Aston Martin Lagonda Concept

I never really liked British cars... with Jags spending more time in the shop than in your garage and screaming out pompous. Range Rovers have recently stepped it up, but the old ones suffered from huge maintenance costs and frequently busted air suspension, but Aston has really changed my mind about British sports cars. After releasing the DB7, all their cars have been a hit and in my eyes, a beautiful piece of art. Which pains me to say that this new Aston Lagonda SUV concept has been put on hold, or even scrapped. Critics have bashed Aston's first effort into the SUV market, but I feel otherwise.



...I think its BADASS! With that huge grill and unmistakable Aston Martin design. This is what the Porsche Cayenne should have been! Too bad Aston has shelved this concept because of financial reasons, which isn't really far fetched this day in age. But Aston Martin Lagonda chairman David Richards reportedly wants to get a new concept on the stands before the end of the year, and I can't wait to see that!

Vantage Road Study: Hybrid Cars... may not be so friendly on the environment and on your pocket

Nowadays, when we hear that someones driving a hybrid car, we may think, wow, this dude's conscious about the environment, oil prices and CO2 emissions, but that may not necessarily be true according to a recent study done in the US of A. Yes, a simple side by side comparison between hybrids, diesels and gas powered cars will show you that the hybrid is more efficient on a mile to mile basis, BUT it seems that according to the study by Quality Planning, hybrid owners drive more than non-hybrid owners which may negate all the benefits of having a hybrid in the first place.



Some may be thinking, what kind of study these guys at Quality Planning do? Well, they tested over 360,000 cars through 2007 and 2008 and analyzed their driving habits which yielded a pretty interesting result. According to the survey, hybrid and non-hybrid drivers have statistically similar commutes, but hybrid owners drive their vehicles 25% more (2,000 miles) in non-commuting scenarios.

Dr. Raj Bhat, president of Quality Planning, thinks part of the reason for these findings has something to do with the fact that high mileage drivers are typically more interested in hybrids than infrequent drivers.

"What we don't know is whether owning a hybrid vehicle encourages people to drive more miles each day or take more pleasure trips. High-mileage drivers appear to be attracted to these vehicles, so insurers should take steps to verify the intended use of hybrids and validate actual miles driven wherever possible."

The study also shows that hybrid owners are significantly more likely to receive traffic tickets. According to the survey, Toyota Prius owners received .38 tickets per 100,000 miles driven, versus a non-hybrid average of .23 tickets per 100,000 miles. That's a 65% differential. One possible explanation for the ticket disparity has to do with where hybrid owners live. Quality Planning found that hybrid owners are more likely to live in an urban setting, where tickets are more frequently issued.

Though not much of those have much bearing in the Philippines because first, the ones who have cars aren't likely to commute at all and cops, we just run away from. But here's where it gets good... HYBRIDS COST SIGNIFICANTLY MORE TO REPAIR! The Ford Escape Hybrid, for example, costs 31% more to repair than the gasoline-only model, while repairing the Toyota Highlander Hybrid will reportedly add 45% more cost!



This doesn't look good for hybrids. Especially with Toyota Philippines bringing in the Prius, MAN, to anyone who knows their cars, thats definitely a bad move. As the study shows, they cost more to fix, and coincidentally, cars in the Philippines tend to suffer wear and tear faster than developed countries. And with its P2M+ price tag, anyone in their right mind would buy something else because we've learned that hybrids just aren't that efficient once you look deeper than the sugar coated numbers they show you. My advice, just buy a car that you really want. Don't settle for a crappy looking Prius just because you feel pressured to save the environment. Screw hybrids and use as much gas as you can while supplies last! Lets not forget, a Prius actually is more environmentally damaging than a Hummer H2! Why? Because no one considers where & how the "fuel" for the hybrid is processed/coming from... AH-HA!

Estoque NOT dead!

Reports say that Lamborghini has denied the death of its concept luxury sedan, the Estoque. Although it isn't dead, it also isn't in production... but at least there's still a chance this piece of art will be made. In my opinion, I think Lambo should make this... if they have the funds that is.


The trend of the cars of late have been crossovers and 2+2's so this can really pay off for Lambo. Benz has their CLS, BMW with its 6-series, Audi is rumored to be producing one of their own, so Lambo, go for it!

SHELVED: Lamborghini Estoque

Looks like the Lambo Estoque won't make it to production after all. With the collapse of car sales all over the world, along with many concepts, especially planned supercars either being put on hold or straight up cancelled, the Estoque won't be an exception. Even though it received incredible praise and accpetance during last years Paris Auto Show, there are no signs of a turnaround in the automotive industry so its just not feasible to produce such a car right now. For those wondering what Lambo will be up to the next few years since this beaufiul beast won't be made, they will be focusing on their current lineup, the Murcielago & Galliardo, giving them new versions, focusing on weight reduction.




It definitely is a let down not to see such a gorgeous piece of machinery not making it into production, even though I'd probably never own one, it would've been something great to see and to dream of. But it is obvious that the automotive industry has been going downhill and it looks like a trend that would continue for quite a while. So yes, it's not feasible right now to produce the Estoque, though it woulda been sweet!

BMW 5 Series GT *update*

I posted before about the BMW that took my breath away, and it looks like we have some production pics that were leaked. Though details still remain next to nothing, there's no denying this is a hott ride. In my book, its going to be the underdog which will take the world by storm. By looking at the pics, gone are the concept pieces like the huge rims and tiny side-mirrors, but even though, the 5 Series GT still looks damn good. See for yourself...

Who says cars can't be considered art?!

A lot of you out there may not know, but I LOVE cars. Aside from women and family, there's nothing I love more! I rarely post much about them though, mainly because it takes a lot to impress me. Simple cars, everyday cars, they just don't cut it anymore. Today though, I bring you two, yes TWO cars that have caught my eye... and on the same day! Thats a record!



The first is the BMW 5 Series GT Concept. Yes I know, its a BMW, the "darkside." But as a car lover, you just have to appreciate these things, even though BMW drivers are labeled as... BEEP! BMW considers this car to be part of its "lifestyle" market, which I'm assuming are crossovers such as BMW's X6. Nothing is really known about this car, but I do hope it goes into production. It's lines, the bumper, the headlights and tails, they just do what they're supposed to, shaped the way they're supposed to. The whole car just flows. Beautiful. It is just a concept right now though, so I'm sure BMW will tone some things down if it goes into production, such as trims, wheels, brakes etc... though I'm sure the body will stay, and in this case, that's what's important.





The next one is a lesson to ALL car manufacturers (sorry Volvo! I still love you!) on interior design. I bring you the Porsche Panamera. There have been a lot of mixed emotions with this car starting with its exterior, which looks like a stretched 911, though it is Porsche's first four door sedan so I can cut them some slack. But compensating for that is an interior thats just gorgeous. The beautiful tones and accents remind me of a Vertu, the seats look like something you'll melt from comfort in, and the dash still screams "I'm a Porsche so drive the shit out of me!", but with elegance. I really can't describe how pretty it all looks to me. Porsche was never known for it's interior styling, but with this one, they will now!

New 2010 Mazda3 comin out March...

... in the States that is. Sure there are much more interesting car news out there, but car news related to our country is top priority. Even though this news is from the States, the PI would probably follow suit in no time. So a lil friendly advice to those here currently looking to buy a Mazda3, just wait a tad bit longer as the new, completely redesigned one SHOULD hit our local dealers soon.


Based on the US-spec Mazda3, they will continue to release the sedan version, as well as the hatchback (which the discontinued here but hopefully will bring back). The US gets to choose between a 2.0L four-cylinder that offers 148 hp and 135 lb-ft of torque and a larger 2.5L four with 167 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque, though the latter I doubt we will get.


Hopefully when Mazda says, "completely redesigned," they mean it. The previous one was a lil eye catching during its first release, I must admit, if I had to choose a car of that level, I might've got it. But after driving it, it did feel extremely sluggish, the interior felt of cheap plastics which didn't fit well thus making an orchestra of creeking sounds, and service I hear is VERY poor! Yes CATS, your service SUCKS! (based on experience)

2010 Benz E-Class AMG

Not even AMG can save this Korean/Benz hybrid. According to Benz, anyone can avail of the package with any powerplant they choose for an extra 3000 Euros, which is roughly P210k. Sure, I must admit that the kit makes the car look halfway decent, but cmon Benz, you're not supposed to have to pay extra just to make your car look, O-K. But that seems to be Benz's route lately, since the entry level C-Class also looks like S#!T.



With the package, you get the wrap around AMG kit, 18" rims, microfibre leather seats, 3-spoke leather steering wheel, aluminum paddles and pedals, slotted brakes & a drop of 15mm. If you ask me, those should have came with the car in the first place! And 18" rims?! Dawg, the Mitsubishi Lancer already comes with those... STOCK! Pathetic pathetic. This one has fallen far FAR from the tree and over the cliff into a ditch. Seems like the only thing carrying this car is its name, and those who buy this definitely only want to be able to say, "I drive a Benz." Yeah... a shitty Benz that is!

Dumbass of the Day!

An Aston Martin is such a rare and stunning car, a definite eye-catcher. So as a car enthusiast, it pains me to see this sight. British cars are known to spend more time in the shop than in the owner's hands and this one will be no different, cuz it will be there for quite some time to fix this boo-boo.

Exactly how this $120,000 V8 Vantage ended up like this is beyond our knowledge, but it seems like part of the platform on the truck that holds the car broke off, causing the Vantage to end up on its ass. My heart goes out to the owner who took the precaution of shipping his beloved car in a closed container, most probably waiting painful months for its shipment, telling everyone to take care of it and paying extra for them to do so... and look how it ends up. I'm guessing the one who unloaded it is the dude in the red, so... you get the honors of being Vantage's Dumbass of the Day!!! Congrats for destroying this piece of art!

Update: Mercedes Benz E-Class

Remember when I first posted about the upcoming E-Class? You know... the one that looks like Shii... err... a Korean car? Oh wait, thats right, Korean cars look like shit, and so does the new E.

An ass only a mother can love

Interior looks cheap, plastic-y. Suites its exterior though... wait, thats ugly too


I will now laugh at the stupid ass who bought this car every time I see it on the road

And the most popular car color of 2008 is...

WHITE!!! .... In the United States that is. Sorry guys, nothing on the Philippines or anything close to my reckon. There were charts from other Asian countries such as Japan, Korea and China, but I don't think our tastes would be as similar to them as they are to the US.



Black & Silver are a close 2nd... no surprises here. Though I still don't understand why people buy silver colored cars. The most common excuse I hear is, "so you wont see the scratches." That just tells me you don't know how to take care of your car, thus expecting it to be scratched hardcore. Silver is one of those, safe kinda colors... the norm... boring... conservative... just like everyone else. Sad sad. I have my bets that silver would be the top seller in the Philippines.

Is that a... Hyundai?!

Man Oh man Mercedes... what the hell are you doing?! Personally, the new Benz sedan line up (aside from the CLS which is actually a 2+2) has been a CRAP! First up, is its flagship sedan, the S-Class, which copied its interior from an old BMW 7-Series, made it uglier and called it it's own! Then there's their entry level "luxury" sedan, the C-Class, which looks like a cheap Korean car in its base form. And finally, their new E-Class, which is less than stunning... much MUCH less!

I understand Mercedes trying to go back to its glory days with the boxy look, but this one just looks a bunch of different Benz's mashed up into one. In some cases it's good, but for me, this one looks all wrong. Again, this new E-Class looks like it's made in Korea, just take off the badges and you've got a Kia or Hyundai.

I haven't mentioned but these are actually leaked pics (the car will debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March). None yet of the interior, which I have NO hopes for since MB hasn't had a decent interior design since the W210 which ended production back in 2002. The front bumper LEDs are taken straight from the current Audi lineup and the tail lights SHOULD have been taken from Audi as well. I mean, they've already copied the BMW interiors, Audi's signature LEDs, mind as well do something with that unfortunate rear, cuz its bloody ugly! Hyundai Sonata? Mitsubishi Galant? Daewoo?

For sure Benz is going to offer a lot of packages for the upcoming E-Class, as well as loads of features, V6's, V8's & maybe even a V10, but at the end of the day, who cares about all of that if your car looks like a Mercedes Benz Frankenstein? Honestly, I just cannot get over how horrid it looks... this Mercedes Benz K (Korean)-Class. Benz has no chance against its rivals with this piece of junk.

C! Magazine Photoshoot

Hello thy dear dear readers! Just wanted to drop off some pics from our C! Magazine Photoshoot for the January 2009 issue. Small teaser shots ahoy!

Twas a good day, even though we had to wash our own cars and get sunburned! Anyways, make sure to check out C! Magazine's January Anniv. issue! I can't wait to see how the pics will turn out in the mag!

Changing the stereotypical Volvo, slowly but surely!

BMW Incorporates "Surface"

In light of Mastermind Gio's Oakley customization post, I thought I'd post something very similar, but way cooler! Hahahaha! Sorry G.

Nowadays, customizing your kicks, your shades, you clothing has never been easier! Heck, yo can do all this online and never have to leave your seat!! Today BMW joins the party! And no, I'm not talking about customizing your own beemer or anything like that! I'm talking about picking out the beemer for you by just using the Microsoft Surface! Let me shed some light for those still in the dark!

BMW is now using the Microsoft Surface tech to make shopping for a car a little easier. You can literally view all the specs you need to know, pick out the design and size of your rims, and even choose the color of your interior and exterior by using the interactive swatches. Cool huh?? This software developed by Vectorform for BMW. You'll be able to e-mail the info you gather, or choose to save it on a flash drive right there and then! Oh, and did i mention, you'll be able to compare different models on the screen as well.

I think this is a great idea! It's definitely a big step-up form them brochures most car dealerships still use. It's like they say in the vid, it definitely helps in visualizing what the car will look like! I definitely think more dealerships need to start adopting this idea simply because it makes it easier for the customoers, it makes them more involved with the details, and simply because it's a lot of fun!! So if any of you live in Germany, and is a rich bastard, head over to BMW now and try this out!! Let VANTAGE know what it's like!!

What do you think? Comment!

END OF POST

Manila Auto Salon 2008 (cont.)

Sorry for the delay on the write up guys. For those who haven't seen our pics, take the jump to our multiply page to check them all out. I haven't been able to get my hands on those exclusive ones, but I'm working on it. Anyways, so for those who missed the show, what exactly... did they miss?


First off, lemme tell you, I've been to my fair share of auto shows and this one was definitely the best one by far! Not just in terms of cars, but the entire "show." For those who went at night, they should now know that Volvo's aren't just for daddies. Our booth practically supplied the entire SMX with their sounds, thanks to Musik Lokal!



The rides were great, featuring all sorts, from pimped out Vans to drift cars, pick ups to GT-R's. Wheel Gallery's (Sammie) matte black Evo X was off the hook. Of course, our own Volvo C30 got a lot of looks and inquires bout their full custom kit with our own original rims, along with our camo XC70... can anyone say "Jurassic Park?" The VW love bus was any stoner's dream and JDM trueno's, lots of Evo's, Z-cars, Skyline's etc... would make any JDM lover drool. The pics speak for themselves. (so hurry up and check em out!)





Girls were in abundance with some really standing out! You got your hot ones, slutty ones and ur girl next door types (Xenon Blubs's were HOTT!). A lot of them were pretty shy but once the drinks got flowing later on the night, they loosened up and got their groove on!


It was a really great show, and not to be bias or anything but the Habrec booth was pimped out! 2 PS3's, a Wii, 3 Samsung flat screens, a living room type area, girls, drinks & HUGE sounds! Honestly, it looked as if we sponsored the show! People left and right were saying Habrec carried the show. Guards were standing all around us, keeping an eye on our rowdiness and of course, cuz we had overflowing Johnny Black... cuz thats how we roll!

I can go on and on about how great the night was but better yet, just come to the next one if we're still allowed to enter (haha). Hope to see you guys at there!