Ferrari 12cilindri v Aston Martin Vanquish III

Ferrari's newest masterpiece, the 12Cilindri, is a fitting tribute to the company's 12-cylinder masterpieces spanning from the Testarossa, the 575M, the 599, the F12, and the 812. Let's get to know more about Ferrari's final pure 12-cylinder ICE half-a-million-euro masterpiece.

2025 Ferrari 12Cilindri

2025 Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider

The 12Cilindri comes in coupe and open-top Spider configurations and honors Ferrari’s hard work on iconic 12-cylinder masterpieces. As a car, this model embodies the heart and soul of the brand. The 12Cilindri is the last pure V12 ICE masterpiece.

2025 Ferrari 12Cilindri interior

The Ferrari 12Cilindri was designed with inspiration from past models. The 12Cilindri's fastback styling harks back to the Monza model. The front view is a tribute to the 365 GTB4. The rear design was inspired by the triangular shape of the Testarossa. The interior, meanwhile, dons Ferrari's dual-cockpit layout from the Roma and the Purosangue to make it more driver-focused. Complimented with the handcrafted materials in the making of sports seats and trim, the 12Cilindri shows its true colors as contemporary art on four wheels.

Powering the 12Cilindri is the 6.5L V12 engine with Direct Injection lifted from the 812 Competizione. It produces 830PS of power and 678Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed F1 DCT and weighing nearly one-and-a-half tons, it does 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds and flat-out at 340kph. That's supercar quick in Super GT standards.

Being a road-focused GT car, going through the open roads is the main specialty but for the 12Cilindri, that's not the case because while being an excellent road car, it incorporates Ferrari's F1 know-how to make it vaguely usable on the track. It takes a Charles Leclerc-level driver to get a good grip on its dynamic character and with notable track-honed gizmos such as the brake-by-wire, ABS Evo, and the new SSC 8.0, among many other useful gadgets in store, the 12Cilindri is too addictive to be ignored or fully satisfied.

From the road to the track, the Ferrari 12Cilindri is the ultimate V12 Super GT ever made thanks to its addictive features too impossible to miss, especially for those who ended up with the keys to the old 812 Competizione. However, by the time the 12Cilindri made its inception, this is no longer the ultimate V12 Super GT in the world because of this...

2025 Aston Martin Vanquish

2025 Aston Martin Vanquish interior

Yes, Aston Martin managed to resurrect the Vanquish as the ultimate V12 Super GT in the world. The nearly half-a-million-pound Super GT is the must-have for the 2024 Autumn Season.

For the Vanquish's third outing, what the folks from Aston Martin did is make a mashup between the DB12 and the rear view of the non-existent Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake from 2017, don the familiar DB12 interior, make it macho, and Bob's your uncle. This is the Vanquish's third coming the world anticipated and by the looks and feels of it, the Turn 10 Studios people should better think twice before turning a cold shoulder on it.

Powered by an all-new 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo engine, it produces a historical 835PS of power and 1000Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed AT, it has a 0-62mph time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 214mph. The Ferrari 12Cilindri should be slightly worried about taking this one on.

With its bonded aluminum structure, front double wishbones, rear multilink suspension, a heavily advanced ABS, and Corner Braking 2.0, among other sport-tuned dynamics outlandish for Super GT standards, it takes a Fernando Alonso-level driver to master the Vanquish on the track but no need while on the road because it drives extremely beautiful. Dynamic as expected but like the 12Cilindri, it's too addictive to be ignored to be fully satisfied.

The 12Cilindri and the Vanquish are two of the top V12 Super GTs on the market. It's hard to choose between the two, but the Vanquish is probably the clear winner. The Vanquish features a bonded aluminum structure, front double wishbones, rear multilink suspension, and Corner Braking 2.0. All of these amazing features make for one fantastic car.

Photo: Ferrari/Aston Martin

Mazda CX-80

The big brother of the CX-60, the CX-80, is here, completing Mazda's plan to launch crossovers running on a newly developed rear-wheel-drive platform.

2025 Mazda CX-80

Served as the successor to the CX-8, the first-ever, 3,943,500 Yen, Mazda CX-80 is the flagship of the Mazda lineup and obviously the most expensive in the range. Still, despite the price tag, you can sharply afford one compared to expensive luxury European imports.

2025 Mazda CX-80

Familiar looks aside, the CX-80 is 95mm longer and 50mm wider than the CX-8 it replaces, although it's 16mm lower. With such sizing, there's no doubt that the CX-80 is the "big boss" of the Mazda lineup, a real breadwinner.

2025 Mazda CX-80 interior

The high-quality interior is another one of the CX-80's key points because of the Nappa leather slathered on expensive models, the panorama sunroof, the Mazda Connect system, the optional Bose Sound System, and others. Being a three-row mainstream crossover, the CX-80 has a choice of three second-row seating configurations: a three-person bench seat, two captain's seats separated by a walk-through space, and two captain's seats with a middle console.

Concerning boot space, the CX-80 carries up to 258 liters with the passenger seats present up to 1221 liters with the passenger seats folded down.

2025 Mazda CX-80

The CX-80 is powered by a choice of a SKYACTIV-D 3.3, a 254PS e-SKYACTIV-D 3.3 with M Hybrid Boost, and the range-topping 327PS 2.5L e-SKYACTIV PHEV powertrain. All of these powertrains are mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The one with the e-SKYACTIV-D 3.3 has 18.3km/L of fuel economy while the 2.5L e-SKYACTIV PHEV has 12.9km/L of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards and while running on electric power only, it has 67km of electric driving range. Enough range from your humble Muntinlupa home to a weekend trip to the SM Megamall or Okada Manila for some reason.

Although it is heavy to drive for an SUV running on FR architecture, the CX-80 feels slightly more enjoyable to drive than the CX-8 it replaces. Along with the available 4WD system, front double wishbones, rear multilink, ventilated disc brakes, and rack-and-pinion steering, it's about as luxurious to drive as expensive luxury imports or a Hyundai Palisade.

On the topic of safety, the Mazda CX-80 is fully prepared with a wide range of active safety features such as the Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Cruising and Traffic Support, and many others.

With such dimensions, interior, performance, and technology, not to mention the FR architecture running underneath, there's no doubt that the CX-80 is the "big boss" of the Mazda lineup. It's a shame that there will be no more after this because the FR architecture Mazda made has so many possibilities but sadly, this is as far as they go. Anyway, while the CX-80 completes the SUV range running on such architecture, there are other plans on the horizon so watch for it. Who knows what sort of tricks Mazda will come up.

Available Colors: Artisan Red Premium Metallic, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Melting Copper Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Machine Grey  Premium Metallic, Rhodium White Premium Metallic, Platinum Quartz Metallic, and Deep Crystal Blue Mica.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Aston Martin Vantage (2025MY Minor Change)

Currently in its second generation, the Aston Martin Vantage received a big minor change for the 2025 model year and this will be the most powerful Vantage in existence.

2025 Aston Martin Vantage

The new Aston Martin Vantage is a total prizefighter. I'm not being hyperbolic, it's just the truth. Priced at 165,000 Pounds with no end in sight for added costs, the Vantage is the most powerful iteration in the car's history. I can't help but feel sorry for those envious souls who end up with an old pre-facelifted model.

2025 Aston Martin Vantage

2025 Aston Martin Vantage interior

Beginning with the exterior, the new Vantage retains the sidelines and the rear from the previous model but on the front, it sports a DB12-styled nose. Although flashy compared to the pre-facelifted model, the new face makes a huge statement for the Vantage. The interior is all-new and it came from its DB12 big brother as well. It even packs new sports seats for your driving pleasure. If Fernando Alonso approves this new version, so do you.

The 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG has been given a massive power bump. It now produces 656bhp. Mated to an 8-speed AT, it does 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 205mph. Finally, a V8-powered Vantage that smashes the 200mph barrier. Not bad for a GT car with Supercar performance.

Aside from the heavily improved performance that made the new Vantage a must-drive for the privileged, the chassis saw a major improvement with the added bracing, the adaptive Bilstein DTX dampers, a centralized advanced vehicle dynamics control system, and an eight-stage TCS. With improved dynamics, it's becoming a proper track weapon that is still usable on public roads.

With its heavily improved performance, DB12-inspired design and interior, and improved dynamics, the Vantage's big minor change is a work of art that is too awesome to be ignored. If some idiots lend you the keys to the old Aston Martin V12 Vantage or the old Vantage AMR, tell them to go eff themselves. This is the Vantage to go for. Nothing more, nothing less. This is the car the Forza people should take note. Trust me. This is the best Vantage ever made and I would have one over the Porsche 911 or the Ferrari Roma.

Photo: Aston Martin

BMW 5-Series Touring G61 & i5 Touring

The G60 BMW 5-Series. Despite its minimalist approach on the inside and the questionable rear view, the improved design, dynamics, and technology made the new model a serious premium executive midsize saloon. Those who are asking for more space should consider the Touring version of the all-new BMW 5-Series as well as the first-ever, all-electric, BMW i5.

2024 BMW 5-Series Touring

2024 BMW i5 Touring

The all-new 5-Series Touring G61, starting at 61,750 Euros plus additional costs, and the first-ever BMW i5 Touring, starting at 72,200 Euros plus additional costs offer the same stuff as their sedan equivalents but with the added boot space to store the goods. After all, the goods must be crazy for these wagons.

The new BMW 5-Series Touring has a clean, minimalist look, which I like. It's a departure from the "new normal" Bimmers with their monster grilles. While the front view is pleasant, the rear lamps look like they belong on a facelifted fifth-generation Camaro.

Inside, the new model showcases the business-end behind the wheel, such as the available HUD and augmented view, a 12.3-inch info display and 14.9-inch control display, BMW Live Cockpit Plus, BMW Drive with "QuickSelect" and BMW OS 8.5. 

Because of the new model's minimalist approach, which resorts to the reduced number of buttons and controls, it's going to be difficult to figure out where the volume controls and the climate controls are. That's the new normal for you, but still, the added in-car gaming is a flashy gimmick for this one.

Space-wise, both the ICE-powered G61 5-Series Touring and the fully electric i5 Touring can accommodate up to 1700 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded down. Ideal if you're in the business of delivering the goods or while in the middle of a hiking trip.

The normal G61 5-Series Touring is offered with two diesel variants, the 520d and the 540d, and a sole PHEV variant, the 530e. The 540d's 3.0L diesel engine bolted with mild-hybrid tech produces 316PS of power and 650Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 5.4 seconds and is electronically limited to 250kph. That's all you need to about the most powerful in the range.

The i5 Touring, meanwhile, features a rear-wheel drive eDrive40 variant with 340PS of power output and the all-wheel-drive M60 variant with 601PS of power output, making it capable of hitting 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 230kph, the same as the 520i. The i5 eDrive40 is good for 582km while the i5 M60 does 510km in one full charge.

The BMW 5-Series Touring is a familiar ride. It handles like a proper BMW, thanks to its near-perfect weight distribution, front double wishbones, and rear five-link suspension. You can get the most out of it by adding electronically controlled shock absorbers, Integral Active Steering, and new vertical dynamics management. And don't forget the Adaptive M Suspension Professional.

As for safety, the G61 5-Series Touring comes with the available Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assist and Distance Control, with Stop & Go, Highway Assistant, the world's first Active Lane Change Assistant, and the available Parking Assist Professional.

Like the sedan equivalents, the all-new BMW 5-Series Touring G61 and the first-ever i5 Touring are still textbook BMW business-end courtesy of its minimalist approach on the inside and the questionable rear view, the improved design, dynamics, and technology.

Photo: BMW AG

Genesis GV70 - 2025MY Minor Change

The Genesis GV70 is Korea's answer to the BMW X3. For the 2025 model year, the GV70 gets a minor change. This change gives those unfamiliar with Genesis a chance to rediscover the GV70 with a different perspective.

2025 Genesis GV70

2025 Genesis GV70

The 2025 Genesis GV70 starts at 53.8 million KRW plus additional costs, which is more expensive than its pre-facelifted model launched at the end of 2020. Amid a mammoth price hike, the latest minor change is all about rediscovering the luxury brand's second SUV in the same way that the GV80 and the G80 RG3 did when they gained their minor changes last year.

2025 Genesis GV70

Beginning with the exterior, the GV70 minor change gained a redesigned front grille, revised quad lamps and taillights, and new bumper designs with the Standard version abandoning the squarish faux exhausts while the Sport version ditching the round ones from behind in favor of squarish faux ones, this time it's horizontal. The revised exterior design made this minor change easy to understand.

2025 Genesis GV70 interior

The interior saw some major changes as hinted by the new dashboard layout, steering wheel design, and 27-inch OLED integrated wide display that combines the digital instrumental cluster and touch-screen infotainment system into one extra-long screen positioned to the driver's side. The rotary shift dial has been crystalized for showy purposes.

The seats are now festooned with Prime Nappa leather with Standard models featuring Elegance Line Mood Lighting and a choice of two two-tone interior colors; Slate Gray/Velvet Burgundy and Ocean Wave Blue/Havana Brown. The Sport variants feature magma-colored stitching and seatbelts, Sporty Line Mood Lighting, and a choice of Obsidian Black/Ultramarine two-tone and Obsidian Black Monotone interior colors.

Like the pre-facelift, the GV70 can carry up to 542L with the rear seats present. By folding the rear seats down, you can utilize up to 1,678L.

2025 Genesis GV70

Learning lessons from the recently facelifted GV80 and G80, the GV70 minor change threw away the diesel powertrain, leaving only a choice of two gas-powered engines; the 304PS Smartstream G 2.5T engine, and the range-topping 3.5L V6 turbo engine with 380PS of power. All of these engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic and can be fitted with the available AWD with Auto Terrain Mode that automatically detects road conditions, be it tarmac, gravel, or snow, delivering optimal driving performance. It even comes with Integrated Driving Modes that affect the behavior of the GV70 from fuel efficiency to sporty driving.

As expected the GV70 minor change is fully prepared with the most advanced safety features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with the additional Evasive Steering Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assistance, Highway Driving Assist 2, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Surround View Monitor, Rear Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

Whether you are familiar with the GV70 or not, this minor change is all about rediscovering this crossover in a slightly different approach from its revised exterior, new interior, new tech, and a petrol engine lineup with the electric variant following shortly. The more you know,.

Available Colors: Uyuni White, Seville Silver, Makalu Gray, Beak Black, Stor Green, Ceres Blue, Capri Blue, Mauna Red, Matterhorn White, Makalu Gray Matte, Stor Green Matte, and Ceres Blue Matte.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet

The Mercedes-Benz CLE is the only good-looking luxury coupe you can find at your nearest Mercedes dealership, which is ideal if you don't like the looks of today's BMW 4-Series. Those who want an open-top experience should go for the new Cabriolet version of the CLE.

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet

With prices starting at 66,402 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet is the only non-AMG two-door convertible you can find at a Mercedes-Benz dealership near you and while it is not interested in your "speedo boy" games, the CLE Cabriolet is the ideal weekend getaway car for you to unwind after a long week.

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet interior

For a quick recap on the exterior, the CLE's front came from the W206 C-Class while the rear view came from the Mercedes EQ saloon family and the silhouette looks broadly like the now-defunct C-Class Coupe. Asked about the dimensions, the CLE is sized between the two now-defunct coupes. For the Cabriolet version, the foldable soft-top roof can be opened and closed at the touch of a button even at slow speeds.

As for the interior, it's all typical "new normal" Mercedes dashboard you can expect in the CLE because it comes with a 12.3-inch digital display and a portrait-oriented 11.9-inch central display as well as ambient lighting features with indirect lighting strips, an available Ambient Lighting Plus package, a new Easy-Entry function to gain access to the rather cramped rear seats, the latest MBUX, and a choice of three sound system configurations at launch, including the Burmester 3D surround sound system. 

Asked about the boot space, the CLE Coupe can carry up to 385L of goodies at the back, less than its hardtop equivalent but more than the now-defunct E-Class Cabriolet.

In addition to the four-cylinder 2.0L petrol engine (CLE 200 and CLE 300) and a 2.0L four-cylinder turbodiesel engine (CLE 220d), the CLE 450 AMG Line 4MATIC variant comes exclusive with the 3.0L turbocharged inline-six petrol engine with MHEV tech which produces 404PS of power and 500Nm of torque. Mated to a 9-speed automatic, it does 0-100kph in 4.7 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250. This setup is also available in the coupe version as well.

Although it shows little interest in the fun side because this is a normal Mercedes convertible, the dynamics made it feel like a grand tourer that values comfort over performance, which is unheard of in a two-door Mercedes like this. Coupled with the DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL, DYNAMIC SELECT, and a sports brake system, drivers can enjoy it in various ways and means in a rather dramatic way.

Like the Coupe, the CLE Cabriolet comes with the available Parking Package with a 360° camera, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist, DISTRONIC Active Distance Assistant, and the available Driving Assistance Package Plus. Such features made drivers difficult to explain why lodged in a coupe like this.

Just like its hardtop equivalent, it is a modest two-door luxury convertible that prefers to be taken lightly, not hardly. Story of its life.

Available colors: graphitgrau magno, opalithweiß bright, patagonienrot metallic, alpingrau uni, obsidianschwarz, graphitgrau, Metalliclack hightechsilber, Metalliclack spektralblau, schwarz, and Unilack polarweiß.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG

Chevrolet Blazer EV

Before the roaring twenties, Chevrolet brought back the Blazer name for their Camaro-inspired crossover that behaves...like pretty much most crossovers do. Now, the fully-electric Blazer takes center stage, giving prospects plenty of choices to work out with this...crossover.

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

With prices starting at 56,715 US Dollars plus additional costs, the first-ever Chevrolet Blazer EV is part of General Motors' electric propagation to beat Tesla at its own game. Although the results aren't typical yet, this fully electric Blazer sparks plenty of unanswered questions but there's one question that deserves to be answered; what's it for?

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV interior

Beginning with the styling, the Blazer EV's exterior design shares nothing in common with its ICE-powered equivalent, perhaps Chevrolet wanted the EV version to have a different approach compared to its ICE version or perhaps they want to coexist until the times demand that one of them has to go, probably the one with the ICE in it. Still, despite all the developments, the Blazer EV is progressive by design, and as for the interior, the diagonal displays give drivers the impression of driving a sports car, except it isn't. It's a fully electric crossover built for daily purposes as long as the battery charge decides where to go next and when.

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

Running on the hallmark Ultium platform and powered by an 85kWh battery pack, the Blazer EV's electric powertrain produces 288hp of power output for AWD variants and has an EPA-estimated driving range of 279 miles in one full charge. Later variants such as the rear-wheel-drive RS can get up to 324 miles while those who demand more will have to wait until Spring 2024 for the SS variant with Wide Open Watts performance mode, unleashing all 557 horsepower at its disposal, sprinting from 0-60mph in under four seconds.

Of course, being a crossover, the Blazer EV is nothing near exciting to drive almost everywhere but it's about as civilized as most EVs should be. As for safety, the Blazer EV comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist consisting of Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam Auto High Beams. It even comes with the rather controversial Super Cruise technology giving autonomous driving through 400,000 miles of compatible roads in the US and Canada. Yes, you can really let AI do almost all of the driving for you. Scary.

Calling the Blazer EV one of the most important models in General Motors' electrification push is a risky gamble but living consistently with its petrol-powered equivalent is like living with a rock and a hard place for commoners like us. This is the new normal we live in and the Blazer EV fits like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle.

Photo: General Motors

BMW 5-Series G60 & i5

BMW's premium midsize saloon, the 5-Series, has been regenerated from scratch and it spawned its all-electric derivative, the i5. Time for a little quick dive with the all-new 5-Series.

2024 BMW 5-Series and i5

The 5-Series G60, starting at 57,500 Euros plus additional costs, marked a brave new chapter for BMW's premium midsize saloon, and with the spawning of the first-ever i5 all-electric variant, yours for 70,200 Euros, this is the 5-Series of the new normal, like it or not.

2024 BMW i5 interior

Beginning with the styling, the G60 5-Series prefers to keep it clean, unlike the other "new normal" Bimmers with their monster grilles. While the front view is pleasant for observers, the rear lamps can be utterly mistaken for a facelifted fifth-generation Camaro. Looks odd but this is a clear sign that BMW's designers haven't lost their touch even though the big ones made them lose their minds. 

Step inside, the G60 model showcases the business-end behind the wheel such as the available HUD and augmented view, a 12.3-inch info display and 14.9-inch control display, BMW Live Cockpit Plus, BMW Drive with "QuickSelect" and BMW OS 8.5. 

Because of the new model's minimalist approach which resorts to the reduced number of buttons and controls, it's going to be difficult to figure out where the volume controls and the climate controls are. That's the new normal for you, but still, the added in-car gaming is a flashy gimmick for this one.

The normal G60 5-Series kicks off with the 520i variant with the 208PS 2.0L turbo engine and the 520d with the 197PS 2.0L diesel engine. All of these engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic with the 520i sprints 0-100kph in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 230kph. Come spring, PHEV variants of the G60 5-Series come into play with the most powerful version being the 550e xDrive with the 3.0L PHEV powertrain producing 489PS of power.

The i5, meanwhile, features a rear-wheel drive eDrive40 variant with 340PS of power output and the all-wheel-drive M60 variant with 601PS of power output, making it capable of hitting 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 230kph, the same as the 520i. The i5 eDrive40 is good for 582km while the i5 M60 does 510km in one full charge.

Whichever 5-Series you're on, the G60 model is still the 5-Series we're familiar with; having a near-perfect weight distribution making it capable of handling like a proper BMW, and with the front double wishbones and rear five-link suspension, this is textbook BMW dynamics behind the wheel. To get the most out of it, the G60 5-Series can be fitted with electronically controlled shock absorbers, Integral Active Steering, and new vertical dynamics management, not to mention the Adaptive M Suspension Professional. 

As for safety, the G60 5-Series comes with the available Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assist and Distance Control, with Stop & Go, Highway Assistant, the world's first Active Lane Change Assistant, and the available Parking Assist Professional.

Thoughts on the G60 5-Series? Despite its minimalist approach on the inside and the questionable rear view, the improved design, dynamics, and technology made the new model a serious premium executive midsize saloon. Although it's not as fancy as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 it has its crosshairs, the G60 BMW 5-Series is still a textbook BMW business end even though it now comes with the all-electric variant. Should the W214 E-Class and the EQE be worrying? Can't say...

Photo: BMW AG

Aston Martin DB12

Aston Martin's glorious era of crafting V12 engines is well and truly over as the DBS 770 marked the end of an era. This is the newest chapter of Aston Martin's 110-year history.

2024 Aston Martin DB12

2024 Aston Martin DB12 interior

This is the Aston Martin DB12. Priced at 185,000 GBP plus additional costs, this so-called Super Tourer rewrites Aston Martin's 110-year history with controversial but exciting features that will make you beg to drive one someday.

At first glance, the DB12 is more of a refined version of its DB11 predecessor but with a bigger front grille and the new Aston Martin logo to contemplate the new GT's aesthetics. As for the inside, the DB12 features a rather dramatic cockpit view with a fully functional touch-screen made by Aston Martin themselves rather than the Mercedes-sourced one from the DB11. Despite being a super tourer, it's got two extra seats at the back that can only fit your pet or your extra stuff so clearly, the inside is driver-focused indeed.

Because the DB12 is the "new normal" Aston, the engine that powers it is a controversial 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine that produces 680PS of power and 800 Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed AT, it does 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and flat-out in 202mph, faster than its DB11 predecessor.

Apart from the performance, the DB12's dynamics are dramatic but jaunty behind the wheel thanks to its e-diff, all-new adaptive dampers, revised EPAS, improved suspension setup, improved brakes, and a multi-mode ESP with six-axis inertial measurement unit, among others. When you drive it on the road, the DB12 is beyond compare to other grand tourers because, as Aston said, this is no mere GT. On the track, however, the DB12 is as elegant as chewing a Kouign-Amann cookie served on a golden platter. Divine.

The DB12 truly is a sign of things to come for Aston Martin's future sports cars and with its glorious era of crafting 12-cylinder engines now behind them, it seems that the only way to go is V8 power for the time being until the times demand to eschew it altogether. Sounds controversial but despite the V8 power, the DB12 is a must-have for every Aston Martin fanatic and you can't escape the envy of driving one someday.

Photo: Aston Martin

Mercedes-Benz CLE

There is a saying that goes "Kill two birds with one stone" and Mercedes-Benz killed off both the C-Class Coupe and the E-Class Coupe to create the first-ever CLE, the only two-door Mercedes coupe you can buy today.

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe

With prices starting at 58,132 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Mercedes-Benz CLE is the only non-AMG two-door coupe you can find at a Mercedes-Benz dealership near you and while it is not interested in your "speedo boy" games, the CLE is the ideal weekend getaway car for you to unwind after a long week.

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe interior

Beginning with the design, the CLE's front came from the W206 C-Class while the rear view came from the Mercedes EQ saloon family and the silhouette looks broadly like the now-defunct C-Class Coupe. Asked about the dimensions, the CLE is sized between the two now-defunct coupes, which is a balancing act, of course.

As for the interior, it's all typical "new normal" Mercedes dashboard you can expect in the CLE because it comes with a 12.3-inch digital display and a portrait-oriented 11.9-inch central display as well as ambient lighting features with indirect lighting strips, an available Ambient Lighting Plus package, a new Easy-Entry function to gain access to the rather cramped rear seats, the latest MBUX, and a choice of three sound system configurations at launch, including the Burmester 3D surround sound system. 

Asked about the boot space, the CLE Coupe can carry up to 420L of goodies at the back, more than what you get from the C-Class Coupe.

The CLE Coupe offers a choice of a four-cylinder 2.0L petrol engine and a 2.0L four-cylinder turbodiesel engine at launch. Both come with mild-hybrid tech and a 9-speed automatic gearbox. The most powerful for now is the CLE 300 with 281PS power output and 400Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 6.2 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 250kph. The CLE 220 d, meanwhile, has 4.7L/100km of fuel economy, but no one's buying on it even in this motoring climate.

Although it shows little interest in the fun side because this is a normal Mercedes coupe with a slim prospect of an AMG version, the dynamics made it feel like a grand tourer that values comfort over performance, which is unheard of in a two-door Mercedes like this. Coupled with the DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL, DYNAMIC SELECT, and a sports brake system, drivers can enjoy it in various ways and means in a rather dramatic way.

For safety, the CLE Coupe comes with the available Parking Package with a 360° camera, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist, DISTRONIC Active Distance Assistant, and the available Driving Assistance Package Plus. Such features made drivers difficult to explain why lodged in a coupe like this.

Although it drives like a regular luxury car, the CLE is the only good-looking luxury coupe you can find at your nearest Mercedes dealership, which is ideal if you don't like the looks of today's BMW 4-Series. No pressure but still, it is a modest two-door coupe that prefers to be taken lightly, not hardly. Story of its life.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG

Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 signals the evolution of the E-Class lineage and with dramatic changes inside and out, it's no doubt becoming the most advanced E-Class ever made.

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Starting at 61,999 Euros plus additional costs, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 is the most advanced E-Class ever made thanks to the dramatic improvements inside and out, making it capable of tackling the demands of the new normal.

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain

Just like the previous version, the W214 E-Class is offered in three different body styles such as the sedan, the estate, and the outdoor-oriented All-Terrain with slightly increased ground clearance. Whichever E-Class you're on, you will still be greeted by the new design that looks like it's been borrowed from its sedan relatives, the C-Class and the S-Class. Not bad for a middle child of the family tree. Although it's hard to distinguish between the three, the sizing makes it easy to differentiate it from its relatives because, as I said, this is the middle child of the Mercedes sedan range and it deserves extreme attention to detail at first contact.

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate interior

Unlike its C-Class and S-Class brothers, the new interior prefers the dashboard layout inspired by the Mercedes-EQ range and with the rather controversial Superscreen equipped, it now behaves just like its EQ relatives because with two touchscreens on the dashboard, it's the ideal time-waster for those who love to play around the car's insides. Care for some Netflix and chill while stuck in traffic, I presume?

While the added Superscreen is deemed too flashy for speedo boys behind the wheel, the passenger side is classic E-Class comfort, and with the added Energizing Comfort wellness program, Energizing Coach program, and Thermotronic climate control with Digital Vent Control, the out-on-a-limo feeling truly hits the W214's sweet spot.

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The W214 E-Class, depending on which body style you're on, offers a wide range of petrol (E200), diesel (E220d), and PHEV configurations (E300e and E400e). All are mated to a 9G-TRONIC gearbox.

The cheapest version, the E200 Avantgarde Advanced, features a 2.0L turbo engine with mild hybrid, producing 204PS of power and 320Nm of torque with a fuel economy of 6.4L/100km. The most powerful version for the time being is the E400e with the 4MATIC four-wheel-drive system, where the said engine is bolted to an electric motor and a 25.4kWh lithium battery, capable of producing 381PS of total power output, 650Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 5.3 seconds, and an electronically-limited top speed of 250kph.

To make the E-Class W214 capable of driving like every E-Class should, it has a front four-arm suspension, rear five-link suspension, and Agility Control steel-sprung for MHEV vehicles, but to get the most out of it, it comes with the available Airmatic air suspension with ADS+ continuously variable damping and rear-axle steering setup. Such setup will bring dynamism to the all-new E-Class and looks like high-rollers can't wait to get their hands on it.

Because this is the E-Class for the new normal, the W214 features a wide range of ADAS such as Active Distance Assist, Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Parking Package with reverse camera, Speed Limit Assist, Attention Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and the available Driving Assistance Plus with Active Steering Assist that vibrates the steering wheel when lane markings are no longer clearly visible and Active Steering Assist is no longer available.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 is the most advanced E-Class to date thanks to its dramatic improvements inside and out. It really is the E-Class for the new normal and like it or not, it's prepared for almost everything life throws at it.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG

16th Generation Toyota Crown (SH32/SM30)

The true 16th-generation Toyota Crown has finally arrived and the 16th coming of the longest-running nameplate in Toyota history shows that they're not giving up the tradition even though the Crown lineage's radically adapted to the age of crossovers as hinted by the Crown Crossover and the Crown Sport models.

2024 Toyota Crown

With prices starting at 7.3 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the 16th-generation Crown is a radical new step to the longest-running nameplate in Toyota history. The conservative design, luxurious interior, and eco-friendly performance showcase the business end of this Reiwa Era Crown.

2024 Toyota Crown

Beginning with the design, the all-new Crown is a massive departure from its predecessors because it now adopts a fastback styling akin to the Audi A7. Fastback styling aside, the new front view is somewhat reminiscent of the Dodge Charger while the rear view reminded us of today's Ford Escape. Although the facial expressions are as slim as a coin, the all-new Crown really means business in the middle of the new normal.

2024 Toyota Crown interior

2024 Toyota Crown interior

Come to the interior, the all-new Crown looks and works just like its crossover cousins. Although adopting the minimalist stance, the driver's side is packed with noticeable techs such as T-Connect, smartphone connectivity, voice control, heated steering wheel, digital rearview mirror, and others. As a premium sedan, the passenger side of the all-new Crown truly is the business end because the legroom is slightly roomier compared to its predecessor, and when kitted with extras such as the rear seat center console, rear sunshade, and a headrest pillow, it's a proper alternative to the Audi A7. As for the boot space, it can carry up to 450 liters, and the rear tailgate, despite its fastback looks, opens like a normal sedan and it can be opened hands-free, which is an available feature.

2024 Toyota Crown

The 16th-generation Toyota Crown is offered with a choice of a fuel-cell powertrain lifted from the Mirai and the Toyota-first 2.5L Multi-Stage Hybrid powertrain. 

The fuel-cell variant is armed with the FCB130 fuel-cell powertrain connected to three high-pressure hydrogen tanks, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery, producing 182PS of total power output and 300Nm of torque, capable of 820km of driving range with just three minutes of hydrogen filling each time.

The hybrid variant features a Toyota-first 2.5L Multi-Stage hybrid system where the 185PS A25A-FXS Dynamic Force engine is bolted to a 180PS electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, resulting in a system power output of 245PS. Mated to a Multi-Stage Hybrid Transmission with 10-speed transmission control, the hybrid variant has a fuel economy of 18km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Running on the narrow version of the GA-L platform, the 16th-generation Crown is rear-wheel-drive only, and although pointless to poke its tail out, it's about as luxurious to drive as its German competitors thanks to its multilink suspension setup and ventilated disc brakes. Judging by the way it drives, this is what the Toyota Crown truly means, especially for seasoned veterans.

As for safety, the 16th-generation Crown features Toyota Safety Sense with the available Proactive Driving Assist, Toyota Teammate Advanced Driver, and Advanced Park for added levels of safety worth noticing.

This is what the Toyota Crown of the Reiwa Era should be, a luxury saloon that's about as luxurious as the German rivals and retains the Crown tradition while keeping up with the demands of the new normal, the 16th-generation Toyota Crown is a wish granted for Crown purists who believed the Crossover and the Sport variants are treason to the Crown heritage. This is the new normal.

Available Colors: Precious White Pearl, Precious Silver, Precious Black Pearl, Precious Metal, Precious Bronze, and Massive Gray.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Genesis GV80 (2024MY Minor Change) & GV80 Coupe

The first SUV from Genesis, the GV80, has gained a minor change for the 2024 model year and the latest minor change brings an additional model to the range; the first-ever GV80 Coupe. So, what's it all about the GV80 minor change?

2024 Genesis GV80

2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe

Starting at 69,300,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the GV80 minor change and the first-ever GV80 Coupe bring the first Genesis SUV to near ascension with its revised looks, interior, and performance you would expect for Korea's answer to the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. There's more to expect from this latest facelift.

2024 Genesis GV80

Beginning with the styling, the GV80 looks sleek and sporty with its new front design, new wheel designs, and a refined rear view, keeping it fresh after three years of service. The Coupe version, meanwhile, looks pretty much the same as the normal GV80 but with a sloping roofline mimicking its German opposition. That roofline means less space compared to the normal GV80 by about 91 liters with the second-row seats present but that's more stuff to store compared to the BMW X6 and the Mercedes GLE Coupe.

2024 Genesis GV80 interior

2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe interior

The interior of the GV80 has been heavily revamped for this minor change, meaning the dashboard has been heavily reorganized to make room for the 27-inch OLED display where the instrumental cluster and the sat-nav join forces rather than working in separate ways. In addition, it even comes with a digital rear-view mirror, a built-in camera that is handy for spotting some sweet potatoes on the road, and an integrated controller which is rather complicated to use compared to touch screens.

The normal GV80 is offered with a choice of being a five-seater, a six-seater, and a seven-seater while the GV80 Coupe is offered only as a five-seater. It even comes with an available rear-seat entertainment system to keep your bosses in the second-row seats occupied while on the move or getting stuck in traffic.

2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe

The GV80 2024MY minor change features an all-petrol lineup consisting of a Smartstream G2.5T engine sourced from today's Hyundai Santa Fe MX5, producing 304PS of power and 43kgf-m of torque, and the ultra-powerful Smartstream G3.5L V6 turbo engine producing 380PS of power and 54kg-m of torque. Exclusive to the GV80 is the Smartstream G3.5L V6 turbo engine with a 48V electric supercharger producing 415PS of power and 56kgf-m of torque. All are mated to an 8-speed automatic.

Like the pre-facelifted model, the GV80 is rear-wheel drive as standard with an optional all-wheel drive system that works on all road conditions; be it tarmac, gravel, or snow. It even comes with an electronically controlled suspension with road preview, which allows the GV80 to recognize road conditions via the front camera. Although they're bulky to drive, these models behave just like the German opposition, nearly.

The facelifted GV80 is fully prepared with the most advanced safety features offered in its class such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with the additional Evasive Steering Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assistance, Highway Driving Assist 2, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Surround View Monitor, Rear Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The facelifted Genesis GV80 and the first-ever GV80 Coupe promises to become the alpha of the Genesis lineup since its advent three years ago. Although it may be easily overshadowed by the Germans, this updated version promises to propagate itself into presence until it is fully recognized the world over. Be prepared.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Ford Ranger (P703)

The world-proven Ford Ranger pickup truck is now in its 5th-generation and this all-new version strives to be the world's best midsize truck that can tackle the likes of the Toyota Hilux and the Chevrolet Colorado.

2024 Ford Ranger

Starting at $32,565 plus additional costs, the fifth-generation Ford Ranger continues to assert its world-class quality that makes the Ranger, well, a Ranger. Once and always.

2024 Ford Ranger

Beginning with the design, the fifth-generation Ranger is more of a macho-sized version of its little brother, the Maverick, but unlike the Maverick, the all-new Ranger is still the macho man known the world over. From the bustling streets of the West Coast to the desert hills, this Ranger still asserts its Built Ford Tough mantra.

2024 Ford Ranger interior

Step inside, the all-new Ranger features a 12-inch center touchscreen with SYNC 4A, digital instrumental panels, climate control, a B&O sound system, and a wireless charging pad, among many others. Like its predecessor, it's offered only in a four-door SuperCrew but when asked about the space, it is slightly more spacious compared to its predecessor. It even has a wider track compared to its predecessor, meaning you can now load a full-sized 'Euro' pallet flat in the bed.

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor

The fifth-generation Ford Ranger is powered by a choice of a 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder, a 2.7L EcoBoost V6, and a 3.0L EcoBoost V6, all are mated to a 10-speed automatic. The lesser one produces 270HP of power and 310lb-ft of torque while the so-called superior one produces 405HP of power and 430lb-ft of torque. All engine variants gave the Ranger a towing capacity of up to 7,500 lbs.

Depending on the variant, the Ranger is armed with the Ford Trail Control, five driving modes from Normal to Sport, independent front suspension with gas-pressurized shocks and a stabilizer bar, electronic shift-on-the-fly for 4x4 variants, electronic-locking rear differential, rear outboard mounted shocks, and increased track width, making it capable of handling the world's roughest conditions from the Scandinavian winter wonderland to a bridge over the River Kok.

The first-ever Ranger Raptor runs on the same 405HP 3.0L EcoBoost V6 but with a specially-developed 10-speed AT, a full-time 4x4 system with an Electromechanical Transfer Case, 10.7 inches of ground clearance, Ford Trail Control, electronic-locking rear differential, and Fox Racing shocks with Live Valve technology. With the signature Baja Mode set, the Ranger Raptor is ready to trailblaze through the Moab without going FUBAR. It's more than enough to crunch the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 alive in the open.

Asked about safety features, the all-new Ford Ranger is armed with driver-assist features such as Pre-Collision Assist, BLIS, Lane-Keeping System, Rear View Camera, and Auto High-Beam Headlamps. It even comes with a 360-degree camera, Active Park Assist 2.0, Pro-Trailer Backup Assist, Trailer Brake Controller, and Tow/Haul Mode on the transmission shifting, giving it better confidence behind the wheel.

The fifth-generation Ford Ranger continues to assert its world-proven credentials with its muscular new design, interior, performance, and technology that makes the Ford Ranger THE Ford Ranger, once and always. It's the official pickup truck of the new normal and whether you're ready or not, it's morphin' time, ladies and gentlemen. You're looking at the world's best Ford Ranger.

Photo: Ford Motor Company