Mazda held a Zoom-Zoom photo contest in Europe that went so well, they decided to do a video contest as a follow-up. But as with the still shot sweeps, this one is for Europe only. Mazda Motor Europe has launched a video contest to mark the launch of the new Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe, which should be hitting European dealerships soon. Signifying the 12 seconds it takes to open or close the new retractable hardtop, the promotion has been dubbed, "12 second thriller." It even has its own website at www.12secondthriller.com. The site features the new MX-5 and its power retractable hard top as main characters in several video homages to classic thrillers.

Visitors to the site can create their own mini thrillers starring the Roadster Coupe by clicking on the website's Create Your Own link. But that's only part of the fun to be had. The website is also ground zero for the film contest which can win you your very own Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe. All of the details are on the site, but basically submissions should show a short clip of up to 20 seconds showing your own thrilling moment on video. They want vignettes that are "fun, unexpected or unusual in a cheeky, Zoom-Zoom way." Whatever that means. But with a new car as a prize, we hope you will take the time to figure it out.

The contest closes on 31st January 2007, when the jury will select ten finalists. Nine of them will walk away with a BOSE SoundDock™ Digital Music System complete with an iPod nano. The Grand Prize winner will drive away with a Roadster Coupe presented to them at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show on 8th March. So fire up the camcorder and get Zooming.

[Source: Mazda]