World of Supercars

Cars are all around us, even rare car brands. The Internet and social media have made these much more real, thanks to countless images as well as technical specifications littered in cyberspace. However, seeing cars in the flesh—particularly sports cars, ultraluxury cars and exotics—will always bring out a child-like glee and enthusiasm in aficionados.

 

Sure, we get to see glimpses of these cars in posh business and entertainment districts, or in the many car shows across the nation. But to see these assembled in one location, with a person knowledgeable and ready to answer questions—from specs, horsepower, top speed, acceleration figures and, ultimately, price—is something that rarely happens.

 

This past weekend, thanks to PGA Cars, the country’s premier luxury automotive distributor, four of its brands were to be found in a single event, open to the public and for excited enthusiasts to take countless pictures of, and yes, dream of what if, one day, yada, yada, yada. Ahh, it is great to dream because it is free!

 

The opening of the World of Super Cars show was headlined by the presence of almost the entire model lineups of Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Porsche today, plus a few of the iconic models of Porsche and Lamborghini from the past.

 

Held at Hall 3 of the SMX Convention Center, the event was attended by PGA Cars chair Robert Coyiuto Jr., Porsche Philippines and Lamborghini Philippines managing director Roberto Coyiuto III, and Audi Philippines managing director Benedicto Coyiuto, along with members of the Sy family as guests of honor.

 

The media had a sneak preview of the event before the show opened to the public, with a short presentation of each brand—much like how media days are at big international motor shows around the world.

 

Audi had their full model lineup on display, from the A1, A3, A4, A6 and A8, along with special RS models such as the RS4, RS6 and an Audi S8 from the blockbuster movie “Ronin,” which starred Robert de Niro. Alongside was an older model Audi A8 W12 which Jason Statham used in the successful movie franchise “The Transporter.” Of course, the most popular, current-model Audi, the R8 supercar, was the brand’s pride and joy on display.

 

Bentley had a more modest display comprising of the Flying Spur, Continental GT coupe and Mulsanne limousine, while Lamborghini unveiled before the Philippine public for the first time the all-new V10-powered Huracan LP 610-4, the successor to the best-selling Gallardo.

 

The Huracan was joined by its big brother, the V12 flagship model Aventador LP 700-4, and two very special older models, the Murcielago LP 670 SV and the Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale, essentially a road-going homologation special of the successful Gallardo Super Trofeo race car.

 

Porsche had the largest display, which included the 911, Boxster, Cayman, Cayenne, Macan and Panamera models. There was also a very rare Carrera GT, Porsche’s super sports car from the mid-2000s, and a classic ’60s 912 model which features the chassis and running gear of a 911, but with the drivetrain of the proven older 356 1960s model.

 

Of course, the crowd favorites were the mid-engined supercars: Audi’s R8, the entire Lamborghini lineup, and the Porsche Carrera GT. But that definitely didn’t mean that the other models lacked in popularity as countless people took pictures of all the cars.

 

Personally, the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 and the Porsche 911 GT3 were my two favorites, thanks mostly to having been able to witness them in full anger on race and test tracks abroad.

 

Proceeds from the ticket sales (a modest P150) went to charity. PGA Cars chair Coyiuto Jr. was proud and happy that people really came out in full force to witness this one-of-a-kind groundbreaking event which allowed regular folks like you and me to see these cars in the flesh.

 

I’m sure the cost of organizing this event was considerable, but being a true car enthusiast, Coyiuto Jr., much like the rest of us, wanted to be able to share this passion for cars with others, and this was the best way possible.

 

While many of us can never afford these cars, this event is an important exercise for enthusiasts because it allows us to continue to dream, reignite our passion for cars, and have a glimpse of how the other half, or specifically, the Top 1 percentile of the population, live.

 

On a side note, I do sincerely hope that other car manufacturers follow suit and stage a similar event. While these events aren’t exactly selling events, they allow car manufacturers to connect to the public, get a feel of the market, and perhaps just simply have a jolly good time showing off their cars to a very enthusiastic crowd.

 

We’ll soon see Aston Martin and Lotus break cover, and we already have a Ferrari distributor, so I hope we can have more of these open-to-the-public events soon.