Lexus and Jaguar lend a hand in the campaign against a silent killer

The 2015 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) showcased two orange supercars – a Jaguar F-Type and a Lexus RCF at the lobby entrance of the World Trade Center. The showcase was to show support for Epcalm Adult Leukemia Foundation of the Philippines, the only non-profit organization of its kind in the country. As the foundation marks its 10th year this coming month, it partnered with MIAS to highlight its advocacy to create and raise awareness on adult leukemia to some 110,000 visitors who trekked to the annual motoring event. Orange is the globally designated advocacy color for leukemia, and having these orange sports cars strategically offers an attraction to car enthusiasts to learn more about the organization. Members of Epcalm who were present during the 4-day event reported several visitors who made contributions and pledges to help the foundation.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), leukemia is ranked as the fourth cancer killer in the country. The organization provides a personalized, practical and family-oriented support group for patients journeying through this disease. It has an army of volunteer staff to assist patients by offering their time and services with their special needs in their journey. They also provide guided talks on the basic understanding of the disease in a relaxed family environment through telephone hotlines, Facebook and Twitter accounts to address questions about the disease as well as options of care.  It has linkages with research facilities like the National Cancer Institute (NCI)/National Institute of Health (NIH). The foundation is heavily supported by celebrities including talk show host Boy Abunda and award-winning singer Martin Nievera.

The Jaguar F-Type

Recently introduced in the country by Jaguar PH, the new F-Type Coupé is considered by many as the most dynamically capable, performance-focused, production Jaguar ever. Its 550 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine propels the F-Type from 0-100kph in 4.0-seconds, and has a top speed of 300kph (with a speed limiter). It also features Jaguar’s second-generation Electronic Active Differential which works in parallel with a new Torque Vectoring by braking system to deliver enhanced agility and exploitable handling at the limit. The voluptuous body hails from Jaguar’s C-X16 concept car and is cladded in aluminum sheet metal that has a torsional rigidity of 33,000 Nm/degree, considered at the most torsionally rigid production Jaguar ever. With that kind of power, Jaguar fitted it with a Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) braking system with 398mm and 380mm discs in front and rear respectively. All engines are matted with an eight-speed ‘Quickshift’ transmission with full manual sequential control via steering wheel-mounted paddles or the central SportShift lever.

The Lexus RC F

Before the start of MIAS, this writer had the chance to drive around the so-called “baby Lexus LFA”, the Lexus RC F. This aggressive and new Lexus RC F coupe has been designed for optimum high speed and stability with a chassis strong enough to support the most powerful V8 performance car ever developed by Lexus. The “F” nomenclature is the designation given to the high-performance variants of Lexus. ‘F’ stands for ‘Fuji Speedway” where much of Lexus’ high speed development occurs and has become its pinnacle sports brand. Lexus says it adds on three elements of “Fun” in motoring – response, continuous acceleration feeling, and the sound that engages with and excites the driver.

The 5.0-liter V8 engine develops up to 351KW of power at 7100rpm and 530Nm of torque and is matted with a close-ratio eight-speed sports direct shift transmission. It is the second generation V8 F model from Lexus that has evolved with its best of tuning practices inherited from the flagship V10 engine LFA supercar.

An electronically enhanced driveline based on Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) enable amateur drivers to get driving speeds closer to its limits previously attainable only by trained professionals. These same systems generate even greater levels of safety on the open road. Lexus RC F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi is a 25-year Lexus veteran who was with the brand since its inception said – “The RC F is intended as a car to enable drivers of all skill levels to enjoy fun-to-drive performance. With the LFA no longer in production, the RC F will become the new F image leader.”