Lexus PH to Launch P 11-Million LC 500 Convertible in Q3 2020

Lexus Philippines has confirmed that they’ll be bringing in the LC 500 Convertible—the brand’s newest aspirational model that’ll become their new halo model. Representative of Lexus’s evolution to becoming a luxury lifestyle brand, the LC 500 Convertible is, ultimately, an expression of ultimate beauty.

Based on the LC coupe, the LC 500 Convertible features design tweaks that make the lines work on the new soft-top model. For instance, the rear trunk lid has been lifted to create a more dynamic side view, and emphasize the LC’s low and wide stance.

The mechanism of the soft top is fully automatic and stores into an integrated tonneau cover. It can be operated at speeds up to 50 km/h (15 seconds to go down, 16 to go up). The 4-layer material retains the coupe’s flowing roofline with no visible supporting frame visible through the fabric. Moreover, the material itself is chosen to ensure improved sound insulation and resistance to wrinkling.

Lexus’s Human Centered philosophy prevails and with that, careful consideration has been done to provide drivers and their passengers with luxury and comfort. Superior sound insulation aside, the LC 500 Convertible features Active Noise Control that suppresses unwanted noise and unpleasant sound frequencies, while a “Climate Concierge” automatically controls the air conditioning and vented seats in consideration whether the top is up or down.

The LC 500 Convertible has a body rigidity equaling the fixed roof version. This was achieved through the strategic placement and the shape of the rear suspension tower brace. Other braces, located under the body are made of aluminum and magnesium for low weight. The braces aside, performance dampers have been adopted for high-quality ride comfort. Powering the LC 500 Convertible is a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine making 470 horsepower and 540 Nm of torque. This is mated to a DirectShift 10-speed automatic.

Lexus Philippines will bring in the LC 500 Convertible by the third quarter of 2020. Pricing hasn’t been finalized yet, but it’s said to be in the region of around P 10.5- to P 11-million. The LC 500 coupe is currently priced at P 9.908-million.

Lamborghini Shows Off the 2020 Huracan Evo RWD Spyder

Lamborghini made history by marking its first car launch to be done virtually, and with the help of augmented reality. The vehicle that made history? The new 610 horsepower Lamborghini Huracan Evo Rear-Wheel Drive Spyder.

Differentiated from its all-wheel drive sibling, the Huracan Evo RWD Spyder has a new front splitter and vertical fins within a larger, framed front intake. Meanwhile, at the back, the rear bumper incorporates high-gloss black elements unique to this supercar. The soft top stows in 17 seconds and can be operated up to speeds of 50 km/h. Moreover, the rear window can be electronically opened, whether the top is up or down, acting to amplify the sound of the V10 engine mounted just behind the seats.

The Huracan Evo RWD Spyder packs a normally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine making 610 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque. Together with its lightweight aluminum and thermoplastic resin body, and aluminum and carbon fiber chassis, it accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. Top speed is pegged at 324 km/h. The only transmission is a 7-speed dual clutch automatic.

Lamborghini also re-tuned the Huracan Evo RWD Spyder for maximum driver engagement. The specially tuned P-TCS traction control system is designed to deliver consistent torque even as the driver realigns the supercar after sharper corning or drifting. The same goes for the driver selectable “Anima” driving modes from managing power on low-adhesion surfaces to optimizing traction and agility when exiting a corner in high-performance conditions.

Features of the Huracan Evo RWD Spyder include an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay, 19-inch wheels (20s are an option), and ventilated and cross-drilled disc brakes all around.

After the augmented reality launch of the Huracan Evo RWD Spyder, Lamborghini says they’ll also give its other models the same treatment on their official website soon.

Official: 2021 Hyundai Veloster N is Now Faster

After teasing it last week, Hyundai has now made it official: the Veloster N now comes equipped with an 8-speed dual clutch transmission.

Called the N DCT, the 8-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic enables the 275-horsepower Veloster N to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds—faster than the manual transmission version. And unlike a dry double-clutch transmission, the wet N DCT uses oil to significantly improve lubrication and cooling performance, which is typical of higher torque applications.

The Veloster N’s N DCT also unlocks features such as: N Grin Shift (NGS) which increases peak torque by 7 percent from 353 Nm to 377 Nm by allowing the turbocharger to overboost for 20 seconds; N Power Shift (NPS) which adds a more responsive feel during shifts; and N Track Sense Shift (NTS) which discerns road conditions and selects the shift timing and gear. These are on top of other typical features such as rev matching and launch control.

Aside from the new gearbox, the new Veloster N gets an improved infotainment system with an 8-inch high-def display, available N Light Sports Bucket Seats with Alcantara upholstery (they’re 2 kilograms lighter than the standard seats) with illuminated logos, and Hyundai SmartSense driver assist technology.

The new Veloster N will first go on sale in South Korea this month followed by other markets.

Aside from this DCT gearbox, Hyundai’s high-performance N division has other plans for the Veloster N.

Expected to bow in by next year, is a more powerful version of the Veloster N. According to several reports, the likelihood is that Hyundai will plop a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine into their hot hatch. This Theta III Smartstream engine will enable the Veloster N to crack the 300-horsepower barrier putting it squarely into Civic Type R territory.

On Its 56th Birthday, the Ford Mustang Celebrates Two Global Sales Crowns

On its nameplate’s 56th birthday, Ford is celebrating two global sales crowns—the world’s best-selling sportscar and its fifth straight best-selling sports coupe title. This is on top of being America’s best-selling sportscar of the last 50 years.

“We’re proud of our growing Mustang stable and performance variants,” said Jim Farley, chief operating officer, Ford Motor Company. “From Sweden to Shanghai, more and more driving enthusiasts are enjoying the feeling of freedom and the American open road in these new Mustangs. We are honored to serve our owners, enthusiasts and fans for 56 years and counting.”

The Ford Mustang sold 102,090 units, according to the most recent new vehicle registration data from IHS Markit, making it the best-selling sports car in the world in 2019. During this period, Mustang sales in Germany increased 33 percent, in Poland sales rose by nearly 50 percent, and in France, they nearly doubled.

Last year also marks the fifth consecutive year that Mustang was the best-selling sports coupe in the world. Sports coupes, as defined by IHS Markit, include two-door and convertible models. IHS Markit global vehicle registrations are compiled from government and other sources, and capture 95 percent of global new vehicle volumes in more than 80 countries.

The Mustang was first introduced to the world on April 17, 1964 at the New York World’s Fair. Since then, it’s been in continuous production with six generations, the most recent one of which was introduced in 2015 (refreshed in 2018).

Hyundai Veloster N to Get Automatic Transmission Variant for 2021

The Hyundai Veloster N is a performance surprise to many, but since the sole transmission is a 6-speed manual, its appeal is somewhat limited. Well, that’s about to change as Hyundai’s high-performance N division has just confirmed: an automatic transmission variant is coming.

Teased on Hyundai N’s Instagram page (you can check the post below), this new two-pedal Hyundai Veloster N is rocking an 8-speed wet-type dual clutch automatic. It also shows paddle shifters and changeable driving modes including one that says, “N Grin.”

Apart from the new transmission, the Veloster N might be getting some detail changes including a seat emblem that lights up.

Currently, the Veloster N rocks a 250-horsepower (275 in the Performance Package) turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. No word if Hyundai N will opt to bump the figures up with this update as well.

Oh, and for those who’re curious—yes, Hyundai Philippines is indeed offering the Veloster N (at least the current 6-speed manual version) on an indent order basis.

View this post on Instagram

It’s coming — the fun-to-drive feeling of N, with the N 8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission. #NDCT Who got it right? #HyundaiN #FeeltheFeeling #VelosterN #VelosterNDCT #DCT #EverydaySportsCar

A post shared by Hyundai N (@hyundai_n_worldwide) on Apr 13, 2020 at 3:06am PDT

Subaru, Toyota Releasing "Final Editions" For 86, BRZ

With confirmation that the second-generation 86 and BRZ are coming by mid next year, Toyota and Subaru are readying their own respective final editions of their rear-wheel drive sportscar.

Both the Subaru BRZ Final Edition and the Toyota 86 GT Black Limited get the same sort of upgrades—special 17-inch alloy wheels, vented Brembo disc brakes, and SACHS performance shock absorbers.

Inside, the Subaru adds blue stitching to its seats and dashboard, while for the Toyota it gets bronze-colored ones. In the case of the 86 though, it adds a “Black Limited” logo stitched on the dashboard and a suede-like material for instrument panel hood.

For Toyota, the color scheme is reminiscent of the special edition GT Apex Black Limited which was the last special model of the AE86 Sprinter Trueno. For the Subaru though, there will be two colors on offer—Crystal Black Silica or WR Blue Pearl.

Mechanically, both versions remain unchanged. This means being powered by a normally-aspirated 2.0-liter flat-4 making 200 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.

Either way, these sportscars are rare. So far, Subaru Germany will be releasing 100 units of the Subaru BRZ Final Edition, while for Toyota, only 86—43 manual and 43 automatics will be on sale in its home market of Japan.

McLaren Was Obsessed in Weight Reduction in Its Newest LT Model

McLaren is opening a new chapter for their “Longtail” series with the introduction of the 765LT—a car so obsessed with losing weight, the carmaker’s engineers went through excessive lengths just for the grams.

Starting with the body itself, the McLaren 765LT uses carbon fiber extensively—everything from the front splitter, bumper, front floor, side skirts, rear bumper, rear wing, and diffuser is all made of the stuff. Hell, even the license plate holder is carbon fiber, too. The exhaust gets a full titanium makeover and deletes the finisher all for weight savings.

The same carbon fiber treatment continues inside with the seat shells and the interior lined with Alcantara. Then, the door pockets have been replaced with nets, the windows made thinner or made with polycarbonate altogether, the carpets removed on some areas, and even the air conditioning and audio system chucked out (these can be optioned back at no extra cost though).

All this obsession allowed McLaren to shave 80 kilograms (curb weight is 1,229 kilograms) over the 720S on which it’s based on.

Then, it gets McLaren’s 4.0-liter twin turbo V8. Using learnings from the McLaren Senna, power is at 765 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque. Together with its 7-speed dual clutch, the 765LT does 0-100 km/h in 2.7 seconds, while 200 km/h arrives in just 7.2 seconds. Power to weight ratio? 622 horsepower per ton—bettering its class rivals by more than 50 horsepower per ton.

Based on McLaren’s official info, here’s how much weight the 765LT lost (sans items that the carmaker didn’t disclose):

• Lithium-ion battery: 3 kg
• Carbon fiber fenders: 1.2 kg
• Carbon fiber shelled racing seats: 18 kg
• Lightweight center tunnel: 1.4 kg
• Full titanium exhaust: 3.8 kg
• Ultra-lightweight forged wheels with titanium wheel bolts: 22 kg
• Suspension helper springs: 1.5 kg
• Deletion of audio system: 1.5 kg

Moving on to the chassis, the 765LT has been tweaked for sharper handling and a more direct steering. The track is also wider and together with enhanced aero (up to 25 percent more downforce than the 720S), it lives up to the billing of one engaging supercar. The brakes have also been tweaked with Formula 1-inspired integrated caliper cooling and carbon ceramic disc brakes.

Here's the First Proof that Nissan is Making An All-New Z Sportscar

We can’t wait for 2021. Despite increased pressure to adopt more zero emissions vehicles, Japanese carmakers aren’t forgetting enthusiasts. Aside from Toyota and Subaru firming up details on their next-generation 86 / BRZ sportscar, Nissan has just given us the first solid indication that an all-new Z sportscar is happening.

Rumors suggested that the all-new Z will get a heritage-inspired design, and now a patent filing done by the carmaker all but confirms this. This patent filing (link here) shows the iconic “Z” logo with a diagonal slash in the middle. Eagle-eyed enthusiast will also note that the font type is similar to the ones that were used on the Datsun 240Z.

Along with the new retro-inspired Z logo, Nissan also filed a patent separately for a new corporate logo (link here). It’s a tweak of what was shown with the Ariya Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, it’s highly likely that the new Z will be the first to get the new minimalist logo.

Not much is known about the all-new Nissan Z at this point, but almost everyone is expecting it to pack a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (VR30). Now available in the Japanese market Skyline, it makes an even 400 horsepower and 675 Nm of torque. With that in mind, it’s likely that the Nissan will dub their new rear-wheel drive sportscar, the 400Z.

It could see its debut within the next 18 months. It’s likely Nissan will use the 2021 Tokyo Motor Show to showcase its all-new sportscar.