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aldrinmontierro's Blog
Live your Passion. Accelerate your Future.
Posts: 25
Ex-Philippines leader Corazon Aquino dies at 76
August 1, 2009 by aldrinmontierro

Former
President Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino passed away early Saturday morning
August 1, Philippine time after a long battle with colon cancer. She
was 76.
Deedee
Siytangco, the former President’s spokesperson, confirmed Aquino’s
demise this morning. The nation is certain to mourn the loss of the
country’s Icon of Democracy.
Aquino died three days after her family declared that her health condition had stabilized.
Siytangco said last Wednesday that “her (Cory’s) children said she’s now stable.”
On
Thursday, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)
said it is one with the Filipino people not only in praying for the
cancer-stricken former president but also in thanking the latter for
restoring freedom and democracy in the country.
“We
join the Filipino people in thanking her for the freedom and democracy
that she helped bring back to the country in 1986,” CBCP president Jaro
Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said in a letter to Noynoy.
“The
country will forever be grateful for the sacrifices she and her
husband, Ninoy, have offered in response to the dream and challenge
that our country is worth dying for,” he said.
Last
July 13, the CBCP offered a mass for Mrs. Aquino’s recovery during the
99th Plenary Assembly at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center on UN Ave.,
Manila. “Together we pray for her, God’s will be done,” Lagdameo said.
Earlier
on Wednesday, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines
(CEAP) asked its member-schools to pray and offer masses for the
country’s former leader.
Aside
from offering prayers and masses, the CEAP also asked its members to
tie yellow ribbons, wear yellow bands and shirts, and hang streamers to
show their support and love for Mrs. Aquino.
Earlier,
Aquino's former Tourism secretary, Rafael Alunan, also talked of Cory’s
humility even during her time as the highest official of the land.
Alunan
lauded the efforts of Aquino's friends and former Cabinet officers in
spearheading the "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" campaign to show support for
Aquino.
“I
think the Filipino people will not forget Cory Aquino and yellow will
always symbolize her purity in pushing for reforms,” he said.
The
response to the campaign proves “the people yearn for those good times
with Cory, when we're all together organizing and fighting for the
common good,” Alunan said.
From a news site:
At the time of her death, the 76-year-old widow was confined in a private room at the Makati Medical Center’s ninth floor.
Doctors
had strongly advised to keep the former President in her hospital room
so she could get immediate medical attention after her cancer spread
from her colon to the liver, said Noynoy. Aquino's weakened state made
it impossible for her to undergo further chemotherapy.
Aquino
was diagnosed with colon cancer in March 2008. She had chemotherapy and
underwent surgery last April. She returned to hospital confinement last
June 25 due to continued loss of appetite caused by fluid buildup in
her stomach.
A
statement from Former Finance Secretary Jose T. Pardo, a staunch
supporter of Aquino read, "President Cory has earned her place in
history as the leader who brought back hope to our country. She was our
guiding light during those dark moments. She is an icon, beacon of
democracy. She will live on forever in our hearts."
Last
Monday, Alberto Lim, executive director of the influential Makati
Business Club (MBC), issued a statement noting that aside from
restoring democracy in the Philippines, former President Aquino had
also “saved the business sector from the cronies of the late Ferdinand
Marcos.”
Aquino's
“historic” contribution to the business sector prompted the MBC to
organize a nine-day noontime novena Mass, which started Monday.
“When
President Aquino restored our democracy, she also salvaged the business
sector, which was at that time being taken over by Marcos cronies.
Democracy is very vital in business. If not for her, there is no
vibrant business sector in the country," Lim said.

Armed
policemen stand guard as a vehicle with a yellow ribbon, a gesture of
mourning, waits outside the Heritage memorial park in Manila where the
body of the late former Philippine president Corazon Aquino was brought
to, August 1, 2009. Aquino, whose "people power" revolution swept
dictator Ferdinand Marcos from power in the Philippines, died on
Saturday after a 16-month battle against colon cancer, her family said.
She was 76.

Condolences to President Cory Aquino and Family.
- My Car Team
Raikkonen to race in world rally
June 30, 2009 by aldrinmontierro
Former Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen is to
compete in the World Rally Championship in his native Finland at the
end of the July.
Ferrari's Raikkonen has appeared in three
non-championship rallies this season and will be behind the wheel of a
Fiat Abarth Grande Punto.
His co-driver, Kaj Lindstrom, said: "The roads used for this rally are so fast but he's very talented."
The rally is staged three weeks before the European Grand Prix in Valencia.
Raikkonen,
who won the F1 title in 2007, will be competing against the likes of
championship favourites Sebastien Loeb and Mikko Hirvonen.
Event
spokesman Simon Long said: "It's superb news for the championship and
hugely exciting that he'll be competing at Rally Finland."
In a disappointing season for Ferrari, Raikkonen has won just 10 points
in the drivers' world championship, 54 behind leader Jenson Button.
Michael Jackson is dead
June 26, 2009 by aldrinmontierro
Pop star Michael Jackson was pronounced dead today after paramedics
found him in a coma at his Bel-Air mansion, city and law enforcement
sources told The Times.
Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Steve Ruda told The Times that
paramedics responded to a 911 call from the home. When they arrived,
Jackson was not breathing.
The paramedics performed CPR and took Jackson to UCLA Medical
Center, Ruda said. Hundreds of reporters gathered at the hospital
awaiting word on his condition. The sources, who spoke on the condition
of anonymity, said family members rushed to Jackson’s bedside, where he
was in a deep coma.
The circumstances of Jackson’s death remain unclear. Law enforcement
sources said that Los Angeles Police Department robbery-homicide
detectives have opened an investigation into the death, though they
stressed that there is no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
The detectives plan to interview relatives, friends and Jackson’s
doctors to try to figure out what happened. The L.A. County coroner’s
office will determine a cause of death. A Los Angeles Fire Department
source told The Times that Jackson was in full cardiac arrest when
rescue units arrived.
A doctor was in the house performing CPR on Jackson, said the source
who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak
to the media. Paramedics were called to a home in the 100 block of
Carolwood Drive off Sunset Boulevard.
Jackson rented the Bel-Air home -- described as a French chateau
built in 2002 with seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, 12 fireplaces and a
theater -- for $100,000 a month. The home is about a six-minute drive
from UCLA Medical Center. Jackson has three children -- sons Prince
Michael 7, and Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., 12, and daughter Paris
Michael Katherine, 11.
Jackson, 50, died as he was attempting a comeback after years of
tabloid headlines, most notably his trial and acquittal on child
molestation charges.
In May, The Times reported that Jackson had rented the Bel-Air residence and was rehearsing for a series of 50 sold-out shows in London's O2 Arena. Jackson had won the backing of two billionaires to get the so-called "King of Pop" back on stage.
His backers envisioned the shows at AEG's O2 as an audition for a
career rebirth that could have ultimately encompassed a three-year
world tour, a new album, movies, a Graceland-like museum, musical
revues in Las Vegas and Macau, and even a "Thriller" casino. Such a
rebound could have wiped out Jackson's massive debt.
Ford Racing prepping new 2010 Mustang Cobra Jet
June 25, 2009 by aldrinmontierro
Ford's re-packaging of the Mustang into its 2010 model-year form factor has pleased the critics with a sleeker look, but now Ford Racing is getting ready to please the folks that live only to see quick ETs with the 2010 Mustang Cobra Jet (2008 model pictured).
The 2010 car will wear the FR500CJ model designation just like the car before it, but other specifications have yet to be nailed down. Ford Racing is expecting to put a 425hp 5.4L supercharged V8 straight out of the Ford Racing Parts (FRP) catalog in the standard model, with an optional upgrade to a 475hp aluminum-block engine.
Shifting gears yourself is one of the most rewarding parts of driving a car fast when done properly, but at the drag strip, it just slows you down, so Ford is offering a five-speed Liberty manual in addition to a race-prepped automatic on top of the standard six-speed tranny that was available on the 2008 car.
To keep the car from crumpling when the shiny side fails to stay up, all 2010 Cobra Jets get an 8.50et NHRA certified roll cage, too.
Final testing of components is still underway, but Ford says production will begin in Q4 2009 with first deliveris to start in early 2010. Pricing hasn't been set yet, but will start below $75,000, says Ford. Like last time, only 50 will be available.
F1 reaches compromise; Mosley to step down
June 25, 2009 by aldrinmontierro

PARIS (AP) — A breakaway Formula One series was averted Wednesday when Max Mosley ceded to the rebel teams' demand that a planned budget cap be scrapped and the FIA president said he won't seek re-election.
Mosley will immediately take a back-seat role until his
16-year reign ends in October — a move that will help to end the acrimonious
atmosphere that has blighted F1 in recent months.
"There will be no split. There will be one F1 championship
in 2010," Mosley said at FIA's Paris headquarters.
"They've got the rules they want and they've got the
stability. We've got the new teams and we've got the cost reduction."
Mosley backed down on the voluntary $65 million budget cap
at the World Motorsport Council. Instead, teams were given a watered-down order
to reduce costs to early 1990s levels.
But the Formula One Teams Association, which instigated the
breakaway, had already implemented a series of cost-cutting measures themselves
this season amid the global economic downturn, restricting on-track testing and
the use of wind tunnels for aerodynamic testing.
Further efforts to create savings on engines and gearboxes
in the next three years had already been announced by FOTA in May to help
attract new teams. Campos Meta, Manor and Team US F1 will make their debuts next
season. Additional cuts are expected to be agreed to Thursday at a FOTA meeting
in Bologna, Italy.
"I am pleased FOTA's proposals have been endorsed and
approved by the WMSC today," said John Howett, FOTA's vice chairman and Toyota
Motorsport president. "We look forward to working with the FIA Senate to achieve
a prosperous and exciting future for Formula One and its millions of fans around
the world."
FOTA's members — Ferrari, McLaren, BMW Sauber, Renault,
Toyota, Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Brawn GP — opposed the budget cap because it
would have given those who signed up greater technical freedom than those who
refused, creating a two-tier championship next season.
"We're very happy that common sense has prevailed as I
always believed it would because the alternative was not good at all," said
Bernie Ecclestone, F1's commercial rights holder. "Everything is in good
shape."
The FIA also expects the teams to sign on to a new Concorde
Agreement, the confidential commercial document governing the sport.
Last weekend's British Grand Prix had been overshadowed by
the split between the FIA and FOTA members, some of whom were branded "loonies"
by Mosley after their decision to form a rival series.
Mosley announced plans to sue FOTA on Friday, but backed
down 48 hours later when he insisted that a deal was close.
What will help heal the rifts is the departure of the often
divisive Mosley after four terms. His leadership style was criticized as too
autocratic and was blamed by many of the teams for precipitating the split
between FOTA and the FIA.
Even as the crisis intensified over the weekend, Mosley was
still planning to run for a fifth term.
But he said Wednesday: "The teams were always ... going to
get rid of me in October. Whether the person who succeeds me will be more to
their taste than I am remains to be seen."
Mosley has been the president of the FIA, the international
automobile federation that governs Formula One, since 1993. FIA Senate president
Michel Boeri will effectively be in charge until the election.
"It is a great relief and that is going to enable me to
take a step back for the summer," Mosley said. "I will be able to look at
Formula One knowing it's peaceful and stable, and I will be able to stop — as
was always my intention — in October of this year."
"This for me is an enormous relief," Mosley added,
referring to "personal difficulties" he has faced.
His son, Alexander Mosley, was found dead at his luxury
apartment May 5 after an accidental drug overdose.
The 69-year-old FIA president, the son of former British
fascist leader Oswald Mosley, was at the center of a media frenzy last year when
a tabloid newspaper reported he took part in a sadomasochistic orgy with five
prostitutes in London. A video of the incident was widely circulated on the
Internet.
Mosley successfully sued the News of the World for
invasion of privacy.
The episode brought calls for Mosley's ouster as FIA
president, but he won an overwhelming vote of confidence to stay on.
Team notes: Drivers on track for New Hampshire visit
June 25, 2009 by aldrinmontierro
Tony Stewart, No. 14 Chevrolet, Stewart-Haas Racing
This week: Stewart's points lead has
increased to 84 as the Cup series heads to New Hampshire for the first
of two races this season. Stewart has two wins, 10 top-five finishes
and 12 top-10s in 20 starts at the "Magic Mile." He was 13th last June
and eighth in September.
Last week: Stewart finished second to Kasey Kahne in the season's first road-course race, the Toyota/SaveMart 350 at Infineon Raceway.
Etc.: Stewart owes much of his Cup
success to his father, Nelson, who raced late model stock cars across
northern Indiana when he was in his 20s. At the age of 44, Nelson's
focus changed. He sold his SCCA D-Production car in favor of a go-kart
for his 7-year-old son. In addition to the go-kart, Nelson gave Tony
all of the traits that separate a good driver from a good racer. "He
never let me settle for second," said Tony Stewart, now in his 29th
year of competitive racing. "He didn't like it when we ran second, and
he knew that I didn't like it when we ran second. If he saw that I
wasn't giving 100%, then he was on me pretty hard about it. He pushed
me to be better. He never pressured me to be the best race-car driver
in the world, but he did want me to be the best race-car driver that I
could be. He never compared me to anybody else. He expected that what I
could do was what I could do. He never said that because this guy over
here could do something, that I should be able to do it, too. He pushed
me hard, but he was fair about it. That's probably why you see so much
fire in me today, because he always wanted me to be the best that I
could be." ... As a 37-year-old, when Tony Stewart made the massive
leap from being just a driver to taking on the dual role of
driver/owner with his own team — Stewart-Haas Racing — Nelson has been
there to see his son succeed once again. "At the time he won the first
Brickyard, I thought, 'This has got to be the biggest thing we've been
involved with or ever seen,' " said Nelson, who watched Tony win his
first Allstate 400 at the Brickyard in 2005 and his second in 2007.
"But, knowing what it took to get to this point in this deal and seeing
him win a race, I'm not going to say I'm putting it above the first
Brickyard, but it's right up there with the first Brickyard. Tony is
having fun. I guess it's a different side of him than everybody thought
he had. It's been there all along. Right now, everything's just going
really, really well and things are falling in place and he's got all
good people and everybody's having fun. That's the most important thing
is that everybody's having fun. With fun comes success."
Ortigas Home Depot holds swap meet with Old Schooler Auto Club
June 21, 2009 by aldrinmontierro
There is always something very quaint about classic cars. This was probably why brothers Manny and Roger Martinez, together with friends Andrew Caballero and Raul Capistrano thought of forming an auto club to bring together car owners like them who are into old school and classic cars for fun, camaraderie, and exchange of ideas. Founded in November 2003, the Old Schooler Auto Club held its first assembly at the Greenhills Shopping Center parking lot, a haven and meeting place for racer boys during the 190s. Since then, the club has been meeting regularly in commercial parking lots and popular gas stations on weekends.
In the last three years, the club has held several events and club meets in the Ortigas Home Depot Complex, conveniently located in the central area of the metro since most of its owners come from parts of Quezon City, Marikina, Cainta, Mandaluyong, downtown Manila, and Paranaque. Its members own cars from the 1960s to 1980s, mostly Japanese and European compact and sub-compact sedans and coupes. Many of these cars were meticulously restored and in showroom condition, despite the scarce availability of spare parts and trims.
The club members recently took part in the "Swapmeet at Home Depot" jointly organized with Ortigas Home Depot. Some members brought their new old stock and used parts and auto accessories for trade or sale.
Wheels Gallery, brand owner of Concept One and the country's foremost authority in alloy whells, also showcased a special line of alloy wheels designed for classic cars. Aptl called "Old Skool" Wheels, these wheels also give the car a more muscular stance without sacrificing steering and ride comport.
Over a hundred car enthusiasts joined with their clubs including Cartistics, Classic Auto Club, club Oldschooler, Durateco, Ford Escort Club, Grupo Starlet, Grupo Toyota, Lipa Old Schooler, MitsuLancer PH, Musclecars Philippines, Old School Pasig Club, Old Schooler Pampanga, Rizal Automotive Federation, Phi, Old Schooler Federation, and the Vintage Car Club.
For more information about the club and future meets at the Ortigas Home Depot please contact Manny Martinez at 09195565047 or 9275739.
Click here to know more.
2007 Nissan Mixim Concept
May 25, 2009 by aldrinmontierro
2007 Nissan Mixim Concept

Nissan’s new Mixim concept shows what a future electric-powered city car might look and act like, the Japanese automaker said as it previewed its concept prior to a Frankfurt auto show introduction.
The Mixim is powered by a “Super Motor” electric powertrain, which Nissan promises will give the concept “unusually rapid performance” and a “usefully extended range.” Since one motor powers the front wheels and one, the rears, the Mixim is all-wheel driven.
The use of lithium-ion batteries will likely be the hot topic at the Nissan press conference in Frankfurt. Both GM and Toyota are experimenting with the high-capacity batteries, but neither has approved them for production - and reports have indicated Toyota would not delay its next-generation Prius hybrid in expectation of using lithium-ion batteries in it.
In terms of its packaging and shape, Nissan says the coupe shape applied to the Mixim will make it appealing to a young driver and two passengers, each sitting on either side of the driver seat. A fourth seat is tucked in beneath the hatchback.
From the outside, the Mixim is said to resemble the visor of a crash helmet, with its staggered roofline and choppy rear end. Diamond shapes are found all around the exterior, from the air intakes to the rear door shape to the LED driving lights. Inside, the steering wheel and controls are patterned after video games.
The Mixim rides on a 99.6-inch wheelbase, is 145.7 inches long and 70.9 inches wide, and 55.1 inches high. More compact than Nissan’s Micra, it weighs about 2100 pounds.

2009 Dodge RAM
May 25, 2009 by aldrinmontierro
2009 Dodge RAM

The new flagship motor is a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that produces 380 hp and 404 pound-feet of torque. The truck will also be available with a 4.7-liter V8 providing 310 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.7-liter V6 generating 215 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque.

An redesigned chassis made of high-strength steel incorporates an all-new, first-in-segment, multi-link coil spring rear suspension that improves ride and handling characteristics without reducing payload (up to an estimated 1,840 pounds) and towing capability (up to an estimated 9,100 pounds).

The truck features a drastically revamped interior, which reflects Chrysler’s growing commitment to interior quality, after years of disappointing cabins. It features six-ring instrumentation, redesigned controls, chrome accents, premium seating with improved bolsters and two-tone upholstery.

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram is offered in regular cab, Quad Cab and crew cab, with three box lengths: 8-foot (regular cab), 6-foot-4-inches (regular cab and Quad Cab), and a new-for-2009 box length of 5-foot-7-inches (crew cab). Five trim levels are available, each with a unique appearance: ST, SLT, TRX, Sport, and the top-of-the-line Laramie.
How to Buy Used Car
May 25, 2009 by aldrinmontierro
Mostly it’s not recommended to buy a car whis is involved in an accident.The main reason for that, you can’t be sure about job done.Strong frontal collision can damage the integrity of the vehicle body making it less stronger.The vehicle may develop some mechanical problems later such as wheel alignment problems, mulfunctioning problems, noisy wheel bearings, etc. Also paint job not always looks and holds as good as original, the color may not match and later the paint may start peeling off at the edges.
It doesn’t mean that all repainted cars are junk. Make sure that some cars has minor frontial damage can be fixed very good by professional mechanics and body men.So always get help from a professional.
Read few tips below how to inspect a car body for signs of previous accidents.
How to inspect a car body when buying a used car
STARTING WITH CAR HISTORY CHECK
The best way to start before even looking at the car,check the car history report which can already tell you if there is something wrong. So you will not waste your time with inspecting a previously wrecked car.Get the VIN (Vehicle identification Number- mostly located on the left corner of your windshield or inside of your driver door) and use this number to check car history.CARFAX is the most common internet based tool nowadays.
BEFORE START
Ask the owner (salesperson) if the car has had any accidents?You can ask salesperson for a free CARFAX report in most car dealers.
In general, it is not a big deal if the car has been involved in minor “fender-bender” or only one body panel (a fender or door) had been repaired, because of a scratch or some other minor damage. But avoid cars that have been seriously damaged in a collision or have been flooded.
Also avoid cars that had been badly corroded and then repaired. A rust tends to reappear again.
LOOK DOWN THE LENGHT OF CAR
Before start make sure at you’re checking a clean car, because a dirty car can hide lots details!The lines of the car body should be straight.Look at the reflection;keep the car between you and light source to see waves on the body. Try to check the entire car this way.You can suspect the car has been damaged,sometimes it’s not a big a problem if only one body panel has been damaged. But it gives you the option to ask for a lower price.
CHECK ALL GAPS BETWEEN BODY PARTS
Every gap should be even along its entire length. Look at this image. The gap is narrow on the left and later becomes wide, which means this car has been hit at its right front corner. Try to inspect all the gaps the same way.
If one of the gaps looks too narrow (too wide) - compare it to the same gap on another side of the car, they have to be of exactly the same width. If they are notable different, it’s very possible the car has been in an accident.
FIND THE BORDER BETWEEN OLD AND NEW PAINT
CHECK THE PLACES BEHIND DOORS,HOOD AND TRUNK
Try to check all places like connection points,behind doors, hood, trunk and panels.Though a skilled painter may make such a border almost invisible, you’ll find it somewhere if you check the entire car carefully, so take your time.
There is one more sign you may find - scaled off clear coat. It usually happens because the area wasn’t sanded properly before painting, as in case of cheap repair.
CHECK THE HOOD AND DOOR HOLDING BOLTS
If hood has been realigned from its original position, It might be a sign that this car has been involved in an accident. Try to pull up the driver’s door when it’s open - does it have a free play in the hinges? Excessive free play - excessive use. Even it’s not a sign for previous accident, you will need a good aligment.so another chance to ask for lower price.
PAINT AND RUST CHECK
Some parts like fenders, doors and hood are hard to repaint and match the original paint.So start from these parts to figure it out.Take a look at the car from different angles and different distances.Different angle can show and hide the color difference.Feel the paint with your hand,if it’s not so smooth,if there are some little things, unevenless on paint,it is a sign that it has been painted and it’s not professionally.
If you find some spot of corrosion, continue your search more carefully. Check the floor under the carpet, door’s bottom, trunk and wheel arches. Take a little magnet and try to make it cling to the bottom of the doors, fenders and other places where you suspect some defect.
If there is too much filler under the paint, the magnet won’t cling. However one or two small spots of corrosion isn’t a big.
CHECK ORIGINAL STICKERS ON FENDERS, DOORS AND HOOD
Most of cars has some factory stickers and information panels.If a door,fender or hood has been replaced or painted,it’s going to be very hard to put this stickers back.And some new cars has VIN plates on their fenders,doors,hood even on door glass. Always make sure that it has its original stickers.
CHECK THE FRAME
Some cars have unibody (unibody is a construction technique that uses the external skin of an object to support some or most of the load on the structure) Some cars have a frame (many of SUV’s, trucks, some full-size vans and large passenger cars). The car’s frame (marked with a yellow arrows on the image below) is very essential to support the vehicle. Try to check the entire length of the frame. It shouldn’t have any visible damage or be corroded through.If you find the frame rusted through, it’s a sign for a previously repaired damage. Some people they fix cars by welding two different car frames and making one car like using a glue! That kind of car with a weak frame can cause lethal effects in an accident.AVOID such a car!
LOOK FOR SIGN OF FLOOD DAMAGE
If a car has been flooded in the past, even if it looks and runs good now, it will develop many expensive-to-fix problems later. This is because water gets inside many components where it shouldn’t be and eventually, the corrosion will cause a component to fail later.
Look for mildew smell, water stains on the seats, roof liner and door covers. Inspect door covers and trunk covers for possible signs of water level. If it’s possible, look for moisture under the carpet. Check lower edges of the door covers for water damage, look for corrosion and water debris in the spare tire well. look for badly corroded metal parts under seats. Check all door speakers - water could damage the speaker diaphragm. Coffee-with-milk color of the engine oil or transmission fluid may indicate presence of water. History report can also reveal flood. Be suspicious if the history report indicates that the car came from another state. 
Fuel Saving Tips
May 25, 2009 by aldrinmontierro
Fuel saving tips!

- Drive slower and watch your speed.
- Be good with your brakes.
- Don’t waste extra gas with idling.
- Check your tires.
- Regulary maintenance your car
- Less travel more walk.
- Minimize use of heater and air conditioning.
- Close windows while driving higher speed.
- Choose original parts for maintenance.
- Share a ride.
The Cars You'll Drive In 2014
May 25, 2009 by aldrinmontierro
Everybody knows the auto world has shifted. The trick is divining which brands have got the gumption to last.
Now, with President Obama's new efficiency standards requiring a fleet-wide fuel economy average of 35.5 miles per gallon, automakers have their work cut out for them.
Domestic carmakers in particular are gearing up to battle forthcoming offerings from new-to-the-U.S.Fiat, with its diminutive 55.5-mile-per-gallon Fiat 500, and Chinese newcomer BYD, maker of the staid hybrid-electric F3DM sedan.
Motor City had better get cracking. It takes four years to produce a market-ready vehicle, and a typical lifecycle for one model is seven years. While we wait to see what brands emerge victorious, Honda's mod CR-Z and Ford's "eco-boosted" Euro models point to the types of cars we can expect by 2014.
Incremental Improvement
Just don't get your hopes up for lots of choices when it comes to plug-in cars. Automakers insist there's still much to improve about the humble combustion engine, and they plan to eek out all the improvement they can get.
Tom Plucinsky, a spokesman for BMW, says the company will bring a gasoline-powered and highly efficient X1 compact SUV to market by 2014.
"There's no breakthrough," Plucinsky says. "It's all little things that can add up. We've made big advances over the last five years or so in the efficiency of the gasoline engine, but we think that there's another 10% there."
BMW will find that 10% by using smaller (read: lighter), forced-induction engines that generate more power. (Plucinsky says naturally aspirated engines will be relatively nonexistent by 2014). Ford and Mercedes have also said they'll bring 4-cylinder, turbo-charged engines to the U.S. in the next several years.
Audi has joined the light-engine surge as well, committing to building a next-generation S5 that weighs hundreds of pounds less than the current version. Audi's Bradley Stertz says advances in aluminum construction will lighten its load, making it more fuel-efficient.
China Rising
In the meantime, Americans can expect a trickle of vehicles from afar. Italian-run Fiat and Alfa Romeo will likely have vehicles in U.S. showrooms by 2014. But the real news lies further east: China.
At the Detroit Auto Show, Chinese automakers Brilliance and BYD ("Build Your Dreams") showed cars that could eventually reach the states, perhaps branded under a different name. Geely and Chery are other Chinese automakers with ideas for expansion outside the East.
Lincoln Merrihew, senior vice president of business solutions for market research firm TNS, says he expects a China-made car to hit in five years or less.
"It'll be a mixture of capabilities and bravado that will determine who comes in under their own flag," Merrihew says.
The Great Technological Unknown
Asia leads the green-power front. Nissan is testing battery-charging networks in Arizona, saying an unnamed electric vehicle will go on sale by late 2010. Toyota says it will sell one million gas-electric hybrids per year during the 2010s; Honda President Takeo Fukui has repeatedly said his company is most-heavily endorsing hydrogen technology.
Still, no one technology has emerged the clear winner. Sara Pines, a spokeswoman for Honda, says the company is experimenting with several possible solutions. Others say the as-yet undetermined carbon-emission standards in California will largely determine how automakers move forward.
That uncertainty has basically created a level playing field. Now it'll come down to whether the upstarts can hang with the big boys.
The Cars You'll Drive in 2014
1. Alfa Romeo Milano
Why we care: Experts are speculating that the five-door Milano will form the basis for a new Chrysler sedan. It'll go on sale in Europe first, then likely come to the U.S. a few years later.
2. BMW X1
Highlights: BMW designed the X1 to combine the characteristics of its X-line SUV models with those of its smaller sedans in a new, "compact SUV" format.
Why we care: Based on the much-lauded 1-Series, the 6-cylinder X1 promises superb handling in a beefed-up, all-wheel drive format.
3. BYD F3DM
Highlights: This plug-in electric hybrid car went on sale in China late last year. It uses an electric motor and a 67-horsepower, 1-liter gasoline engine (for a combined output of the equivalent of 168 hp). It's tough to get specifics from the Shenzhen-based company, but BYD said at the Detroit Auto Show it'll bring products to the U.S. in 2011. The F3DM or F6DM could follow shortly after.
Why we care: In September 2008, billionaire investor Warren Buffet bought a 10% share of BYD for HKD1.8 billion. He has also reportedly been involved with consulting with the company on how to breech overseas markets--a positive sign for the hybrid's chances in the U.S., where it will face off with GM's Chevrolet Volt.
4. Cadillac Converj
Highlights: This "grand touring coupe" was created to show GM's electric technology (called Voltec) inside a sporty body style. It has a 40-mile electric-only range and can charge in eight hours on a regular, 120-volt outlet. Top speed is 100 miles per hour; top power is 120kW.Why we care: If Cadillac can bring the Converj (or a similar production-ready car) to market, it will show GM can make electric technology both luxurious and practical for daily drives.
5. Ford C-Max
Highlights: The multi-purpose C-Max has been on sale in Europe since 2003; some experts think it will be one of the vehicles Ford plans to eventually bring to North America as part of its multiyear "One Ford" global product plan. Other confirmed new-to-the-U.S. cars are the Focus and Fiesta, due to hit stores next year.
Why we care: Part of Ford's survival goal is to use more, 4- and 6-cylinder engines that use its "ecoboost" technology to produce the same power as a 6- or 8-cylinder, respectively; it will place some of those engines in vehicles it brings over from Europe. The success or failure of that plan could have long- lasting ramifications for the company.
Autober Fest
October 1, 2008 by aldrinmontierro
Tsikot.com 6th Anniversary Celebration, October 25, 2008. Hobbies Mall, Macapagal, Pasay City
Knight Car Zone
June 17, 2008 by aldrinmontierro
Knights Car Zone
PEP Rally Concert
June 28, 2008, Letran High School Grounds, Philippines
First Philippines International Motor Show 2007
June 5, 2008 by aldrinmontierro
First Philippine International Motor Show 2007
SHIFTING TO HIGHER GEAR.
August 9 - 12, 2007, The World Trade Center, Philippines.
AMPlified Car Show
June 4, 2008 by aldrinmontierro
AMPlified Car Show
Show Ur Rides
May 24, 2008, Tiendesitas People’s Village I-II, Pasig City
Auto & Bike Show 2008
June 4, 2008 by aldrinmontierro
Auto & Bike Show 2008
Auto Show | Motorcycle Show | Fashion Show
May 9, 2008, SM Mall of Asia, Philippines
Auto Mo Show Mo
June 4, 2008 by aldrinmontierro
Auto Mo Show Mo
Style & Drive
May 3, 2008, Metrowalk Pasig City, Philippines
Hotter Summer Nights
June 4, 2008 by aldrinmontierro
Hotter Summer Nights
DRIFT | CAR SHOW | HOT FASHION SHOW | SPEED RACER
April 26, 2008, SM Mall of Asia, IMAX Parking, Philippines
Race Wars Philippines
June 4, 2008 by aldrinmontierro
Race Wars Philippines
Drag Racing | Car Show | Drift Demo | Autocross Time Attack | Reggaeton Gogo Party
April 26, 2008, Clark Freeport Zone, Philippines
Car Mania '08
June 4, 2008 by aldrinmontierro
Car Mania '08
Showdown of the Best
June 15, 2008, SM City Fairview, Philippines
My Car
June 4, 2008 by aldrinmontierro
My Car
Live your Passion. Accelerate your Future.
Welcome Message to New Members
April 27, 2008 by aldrinmontierro
Thank you for subscribing to My Car Forum. It's a great privilege that you are now a part of My Car Enthusiasts. Feel free to share us your thoughts. We will be more glad if you share a bit of yourself, your hobbies, and what interests you, and also meet new friends and car fanatics. This forum is a place where we can talk everything under the sun. Again, A Warm Welcome! Live your Passion. Accelerate your Future. The My Car Team