Dream Wheels

MANILA, Philippines - As a kid who shunned plastic guns in favor of toy cars, I got acquainted with cars rather early. Truly, boys and vehicles have been hotwired since birth, and what is aging and success anyway except a means to simply get costlier wheels?

I had a couple of Lamborghini Countach toys back in the day – a big yellow pullback and a cute orange Matchbox. The real Countach (produced from ’74-’88) was head and shoulders above everything then (as it still is now), and I foolishly imagined that I could own one when I was older – until I discovered how obscenely expensive that set of wheels costs.

Older and arguably wiser, a part of me still nurtures that fantasy (although I’ve seen Jeremy Clarkson bash the car). Dreams are free, we are often told, and truly there is no bigger spur for action than the potential of realizing what we envision.

With that, we asked the following motley mix of respondents to share with us their dream ride. And as the fairer sex nowadays does a lot of driving – and, hence, car-dreaming as well – we thought it best to have the ladies represented. We sincerely send out a wish that they get to one day grip the steering wheel of their dreams – and not forget to take this writer out for a spin.

Wilson Lee Flores, Philippine STAR columnist, S Magazine editor-in-chief, realty entrepreneur and college professor, knows exactly what he wants: a Volvo XC60. “I find it very elegant-looking, not too flashy,” he says of the SUV, and adds that part of the Volvo appeal to him lies in the brand’s renowned safety features. The XC60 is among three crossover vehicles of the Sweden-headquartered car company, and features a vigorous six-cylinder power plant that should be more than adequate in shuttling Flores to his many appointments during his hectic workweek.

Rosamond Villanueva is an executive assistant and entrepreneur who dreams of someday owning a Toyota Land Cruiser. “I’m fond of SUVs,” she shares. “And I think the Land Cruiser fits my personality the best. I’ve ridden it on long rides in Mindoro and Ilocos.” Villanueva is correct. The Land Cruiser is truly a reliable – not to mention robust – performer, with a V8 direct-injection CRD twin turbo intercooler. Its 4.4-liter displacement develops 282 hp – just what the doctor ordered for long, comfy rides.

Bong Reyes is a sophomore law student. His car of choice is more than a decade old yet is timeless in its appeal – the 1997 Dodge Viper GTS. “It has been my dream car since I was a kid playing Gran Turismo. I like everything about it – the blue and pearl metallic paint, the sleek shape, and even the sound of the engine.” The 1997 Dodge Viper is truly an awesome sight to behold even by contemporary styling standards. The sleek curves and lines make no secret of an ability to tear up the asphalt. Its gargantuan eight-liter V10 pumps out 450 hp and isn’t for the faint-hearted. The Viper toes an ever-so-thin line between muscle car and refined quixotic, an attractive proposition that clearly resonates in Reyes.

Joy Buensalido is a veteran PR practitioner who makes luxurious, albeit practical, choices for her dream cars. “I want two: One for myself and one for my family when we go out together,” she begins. “For me I want a BMW 7 series because it’s sleek, comfortable, fully automated, and has all the safety features I could ask for. For my family, I’m wishing for a Mercedes-Benz wagon we can use for going out together although a Suburban (Chevrolet) full-size vehicle would probably work better for a more comfortable ride.” The BMW 750i is indeed an astute ride that packs in power (to the tune of 407 bhp) courtesy of a V8, and the expected luxury of its renowned line.

Ton Carabeo works at a major bank’s credit processing department, and gets to see a lot of cars that clients take out loans for. Just like Tony Stark (a.k.a. Iron Man), Carabeo admits to being enamored with the Audi A8 for its aggressive design – not to mention monster V10 engine sourced from Lamborghini. The power plant it shares with the Lambo LP560-4 has reportedly been “detuned” down to 525 hp to keep “the R8 out of the Gallardo’s territory.” “I also see Audi as not your usual European luxury brand,” he says. Indeed.

Biboy Rivera is a multi-titled international bowling champion, and team captain of the RP bowling team. He’s also a businessman and car enthusiast whose ultimate dream ride is a Lamborghini Murcielago LP-670-4 SuperVeloce. “I love the design and look of the car,” Rivera says. “It’s super exotic – not to mention fast. It must be great to drive!” Indeed, the Italian supercar, according to Lamborghini, can zoom from zero to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds – reaching speeds well in excess of 300 km/h. Its V12 pumps out a mind-numbing 661 horses. The price? Think US$450,000 (around P20 million). Lotto, anyone?

Emi de Lara is corporate communications head of a large conglomerate. Her weapon of choice: a Range Rover. “It’s rather expensive as it is a vehicle with a large dose of luxury cachet. I don’t plan on going to remote trails,” she explains, “but I just like the Range Rover for being simple, elegant, and functional.” The Range Rover LR4’s top-of-the-line HSE Luxe Plus is a refined six-speed 5.0-liter V8 capable of cooking up 375 bhp, surely a great ride should De Lara one day choose to stray from the beaten track.

Gino Pamintuan is tech support agent of a multinational BPO company. His dream ride is a Mini Cooper. “It’s an iconic car that’s so fun to drive,” he says, “and easy to find a parking slot for.” Indeed, the Mini Cooper – particularly the S variant – is a nimble ride meant to be driven. The 175 horses you get from its overboost function may not seem much until you remember that you’re driving a small car. Few can match the sprightly Cooper’s quickness – and even fewer still its appeal.