Launched in Japan earlier this year as a special-edition model called the RZ600e F Sport Performance, the fully electric SUV is essentially a sharper version of the RZ550e F Sport. However, there doesn’t seem to be a non-‘Performance’ version of the RZ600e F Sport, which is what is listed on the LTO’s website. So for specs, we’ll refer to what the LTO has provided while cross-checking with the F-Sport Performance.

PHOTO BY Lexus

The RZ600e F Sport features dual electric motors that deliver 313kW (420hp) to all four wheels for the Japan-spec version. On the LTO’s homologation papers, however, power is listed at 167kW (224hp)—slashed by almost half. Can we chalk it up to the power figure meant to reflect each motor? Possibly. The RZ350e is also listed at 167kW on its homologation papers, and that SUV only has a single electric motor.

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Other specs match, though. The dimensions listed on the RZ600e F Sport’s homologation papers are the same as the Japan-spec at 4,860mm long, 1,965mm wide, and 1,615mm tall, with a 2,850mm wheelbase. Tire specs are the same as well, at 255/40 R21 in the front and 295/35 R21 at the rear—all wrapped with matte-black Enkei wheels. As for distance, the maximum driving range is listed at 510km. 

PHOTO BY Lexus

On the outside, the RZ600e F Sport gets a carbon double spoiler and carbon turning vanes for both the front and rear, helping the SUV achieve a 0-100kph time of 4.4sec. The SUV also features a black interior with special-edition blue stitching.

Lexus Philippines has not officially published information on the local launch of this new RZ. As of writing, the RZ600e F Sport Performance is a Japan-only release, but if we do see a version of this SUV on our local shores, would you be interested in it?

Both variants of the RAV4 variants are receiving price hikes; the RAV4 ADV’s sticker is going up by P49,000, and the RAV4 LTD’s will increase by P59,000. The new SRPs of these models are P2,227,000 and P2,549,000, respectively. The Alphard HEV, on the other hand, is receiving a more substantial increase of P129,000, bumping up its price to P4,800,000.

PHOTO BY Toyota

PHOTO BY Toyota

Earlier this year, BYD Cars Philippines also hiked prices for two of its bestsellers: the Sealion 6 and the Shark 6. The Chinese brand referred to its price increases as reflecting “a combination of foreign exchange movements, applicable regulations, and other conditions including excise taxes in the Philippines.”

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No doubt that the war in the Middle East is one of these factors, but Toyota also has unique challenges on its hands. The recent Kumamoto earthquake is currently straining the supply lines of Japanese automakers operating within the area—including Toyota. This is on top of the high demand for the RAV4 in Toyota’s markets around the world, further thinning out supply.

PHOTO BY Carlo Chungunco

Comparing the RAV4 with its compact crossover competitors, the price hike slightly diminishes its value-for-money edge. The ADV, which we hailed as a very complete package for its price, is now just a bit closer to class rivals like the Nissan X-Trail and Hyundai Tucson. On the other hand, the Toyota Alphard stretches its price gap against other premium people-movers further.

We’ll stay tuned for an official statement from Toyota Motor Philippines regarding these price changes. Were you considering either of these models recently?  Leave your reactions in the comments.

But apart from the low retail prices, VinFast is banking on the lower operating costs of its e-scooters compared to ICE motorcycles. In fact, it’s even gone ahead and made the computations for all of us. The Vietnamese brand says riders can save up to P157,680 in five years with its bikes, with up to 80% lower operating costs and 90% less maintenance required.

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

VinFast came up with these estimates based on the assumptions that the motorcycles were used for an average of 40km per day, electricity rates were at P15/kWh, and gasoline prices were at P70/L. 

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Based on these numbers, VinFast’s e-motorcycles should cost P0.56/kWh to run, totaling P8,064 per year. Maintenance is said to cost about P1,000 per year, bringing the total annual running cost to P9,064.

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

Gasoline motorcycles, meanwhile, are said to cost about P2.125/km. Yearly consumption would be at P30,600 and maintenance at P10,000, totaling about P40,600 per year. VinFast’s numbers equate to roughly P31,536 in savings each year, hence the P157,680 total.

We didn’t crunch the numbers any further, but it seems these do not take into account the actual costs of battery swapping. To the unfamiliar, subscription entails a monthly fee of P439 per battery, and each swap will cost P35. Riders can opt out of the subscription and simply pay for one or two batteries upon purchase of a bike, in which case they can simply charge their bikes or batteries by plugging them into a wall socket.

In any case, these are still bold estimates from VinFast. What do you guys think? Will these potential savings make you consider trying out these electric scooters?

The F700 packs a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which is described as a range extender. From previous reporting, we know that it makes 208hp and 340Nm of torque. The engine is mated to dual electric motors that produce 684hp, while total system output is around 904hp and 1,135Nm of torque according to Jetour websites abroad.

PHOTO BY Jetour via CarNewsChina.com

The F700 is also equipped with a 34.13kWh battery, which translates to around 109km of electric-only range. Combined with the combustion engine, total system range is around 1,300km.

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As a refresher, the Jetour F700 measures 5,495mm long, 2,050mm wide, and 1,985 tall. Of course, these dimensions line up very closely with the BYD Shark. For those wondering how it stacks up with more familiar nameplates, the F700 is longer, slightly wider, and taller than both the Ford Ranger Raptor and the Toyota Hilux GR-S.

PHOTO BY Jetour via CarNewsChina.com

The spec sheet also indicates the F700 will be well-appointed with tech and amenities. Besides the likely carry-overs from the G700 (panoramic dashboard display, soft-touch interior), it also has an ADAS suite with the usual features like blindspot detection, lane-change assist, and autonomous emergency braking.

With both this and the Nissan Navara Pro coming soon, it’s going to be interesting to see how they stack up against the de facto top dog of PHEV pickups. Let us know in the comments which truck you think comes out on top, and we’ll stay tuned for more news from Jetour.

While the groundbreaking was done almost a decade ago and the initial expectation was to open in January 2021, the Common Station’s target opening has been pushed back multiple times due to numerous factors.

Like many frustrated commuters, you’ve probably been wondering why construction has taken so long in the first place and how much longer we need to wait. Here’s all we know about the Unified Grand Central Station and the latest target opening date (hopefully).

Why has it taken so long for the Common Station to be built?

PHOTO BY Department of Transportation on Facebook

Since construction began in 2017, the Common Station has faced multiple setbacks due to initial design and location disputes, pandemic disruptions, and contractor delays that forced the government to terminate its contract with the original builder.

In March last year, the DOTr terminated its design-and-build contract with the BFC-FDSC Consortium due to slow progress. To continue work this year, the agency tapped LRT-1 operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) and Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation.

Key timeline and developments

PHOTO BY Department of Transportation Facebook Page

Here’s a quick look back at the development timeline and progress updates on the common station.

• January 2017: An agreement was reached to build the station.
• September 2017: The groundbreaking held at the North Triangle Transport Terminal.
• 2019: The original target completion date was set when the contract was awarded to the BFC-FDSC Consortium (BF Corporation and Foresight Development and Surveying Co.).
• 2021 to 2023: Despite positive progress updates in June 2022, target completion dates were repeatedly moved due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected manpower and construction logistics. Completion delays were also attributed to technical redesign issues like utilities relocation and systems upgrades, including signaling and automated fare collection. In April, additional delays pushed back the opening of the common station to the end of 2023.
• January 2024: The opening date was postponed after a delay in payments to the contractor, which impacted construction progress.
• August 2024: Construction completely stalled, and works were largely abandoned on site.
• May 2025: The DOTr formally canceled and terminated its contract with the BFC-FDSC Consortium due to excessive delays.
• Q1 2027: DOTr announced its initial targeted partial completion of the Common Station and MRT-7.
• July 2026: The Economy and Development (ED) Council approved a variation order of the project allowing the LRMC to take over and continue remaining works.
• Q1 2028: New target for partial/interim operations (expected).
• 2030: New projected timeline for the final, full completion of the Common Station (expected).

When is the latest target completion date?

PHOTO BY Department of Transportation Facebook Page

The planned opening of the UGCS is meant to align with the expected partial operations of the MRT-7, originally slated for 2027.

Interim operations are now expected to start in the first quarter of 2028, as confirmed by Secretary Giovanni Lopez of the DOTr.

In an interview shared by DOTr on July 30, Lopez said that the concourse, platform, and an access way to the MRT-3 via Trinoma should be in working order by 2028. These structures should already allow commuters to traverse the connected train lines without crossing the sidewalks outdoors.

Lopez further explained that the target follows the recent approval by the ED Council of a variation order for the project, which was assigned to the LRMC after a previous contract termination.

“Kaka-approve lang po ng ED. Ang nangyari po kasi dito, we terminated the contract. And nung na-terminate po natin yan, nakipag-usap tayo sa LRMC if they can continue the project by way of variation order,” Lopez said, adding that interim operations are expected by early 2028 while signaling systems are finalized.

Ahead of its full completion, Ayala Malls is expanding and refreshing Trinoma with the construction of The Exchange, a new 40,000sqm wing that will connect to the Common Station.

“Since first quarter of 2028 pa matatapos na yun kasi we’re fixing the signaling—kailangan kasi may signaling ang rail transport po yan,” Lopez explained. “Ang gagawin po namin ngayon is to ensure na kapag natapos na po yung North Avenue, MRT-7, at functional na po yan, magagamit ng ating mga commuters yung concourse at platform.”

Full completion of the vital transport hub is now slated for 2030. Let’s all hope that this project finally gets back on track and that there won’t be any further setbacks.

Taycan depreciation. Old petrol Macans outselling new electric ones. Fast-tracking combustion-powered SUVs to shore up the coffers. All while China shuns posh Euro-metal and America is trousering a fortune to import them. One ousted CEO later, new boss Michael Leiters has the task of steering the VW Group’s one-time cash tanker back on course.

ILLUSTRATION: Topgear.com

His track record glints with success. After a previous life at Porsche where he introduced the first hybrid Cayenne, he left for Ferrari and oversaw technical development of all-timers like the 812 Superfast, 488 Pista, and 296 GTB (and less loved but undeniably influential fodder like the SF90 and Purosangue).

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Poached by archrivals McLaren, Leiters had to steer the Woking outfit through open-heart surgery, as the troubled Artura hybrid was delayed, the core V8 models aged, and the whole company was gobbled up by an offshoot of Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund. Romantic.

Somehow, he stemmed the losses. Put McLaren on track to deliver a new family of models, while build quality improved. At last. Small wonder his old employer came knocking with an open checkbook and a snaking to-do list.

Leiters’ credentials are top class... but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a go, too. Top Gear’s had a high-powered, overcaffeinated blue-sky thinking office pow-wow, and here’s what we’d do if we were in Stuttgart’s driving seat…

Step 1: Balance the books

PHOTO BY Porsche

Porsche’s handsome profits plummeted 93% to €90 million (Around P6.339 billion) in 2025. How to make savings and conjure quick-fire cash?

First off, we’d cut our losses on the electric Boxster. Porsche’s share price actually rose early this year when rumors circulated that Leiters had sidelined the project. It’s since been confirmed to still be on course, albeit with petrol ‘top models.’ But how can you swing an EV entry-level sports car with petrol GT4s when EVs are pricier than ICE?

We say: Bin off the ‘mid-batteried’ platform to Audi for the new TT, then farm it out to VW as a halo product (ID.Scirocco) and even sprinkle some glitter on Cupra. They don’t have the sports car heritage that makes a Porsche EV two-seater sacrilegious (for now).

Next up, slim down the bloated 911 range. There are 21 versions of the rear-engined icon right now. AWD Cabrios, Carreras base, ‘S’ and ‘T.’ Not a single one can be had for under £100,000 (P8.212 million). The 911 is being stretched too thinly over multiple roles as a sports car, boulevard cruiser, and all-out supercar. And follow the GT department’s lead on power: No one is bothered that the GT3 has flatlined around 500hp for a decade. That noise and character are 10 times as exciting as warp-drive e-turbos and 1,000bhp.

Lastly, merge the Taycan and the Panamera. With China’s appetite for long-wheelbase Eurobarges withering, Porsche makes two four-door sedans which are no longer the flavor of the month. Sum up the sedans into one five-door liftback model which, like BMW’s successful i7, supports petrol, hybrid and full EV power. Surely that platform could also support the next Cayenne, plus Bentayga, and Urus MkII? We’ll leave the techy bits up to the Germans...

Step 2: Refine the designs

PHOTO BY Porsche

Okay, we’ve shed the flab. Now we need to make people want a Porsche like they used to. That means bringing back the glory days of Porsche design common sense.

Electric pop-out door handles are banished. We’ll reintroduce the pop-out adjustable cupholders from the 991 and outgoing Cayman—an elegant space saver that doesn’t afflict gear-changing like the 992’s MegaGulp receptacle.

We’ll also lean into the Singer-esque love of retro and introduce an Analogue Interior Pack. Watch it become Porsche’s most profitable option. For a modest sum, you can swap out the dashboard screens for classic dials. Knurled temperature knobs replace touchscreen heater menus. Starter buttons out, twisty keys return.

Also heading for the scrapheap: a total ban on LED light bars. Okay, so Porsche design has never been the most radical brush in the painter’s palette, but all these dull lightsabers slapped across the arses of Taycans, 911s, Macans and Panameras smacks of laziness.

Step 3: Make the future exciting

PHOTO BY Topgear.com

It’s hard to be a car company right now. Trust us, we’re having a go. Meeting every law, every political whim, every customer trend, and trying to be cool at the same time is an impossible task. But there are projects which could bring back that luster of ‘anything is possible’ to Porsche.

Foremost: A new analogue supercar. There’s a reason it’s radio silence on the all-EV Mission X forming a new Holy Trinity alongside the turbo-hybrid Ferrari F80 and McLaren W1: No one wants e-supercars. So, go the other way. Lean into what’s made 911 RS, S/Ts and Carrera GTs go up in value like anti-apocalypse bunkers.

Imagine a lengthened GT3 RS engine—a nat-asp flat-eight revving to 9,000rpm and beyond—with some e-assist for town, and a beechwood manual gear lever. All wrapped up in that 919 Street concept shell Porsche showed off a few years ago. Make 500 at a million quid a pop. A bargain next to a GMA T.50. You’d sell them three times over.

Meanwhile, shout louder about the e-fuels program. When Porsche announced it’d set up a synthetic petrol plant in Chile in 2022, the car world rejoiced—this would surely be the moment that hobby driving was saved. But it’s gone ominously quiet. Sure, it’s powering the Porsche Supercup race series, and there’s a vague promise about Porsche-petrol going on sale by the end of the decade, but that might be too little too late.

Lastly, if all of the above has gone to plan (and we see literally no reason why it wouldn’t—Stuttgart, you have our office number), then take a look to the past. What saved Porsche time and again were cars like the 924, the original Boxster, and the Cayenne. Affordable cars that people were telling you they wanted.

Don’t just chase the billionaire bonuses. That’ll get you out of a hole now, but by losing sight of the grassroots car lover’s aspirations, it’ll drive you into a bigger one later. Recycle the front half of a 911 and give us a new mid-engined baby Porsche for safely under £50k (P4.1 million). People will even forgive that flat-four turbo engine now—it’s not electric...

NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.

The annual event is a celebration of all things related to the game studio’s titles, including fantasy open-world aventure Genshin Impact and sci-fi turn-based RPG Honkai: Star Rail. Other countries in Southeast Asia also held their own editions of HoYo Fest around the same dates, including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.

PHOTO BY Angelo Nieto

Among the first features seen upon entering the lobby area of HoYo Fest were the shelves lined with exclusive and hard-to-find merchandise of Hoyoverse games. Plushies, accessories, and more featuring designs of fan-favorite characters were up for grabs, and attracted long lines on each day of the event.

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Gadget brand Ugreen was also present with its own booth at HoYo Fest to promote its latest collaboration with HoYoverse featuring Honkai: Star Rail. Ugreen’s latest collection is inspired by the character Yao Guang, who was portrayed by cosplayer Tsuclashima at the brand’s booth. She was present throughout the days of HoYofest to interact and take pictures with fans.

PHOTO BY Angelo Nieto

The Ugreen x Honkai: Star Rail collection is available now at gadget retailers. Prices for individual products in the collection are as follows:

• Ugreen Nexode Pro Power Bank Honkai: Star Rail Edition: P2,199
• Ugreen Nexode Air Charger Honkai: Star Rail Edition: P1,599
• Ugreen Nexode Retractable USB-C Cable Honkai: Star Rail Edition: P750
• Ugreen FineTrack Mini 2 Honkai: Star Rail Edition: P880

This marks the second occassion that Ugreen and HoYoverse have worked together. The two previously collaborated on a Genshin Impact-themed collection which included similar accessories such as chargers and power banks.

PHOTO BY Angelo Nieto

The main venue of HoYo Fest was dominated by an expansive Artist Alley featuring creators selling their HoYo-themed designs and collectibles. Over 90 artists were featured at this art market, which gave fans the opportunity to meet their newest favorite creator at HoYo Fest.

Attendees were also able to commemorate their visit through the installations and booths for photo ops. These featured dioramas of locations and standees of characters from the games Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero.

PHOTO BY Angelo Nieto

Other special events at HoYo Fest included opportunities to try out HoYoverse’s upcoming game Honkai: Nexus Anima and a watch party for Genshin Impact’s next major update. All in all, this year’s event marked an upgrade over last year thanks to the bigger venue and the addition of the Artist Alley.

Did you manage to attend HoYo Fest this year? Let us know your experience in the comments.

More photos of HoYo Fest 2026:

PHOTO BY Angelo Nieto

PHOTO BY Angelo Nieto

PHOTO BY Angelo Nieto

PHOTO BY Angelo Nieto

PHOTO BY Angelo Nieto

PHOTO BY Angelo Nieto

The toy is currently available in select countries and can be purchased through participating 7-Eleven branches across the US, Malaysia, and Singapore. Those in the US can also order it through 7-Eleven’s merchandise website, 7Collection, where it costs $7.11 (P435).

PHOTO BY 7Collection ILLUSTRATION: Lije Martin

The limited-edition die-cast GT-R features a white body color. The sides have 7-Eleven’s iconic green, red, and orange stripes with the brand’s logo on each door. Meanwhile, the hood features the same styling, with a predominantly green background.

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The racing number 26—perhaps to commemorate the year of this collaboration—is featured on the hood and rear bumper. While the rear plate spells “where car?,” a meme from the comments section of 7-Eleven social media posts.  

PHOTO BY 7Collection ILLUSTRATION: Lije Martin

For years, 7-Eleven has embraced the automotive community, often featuring enthusiast builds on its official Instagram page. Aside from the die-cast GT-R, there are also shirts and hoodies available in collaboration with Hot Wheels as part of a merchandise line called ‘Cars of 7-Eleven’ on the convenience store’s website. Unfortunately, though, the website only ships within the US. 

If you want to grab the limited-edition 7-Eleven x Hot Wheels GT-R, you’ll have to ask for help from anyone you know visiting the US, Malaysia, or Singapore. As for the other items in the Cars of 7-Eleven Collection, you’ll have to call in a favor from someone in the US—or if you want to go the extra mile, plan your next visit and ask which friends and family members want to pasabuy. 

More photos from the Cars of 7-Eleven Collection for the Hot Wheels R35 Nissan GT-R:

PHOTO BY 7Collection ILLUSTRATION: Lije Martin

PHOTO BY 7Collection ILLUSTRATION: Lije Martin

PHOTO BY 7Collection ILLUSTRATION: Lije Martin

The Japanese manufacturer says that the combination of the durable frame and suspension makes the 2027 Pajero a suitable tool over “rough terrain with large bumps and impact.” The company also emphasizes ride comfort and how the SUV reduces unwanted vibrations and body movement to help ease driver strain over long distances.

PHOTO BY Mitsubishi

Aiding the new Pajero is Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) technology, which Mitsubishi says will “optimize handling, off-road capability, and stability across diverse driving scenarios.” This, along with the Pajero’s suspension system, frame, and iconic triple-gauge multi-meter display that was also confirmed for this model, will make off-road enthusiasts more eager for its launch. 

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So, just when will the next-generation Pajero actually be launched? Mitsubishi says it will be launched in autumn 2026, so that should be anytime from September to November this year. As for actually seeing it off-road, we’ll just have to wait until the launch or if Mitsubishi decides to showcase a video teaser later on. With years of rumors about the all-new Pajero, and the distinguished off-road heritage of the nameplate (especially in Dakar), the brand knows it has high expectations to meet. But so far, it looks promising. 

PHOTO BY Mitsubishi

There’s a sizeable community of 12,000+ HT Formula M players who still gather and race in custom-made tracks in the 2010 release using the Halo Forge tool. The community’s Instagram page shows clips of these races, and watching a procession of Mongoose ATVs bouncing their way through a chicane with balletic synchronicity is really something to behold.

PHOTO BY Nikieplays

Do these custom tracks capture every bit of trackside detail like EA’s F1 games do? They do not. In fact, in sheer visual terms, the tracks look a bit like someone’s knocked over a giant domino run in the woods.

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But the track profiles themselves are eerily authentic, including the elevation changes at circuits like the infamously undulating Spa-Francorchamps, and the corner vectors everywhere from Monaco’s hairpin to Singapore’s onslaught of twisties.

Watch: HT Formula M racing in Imola

HT Formula M races from May to August in a 14-race championship, organized by community members via a dedicated Discord.

Given how difficult it’s proven for many modern racing sims—with licenses and real tracks, and post-2010 graphics—to find an audience and get them to stay, it’s seriously impressive that a bunch of fan-made creations built in a 16-year-old level editor tool is doing this well.

How’s the handling? You already know. It’s Halo. It’s that distinct floaty, “point and aim where you intend to go” control scheme that works perfectly for its intended purpose of tearing across wide grassland environments from one battle to the next, but which is hilariously unsuited to precise formula-style racing. Which is, of course, what makes it so fun.

PHOTO BY Nikieplays

It takes a lot of repetition and muscle memory to make it through a lap of Monaco in a Mongoose, then, let alone at the kind of pace this community’s racers take the corners at.

Plus, the racing rules and regs are surprisingly robust. As reported by Polygon, races use a custom game type that introduces slipstreaming, fuel use, track limits, and pit-lane speed limits for an experience much closer to F1 than you might expect of a gaggle of massive floaty sci-fi battle-jeeps.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

If you want to get involved, make an account with Halo Tracks and join the HT Formula M Discord via the link in their Instagram bio.

NOTE: This story first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.

And now, a non-hybrid Territory Platinum has been revealed after Ford Vietnam recently debuted the new crossover. Aside from its powertrain, its most striking features are the lettering on the hood that spells out Platinum and a slightly different wheel design.

PHOTO BY Ford

Being a non-hybrid, the Platinum has no identifying decals on the side skirts, but admittedly, the crossover is much cleaner without them. However, general car buyers will likely need to look twice before differentiating the Platinum from other variants.

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There are more significant changes on the inside, and that will likely justify the higher asking price. For starters, the seats have a new, distinct quilted pattern that looks to offer more support and has a Platinum emblem stitched on.

PHOTO BY Ford

The sound system has also been upgraded from an eight-piece to a 10-speaker setup, but the 12.3-inch infotainment screen remains as is. The same goes for the knob gear shift and the rest of the center console.

While we’re expecting a hybrid version to enter the Philippines, this ICE Territory Platinum should give us a good idea of what could be offered. As we wait for official announcements to come in, let us know what you think of this new Platinum variant. Would you pay a higher price for this new setup?

More photos of the 2027 Ford Territory Platinum:

PHOTO BY Ford

PHOTO BY Ford

PHOTO BY Ford

PHOTO BY Ford

PHOTO BY Ford

PHOTO BY Ford

PHOTO BY Ford

PHOTO BY Ford

PHOTO BY Ford

PHOTO BY Ford

PHOTO BY Ford

There’s no getting away from the fact that it looks a lot like a Defender, with its maker boasting in the press release that “an unapologetically boxy profile delivers the imposing, chunky design that finds favor among SUV buyers, yet delivers a contemporary look.”

PHOTO BY BYD

It’s certainly not priced like the Land Rover, that’s for sure, with the single Excellence AWD specification providing seven seats as standard and kicking off at £47,995 (around P3.92 million before taxes). That gets you a panoramic roof, LEDs all round, and 20-inch wheels, plus a 15.6-inch touchscreen, heated and ventilated leather seats, dual wireless smartphone chargers, and even an in-car fridge.

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In the UK, a seven-seat Defender 110 starts at £68,465 (around P5.6 million before taxes), and that’s before any option boxes have been ticked. Yikes.

PHOTO BY BYD

Oh, and BYD’s offering comes complete with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a chunky 35.6kWh battery and two electric motors for 402hp, 0-100kph in 4.8sec and 119km of all-electric range. If you want a plug-in hybrid Defender, you’re limited to the six-seat layout with just two rows and a tiny jump seat up front.

The Ti 7 also promises an 18-speaker sound system and 1,830 liters of trunk space with both back rows folded away. Deliveries will apparently kick off in January 2027, after which—if the Jaecoo craze is anything to go by—you’ll start seeing 18 of them on the drive to school each morning.

More photos of the 2027 BYD Ti 7:

PHOTO BY BYD

PHOTO BY BYD

PHOTO BY BYD

NOTE: This story first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.

Both variants measure in at 4,820mm long, 1,930mm wide, and 1,710mm tall—in other words, the J8 is Jaecoo’s largest vehicle yet. At this size, it rubs elbows with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and the Hyundai Santa Fe.

PHOTO BY Jaecoo

The Jaecoo J8 is equipped with the Chinese brand’s SHS-P plug-in hybrid system (as opposed to the SHS-H of the J5 HEV). Both variants use a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 141hp and 215Nm of torque. The Luxury spec pairs it with two electric motors; the whole system makes 302hp and 450Nm, sent to the front wheels. The Flagship spec adds another electric motor to enable all-wheel drive, bumping up total system output to 422hp and 580Nm.

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Battery sizes also differ by trim. The Luxury variant is equipped with a 19.43kWh battery good for 90km of electric-only range. The Flagship variant’s battery is significantly larger at 34.46kWh, which extends electric-only range to 169km. Despite these differences, the Luxury still has a slightly higher combined system range at 1,350km (50km more than the Flagship).

PHOTO BY Jaecoo

Another important distinction between the Jaecoo J8’s variants: seating layout. The Luxury seats seven, while the Flagship seats six. This likely indicates the inclusion of second-row captain’s seats on the higher trim, as seen in Jaecoo’s other offerings abroad.

Unfortunately, we don’t have more info on other features for now because the available documentation was light on details for amenities. Interestingly, however, the documentation provided to the DOE mentions a trim called the Executive; it appears to have the same power specs as the Flagship while keeping the seven-seat layout of the Luxury.

PHOTO BY Jaecoo

PHOTO BY Jaecoo

What say you on this possible addition to Jaecoo’s lineup? Do you think it’s going to stack up well against its competition? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll stay tuned as this story develops.

Upon looking at the cream-colored interior, one of the first things you’ll notice is the seat layout, with captain chairs on the second row and a 50:50 split-folding third row. This confirms the Sealion 08 as a six-seater with a 2+2+2 configuration.  

PHOTO BY BYD on Weibo

Based on photos, the second-row occupants are treated to their own armrests and legrests. The seats look plush with leather upholstery and good reclinability. There are multiple cubbyholes on the sides as well, which could also house a USB port for charging your phone. There’s also a foldable seatback table behind the front passenger. Other second-row amenities include reading lamps, your own set of A/C controls, a sunroof, and a large drop-down infotainment screen.

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As for the front row, the dashboard features an enormous touchscreen display. Official numbers haven’t been published, but if we were to guess, it might be slightly larger than the 15.6-inch display in the Sealion 7, and could even be closer to the Denza B8’s touchscreen, measuring 17.3 inches. There’s also a large instrument panel for the driver, a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, a wireless phone charger, and more storage under the center console. 

PHOTO BY BYD on Weibo

Other things we’ve noticed are the 16 speakers inside the cabin. We really liked the sound system in the Denza D9, and since the Sealion 08 is BYD’s flagship, we can probably expect great listening sessions in this car, too. As for the visuals, BYD has spec’d this SUV’s interior with marble-patterned details around the doors and dashboard, as well as switchable ambient lighting.

As of writing, it isn’t confirmed if BYD will export the Sealion 08 outside China. Currently, the largest SUV you can get from the brand in our market is the BYD Tang, which is classified as a midsize crossover. What do you think of the Sealion 08’s interior? And do you think BYD should consider bringing its flagship SUV to the Philippines? Let us know in the comments. 

PHOTO BY TopGear.com.ph

PHOTO BY BYD on Weibo

In terms of price and performance, it slides in between the base Ranger XLS and the adventure-focused Wildtrak, with 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrain options. While the Wolftrak doesn’t offer improved suspension, it does add some aesthetic improvements to beef up its overall package.

PHOTO BY Ford

The truck is highlighted by its Lime Green accents and Wolftrak decals that decorate its shell and 17-inch wheels. Under the hood, a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine runs the show, with a familiar 168hp and 405Nm of torque on tap. The powertrain is then mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

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Buyers will also get special Wolftrak-labeled seats, along with a standard 12-inch infotainment screen and a basic set of driving assists. Locally, this new variant is most comparable to the Ranger Sport, though it does add a roll bar to offset the smaller wheels.

PHOTO BY Ford

With that, the Philippines will not likely see this specific Ranger, as a new Sport+ 4x4 variant has just been added to the local stable. That one offers the same power, but with a blacked-out grille and a sport bar. Admittedly, the Lime Green color on the Ranger Wolftrak does look pretty clean, and we hope that will at least make its way to the Philippines.

What do you think of the Ranger Wolftrak? Does it have enough to upsell you from a sensible XLS variant? Sound off in the comments section.

And now, the S5 electric crossover is on the horizon; however, MG might have an unexpected release up its sleeve. The Land Transportation Office recently published homologation papers for a curious MG GT Sport Turbo sedan, which packs a non-hybrid powertrain.

PHOTO BY MG

According to the listing, the GT utilizes a 1.5-liter mill, and from its name, we can infer that it is turbocharged. The newer specifications also show larger dimensions than the current GT, and a slightly lighter weight. Specifically, the new model measures 4,715mm in length, while the current GT is 4,675mm long.

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However, because the two sedans share a similar engine, this could just be a facelift launch. At the same time, the GT has not seen an update since it debuted in 2022, making it benefit from an aesthetic refresh.

PHOTO BY MG

We can also expect this to be a silent release, as MG had previously done with the relatively new 5 Prestige sedan. While the brand has been focusing heavily on its electrified offerings, its gasoline-powered cars have not been forgotten.

Watch: MG releases new 5 Prestige

If you’ve been waiting for a new GT, you may want to keep an extra sharp eye out for any news. At the same time, MG has yet to officially announce anything about a new sedan. We’ll be sure to post the latest updates when they come in.

For the period of August 4, 2026, the price of diesel will go down by P0.60 per liter, while gasoline prices will decrease by P0.73 per liter. Finally, kerosene will also have a price decrease of P2.09 per liter.

PHOTO BY Department of Energy

Global oil prices continued to sink over the weekend after US President Donald Trump made remarks related to calling off a “massive attack” on Iran. He further stated that negotiations with Iran will resume roon; Iran has firmly denied that it is engaging in any form of talks with the US.

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Iran is, however, in talks with Oman to negotiate temporary safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This negotiation would see the creation of a sea lane “that is naturally temporary and based on which the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz can be ensured,” according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei.

PHOTO BY Petro Gazz

PHOTO BY Jetti

PHOTO BY SeaOil

Last week also saw President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address. His speech recapped the actions his administration took to address the oil crisis, particularly the declaration of the State of National Energy Emergency. He also touched on the removal of tarriffs on electrified vehicles to make these options more available.

Later on in the week, Marcos Jr. also signed an Executive Order to promote the manufacture and assembly of EVs in the Philippines. Though nothing has been formalized just yet, incentives would include tax breaks and govertnment subsidies for participating automakers. Shortly after this news broke, Mitsubishi was quick to reaffirm its commitment to producing HEVs in the country as early as 2028.

The brand recently entered new territory, however, with its premium brand Denza. Unlike BYD, Denza has its work cut out for it, as it aims to compete with the likes of Lexus. Affordability won’t be the name of the game—for buyers in the more premium segments, quality will be key.

Locally, Denza’s first offerings included a people-hauler looking to rival the LM, and two 4x4 SUVs that want to entice would-be buyers away from the likes of the Nissan Patrol and Toyota Land Cruiser. I was recently able to try out one of those: the Denza B5. While it’s not as big as the B8, it’s a luxurious SUV in its own right, and still poses as a potential full-size SUV alternative, especially since it’s a proper plug-in hybrid. But does it actually have what it takes to entice SUV buyers looking for something upmarket?

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Styling

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

The only rugged-looking BYD I know is the Shark 6, and while that does look good from certain angles, there are a few areas where I think the carmaker missed the mark. Denza, meanwhile, appears to have its design game on point. The B5 is a hybrid, but it isn’t trying to look ‘electrified’ in any way—in the sense that electric vehicles tend to look a little more futuristic than most cars.

You’d be forgiven if you mistook the B5 for a regular diesel-powered 4x4 with the way it’s styled, and I think that’s actually a good thing. It’s a burly, beefy-looking SUV, and it looks very macho from whichever angle you look at it. This particular colorway pops nicely, though the blacked-out finish on the wheels tends to make the spokes look washed out. The design, however, is quite balanced and cohesive from the front to the rear. Actually, even as you move to the inside.

Interior

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

In the cabin, you’ll find various layers of interior material. There are plenty of different textures, but you’ll also see how ‘cohesive’ the design is. The rectangular shapes with the rounded corners can be found all around, which I think also match nicely with the headlights. That light signature establishes that aesthetic on the outside, and it’s emphasized even further once you step inside.

There’s also an abundance of space here. Even with all the panels protruding from the doors and the center console, it still feels roomy in the cockpit. There’s also legroom for days in the second row, and I’m sure taller individuals will appreciate that. There are a number of nifty cubbies for storage—there’s one on the dash in front of the passenger seat and one underneath the center console.

Overall, the cabin feels quite comfortable, and it’s also pleasing to the eyes. I like how the accents adorning the inside blend, from the contrasting plastic to the stitched leather. Yes, that also applies to the crystal buttons on the center stack, as well as the gear selector that pops out when you turn the vehicle on. The materials used here feel solid, and the seats are plush. It’s a nice place to be in, but we haven’t even gotten to all the niceties you can enjoy here.

Engine performance

PHOTO BY Aaron Pagador

More on the extra tech later—let’s talk powertrain first, because the B5’s got quite an impressive one.

Powering the Denza B5 is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with a 31.8kWh battery and dual electric motors. This hybrid system produces a healthy 570hp and 760Nm of torque, and on the road, it’s as healthy as advertised. You’ll never find yourself looking for power with the B5, as in any situation I was in, I always had more than enough. And mind you, I drove this thing far and even went off-roading with it, so it wouldn’t be a stretch to say I drove it in all the conditions the average owner would. It’s surprising, if I’m being honest, just how quickly this massive SUV flies off the line with Sport mode on.

It’s decently efficient, too. I netted 12.3km/L after several hundred kilometers of driving with a whole lot of idling here and there. That’s without even trying, and without even bothering with charging. For an SUV that supposedly weighs similarly to a Toyota Land Cruiser 300, that’s really not too shabby. Of course, if you’re going to be driving this in the city on weekdays—which can both be good and bad—you also have the option to charge and just use battery power. That’s the beauty of having a PHEV. This one has 100km of EV range on a single charge, which should suffice for the day-to-day movements around Metro Manila.

Ride and handling

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

As mentioned, though, driving this mainly in the city can be good and bad. Good because ride comfort is excellent and it’s light to maneuver; bad because it’s big—there’s just no going around it.

The ride is a bit on the firm side, but I find the suspension tuned just right. Unlike in the B8, where it can feel a bit bouncy when driving over bigger road imperfections, the B5 manages most bumps and potholes easily. There aren’t too many oscillations felt inside the cabin, which was a surprise since I had my expectations set based on how the B8 rode, so driving this on EDSA or C5 on a daily basis shouldn’t be a problem. Granted, there’s still noticeable body roll through corners, but that’s to be expected with a vehicle of this size.

If you’re crawling through traffic or just making your way through some tight streets, you might find the B5 a bit cumbersome to pilot. It’s tall and gives you a commanding view of the road ahead, but its sheer size also means there are inevitable blind spots where motorcycles will also inevitably pass through when you’re in a gridlock. There are driver aids like cameras and sensors to help out with that, but driving this during rush hour will still require extra care.

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

One thing I should note, though, is that the brakes could use a little more stopping power. When I tested the B5 in hard-braking situations, the brake pedal felt just a bit spongy, and the vehicle didn’t quite feel like it could really stop on a dime. All that being said, I consider this a minor complaint, as these scenarios shouldn’t be something drivers should worry about often (if at all) if they drive carefully enough, anyway. 

Now, if it’s off-roading you’re wondering about, you’ll be glad to know that the Denza B5 is as capable as any 4x4 can get. Even newbie off-roaders will have no problems driving through mud or sand (ask us how we know), as the vehicle and its computers will be doing most of the work in such conditions. Just select the appropriate off-road setting by twisting the knob on the steering wheel (kudos for physical controls), then you’re good to go. Off-roading for dummies is what I call it. Of course, purists will have problems with these, but that’s just how it is with these newer, smarter machines. Then again, we haven’t tried this yet in hardcore off-roading situations, so maybe that’s something the seasoned veterans can try out in their respective reviews.

Extra features

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

The B5 is, hands down, one of the most feature-packed SUVs I’ve driven this year. There are the basics, like the massive 15.6-inch infotainment system with the 12.3-inch instrument cluster. The latter feels too cluttered with information, but at least the touchscreen head unit comes with a solid Devialet 16-speaker setup that, if my memory serves me right, sounds better than what you get in the B8. But I digress.

There’s also ADAS available, and the suite includes the whole kit and kaboodle. Worth noting is that the adaptive cruise control that also works at low speeds is straightforward to operate, and the lane-keeping system isn’t too intrusive when in use.

Apart from the basics, you get a chiller-slash-heater under the center armrest in the front row. You can use it for both food and beverage, though I mostly just used it to cool drinks. First-row passengers also get most of the good stuff, as these front seats also come with ventilation and massage functions. Best believe I used the massage feature to the fullest during the time I had the B5.

Verdict

PHOTO BY Aaron Pagador

The Denza B5, on paper and in actuality, has the engine, the underpinnings, and the tech to compete against its competitors. At P3.798 million, it’s also priced decently, especially when you compare it to the likes of the LC and the Nissan Patrol. The former has a hybrid that stickers for three million more, while the latter has none. The Denza B5 doesn’t sound like such a bad deal now, does it?

Its biggest barrier, however, might be its badge. It doesn’t have the people’s trust quite yet, as it isn’t a household name like BYD is, and that could be enough to sway potential buyers away. These same buyers have pockets deep enough for a full-size SUV, and they’ll most definitely be more brand-conscious than those buying a mass-market hybrid.

Brands and badges aside, the Denza B5 is a solid premium SUV. While it doesn’t have the reputation just yet, in and of itself, it’s a properly engineered vehicle that’s worth a second look.

SPECS: 2027 Denza B5

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

Price: P3,798,000
Powertrain: 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline I4 + 31.8kWh battery and front & rear electric motors
Transmission: Electric hybrid system drive
Power: 570hp
Torque: 670Nm
Layout: Part-time 4WD
Seating: Five
Score: 9/10

More photos of the Denza B5 2027:

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

PHOTO BY Leandre Grecia

Yes. And exceptionally good it is, too. But first, some context. TG.com is at the Stellantis test track near Balocco, a sprawling facility that sits just off the A4 autostrada midway between Milan and Turin. Ferrari gets to use it, too. There are 26 different configurations here, across 50 miles (over 80km), with really fast sections, horribly surfaced bits, and some that do a great approximation of a quintessential British B-road. Lumpy and bumpy, but often highly entertaining at the same time.

A good place to get a handle on the year’s most controversial new car.

Is it? We hadn’t noticed… Before we go any further, we can’t ignore the fact that the Luce’s arrival was less than rapturously received. To put it mildly. There are plenty of people who find the very idea of an electric Ferrari wholly unpalatable. Then the company doubled down in spectacular fashion by hiring an agency co-founded by former Apple creative visionary Sir Jonathan Ive to design the thing. Cue a car that resembles no Ferrari ever. Having covered the interior reveal in February and May’s launch in Rome, when even the Pope got involved, we had a ringside seat on the madness.

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And?

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

Well, Ferrari can take heart from the fact that the entire world seems to be invested in its destiny. People really care. But it also raised the question of what a Ferrari should be—and indeed what it’s for. The company saw zero point in replicating what it does elsewhere in its range and electrifying that—from a brand or engineering perspective. The Luce is an opportunity to do something different, and boy does it have a singular point of view.

Unfortunately, it appears to be one that’s not shared by many others, at least not among those whose existence is predicated on starting fights on social media. Yep, like the Jaguar Type 00, the Luce has found itself as a lightning rod for the ‘culture wars’, a focal point for algorithm-driven global BS. Look, Ferrari didn’t get where it is today without challenging the status quo. And, as we keep saying, it’s not as if it’s abandoning combustion cars. Six-, eight- and 12-cylinder Ferraris are also still available.

Uh oh. Brace for impact…

The Luce is meant to be Ferrari going off-piste, a feeling that’s amplified by the driving experience. This is a Ferrari, just not the sort we’re used to. “In the past 100 years, technology has changed for sure,” Raffaele de Simone, Ferrari’s chief test driver, tells us. “But what hasn’t changed is our bodies—we have two hands, two eyes and ears, and two feet. The interface is the same—steering, brakes, and throttle—but the Luce has a different sort of driving emotion, and a different way of announcing driving thrills.

“People often talk about all the new possibilities that software and electrification bring. That’s true, of course. But for me the most important thing is that none of these possibilities ever feel artificial. I don’t want behavior that feels disconnected from the driver’s inputs. There has to be a very direct relationship with what the driver asks and what the car does.”

Also, it really does look more fascinating in the flesh than in images. The floating front wing is very cool.

Come on, then. What’s it like to drive?

Intriguing. There are probably about 10 different cars within one here, but they all do their thing seamlessly. TG is in a pre-production car, still camo’d at the time of driving to deter the inquisitive.

There are some things you notice immediately. The Luce has ‘cab-forward’ proportions so you sit closer to the front axle, and obviously up higher than usual because there’s an enormous battery pack beneath you. The three-spoke wheel’s design is inspired by a classic Ferrari’s and feels great in the hands. As does the rest of an interior that’s pure Jony Ive.

Some have grumbled that the layout is overly simplistic, but one person’s simplicity is another’s clarity. And you really would have to be an irredeemably miserable git to have any issues with the fit, finish and materials used. To be clear, there’s fuzzy felt covering and plastic in this particular car, but it’s a hard-working prototype and things are still under wraps. We’ve also been in a fully finished car, and can confirm that it’s beautiful and brilliant.

Remind us of the car’s key technical points.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

The structure is all new. The chassis consists of hollow castings, extrusions and aluminum sheets, to reduce weight and optimize load paths. The 800V battery architecture is integrated into the chassis, positioned as low in the Luce’s floorpan as the engineers could achieve. So it has a center of gravity that’s 95mm lower than the Purosangue’s, and a yaw moment of inertia 15% less than its SUV brother.

So it’s agile despite its size.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

The Luce delivers unprecedented control of each wheel in all three axes—lateral, longitudinal and vertical—with particular emphasis on the lateral body dynamic. A new ‘vehicle control unit’ (VCU) oversees everything, and updates targets 200 times per second. The Luce has a 122kWh battery and four e-motors, two on each axle, and optimum weight distribution. The front motors deliver 282hp, the rears 831hp, so the total output is north of 1,000hp. And there’s mammoth torque, of course, an almost meaningless amount—7,990Nm at the rear wheels.

Anything else?

The front motors can spin at up to 30,000rpm, and can go from nothing to full tilt in less than a second. The chassis and body consists of 75% recycled aluminum, which dramatically reduces CO2 emissions. There’s also a separate rear subframe for the first time on a Ferrari; it’s connected to the rest of the chassis by elastomeric bushes—polymers with a high viscosity—which helps reduce noise and vibration.

And behind the wheel?

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

A new ‘e-manettino’ on the lower left side of the wheel joins the existing one on the right. There are three settings that govern the amount of power and traction available but also the torque curve’s shape. Remember, there are four independent motors, each of which is expertly managed. Select ‘Tour’ mode and the driver has 608hp to enjoy and full all-wheel drive capability. In the ‘Performance’ setting that rises to 958hp, and the 306kph top speed is available. This is a complicated car, and its bandwidth is enormous, but the key precept is that it’s always accessible.

But isn’t a Ferrari meant to immediately overwhelm you with sensation?

It depends which ones you’re talking about. Ferraris have become increasingly civilized everyday cars over the years, and it’s clear from the off that the Luce isn’t interested in pinning your body into the seat the nanosecond you hit the accelerator (more of a torque demand switch, to be pedantic). The Luce moves away effortlessly, telegraphing its massive potential with an impressively light touch.

Interesting way of putting it. Continue…

By being able to vector torque on both axles, as well as using the rear-wheel steering, the Luce’s cornering behavior has terrific adjustability: the front end is positive without being darty, there’s lovely mid-corner balance, and unreal traction on the exit. This is hardware and software in perfect harmony. Go to Performance mode and switch the other manettino to ‘CT off’, and the Luce gets more extrovert. It’ll slide almost as intuitively as a 296 or 849 TR, with the same sublimely calibrated sort of response.

The company’s engineers love a graph and can empirically prove that the 2,260kg Luce feels precisely 400kg lighter. Non-empirically, it feels like it, although at 5m long and 2m wide (without mirrors), it’s a big machine to hustle. Still, it inspires huge confidence.

Fast electric cars are all well and good. But is this one you’d want to drive for the hell of it?

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

That’s where the Luce’s Torque Shift Engagement comes in. Pull the right paddle on the steering column and five power levels are available; the left one delivers five grades of regen braking. The main dial in that gorgeous instrument display shows you what’s going on.

This is Ferrari’s answer to one of the conundrums presented by an EV: Rather than a relentless wall of energy, the Luce plays with the torque curve so that you feel like you’re fully in command during cornering entry and exit.

Basically, it’s designed to conjure the sensation you feel driving a car with a conventional transmission and engine braking. And it does. There’s also a fabulously natural amount of brake feel.

Is it complicated to use?

Not at all, although it’s a little tricky seeing what’s happening on the display as you increase the pace on the road, even if does illuminate in increments. The amount of energy corresponds with the available grip and the nature of the corner itself. It really works and it’s clear that some very clever people have thought long and hard about giving this electric Ferrari some extra layers. But the jury’s out on how often you’d actually use it.

Does it ride well?

It’s exemplary, even on 23- and 24-inch wheels (front and rear, respectively), and on the roughest surfaces. The Luce is fitted with the third generation of Ferrari’s active suspension, and controls its mass very elegantly. This 48-volt system helps keep the tire contact patch consistent, while the motors manage the balance of the car on and off throttle. “It’s not really about creating more grip,” de Simone explains. “It’s about making the available grip easier and more intuitive to use.”

Then he encourages me to seek out the sections of track designed to rattle your fillings or dislodge bits of interior trim. The Luce just soaks up whatever you throw at it, communicates its impressive structural integrity through every touch point, and feels plush without any hint of float.

How does it sound?

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

In ‘Performance’ mode, the Luce finds its voice. The note is fuller than a six-cylinder, not quite as rumbly as a V8. This is achieved by using an accelerometer and by equalizing naturally occurring frequencies on the rear inverter. Okay, so it doesn’t sound as sonorous as any combustion Ferrari, but it’s authentic rather than a fake sci-fi confection. And it responds to the throttle pedal perfectly. Hyundai and Porsche have both moved the game on here, of course, but the Luce is another few steps further on.

What’s the verdict?

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

In a car as finely considered as this, we need to drive the finished thing to experience the full effect. Because we can’t help thinking that a smartly-specced Luce—and it is somewhat spec-sensitive—is going to look impressive indeed swishing through Shanghai or San Francisco. There are definite Blade Runner 2049 vibes.

It’s also difficult to separate the often ill-considered noise that has engulfed the Luce from the machine itself. But in all the key parameters, this is an incredible piece of engineering, a car with phenomenal dynamic properties, an intensely clever neural network, and a transformative interior. It also has real character, and not just a simulacrum of a combustion Ferrari’s. We’re keen to revisit.

Watch: We’ve Driven the Ugly Ferrari That Broke the Internet

Yep, this is the US-only SQ9, complete with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo unit that makes 575hp and 800Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-100kph time of just 3.8 seconds. Not bad for something the size of a small planet, and apparently “the quickest accelerating three-row SUV to 100kph in its class,” claims Audi, triumphantly.

PHOTO BY Audi

The SQ9 also gets a rear-biased quattro all-wheel-drive setup and an electronically controlled diff lock on the back axle. There are wider tires at the rear too, plus standard 22- or optional 23-inch wheels. Like the regular Q9, an eight-speed auto gearbox, air suspension and rear-wheel steering are standard fit, but the S also comes with the option of upgrading to ‘sport adaptive air suspension.’ Presumably that’s the one for families who often go seven-up on trackdays.

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On the outside you’ll spot the different grille for the SQ9 (which, of course, can be illuminated alongside the Audi logo), while round the back there’s a more prominent roof spoiler, flared arches and quad exhausts. There’s also plenty of aluminum accenting to mark it out as an S model, plus actual Digital Matrix LED headlights. That’s a first for the US, with Audi’s engineers coming up with a system that meets the Department of Transportation’s regulations for glare.

PHOTO BY Audi

PHOTO BY Audi

Inside you can spec seating for either six or seven, and we’re promised Nappa leather-trimmed heated chairs in all three rows as standard. The screen setup is as you’d find in the diesel Q9, but here you also get special carbon fiber trim and lots of S badges. Oh, and you'll also get ‘adaptive cruise assist’ as standard, which allows for hands-free highway driving.

US deliveries will kick off later this year, with prices starting at $118,000 (P7,188,737) for the exclusive SQ9 and $87,700 (P5,342,815) for the regular car.

More photos of the 2027 Audi SQ9:

PHOTO BY Audi

PHOTO BY Audi

PHOTO BY Audi

PHOTO BY Audi

PHOTO BY Audi

PHOTO BY Audi

PHOTO BY Audi

PHOTO BY Audi

PHOTO BY Audi

NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.

The passenger-vehicle display is headlined by the Bestune Pony and the Bestune Joyee 03. The subcompact Pony features two variants—a 170km-range version priced at P588,000 and a 220km-range version priced at P658,000. However, QSJ is offering the two Ponies with a cash discount of P100,000 for the standard range and P70,000 for the long-range variant, bringing the prices down to P488,000 and P588,000, respectively. 

PHOTO BY QSJ Motors Philippines

The Bestune Joyee 03, meanwhile, is a fully electric compact crossover capable of achieving up to 565km of range. The Joyee 03 stickers for P1,388,000 with a limited-time cash discount of P200,000, making it available for P1,188,000. 

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As for the commercial and logistics EVs, on display are the BAW Dropside, BAW Closed Van, and Linxys Cargo Van. With these commercial vehicles, QSJ Motors says it aims to offer practical electric solutions for entrepreneurs, fleet operators, logistics providers, and businesses that want to improve efficiency while promoting sustainable mobility. 

PHOTO BY QSJ Motors Philippines

PHOTO BY QSJ Motors Philippines

The BAW Dropside and BAW Closed Van are fully electric mini trucks made for short-distance deliveries. The Dropside starts at P538,000, while the Closed Van starts at P568,000. Meanwhile, the Linxys Cargo Van is more of your standard-size commercial vehicle. It’s also fully electric and is available from P1,168,000 with a cash discount of P200,000, lowering the price to P968,000. 

Simultaneous with the event in Clark, QSJ Motors also brings the EV Tour to other malls across the country, including SM Center Urdaneta Central and SM City Cebu from July 31 to August 6. Will you be dropping by to check out any of these passenger and commercial vehicles? 

More photos from QSJ Motors Philippines’ EV Tour in SM City Clark:

PHOTO BY QSJ Motors Philippines

PHOTO BY QSJ Motors Philippines

PHOTO BY QSJ Motors Philippines

PHOTO BY QSJ Motors Philippines

PHOTO BY QSJ Motors Philippines

Once approved, the joint venture will secure the future of Ford’s Spanish plant, which has capacity to build 500,000 vehicles per year but currently only sticks together the compact Kuga crossover. As well as the new Geely EVs arriving in 2028, the investment in the factory will also allow it to build the ‘new member of the Bronco family’ for the same year, plus an all-new ‘multi-energy’ Ford crossover that’ll arrive in 2029 having been jointly developed with Geely. Interesting. And the Kuga will soldier on for now.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

“Europe is home to one of the fiercest competitive battles in the global automotive industry today,” read Ford’s statement about the deal. “Tightening regulation, high operating costs and a new generation of global competitors have reset the industry’s benchmark for manufacturing cost, vehicle technology and software experience.

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“By pooling production volume, Ford and Geely will maximise the capacity of the Valencia plant, lower the cost of every vehicle built there, and compete at this emerging cost standard while delivering world-class multi-energy vehicles and strengthening the local Valencia economy in the process.”

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

We’re told that multiple partners were considered for the venture, but that a partnership with Geely—which should kick off in early 2027—was chosen given the relationship between the two companies that began when Ford sold Volvo to the Chinese megacorp in 2010.

The Valencia factory has been building cars since it opened for the original Ford Fiesta back in 1976, but we already know that the new Fiesta will be built in France on the underpinnings of the Renault 5. This new deal also shouldn’t affect Ford’s tie-up with Volkswagen that sees it build the Explorer and Capri on the bones of the ID.4 and ID.5 respectively.

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

“This JV with Ford in Europe reflects our commitment to open, collaborative product development as part of our growth strategy, deepening our local presence and commitment to customers in Europe”, said Alex Nan, vice president of Geely Auto Group.

“We are dedicated to delivering vehicles that European customers will choose on merit: on industry leading features, on high-quality and on actively contributing to Europe’s green future. Put simply: we are building cars in Europe, for Europe, alongside a trusted partner.”

PHOTO BY TopGear.com

NOTE: This story first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.

As with other car-free initiatives, the Weekend Shared Street aims to temporarily make streets safer and more enjoyable for pedestrian activities such as walking, jogging, and cycling. The initiative’s pilot run this month also aims to gather feedback from everyone involved to help better shape public spaces in Makati.

PHOTO BY Make it Makati

The Weekend Shared Street initiative is being carried out in partnership between Ayala Land and the Makati City LGU. The announcement post on Ayala Land’s Make it Makati Facebook page reads: “The initiative is part of Makati’s long-term vision to create a more connected, walkable, and livable city through a walkable network of streets.”

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The streets selected for the car-free weekend in Salcedo Village this month include Paseo de Roxas, Sedeño, Villar, Leviste, Gallardo, Velasquez, and Toledo. See the map below for the full details. The Weekend Shared Street also runs parallel with other car-free initiatives in the area, including the Salcedo Market and Ayala Avenue Car-Free Sunday.

Look: Map of streets affected by Weekend Shared Street car-free initiative

Photos shared by the Make it Makati Facebook page show a strong turnout for the pilot initiative’s first run, with plenty of people enjoying weekend activities, some even including their pets along with them. Will you be checking Salcedo out for yourself in the coming weekends? Let us know in the comments what you think of the initiative.

More photos of Weekend Shared Street at Salcedo Village:

PHOTO BY Make it Makati

PHOTO BY Make it Makati

PHOTO BY Make it Makati

PHOTO BY Make it Makati

We’re talking about the new-and-improved versions of its popular middleweight naked, sport-touring, and sport bikes: the Trident 660, Tiger Sport 660, and Daytona 660.

PHOTO BY Triumph Motorcycles Philippines

Starting with the Trident 660, the naked sees slightly refreshed styling with new color options in Stone Grey, Snowdonia White, and Cosmic Yellow. Beyond the aesthetic changes, the 660 three-cylinder engine powering this bike now puts out 94hp and 68Nm of torque, good for a 14hp and 4Nm boost from the previous model. It now has a higher 12,650rpm redline as well, and Triumph says it was able to achieve all of these with a revised cylinder head, higher-lift camshafts, larger throttle bodies, and revised intake and exhaust systems. For 2027, the Triumph Trident 660 stickers for P549,000, an increase of P25,000 from its predecessor’s price tag.

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The Triumph Tiger Sport 660, er, sports the same mechanical upgrades as the Trident 660. Packing the same triple underneath, it delivers the same horsepower and torque. The sport tourer, however, has also received a fuel-tank upgrade, with capacity going up from 17.2 to 18.6 liters for 2027.

Like its sibling, this one gets a few cosmetic tweaks and three new color options, namely: Silver Ice, Pure White, and Interstellar Blue. The Triumph Tiger Sport 660 retails for P588,000, which is a P20,000 increase from the previous model.

PHOTO BY Triumph Motorcycles Philippines

Last but not least is the Daytona 660, which is also powered by the exact same engine with the same horsepower output but with ever so slightly more torque at 69Nm. Apart from the same mechanical tweaks, the Daytona gets a fully adjustable Showa front suspension comprising 41mm Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) upside-down forks. It comes standard with Metzeler Sportec M9 RR tires and can be had in three different colorways: Sapphire Black, Cosmic Yellow, and Aluminum Silver. The sportbike is now available in the Philippines for P578,000, which also reflects a P20,000 price bump for 2027

In addition to the power upgrades, the Trident 660, Tiger Sport 660, and Daytona 660 now get a six-axis inertial measurement unit that enables optimized cornering ABS and traction control. There’s a new Sport mode as well.

PHOTO BY Triumph Motorcycles Philippines

“The new 660 range demonstrates Triumph's philosophy of continuous evolution,” said Triumph Motorcycles Philippines head of marketing John Mendoza. “Each motorcycle has been improved where riders will notice it most. The Trident delivers significantly more performance and advanced rider electronics, the Daytona gains premium chassis and electronic upgrades while retaining its class-leading triple performance, and the Tiger Sport becomes an even more capable touring machine with increased power and greater range. What makes the new lineup especially compelling is that these meaningful improvements come with only a modest increase in price, delivering exceptional value across the entire range.”

Eyeing any of these Triumph bikes, readers? Tell us in the comments what you think of the updated lineup.

Theottle’s 3D model features the Prelude with a power-retractable soft-top modified from the MG Cyberster. The rear hatch door has been converted into a regular trunk lid, while the back of the passenger and driver’s seats now have silver roll hoops to protect virtual occupants in case of a rollover. 

PHOTO BY Theottle

The artist points out that if the Prelude Carbiolet were to exist today, it would be the only front-wheel-drive cabriolet in the market. Honda has never made a convertible option for the Prelude, but some enthusiast-built custom projects exist using previous generations of the coupe. 

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That’s not all. In the same week, Theottle also created a shooting brake/wagon/hatchback render of the Prelude. This project solves the headroom issue without getting rid of the backseats, and features a side profile reminiscent of the fifth-generation Civic hatchback—especially with the shape of that rear quarter glass. 

If you want to see more of Theottle’s 3D projects, you can visit his Instagram page or YouTube channel. What do you think of these Prelude cabriolet and shooting brake concepts? And which one would you pick if you could only choose one? Let’s discuss in the comments.

More photos of the Honda Prelude Convertible and Shooting Brake concepts by Theottle: 

PHOTO BY Theottle

PHOTO BY Theottle

PHOTO BY Theottle

PHOTO BY Theottle

In the aftermath of the earthquake, automakers operating in the region have found their supply lines stalled due to massive damage sustained by parts supplier Aisin. With no new parts coming in for factories, these brands have been forced to partially halt some operations in the meantime.

PHOTO BY Mitsubishi Motors Philippines

Aisin is no stranger to earthquakes, having suffered similar damage in April 2016. Despite having better preparations, its factory in Kumamoto still experienced a major hit to its infrastructure, necessitating a production shutdown to carry out repairs. That said, after the 2016 quakes, the Aisin plant in Kumamoto maintains an inventory equal to five days’ worth of production—a measure meant to buy time for the company in situations like this.

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It is currently unknown when production will resume; Aisin is currently considering its options to restore the supply line by involving its other plants in the country. In response, automakers with facilities in Kyushu—Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Daihatsu—have decided to suspend certain operations while the situation is resolved.

PHOTO BY Daihatsu

Observers have commented that the situation will test the industry’s business continuity plans—should production come to a complete stop, the industry could face heavy consequences.

In the short term, the incident should not affect these Japanese carmakers’ supply in our market; many of these brands’ vehicles are produced in neighboring countries such as Thailand or Indonesia. Still, in the event of a prolonged production halt in Kyushu, the handful of Japan-sourced models in the Philippine market could experience changes such as higher prices or extended unavailability.

Lopez further explained that the concourse, platform, and an access way to the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 via Trinoma should be in working order by 2028. These structures should already allow commuters to traverse the connected train lines without crossing the sidewalks outdoors.

PHOTO BY Department of Transportation Facebook Page

For the uninitiated, the Common Station will link the Metro Manila Subway, the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) Line 1, the MRT-3, and the unfinished MRT-7. In separate statements, the DOTr and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ensured that the latter would be partially open by 2027.

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In April earlier this year, Light Rail Manila, the operator of the LRT-1, submitted a proposal to complete construction. In the same interview, Lopez did not mention whether the proposal was approved or which corporation is leading the final works.

PHOTO BY Department of Transportation Facebook Page

The Common Station has been a highly anticipated project for commuters since it broke ground in 2017. Back then, the station was originally scheduled to open in 2021, but it would fall victim to a series of long, arduous delays.

However, 2028 may finally be the year the station opens. From the photos shared, it looks like construction is moving along, with staircases, rails, and platforms nearing completion. Around 500,000 commuters are expected to utilize the Common Station daily once it becomes fully operational.

More photos of the Unified Grand Central Station as of July 2026:

PHOTO BY Department of Transportation Facebook Page

PHOTO BY Department of Transportation Facebook Page

PHOTO BY Department of Transportation Facebook Page

PHOTO BY Department of Transportation Facebook Page

It’s been close to two months now since we took delivery of our first battery electric vehicle, the Geely EX5, and as of this writing the car has racked up over 2,500 kilometers. So far it has been great, and we have learned quite a bit along the way, and I am happy to share a couple of things about my EV shift with you.

PHOTO BY Adrian Spencer Yu

First of all, the mileage speaks for itself—it is more than double the monthly average number of kilometers we would normally put in the Fortuner. Being immune to the fluctuations of pump prices has given us a newfound freedom to go anywhere just for the fun of it. From bulalo runs in Batangas to trying out tocino barbecue in Pampanga, there has been no hesitation in just doing it—sort of like reliving the lost art of just going for a drive.

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The Geely has become our primary car and is shared between the missus and myself. On occasions that we both need to go somewhere, the one with the longer trip gets to use the EX5. While one factor for this way of thinking is lower overall fuel consumption, another big consideration is making sure to maximize the use of the car. You see, even prior to taking delivery of the BEV, I have accepted that residuals of electric vehicles and Chinese ones at that are still a big unknown, so as not to expect too much I put it at the lower end of the spectrum. And because of this, I want to maximize the use of the vehicle to the point that in maybe eight, 10 years or when the time comes to replace the car, I can say that I got the most out of it and any amount I get from the eventual sale of the Geely will be a bonus.

PHOTO BY Adrian Spencer Yu

Secondly, everything in and around the use and charging of the BEV has to be planned. Planning a trip to Tagaytay with the amigas next week entails looking at the remaining range today, estimating where the car will be going in the next few days, then deciding when the best time to charge would be so that the BEV goes to Tagaytay trip with close to a full charge.

Fancy a trip to Subic for lunch or an overnighter in Baguio with the EX5? Sure, no problem. Let’s take a look at the list of available DC charging stations along the way. Is there a place to eat at the charging station? How many kilometers away from Baguio or Subic is the charging station? It’s not a big deal, but it is no longer as simple as jumping in your car without needing to worry about the amount of fuel in the tank. Stopping for lunch along the way used to be dictated by what restaurant you wanted to eat in; today it is dictated by what restaurant is near the charging station.

PHOTO BY Adrian Spencer Yu

PHOTO BY Adrian Spencer Yu

You might be wondering: The Geely EX5 claims to have a driving range of 430km so Manila to Baguio should not be an issue at all. This is absolutely correct, and to be fair, the Geely is quite efficient. I am getting a real-world range of 410km—so yes, Manila to Baguio is a non-issue. So why am I looking for charging stations along the way? The answer is simple: I want to be flexible and be ready just in case things don’t go my way; I do not want to reach Baguio City with only 4% battery left, only to find out there are two other cars waiting their turn at the DC charger.

And this is perhaps my version of range anxiety. It’s no longer getting anxious about whether the car will make it to the destination or not, it’s thinking about the possible worst-case scenario and making plans just in case it comes into play.

PHOTO BY Adrian Spencer Yu

PHOTO BY Adrian Spencer Yu

As mentioned at the beginning of this piece, the decision was purely an emotional one—the math was never going to work. I do have my own 7kW charger at home and in the last two months my electric bill for the EV was under P5,000—probably a third of what I would have spent on diesel. Huge savings but not enough to make up for the replacement cost of the Fortuner. And this is without even factoring in the higher insurance premiums, cost of the charger, installation, and the little accessories I consider mandatory in my cars.

Do I have any regrets about shifting to a battery electric vehicle? Absolutely not. If the time comes to replace my other ICE car, would I still get another BEV? No. Having two fully electric vehicles in the household will not work for me, so it will probably be one of those new-generation plug-in hybrids. But buying another car is quite some time away, so in the meantime we will continue to enjoy the guilt-free BEV experience and take those trips to Aling Mila’s, Sulyap, or Rose and Grace, just for the fun of it.

PHOTO BY Adrian Spencer Yu

This release also marks the bZ4X Touring’s entry into Southeast Asia. But while it technically launched in Singapore previously, it was rebadged there as the Subaru e-Outback.

PHOTO BY Toyota

Aside from the different body type, the Touring version also gets different wheels, a roof rack, and distinct lighting fixtures. Notably, it also comes with a slightly bigger 74.7kWh battery to power its dual-motor all-wheel drive setup.

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However, this model notably advertises a much shorter driving range, despite having a larger pack. For reference, Toyota Motor Philippines lists the bZ4X with a 570km range, while in Indonesia, the Touring version can only drive up to 487km.

PHOTO BY Toyota

Toyota Indonesia did not mention if its range was measured in NEDC or WLTP, but in any case, 487km is still plenty. That drop in kilometers could be attributed to the Touring’s larger frame and additional off-road drive modes.

With the bZ4X Touring now in our region, we hope it’ll eventually reach the Philippine market. While wagons seem to have gone out of fashion, a zippy, off-road-focused EV could be its way back into the mainstream. Before we get ahead of ourselves, let us know if you’d like to see the bZ4X Touring in local showrooms.

PHOTO BY Toyota

However, while it is called a prototype—suggesting further developments will be made—it is actually a rebadged Kia Carens. For the uninitiated, the Carens most recently received a facelift for its fully electric version in May 2025. The Philippines last saw the nameplate in 2018, around the time it was discontinued.

PHOTO BY Hyundai Indonesia Facebook Page

At the same motor show, Kia separately announced that the Carens EV will also be built at the Hyundai Motors Manufacturing Indonesia Plant. It looks like Hyundai is aiming to maximize this electric MPV with two models for domestic sale.

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Hyundai and Kia have not released any specifications of their shared EV, but we have an idea of what the cars will look like. Launch images show that Neira and the Carens will share Kia’s thin and angular DRLs and lightbar, while the former will get a Stargazer-like grille and front bumper.

PHOTO BY Kia

Wheel designs also vary, with the Carens’ industrial four-spoke finish and the Neira’s five-spoke pattern. Up top, the roof rack remains standard across the two cars, along with the non-flush door handles and the side garnishes.

It will be interesting to see another Hyundai EV outside of the Ioniq series, as those typically offer more accessible pricing and simpler finishes. While this will not likely enter the Philippine market, Hyundai’s fully electric MPV could inform future Stargazer development, or whatever else the brand has cooking in the people-hauling department.