE

Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase: 3048mm

SAFET Y

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight: 1989kg

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

R/T Scatpack

6.4

485

474

—

6.3

10.2

—

3,990,000

SRT Hellcat

6.2S

707

706

—

5.1

8.9

—

7,990,000

C-MAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER 2020

BUYER’S GUIDE

Jeep Compass Jeep Compass

Engine/Drive: Front/Front

Body/Seats: SUV/5-Seater

POWERTRAIN

Longitude

Fuel

Displacement (L)

1.4T

L/W/H: 4394mm/1875mm/1646mm PERFORMANCE

Config.

Power (bhp)

Torque (lb-ft)

162

250

Wheelbase: 2636mm

SAFET Y

0-100 km/h

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

ABS

Airbags

—

7.6

14.6

Curb Weight: 1509kg

INTERIOR

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

PRICE

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

—

1,690,000

Jeep Gladiator Jeep Gladiator

Engine/Drive: Front/ Four

Body/Seats: 5 dr SUV/ 5

POWERTRAIN

L/W/H: 5537mm/1874mm/1933mm PERFORMANCE Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight: 2290kg

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

Sport

3.6

285

260

—

9.7

—

3,890,000

Rubicon

3.6

285

260

—

9.7

—

4,790,000

SEPTEMBER 2020 • C-MAGAZINE.COM

Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase: 3487mm

SAFET Y

BUYER’S GUIDE

Jeep Renegade Jeep Renegade

Engine/Drive: Front/Front

Body/Seats: SUV/5-Seater

POWERTRAIN

L/W/H: 4232mm/1885mm/1689mm

PERFORMANCE Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase: 2570mm

SAFET Y

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight: 1436kg

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

Longitude

1.4T

147

230

—

7.6

14.6

—

1,490,000

Limited

1.4T

147

230

—

7.6

14.6

—

1,640,000

Jeep Wrangler Jeep Wrangler

Engine/Drive: Front/ Four

Body/Seats: 5 dr SUV/ 5

POWERTRAIN

L/W/H: 4237-4785mm/1875mm/1869mm PERFORMANCE

Torque (lb-ft)

Wheelbase: 2458-3007mm

SAFET Y

Top Speed (km/h)

City km/L

Highway km/L

Curb Weight: 1800-2018kg

INTERIOR

PRICE

Fuel

Displacement (L)

Config.

Power (bhp)

0-100 km/h

ABS

Airbags

Stability

USB/ AUX/BT

Leather

Sun Roof

PhP (MT)

PhP (AT)

Sport

2.0T

286

295

—

8.9

—

3,390,000

Unlimited Sport

2.0T

286

295

—

8.9

—

3,590,000

Rubicon

2.0T

286

295

—

8.9

—

4,090,000

Unlimited Rubicon

2.0T

286

295

—

8.9

—

4,490,000

C-MAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER 2020

BUYER’S GUIDE

marketplace

people . events. promotions

Racing Spark Plug

Ram 1500

Engine/Drive: Front/ Four

Body/Seats: 4 dr Pick-Up/ 5

POWERTRAIN Fuel

Displacement (L)

SLT Crew Cab

3.6

Laramie Crew Cab

5.7

Torque (lb-ft)

0-100 km/h

305

295

—

395

302

—

Config. Power (bhp)

Racing plugs differ from standard plugs, both in appearance and performance, and often sacrifice plug life, and efficiency at low-speeds for optimum performance and durability under torturous racing conditions. Racing plugs do not improve output.

The short ground electrode is also highly durable against mechanical shock.

*Semi-surface Discharge Type In a sense, this is the ultimate plug configuration. Nearby all insulator cracking L/W/H: 5814mm/2082mm/1971mm Wheelbase: 3569mm melting can Curbbe Weight: 2218kg and electrode prevented with this type. Nevertheless, service life and low• Fine wire center electrodes provide better PERFORMANCE SAFET Y INTERIOR PRICE speed performance may suffer slightly. sparkling and enhanced ignitability • Fine wire Top Speed City ground electrodes further USB/ Sun Highway km/L ABS Airbags Stability Leather PhP (MT) PhP (AT) (km/h) km/L AUX/BT *Projected TypeRoof improve the ignitability of the plug Quite similar to a standard spark plug • Greater durability and lower voltage — 7 9.7 S 6 S S N N — 2,990,000 electrode, these plugs give good overall requirement — 6.3throttle 8.9 6 S S S in lightly N —and naturally 3,990,000 performance tuned • Improve response S aspirated engines, as well as good performance in the low to medium torque *Oblique Electrode Type range in turbo engines. These provide superior performance in turbocharged engines with power boosts of 50% or more.

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S E P T2019 E M B- Marketplace E R 2 0 2 0 copy.indd • C - M A 158 GAZINE.COM C! Vol 17 Issue 208 March

4/14/2020 3:17:00 PM

Our Picks They say that if you want the most visceral experience when it comes to driving in the open road, it must be done with a convertible. It is easy to see why that statement is true with the sound of the uninhibited roaring engine and the wind passing through you as you go through twisting roads. Because we miss hitting the open road, we have listed down what we think are the convertibles that have stuck in the hearts of generations. Words by Nicolas A. Calanoc

05 Ford Mustang Convertible (1964 - 1973) Because we were talking about uninhibited roaring engines, it was obvious that the Ford Mustang and its glorious V8 had to be in this list. But more than what the car was mechanically, the Ford Mustang symbolized that sense of freedom and made it attainable and available to as many people as they could, showing that the experience is exclusive to no one.

04 Porsche 356 Speedster (1953-1956) The Porsche 356 Speedster is undoubtedly one of the smoothest and most curvaceous-looking Porsches out there. If it being handmade in low numbers wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t impressive enough already, it also came with the option to have the most powerful Porsche engine of its time. Despite all that though, those who have owned and driven it regard it as a more civilized 911 of its time.

03 Jaguar E-Type (1961-1975) The Jaguar E-Type grabs a spot in this list together with the accolade of arguably being the most beautiful car ever. It was an embodiment of everything it meant to be free: a convertible sports car. Its mix of beauty, performance, and relative affordability paved the way for others to follow suit.

02 Shelby Cobra (1962-1967) Anything that comes from the passion of the late Carroll Shelby is a godsend of a car, so it was inevitable for the Shelby Cobra to be on this list since it is best known for the version without the top. Carroll was all about pushing the car to the greatest of its capability, and the Shelby Cobra did just that; and then some.

01 Mazda MX-5 (1989-1997) Miata is always the answer. That is the catchphrase that embodies the greatness of the Mazda MX-5 not only as a car mechanically, but as an icon to the world. Sure, it maybe the slowest car on this list, but it solidifies the point of what a convertible was meant to be: the visceral experience of freedom of the open road. When you combine that with its cult-like following around the world and being the top selling two-seater convertible sports car in the world, it is safe to say that the Mazda MX-5 is arguably the most influential convertible of all time.

SEPTEMBER 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ C-MAGAZINE.COM

TOP 5 MOST INFLUENTIAL

CONVERTIBLES OF ALL TIME 05

A PIONEERING CROSSOVER THAT NEVER STOPS EVOLVING INTRODUCING THE NEW LEXUS RX Experience a luxurious drive to the top with the new Lexus RX. Designed with performance and sophistication in mind, the RX cements itself as a leading mid-size luxury SUV. Now with the RXL variant, it offers unique versatility without compromise with its added third row that comfortably and luxuriously seats up to 7 passengers. Brave design and craftsmanship lead every detail, making it a uniquely progressive crossover car. The new Lexus RX. Every drive is an iconic one. Lexus.com.ph

/LexusManila

*Model shown is RX F-Sport variant

@LexusManila

(632) 8856 5050

EXPERIENCE AMAZING

These stripes tell a story. Of a maverick. And a warrior. And of a meeting of minds. Introducing the Oris x Momotaro. Made without compromise. Made for the urban battle.

Oris x Momotaro