A Rare SUV-ic Drive

Making that Subic trip in your trusty, bone-stock SUV is just ordinary and bone-jarring, with you and the stock suspension system absorbing all road imperfections. Prior to that, you almost did the unthinkable just to bring all the gear and stuff you need to bring, short of subtracting one passenger from your list just to accommodate that large bulk of cargo. If you happen to pass by the Subic route at nightfall you’d fret because your old halogen lamps cannot illuminate the entirety of the road. A pretty perennial scenario, isn’t it?

With that in mind, a group of aftermarket SUV tuners dedicated to enhance that traveling experience recently hosted a very comprehensive product demonstration — a demonstration that lets the products speak for themselves. Guys who brought to the motoring community Concept One wheels and Nitto Tires, Bilstein Shock Absorbers, Thule Roof Racks, Xenon HID (High Intensity Discharge) Headlamp Bulbs, and A-Toy Body Kits were our hosts. SUVs on hand were an Isuzu Trooper, a Mitsubishi Pajero, and a Toyota Land Cruiser. Making its way into the convoy also were two Hummers, the first and the second (latest) generation, Mercedes-Benz G55 (Gelandewagen in Deutsch speak) AMG version, and a Cadillac Escalade. That day, the word convoy was an understatement. This was not a convoy, this was a power entourage!

Like A Sponge

Tagging along with Wheel Gallery President Sammy Liuson together with some motoring media friends, he was quick to point out the ride differences of the wheel and tire combination and the Bilstein shock absorbers installed in his Mitsubishi Pajero. "It’s as if the whole car is traveling above a pad of sponge," he said. True enough, with the current state of NLEX, the car was able to handle road imperfections with ease and with great control as well. The softer rubber compound used for manufacturing the Nitto Tires provided optimum contact with the road, ensuring grip at all times. The 20" Bazo wheels, on the other hand, exhibited tremendous stability when making sudden maneuvers.

Need For Space

Thule roof racks are designed to maximize your SUV’s load capacity, while at the same time keeping it safe and secure. Uniquely designed to withstand the rigors of traveling, they are also sleek and so convenient that it becomes an indispensable companion, especially on long trips. Whether it be a roof rack or a bicycle carrier, Thule is there to create space for your luggage with function and style.

Night And Day

Xenon HID (High Intensity Discharge) Bulbs is the latest trend in headlamp technology. Employing a different way to produce light, it is also practical since it emits a very bright light while consuming less power. Differences are literally night and day, and awestrcuk approaching vehicles soon become dismayed as they engage their high beams to counteract with the Xenon HID bulbs — to no avail. That alone is a proven statement that Xenon HID bulbs are way brighter, safer, and is the practical choice.

A night demonstration employing the different light temperatures that Xenon HID Headlamp Bulbs offer is a worthwhile sight, although not for long. It is so bright that the eye can’t focus on it for extended periods. Different light temperatures were sampled out during the event, and the HIDs were even compared to a "measly" halogen bulb to further reinforce that "They’ll love your headlights; they’ll hate your headlights" statement.

An Artist With A Different Medium

Having a quick talk with Atoy Llave of A-Toy Body Kits reveals his innate passion. Back then he was considered as a person having the wildest imagination, too wild that he couldn’t put it in tangible things. Look where he is now.

From being a just another hobbyist to running the premiere car body kit and shop in the country today, Llave was quick to point out that it’s his creativity and ingenuity that is being paid for by his patrons, not the materials being used to fabricate the body kits. Indeed, every A-Toy Body Kit has its own unique character. "If you are dead tired of how your vehicle looks, just go to the shop and you’ll see a different vehicle afterwards," he quips. That’s how A-Toy Body Kits could do wonders for your car, particularly in the looks department.

Overall, this unique event provided the opportunity to sample out the diverse products offered by the hosts, and their worthwhile benefits and advantages. For more information, Wheel Gallery may be reached at telephone numbers (02)724-7176 or (02)724-2739. A-Toy Body Kits has its website located at www.a-toybodykits.com, Xenon Bulbs at www.xenon-bulbs.com. Bilstein suspension systems are distributed by Makna Marketing, with telephone numbers (02)732-8915 or (02)732-7975. Inquiries for Thule Roof Rack Systems can be directed to telephone number (02)744-6367.