By Relly Carpio
INQUIRER.net

FORD introduced its Ford Focus TDCi, the first diesel-fed vehicle to “hit the track” in the Philippines. It was developed together with Tuason Racing School (TRS). JP Tuason, owner of TRS, said he was “delightfully surprised to have done very little modification on the Focus, showcasing its real ’street to track’ capability.”

TRS matched the engine with an enhanced suspension, fiberglass body parts, K&N filters, racing brake pads, six-point rollcage, racing seats, racing seatbelts and a fire extinguisher. But the engine was kept stock, a powerful engine at 136 HP with its 2nd-generation common rail injection technology.

Here’s a video I took of Ford Group Philippines president Richard Baker unveiling the Ford Focus TDCi on Day 1 of the Manila International Auto Show.

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By Relly Carpio
INQUIRER.net

THE MANILA International Auto Show 2008 opened Thursday at the World Trade Center in Pasay.

Apart from many of the major car manufacturers, the list of exhibitors includes a number of car accessories and services suppliers. Among the highlights in the show activities is the presence of precision driver Russ Swift who will perform for the duration of the event, which will run until April 6 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Here’s a video I took of Subaru CEO Glenn Tan unveiling the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI and the MI Rally Model, which is an exact replica of the winning Subaru car in the World Rally Championships.

Swift will be using the brand new Imprezas for his performances.

More on that soon.

WHEELSTV has an interesting series of videos, showcasing different concept cars from the 30s and other eras.

Here are four of the videos:

CHECK out this Reuters video report on the world’s oldest Rolls-Royce, which was auctioned off for 3.6 million pounds — that’s equivalent to $7.2 million. Whew!

CHECK out this Reuters video report on the ruling of the European Union’s highest court against a longstanding German law that protected Volkswagen from takeovers.