Ending 2014 at a gallop

There was no stopping the stampede of new cars onto local shores this 2014. And as the year of the horse drew to a close to give way to the year of the sheep, many motoring manufacturers gave a last hurrah to the gung-ho year that was.

THE NEW Sonata comes with an 8-year or 160,000-kilometer limited powertrain warranty.

8-year warranty for Sonata

On Dec. 15, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc.’s traditional holiday celebration with its dealers and media partners ended on a literally cool note when it introduced the all-new 2015 Sonata at the Mall of Asia skating rink. Dubbed “Winter Sonata,” the event featured a rousing performance by Olympic figure skater Michael Christian Martinez, building up to the announcement that the new Sonata would come with an 8-year or 160,000-kilometer limited powertrain warranty.

“This limited powertrain warranty is another first from Hyundai in the Philippines,” stressed Fe Perez-Agudo, president and CEO of Hari, during her opening speech.

The new Sonata comes with four core innovations, which Hari labelled as RSVP (Run, Stop, Versatility and Protect). On paper, these “bring a lavish and powerful driving experience to consumers.”

The 2015 Sonata is longer by 35 millimeters, wider by 30 mm, and taller by 10 mm compared to the previous version. Its wheelbase is also longer by 10 mm.

Sonata’s Theta II 2.4L MPI DOHC D-CVVT engine generates a maximum power of 175.56 horsepower and a maximum torque of 228.57 Newton-meters at 4,000 revolutions per minute.

The sedan also has a flat underbody that reduces wind drag and keeps a firm grip for road performance.

THE NEW Lexus RC F coupe was unveiled last Nov. 18.

Lexus Manila’s new super cars

Superlatives were uttered by guests who attended the Nov. 18 launch by Lexus Manila, at its showroom at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, of what Lexus calls its “ultimate high performance coupe” RC F, and its “emotionally appealing coupe” RC.

Lexus Manila shared jaw-dropping revelations about its new coupe:

• The aggressive new Lexus RC F coupe has been designed for optimum high-speed stability to support the most powerful V8 performance car ever developed by Lexus.

• The RC F model will build the new Lexus “F.” RC F is based on the spectacular new RC coupe with wider wheels and tires, an active rear wing, air scoops, cooling ducts and carbon fiber components.

• The 5-liter V8 develops 351 kW (470.47 HP) of power at 7100 rpm and 530 Nm of torque from 4800–5600 rpm, driving through a close-ratio eight-speed sports direct shift.

• RC F is the second generation V8 F model from Lexus, intended to evoke the best of tuning and technology from the flagship V10 LFA supercar (of which just 500 were manufactured).

• “F” stands for “Fuji Speedway” where much of Lexus’ high-speed development occurs, and has become its pinnacle sports brand, adding greater depth to the entire model range on three elements of “fun”: response, continuous acceleration feeling, and sound that engages with and excites the driver.

“RC F will be a contemporary hero vehicle in the Lexus range, standing alongside the LFA as the embodiment of the enjoyment of sports motoring,” Lexus International executive vice president Mark Templin said.

The RC coupe boasts of the 3.5-liter Quad Cam V6 with eight-speed Sports Program Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission. The 3.5-liter Lexus dual-injection 2GR-FSE V6 engine combines power, torque and responsiveness for a passionate driving experience.

Though it is known for its fun-to-drive features, engineers stressed it has that touch of a fuel-miser as well. The RC 350 has the fuel economy advantages of the advanced D-4S dual fuel-injection system.

The eight-speed transmission with state-of-the-art transmission technology and electronic control further contributes to fuel savings.

Lexus Manila also shared that “RC’s excellent steering response makes it easy for the driver to aim for the corner exit. Steering characteristics suitable for RC were achieved through control of roll rigidity distribution.”

It added: “Lexus RC’s aerodynamic performance leverages the concept of ‘aerodynamic handling stability’ by using the flow of air over and under the car to optimize controllability, especially when travelling at high speeds.”

ONLY 64 units of this limited edition Ford Mustang will be made available in the Philippines.

Ford Mustang 50-year Limited Edition

On Dec. 12, Ford Philippines held an exclusive preview of the Mustang 50-year Limited Edition (with special trim and performance package), and announced as well that only 64 units would be allocated to the Philippines.

The release of the all-new Ford Mustang coincides with the 50th year of the nameplate, and Ford has designed a special edition to highlight that anniversary.

The Limited Edition “golden” Mustang is based on the GT fastback, with nearly all options included. This latest take on the original pony car will be available in Wimbledon white, the color of the first built Mustang, and Kona blue, both exclusive to this car.

Photos by Tessa R. Salazar