Toyota HILUX GR-S now in the Philippines

September 26, 2023

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has introduced the new Hilux GR-Sport (GR-S), a more performance-oriented version of the country’s best-selling pickup. The Hilux GR-S is inspired by the Dakar-winning Hilux, and it features a number of upgrades that make it more capable on and off the road.

The Hilux GR-S has a wider track and a raised ride height, which gives it a more imposing stance and improved stability. The truck also comes with new 17-inch alloy GR design wheels with All-Terrain Tires, and the GR Aero sports bar.

Under the hood, the Hilux GR-S is powered by a 2.8L diesel engine that produces 224 PS and 550 Nm of torque. Additionally, the New Hilux GR-S includes GR front and rear disc brakes with GR brake calipers, and monotube shock absorbers, enhancing overall driving experience on or off the roads. These upgrades improve the truck’s handling and braking performance.

Inside, the Hilux GR-S features a sporty black interior with GR-S suede and leather seats, a leather steering wheel with a GR-S emblem, and leather door trims with technical mesh and red seatbelts for that sporty feel. 9-inch Display Audio with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a Wireless Charger add spirit to every adventure in the New Hilux GR-S, while functions such as Smart Entry and Push Start System offer convenience in each ride.

The Hilux GR-S will have Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) for additional safety features. It is also equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) and other safety features such as a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and Downhill Assist Control (DAC).

The Toyota Hilux GR-S is now available at all Toyota dealerships nationwide. It is priced at P2,166,000 for the Attitude Black Mica colorway and P2,186,000 for the Emotional Red and Super White II / Attitude Black Mica (2-tone) colorways.

The new Toyota Hilux GR-Sport is a great choice for pickup truck buyers who are looking for a more performance-oriented vehicle. The truck is also a good choice for buyers who want a pickup truck with a more aggressive and sporty appearance.

The Hilux GR-S is also a good choice for buyers who want a pickup truck that is capable of handling both on-road and off-road driving conditions. The truck’s wider track, raised ride height, and all-terrain tires make it well-suited for driving on rough roads and trails.

Toyota Philippines launches all-new Wigo with new sporty design

July 16, 2023

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has officially announced the latest major update of its best-selling hatchback, the All-New Toyota Wigo.TMP launched the new Wigo at the Trinoma Activity Center in Quezon City.

“This is a very exciting launch for us at Toyota Motor Philippines because we know that the Wigo is one of the favorite Toyota models of Filipinos. The Wigo has given many new car buyers their memorable first car experience. In fact, we have given thrill and joy to more than 149,000 Wigo owners since the model was introduced in the country in 2014,” said TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto.

The updates on the all-new Wigo are mostly on the exterior side, most notably the sporty design to have that aggressive feel and look. It will feature a bigger and wider body at 3.76M X 1.655M x 1.515M. The new Wigo will be available in three variants; G, E and J variants that comes in new CVT. A manual transmission option is will also be available.

Photos;

The SRP for the new Wigo are;

WIGO G	PHP 729,000.00
WIGO E	PHP 684,000.00
WIGO J	PHP 609,000.00

The all-new Wigo will be available 6 colors; Red Mica Metallic 2, Orange Metallic 3, Yellow SE, Silver Metallic 4, Gray Metallic and White 2 colors. The All-New Wigo’s retail sales starts on July 17, 2023 nationwide.

Nissan collaborates with New Balance to create – Nissan Kicks 327 Edition

January 27, 2023

Nissan and New Balance just create a one of a kind car that both car-lovers and sneaker heads will surely like. It’s not uncommon for car manufacturer to partner with fashion and lifestyle brands to create a “new” product; like the Puma Ferrari shoes or the Porche Design Huawei Mate 40 RS, but with Nissan and New Balance collab it’s the other way around, instead of the car-inspired shoe design, they created a “shoe-inspired” car design. Both Nissan and New Balance literally created a Nisan Kicks, one that they’re calling Nissan Kicks 327 Edition.

Nissan Kicks 327 Edition is “Nissan Kicks e-POWER 4WD” wrapped with New Balance “327” specifications. The car was wrapped material to represent the suede fabric texture of the “327” shoes and the tongue part was carefully created from the reproduction of the shape to the texture of the shoe.

Nissan did not mention if they will mass product the Nissan Kicks 327 Edition but it was exhibited at NISSAN CROSSING (Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) starting last Tuesday, January 24th until this Wednesday, February 1st.

For reference, this is what the New Balance 327 looks like.

Source: New Balance Japan

Saudi Arabia launches its own electric vehicle brand – Ceer

November 10, 2022

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced the launching of Ceer – “the first Saudi electric vehicle brand that will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s automotive manufacturing sector.” The announcement is part of PIR and Saudi’s plan to diversify the country’s economy, as it moves away from oil dependency.

Ceer will also contribute to Kingdom’s “efforts towards carbon emissions reduction and driving sustainability to address the impact of climate change.” In the official announcement published by Saudi Press Agency (SPA), his Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) said;

Saudi Arabia is not just building a new automotive brand, we are igniting a new industry and an ecosystem that attracts international and local investments, creates job opportunities for local talent, enables the private sector, and contributes to increasing Saudi Arabia’s GDP over the next decade, as part of PIF’s strategy to drive the economic growth in line with Vision 2030.

Ceer is the first Saudi automotive brand that will will design, manufacture and sell a range of electric vehicles for consumers in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. It is projected that Ceer will attract more than US$150 million of foreign direct investment, and create up to 30,000 direct and indirect jobs. Ceer is projected to directly contribute US$8 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2034.

Ceer motors, the company behind Ceer, is a joint venture between PIF and Foxconn, will be using technology from BMW for its vehicle development process. Foxconn will also develop the electrical architecture of the vehicle, to power its infotainment, connectivity and autonomous driving technologies. Each vehicle will be designed and manufactured in Saudi Arabia, and will be tested to the highest global automotive quality control and safety standards. Ceer vehicles are expected to be on the road by 2025.

Source: SPA, ceermotors.com

This is Michael Jordan’s Racing team car for the 2021 Daytona 500

November 5, 2020

On September 21, 2020, Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin announced they would be fielding a NASCAR team with Bubba Wallace driving, beginning competition in the 2021 season.[162] On October 22, the team’s name was confirmed to be 23XI Racing (pronounced twenty-three eleven) and that the team’s entry will bear the number 23.

via 23xiracing.com;

Toyota is pleased to announce their support of the new NASCAR Cup Series team 23XI Racing, which is co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and current NASCAR Cup Series championship contender Denny Hamlin. 23XI Racing will make its debut in the 2021 Daytona 500 with Bubba Wallace behind the wheel of the No. 23 Toyota Camry.

The partnership with Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) includes support from Toyota Racing Development, U.S.A. (TRD), who will build the team’s engines and provide technology, data and technical assistance.

It’s official 🤝 @ToyotaRacing pic.twitter.com/FuFwrvfj6N

— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) October 30, 2020

Nissan announces the development of Z Proto

September 16, 2020

Nissan announces the development of Z Proto

Nissan just revealed the design for its Z Proto, the successor to the fifth-generation Fairlady Z. The Z Proto is powered by a V-6, twin-turbocharged engine with 6-speed manual transmission.

Nissan also gave the Z Proto a modern twist with its a teardrop-shaped LED headlights, rectangular LED taillights and 19-inch alloy wheels, and dual exhausts.

Since this just a prototype, Nissan may still tweak the design and see a slightly different vehicle once its available.

Here are some photos and videos.