Aurelio: First Filipino Made Supercar (Updated March 22, 2023)

When it comes to supercars, famous brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Koenigsegg, and Pagani immediately enters our minds. 

However, Philippines also has its own supercar, Aurelio.

The people behind Aurelio: a short history

The company was started by the trio of Brendan Aurelio, and siblings Kevin and Bryan Factor. During the posting of the original article (January 23, 2015), Kevin was the one handling the internal mechanics of the car, Aurelio was in charge of the interior and exterior designs, and Bryan served as the business brain behind the company. The three shared the same passion for cars and decided to create the Aurelio supercar to further boost local automotive manufacturing in the Philippines.

Aurelio's performance and engine specifications

Its first two creations were powered by B16A V-TEC engine (found in the old Honda Civic Si) and the 2.0 liter Mitsubishi 4G63T turbocharged engine. Though it may not compete with the traditional supercars made abroad, thse two can still pack a punch.

The Mitsubishi engine allows the Aurelio vehicle to reach a top speed of 290 kilometers per hour (kph) and cover a quarter of a mile in under 10 seconds. The car is made of both carbon fiber and fiberglass and is equipped with 18-inch Rota wheels and uses a VR4 front and rear suspension.

Interior

Both driver and passenger enter the Aurelio interior through scissor doors and are met by a sidepod cabin that is made from fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) and carbon fiber firewall components.  Back then, the firm is offering features and upholstery that can be customized according to its buyer's preferences and needs.

Exterior

The Aurelio has the undeniable look and feel of a supercar. The car’s exterior design is a mash up of some of the leading names in this car segment. Its doors are similar to that of the McLaren P1, the front fascia and contours have a hint of the Ferrari 458 Italia and its rear end appears to have been inspired by the Lamborghini Aventador. Add that to its brightly colored paint job (of orange or yellow), low-slung ground clearance, and well-defined sharp edges and you could easily mistake this car as European-made. However, according to its San Pedro, Laguna-based manufacturer, around 80 percent of the car’s parts and components came from the Philippines. Except for the wheels, transmission, some suspension components, brakes, and the engine, everything in this car was sourced locally.

How much does the Aurelio Cost?

At the time of posting (January 2015), the company then known as Factor Aurelio Automobile said that it can only produce six to 10 units a year, based on its current man power. The company priced the vehicle at P1.6 million. 

Table of Aurelio specs

Doors	2
Seats	2
Engine	2.0 liter Mitsubishi 4G63T turbocharged
Horspower	457 hp
Top speed	290 kph
0-100 kph	under 10 seconds
Tires	18-inch  ROTA
Suspension	VR4 (front and rear)
Price	P1.6 million

Conclusion

The Aurelio is at the zenith of Philippine automotive ingenuity. While many may criticize it and say it has miles to go to match the impact of European, Japanese and American supercars, just knowing that Filipinos can make such a car is a source of pride for the country. This could be the start of a revolution in the local car industry.

Updated on March 22, 2023 by Ruben Manahan IV

Photos from Brendan Aurelio Facebook page

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