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The 2nd Philippine International Motor Show

DRIVE THE FUTURE: Towards Safer and Cleaner Motoring

Held last August 21 - 24, 2008 at the World Trade Center in Manila, Philippines.

Pictures courtesy of Paul De Borja.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2nd Philippine International Motor Show

DRIVE THE FUTURE: Towards Safer and Cleaner Motoring

Held last August 21 - 24, 2008 at the World Trade Center in Manila, Philippines.

Pictures courtesy of Paul De Borja.

Honda CR-V  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a big rear end! And I’m not even talking about the car. LOL!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The all new 2008 Accord

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big, mean and beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fits three bodies inside. Really, that’s how big the trunk is.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the highlights of the show was the launch of the all new Honda Jazz. Come to think of it, they should have named it the All New International Motorshow. Hehehe!!!

Looks like a shark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like what I said, the All New JAZZ!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sharp eyes, sharp look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New rubber shoes. Nice!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comes in other cool colors too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2nd Philippine International Motor Show 

DRIVE THE FUTURE: Towards Safer and Cleaner Motoring

Held last August 21 - 24, 2008 at the World Trade Center in Manila, Philippines.

Pictures courtesy of Paul De Borja.

 

 

 Porsche - will most definitely be a part of MY driving future. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toyota A-BAT hybrid pickup concept.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perhaps in response to the criticism that Toyota has received over the past year from environmentalists for its ever larger and thirstier trucks, the Japanese automaker is switching direction with its 2008 Detroit concept - the A-BAT hybrid pickup concept. Toyota and Nissan pioneered the idea of modern compact pickup trucks in the U.S. market, but Toyota has largely left it behind over the past decade. The new A-BAT concept pickup is 27 inches shorter than an extended cab Tacoma and nine inches shorter than the regular cab model. In profile, the uni-body truck looks somewhat like a shorter Honda Ridgeline with rounder contours. The A-BAT is the first Toyota to have a mid-gate allowing cargo longer than the standard four-foot bed to extend into the cab. With the tailgate down, drivers can pack the proverbial 4×8 sheet of plywood. Power for the A-BAT comes from Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive mated to a four-cylinder engine, although so far there is no indication of which wheels get propulsion. Based on the snub-nosed styling, it seems probable that the engine is transversely mounted and driving the front wheels. The A-BAT officially debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit early this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOYOTA A-BAT CONCEPT PICKUP TRUCK

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

DRIVETRAIN

Four cylinder gas engine with Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive¨

DIMENSIONS (inches)

Overall Length: 181.3
Overall Width: 74.4
Overall Height: 64.0
Wheelbase: 112.2
Bed Length: 48.0
Bed Length with Midgate down: 72.0
Bed Length with Midgate and Tailgate down: 96.0
Wheel Size: 19-inch

PRESS RELEASE:

TOYOTA RETURNS TO ITS COMPACT TRUCK ROOTS WITH THE A-BAT CONCEPT VEHICLE

DETROIT - Jan. 13, 2008 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., returns to its compact pickup truck roots with its latest concept vehicle A-BAT. The environmentally advanced A-BAT provides modern versatility, roominess and style in a compact pickup architecture. The A-BAT made its debut in Detroit at the 2008 North American International Auto Show today.

“Driving from beyond the suburbs to the city is a way of life for many people,” said Kevin Hunter, president, Calty Design Research, Inc. “We’ve taken Toyota’s truck heritage to a different level by envisioning a vehicle capable of
maneuvering the suburbs as well as dirt roads. This compact truck is as comfortable for long commutes as it is for road trips. It can accommodate outdoor toys and home improvement supplies. Plus, customers benefit from the hybrid powertrain’s low emissions and fuel economy.”

 

The A-BAT concept was developed by the TMS Advanced Product Strategy group and Calty, Toyota’s North American-based, research and design center located in Newport Beach, Calif. Together, they identified a buyer group whose unique combination of lifestyle activities and vehicle needs required a vehicle that as of now is not available in the market place. The team created a new genre of compact vehicle with good fuel economy, advanced functionality, maneuverability, unique styling within its segment, and a durable package suitable for an active lifestyle. Advanced styling was also key in making the A-BAT appropriate for today’s market.

The A-BAT concept rides on a unibody platform for car-like handling when navigating city streets and crowded parking lots, and smooth ride quality for highway trips and the everyday commute. In addition, its lightweight package coupled with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive¨ technology is designed to deliver excellent fuel economy. Translucent solar panels in the top surface of the instrument panel capture sunlight and convert it into energy, showcasing the vehicle’s “green” character. Positioned below the Toyota Tacoma, A-BAT integrates truck features with carfundamentals for an efficient and modern package.

The A-BAT’s unique aerodynamic exterior was crafted by Calty Project Chief Designer Ian Cartabiano and Creative Designer Matt Sperling. They integrated Toyota’s design philosophy, “Vibrant Clarity” into the exterior by keeping the design forward-looking, crisp and functional.

The concept’s unique look is a combination of the large body surfaces, intersecting tight surface planes, crisp lines and the trapezoidal profile. The A-BAT’s 19-inch wheels sit at the vehicle’s corners creating a tough and ready
stance.

“We studied the ‘trapezoid’ silhouette from the side profile of the Toyota Prius and applied it to create an entirely new truck image,” said Sperling. He further enhanced the trapezoidal profile by placing the cab forward, and using fast angle A- and C-pillars, shortened overhangs, and a sleek front window.

“The bold grille showcases Toyota’s reverse trapezoid and T-face theme in a new way,” explained Cartabiano. “The bed is defined by the C-pillar and is clearly separated from the cab to allow it to stand out from the rest of the profile.”

“The image of a NATO all-terrain military truck inspired us to keep the occupants as far forward as possible to maximize rear bed capacity in this compact package,” stated Sperling.

The A-BAT features a four-foot bed, but has more flexibility than the standard pickup truck. A translucent roof panel slides open to allow for tall cargo in the cab. When the pass-through midgate is folded down into the cab the bed lengthens an additional two feet. An open tailgate provides an additional two-foot of bed length. The A-BAT offers customers the versatility of hauling a standard 4×8 sheet of plywood one day, then taking a family on a camping trip to the lake the next.

The bed has features perfect for work and play. These include tailgate lighting for illuminating the load in the bed, a first aid kit and flashlight integrated into the tailgate, sliding tie downs, and an AC power outlet. Items such as sports and leisure equipment can be stored in the lockable drawers in the bed walls. The concept also has additional storage that is accessible through sliding doors conveniently placed in and outside of the truck bed. For even more storage capacity the A-BAT comes with a large sliding drawer beneath the bed, accessible without opening the tailgate.

Although the A-BAT is rugged and has a spirited exterior, the interior team worked to create a modern look for the interior.

“We balanced colors and fabrics that were both bright and vibrant, but also captured an urban-rugged feel with their energetic and geometric qualities,” said Alan Schneider, Project Chief Designer.

“The inspiration behind the exposed structure on the interior was drawn from high-end mountain bike frames,” added Daryl Harris, Senior Creative Designer. “We applied lightweight construction materials, such as carbon fiber and aluminum, to the instrument panel, console and seats for increased structural rigidity while reducing mass.”

The rigid, yet sculptured alloy center console runs between the two front seats and houses a portable power pack. The battery pack offers both AC and DC for a wide variety of applications including powering tools, electrical gear while camping, a laptop computer, small appliances or assisting a vehicle jump start.

The door trim, shoulder, armrest and instrument panel pads and seat cushions are made of a tough, lightweight and comfortable material that can be selected for personalization. In addition the colors are coordinated to enhance the sleek interior environment. The center console and door pockets feature carbon fiber components to complete the durable and modern look.

The four-passenger A-BAT offers numerous seating and storage configurations. In addition to the rear seats folding down with the midgate to extend the cargo bed length, the rear seat cushions can retract beneath the cargo bed to increase rear cab cargo flexibility. A removable storage tray beneath the rear seat offers tie downs and organizing compartments to secure loose cargo.

Inside the A-BAT has a retractable portable navigation unit with a seven-inch diagonal screen and Wi-Fi internet. Other advanced features include a port for portable device assistant synchronization and a hard drive for digital music.

Both the driver and front passenger have a large multi-information display screens on the IP to view the status of their high tech gadgets and HVAC and audio settings.

The solar panels on the dash recapture energy from the sun to assist in the charging of the navigation unit, portable power pack and backlit information displays.

“This concept is the next evolution of the compact truck,” said Hunter. “We were able to create a compact truck that’s utilitarian, has an original profile compared to other pickup trucks, has a ’small, but tough’ character and is economical to operate. The A-BAT is a fun-to-drive, practical package that reflects Toyota’s environmental sustainability message.”

 

The all new 2008 Toyota VIOS

Looks fatter but still cute.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looks gorgeous, even from the side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you stare at it long enough, you will probably start seeing the smile on it’s face.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The all new 2008 Toyota Corolla Altis sports a brand new rear end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Would’nt it be nice if these babies come in as stock?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big brother Corolla looks  like it means serious business.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A classic in the making.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The money shot!

 

Is that a V for Victory?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The not-so-new Toyota Hilux. But still oozing with sex appeal!!!

I am starting to see a trend here. And I am not complaining…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H-I-L-U-X, all in uppercase. To stress the strong values of this wonderful truck. Again, the letters. Does G stand for Greatness? Hmm…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The grand daddy of them all - Toyota Land Cruiser.

watch out for more…

Foot power anyone? Yabadabadoooo!!!!

 

Don’t what this is.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember Beverly Hill BIllies? I don’t. Hehehehehe!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is there a CAR WASH near here?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

California KID

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wonder why they call this

DRAG-U-LA?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Would you be caught dead driving this thing?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the “Munsters”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Volkswagen Bus was the first minivan, invented by the same logical minds that brought the world the Volkswagen Beetle. In fact, the Volkswagen Bus was for years really a big, boxy body on a Beetle chassis. The Volkswagen Bus even used the Beetle’s air-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, and mounted it in the tail, just like the Bug did.

The first Volkswagen Bus, seen here in an early brochure, debuted in 1950 and was called the Transporter, or VW Type 2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And much like the beloved Beetle, the Volkswagen Bus came to symbolize liberty and unconventionality for a whole generation of Americans.

Variously called the Transporter, Station Wagon, Kombi, and Micro Bus, later the Vanagon and EuroVan, this picture-paced article covers ever version of the Volkswagen Bus, and even looks ahead to the vehicle’s future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So strong was the original 1950 design that it survived until 1967, and by the time Chrysler launched its Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager in 1984, the VW Bus was already into its third generation.

Despite its steady success over the years, the 1990s and 2000s were not kind to the Volkswagen Bus. VW offered it in camper form only through much of the 1990s, and when it brought it back with more power than ever, that version lasted only from 1999 through 2003.

Even the very cool, German-engineered retro Microbus concept that raised hopes in 2001 was shelved. However, the Volkswagen Bus appears on track to return in 2008 using the underpinnings of the latest Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, but with a VW-designed body and interior.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The inaugural Volkswagen Bus was officially called the Transporter or VW Type 2 — the VW Beetle being the Type 1. The Type 2 was born of VW chief Heinz Nordhoff’s growing confidence in the still-young Volkswagen enterprise, which traced its origins to 1930s Nazi Germany, but really didn’t begin volume production of customer cars - all Beetle sedans — until 1947.

Introduction of the convertible version of the Beetle in 1949 showed that Nordoff was amenable to carefully considered variations on VW’s one-note Beetle sedan theme. By 1950, Nordhoff had determined that the Volkswagen was healthy enough to support a second model range, and that was the Volkswagen Bus.

Nordhoff took particular pride in the Type 2, noting that it was developed without input from Porsche, the engineering and design firm named after Ferdinand Porsche, the engineer - later of sports-car fame - who designed the original Beetle.

The genesis of the Volkswagen Bus was instead a 1947 pencil sketch by Ben Pon, the importer who introduced the Beetle to the U.S. in 1949.

Numerous commercial versions of the Beetle had already been built, typically by entrepreneurs who cut, chopped, and added to the little Bug to produce a variety of open-bed and station wagon-type delivery vans.

The Type 2, however, was a purpose-built factory design and there was nothing like it on the automotive landscape. Other manufacturers offered various commercial vans, mostly tall bread-truck-like delivery vehicles, but no other maker thought to scale down the design to suit passenger duty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More to come!!!