Autoblog

Audi blurs the line between show and commercial with "Untitled Jersey City Project"

Noah Joseph — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Audi

The current state of the automotive industry is all about blurring lines. Cars and trucks used to be on opposite sides of the market until crossovers blurred the line. Coupes and convertibles have come closer together with the proliferation of the retractable hard-top. Even the line between manual and automatic transmissions has been blurred by the advent of CVTs, DCTs and sequential gearboxes of every sort. And the same could be said for advertising.

While automakers used to pitch their products in short commercial spots - and most still do - some have started producing their own content. That is to say, the intermission has become the main act. Just look at BMW's film series The Hire, or Audi's new television program Untitled Jersey City Project.

Filmed by True Blood and Game of Thrones director Daniel Minahan, the plot revolves around a couple of young architects hired to build a stadium in Jersey City, just across the river from Manhattan, but soon find themselves in over their heads. The sequence jumps around a moving timeline, starting with the climax, as the protagonist zips around New Jersey in his new Audi A6. Each two-minute episode is set to air on FX every Sunday night for eight weeks... or you could just jump past the break and watch them all right here.

Continue reading Audi blurs the line between show and commercial with "Untitled Jersey City Project"

Audi blurs the line between show and commercial with "Untitled Jersey City Project" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Discovery's new Velocity channel launching October 4 [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Celebrities

Thankfully, there's plenty of programming on television for automotive gearheads: Top Gear shows and motor racing broadcast from locations around the world, car chase scenes in movies, the always-dysfunctional crew from American Chopper... heck, there's even a whole channel called Speed. But it's about to get some competition on the octane-drenched airwaves.

As we reported back in July, Discovery is gearing up to launch the Velocity channel, jam-packed with car-related programming, all broadcast in high-definition. Discovery has now announced that the channel will begin airing in place of the existing HD Theater on October 4 at 7 pm (Eastern Standard Time). But just what can we expect when it does?

Fortunately, the producers have hit us with details on network's new lineup. Velocity wont be entirely about cars, targeting as it will "upscale men" in general. So there will be some NFL coverage, gadget shows, finishing programs and such. But what about the cars?

For starters, MotorWeek - the staple car magazine show that's been on the air for over 30 years now - will be calling the network home. The initial line-up also includes American Icon with Chip Foose, Chasing Classic Cars, What's My Car Worth, Inside West Coast Customs and the motorcycle show Cafe Racer - many of which were previously shown on HD Theater but which will debut their new seasons on Velocity. Click here for more details, and check out the teaser video after the break.

Continue reading Discovery's new Velocity channel launching October 4 [w/video]

Discovery's new Velocity channel launching October 4 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speed teases reality show chronicling Nissan/Playstation GT Academy

Noah Joseph — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Nissan

If you're looking for the ultimate example of life imitating art imitating life, look no further than the Nissan/Playstation GT Academy. The program pits thousands upon thousands of gamers playing Gran Turismo 5 against each other in a fight over a spot on Nissan's actual racing team. Now that competition is jumping onto television screens as a reality program.

The international competition is the subject of a new reality TV show that is set to air its first of five episodes on the Speed Network starting tomorrow, September 20. The show documents how a group of gamers were honed into a select team of actual racers, and the series was shot at England's legendary Silverstone race track. As is typical with such reality shows, the winner will be announced in the final episode.

Whether you had opportunity to enter the competition or not, it looks to be an interesting watch. Follow the jump for a preview video and for the full press release for all the details.

Continue reading Speed teases reality show chronicling Nissan/Playstation GT Academy

Speed teases reality show chronicling Nissan/Playstation GT Academy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin One-77 stars in new episode of NatGeo's Megafactories

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Videos

The factories where supercars are made can often be as impressive, if not more so, than the vehicles they produce. Unfortunately few of us ever get to see them, remote as they often are from our locales and generally not open to the public. That's where Megafactories comes in.

The National Geographic program - broadcast Stateside as Ultimate Factories - regularly gains access to these plants, and the next episode is heading to Gaydon in Warwickshire, England, to take us behind the scenes of the dedicated facility where Aston Martin makes its top of the line model: the One-77.

There, they'll uncover the thousand-square-meter open-plan factory, the 27 technicians who work there and the 77 vehicles they're toiling to produce. It promises to be a fascinating watch, to say the least, when it airs this weekend to kick off the new series in the UK, but you can catch a little preview with the video after the jump, where you'll also find the press release - and don't forget the fresh crop of high-resolution images in the gallery.

Continue reading Aston Martin One-77 stars in new episode of NatGeo's Megafactories

Aston Martin One-77 stars in new episode of NatGeo's Megafactories originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autowriters Aaron Robinson and Ezra Dyer added to The Car Show on SPEED

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Celebrities

First look at The Car Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

SPEED is betting big on its newest TV series, called The Car Show. You're most likely already aware that the program will be hosted by Adam Carolla, Dan Neil, Matt Farah and John Salley. Now, SPEED has announced that some well-known auto scribes are joining the team to pitch in on writing duty.

Aaron Robinson and Ezra Dyer have become a part of The Car Show family. Robinson is the Technical Editor at Car and Driver, while Dyer has written for a handful of publications and has a running column at Automobile. The two will add their automotive knowledge and insight to a team that already knows a good deal about cars. Well, we're sure of everyone except Salley. The Spider owns four NBA championship rings, was a member of the Chicago Bulls record-breaking 72-win season, and wasn't terrible in the film Eddie. None of that translates to cars, but we're hoping the writers stay away from attempting to squeeze his six-foot, 11-inch frame into a Mazda Miata.

Gallery: Adam Carolla's The Car Show

[Source: Speed]

Continue reading Autowriters Aaron Robinson and Ezra Dyer added to The Car Show on SPEED

Autowriters Aaron Robinson and Ezra Dyer added to The Car Show on SPEED originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mad Men go racing: Ridley & Tony Scott developing Le Mans period drama

Noah Joseph — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Everybody loves Mad Men. It's a hit TV show that has something for everyone. Heck, it even features some nice old cars, like the pimpin' Lincoln that Betty Draper inherited from her father, and discussions around the office on marketing import cars for the first time in America. But what the series really needs - well, what we really need, anyway - is some good ol' classic racing action. Enter Hollywood producers Ridley and Tony Scott.

The British brothers' production company Scott Free just signed on to a project called The Drivers. It's based on Wallace A. Wyss' book "Shelby: The Man, the Cars, the Legend," which was optioned for the screen and is reportedly being turned into a television drama.

The series is set to follow the daring drivers from the U.S. and Europe who raced the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1950s and 1960s - one of the most exciting periods in racing history with plenty of material to draw on. There's no telling at this point when the project will begin filming, let alone air, but the notion of a Mad Men-style show set at La Sarthe has got our TiVos twitching already. Thanks for the tip, Peter!

[Source: Deadline.com]

Mad Men go racing: Ridley & Tony Scott developing Le Mans period drama originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear US hosts sit down with Jay Leno tonight

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Celebrities

The crew from Top Gear US are jumping over to the set of another certified car nut's show. Jay Leno will play host to Tanner Foust, Rutledge Wood and Adam Ferrara tonight at 11:35 pm on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. While cars will no doubt be a central point of the discussion, we're curious to see what Jay has to say about the show. Last time he spoke about it, Leno predicted it would suck.

Top Gear US hosts sit down with Jay Leno tonight originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear and Fifth Gear reportedly back on the air in June

Noah Joseph — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson with Fifth Gear's Tiff Needell and Vicki Butler-Henderson

Been hankering for a little British car show action? So have we. But it looks like we've got a few months to go until our favorite shows from the Beeb return with new episodes.

After having been spied filming a segment atop an active volcano in Iceland, Top Gear is - according to its own magazine - confirmed to begin airing its latest season this coming June. (In the meantime we can wish Jeremy Clarkson a happy 50th birthday, which he celebrated on Sunday.)

The Top Gear scheduling was rather expected, but it now appears that some setbacks have forced rival program Fifth Gear to be delayed until the same month. The troubled show was expected to air its new season - with a new format and two fewer hosts - later this month, but according to an entry on anchor Tiff Needell's Twitter page, the impending British elections have forced a schedule change. So come June, it looks like we'll be knickers-deep in British motoring television, but we'll just have to sit tight until then.

[Source: FinalGear.com]

Top Gear and Fifth Gear reportedly back on the air in June originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear Australia replacing Charlie Cox?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Lifestyle, Australia

Anyone who's been watching the original Top Gear knows it took a bit of switcheroo to get the chemistry right before things really took off (James May replaced the rotundish Jason Dawe after Series 1 of the current show concluded), and TG Australia is no different. Charlie Cox (the bloke on the left) is reportedly leaving the young show due to commitments in Britain, and word is that he will be replaced by Australian jazz trumpeter James Morrison.

Thankfully, Morrison not only arrives with an instrument, he comes with a revhead pedigree: He hosted a show in the '90s called Behind the Wheel, and he currently holds the quickest time for the Star in a Bog Standard Car on TG Australia. After some ups and downs during the first season, perhaps now the show has a shot at making some real music. Thanks for the tip, Liam!

[Source: Ausmotive]

Top Gear Australia replacing Charlie Cox? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear Australia in trouble for damaging cars

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Australia, Celebrities

Australia gave us the word "hoon," and the Aussie version of Top Gear apparently features three of them in presenters Charlie Cox, Warren Brown, and Steve Pizzati. The trio's habit of hooning for local audiences has seen them rack up a repair bill close to $AUS 200,000 for the cars they've damaged during taping - a bill to be paid by the automakers, thank you very much, for a show that is not yet racking up the ratings. Carmakers, not surprisingly, aren't thrilled about it, with one one likening the show to an automotive version of Jackass. TG Australia is coming around again for a second season, which might be difficult if carmakers end up gathering behind one manufacturer's rather blunt declaration: "They will encounter a lot of shut doors." Thanks for the tip, Richard!

[Source: Sun Herald]

Top Gear Australia in trouble for damaging cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Camaro TV spots through the years -- some more bitchin' than others

Alex Nunez — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chevrolet, GM

Well, all the Camaro buildup is finally set to amount to something this Monday, when the real, final car is unveiled. Frankly, it was getting anti-climactic before the official photos leaked onto the web on Friday afternoon, but we'll look forward to hopefully seeing the SS car in the metal. That one's been conspicuously absent from all the photos that crammed the internet as soon as the dam burst. Anyway, whether you go for an RS with that punchy DI V6, or the SS with its LS3 power, chances are you'll be a happy camper.

So, to celebrate, we've gone and collected all the Camaro television commercials (and one 1980s promo video) we could find and packed them up into our handy new video player. When you're done watching one, pick another from the scrolling list under the main window and enjoy. We don't know how Chevy's gonna market the new car, but we're hoping for something more in line with the cool and dramatic 'Volcano" spot for the first-gen. It's a nostalgia overload, from the '70 "Super Hugger" spots to the cringe-fest 80s-era ads, right up to the 90s cars that spelled the end of the line. Until now.

Now, please excuse us while we hit the weekend classified pages. We've got a sudden craving for some IROC-Z garage candy. After all, this mid-summer weather is just perfect for T-Tops.

VIDEO: Camaro TV spots through the years -- some more bitchin' than others originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Today's Lexus is brought to you by the letter "H" - new hybrid advertising campaign

Dan Roth — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Lexus

Offsetting the GX and LX opulence-filled 'Utes posessed of large mass, Lexus has trotted out an advertising blitz focusing on its Hybrid vehicles. The campaign, which imagines a world without "H," points out that Lexus has had hybrid cars and SUVs on the road since 2004. The new campaign is titled "the power of h" and features television spots, print spreads, and other media that depicts an environment where H has given up all other pursuits for a post in the Lexus Hybrid revolution. It's clever, and we're glad that Lexus didn't actually try to trademark one of the most commonly used letters. Oh, and the ads? Let's just say its interesting to see the medium of video transmogrified into an ersatz page of text. Teaser spots and press release after the jump.

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Today's Lexus is brought to you by the letter "H" - new hybrid advertising campaign

Today's Lexus is brought to you by the letter "H" - new hybrid advertising campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CES 2008: PumpTop TV coming your way

Merritt Johnson — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 13:34:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, CES, Lifestyle

Westinghouse Digital had its PumpTop TV on display at CES. As described by the title, it's a flatscreen monitor that sits on top of a fuel pump. It gives the consumer something to do besides staring at passing vehicles while waiting around for the tank to fill. The unit is already in use at many gas stations throughout the United States. While the idea of being bombarded by even more advertising when out driving is not a pleasant thought, the TV network might be helpful in exposing folks to urgent news alerts such as bridge collapses, dust storms, or forest fires. In Southern California some pump televisions also display real-time traffic data in addition to weather, news and (of course) advertisements. While that can be useful info when trying to plan a route through clogged freeways, the downside of the PumpTop set is its poor screen visibility in extreme sunlight, which might explain why many stations equipped with the devices simply leave them turned off.

[Source: Engadget]

CES 2008: PumpTop TV coming your way originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jan 2008 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Raikkonen and Schumacher in Fiat Bravo commercial

Noah Joseph — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 18:34:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ferrari, Fiat

"So...wanna see a pensioner drive?"

Michael Schumacher casts a pretty big shadow over all of F1, and nobody knows it better than Kimi Raikkonen. That's bred a little animosity by Ferrari's latest world champion to his septuple-crown predecessor, but that hasn't stopped either from fulfilling their contractual obligations towards their corporate overlords at Fiat by appearing side-by side, swapping keys in a television commercial for the new Fiat Bravo.

The ad reminds us of a similar spot filmed with uber-rivals Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso earlier in the season for their employers at Mercedes-Benz. The same spirit of, ahem, "camaraderie" permeates this Fiat spot, filmed in German, in which Kimi and Michael take turns behind the wheel and riding shotgun. Follow the jump for the video, complete with - God bless 'em - English subtitles.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Raikkonen and Schumacher in Fiat Bravo commercial

VIDEO: Raikkonen and Schumacher in Fiat Bravo commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics from the set of Knight Rider TV show

Dan Roth — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 20:05:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Pontiac

While it might be a dubious pursuit to rehash old B-level (or lower) TV series for a new generation, the possibility of a crap product has never stood in the way before. Indeed, the retreading of Knight Rider is underway, with shoots already taking place. Love it or hate it, it will hit the small screen, and if you can get over the fact that it's not the original, it might be fun. If it's rotten, it won't hang around long anyhow. It's not like the original series was Citizen Kane, so let's just be thankful that there's a new shadowy flight into the dangerous world of a man who does not exist.

Hollywood blog The ODI managed to finagle some time on a location shoot for the new series and snapped some stills. There's no shots of the new KITT, but our old pal the Knight Industries Two Thousand is there in this garage scene. The premise apparently is that the old KITT is being rebuilt in a garage/lab after being totaled. The shop is set up with automotive parts and tools, as well as much-later F-Body than the original (check out the taillights). We would have imagined that KITT's powerplant was something more exotic than a carbureted small block with an Eaton-style supercharger. Maybe that's the engine they removed to put in the exotic hydrogen turbine, or nuclear reactor, or whatever. Can we get a rewrite?

[Source: The ODI via SpoilerTV, Photos: The ODI]

Gallery: Knight Rider set pics

Pics from the set of Knight Rider TV show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Dec 2007 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Rally-racing is easier than it looks...

Noah Joseph — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Fiat

click above image to view video

Fiat is banking heavy on the re-launch of its historic Abarth tuning brand. It's got several models coming up, including hot versions of the Grande Punto and 500. It's rebranded its S2000 rally racing team under the Abarth name, and has done the same with its sponsorship of Valetino Rossi's championship-winning Yamaha MotoGP bike. There's even talk about a dedicated sports car.

To tie together what is targeted as a blend between its racing prowess and road manners, the Fiat subsidiary has put together this creative little video that reminds us of that golden oldie, "The Little Old Lady from Pasadena". Thankfully they didn't put that into the soundtrack, letting us enjoy the uninhibited roar of the racing engine. Check it out after the jump and remember, "IN RACING WE TRUST!"

[Source: Italiaspeed]

Continue reading VIDEO: Rally-racing is easier than it looks...

VIDEO: Rally-racing is easier than it looks... originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Huey Lewis! Michael J. Fox! Integra?

Dan Roth — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Japan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Acura

Here it is folks, the ethos of at least the second half of the 1980s, neatly encapsulated in 30 seconds. This 1989 home-market commercial launching the DOHC VTEC engine in the Honda Integra plays up the American appeal baked into the car. Badged as an Acura here in the States, the Integra was cementing the reputation of Honda's upmarket rides in a market that still viewed Honda as a maker of economical, inexpensive cars. The bludgeon-y juxtaposition of an Integra zipping around and ~~Alex P. Keaton~~ Michael J. Fox doing backflips tells you how elated the Integra is supposed to make you feel, but this commercial just makes us feel old. From the opening chord stabs on the Yamaha DX7 to the Huey Lewis soundtrack, this little spot brings 1989 flooding back with a veangance. Many a sunny summer afternoon was whiled away cruising the bike lane with a mongrel Diamondback Viper picked from the trash and resurrected. Integras were starting to get noticed as cars enthusiasts could love, and being junior enthusiasts, we took notice when one motored by. They look especially good when sunset is near, on a winding road dappled with golden sunlight. Ahh, memories - white or red are particulary striking, too. What's nice to see is that MJF could handle something other than a DeLorean, but we still want to know, "hey kid, what's with the life preserver?"

Check the video after the jump.

[Source: Winding Road]

Continue reading VIDEO: Huey Lewis! Michael J. Fox! Integra?

VIDEO: Huey Lewis! Michael J. Fox! Integra? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #72

Dan Roth — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Podcasts, Coupe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

We tried hard to get a podcast going last week, but it just wasn't good enough. This week, the internet gods smiled on us with solid connections that cleared the way for our incisor-sharp banter. Kicking off #72, we discuss the dual surprise from Ford and GM - profit! The US operations showed losses, but overseas branches pulled in the dough, and as Alex points out "money is money." Moving on to less dull subjects, the MINI Clubman was officially unveiled, and it seems like all of the growth is in its arse. There's more legroom in the back seat, and cargo space gets a boost, as well. In typical German fashion, they took the long way around to achieve what could have been a simple platform stretch. Speaking of Germans - Wolfgang Bernhard is officially in at Chrysler. That is, if Hades 3-headed guard dog can pull it together on the funding side. It's not much of a surprise, and we hope that he can right the good ship Chrysler.

Follow the jump for more or click a link below to download the show.

SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #72

Autoblog Podcast #72 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Boys will be Boys...especially in a McLaren

Noah Joseph — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mercedes-Benz

As far as rivalries go in Formula One, the competition between two drivers in the same team is far more intense than that between rival squads. Few have articulated that point quite as vividly as Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, the two star drivers at McLaren-Mercedes. One's a returning back-to-back world champion, and the other a wet-behind-the-ears rookie if there ever was one. But yesterday's race notwithstanding, the rookie's been acing the champion in classic style. As anyone who's been following this post-Schumacher season can tell you, it's been pretty intense.

Leave it to the Germans to lighten things up a bit. (Yeah, the Germans.) Mercedes, who, don't forget, through its Ilmor subsidiary, supplies the engines for Lewis' and Fernando's cars, put together this commercial. The video after the jump reminds us of two things: (a) a scene from that *ahem* "classic film" Days of Thunder, and (b) just how childish men can get... especially when it comes to fast cars.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Continue reading VIDEO: Boys will be Boys...especially in a McLaren

VIDEO: Boys will be Boys...especially in a McLaren originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coming soon to a TV near you: Click and Clack

Dan Roth — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 09:36:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Etc., Safety

Tom and Ray Magliozzi might be the first to admit that most people on the radio have faces that suit the medium, to put it delicately. There's no place to hide when you make the jump to television, but the Tappet brothers have avoided that with their new animated sitcom PBS will be rolling out next summer. The show is not yet named; a contest soliciting names from fans of the pair's radio show will be announced soon. Plots will center around the oft-discussed hijinks that the brothers snort and chortle over between calls. The fictional Car Talk Plaza, located in Cambridge Massachusetts' Harvard Square, will be coming to life, and the cast is fleshed out with a variety of supporting characters, most of which seem to be based on real individuals, or composites of several people.

For all their self-deprecating humor, Car Talk is one of the most popular shows on NPR, and their producer, Doug Berman, is on board for the TV series as well. The Magliozzi's animated series will be the first primetime animated show aimed at a general audience for PBS. There's a talented team behind the show, and it may even bring new eyeballs to sometimes fusty PBS. In addition to the show, there's a partnership with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators in which the animated stars deliver safe driving messages to drivers while they suffer in line at DMVs, as well as on educational materials and on the web. We wonder if that effort will be called "Don't Drive Like My Brother."

Coming soon to a TV near you: Click and Clack originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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