Autoblog

Officially Official: Danica Patrick joining NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2010

Chris Paukert — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Chevrolet, Celebrities

Danica Patrick No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

The "Will she, won't she" debate is over - Danica Patrick is headed for closed-wheel racing in 2010. Patrick will race a partial schedule in next year's National Nationwide series in the No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, and she will also participate in one ARCA race. As a driver on the No. 7 team, she will be signed through 2011 to the JR Motorsports team that's owned by Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Rick Hendrick, Kelley Earnhardt and Tony Eury, Jr. through 2011.

This bit of news is not to say that Danica is eschewing her open-wheel career - she will also continue to race her similarly day-glo green Andretti Autosport IndyCar, also in full GoDaddy.com regalia. The NASCAR events that she will race in will be interlaced with her IndyCar schedule, before, during, and after the open-wheel season.

Danica's first stock car race will be a February 6 ARCA race in Daytona, the day before the Super Bowl. As usual, her primary sponsors will feature Patrick in a slate of new commercials during the big NFL game, and we're willing to bet that they'll have a bit of NASCAR flavor. High-res gallery of her new ride below, official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Danica Patrick NASCAR

[Source: GoDaddy.com]

Continue reading Officially Official: Danica Patrick joining NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2010

Officially Official: Danica Patrick joining NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica

Drew Phillips — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Chevrolet

Superformance 1963 Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite its relatively short list of on-track achievements, the original 1963 Corvette Grand Sport is arguably Chevrolet's most iconic racecar. Built to compete with the likewise-iconic Cobra, the Grand Sport dominated the Shelby when the two went head-to-head, but the program was axed by General Motors before it would make a significant impact on motorsports. Still, the five chassis have become coveted collector cars and command prices into the multi-millions of dollars.

While the privilege of owning an original Corvette Grand Sport is limited to just a fortunate few, Superformance is now offering the next best thing. The SoCal-based company is perhaps best known for their Cobra and GT40 replicas, but a new licensing agreement with GM has opened doors to produce a Corvette Grand Sport model that will be available as either a coupe or convertible. Customers will also have the option of a street or race version (pictured).

As with their GT40, Superformance have gone to great lengths to insure that the Grand Sport is as identical to the original as possible. They even acquired the original blueprints and molds to one of the original race cars to produce accurate components. Powertrain options will be nearly endless, as the engine bay has been designed to accept most of the GM Performance Parts crate engines. Hit the jump for the official press release from Superformance, or check out the high-res gallery of the Superformance Grand Sport race car below.

Gallery: Superformance Corvette Grand Sport

[Source: Superformance]

Continue reading From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica

From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smashing idea: Hyundai giving away Superbowl ads soundtrack

Chris Tutor — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:36:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Celebrities

How did you like Hyundai's Genesis Coupe ads during the Super Bowl? They rocked, right? With that hard-driving soundtrack from The Smashing Pumpkins, of course they rocked. The song is called "FOL," and it isn't available for purchase anywhere. But you can get it for free just by giving Hyundai your e-mail address. Click here to fill out the two-question (name and e-email) form, then click on download. Hit play, close your eyes and you'll be lapping the track with Billy Corgan any time you wish. We're not sure how long the offer is available, so if you're interested, click here. Don't want to give up personal info to Hyundai? Watch the ads as much as you like right here.

[Source: DealMac]

Smashing idea: Hyundai giving away Superbowl ads soundtrack originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All the Super Bowl car commercials you missed while in the bathroom

John Neff — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising

We were having more fun watching the commercials than the actual game up until the last quarter of last night's Super Bowl XLIII. It seemed all the big, extravagant car commercials were shown around kickoff and the first quarter, but we caught a few good ones throughout the game that shouldn't be missed. Like you, however, we had to break for the bathroom and turn away for more Turducken at times, and so inevitably missed a few car-related Super Bowl commercials. After the break we've assembled every car-related commercial shown during the game last night, so click through and make sure you've ingested them all along with whatever deep fried nonsense you ate. If you want to see ALL of the commercials that were broadcast during the game, visit Fanhouse for its 2009 Super Bowl Commercials page that hosts them all in order and organized by quarter.

Continue reading All the Super Bowl car commercials you missed while in the bathroom

All the Super Bowl car commercials you missed while in the bathroom originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Bridgestone Super Bowl spot stars Mr. Potato Head

Dan Roth — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 09:18:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos

Super Bowl commercials always generate buzz, and this year, Hyundai's going to have company in the automotive sector. Bridgestone signed Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head for one of two commercials that will air during the big game, and a teaser video offers a tantalizing glimpse of what we'll be seeing as we gulp down nachos and wings. The February 1st event will be the Potato Heads first outing in a Super Bowl ad. Out for a little bit of top-down motoring in their Pontiac Solstice, the starchy couple suddenly find themselves bearing down on a pack of sheep in the road. We'll have to tune in to the halftime show to see if it ends with mashed potatoes, but for now, at least there are cool behind-the-scenes videos to watch (after the jump).

In a second commercial, a pair of astronauts tear around some other planet in a hot rod moon-buggy. Again, we'll have to tune in for the answer to the question "Whats the hottest thing on four wheels?" While the Tater spot has the big-name talent, we're more intrigued by what otherworldly treat might be in store for us when the answer to Bridgestone's question is revealed. This is the second year Bridgestone has advertised during the Super Bowl, and the company is also sponsoring the halftime show with Bruce Springsteen. Looks like we'll have to make that halftime break a quick one. Teaser spots and behind the scenes videos posted after the jump

[Source: Bridgestone]

Continue reading VIDEO: Bridgestone Super Bowl spot stars Mr. Potato Head

VIDEO: Bridgestone Super Bowl spot stars Mr. Potato Head originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEOS: Hyundai Super Bowl commercials featuring Genesis Coupe have arrived

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Videos, Hyundai

Click above to watch Hyundai's Super Bowl commercials after the jump

This Sunday, Hyundai will debut five new 30-second spots before and during the Super Bowl featuring the Genesis Sedan, Genesis Coupe and the sultry sounds of Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin from Smashing Pumpkins. We've already mentioned the Rhys Millen ad dubbed "The Epic Lap," but the four other spots, have remained a mystery... until now.

Hit the jump to view the Pikes Peak veteran and Formula D champ flogging the Genesis coupe, along with the other four spots, "Angry Bosses," "Columns," "Commitment" and "Contract."

Continue reading VIDEOS: Hyundai Super Bowl commercials featuring Genesis Coupe have arrived

VIDEOS: Hyundai Super Bowl commercials featuring Genesis Coupe have arrived originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi returns to the Super Bowl with Jason Statham and the A6

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Audi

The Giants and the Patriots may be disappointed not to have made it back to the Super Bowl this year, but at least Audi will be back again. The German automaker aired a spot during last year's NFL championship game depicting the R8 supercar as a cameo in the original Godfather movie. During this year's game, however, Audi's commercial will feature action movie star Jason Statham behind the wheel of the A6.

Statham has carved out a niche for himself in Hollywood as the perennial getaway driver, and while he's driven all sorts of getaway vehicles in various films, the BMW he drove in the first Transporter movie was replaced by an Audi for the subsequent sequels. In the Super Bowl commercial, Statham will reportedly try getting away in a number of different luxury sedans before settling on a supercharged A6. We'll see if he manages to escape when the commercial airs on February 1, alongside Danica Patrick's spot for GoDaddy.com.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Audi returns to the Super Bowl with Jason Statham and the A6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Danica washes up for Go Daddy Super Bowl ads

Chris Shunk — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos

Click above to watch videos after the jump

For the past few Super Bowls, internet registrar GoDaddy.com has spent a sizable portion of its annual ad budget on one or two commercials. The tradition lives on for 2009's big game, and racing's most famous female driver is back with Go Daddy for another starring role. You may remember last year's "Exposure" spot was pulled by Fox due to excessive use of beavers (really), so Go Daddy implored the audience of 100 million to go to the website to see it online. This time, Danica has two commercials, which, keeping with tradition, feature plenty of cleavage and little reference to what Go Daddy actually does.

You can check out both spots after the jump. The first 30 second spot includes a naked Danica in the shower with an attractive German lady (we're not kidding). The second commercial features Ms. Patrick in a courtroom with several extremely busty women talking about "Enhancements." And of course, each commercial ends abruptly, prompting viewers to head over to GoDaddy.com to watch the "unrated" conclusion. Brilliant. Terrible scriptwriting, but brilliant.

[Source: Ad Rants]

Continue reading Danica washes up for Go Daddy Super Bowl ads

Danica washes up for Go Daddy Super Bowl ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Manic Hyundai Sunday: Genesis Coupe to debut in Super Bowl ad

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe

After discovering that Hyundai would be running two separate commercials during the Super Bowl to introduce the Genesis coupe to the masses, we've been trying to imagine what kind of "precision driving footage" Rhys Millen would provide "matched to a completely distinct soundtrack" from cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The two spots share a single theme, "The Epic Lap."

Rhetorical ads aside, we're genuinely excited about the upcoming Genesis Coupe, which will be offered with either a 210-horsepower (220 with premium fuel) 2.0L turbocharged four or a 306 hp 3.8L V6 driving the rear wheels. Considering how cool Hyundai's other Genesis Coupe commercials have been, we're looking forward to seeing this one too. You can count us among the millions of viewers who'll be tuning into the big game on Sunday, Feb. 1st, regardless of who happens to be playing.

Later, Hyundai will launch a contest where online users can edit their own "Epic Lap" commercials. That sounds like it should get the creative juices flowing rather nicely. Hit the jump to read the press release and thanks to all who tipped in!

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Manic Hyundai Sunday: Genesis Coupe to debut in Super Bowl ad

Manic Hyundai Sunday: Genesis Coupe to debut in Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Screw the economy, Audi orders up another Super Bowl commercial

Chris Shunk — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Audi

Lately, our monthly By the Numbers post has resembled a blood bath, with just about every automaker's sales lower than they were the same month in 2007. Audi is no different, but has experienced far less blood-letting than its competitors. In fact, Audi's luxury market share in the US has risen from 6.2% to 8.4% so far this year. On a global basis, Audi sales are up 7.2%, and the German automaker plans to sell one million vehicles in a year for the first time. Audi is keeping the heat on the competition, too, with more new products and a one-minute ad during the first quarter of the 2009 Super Bowl.

Last year, Audi aired a Super Bowl commercial for the first time in 20 years, and its Godfather-themed spot resulted in Audi.com's best-ever site traffic. We have no idea what this year's spot will be, but we've got our hopes on a prime time Meet the Beckers campaign. Hit the jump to view Audi's press release.

Continue reading Screw the economy, Audi orders up another Super Bowl commercial

Screw the economy, Audi orders up another Super Bowl commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai Superbowl ads improved brand awareness

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:41:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai

Click above to view Hyundai's two Superbowl ads.

While we're hardly advertising analysts, of all the TV spots that we endured while watching the Superbowl, Hyundai's Genesis commercials seemed to be the most clear and cohesive (unlike some other automakers). Apparently, we weren't alone.

Nielsen's Online MegaPanel Survey crunched some of the data it captured from viewers during the game and found that Hyundai's spots were some of the best received. Overall, 43-percent of the people polled said that the ads improved their view of Hyundai's image, while 57-percent thought that the ads were informative - essentially telling them something new - and 45-percent thought the spots where "believable."

Hopefully some of that goodwill transfers over to dealerships when Hyundai launches the Genesis sedan later this year. It's certainly more of a game-changer than Audi's "old luxury" campaign and it may finally pull Hyundai's image out of the bargain-basement brand identity that it's so fervently trying to escape.

We've embedded Hyundai's Superbowl spots after the jump, along with their press release.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai Superbowl ads improved brand awareness

Hyundai Superbowl ads improved brand awareness originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Most 'Vironmentally Phriendly: Super Bowl MVP takes a hybrid Escalade

Noah Joseph — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Cadillac, Celebrities

click above to view high-res gallery of the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

If you've made it far enough in professional football to be named the most valuable player at the Super Bowl, chances are you can already afford any car you want. So Eli Manning, star quarterback for the champion New York Giants, chose something he couldn't have: the Cadillac Escalade Two-Mode Hybrid.

As part of the MVP award, Manning was given his choice of any Cadillac he wanted. He must have been up on the latest car news (reading Autoblog in between games and practices?) and told GM that, with the hybrid Escalade coming out this summer, he wanted the first one. Maybe he saw all the ads for the truck during the game.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

Most 'Vironmentally Phriendly: Super Bowl MVP takes a hybrid Escalade originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler's new ad blitz begins, highlights 12 new value packages

John Neff — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler

click above to watch the first commercial from Chrysler's new campaign

Chrysler wants to get the message out that its listening to customers and responding quickly to improve its products. To that end, the privately-owned automaker is kicking off a new ad blitz this weekend with three commercials set to air in conjunction with the Super Bowl. The three ads you'll see this weekend are product specific and focus on the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander (the Jeep spot can be watched after the jump), though there are a total of eight product specific ads that will eventually be aired during Super Tuesday programming, the Indy 500 and the Oscars. In addition, Chrysler's also got an animated cross-brand ad titled "Listen to You" (screen shot above and more in the gallery below) that shows a kid creating his own car company by, what else, listening to what people want. The whole campaign is called "It's A New Day", and you'll likely be seeing it everywhere soon.

Of course, for all that listening Chrysler is doing, there ought to be something to show for it, and there is. While better interiors won't happen overnight, Chrysler has developed 12 new vehicle packages for its models that bundle previously pricey options together at a lower cost. All 12 of the packages can be seen after the jump, but most include upgrades like the best available wheel package, chrome trim, premium leather, heated seats and the automaker's MyGig entertainment system with in-dash hard drive and navigation system where applicable. In each case, the cost of the package is far below the sum of the individual options. Check out the first Jeep ad after the jump, along with Chrysler's official press release.

[Source: Chrysler]

Gallery: Chrysler - It's a New Day campaign

Continue reading Chrysler's new ad blitz begins, highlights 12 new value packages

Chrysler's new ad blitz begins, highlights 12 new value packages originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Hyundai Genesis Super Bowl ads

Chris Shunk — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hyundai

click above image to view Hyundai's Super Bowl commercials

The Super Bowl is this Sunday, and that means we get to see the best commercials that money can buy, and perhaps some football, as well. Hyundai was unsure whether it wanted to spend $2.5m a pop for two :30 spots (a voice over by the Dude doesn't come cheap), but in the end the South Korean automaker decided the Genesis sedan was a big-time product, and it deserved a spot on the world's biggest stage. We loaded both of Hyundai's ads after the jump, and we like what we see.

Hyundai deliberately shied away from any sort of pizazz or funny gimmicks, instead focusing on the virtues of its 375-hp rear-wheel-drive sedan. The silver Genesis on center stage, which is actually the Korean market model (note the winged "Genesis" hood badge and home-market grille), looks great in motion, and Hyundai didn't waste any time needling the luxury car competition. The two spots reference the Genesis having 7-Series and S-Class size with a price tag closer to that of the 3-Series or C-Class. Both spots knock the fact that most Super Bowl ads are about entertainment instead of great products, and both :30 ads drive home the point that Hyundai has a potential game-changer on its hands. We're not advertising experts, but we'd consider this $5m well spent. Follow the jump to preview the ads. Thanks for the tip, Alex!

[Source: Hyundai]

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

Continue reading VIDEO: Hyundai Genesis Super Bowl ads

VIDEO: Hyundai Genesis Super Bowl ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi counting down to new era that starts at kickoff

John Neff — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Marketing/Advertising, Supercars, Audi

Audi has updated its U.S. website with a short video that features a counter ticking the time away "until the moment of truth." The seconds flying by lead up to the date and time of Super Bowl XLII this Sunday. Below is a short message that says, "On February 3, 2008, over 140 million TV viewers will witness the start of a new era. Register now for your exclusive sneak preview... and more."

While the video only shows dark glimpses of the R8's wheel and headlight, something tells us Audi has big things planned for its very expensive Godfather-themed Super Bowl commercial. Registering on Audi's website will get you a free sneak preview of the ad on the morning of the Super Bowl, so we have, of course, already signed up and will let you know what we see.

While tipsters are telling us that an R8 Cabrio may debut in the ad, we've found no hard evidence to back this up. Instead, we expect the ad to introduce a new image of Audi to American consumers. Audi lacks the prestige and cachet of brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the United States, and from what Scott Keogh, marketing head for Audi of America, has already revealed, it sounds as if the German brand will position its German competitors as old farts compared to the new hotness that is Audi. Thanks to everyone who sent us this tip!

[Source: Audi]

BONUS! We've included a high-res preview gallery of the 2008 Audi R8 that we've just had in the Autoblog Garage. Our review of the R8 is coming soon, so enjoy this sneak preview in the mean time.

Audi counting down to new era that starts at kickoff originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai back in the game, will air ads during Super Bowl

Chris Shunk — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai

The Super Bowl is the single biggest advertising day of the year. Somewhere in the mix of all the great ads, a football game gets played, but the next day all we can talk about are the commercials. Back in October, Hyundai went all in purchasing two :30 spots during the big game. Earlier this week, however, the Korean automaker said it was backing out of the Super Bowl because of a weakening U.S. economy coupled with the exorbitant price of the spots. If you're disappointed that the Italic H isn't going to be represented at the game, don't be, because Hyundai has changed its tune. After only a few days on the sidelines, Hyundai is getting back in the game and the ads will go on as scheduled. It's not known whether Hyundai is merely trying to get free pub in advance of the expensive spots, but we do know that since Hyundai has caused all the stir, the ads had better be good.

[Source: Auto News, subs. req'd]

Hyundai back in the game, will air ads during Super Bowl originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai backing out of Super Bowl ads

Dan Roth — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:37:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai

The economy appears to be swooning, and before we land softly (or crash hard), company's have begun to circle their wagons and reduce unnecessary spending. This often translates directly into reducing advertising budgets. It's tough for an automaker to skimp on engineering and we've all seen what happens when beancounters design an interior. Advertising, however, is low-hanging budgetary fruit. Hyundai's concern over the U.S. economy is a motivating factor in the automaker's move to reconsider its pricey Super Bowl advertising.

Hyundai announced in October that it would be burning $5.4 million dollars for a mere minute of TV air time, committing to two spots during the February 3rd broadcast. Now, Hyundai's Chris Hosford tells Automotive News that they're looking at the strategy and asking themselves if that's the best use of their ad budget for the first quarter. Superbowl spots are usually expensive to produce, too, as the commercials stand a chance of garnering more banter on February 4th than the actual game does if they're interesting. Hugely expensive airtime and humongous charges from their agency all for just a minute of TV? Yeah, we'd be taking a second look, too.

That brings the total number of automakers advertising during the Super Bowl down to three: Chevy, Audi and Toyota. Oh yeah, we'll be watching.

[Source: AutoNews - sub req]

Hyundai backing out of Super Bowl ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Four automakers doing Super Bowl spots, Audi first in 20 years

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:04:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Hyundai, Toyota

When viewers tune-in to watch the 42nd annual Super Bowl on February 3rd, four automakers - Chevrolet, Hyundai, Toyota and Audi - will compete for the hearts and minds of the gridiron-obsessed masses.

Chevy is only planning one, 60-second ad during the second quarter, while Cadillac will be featured during the pre- and post-game shows. Toyota has two spots of undetermined length, which are expected to hype the redesigned Sequoia and the Tundra pickup, while Hyundai will finally throw its hat onto the Astroturf with two, 30-second spots.

Audi is returning to the game after a 20-year hiatus with a minute-long ad featuring the R8, and we'd expect the spot to focus on the automaker's blitz to become the dominant luxury manufacturer on Earth.

Also of note, Cars.com will be ponying up the required $2.7 million dollars for a 30-second spot, which is causing us to consider renting some ad time on the Goodyear blimp -- or just shooting Neff out of a cannon with an Autoblog-badged cape.

[Source: Audi, Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Four automakers doing Super Bowl spots, Audi first in 20 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #58

Dan Roth — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Audi, Daimler, GM, Maserati, Volkswagen

Being the pundits we are, we have plenty to say in Autoblog Podcast #58. We start right off addressing the rumors of a GM/Chrysler deal, and offer myraid reasons why it's not a good idea yet may be justifiable to some folks. We move on to flogging the VW/GM suicide commercial debate for a little while, which sets the stage for us discussing the Daytona 500, naturally. It's also revealed that John's on board to give NASCAR as much of a chance as he can stomach this season. So far, that amounts to about an hour and a half before the siren song of video games becomes too loud to ignore. Wrapping up, we trade opinions on the Maserati Coupe and the Audi A5 before touching briefly on the impending XM/Sirius merger. It's chock-full of good stuff this time around, so enjoy the 'cast! We'll try and have an enhanced version with video up for you as soon as possible.

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Autoblog Podcast #58 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20 Questions: Suicidal robot from GM interviewed

Dan Roth — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, GM

Among those sounding the gong against GM cowing to an anti-suicide group's offense at its Superbowl spot is the star of the commercial himself. The robot, who shall henceforth be referred to as Ricky, reveals a few things about the production, and how the spot plays to the robot population. It was interesting to learn that the bridge jumper was a stunt double who'd had his entrails removed prior to the leap. Certainly makes the spot seem more like a snuff film now, doesn't it? We hope the Anti Snuff Film Congress or some other group of Dudley Do-Rights will keep their traps shut and just deal with being offended for five minutes.

Basically, Ricky takes his own offense to the AFSP's offense at the spot, and expresses what we all would like to say. Lighten up for five damn minutes and let us enjoy our football game. He also points out that there's been no crying over the other spots, which could be seen as offensive to some other cabal of crusaders bent on being whiny for their cause. At least Ricky has his SAG card, so he can supplement his income during plant shutdowns. We'll keep an eye on movies that feature robots, hoping to catch a glimpse of the little yellow devil. In the meantime, we couldn't agree more when Ricky says - "this touchy-feely s*** is totally outta control in this country."

Thanks for the tip, Ed!

[Source: autoextremist]

20 Questions: Suicidal robot from GM interviewed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Feb 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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