My Christmas Car Wishlist

It's that time of the year again. Time for Christmas wishlists, and what better wishlist than a list of cars I'd like to own? I'll limit it to the top five cars I wish Santa Claus would give me, and the reasons why I want those cars.

• Diesel Kia Sportage A/T. This would be a good family car for my family and I. It's got decent size, decent space, and it looks great. The LED daytime running lights, the simple yet curvy lines, it just looks amazing. Better than a Hyundai Tucson, if you ask me.
• Subaru Impreza WRX STi Hatchback A/T. Yes, shocking to some of you. I want an automatic transmission for an STi. I have a perfectly good reason for wanting an A/T for these Philippine Streets. I don't have to worry about the clutch in our stop and go traffic. Besides, if ever I do get an STi, I plan on making it my daily driver. Oh, and an STi can still sit my entire family for the weekends.
• Toyota 86 A/T. Again with the automatic transmission? Just see my STi explanation. Yes, I do plan on using an 86 as my daily driver. Sadly this car is a bit too cramped for my family. But still, an 86 as a daily driver.
• Volkswagen Beetle 'Baja Bug.' I think its pretty well known that I've always wanted a Beetle Baja Bug. The Classic Beetle was built to last, and this would be a fun toy car to own.
• Toyota Innova G Diesel A/T. Another family car. Because I'm a family man already, and I don't really drive that fast or recklessly on our streets.

And that's it. The top five cars I wish someone would gift me this Christmas. In order of priority. Yes, I really want a Sportage most. Surprised?

Out.

Fiat: Sexy Cars and Sexy Commercials

While I've always been a fan of BIG cars, there are always those little ones that catch my eye every now and then. Usually they're roadsters like the BMW z8 (ok who DOESN'T love that car?) or the Toyota GT86 (AKA Scion FR-S or Subaru BRZ). But I do have a soft spot for the new Fiat 500s.

Check out the Fiat 500 Abarth!

While when it comes to the old school ones, I would go with the Mr. Bean Austin Mini, as nice as the new Coopers are, the Fiats just look so cool! And as my brother and fellow Petrolhead author, Francis, pointed out to me recently, even Fiat's non 500 models look good.

Buuuuuut, if you're not convinced, well Fiat's got a couple of commercials that just might change your mind. Of course, these sexy commercials feature the equally sexy Fiat 500 Abarth. Check em out and let us know which one you like and if this is enough to make you want a Fiat.

Now if only there was a local dealer...

FIAT 500 Abarth - Seduction - 2012 Super Bowl Contender

New Fiat Abarth 500 Cabrio Ad "Topless"

Racing With Legends

I wasn't around in the 50s, 60s or 70s. And for most of the 80s, I lived abroad. So names like Dodjie Laurel,  Dante Silverio, or Pocholo Ramirez didn't mean much to me growing up. Yet it's on the exploits of men like these - and many more - that Philippine motorsport was built on.

Thanks to this effort by motorsport enthusiasts Martin Galan, Steven Flor and Mark Laccay, the younger generations (and the ignorant like me) will get to see, through the eyes of the legends themselves, what it was like in what the film's producers call "The Golden Age of Philippine racing". "Racing With Legends" is a documentary, in which local racing heroes Paco Ventura, Dante Silverio, Louie Camus, Mandy Eduque and Johnny Angeles take us back to the genesis of our motorsport heritage. The stories these men tell take us on a trip back in time, to the glory days of the Greenhills Grand Prix, the Manila Grand Prix, to the birth of the fabled Cam Wreckers, the tragic death of Dodjie Laurel in the Macau Grand Prix in 1967, and much more. 

Picture taken from the Racing With Legends  Facebook page

Filipino racers are starting to recapture some of the old magic both locally in internationally, with young talents like Marlon Stockinger and Stefano Marcelo (nephew of the late great Jovy Marcelo), but their success was made possible by people like Arthur Tuason, Butch Viola, or Joey Bundalian.

Picture taken from the Racing With Legends  Facebook page

The film recently had its pre-launch in the Manila Auto Salon, with pre-selling activities and promotional appearances by the film's racing legends themselves. Fans can also support this projec tby visiting the "Racing With Legends" artisteconnect page. There, you can pre-order your copy and show your love for our country's racing heritage. When this film comes out in January 2013, it will automatically be a must-see for all true Pinoy Petrolheads.

Event Report: DTM Revival Awarding Ceremony and Meet Up

Cool cars, great company, prizes and food - what more could you want? Gram's diner was the venue for the Philippine DTM Revival Awarding Ceremony for the 2nd DTM Revival Race. 

Photo: Paolo Arespacochaga

 All race participants received Certificates of Participation, along with lubricats from Petronas and Liqui Moly, Brembo stationary, Sonax Brilliant Shine spray, and t-shirts from Aguila Auto Glass.

Photo: Paolo Arespacochaga

The race winners also took home assorted prizes in addition to their trophies, including a Mio heart rate monitor watch from Mio Philippines, a limited edition Brembo cap, a gallon of Refinish Line undercoating, and a gift certificate from Makna Trading for Bilstein and H&R suspension products.

 Photo: Birdman

The evening was also a chance for the participants to thank the sponsors of the Philippine DTM Revival, and each took home a Certificate of Appreciation.

Photo: Paolo Arespacochaga

The night ended with a raffle, with gifts from Aguila Auto Glass, Brembo, and limited edition Philippine DTM Revival posters.

Photo: Paolo Arespacochaga

All in all, it was a fun evening, and we're all looking forward to next year's events!

Guten ///Morgen!

Good ///Morning, indeed! Dropped by an ARC Automotive customer early today to install a new roundel for his M3... though I think there are more than enough roundels (and M3 badges) in this garage... 

First one to guess which M3, and which roundel (front or back), gets a petrol point!

The end of an era in F1, and the start of a new age?

Schumacher waves to the fans at the re-race parade in Singapore 2012

What a season of Formula 1... I haven't been a real fan for very long, more like a casual fan from 1998 until 2005. But WOW what a year of F1! So many plotlines, so much action and so much drama that I'll need bulletpoints to keep from droning on:

• Most former champions ever racing at the same time (six - Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Kimi Raikkonen)

• Seven different winners (Button, Alonso, Nico Rosberg, Vettel, Pastor Maldonado, Mark Webber, and Hamilton), in the first seven races, including two first-time winners (Rosberg and Maldonado)

By Round 7, each of these three would already have a race win. Unfortunately for Maldonado, it would be his only win

• Michael Schumacher's retirement and final season/farewell tour, that netted him all of one podium, due to a combination of declining skills and an unreliable car

• Kimi Raikkonen's triumphant return to F1 after a disastrous end to his Ferrari stint, which crumbled as soon as he won his first World Championship. He improbably placed 3rd in the Driver's Championship, despite driving for a car that many thought would be a second-tier team (Lotus, aka the corpse of Reneault). My favorite moment of his comeback? Kimi telling his pit crew to basically shut up and let him drive

Raikkonen looking as passive as ever

• A former championship contender (Felipe Massa, 2nd in 2008 by just one point) in a competitive car (Ferrari) free-falling into oblivion, causing everyone and their mother to bet that he will not be retained, and then inexplicably returning to form with two podiums and six top-f finishes in the last ten races, while keeping his seat for 2013

• The drama of Lewis Hamilton's decision whether to stay with McLaren or go to another team, which he finally did when he signed with Mercedes GP

• Sebastian Vettel's second ever Perfect Weekend (Pole, Led every lap, Win, Fastest Lap) in Suzuka

• The successful return of Formula 1 in the US, with the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas

• The rise of young talent - Rosberg, Maldonado, Sergio Perez and Romain Grosjean getting podiums and Maldonado and Grosjean's penchant for crashing, especially in the opening lap

• Sebastian Vettel becoming the youngest ever F1 Triple World Champion, beating out Fernando Alonso by just 3 points, with the Ferrari ace reaching the podium in all of the last five races

Can Fernando Alonso build on the momentum of reaching the podium in all of the last 5 races of 2012?

It's fitting, i think, that Vettel became a Triple World Champion in Sao Paolo yesterday by finishing just ahead of the last man to claim that title, Michael Schumacher.

Michael under hard braking in Singapore 2010

For the record, even in Micheal's prime, I was more of a Mikka Hakkinen guy. I thought Schumi was a bit too cut-throat for my liking, and I preferred the cool, quiet confidence of the Flying Finn. But there is no doubt in my mind that with everything Schumacher has achieved, he is arguably the greatest F1 driver of all time. With much respect to Ayrton Senna, who might be the fastest driver ever, I think Schumacher had the best combination of speed, mental toughness, technical prowess, adaptability, and public savvy of any F1 driver ever. That is evident with how many titles he has won - seven, with Benetton and Ferrari - in the span of ten years.

I took this  photo at the Paddock of the 2012 Singapore GP, moments before getting Schumi's autograph

I will miss watching him, and despite being a McLaren fan first, I could never root against Schumacher. Someone once said that rooting against such a virtuoso athlete would be like rooting against Picasso or Mozart. I think - Senna and maybe Juan Manuel Fangio or Gilles Villaneuve aside - Schumi is the most revered F1 driver of all time. I was lucky enough to see him in person in the Singapore GP. It was around 10:30pm after a long day of qualifying. And he was just chatting with a Ferrari team member, but the crowd around him was grew within seconds, and many were intimidated to even walk up to him. I was lucky enough to get him to sign an autograph for me. Though he didn't say anything, he graciously accepted the autograph request after a long and grueling qualifying session.

Sebastian celebrates his win in Singapore 2012 after qualifying 3rd

Vettel's story, on the other hand, is just beginning. While it remains to be seen if he can have the longevity of Michael's career, he has proven himself to be a driver for the ages. He joined Schumacher and Fangio as the only Triple World Champions, and did it winning three in a row (Fangio has won 4 in a row, and Schumi 5 consecutive).  After long battling the notion that he is only good when he starts at pole position, his furious charge from the back of the grid to 3rd place in Abu Dhabi proved he can also fight it out with the best of them. And of course, he is still a virtual lock when out in front. Still, it will be interesting to see how he fares when he isn't in the fastest car on the grid.

The Red Bull crew working on Vettel's RB8

I am definitely hooked for next year. So many possibilities abound. Vettel is the obvious favorite. Ferrari and McLaren both finished strong, and with champions like Alonso and Button leading them, they will be in the mix. Button in particular might be stronger now that he has the undisputed number one spot in McLaren. Raikkonen already proved that he can win, and that Lotus can give him a car that will be competitive. And now that Hamilton has moved to Mercedes, Ross Brawn has a top-flight driver to develop a car around, like he did when Schumacher was in his stable. that's five teams that have a chance to do something special, with five championship-winning drivers.

Will Jenson Button's status as McLaren's number one man mean a title?

Bring on the funny season!

Excited About EcoBoost

Browsing the local Ford website a few days ago, I found out that they're selling the new Explorer here with an EcoBoost engine option. Now, I'm not a big fan of the SUVs of Ford since I always saw them as huge, gas guzzling land barges that were driven by rude drivers who thought they always had right of way.

On a side note, apologies to Explorer & Expedition owners who drive them decently, or order their chauffeurs to drive them like decent people. I don't honestly know if you exist in the Philippines, but in the off-chance that you do, apologies for stereotyping you into the typical douchebag motorist I always rant against.

I first discovered the ecoboost engine when I read about the new Ford Focus being released abroad with a 1.0L ecoboost engine that does the same output as the old 1.6L Focus engine. I was really impressed with how Ford came up with that engine. The only downside, from what I read before, was that a new Focus with the ecoboost engine had the same price as the old Focus with the 1.6L engine.

So what is an ecoboost engine, anyway? From what I've read and understood, it's basically a more efficient engine. It has the same power and torque output of a bigger displacement engine, only in a smaller displacement. They seem to have achieved this by optimizing the way fuel is injected into the cylinder. I think they've also attached a turbocharger but did it in such a way as to minimize, or maybe even remove, turbo lag.

I hope that Ford's ecoboost engined vehicles sell well, and I hope that they perform well while giving great fuel efficiency. I've always been a fan of highly efficient engines that give good fuel economy while still belting out good power figures.

And if all goes well, I hope that the prices of ecoboost engined vehicles goes down. Because these vehicles might be a good alternative to diesel engined or hybrid cars here in the Philippines.

Out.

Philippine DTM Revival Awarding Ceremony and Meet Up

This is an open invitation to all DTM enthusiasts! Bring your DTM car and hang out with your fellow petrolheads!

Philippine DTM Revival Race Awarding Ceremony and Meet Up
Grams Diner Fort Bonifacio
Wednesday, November 28, 6:30pm

Schedule of activites are:

Awarding for the winners of the 2nd Philippine DTM Revival Race
Special prizes for participants of the 2nd Philippine DTM Revival Race
Recognition for the sponsors of the Philippine DTM Revival
Raffle for all visitors who brought their 80s DTM car (or proof of ownership of a DTM car, if your car is coding that day)

There is no entrance fee, but food and drinks are KKB (ie. you pay for your own food).

See you there!

Philippine DTM Revival Race 2 - sometimes, sequels are better

While there were only a few participants for the first Philippine DTM Revival Race, it was obvious that there was an interest in the race series. Most of the spectators may have showed up to see the Miata Cup or the MSCC Vintage Car Race, but those who witnessed the rebirth of 80s DTM racing certainly displayed their enthusiasm. Mig and I were hopeful that the second race would be better.

With the help of our sponsors from the first race - Aguila Auto Glass, ARC Automotive, Bilstien, Brembo, H&R, Liqui Moly, Mio Watch, Refinish Line, and Sonax - we were confident that we can put on a show the second time around. Petronas (the Malaysian petroleum giant who is the name sponsor of the Petronas Mercedes AMG GP Formula 1 team) gave us their full support and worked out so that the second race would have all the bells and whistles - like transponders for lap times, and complete FIA supervision.

This time, the race would be held in the Clark International Speedway, on November 18, 2012. Unlike the first race, the skies were clear and blue all day, making it perfect racing weather. The Miata Cup had over 20 cars on grid, and the Vintage Car Race gained a new sibling, with the newly minted Modern Sportscar Race, witha couple of Porsche 964s, a 996, BMW Z3 Coupe, a Ford Mustang GT500, and even a couple of Miatas joining the fray. FIA officials from Australia were on hand to make sure things ran smoothly, and that the race was safe and organized. Pro Drivers JP Tuason,  Mike Potenciano, and Louis and Mechie Ramirez, also dropped by to see the the races, along with Mikko David - Top Gear Philippines' Motorsport Editor. The conditions were perfect for a great day of motorsport.

The cars on the grid were the real stars of the show, however. The Mercedes Benz 190E was represented by Mig Dizon's 2.3-16v Cosworth and defending champion George Apacible's 2.5-16v AMG. Carrying the flag for the BMW e30s were Patrick Chan's M3, a couple of tuned 325i's driven by TJ Benitez and pro racer Stefan Ramirez, a 325iS piloted by Paolo Arespacochaga, Peter de Guzman's 320i, and James Stratchan's 318i. (I wasn't able to drive this race - my e30 is almost ready! Almost! Argh!)

The format was the same as the first race - one practice heat, one qualifying race, and then the final race. Only this time, there were more participants. But there weren't just more cars on the grid, but the racing was also excellent, with lots of overtaking and wheel to wheel action between Paolo, George, Patrick, Stefan and TJ going at each other.

The three pro drivers put on a great show, with Stefan, George and Paolo overtaking and re-overtaking each other. Patrick and TJ - both veteran club racers - kept pace and joined the fray with the pros.

The day, however, belonged to Paolo who had just celebrated his birthday a week before. coring fastest laps for all three races, taking pole position for both race heats, and taking first place in the final race. George finished second, while Patrick secured another podium to take third. Stefan and TJ came in just behind the top three, while Peter and James also finished. Mig, however, didn't start the final race due to a fuel pump problem.

More important than winning or losing was the spirit of 80s DTM Racing is alive and well! Guys came over to see the 16v Benzes and the e30s to admire the cars in their semi-racing livery. There were spectators who came over to say that they, too, have a Cossie or e30 they'd love to race. Even Mike Potenciano mulled over the possibility of bringing his e30 M3 to one of the races.

With the success of the event, the Philippine DTM Revival Race will continue in 2013, with 3 to 4 races spaced out throughout the year. I'm looking forward to seeing even more cars, more fans, and more motorsport fun in the next few races. That dream that Mig and I had so many years ago is finally coming true, and we're just glad to be a part of it. I just hope next time, the both of us get to be part of the final race, too!


        Final results:

         1. Paolo Arespacochaga - BMW 325iS (e30)
         2. George Apacible - Mercedes Benz 190E 2.5-16v
         3. Patrick Chan - BMW M3 (e30)
         4. Stefan Ramirez - BMW 325i (e30)
         5. TJ Benitez - BMW 325i (e30)
         6. Peter de Guzman - BMW 320i (e30)
         7. James Strachan - BMW 318i (e30)
         (DNS - fuel pump failure on track). Miguel Dizon - Mercedes Benz 190E 2.3-16v


For more pics, or information on how to join the next Philippine DTM Revival Race, check out the Philippine DTM Revival Facebook Page!

Philippine DTM Revival - aka my excuse to have fun in an e30

In 2009, a friend of mine, Mig Dizon, purchased a Mercedes Benz 190E 2.3-16v Cosworth. I already had my BMW e30 325i, and we met up one night to... um... "compare" our cars. After a few... uh... "comparisons," we talked about how awesome it would be to pit the BMW e30s and the Benz 190Es in their natural environment, the race track. From that conversation sprung the 1st Philippine DTM Revival Race.

With the help of fellow enthusiast Manolet Ramos, we got to work with Martin Galan of the Manila Sports Car Club and Rene Mapua of the Miata Club of the Philippines. With their help, Mig and myself set off to make our dreams a reality. But to make this happen, we needed two things - enthusiasts to participate, and sponsors to help defray the massive costs of renting a track.

Enthusiasts were plenty enough - various members of the BMW Car Club of the Philippines, E30 Club of the Philippines, and the Mercedes Benz Club of the Philippines and a few others expressed their interest. Unfortunately, with a limited time to prepare their cars, and with the threat of strong rains, we could only muster a grid of 5 cars.

photo: Paolo Arespacochaga

Sponsor interest, however, was very strong. My car shop, ARC Automotive, was definitely into it. Autoperformance Ph, distributor of Brembo brakes, also signed up immediately. Refinish Line, Mig's rubberized undercoat company, also lent its support. Bilstein and H&R suspension systems were also quick to provide assistance and prizes. Liqui Moly lubes also gave generously, as did Sonax detailing products. Mio Watch Philippines, distributors of the world's first strapless heart rate monitor watch, also signed on. And last, but not least, Aguila Auto Glass chipped in with its support. 

A special mention also goes out to painter and graphic artist Ildus Galimzyanov, who graciously donated the use of his artwork for the DTM event poster. You can purchase some of his awesome automotive art through fineartamerica.com.

Thanks also goes out to Brent Co of Auto Industriya for coming out and showing their support for the event. Check out Auto Industriya's article!

photo: Francis Aguila

The race was finally made ito a reality on September 17, 2012, at the Batangas Racing Circuit. The race format included a practice session, where the fastest lap determined the grid order for the qualifying race, and the finishing order for the qualifying race determined the grid for the race proper. The grid included pro race car drivers George Apacible (Benz 190E 2.5-16v) and Paolo Arespacochaga (e30 325iS), Circuit Showdown veteran Patrick Chan (e30 M3), Neil Monzones (e30 320i) and myself rounded out the competitors. Noticably absent was Mig, whose 190E 2.3-16v had to bow out at the last minute due to a fuel pump problem.

Patrick found himself at pole position for the final race, thanks to some great driving in the qualifying race. But George Apacible stole the show, by blasting through the field in just one lap to take home the  win, despite starting at the back of the grid - the penalty for missing the practice session. Patrick held on the second place, and Neil took home third. Paolo and myself both had to retire due to technical problems.

photo: Paolo Arespacochaga

photo: Paolo Arespacochaga

Despite the relatively small turnout, everyone had a great time. And more importantly, this could be the start of something wonderful. In fact, it's already spawned a sequel...

For more pics, or information on how to join the next Philippine DTM Revival Race, check out the Philippine DTM Revival Facebook Page!

NAIA 3

Wasn't able to snap a pic as I was driving, but for anyone going to NAIA 3 (Cebu Pac or Airphil) and you go via the rotunda (coming from Resorts World) take care NOT to cross the solid white line. There are guys stationed there just waiting to pounce.

My reco is to go slowly exiting the rotunda and enter into the "driveway" of NAIA 3 via that small gap before the solid white line.

But for longterm results can someone do some research on that? Can those guys really catch you? And anyone with pictures?
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How about pictures?

Woohoo that worked! Now does it work with picture attachments?
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Testing

Sorry for the lack of content lately, but hopefully this email to post feature works so posting on the fly becomes viable.

Testing 1 2 3...
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