Autoblog

Former Stig signs on as Bond stunt driver

Zach Bowman — Thu, 10 May 2012 08:58:00 EST

Ben Collins is staying busy. The former Stig has once again returned to stunt driving, this time for the upcoming James Bond film Skyfall. According to The Mirror, Collins has been spotted filming in Istanbul, where he took the wheel to ram a Land Rover into an Audi during a crash scene.

The stunt vehicle used a special cage on the roof, where the stunt driver can manipulate the SUV with the actors inside. Collins has a long history of working with the Bond franchise. The TV personality turned stuntman worked on both "Quantum of Solace" and "Casino Royale," though he's also worked on other films as well.

In Collins' memoir, "The Man in the White Suit," the driver turned author describes how he juggled his time in the Army, on Top Gear, as a race driver and a stunt driver at the same time. As you may recall, the BBC attempted to prevent the memoir from being published at all, but lost the lawsuit in which it alleged revealing the Stig's identity would breach Collins' contract.

Former Stig signs on as Bond stunt driver originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infographic lays out all of 007's vehicles

Noah Joseph — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 19:01:00 EST

James Bond has driven a lot of noteworthy vehiclesover the course of his long, fictitious career in Her Majesty's secret service: Bentleys, Aston Martins, Lotuses, BMWs... and those are just the cars. There've been countless motorcycles, tanks and trucks as well. And in between high-speed chases across dangerous and picturesque terrain, 007 has streaked across the sky in helicopters, jets and hot-air balloons, above it in the space shuttle. Let's not forget that Bond is also a commander in the Royal Navy, so he's also no stranger to speedboats, jet-skis, yachts, warships and submarines.

It's hard to keep track of it all, so with the latest film, Skyfall, coming out in October, we're glad to share this tidy infographic that lays out all the Bond vehicles from every movie, plus some trivia and miscellany for the most die-hard Bond fans and automotive enthusiasts. It's similar to the one we brought you last year, only updated and more comprehensive. Click the image above to view the infographic in higher resolution.

Infographic lays out all of 007's vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin DB5 rejoining James Bond franchise for Skyfall

Noah Joseph — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Etc., Aston Martin, Celebrities

James Bond has driven a lot of fine machinery over the years. And most of them have been Aston Martins. But few have been as iconic - or as constant - as the classic DB5.

The iconic Aston first appeared - complete with machine guns, revolving license plate, ejector seat and chariot-style slicing wheel knockoffs - in 1964's Goldfinger, and has since returned to reprise the role in Thunderball, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies and (most recently) in Casino Royale. And now it's been spotted on the set of the upcoming fresh installment of the 007 franchise, Skyfall.

Although this won't be the first time the DB5 (pictured above as featured in Goldfinger) has returned since the Sean Connery days, it is expected to be the first time it will appear in full battle array in a chase scene.

Aston Martin DB5 rejoining James Bond franchise for Skyfall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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India asks director to rewrite illegal James Bond movie scene

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Celebrities, India

Daniel Craig will be returning to the big screen as James Bond in the as-yet-unnamed 23rd film in the series. Production has taken the crew to India, where a scene involving Bond, a motorcycle and a train reportedly has to be rewritten.

Originally, the scene called for Bond to jump a motorcycle onto the roof of a moving train, which was packed with folks riding the rails illegally. India is working hard to stop this practice, and the local government asked the production team to remove the roof riders from the film (don't tell the boys from Slumdog Millionaire...).

The crew has obliged, and passengers will sit safely inside the train while Bond roars over their heads on his bike. Either way, we know for sure that Bond will wind up killing a lot of bad folks and bedding a lot of hot women. We call that a win-win-win situation.

India asks director to rewrite illegal James Bond movie scene originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infographic: A history of James Bond's famous cars

Zach Bowman — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., UK, Celebrities

James Bond and Aston Martin go together like a tuxedo and a license to kill, but everyone's favorite international man of mystery has been behind the wheel of more than just British sports cars during his long and sordid career. The good people at CarBuzz have worked up a lengthy infographic detailing the long history of British Intelligence vehicles piloted by none other than 007. Bond has even held the keys to a Ford LTD on at least two occasions in what could only be a practical joke from Q. He's also helmed such classy rides as a Lincoln Mark VII and an Audi 200 Avant.

That was long before Pierce Brosnan sent a BMW Z8 to its grave or Daniel Craig skipped an Aston Martin DBS V12 off its roof. Of course, as the graphic points out, these are just the cars that 007 has driven over the years. The spy has also commanded a couple of tanks, at least one bus, six helicopters and 20 boats or submarines. Hit the jump to check out the full graphic for yourself.

Continue reading Infographic: A history of James Bond's famous cars

Infographic: A history of James Bond's famous cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World's largest James Bond car collection coming together next year at British museum

Noah Joseph — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, UK, Event Alert

Over the past half-century, James Bond has driven a wide variety of vehicles. (Okay, so most of them have been Aston Martins. The point is there's been a lot of them.) And while the occasional former Bond vehicle may pop up at auction every now and then, seeing more than one or two in the same place is a rare occasion indeed.

Next year, however, the Bond franchise is turning 50, and to celebrate, a number of parties are teaming up to put together the largest display of Bond cars ever. The exhibition will take place at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, England, and is being orchestrated with help from Empire (the world's foremost movie magazine) and EON Productions (which puts together every Bond movie ever filmed).

The display will be part of the Big Screen exhibition there, which already includes the Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace, the DB5 from Goldeneye, the Jaguar XKR from Die Another Day, and the 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom lll from Goldfinger. All told, some 50 cars from various Bond movies will be on display from January through December 2012. Follow the jump for the full press release and scope out the quartet of high-resolution images of the four aforementioned vehicles in the gallery.

World's largest James Bond car collection coming together next year at British museum originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley builds a bespoke Bond book

Noah Joseph — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Bentley, Design/Style, Luxury

Bentley edition Carte Blanche book - Click above for high-res image gallery

While you might associate James Bond with Aston Martin, it's been a few years since we've seen 007 piloting his DBS on the silver screen. And it'll be at least another year until the 23rd Bond film makes its debut, if not longer. In between, fans can keep up on the spy's adventures through the pages of new Bond novels, in which the secret agent drives a Bentley. And so to commemorate the launch of the latest volume, Crewe has designed a special edition enclosure for the occasion.

Now Bentley, of course, is in the business of making cars, not books, so you know that when they were brought on board to make this unique edition of the latest Bond novel, Carte Blanche, it'd have to be something a little more unique than the paperback you'd find at your local drug store. And indeed it is: the special edition is printed in red and black ink on ivory paper, book-ended, as it were, by red leather endpapers, and covered in white Nappa leather into which the title and logos are embossed.

Very nice and all, but what really sets this edition apart is the polished aluminum case - crafted on a machine specially commissioned for the task - which represents the form of the new Continental GT that Bond drives in the story. And for one last special touch, the pages are pierced by a "bullet hole", in which sits an individually-numbered and polished 9mm round. Only 500 examples will be made, each fetching £1,000 (approximately $1,650). Follow the jump for the official press release, and check out the images in the gallery below for a closer look.

Gallery: Bentley edition "Carte Blanche" book

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Bentley builds a bespoke Bond book

Bentley builds a bespoke Bond book originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bond back in a Bentley for Carte Blanche

Noah Joseph — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Bentley, Middle East, Luxury

Jeffery Deaver & the Bentley Continental GT in Dubai - Click above for high-res image gallery

What do Pierce Brosnan, Roger Moore, Sean Connery and Daniel Craig all have in common? Well aside from the fact that they all played James Bond on the big screen, they're all rather good-looking chaps. This bespectacled balding fellow with the cell phone holder on his belt, on the other hand, wouldn't quite appear to be the movie star type. But then he doesn't have to be, because he's not playing Bond. He's writing the books.

Jeffery Deaver, the man you see here, is Iam Flemming's successor, and the author of the latest Bond novel Carte Blanche. And while 007 drives Aston Martins in the latest movies, in the new series of books - as in Flemming's originals - he's behind the wheel of a Bentley.

Carte Blanche is set in Dubai, where Deaver recently stopped by to promote the new book and check out his protagonist's new ride, the Bentley Continental GT. The latest of his 28 books - which included The Bone Collector that was adapted for the screen starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie - is set to launch on May 26, 2011. That's when we'll have the opportunity to let our imaginations fill in the images of 007 zipping around the Emirates in the new Bentley, but if you want a little visual preview, you can flip through the pages of the high-resolution image gallery below, follow the jump for the full press release or head over to www.007carteblanche.co.uk.

Gallery: Jeffery Deaver & the Bentley Continental GT in Dubai

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Bond back in a Bentley for Carte Blanche

Bond back in a Bentley for Carte Blanche originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BAIC launches 007 SUV, James Bond shaken and stirred

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, China

BAIC 007 Sport Utility Vehicle - Click above for high-res image gallery

It may have his code number on it, but we highly doubt that James Bond would be caught driving the BAIC 007 SUV. The Chinese automaker is reportedly getting ready to launch the somewhat dowdy compact sport utility vehicle, and whether by coincidence or on purpose, it bears the name of MI6's greatest agent.

According to China Car Times, this new 007 SUV starts at just over 80,000 RMB or right around $12,100 U.S., so at least Mr. Bond wouldn't have to feel too badly if he wrecked a few dozen of them in the course of making his appointed rounds. The base BAIC 007 SUV is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a five-speed manual transmission, while higher trims are available with a 2.4-liter engine and a navigation system.

Gallery: BAIC 007

[Source: China Car Times]

BAIC launches 007 SUV, James Bond shaken and stirred originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 sells for $4.6 million

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Aston Martin, Celebrities, Specialty

James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

At least one lucky bidder has reason to celebrate today after managing to win a 1964 Aston Martin DB5 that was famously used in two classic James Bond movies, Goldfinger and Thunderball. May we suggest marking the occasion with a vodka martini... shaken, not stirred?

Harry Yeaggy's winning bid of $4.6 million (2.9 million pounds), which includes 12 percent in auction fees for RM, will see the car that Sean Connery famously piloted make the trek all the way from London to Ohio, U.S.A. Proceeds from the sale will benefit former owner Jerry Lee's eponymous charity.

Apparently, the car is fully roadworthy in the UK, even with its dual machine guns behind the driving lights, revolving license plates, ejector seat, rear blast shield, slicer wheel caps and console-activated oil slicks. Somehow, we imagine Yeaggy won't have nearly as much use for those Q-special features as Bond did...

Gallery: James Bond's Aston Martin DB5

[Source: BusinessWeek | Image: AFP/Getty]

James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 sells for $4.6 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A behind-the-scenes look inside the BMW Classic warehouse

Michael Harley — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Europe, BMW

BMW Classic in Munich - Click above for high-res image gallery

Located just a short distance from the BMW Museum and Welt (famous as the company's European delivery center) in Munich, Germany, is BMW Classic. According to the German automaker, "BMW Classic coordinates all activities that are connected with the company's varied and successful history covering everything from the historical archives, assortment of aeroplanes, communication, the museum and BMW's role in the international club scene." In a nutshell, BMW Classic is tasked with archiving, restoring and preserving the company's ninety-year manufacturing history.

Earlier this year, the BMW Classic Center opened its doors to the public offering a full range of classic parts, restoration services and vehicle authentication. While local dealerships will continue to stock late model parts and accessories, BMW Classic is tasked with keeping an inventory part supply for vehicles (including motorcycles) that are generally more than fifteen years old. Not only are 30,000-plus components kept on hand, but the tooling that is relevant for subsequent fabrication is held at the facility as well. In addition, there are on-site restoration services, using 100 percent original parts, upholstery and paint, at prices that are very competitive to local shops (especially when you consider that BMW Classic Center is a one-stop shop for a turn-key restoration process).

While the downstairs shop area is in a constant flurry of activity, the multi-story warehouse - where much of the really good stuff is stored - is unfortunately closed to the public. However, thanks to a special invite, Autoblog was recently escorted on a private behind-the-scenes tour of the facility.

Viewed from the outside, the building is nothing spectacular. Yet, hidden inside its concrete walls are several floors of immaculately restored and preserved engines, motorcycles and automobiles. In addition to some of the company's most classic offerings, such as the BMW 507 and BMW 328, we stumbled over Isetta microcars and mint-condition 2002 race cars. We found the famed E53 X5 fitted with a V12 LMR powerplant (the 700 horsepower SUV clocked a record-setting 7:49 lap around Nürburgring at the hands of Hans Stuck nearly a decade ago) and a pristine street-ready McLaren F1 (parked yards away from its race-ready F1 GTR siblings). Look past the James Bond's genuine E38 7 Series (with highly-custom rear-seat driving controls), and you will see the fluorescent orange nose of the 1972 BMW Turbo Concept - the vehicle that inspired the BMW M1, arriving just five years later.

Our favorite has got to be an unassuming 1987 E32 7 Series, (aka the "Goldfish" 767), fitted with a prototype 6.7-liter V16 rated at 408 horsepower. The only hint to its potency are custom gill-like air intakes on each rear quarter panel - its massive engine is so long that the engineers were forced to move its cooling system to the trunk.

Take a long look through our extensive gallery, and let us know which ones are your favorites.

Gallery: BMW Classic Warehouse

A behind-the-scenes look inside the BMW Classic warehouse originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Recalls, Aston Martin, Luxury

2008 Aston Martin DBS - Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration has issued a recall for select Aston Martins. If you own a V8 Vantage, DB9 or DBS produced during the 2007 and 2008 model years, you should head on in to your local dealership. A cam bolt in the front bottom suspension arm could crack, allowing the lower control arm to move about in ways it shouldn't.

As always, dealers will replace the bolt free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin on or before October 18th, 2010 and is said to potentially affect 1,090 vehicles.

Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin DBS

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear

Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reunion for four of Bond's Astons planned at Stoke Park Club

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury

Four of Agent 007's Aston Martins

Before the original Aston Martin DB5 Bond-mobile goes on the auction block this Fall, it and three other Astons from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s will get together for a party in the UK. The DBS, Vanquish, and V8 Vantage Volante from Quantum of Solace, Die Another Day and The Living Daylights will be on hand for the Midsummer Classic at the Stoke Park Club.

The Stoke Park Club is hardly new to Agent 007, having been a setting in at least two Bond flicks among other lesser known films. The absence of the original DBS from 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service and the V8 Vantage coupe from The Living Daylights means this isn't quite a complete set, but it's close enough. Now we just need to bring together the Lotus Esprits and assorted BMWs from the middle years of Bond for a more complete retrospective.

Gallery: James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5

Gallery: Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace

Gallery: Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante

Gallery: Aston Martin Vanquish

[Source: MotoBullet]

Reunion for four of Bond's Astons planned at Stoke Park Club originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 expected to top $5 Million at auction

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Aston Martin

James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 - Click above for high-res image mega gallery

The mantle of "world's most famous car" is a heavy one indeed. But if any single automobile ever created deserved the honorific, surely it's the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 used on-screen in the production of the iconic 007 films Goldfinger and Thunderball. And in case you were disappointed at having missed the opportunity to get your hands on one of the stunt cars, the real thing is now up for grabs in London, where RM and Sotheby's will be auctioning it off to the highest bidder.

The car in question was prepared by Aston Martin for use in the Bond films. After that it went back to the manufacturer, which then sold it to radio host and philanthropist Jerry Lee, who's been holding onto it for the past 40+ years. In pursuit of his charitable work, Lee is finally putting the car up for sale, with bids expecting to top $5 million when it goes under the hammer on October 27.

One of only two made and the only one still in existence, the custom DB5 comes packed with all the extras the Q-Branch installed for Bond's use, from the revolving license plates and tracking device to the oil slick dispenser and smoke screen. You can check out all the details in the press release after the jump, along with the 100+ high-resolution image gallery that very well might be the largest we've ever compiled. Oh, and do be careful, Bond.

Gallery: James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5

[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 expected to top $5 Million at auction

James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 expected to top $5 Million at auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin from Goldfinger reportedly found in UK barn, set for auction

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 14 May 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Auctions, Aston Martin, UK, Luxury

In 1964 a special effects designer used an Aston Martin DB4 as a practice prop for the real DB4 used in the movie Goldfinger. In 1974 he put it in a garage, where it sat until recently. Now it's being put up for sale at Aston Martin's annual factory auction, held at Newport Pagnell and run by Bonhams.

The pre-sale estimate for the red coupe is £50,000 ($74,640 U.S.). That number is boosted by what is seen to be a recent trend: investors placing their money in hard assets, as opposed to currency, until the markets regain some stability. Last year's take of £3 million ($4.36M U.S.) is expected to jump to around £5 ($7.27M million) for the 47 cars being offered this year, including a 1950 DB2 Team Car and a 1976 V8 Coupe. Hat tip to Alex!

[Source: Bloomberg]

Aston Martin from Goldfinger reportedly found in UK barn, set for auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 May 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gold medal winner Evan Lysacek only has eyes for Aston Martin DBS

Chris Shunk — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Aston Martin, Celebrities

Quantum of Solace Aston Martin DBS - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're not a big fan of Olympic ice skating you probably missed the fact that U.S. skater Evan Lysacek beat out Russian favorite Evgeni Plushenko to win the gold metal at the Vancouver games. We know we missed it, but we can't pass on a chance to talk about the Aston Martin DBS.

It seems Lysacek has a fondness for fast cars and James Bond movies, and the best way to celebrate the biggest of skating wins is with an Aston. Yahoo is reporting that Lysacek will celebrate victory in the Great White North by ponying up more than $269,000 for a new DBS (the Quantum of Solace DBS starts at $305,000). The world-renown skater (in skating circles, anyway) is trading up from his Land Rover for an English GT that is more our cup of tea. Yahoo quotes Aston Martin Newport Beach in Southern California executive salesman Gary Briggs as saying "we know how much Evan likes his luxury cars, and he will enjoy taking a tour of a showroom and test driving the DBS." So would we.

As to how Lysacek intends to pay for his new Aston, we're guessing the advertising deals that come with winning gold in one of the winter game's more popular events will more than make up for the quarter million he'll need to spend to get behind the wheel of a DBS. We never really aspired to Olympic gold, but if we knew the winner got a DBS, we may have taken those childhood skiing lessons a bit more seriously. Let us know when you're ready to take us for a spin, Evan.

Gallery: Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace

[Source: Yahoo Sports via Daily Derbi]

Gold medal winner Evan Lysacek only has eyes for Aston Martin DBS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW using money saved from F1 pullout for more product placement

Noah Joseph — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, BMW

Piece Brosnan with the BMW Z8 in The World is Not Enough

You wouldn't know it if you weren't a serious film buff or marketing exec, but Propaganda GEM is responsible for a big share of the products you see placed in films. The entertainment marketing agency represents such brands as Audi, Lamborghini, Nokia, Panasonic, Bang & Olufsen and Casio, to name just a few. And it has a new client: the BMW Group.

Following such films as I, Robot and Iron Man, Propaganda has helped Audi significantly increase its profile in Hollywood. But the agency will be terminating its 13-year relationship with Audi (and, we'd expect, Lambo along with them) in order to take on BMW (together with Mini, Rolls-Royce and BMW motorcycles), spearheading a new marketing initiative for the Bavarian automaker.

Having temporarily stolen the James Bond spotlight from Aston Martin and Lotus in the mid-Nineties and launched The Hire film short series in 2001, BMW is no stranger to product placement, but the tie-in with Propaganda promises to take things to the next level. Apparently Munich's marketing budget has increased recently, thanks in large part to the termination of the company's Formula One program this year. BMW's sponsorship of the 2012 Olympic Games in London will only be the tip of the proverbial iceberg, as we can expect to see its products and those of its subsidiaries in more movies, television shows, music videos and video games in the near future. Thanks for the tip, Adam!

[Source: Variety]

REPORT: BMW using money saved from F1 pullout for more product placement originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible, MI6's sultry secretary has a new ride

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Infiniti, First Drives

2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible - Click above for a high-res image gallery

As enthusiasts, many of us are quick to dismiss convertibles as the preferred conveyance for hapless poseurs (BMW M3 cabrio) or fake-bake hairdressers (Toyota Solara). And with good reason. When you lop the top off a coupe, the result is often a floppy, overweight chassis that provides all the dynamic delights of a rubber nine-iron and a granite golf ball. Such executions fail to please on almost every level, and that's before you start dealing with complex roof mechanisms, awkwardly styled rumps and abysmal trunk space.

As a whole, convertibles aren't for everyone, but they do fill a need and a niche. And they sell. Almost half of all two-door BMW 3 series models are purchased with a retractable roof, and it's a segment that Infiniti hasn't played in for years (anyone remember the M30 convertible?). As Nissan's luxury arm continues to push into the European market, it's back in the game with the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible. But who is it for? Someone who's simultaneously sultry yet demure; assertive yet relaxed; commanding yet delicate. Someone compelling. Someone like Moneypenny.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible, MI6's sultry secretary has a new ride

First Drive: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible, MI6's sultry secretary has a new ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Car-laden James Bond Museum opens in the UK

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Lifestyle, UK

For all the museums throughout the world, it's remarkable that it has taken this long to create one devoted solely to James Bond, when even Britney Spears got her own permanent exhibit years ago. But the omission has been redressed, with Englishman Peter Nelson opening The Bond Museum tomorrow in Keswick, northwestern England.

Exhibits include the jet pack from Thunderball, the mini jet from Octopussy, the Cagiva from Goldeneye and, of course, lots and lots of cars: a DB5 (Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies), Vanquish (Die Another Day), Lotus Esprit S1 from The Spy Who Loved Me, and the 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 are part of 19 cars in total that will be on display. If you're in Cumbria this weekend, go get your Bond on, and don't forget to send us some pictures...

[Source: Wired]

Car-laden James Bond Museum opens in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Q-Car: Autoblog drives James Bond's DBS from Quantum of Solace

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Aston Martin, First Drives, Celebrities, Specialty

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Quantum of Solace DBS

Your English-manor-garden variety Aston Martin DBS has 510 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. The 6.0-liter V12 that powers it will pull the coupe to 60 in 4.3 seconds. It costs $305,000, and it is a special car. But we drove one that was even more special. We drove one of the Aston Martins that was in Quantum of Solace, driven by the man who plays The Man. We didn't even have to break into some supermax-like vault-within-a-vault to get to it. Aston Martin delivered it to us for a day of spy play, yet that didn't make the experience any less thrilling. Follow the jump for the story.

Gallery: Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace

Continue reading Q-Car: Autoblog drives James Bond's DBS from Quantum of Solace

Q-Car: Autoblog drives James Bond's DBS from Quantum of Solace originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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