Reasonably Priced Cars from Top Gear

Every week when a celebrity guested on Top Gear, he or she laps around the Top Gear Test Track using a "Reasonably Priced Car". So what's a reasonably priced car? It's not somewhat powerful nor fire-spitting but they're a bit more of a city commuter with a pricing over the 10,000 Pound mark. Here at Forza Motorsport 4, they featured the "Reasonably Priced Car" from the past and the "Reasonably Priced Car" from today. First, let's start with a blast from the past.

Gambon Corner - The corner that nearly killed Dumbledore...

This is the Suzuki Liana, the original Reasonably Priced Car of Top Gear when the show began in 2002, a year before James May debuted on Season 2 of the hit UK TV show. The Liana is known as the Suzuki Aerio. The Aerio was launched in Japan since January 2001 as a 5-door then later with a 4-door sedan in November 2001. The Liana name is just an acronym for "Life In A New Age". It served as the replacement to the Suzuki Esteem/Cultus (Chevrolet Cassia) and it sold in most parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Production of the Liana ended in 2006 because the SX4 replaced it but despite that, the Liana is still in production in China (Changhe-Suzuki) and Pakistan (Pak Suzuki Motor). The model featured was a 4-door sedan that was powered by a 1.6L engine that produces 104HP of power and 106lb-ft of torque. It has a curb weight of 2,557lbs.

Okay, where was I? Oh yeah. There are numerous celebs drove the Liana round the Top Gear Test Track from the first season to the seventh season, when the eighth season replaced the Liana with a Chevrolet compact sedan that I'm afraid I can't tell you due to search overloads. Names include Ellen MacArthur, Jimmy Carr, Ian Wright, Chris Evans, Rob Brydon, Justin Hawkins, Paul McKenna, Jodie Kidd, Jay Kay, Patrick Kielty, Trevor Eve, Neil Morrissey, Roger Daltrey, Sir Cliff Richard, Martin Clunes, Jamie Oliver, Patrick Stewart, Lionel Richie, Chef Gordon Ramsay, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Christian Slater, Stephen Fry, Ross Kemp, Geri Halliwell, Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore from the Harry Potter movies), Harry Enfield, and much more to list. Okay, there was the reason why the last corner of the Top Gear Test Track is called the "Gambon Corner" because of this...

Now you know. Just because the Suzuki Liana was replaced by a reasonably priced Chevy doesn't mean that the Liana's gone for good because it was reserved for a segment when the Formula One driver was guested on Top Gear.

Anyway, I once did my own Star in a Reasonably Priced Car with the Liana and I did it in 1:47.5, meaning that I was slotted between Ronnie O' Sullivan and Ian Wright but knowing is just half the story.

Now, let's take a look at the current Reasonably Priced Car...

Am I faster than Mr. Bean? Oh wait, there's
someone faster than Mr. Bean!

At the start of Top Gear's 15th season, the reasonably priced Chevy was dead because it was crushed under a demolished chimney and it was replaced by a reasonably priced Korean hatchback which is known as the Kia Cee'd. That's CEE-APOSTROPHE-D to you and me. This reasonably priced Korean hatchback marked as the second Kia ever to be featured on the video game and it was powered by a 1.6L engine that produces 123HP of power and 114lb-ft of torque. On Forza Motorsport 4, it's yours for just 14,000 CR. When the Kia Cee'd became the new Reasonably Priced Car, Top Gear invited back the celebs to try out the new Cee'd and their results are somewhat similar to the one they've set on the old reasonably priced Chevrolet. Now, most notable celebs drove the Cee'd round the track includes Alastair Campbell, Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley from the Harry Potter movies), Andy Garcia, Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, Jeff Goldblum, John Bishop, Boris Becker, Jonathan Ross, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, Amber Heard, John Prescott, Alice Cooper, Ross Noble, Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean), Sir Bob Geldof, and Louis Walsh from The X Factor.

I once tried it round the test track and my record is 1:44.3 but that's different because mine is tuned to the Performance Index of F200. But on the bright side, I am bridged between Tom Cruise and Nick Frost.

Those reasonably priced cars gave me an idea for a real-life situation. Every time if someone has a party, all we do is playing some parlor games that we find out to be boring. But for a soon-to-be Top Gear presenter, you may want to add "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" as part of their Parlor Games list because you may want to find out which of your guests is the fastest. However, most of your guests don't know the controls, knowing where to accelerate or brake. Not for long because Forza Motorsport 4 works best in Kinect. I once play this game using Kinect but one thing, your chosen car automatically accelerates and brakes while you let your left and right hands do the steering. This is somewhat a good idea.

If you are a part of someone's birthday, tell them to add "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" in their games list because this beats more than karaoke, Trip To Jerusalem, Pinoy Henyo, and others that you would normally do on parties. Before initiate this, be sure to tell someone who hosted the party if he/she have HDTV because XBOX 360 works best in HDTV (HDMI Cable sold separately). If they have one, be sure to bring the XBOX 360 console, Kinect, and the Forza Motorsport 4 game. Oh, and be sure to bring some scratch paper if you want to record their lap times. Be sure that either the Suzuki Liana or the Kia Cee'd is the recommended car and the Top Gear Test Track (Full Circuit) is the best track. I repeat, use the Top Gear Test Track (Full Circuit) because this is the perfect venue. You're going to find out which of your guests is the fastest. Is it your Ate? Your Kuya? Your Mom? Your Dad? Your Lolo? Your Lola? Your Ninong? Your Ninang? Your Tito? Your Tita? Anyone around you?

This whole Star in a Reasonably Priced Car game could be the perfect parlor game not just for parties but on someone else's debut or a high school reunion.

This should be fun, perhaps Richard Hammond didn't mentioned it on his Top Gear Uncovered DVD.

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 28

Yesterday, I already addressed to some French man saying what was the song from the Renault Samsung QM5 Korean TV Commercial back in 2009. Seems that he's been looking for the song right now...

Now, however, there's been a problem right now. Someone who lives at Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, attacked me with the words "Hyundai 5g Grandeur hg commercial music title". I'm sorry but we tried looking for those but there's no results. In the meantime, feel free to look at some another five Driving Musics (car commercial songs) for you to enjoy.

5) Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz - from the 2006 Nissan Wingroad Japanese TV Commercial.

4) TRY by 清水由貴 ×THE PULSAR - from the 1990 Nissan Pulsar Japanese TV Commercial.

3) Sonic Fireworks by avengers in sci-fi - from the 2011 Mazda SKYACTIV Technology JAPAN DRIVE FAIR TV commercial

2) Don't it drive you crazy? by POINTER SISTERS - from the 2008 Nissan Tiida Japanese TV Commercial.

1) GOING THE DISTANCE (from Rocky Original Soundtrack) - from the 2007 Honda StepWGN Spada "Super Daddy" Japanese TV Commercial.

...and there you go. These are another set of Driving Musics. Goodbye! Drive Safely...

Let's do the news! (Feb. 21, 2012)

It is now time to do the news! As for that, Good Smile Company announced the Yozora Mikazuki (三日月夜空) 1/7th scale PVC figure. That figure will go on sale this July with the pricing of 6800 Japanese Yen (plus tax).

Good Smile Company
Yozora Mikazuki figure

We could say that this figure is somewhat cool if you're more of a Marina Inoue fan because Marina Inoue played the role of Yozora Mikazuki from the Boku wa Tomodachi Ga Sukunai (or Haganai for short) (僕は友達が少ない) anime. However, it's cool if you're a loner. I'm sorry but, Yozora? We even tried Google image search for the word "Yozora" and the results revealing several pics of Yozora Mikazuki! That's not necessary! Not as worse than this!

Porsche Macan sketch

Reports saying that they're will be a new Porsche crossover coming very very soon and this is somewhat a mini-Cayenne. Firstly, they used to call it Cajun but Porsche decided to call their new addition, MACAN. Macan? It's Indonesia for tiger (is it Bahasa?), right? When reports circulated, we even Google search for the keyword "Macan" and gosh, Porsche-related reports pop up! R U KIDDING ME? Ows, hindi nga?! If you're Indonesian, you should probably know how to pronounce the M-A-C-A-N word, right? It's Ma-chan but we're not sure if this pronunciation would probably fit it. With details remain scarce for now, all we know is that it's coming in 2013 as a 2014 model.

For something German-related, someone finally waited for this...

WAVE Beach Queens
Laura Bodewig

Yes, we know, you've been waited for this and it does look right! It does look exactly accurate from the one from the Infinite Stratos anime series! Seems that you might gonna need a 3990 Japanese Yen for the all new WAVE Beach Queens Infinite Stratos Laura Bodewig, coming this September. Wow, seems 4 out of 5 WAVE Beach Queens Infinite Stratos figures really got it right. Charlotte Dunois' BEACH QUEENS figure, no it wasn't. Nope, it's not from the anime, so sorry but don't worry, if you think that the Charlotte Dunois BEACH QUEENS figure is rubbish, there is an alternate arrangement because...

AlphaMaz Infinite Stratos Charlotte
Dunois Swimsuit figure

Some boffins from AlphaMax showed the error of WAVE's ways by creating a very accurate Charlotte Dunois swimsuit figure, which will go on sale this August with the pricing of 7560 Japanese Yen, which is twice as expensive than the WAVE Beach Queens Charlotte Dunois figure. That's a lot for a toy but it can be a perfect alternative arrangement to be honest, if you know what I mean? Tee-hee...

2013 Ferrari California

The Ferrari California? Remember this FR convertible you seen on Clarkson Duel as Vicki Butler-Henderson's car of choice for the second round against Jeremy Clarkson's DBS Volante? Remember this one from Top Gear Korea where Kim Jin-Pyo chauffeured actress Kang So-Ra after her Busan International Film Fest gig? Guess, what? Some minor alterations occurred for the 2013 Model Year California, which will be premiered at Geneva this March. The first fuel-injected V8 engine was improved to provide 490HP of power and 505Nm, 37hp more than the old California! Naught to 60 is now in 3.8 seconds, which is good!

2013 Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati

Remember the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari? Surely, we remember that but there's a new one and it's called the Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati. This was based on the highly seductive Fiat 500C Abarth, but in my opinion was a mistake. But no, this was inspired from the Maserati GranTurismo from the looks of it. It uses the Pontevecchio Bordeaux color sourced from Maserati for the exterior color, Maserati-style rims, Maserati-style exhausts, and some Maserati-style interior! Ain't that convincing?! However, it is limited to 499 units with additional info coming at the 82nd Geneva International Auto Salon next month.

Ferrari FF burned

Okay, about the Ferrari FF, that's a good car, the first to have four-seats, the first to have 4WD, best Ferrari I have ever tried when I drive it on Forza Motorsport 4 but it's not as quicker than my 458 Italia. We seen this one on Clarkson Powered Up. There was a report in China that a Ferrari FF sparked fire while the owner is driving the FF. That's gonna hurt. Some Ferrari's causing fire while cruising. The FF wasn't the only one. There was a Ferrari F430 burst fire while driving in SLEX, then there was an fire issue for the Ferrari 458.

Speaking of which, if you live in USA and if you love US version of Top Gear, don't be surprised because the official Top Gear site explained what would this be on the next Top Gear USA. Firstly, USA Muscle Cars of the present come together for a challenge. The Mustang GT, Camaro SS, and the Challenger SRT-8 392 come together for the challenge. Actor Patrick Warburton gets a chance to drive the Suzuki SX4 on a "Big Star on a Small Car" segment, and the Mustang Boss 302 duels against the horse. 

Further reading: http://transmission.blogs.topgear.com/2012/02/20/more-top-gear-usa-this-coming-tuesday-to-american-tv/

So, uh, comedian Ogie Alcasid spoofed DJ Mo Twister's controversial v-log about Mo's ex-girlfriend named Rhian Ramos right? That spoof was part of Regine and Ogie's concert titled "Mr. and Mrs. A" where the real-life couple creating their own v-logs to share their experiences. So, Mo Twister noticed Ogie's take on his controversial v-log and he got mad and he said that Ogie made fun of Mo Twister crying in the abortion video. Whoa, never seen that thing coming, didn't he?

Further reading: http://www.pep.ph/news/32998/(UPDATED)-FIRST-READ-ON-PEP:-Mo-Twister-reacts-to-Ogie-Alcasid's-spoof-of-his-video-diary;-Ogie-apologizes-to-Mo-via-text

And that's the news!

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 27

Hello. And we begin with a non-relevant letter to someone who doesn't know how to comment on my site says "what happened to wow mali". Well, you stupid idiot. As you know, your favorite show will be on a short hiatus for a while because of the show TV5 called "The Biggest Game Show in the World Asia". Happy that TV5 was selected to cover up the coverage of Philippines participating in The Biggest Game Show in the World Asia, even though we're not very good at. With coverage by Richard Gomez, Joey De Leon, Mr. Fu, and Long Mejia, they tackling what's going on with our Filipinos participating The Biggest Game Show in the World.

Oh wait, hang on. That's not right. We're talking non-relevance. Let's read a letter from someone..

Hello Leopaul,

I discovered your blog of "Driving Music " on the net, and I was impressed of how many details you may find about car advertising music ... 

Therefore let me try to give you a new challenge : for a while, I'm looking for the music of Renault Samsung QM5 2009 Korea

http://search.wn.com/?template=cheetah-search-adv%2Findex.txt&action=search&results_type=videos&search_string=renault+samsung+qm5

Do you know it ?

In case of, thank you in advance for your answer (by mail or on your blog).

Thanks

Best regards from France

Serge Saintilan

Okay, Mr. Saintilan, before telling what's that music, let me give you 4 randomly selected Driving Musics (Car Commercial Songs) to listen to and the fifth and last one will be the answer to your question. Let's get on with the show...

5) Iron (Gucci Vump remix) by Woodkid - from the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 TV Commercial.

4) No No Darlin' by Chage and Aska - from the 1992 Subaru Impreza Japanese TV Commercial.

3) WALK by Chage and Aska - from the 1992 Subaru Vivio Japanese TV Commercial.

2) Desperado by The Eagles - from the Hyundai Avante Touring Korean TV Commercial.

1) Tango Forte by Dublex Inc - from the Renault-Samsung QM5 Korean TV Commercial back in 2009!

There you go, Mr.Saitilan from France. If you're looking for the song from the Korean Renault Samsung QM5 TV Commercial back in 2009, the title of the song is Tango Forte by Dublex Inc. Thank you very much. Good-bye!

MP4-12C tuning by Wheelsandmore

Wheelsandmore MP4-12C

German tuning firm, Wheelsandmore, modified the McLaren MP4-12C to provide more power than the standard model. With such engine tweaks, this modified MP4-12C will generate over 800HP. As reported, it includes electronic hydraulic suspension system, lightweight forged alloy wheels, Continental Sport Contact 5P tires, and some stripes to complete the look of this modified MP4-12C.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/02/mclaren-mp4-12c-diabolically-tricked.html

Aventador tuning by REMN Performance

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 LE-C Program
by RENM Performance

Essentially then, what we see here was a modified Lamborghini Aventador courtesy of REMN Performance. This here made the Aventador feels like this bull is on steroids and this car can be used on the road and on the track. Following modifications include but not limited to:

• Road/race specification inconel/titanium exhaust system, re-designed air intake, ECU recalibration resulting in a 7-10% increase in engine output;

• Light-weight carbon fiber body sections, revised aerodynamics with adjustable rear wing;

• Suspension and chassis improvements, lower ride height, r-specification tyres;

• Exclusive LE-C light weight center-lock forged wheels;

• Modified brakes with air flow inlets, rear engine cooling chambers;

• Re-designed interior with alcantara/carbon fiber sections, steering wheel, race seats and seat belts.

URL: http://www.renm-performance.com/blog/renm-lamborghini-aventador-lp700-4-le-c/

Trending Worldwide: #GandangGabiViceFinale

Gandang Gabi Vice was definitely one of the best talk shows aired on ABS-CBN every Sunday night when it first aired on May 22, 2011. However, ABS-CBN regret that this program has finally drawn to a close on the February 19, 2012 episode.after 9 months of fun and excitement. The celebrities who've guested on Gandang Gabi Vice says "Thank You" to Vice Ganda for such fun and excitement.

This program was originally intended to have a lifespan of 13 weeks but due to the respect to Vice Ganda's loyal fans, this show continually pushed back the deadline in order to support the viewers worldwide.

All of the staff involved offer their deepest thanks for the support Vice Ganda got when this program launched in a month before School Year 2011-2012 started. He thanked everyone that allowed Gandang Gabi Vice grow and mature. His journey might be ended but he's sincerely hope that he will have to serve them again in the next three months.

Think of this as a season finale, not a series finale because Vice Ganda will be back in the next three months while next Sunday, his timeslot will be filled by Sarah Geronimo for her new show titled "Sarah G: Live".

7 years of Goin Bulilit!

February 19, 2012 marks the 7th anniversary of ABS-CBN's longest-running kiddie gag show, Goin Bulilit! This special reunites our former Goin Bulilit presenters through the years, especially notable ones like Nash Aguas, Sharlene San Pedro, Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes, Igi Boy Flores, Miles Ocampo, and others. They relieve the very first ANO DAW joke that is related to the word, "SHOW", Kathryn "hit backs" the Goin Bulilit music video of "Bulaklak" and "Kiliti" mashed-up with female Goin Bulilit presenters from the past, some reunion gags to bring the good times roll, Sinetch Itey, Ginulungang Palad Rewind, and some Tita Glue on it.

That special 7th anniversary celebration episode made the former Goin Bulilit presenters' time to shine, bringing back their golden goodies that run the ABS-CBN kiddie gag show we love.

Goin Bulilit 7th anniversary

...a public service announcement from Buwaya Foundation

What just happened on the February 19, 2012 episode of Lokomoko?

- Order! Order! The Lokomoko Gags are now in session! Guilty! Not Guilty! (The Court of Appeal may not mind this...)

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Bakit ang munggo kapag tumubo ay toge na ang tawag?

- Lokomerysal in a public service announcement from Buwaya Foundation

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Nagkakasakit din ba ang ipis kapag nadapuan sila ng kapwa ipis?

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Ano ang tawag sa tutong kapag nasunog ito?

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Malakas ba ang appeal ng mga taga Court of Appeal?

- Sinong may sala?

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Bakit sa hearing kailangan kang sumagot, 'di ba dapat nakikinig lang?

- Tanong ko lang, kulang...Bakit nakaup ang taong nasa witness stand?

- Who's Line Is It...Anyhow?!

1) Lagi niyo nalang akong pinapakagat - Pustiso

2) Bakit pag tinitignan mo ako, lagi ka na lang napapaisip? - Kisame

3) Huwag niyo akong tawaging aso! Hindi ako aso! - Hotdog

4) Kailangan mo ba akong tapaktapakan para makarating ka sa pupuntahan mo? - Tsinelas

5) Eh ano kung hindi kita mapatawad? Tao lang din kasi ako! - Tindera

6) Basta hindi mo kakalimutan ang cut ko sa sweldo mo, magkakasundo tayo - B.I.R.

7) Listen, do you want to know a secret? Do you promise not to tell? Woooh...closer, let me whisper in your ear, say the words you long to hear. - Tsismosa

Volkswagen CC

2013 Volkswagen CC

2013 Volkswagen CC interior

Now, do you probably remember the Passat CC? Yes, this is Volkswagen's very first four-door coupe and considering as the poor man's CLS. Now, in my understanding that coupes are meant to be a sportscar with two doors but when the CLS was dubbed as the 4-door coupe, I really don't get it. The CLS is not a coupe because it is a 4-door premium sedan. The whole 4-door coupe thing was just a marketing gig but we're not doing a bit of history lesson shall we? We're talking about the Passat CC until now, you may no longer call it the Passat CC anymore because the new name for this updated version is simply "VOLKSWAGEN CC" so think of it as a debutante that is perfect for the rigodon dance. A DEBUTANTE. May be a minor change to the Passat CC but no, it's no longer be called Passat CC. Please don't be confused or you are going "search overload" for this.
Anyway, the Volkswagen CC features a distinctively new face that was derived from its big brother, the Phaeton, and it's younger brother, the Volkswagen Passat B7. This new face really provides more of an "exclusive taste" for the CC and I'm very impressed about how it looks. Much better than the old Passat CC in my opinion. The same old Passat CC back gets reworked with a new rear lamps and a new rear bumper. Now that is an improvement to keep it mountain dew fresh for today's standards.
Now, chances of playing a game of "Dashboard Spot The Difference" would become very high because the the old Passat CC interior was ditched and reworked to make it more user friendly for the new CC. The T-shaped gear lever was been thrown away to somewhat conventional and shaped like a hotdog. The air-conditioner gets reworked too and for the new CC, an analog clock was now been placed at the middle of the dashboard to add some luxuriousness on it. However, the CC still has the old Passat CC instrumental panel, that in my opinion, is not too understandable. With the CC accommodate four (or five) passengers, it's a very different story and for the best sound experience, 10 Dynaudio loudspeakers and advanced digital, powerful amplifier technology were applied as well.
Engines available on the VW CC includes a 1.8 TSi, 2.0 BlueTDI, 2.0 TSi, and 3.6 V6 engine. Most diesel-powered CC variants comes with an idling stop function and battery regeneration mode that recovers braking energy. Gasoline-powered CC variants will get battery regeneration functions but no idling stop. Most variants come with a 6-speed manual transmission while some come with a 6-speed DSG while the VW CC 1.8 TSi comes with a seven speed DSG transmission. The most powerful CC variant is the one with the V6 engine (the one with the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive technology) that produces 300PS of power while the most frugal CC variant is the one with the VV CC 2.0 TDi BlueMotion, the one with the fuel economy of 4.7L/100km. Those are all about choices for the new VW CC.
Interestingly, the VW CC comes with numerous features for some peace of mind, including the all new Side Assist Plus. The new Side Assist Plus combines the uses of Side Assist and Lane Assist, providing the combination and represents the functional extension due to its reliable and urgent warning in case of a specific hazard. This is important work. Also, it comes with fatigue detection system that detects waning driver concentration and alerts the driver with a sound that lasts for five seconds or a visual message displayed at the instrumental panel, telling the driver to take a break from driving. Numerous features include Light Assist (or optional Dynamic Light Assist), XDS transverse differential lock, and the next generation Park Assist system.
Available colors are Candy-Weiss, Reflexsilber Metallic, Light Brown Metallic, Black Oak Brown Metallic, Islandgrau Perleffekt, and Deep Black Perleffekt.
My comment:It maybe a Passat CC facelift, but this car is no longer the Passat CC because the Passat naming has been dropped and it is known as VOLKSWAGEN CC. As I told you, don't be confused on the naming and think of this car as the debutante in the Volkswagen lineup. For every little piece, the poor man's CLS was redefined to be more luxurious as its siblings.
Photo: Volkswagen

Mazda CX-5 meets Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

2013 Mazda CX-5 in Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

Now this is somewhat interesting. Mazda USA pitches in Dr. Seuss' The Lorax for promoting the all new Mazda CX-5 crossover with SKYACTIV Technology! This is somewhat a collaboration between Mazda USA and Universal Pictures and this new Mazda CX-5 has uncompromised driving and it's TRUFFULA TREE FRIENDLY! Cute!

PRESS RELEASE:

IRVINE, CA - February 17, 2012: Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced its strategic partnership in support of the launch of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, in theatres March 2. From the creators of Despicable Me and the imagination of Dr. Seuss comes the much anticipated feature Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, a 3D-CG adaptation of the classic tale of a forest guardian who shares the enduring power of hope. Mazda was chosen as a strategic partner for the animated adventure because of its innovative SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY and commitment to empower consumers to make more informed choices for their families and the environment.

To activate the partnership, Mazda will launch a co-branded national Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax-themed commercial spot based around Mazda’s SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, which increases fuel economy without sacrificing performance. Mazda was able to work directly with the filmmakers to create a :30 and :45 version of the spot, featuring the all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 small crossover SUV travelling through the “Truffula Valley” featured in the 3D feature.

Mazda’s U.S. Director of Design, Derek Jenkins, contributed to the look of the commercial by working with his design team, which is based at Mazda’s R&D facility in Irvine, Calif. The team reviewed early sketches and, working closely with the filmmakers who created Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, delivered an animated version of the Mazda CX-5. This design was able to capture the proportion and basic look of the Mazda CX-5, while lending it a “Seussian” aesthetic that worked organically with the characters and the feel of the animated adventure.

The development of the spot was a unique collaboration between MNAO as a corporate partner, MNAO’s advertising agency, Garage Team Mazda and Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment and the Paris-based animation house Illumination Mac Guff.

The narrative of the spot features the “Seuss-ified” Mazda CX-5 travelling through the “Truffula Valley.” Around each curve in the road viewers see one of the animals featured in Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax and hear the benefits of Mazda SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY. The Lorax also is featured in the spot, and he is brought to life through the vocal talents of Danny DeVito, who voices the title character in the film.

“We’re proud to be working with so many talented individuals to bring to life this wonderful partnership with Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax movie,” said Don Romano, chief marketing officer, MNAO. “We take a strategic approach when it comes to partnering with other companies and with the launch of our all-new, fuel-efficient, performance driven SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, this seemed to be a natural fit. The collaboration and integration that went into creating these custom-animated spots featuring the Mazda CX-5 with SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY driving through ‘Truffula Valley’ is unprecedented.”

“The Lorax character’s view of the environment fits in exactly with Mazda and SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, so the two were a perfect match for a commercial,” said Illumination Entertainment founder and CEO Chris Meledandri. “By staying true to who the Lorax and other Truffula Valley animals are we were able to create a fun and engaging spot.”

Beginning tonight, the custom commercial will air nationally on targeted television networks and on March 2, the :30 spot will run in all theatres playing PG titles.

In addition to the TV and theatrical spots, the campaign will incorporate digital assets and social media applications to promote the film partnership. These include a dedicated co-branded Facebook page, a shareable applet and a banner on www.mazdausa.com, MNAO’s official website.

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax opens in theatres nationwide on March 2.

Scoop: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2012/02/17/025725-mazda-takes-dr-suess-approach-to-marketing-2013-mazda-cx.html

Video:

Audi A4 (B8) Range Minor Change

Audi's answer to the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the A4, was the kind of entry level luxury car that you may want to scoff and laugh about because unlike its rivals which are RWD, the Audi A4 only comes with either a FWD or quattro. This latest generation, designated as B8, is one step further to this entry-level Audi sedan and tourer that are targeted for the selected few. And now, at last, the Audi A4 B8 range deserved the big minor change it deserves.

2013 Audi A4

2013 Audi A4 Avant

2013 Audi A4 allroad

To keep the A4 B8 mountain dew fresh for the 2013 model year, Audi revamped the front and back to match the brand's "Vorsprung Durch Technik" slogan. The new front lamps were carried from the Audi A5 facelift and it comes with a slight wave at the bottom edges but customers would be interested in Xenon plus headlights as an option. Those LED daytime running lamps on the new A4 now creates a narrow, homogeneous band that takes advantage of the xenon lens. The rear lamps are also new as well. It was shaped to be more like the new Audi A8 in order for the new A4 to be one step ahead of its class. For the A4, it has three available models to choose from; one is the saloon version, the A4 Avant for those who need some space, and there's the Audi A4 allroad for those who are looking for some recreational machine.

2013 Audi A4 interior

The change is also implemented on the interior as well. There will be a selection of steering wheels with chrome and high-gloss inlays, with the leather sport steering wheel available by request. This would be somewhat a pick-and-mix choice for the customers to find the interior that well suits their personality. Aside from that, the MMI navigation plus system now offers four buttons to make a bit less complicating. Also, it can do Bluetooth connection with your smartphones, voice-controlled Google searches for points of interests and navigation with Google Earth pics, as well as Google Street View, which sounds convenient for the tech-savvy drivers. Lastly, the interior serves as a WLAN hotspot, providing passengers to surf the internet while they're stuck at traffic. Good mark for Audi, there.

So, what about performance? At the start and depending on the variant of your choice, the new Audi A4 is available in 1.8 TFSi, 2.0 TFSi, 3.0 TFSi, 2.0 TDi, 3.0TDi, and the 3.0TDi engine with clean diesel technology. The most fuel efficient of the Audi A4 range is the one with the 2.0L TDi engine that produces 136HP of power and it will have a fuel consumptions of 4.2L/100km on average, CO2 emissions of 112g/km. The new 1.8L TFSi engine on the new A4 comes with variable valve lift, thermal management, and direct fuel injection aside from its turbocharger that uses waste gases to force air into the engine more efficiently. Basically, it will have 120HP of power but other variants using the new 1.8L TFSi engine170HP of power and 320Nm of torque. Fuel efficiency, it is limited to 5.6L/100km and it has CO2 emissions of 134g/km. It's very eco. Oh, and I almost forgot. Most variants do come with a six-speed manual transmission but some may offer a multitronic CVT as an option. The quattro versions may come with an optional seven speed S tronic tranmissions.

Audi S4

2013 Audi S4

2013 Audi S4 Avant

2013 Audi S4 interior

The hardcore Audi S4, in sedan and Avant form, also gained a minor change as well, inside and out. It carries a 3.0L TFSi engine that produces 333HP of power an 440Nm of torque. It can go 0-100kph in 5 seconds and top speed limited to 250kph, which sounds too cheesy.

My Comment:
Keeping the Audi A4 B8 fresh is somewhat too cheesy for Audi to keep the "Vorsprung Durch Technik" tagline one giant leap ahead from its competitiors like BMW and Mercedes-Benz but still, it would always getting scoffed and laughed. With the introduction of the new BMW 3-Series F30, this Audi A4 facelift would be nothing more than a useless tool to me. I'm sorry Audi but neither you built a better A4 nor a good looking medium sedan for the chosen few. I could have hope for that...

Scoop: AUDI AG