Sandor Ferenci wanted his two minutes of fame and ended up with a jail sentence instead. The 28-year old Englishman probably thought it would be really cool to post a video of himself on YouTube performing stunts on his motorcycle. Ferenci asked a friend to film him as he ripped down the wrong side of the highway in Banbury, Oxfordshire, London at 209 kph. The video also shows him doing several wheelies and no-hands driving at dangerously high speeds.
Police were actually tipped by a concerned motorist who witnessed the stunts and took down the bike’s registration number. Local law enforcement then called his home and Ferenci immediately owned up to his antics asking, “Is this about the YouTube video?”
The whole incident earned him a twelve week stay in jail for two counts of dangerous driving. Adding insult to injury, Ferenci’s driver’s license has been revoked for two years, after which he would have to take an extended driving test before he is allowed on the road again.
When he’s not trying to break motorcycle speed records, or any of his bones, Ferenci earns his keep in the guise of a mild-mannered caregiver for the elderly and, speaking through his lawyer, expressed remorse over what he had done.
You can view Sandor Ferenci’s infamous video here.
At least Mr. Ferenci wears a helmet and other protective gear. I’m sure you guys who live in Manila like me have seen real daredevils here who ride their motorbikes like there’s no tomorrow - weaving in and out of traffic at record-breaking speeds. Their standard riding equipment consists of a sleeveless shirt with matching shorts, slippers (flip-flops) and, most important, a helmet worn on the forearm like a lady’s handbag. To protect their hollow heads, they use the regulation baseball cap or the more stylish bandana.
These people will often have passengers with them. Some ride with their SOs, best buddies, and even kids, who subscribe to the same protective equipment, of course. Incredible, if you think about it; incredibly stupid, that is.
10.25.2008
Singapore and Hollywood will be Transformed in 2011
Optimus Prime and the valiant Autobots, as well as Starscream and the rest of the dreaded Decepticons are headed to Singapore for a showdown.
Resorts World in Sentosa will be the battleground of the two warring groups when the world’s first Transformers-based ride opens at Universal Studios Singapore in early 2011. There will definitely be “more than meets the eye” as cutting edge robotics and 3D high definition technology are combined to make riders feel that they are right in the middle of the war between towering robots who have the ability to change into cars, trucks and planes.
Dreamworks, which produced the 2007 summer blockbuster, and Hasbro, which introduced the original Transformers toys in the ‘80s, are involved in the venture; no less than producer Steven Spielberg and director Michael Bay head the project’s creative team.
According to Resorts World Sentosa chief executive officer Tan Hee Teck, “It is great that Asia will be the launch pad for the first Transformers attraction. Transformers was introduced to the United States in 1983 but traces its roots to Asia. Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Megatron are familiar names to Asian audiences, who grew up with the robot toys and love the movie. When Transformers opens in Universal Studios Singapore in 2011, it will be the first of its kind in the world. We may see a surge of Transformers mania.”
After its debut in Singapore in 2011, the Transformers ride will open during summer of the same year in Universal Studios, Hollywood.
“Transformers will be a jewel in our collection of world-class rides based on great movies,” says Tom Williams, chairman and CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts. According to Williams, Spielberg has actually been a long-time collaborator with the company, helping out with other Universal Studios movie-based rides such as Jurassic Park and E.T.
It looks like great timing for the successful Transformers movie franchise as its next installment, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, is set to hit the big screen in June 2009.
Resorts World in Sentosa will be the battleground of the two warring groups when the world’s first Transformers-based ride opens at Universal Studios Singapore in early 2011. There will definitely be “more than meets the eye” as cutting edge robotics and 3D high definition technology are combined to make riders feel that they are right in the middle of the war between towering robots who have the ability to change into cars, trucks and planes.
Dreamworks, which produced the 2007 summer blockbuster, and Hasbro, which introduced the original Transformers toys in the ‘80s, are involved in the venture; no less than producer Steven Spielberg and director Michael Bay head the project’s creative team.
According to Resorts World Sentosa chief executive officer Tan Hee Teck, “It is great that Asia will be the launch pad for the first Transformers attraction. Transformers was introduced to the United States in 1983 but traces its roots to Asia. Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Megatron are familiar names to Asian audiences, who grew up with the robot toys and love the movie. When Transformers opens in Universal Studios Singapore in 2011, it will be the first of its kind in the world. We may see a surge of Transformers mania.”
After its debut in Singapore in 2011, the Transformers ride will open during summer of the same year in Universal Studios, Hollywood.
“Transformers will be a jewel in our collection of world-class rides based on great movies,” says Tom Williams, chairman and CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts. According to Williams, Spielberg has actually been a long-time collaborator with the company, helping out with other Universal Studios movie-based rides such as Jurassic Park and E.T.
It looks like great timing for the successful Transformers movie franchise as its next installment, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, is set to hit the big screen in June 2009.
10.22.2008
Daredevil in a Gallardo breaks Blind Speed Record
Marvel superhero Daredevil is a crime fighter who is able to perform incredible feats despite the fact that he is blind.
Luc Costermans could be considered a hero of sorts to the visually challenged. He lost his sight in an accident four years ago but that did not stop the 43-year old Belgian daredevil from going for the “Blind Land Speed Record”, and in a borrowed Lamborghini Gallardo at that.
Costermans actually set a new record as the fastest blind man on wheels on October 11th at the Istres Airbase in southern France. The bright orange Lamborghini Gallardo blasted down a closed off section of runway at a scorching 308.79 kph (192 mph) to shatter the record previously set by Englishman Mike Newman in 2005.
Newman back then drove a modified BMW M5 at 268 kph.
Luc Costermans thanked his navigator Guillaume Roman (this guy deserves a medal for bravery), for riding shotgun during the successful attempt which was dedicated to former F1 driver Philippe Streiff, who has been a tetraplegic since 1989, when he suffered a severe accident in a Grand Prix in Brazil.
However, with all due respect to Mr. Costermans, I personally thought the test drive scene in the movie Scent of a Woman was a bit more fun.
Luc Costermans could be considered a hero of sorts to the visually challenged. He lost his sight in an accident four years ago but that did not stop the 43-year old Belgian daredevil from going for the “Blind Land Speed Record”, and in a borrowed Lamborghini Gallardo at that.
Costermans actually set a new record as the fastest blind man on wheels on October 11th at the Istres Airbase in southern France. The bright orange Lamborghini Gallardo blasted down a closed off section of runway at a scorching 308.79 kph (192 mph) to shatter the record previously set by Englishman Mike Newman in 2005.
Newman back then drove a modified BMW M5 at 268 kph.
Luc Costermans thanked his navigator Guillaume Roman (this guy deserves a medal for bravery), for riding shotgun during the successful attempt which was dedicated to former F1 driver Philippe Streiff, who has been a tetraplegic since 1989, when he suffered a severe accident in a Grand Prix in Brazil.
However, with all due respect to Mr. Costermans, I personally thought the test drive scene in the movie Scent of a Woman was a bit more fun.
10.14.2008
The Flintstones --- Not!
With the trend in auto technology moving towards creating more powerful albeit more fuel efficient engines, Charles Greenwood and his company have chosen to take a different path. From the company’s name itself, HumanCar, Inc. produces just that – human-powered vehicles. If that concept brings images of Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble in their prehistoric car, with feet sticking out underneath to make it go, well hold that thought because this is something else.
The Human Car’s prototype model is called the FM-4 Troublemaker, so-called because it goes against some basic automobile principles – there is no motor and, therefore, no oil-based fuel required. The FM-4 is a street-legal, low mass vehicle or LMV. It is designed to accommodate a maximum of 4 people who provide the car’s power via a “biometric human-power interface”. Pushing and pulling on a series of interconnected levers creates the necessary power to drive the car’s rear wheels via a 6-speed “human trans-axle”.
For its monocoque chassis, tubular steel and carbon fiber is used so as to make the vehicle lightweight and durable. The FM-4 Troublemaker in action is quite an awesome sight because of the way it translates human power into motion.
HumanCar, Inc. is already working on the next generation production model called the “Imagine” which can reach speeds of up to 60 mph and will sell at around $15,000 – $20,000.
Yabba d
abba doo indeed!
The Human Car’s prototype model is called the FM-4 Troublemaker, so-called because it goes against some basic automobile principles – there is no motor and, therefore, no oil-based fuel required. The FM-4 is a street-legal, low mass vehicle or LMV. It is designed to accommodate a maximum of 4 people who provide the car’s power via a “biometric human-power interface”. Pushing and pulling on a series of interconnected levers creates the necessary power to drive the car’s rear wheels via a 6-speed “human trans-axle”.
For its monocoque chassis, tubular steel and carbon fiber is used so as to make the vehicle lightweight and durable. The FM-4 Troublemaker in action is quite an awesome sight because of the way it translates human power into motion.
HumanCar, Inc. is already working on the next generation production model called the “Imagine” which can reach speeds of up to 60 mph and will sell at around $15,000 – $20,000.
Yabba d
abba doo indeed!10.13.2008
The Amazing Spidercar
No camera tricks. No cables. That radio-controlled car in the video is driving upside down.
This cool new toy is the AeroSpider which made its debut at the Tokyo Toy Show last June where this video was taken. It is manufactured by the Takara-Tomy company of Japan.
The battery-powered toy car drives on the floor just like any ordinary RC.
For added fun, however, a switch at the back of the car activates a mini-fan located on its underside. The fan creates suction and allows it to be driven vertically and even upside down on flat, smooth surfaces. Pretty useful if your mom wants to mop the floor you've been playing on... just don't leave tire tracks on the walls though.
The AeroSpider will be sold by the end of this month in Japan and will cost around $45. There has been no word yet as to when it will be released in other markets but Takara-Tomy has been aggressively marketing its revolutionary RC car with this Japanese TV advertisement:
Takara is the company that first came out with the toy cars that turn into robots on which the now-famous Transformers characters were based. In 2005, they merged with the Tomy company.
10.10.2008
Travelling With Pets
It’s not unusual nowadays for people to take a trip with their pets. Traveling with pets in the car can be hassle-free for the driver/pet-owner and the animal, itself. As with all other aspects of driving, safety and comfort for all riders is important.
Here are a few things to consider in making travel with pets as comfortable (and enjoyable) as possible. Pets in transit require a lot of fresh air and, except on short journeys, enough food and water. Sudden loud noises or flashing lights, and extremes in temperature could distress them. It is a good idea to have pets in enclosures or cages to minimize unnecessary anxiety during travel. Always make sure that these containers are properly secured before driving off. Never transport an animal in the trunk.
Drive as smoothly as possible. Many injuries inside a car often result when the driver has to stop suddenly or make a sharp turn. Since animals will not have any warning of changing road situations, they cannot brace themselves when the unexpected occurs.
When an animal has to be left inside the car, be sure to have enough ventilation. Leave at least a couple of windows slightly open to allow air to circulate inside the vehicle. On hot, sunny days, find a shaded area to park in. Do check, however, that all personal belongings are safe inside the vehicle; thieves might be tempted if they see items such as cell phones or laptops in plain view inside a car whose windows are partly open.
Dogs and cats should have collars that show the owners’ contact information.
Dogs
Because they are adaptable and intelligent, dogs make very good travelers. They are eager to obey commands and can be trained to regard the interior of the family car as an extension of home.
Car sickness is unlikely for dogs that are used to riding with their owners, especially if they have been doing so since they were puppies. This is because they learn to associate the experience with an activity that they enjoy, like taking a walk in the park or playing catch.
Driving a car with a dog freely moving around inside is dangerous since it can become a source of distraction for the driver. But, similarly, putting a large animal in a container during travel can be impractical because its fretfulness may make the journey intolerable for everyone.
In station wagons, sealing off the animal in the rear luggage compartment can be done by installing a grille behind the rear seat. In ordinary sedans, however, large dogs are better off left unrestrained. If well trained, they will settle down either on the floor or on a seat during a trip.
Seek the help of a veterinarian so that sedatives or tranquilizers can be prescribed for dogs that suffer from car sickness. Never give animals drugs which are intended for human consumption as these could be completely useless or worse, harmful. Dogs may also prefer to travel in an adequately proportioned, ventilated container.
The most efficient is a wire-mesh basket, which will allow the animal to see and be seen. So that these enclosures can be easily cleaned, use newspaper to line the bottom with. Fabric is not recommended since it can easily suffocate a small or young animal.
Try to discourage dogs from putting their heads out of windows. They may distract other drivers or snap at passers-by when the car is stationary. When the car is moving irritants like dust and dirt can easily get into their eyes. There is also the chance that they may try to jump out of the car if they see or smell something of interest.
Especially on long trips, stop the car regularly to exercise the animal. However, because of its excitement in being in a new or unfamiliar place, it might rush into the road and cause an accident. Remember that safety is first and foremost so always take the necessary precautions. Keep the dog on its leash and, if possible, get off the main road when stopping to rest.
Cats and other small pets
It is best to transport cats, mice, hamsters and other small creatures in a well-proportioned container with a supply of fresh air and ample food and drink.
Birds
Birds are easily startled. Whenever possible, transport them in their own cages and partially cover the cage with a cloth. A bird will retain a hold on its perch and be unaffected by the car’s motion, unless the ride is exceptionally bumpy.
Amphibians
Frogs and toads can travel comfortably on wet sponges in plastic bags punched with air holes. Exotic creatures may require special conditions so always seek expert advice before taking them in the car.
Fish
Do not transport fish in an aquarium. Even the slightest motion inside a car can cause splashing that makes them sick and dizzy and throws them against the glass. This causes bruising and may be fatal. The best way to transport fish is in a plastic bag, three-quarters full of water from the aquarium. For rigid support, the bag may be placed inside a cardboard or wooden box. To renew the oxygen inside the bag, open the top at least every hour.
Animals experience pleasure and pain just as we do. Make an effort to ensure a pet’s safety and comfort during travel.
Here are a few things to consider in making travel with pets as comfortable (and enjoyable) as possible. Pets in transit require a lot of fresh air and, except on short journeys, enough food and water. Sudden loud noises or flashing lights, and extremes in temperature could distress them. It is a good idea to have pets in enclosures or cages to minimize unnecessary anxiety during travel. Always make sure that these containers are properly secured before driving off. Never transport an animal in the trunk.
Drive as smoothly as possible. Many injuries inside a car often result when the driver has to stop suddenly or make a sharp turn. Since animals will not have any warning of changing road situations, they cannot brace themselves when the unexpected occurs.
When an animal has to be left inside the car, be sure to have enough ventilation. Leave at least a couple of windows slightly open to allow air to circulate inside the vehicle. On hot, sunny days, find a shaded area to park in. Do check, however, that all personal belongings are safe inside the vehicle; thieves might be tempted if they see items such as cell phones or laptops in plain view inside a car whose windows are partly open.
Dogs and cats should have collars that show the owners’ contact information.
Dogs
Because they are adaptable and intelligent, dogs make very good travelers. They are eager to obey commands and can be trained to regard the interior of the family car as an extension of home.
Car sickness is unlikely for dogs that are used to riding with their owners, especially if they have been doing so since they were puppies. This is because they learn to associate the experience with an activity that they enjoy, like taking a walk in the park or playing catch.
Driving a car with a dog freely moving around inside is dangerous since it can become a source of distraction for the driver. But, similarly, putting a large animal in a container during travel can be impractical because its fretfulness may make the journey intolerable for everyone.
In station wagons, sealing off the animal in the rear luggage compartment can be done by installing a grille behind the rear seat. In ordinary sedans, however, large dogs are better off left unrestrained. If well trained, they will settle down either on the floor or on a seat during a trip.
Seek the help of a veterinarian so that sedatives or tranquilizers can be prescribed for dogs that suffer from car sickness. Never give animals drugs which are intended for human consumption as these could be completely useless or worse, harmful. Dogs may also prefer to travel in an adequately proportioned, ventilated container.
The most efficient is a wire-mesh basket, which will allow the animal to see and be seen. So that these enclosures can be easily cleaned, use newspaper to line the bottom with. Fabric is not recommended since it can easily suffocate a small or young animal.
Try to discourage dogs from putting their heads out of windows. They may distract other drivers or snap at passers-by when the car is stationary. When the car is moving irritants like dust and dirt can easily get into their eyes. There is also the chance that they may try to jump out of the car if they see or smell something of interest.
Especially on long trips, stop the car regularly to exercise the animal. However, because of its excitement in being in a new or unfamiliar place, it might rush into the road and cause an accident. Remember that safety is first and foremost so always take the necessary precautions. Keep the dog on its leash and, if possible, get off the main road when stopping to rest.
Cats and other small pets
It is best to transport cats, mice, hamsters and other small creatures in a well-proportioned container with a supply of fresh air and ample food and drink.
Birds
Birds are easily startled. Whenever possible, transport them in their own cages and partially cover the cage with a cloth. A bird will retain a hold on its perch and be unaffected by the car’s motion, unless the ride is exceptionally bumpy.
Amphibians
Frogs and toads can travel comfortably on wet sponges in plastic bags punched with air holes. Exotic creatures may require special conditions so always seek expert advice before taking them in the car.
Fish
Do not transport fish in an aquarium. Even the slightest motion inside a car can cause splashing that makes them sick and dizzy and throws them against the glass. This causes bruising and may be fatal. The best way to transport fish is in a plastic bag, three-quarters full of water from the aquarium. For rigid support, the bag may be placed inside a cardboard or wooden box. To renew the oxygen inside the bag, open the top at least every hour.
Animals experience pleasure and pain just as we do. Make an effort to ensure a pet’s safety and comfort during travel.
Tired of all that Jazz? Let the 3rd Gen Honda City Rock your world!
The 3rd Generation 2009 Honda City was launched last month in Thailand and India. Taking after the Accor
d’s “arrow shot” profile, the new City looks like a mini-me of Honda’s highly successful luxury sedan. Its redesigned front grill which blends into sleek headlights gives the car a very aggressive character, while new tail lights and a shortened rear end give the car a sportier look. The 3rd Generation City, like the 2009 Honda Jazz, is powered by a 1.5 Liter i-VTEC engine, capable of 118 hp at 6600 rpm.
With most Filipino families considering smaller cars because of rising fuel prices, debuting Honda’s latest subcompact here will add a lot of points to the Japanese carmaker’s popularity. Data on the car’s fuel economy is not available as of yet but it is expected to ma
tch the Jazz’s average of 14 km/liter. The 2009 City has all the bells and whistles to attract buyers looking for that balance of beauty and functionality - a design that efficiently uses space to create a roomy interior; a modern amber-colored instrument cluster; and F1-inspired paddle shifters for the automatic variant.
Reviews of the Honda Jazz mostly praise the hatchback for its great value for money. When Honda brings in the all-new City, it will most likely take away a considerable portion of the Jazz’s following. But that would not really be a bad thing for Honda since customers wanting variety will have the subcompact sedan as an option. Everything else considered, the 3rd Generation Honda City will prove to be a worthy challenger against the likes of the Chevrolet Aveo sedan, Hyundai Accent or Toyota Vios.
d’s “arrow shot” profile, the new City looks like a mini-me of Honda’s highly successful luxury sedan. Its redesigned front grill which blends into sleek headlights gives the car a very aggressive character, while new tail lights and a shortened rear end give the car a sportier look. The 3rd Generation City, like the 2009 Honda Jazz, is powered by a 1.5 Liter i-VTEC engine, capable of 118 hp at 6600 rpm.With most Filipino families considering smaller cars because of rising fuel prices, debuting Honda’s latest subcompact here will add a lot of points to the Japanese carmaker’s popularity. Data on the car’s fuel economy is not available as of yet but it is expected to ma
tch the Jazz’s average of 14 km/liter. The 2009 City has all the bells and whistles to attract buyers looking for that balance of beauty and functionality - a design that efficiently uses space to create a roomy interior; a modern amber-colored instrument cluster; and F1-inspired paddle shifters for the automatic variant.Reviews of the Honda Jazz mostly praise the hatchback for its great value for money. When Honda brings in the all-new City, it will most likely take away a considerable portion of the Jazz’s following. But that would not really be a bad thing for Honda since customers wanting variety will have the subcompact sedan as an option. Everything else considered, the 3rd Generation Honda City will prove to be a worthy challenger against the likes of the Chevrolet Aveo sedan, Hyundai Accent or Toyota Vios.
8.10.2008
2004 Chevrolet Optra
My name is Mike. I am from Manila, the Philippines.
I had the opportunity to own a 2004 denim-blue Chevrolet Optra.
This car is a joint venture between General Motors and Daewoo of Korea. It has a 1.6 liter fuel-injected gasoline engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. I thought the euro-type body and 15-inch tires with multi-spoke rims gave it a nice stance.
When I first checked out this car at the showroom, I was impressed by the huge cabin. Even with say, someone almost 6 feet tall driving, the adult seated behind him would still have enough legroom. The trunk is very spacious as well.
Interior features like map lights, double vanity mirrors & lots of storage space make travel both convenient and enjoyable. Build quality is also admirable. And the Chevrolet Optra boasts of a nice sound system by Blaupunkt - 6 speakers, AM/FM tuner, cassette player, and 5-disc frontloading CD changer. The cassette player was a very nice touch for me since I still have a huge part of my music collection in this format. Yes, I know, pretty old school but what can I do? Every now and then, I still like to listen to my Queen Live Killers Volume 1 & 2 tapes while cruising around. Oh by the way, the steering wheel-mounted remote for the stereo is very practical.
Performance-wise, the Chevrolet Optra wasn't bad at all. Whether it was driving up to Tagaytay City (about 50 kilometers south of Manila) to hear early Sunday Mass with my wife & our daughter; or going as far as Pangasinan province in the north (180 kilometers from Manila) for an out-of-town business meeting, it was always willing, able, and fun to drive. Consumption was around 8 km/liter for city driving, and 12km/liter- highway driving.
GM and Daewoo did not compromise safety in the Optra's design. Strong headlights are complemented by halogen foglamps. Both front and rear bumpers, as well as all doors are reinforced with steel beams. And an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard.
I remember one particular night when I was driving home, southbound on EDSA (E. De Los Santos Avenue), Manila's main highway. Traffic was very light and I was travelling at around 90kph. Suddenly, a taxi cab coming from the inner lane swerved to pull into a gasoline station on the right side of the road. There were about 50 meters between us when he crossed my lane so I instinctively stepped on the brakes and turned the wheel to steer clear. I actually expected to either lose control and hit the taxi, or lock the wheels and skid down the road and hit another vehicle. But the Optra's ABS kicked in instantly which helped me avoid a collision. I was very surprised that, at that speed, there wasn't even a screeching sound from the tires as I pressed on the brake pedal and steered at the same time.
I pulled over a short distance away to regain my composure. After about 2 minutes, I was okay and continued my journey. Needless to say, I got home safe and sound that night; thanks to a great car.
A couple of years ago, I had the chance to drive another 1.6 liter Optra, this time with manual transmission. I went to Subic Freeport in Olongapo province north of Manila for a sales meeting. That drive was so much fun especially on the newly renovated North Expressway. I felt a bit tired after the meeting and was worried that I might doze off while driving so I put on Joe Satriani's Surfing With The Alien CD to pump me up. Well it worked. Satch had me so pumped up that I almost didn't notice that I was already doing more than 170kph. It was such a rush but I swore to myself that I'd never go that fast again.
The Chevrolet Optra is also known as the Lacetti in European markets, and as the (Suzuki) Forenza in North America.
I had the opportunity to own a 2004 denim-blue Chevrolet Optra.
This car is a joint venture between General Motors and Daewoo of Korea. It has a 1.6 liter fuel-injected gasoline engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. I thought the euro-type body and 15-inch tires with multi-spoke rims gave it a nice stance.
When I first checked out this car at the showroom, I was impressed by the huge cabin. Even with say, someone almost 6 feet tall driving, the adult seated behind him would still have enough legroom. The trunk is very spacious as well.
Interior features like map lights, double vanity mirrors & lots of storage space make travel both convenient and enjoyable. Build quality is also admirable. And the Chevrolet Optra boasts of a nice sound system by Blaupunkt - 6 speakers, AM/FM tuner, cassette player, and 5-disc frontloading CD changer. The cassette player was a very nice touch for me since I still have a huge part of my music collection in this format. Yes, I know, pretty old school but what can I do? Every now and then, I still like to listen to my Queen Live Killers Volume 1 & 2 tapes while cruising around. Oh by the way, the steering wheel-mounted remote for the stereo is very practical.
Performance-wise, the Chevrolet Optra wasn't bad at all. Whether it was driving up to Tagaytay City (about 50 kilometers south of Manila) to hear early Sunday Mass with my wife & our daughter; or going as far as Pangasinan province in the north (180 kilometers from Manila) for an out-of-town business meeting, it was always willing, able, and fun to drive. Consumption was around 8 km/liter for city driving, and 12km/liter- highway driving.
GM and Daewoo did not compromise safety in the Optra's design. Strong headlights are complemented by halogen foglamps. Both front and rear bumpers, as well as all doors are reinforced with steel beams. And an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard.
I remember one particular night when I was driving home, southbound on EDSA (E. De Los Santos Avenue), Manila's main highway. Traffic was very light and I was travelling at around 90kph. Suddenly, a taxi cab coming from the inner lane swerved to pull into a gasoline station on the right side of the road. There were about 50 meters between us when he crossed my lane so I instinctively stepped on the brakes and turned the wheel to steer clear. I actually expected to either lose control and hit the taxi, or lock the wheels and skid down the road and hit another vehicle. But the Optra's ABS kicked in instantly which helped me avoid a collision. I was very surprised that, at that speed, there wasn't even a screeching sound from the tires as I pressed on the brake pedal and steered at the same time.
I pulled over a short distance away to regain my composure. After about 2 minutes, I was okay and continued my journey. Needless to say, I got home safe and sound that night; thanks to a great car.
A couple of years ago, I had the chance to drive another 1.6 liter Optra, this time with manual transmission. I went to Subic Freeport in Olongapo province north of Manila for a sales meeting. That drive was so much fun especially on the newly renovated North Expressway. I felt a bit tired after the meeting and was worried that I might doze off while driving so I put on Joe Satriani's Surfing With The Alien CD to pump me up. Well it worked. Satch had me so pumped up that I almost didn't notice that I was already doing more than 170kph. It was such a rush but I swore to myself that I'd never go that fast again.
The Chevrolet Optra is also known as the Lacetti in European markets, and as the (Suzuki) Forenza in North America.
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