Kia Optima to showcase new design direction
NISSAN Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI) takes to heart the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI)’s theme for the 4th Philippine International Motor Show. Carrying out its own interpretation of “Drive the Fun,” NMPI aims to thrill and inspire the motoring public with what it has prepared for the four-day event.
In addition to an exciting array of vehicle and technology display, NMPI is bringing in Randy Rodriguez, the Filipino designer of the iconic Nissan 370Z. Now based at Nissan Design America in California – recognized as one of the world’s foremost creative facilities – Rodriguez will be in town to inject more fun at the NMPI booth.
Apart from being present during NMPI’s media presentation on Aug. 16, Rodriguez will also be available for a meet and greet session and autograph signing at the NMPI on Aug. 17 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Car enthusiasts will not only get a chance to have a face-to-face encounter with the man behind the 370Z, they can also bring any memorabilia or item for his signature.
NMPI president and CEO Allen Chen is excited for what they have in store for this year’s PIMS. He shares, “We are all set to showcase the true meaning of ‘Drive for Fun.’ We’re very fortunate that we have Randy and that he’s more than happy to share his achievements with his fellow Filipinos. The 370z model is one of the best vehicles to exemplify fun-to-drive that embodies all Nissan model.”
Although born and raised in Vancouver, Rodriguez is a Filipino by heart and by heritage, his parents being both Filipinos. He considers himself a fan of Nissan and its Z models ever since he got his first Z car when he was still 14. As a designer for Nissan, he has been able to spread Filipino creativity through the vehicles he designs. He has been given a chance to make a name for himself when Nissan opened a design competition among all designers within the global Nissan Design Studios.
Putting a high value on its heritage and ensuring that the long history of innovative ideas is preserved, the challenge was for the designers to make a super evolution of the 350z. “It’s like the kid in me was brought to life! Because of my passion for the brand, the model, and the fact that I have been drawing Zs whole my life, my ideas for the 370z’s theme came out quickly and naturally,” he describes.
The concept for the 370z was an “Erotic Mechanism” – something sexy while highlighting technical and mechanical details. “I can say it’s all the things a designer would want. I applaud the engineers and planners at Nissan for making that happen,” he commends. “The 350 is beautiful, but a little friendly looking to me, especially in the front. I wanted to turn up the anger a few levels and inject the car with some steroids. The 370 is more dynamic and emotional with a bigger chest, flexed muscles and a more aggressive stance.”
Rodriguez now is not only a proud Nissan employee, but a proud Filipino who took the opportunity of putting our capabilities to global front. With his creativity, Nissan’s globally recognized vehicle has now been given a touch of our local flavor. THERE are three new exciting models that will fly the BMW flag at the Philippine International Motor Show. Here’s a brief on these cars:
BMWZ4 Roadster
The BMW Z4 Roadster is literally making its mark. A fascinating milestone in automotive technology, it is the only vehicle in its segment to combine classic roadster proportions with a seating position close to the rear axle, rearwheel drive and a fully-automatic retractable hardtop. The BMW Z4 offers all the driving pleasure of a BMW Roadster with particularly refined and stylish flair. Driving with the roof down, this two-seater offers a refreshingly intense experience of the sunshine and the wind rushing by – and driving with the hardtop closed, it provides all the comfort of a Premium Sports Coupé. With this diversity and wide range of qualities, the BMWZ4 represents the re-birth of the roadster. The design of the Z4 is characterized by classic details interpreted in a new and contemporary style. The appeal of this two-seater lies in its unique combination of elegance, agility, and supreme comfort. The aluminum shells of the two-piece lightweight hardtop come to rest in the roof compartment, thereby maximizing space. Even with the roof closed, the new Z4 retains the proportions typical of a genuine roadster. With these features, the new model is the successor to both the BMW Z4 Roadster and the BMWZ4 Coupé. Anyone who appreciates the open-air feeling characteristic of a BMW convertible can look forward to the BMW Z4, which is currently
available at BMWdealers.
The BMW335i Convertible
The designers of the BMW 335i Convertible decided to raise the bar again. The model comes with a three-piece electronically-operated retractable hard-top - a first for BMW. Stowed or raised in approximately 22 seconds, the new roof has been introduced, not only for added security, but also for better visibility and a greater feeling of space and light for occupants. The unique way in which the roof folds also maximizes available boot space. With the roof up 350 liters of storage capacity beckons while with the roof down, the boot can still accommodate up to 210 liters of luggage. For added practicality, a stowed roof can be electronically raised out of the boot area to allow for longer items such as golf clubs to be secured before being folded away again. The High-Precision Direct Injection system on the BMW 335i Convertible uses centrally-mounted piezo crystal injectors spraying atomized fuel vapor directly into the combustion chamber. Combined with Bi-VANOS variable valve technology the system delivers the most efficient burn of fuel for maximum power and parsimonious economy. The flagship of the range, the 335i Convertible with its twin-power turbo 3.0litre engine, uses an aluminum cylinder block rather than the magnesium alloy unit. The 335i Convertible come as standard with a sevenspeed automatic gearbox with the added benefit of lag-free forced induction, posting a zero to 62mph time of 5.8 seconds.
BMW6 Series Convertible
A sweeping bonnet, set-back passenger compartment, long wheelbase and flat waistline embody the hallmark proportions of a BMW convertible. The new BMW 6 Series Convertible combines these features with a classic soft-top roof in customary “fin” design. Powerfully contoured surfaces and the surging dynamism of its lines promise assured driving properties. THE next generation Kia Optima makes its premiere in the country today at the 2012 Philippine International Motor Show and everyone in attendance will be amazed by this stunning addition to Kia’s existing models. Preparations for the launch has been going on for months and CAC is going all out to introduce one of the most sophisticated models in the Kia line-up to date.
Setting new expectations in car manufacturing, Kia comes out with an impressive line of automobiles that is sure to change perceptions of the car brand. With the allnew Kia Optima as a flagship car, Kia now leads innovation in technology and design as seen with its impressive line of automobiles such as the Sorento, Carnival, Sportage, Soul, Rio and Picanto. With its distinctive styling and upscale interior, it’s sure to stand out among the midsize sedans already available in the market. Consumers won’t have to break the bank to get classleading features; Kia fans can own the allnew Optima for only P1.480M.
With the launch of the Kia Optima in 2.4 EX 6-speed A/T variant, this D-segment model will complete the line-up of Kia vehi- cles in all car segments. The All-New Optima comes with a 2.4L Theta II Gas Engine with Dual CVVT, a maximum output of 180 ps @ 6,000 rpm, and a maximum torque of 23.6 kg-m @ 4,000 rpm. It has steering wheel mounted controls, 18 inch alloy wheels, glove box cooling, leather seats, panoramic double sunroof, full auto climate control, and rear parking assist.
The striking visage of the Optima features a new interpretation of Kia’s bold ‘tiger’ family face that’s edged by piercing projector headlamps.
The Kia’s coupe-like profile is enhanced by the sweeping chrome arc that flows from A to C pillar, a distinctive design motif that enhances its cab-backwards proportions.