This Month in Motoring

MANILA, Philippines - Every time we put together an issue of Wheels Monthly, we find ourselves surprised at how fast time seems to fly. The month of June is no exception. The month went by so quickly, in fact, that we only just now realize that it signals our official entry into midyear! June 2010 was especially eventful with several significant vehicle launches, a number of events and a big announcement on the part of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI). Here’s the gist of what the motoring world has been through over this past month…

Supersized X-Trail, anyone?

Nissan Motor Philippines Inc. (NMPI) continued its march back to relevance with the launch of the new X-Trail CVT. This variant – though not a huge deviation from its predecessor looks-wise – is a completely grown up version of the Nissan SUV many have come to love. It is 120mm longer, 20mm wider and 10mm taller than the variant it replaces and it features Nissan’s Xtronic Continuous Variable Transmission, hence the nomenclature. Bigger, brawnier, more versatile but still more fuel-efficient, it will likely attract its fair share of SUV fans. This market segment, in case you haven’t noticed, is now the segment with the most number of new variants – exciting is not apt enough a word…

Standard setting BMW5

While it took a lot of us a lot of convincing before we finally embraced the styling of the 5th generation BMW 5Series, the 6th generation’s more sound (or is it less controversial?) styling cues had many who attended its launch in agreement… Design-wise, this is perhaps the best 5Series ever. BMW, in fact, sees this new variant as the yardstick by which all other premium sedans ought to be measured. The new BMW 5Series will be initially offered in its 523i guise. It will feature a 6-cylinder engine that produces 204 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, and will be driven by a new 8-speed automatic transmission.

Welcome back, Maserati

The brand with the Trident also made a splash this month. Maserati officially made its way back to Philippine shores with the launch of two models – the handsome four-door Quattroporte and the awe-inspiring two-door GranTurismo. Both Italian thoroughbreds will be powered by a 4.7-liter V8 powerplant that produces 425 horsepower and 490 Nm of torque. Maserati’s re-entry into the luxury car segment was the exclamation point for a month filled with some great premium car launches (as you might have noticed). But, high-end exclusivity wasn’t the only big thing for June, environmental and social responsibility were stressed as well…

Sleeker, better Cayenne

Not to be outdone, PGA Cars, official distributors of Porsche vehicles in the country, also launched a standard setting vehicle in the new Cayenne. The 2nd generation Cayenne is sleeker, sharper, larger, more aesthetically sound and more fuel efficient than the variant it replaces. Two variants of the Porsche SUV are available: the 3.6-liter V6, which produces 300hp and 400Nm of torque and the range-topping 4.8-liter Twin-turbocharged variant, which produces 500hp and a mind-boggling 700Nm of torque. The Cayenne’s new 8-speed tiptronic transmission is said to improve fuel consumption by up to 20% compared to the previous Cayenne variant.

CAMPI goes green

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) announced recently that it is staging the third Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) on August 19 to 22 at the World Trade Center in Manila. More importantly, during the press conference for the PIMS, the organization leadership announced that the much-awaited show will have a green theme. Given the event theme “Drive the Green Road”, CAMPI members will showcase the latest green technologies in fuel-efficient and alternative fuel-fed vehicles to include hybrids, clean-burning, diesel-powered vehicles, and fuel-efficient gas engines, among others. An environmental protection awareness campaign called “My Ride+Earth” which is meant to complement CAMPI’s ongoing advocacy on the issue of climate change will also be launched during the show.