09 May 2013
Point and Shoot | 2012 Toyota 86 TRD AT
Words by Ferman Lao | Photos by Christopher Kho
In 2012, we got the opportunity to field test one of the latest quintessential sports car, the Toyota 86.
It bears one of the most attractive modern interpretations of the classic sports car silhouette - a svelte low hood and roof line, steeply-raked windscreen, two doors, two seats (we don't consider the rear vestigial seats to be real), and a sweeping short rear end. Its character lines show the level of attention to detail that the designers put into the 86. One such example are the indents on the hood that wrap around the Toyota emblem and flow all the way to the roof. Not only does it look good, but also have an aerodynamic function. This is an indication that the engineers have been given free reign too.
Published in
Sportscar
29 October 2012
Operator Special | 2012 Toyota 86 MT
Words by Ferman Lao | Photos by Christopher Kho
“What the--? That's all?” I couldn't seriously believe what I was experiencing when I first took the wheel of the new Toyota 86. Surely, the hesitation I felt when I hammered it down in second gear with the engine humming at 2,500 rpm could not be right. It felt a tad slow and unresponsive, while that cacophonous hum coming from up front was rather overwhelming.
“Many people who will buy this car are going to be disappointed. It's not that fast.” was the next set of thoughts that emerged from my disbelieving mind. Clearly, a collaboration of the two of the world's most respected automotive brand can't be this. Or can it?
Published in
Sportscar
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
In the 2006 Hollywood flick, “The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift,” young American Shawn Boswell finds himself in the streets of Tokyo after a run with the law, where he discovers the sport of drifting in an underground racing world. For a hot-headed yankee like him, getting into grips with the art of drifting ain't easy. Fortunately, he found friends like Han who were willing to take him under their wing and wealthy enough to hand him the keys to a Red Evo. With a confused look on Shawn's face, Han replies, “You're representing me now. What do you think, I'm gonna let you roll in a Hyundai?” Dissed and outraged, no one expected the Korean automaker to take this line to heart. Four years later, they finally come up with an answer - the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
Published in
Sportscar
01 December 2010
A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing | 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
When the body of a four-door sedan is mated with the entrails of a rally car, you get a special mixed-breed road-going racer. It may look tame and harmless from the outside, but growls like a wild animal on the inside. And that’s exactly what Mitsubishi and its motorsports division, Ralliart, has brewed up with the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.
The Ralli Experience
You might have noticed that the Ralliart bears a striking resemblance to the typical Lancer EX GT-A. Bravo. Give yourself a good pat on the back. Besides the fierce-looking vented hood, a larger rear spoiler, twin exhausts, and little knick-knacks here and there on the outside, there are very little visual cues that tell the two apart. Nevertheless, it doesn’t keep us from salivating over what’s to come, as all the hard work Mitsubishi and Ralliart has put in was focused beneath the hood and under the chassis.
Published in
Sportscar
24 July 2010
The Evil Twin | 2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5L WRX Sedan
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
Back in January, we were given the privilege to test the Subaru Impreza Sedan. With it came a 2.0 liter 148 horsepower boxer engine, a four-speed automatic transmission, and a 1.2 million-peso price tag. It proved to be a practical four-door sedan that possesses killer good looks and a rally-bred drive train. We had endless hours of fun sitting behind the wheel. It drives smoothly, runs fast, and handles exceptionally well. In short, we were impressed.
By the day’s end, its sporty muscular looks and pin-point accurate handling got our hearts racing. But we felt that there was something missing from this great package. We were left itching for a bit more power and a proper manual transmission to get every single drop of excitement out of it.
Published in
Sportscar
