The Gitano in the News

Here's something I missed: some news coverage of the Gitano on the GMA news show 24 Oras:

At 1:01 they mention that the glass is made locally, and it is, by Glasteck, Inc. in Laguna! Proudly Pinoy!

Official SEMA Posters for the Michel Gitano

While the Gitano is on its way to the SEMA show via boat, here's a look some of the promotional material for the SEMA show!

Here's a bonus interior pic (by Ed Simon). The instrument cluster was designed and built specifically for the Gitano.

If you happen to be lucky enough to go to the SEMA show, drop by and see the Gitano!

Going Green

I decided to do "green" posts on 2 of my blogs (see: theunarchitect.blogspot.com). *cough. shameless plug. cough*
Moving on…
"Green" as a concept or a word is seen as something environmentally friendly, has a smaller carbon footprint that more readily available alternatives, and is in fact THE alternative to the norm.
Now this definition is rather vast, and it's never really explained to the regular Joe. When we think of green cars, the only thing we understand is hybrids or electric cars, not really thinking about other impacts these vehicles make outside of emissions.
Because of this, I would rather work with the word "sustainable".
A 1987 UN conference defined sustainable developments as those that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs (excerpt taken from www.arch.wsu.edu).
So what would make a car fit this definition? Off the top of my head, it would have to have the following characteristics:
1. A good percentage of the materials used to make it are either in abundant supply, or better yet, are renewable. This ensures a steady supply of such materials until future generations.
2. The making of the entire vehicle (from individual parts to putting it together) causes minimal environmental impact. So it's not just about emissions of the car, but also the emissions and pollutants the factories that make the cars create.
3. The operating of the vehicle causes minimal environmental impact. From emissions to maintenance.
4. The vehicle is accessible (good price point, distribution channels, etc.). Because, really, how sustainable is a car that isnt accessible?
Now classifying cars into sustainability and giving sustainability ratings is another matter altogether, and requires information that I just don't have on hand. But the idea behind this post is that people shouldn't simply get caught up on hybrids, electric cars and the like. We need to look beyond that and into the manufacturing of the car. We do it for construction, prescribing green products and green building techniques, so why not make the public more aware on what is happening in the automotive market and how we can make real sustainable and green automobiles or other forms of transportation?

More pics of the Gitano

Here are a few more pics of the Gitano:

Designer Chris Lacson Working on the interior.

Looking even meaner with the slatted grille.

Gratuitous butt shot.

250bhp electric motor sits way back in the engine bay. A small (or even large) petrol engine can easily fit in front. Notice the camber plate on the shock tower.

Rota-supplied mesh wheels barely conceal a set of Willwood big brakes and coilovers - these, along with the camber kit, mean serious adjustability for road or track use.

One-off custom instrument cluster.

Wood and chrome accent piece on the passenger's side dashboard.

Introducing the Michel Gitano

If you're a true Pinoy Petrolhead, you will definitely appreciate and celebrate today's event - the launch of Michel Motors' Gitano. Not only is this this Michel's first foray into designing and building its own cars (Michel is perhaps the foremost kit car maker in the Philippines), it is most likely the most ambitious attempt at building a Philippine-made sports car. It also has the distinction of being the first ever Philippine-made hybrid sports car.

Continuing the work of Michel Motors' founder Nene Syquia, Jan Kierulf and Reggie Sy, with designer Christopher Lacson, set out to create something unique. Using a lightweight fiberglass body penned by Chris Lacson, and a next generation American designed and built hybrid powerplant, it will definitely have sporting character. The lightweight electric motor weighs just over 100kg, and puts out about 250bhp.

The car is still an unfinished prototype, and has several details that have yet to be unveiled, but it is very close to a working, running vehicle. It sets off this Wednesday for Las Vegas, USA, to be part of the world-famous SEMA show.

It's not everyday you get to be part of something not just exciting, but groundbreaking. And it's been my pleasure to have been part of this project (through Glasteck, Inc., who created the custom glass panels for the entire car). Here's to the success of the Gitano, and the Philippine automotive industry!