With a few days left before we usher in the new year, car enthusiasts are looking forward to an exciting 2017 as manufacturers roll out their products meant to excite and add more sizzle in the highly competitive car industry. Here are a few top choices that we feel will stir up some excitement and keep the cash registers ringing.
Toyota Corolla (New Gen)
Toyota has sold over 40 million Corollas since the nameplate was introduced in 1966. For the car’s 50th anniversary, the company partnered with Jeremy Lookofsky of Cartel Customs to produce this radical caustom. This car started off as a 4 foor sedan, and now it’s a 2 door hardtop coupe. Two-tone paint, Sparco seats, and a JBL audio system set it apart
In the domestic market, Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP) is mum about the introduction of this latest version of its top selling variant. If and when they decide to bring this all-new version Corolla, expect a custom version probably by dressed up by the guys at TRD or Gazoo at its launch.
Volkswagen Passat GT Concept
Expected to make its appearance at the Automobility in Los Angeles, this Passat GT concept was penned at the at the Volkswagen North American engineering hub in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is largely based on a a cosmetic upgrade which gives the car a more aggressive profile, with over 20 design changes from the standard Passat. Noteworthy changes include a black honeycomb grille framed top and bottom by a red accent line, similar to the Golf GTI. Other changes include black window surrounds, roof, and trunk spoiler, as well as smoked taillights and LED headlights.
The interior showcases carbon fiber trim on the instrument panel and door trim, as well as duotone black and gray seating, and piano black console trim.
The GT is lowered 0.6 inches over large 19” Tornado wheels covering red-painted brake calipers.
Power comes from a 3.6 liter FSI VR6 producing 280 hp backed up a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. The engine benefits with reduced backpressure from a dual trapezoidal exhaust and a sport muffler.
Hyundai RN30
Hyundai is set to raise the bar of performance with its new “N” line performance line of flagship performance cars which is reflected on its wild RN30. Based on the new Hyundai i30, but with numerous body enhancements, including high tech headlights, a floating fender on each wheel, side splitters, and a large rear spoiler extending as a roof canopy propped up by a center fin. The car has been lowered 84 mm (over 3 inches) compared to the i30, and rests on 19 inch alloy wheels. The interior features racing bucket seats with harnesses surrounded by an integrated roll cage.
It drew a lot of attention at the Paris Motor Show as it showcased its powerplant, a turbocharged 2 liter inline-4 producing a full 375 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque.
RN30 is the latest in a succession of high-performance sports concepts that point towards the future of N production models, furthering the ‘N’ model characteristics first seen in the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo, RM15 and RM16 concepts. All N performance models draw on Hyundai’s successful motorsport experiences and demonstrate Hyundai’s desire to put thrilling driver experiences at the heart of new car developments. The i30N model will soon be available next year, making our passion for high-performance driving accessible to everyone.
All N models are developed by passionate experts in Namyang, the heart of Hyundai Motor’s global R&D network – then pushed to their limits at Nürburgring, the world’s most challenging race track. The N logo represents the chicane of a race track – where the balance of cars is proven rigorously
Honda CRZ RR by Mugen
The lackluster sales performance of Honda’s CRZ might just get a much needed shot in the arm if ever they decide to bring in limited quantities of this special MUGEN Variant. Although built for show purposes only, The CR-Z MUGEN RR aims to demonstrate MUGEN’s capabilities in terms of function, style, performance and agility.
The CR-Z MUGEN RR has been created with many bespoke prototype parts, several of which are created in carbon fibre, including the bonnet, passenger doors and rear tailgate. Other features unique to the car include a full length carbon-fibre underbody, a twin central-exit exhaust, vented front bumpers and race-developed suspension. Orange 4-piston monobloc brake calipers and forged 18-inch alloy wheels both complement the vibrant Valencia Orange Pearl exterior paint work.
Inside the car, the seats are clad in MUGEN-branded colour-coded leather/Alcantara. The addition of a race-developed information screen has the ability to record chassis and engine data as well as housing a Satellite navigation and audio system. This high tech kit will monitor the car over two laps to “learn” a circuit and then record lap data and vehicle tracking using GPS.