Here are all the auto manufacturer’s commercials from the 2012 Super Bowl

Acura – NSX Transactions – Jerry Seinfeld is so excited about the new Acura NSX that he will stop at nothing to acquire the very first one. See what else Jerry would do for the first new NSX at www.acura.com. NSX projected debut in next three years.

 

Cadillac – “Green Hell” :: We developed the all-new Cadillac ATS on the Nürburgring, a grueling stretch of German asphalt known as “The Green Hell,” to push both car and driver to their limits. So, if anyone tells you that Cadillac can’t beat the world’s best, just tell them to go to “Green Hell.”

 

Chevy – “2012″ :: A man drives his Chevy Silverado through an apocalyptic world predicted by the Mayan calendar. Unfortunately, not everyone makes it to the meeting point.

 

Chevy – “Aliens” :: From the coolest car on the block to the smartest technology in the galaxy. A man walks in on a curious group of intergalactic creatures checking out the advanced technology of his Chevrolet Volt.

 

Chevy – “Sonic Stunt Anthem” :: The all-new Chevy Sonic is up for adventure. Watch Sonic’s first time skydiving, bungee jumping, kick flipping, and performing with OK GO. 100% real stunts.

 

Chevy – “Happy Grad” :: One lucky man receives the best graduation gift ever — or does he? A Chevrolet Route 66 film submission from Zack Borst, USA.

 

Chrysler – “It’s Halftime in America” :: It’s Halftime in America. And our second half is about to begin. All that matters now is looking ahead and finding a way forward.

 

Fiat – “Fiat 500 Abarth – Seduction” :: Watch this seductive new FIAT 500 Abarth Super Bowl XLVI commercial to feel the sting of the scorpion.
The FIAT 500 Abarth – You’ll never forget the first time you see one.

 

Honda – “Matthew’s Day Off” :: To celebrate the launch of the all-new 2012 CR-V, Honda brought Ferris Bueller’s Day Off back in a big game commercial. We cast Matthew Broderick as himself, skipping out on a day of acting work and living it up in his all-new CR-V. Relive movie history with Honda’s fresh twist and wonderful homage to this ’80s classic.

 

Hyundai – “Think Fast” :: At 348 horsepower, the Genesis Coupe gives new meaning to the phrase “Heart Pounding Power”. See for yourself at Hyundai.com.

 

Hyundai – “All For One” :: We believe trying is everything at Hyundai. In this Big Game ad, our Montgomery, Alabama plant employees provide a little vocal encouragement to a designer.

 

Hyundai – “Cheetah” :: Trust us, it’s fast. And with a 7-inch multimedia touchscreen, a 450-watt dimension® premium audio system, and Pandora® Internet radio, there’s a lot more the 201 horsepower Veloster Turbo can do — besides outrunning a cheetah.

 

Hyundai – “Victory Lap” :: Hyundai will celebrate its 2012 North American Car of the Year victory for Elantra with a new 30-second spot called “Victory Lap.” The Elantra earned the prestigious award from a jury of 50 independent automotive media in early January.

 

Kia – “A Dream Car For Everyday Life” :: The new 2012 Kia Optima is tearing up the track with Adriana Lima, Chuck Liddell and Motley Crue. Get ready to have your subconscious kicked in the face.

 

Lexus – “The Beast” :: The wait is over. The bold new face of Lexus is here, and it cannot be contained. Watch Lexus’ first-ever commercial for the “big game”, introducing the all-new 2013 GS and a glimpse of what Lexus has in store for 2012.

 

Suzuki – “The Sled” :: “Sled” highlights the automaker’s all-wheel-drive 2012 Suzuki Kizashi sport sedan, which also starred in the company’s first-ever Super Bowl ad — entitled “Wicked”

 

Toyota – “Reinvented Camry” :: Toyota reinvents more than the Camry in this extended version of the blockbuster commercial that started it all. What would you like #reinvented?

 

Toyota – “Camry Connections” :: There are nearly 7 million Camry drivers out there. Every one of them has a story. What’s yours?

 

VW – “The Dog Strikes Back” :: The sporty, all-new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle inspires Bolt the dog to get in shape, and an intergalactic superstar makes a surprise appearance.

 

Dodge redefines performance in the compact car segment with an all-new, state-of-the art four-door sedan delivering class-leading aerodynamics – the 2013 Dodge Dart.

With Alfa Romeo DNA and Dodge’s passion for performance at its core, the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart is a thoroughly modern vehicle that’s fuel-efficient, beautifully designed and crafted, agile and brings fun back to driving in the segment.

Similar to the Dodge Dart of the late 1960s, the  2013 Dart offers a special blend of style, performance and innovation. The Dodge brand leveraged its nearly 100-year history of passion for  building high-quality, innovative vehicles that stand apart in performance and style, as well as from its partner Fiat’s global compact car  expertise, to develop the all-new Dodge Dart.

ALFA ROMEO DNA The all-new Dart is the first Chrysler Group vehicle based upon a Fiat architecture – adapted from the award winning Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The Giulietta is renowned for satisfying the most demanding customers in  terms of road holding, agility and safety, with exceptional driving dynamics.

UNMISTAKABLE STYLE The all-new 2013 Dart marks the Dodge  brand’s re-entry into the compact sedan segment, hitting the bulls-eye with a modern, unmistakable Dodge design that builds upon its performance heritage while evoking emotion, efficiency and fluidity of movement.

Eye-catching exterior proportions are set off from every angle  by dynamic lines and curves, along with advanced technology, to deliver class leading aerodynamic performance. The personality-packed front view is instantly recognizable  as an all-new Dodge with its tailored split-crosshair grille, projector headlamps and fog lamps and  accentuated fenders. Signature Dodge full-width LED ‘racetrack’ tail lamps and class-exclusive integrated dual exhaust – both inspired by Dodge Charger – accentuate the athletic and muscular stance of this dynamic and passionate new design.

THREE SOPHISTICATED, FUEL-EFFICIENT & POWERFUL ENGINES The 2013 Dodge Dart will be powered by three fuel-efficient, powerful, state-of-the-art four cylinder engines that add to Dart’s fun-to-drive quotient.

Drivers can select from a new Tigershark 2.0-liter engine, a 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine, and a new T igershark 2.4-liter MultiAir four cylinder engine. These three engines, combined with three transmission choices, combine to redefine  performance by providing the most diverse powertrain lineup in its class.

MultiAir technology delivers optimum combustion at any speed under  all driving conditions by allowing direct and dynamic control of air intake and combustion. The result is up to a 15 percent increase in low engine  pm torque, a 7.5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and a 10 percent reduction in C02 emissions.

THE ALL-NEW DART – BUILT IN AMERICA The all-new Dodge Dart will be made in America at Chrysler Group’s Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill. The Company is in the process of investing $600 million dollars to support the production of future products, including the 2013 Dodge Dart. The investment includes the  construction of a 638,000-square-foot body shop, as well as the installation of new machinery, tooling and material handling equipment.

Dodge is  set to unveil the 2013 Dart at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 9th, 2012.

A few years back when I was restoring my FJ40, I ran across a ridiculously designed FJ40 from a California company called ICON.

ICON founder, Jonathan Ward and his wife, Jamie started TLC4x4.com, the nations leading Land Cruiser Service center in 1996, providing parts,  service and restoration services to the Land Cruiser owners like me!

Mr. Ward on his website calls ICON “…a vehicle without peers for a journey without boundaries. Classic styling, modern performance, and timeless utility.” Simply put.

Last week, I ran across an article on FoxNews.com about an ICON rebuilt Ford Bronco and man is it awesome!!

The only thing original is the body style from the first generation Bronco. According to the article, it has a completely brand new chassis, custom designed Atlas transfer case, and Dana solid axles with Eibach springs and Ford Racing shocks for suspension.

They replaced the original engine with a Ford Mustang GT 5.0L V8, with 412HP in a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission.

This rebuilt Bronco features disc  brakes, high-tech glass used on skyscrapers, updated aluminum trim, a digital dashboard and tinted plastic sun visors from a Learjet!

Price?  $150,000 for the base and up to $200,000 with options.

Sources: foxnews.com & icon4x4.com

Ford unveiled the redesigned Escape this week at the LA Auto Show, which will be sold in the US and Europe in late 2012. The new Escape boasts eleven features no other small SUV offers in a sleek and more modern design.

In addition to more cargo volume behind the first and second rows than the current vehicle, the new Escape delivers:

• An available hands-free power liftgate that allows quick and easy access to cargo with the kick of a foot
•  SYNC® with MyFord Touch® offers multiple ways for customers to manage and control information through voice commands, menus accessed through controls on the steering wheel, touch screens, buttons or knobs
• Active Park Assist. With the press of a button, the system detects an available parallel parking space and automatically steers the vehicle into the space. Drivers control only the accelerator and brake pedals
• Escape’s sensor-based BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert, triggers a warning sound when a vehicle is detected entering a blind spot
• The all-new Ford Escape is the first Ford SUV to combine class-exclusive technology to automatically slow the vehicle when it’s cornering too  fast (Curve Control) or help accelerate through a turn (Torque Vectoring Control); a new Intelligent 4WD System helps deliver outstanding handling on good pavement and in adverse conditions as well, along with excellent traction off-road.
• Escape offers a 1.6-litre, a 2.0-litre and a 2.5-litre Eco- Boost engine with a nearly 10 percent increase in fuel efficiency than the outgoing model.
• The new Escape’s active grille shutter system, which is on all models with the 1.6-litre EcoBoost and 2.5-litre four-cylinder engines, reduces  wind resistance.

“We call our all-new Ford Escape the ‘Smarter Utility Vehicle’ because it offers the strengths that customers today really value – fuel economy,  versatility and new technology that makes driving and living with the vehicle easier and more fun – all wrapped in a sleek, more modern design,”  aid Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development.

Check out the new 2012 VW Beetle. Production had ended for the 2010 model but VW brought it back with a redesigned interior and exterior. The Beetle is larger than the previous model and was built to appeal to both genders.

With that in mind, VW also changed the interior with it’s “flower vase on the dash” to be more  modern and stylish. The new VW Beetle offers an optional 6.5 inch screen for it’s navigation system and a sunroof that is 80% larger than the previous model.

A new feature is the rear spoiler that is standard on the 2.0 Turbo and is integrated into the design. The top surface of the rear spoiler is black,  while the underside is painted in body color.

The 2012 Beetle will offer two engines and transmissions: the 2.5-liter five cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic and the 2.0-liter TSI®  turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the acclaimed DSG® six speed dual-clutch automatic. Five-and six-speed manual transmissions will be offered at a later date on the 2.5L and Turbo models respectively.

The 2012 VW Beetle is currently on sale and in dealer showrooms nationwide.

From 10-14-2011 issue of Texas Auto Guide Lubbock:

 

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We’ve seen NFL players wearing pink gloves and shoes, some of us have attended the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure and we’ve seen thousands of women and men wear pink ribbons on their shirts to support awareness of this devastating disease.

Here’s a little background on Breast Cancer:

In the United States, breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Each year, a small number of men are also diagnosed with or die from breast cancer. Although the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased since the early 1990s, the overall breast cancer death rate has dropped steadily.

It is estimated that approximately $8.1 billion is spent in the United States each year on treatment of breast cancer.

The best way to find breast cancer early is to get screened. Talk to your health care provider about what screening tests are right for you.

The 5-year survival rate for all
women diagnosed with breast cancer is 89 percent. This means that 89 out of every 100 women with breast cancer will survive for at least five years. Most will live a full life and never have a recurrence. Your chances of survival

are better if the cancer is detected
early, before it spreads to other parts of your body. In fact, when breast cancer is found early and confined to the breast, the 5-year survival rate is 98 percent. That
is why it is so important to take steps to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages.

Many of our grandmothers, mothers, sisters and daughters die of this terrible disease. I ask you to support one of the many non-profit programs that work to find a cure for Breast Cancer.

More info can be found at: www.cancer.org
www.nationalbreastcancer.org
www.komen.org
and many other websites.
___________________________________________________________________________

Chevy confirmed this week that the redesigned midsize Colorado will be sold in the U.S.

I’d seen a report a couple of weeks ago that the redesigned Colorado was being released overseas in Asia, Europe and South America but the report didn’t mention anything about the U.S.

The redesigned Colorado was designed at GM Brazil and made to compete around the world.

“The new Chevrolet Colorado is generating a lot of excitement as we begin its launch in Thailand,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global marketing and strategy for Chevrolet. “We think the design, capability and fuel efficiency of the new Colorado will make it attractive to U.S. customers.”
The Colorado doesn’t sell as well as it’s full size brother, the Silverado, but with Nissan and Toyota still selling compact midsize pickups, I suppose that Chevy felt like it needed to redesign and compete.

Um, I haven’t seen anything on the GMC Canyon’s replacement for 2013.  Think they’ll make a GMC version as well? GM also hasn’t said where the new Colorado will be built in the U.S. and pricing and powertrain and cab configurations were not stated either.

From a first glance, it looks like an Equinox with an Avalanche bed and from other pictures, it’s shown in Reg Cab, Ext Cab and Crew Cab configurations.
In the U.S., the current Colorado has a 2.9L I-4, a 3.7L I-5 and a 5.3L V8 engine. The rest of the world has similar options, without the V8 but does had a 2.5 liter and a 2.8 liter Duramax Diesel engine. That’d be a pretty sweet diesel ride!!

 

For those of you that have dream’t of having a custom Mustang but haven’t pursued those dreams, here’s your opportunity! Ford has created a website that allows users to create their Ultimate Ford Mustang.

The site: www.ford.com/cars/mustang allows anyone to customize a Mustang in a variety of ways. You can choose to customize a V6, GT, Boss 302 or Shelby GT500. Not only can you customize your mustang but included are backdrops like a cityscape or a dragstrip to finish off the  project.

 

___________________________________________________________________________

The soon to be released Chevy Sonic has received a 40 mpg HWY rating from the EPA.

The turbocharged engine and six-speed manual  transmission is equal to ‘12 Ford Fiesta and ‘12 Hyundai Accent in HWY but less than the VW Golf at 42 mpg. The Sonic gets 29 m.p.g. in the city with the manual turbo. Its regular engine, a 1.8-liter four cylinder, gets 35 m.p.g. highway/26 m.p.g. city with a manual transmission and 35  m.p.g. highway/25 m.p.g. city with an automatic.
___________________________________________________________________________
Nissan North America in collaboration with Sony and Polyphony Digital Inc., announced the premiere of GT Academy USA, a reality show that  takes 16 Gran Turismo 5 gamers and gives them a chance to become a professional race car driver. The program will be featured as a five-part  reality series on SPEED TV beginning September 20.

“GT Academy USA will create a life changing experience for gamers, celebrating the authenticity of Gran Turismo 5 for Sony PlayStation, and real life racing and performance, innovation for Nissan,” said Jon Brancheau, vice president of marketing for Nissan North America, Inc. “GT Academy USA is a mesh of gaming, branded entertainment, and social media, all designed to entertain, engage, and reward the audience across multiple platforms from gaming consoles to social networks and primetime.” GT Academy USA digital efforts spanned across several auto and gaming enthusiast sites and a custom Nissan site. To maximize excitement around the tournament Nissan created a custom GT Academy USA
driving tips and sign up process video.
___________________________________________________________________________
And for those of us that DREAM BIG, comes the Fisker Surf.

The new Fisker Surf is the world’s first electric luxury/sports automobile. The Fisker Surf builds on the success of the ground-breaking Karma electric vehicle. Fisker Surf combines performance, luxury, style, utility, and economy. Fisker Automotive, an American company in partnership with BMW created the Surf. Fisker will offer the Surf in all its markets for the 2013 model year. The Surf is Fisker’s vision of a crossover between a sport car and a station wagon and shows how Fisker is expanding its Karma platform rapidly with additional models that again create a new  market niche.

Dream BIG boys and girls!

The last couple of issues, I’ve written about concept vehicles. Sure, I know some probably won’t be sent to production but some will.

Ford, this week, unveiled the Evos Concept vehicle this week ahead of the Frankfurt Auto show, complete with extensive photos and it’s own minisite (http://evosconcept.fordmedia.eu/)!

 

 

 

 

 

 

This techonologicaly advanced car is the future of Ford. “The Ford Evos Concept unites three key elements which are at the core of our One Ford global product strategy: outstanding design, smart technologies and fuel economy leadership,” said Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President of Global Product Development.

The technology in the Evos,  embraces a new generation of driver interaction and awareness currently under development in the Ford Research and Innovation laboratories.

The Evos provides seamless connectivity between the vehicle and the driver’s ‘personal cloud’ of information stored in the vehicle’s computer system. The car gets to know you and can act as a personal assistant to handle some of the usual routines of a daily commute. It could automatically play the same music or news program that was just streaming at home, or heat or cool the interior to an ideal temperature before the driver gets in without having to be requested by predicting departure time based on his calendar. Wirelessly communicating with devices in the home, it could close the garage door and switch off the lights automatically as it pulls away.

The Evos is more than just a car it seems. Learning driver habits and capabilities, the technology can overlay map and weather data sourced from the cloud to adjust powertrain, steering, suspension and braking systems for optimum enjoyment, comfort and safety.  Because the vehicle is adaptive and honed to maximum performance based on the situation, it takes driving engagement to a new level.

Completing the vision for the Ford Evos Concept is a state-of-the-art lithium-ion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain providing the same next-generation performance and fuel economy as the Ford C-MAX Energi scheduled for introduction in North America in 2012.

The new Ford ‘powersplit’ hybrid architecture allows the electric motor and gasoline engine to work together or separately to maximise efficiency. The advanced powertrain typically runs in all-electric mode before switching to charge-sustaining hybrid mode for continued optimal fuel efficiency.  Which allows for an overall driving range of 500 miles using the battery and engine.

What’s surprising to me is the design of the vehicle. Notice anything that resembles a manufacturer that Ford used to own? To me, the vehicle looks like a Jaguar or Aston Martin, both of which were owned by Ford.

With it’s fastback-style sedan and gullwing doors this Ford won’t be making it to dealer showrooms. It’s a concept that Ford is using to launch itself forward in design, technology and innovation.

Ford, knowing that it was designing a car for the future,  in terms of technology, built a body and frame that would be out of this world for a future car. I say, bring it to production!

Cadillac, feeling good about the unveiling of the ELR decided to unveil another vehicle, this  one a concept.

A few years back, I’d seen a picture floating around on the internet(s), haha, of a big bulky  looking convertible Cadillac. It had suicide doors, real boxy front end and looked straight out of the movie “Romeo and Juliet.” Remember Leonardo Decaprio driving that hot-rod box convertible? Remember?Some of you won’t but he did! Promise.

So this week, Cadillac unveiled the Ciel concept in  California, which makes sense. It’s totally retro, and completely crazy looking.  Cadillac calls it, ”an elegant, open-air grand-touring car inspired by the natural beauty of the California coast.” What?

“The spacious and elegant Ciel is a grand gesture that explores themes driving Cadillac’s  explorations into range-topping flagship luxury.” What?

“The Ciel is about the romance of the drive. It emulates the great touring cars seen on the
greens at Pebble Beach, but with a modern flair that projects Cadillac’s vision for the
future.” What?

“There is authentic craftsmanship in the way the exterior and interior elements meld, much like a vintage wooden boat,” said Gael Buzyn, interior design manager. What?

The Cabernet paint color, developed specifically for Ciel, is inspired by the rich translucence of a glass of red wine held up to the sunlight. ME: Look, I think we get it. Ok…

22” Rims, LED headlights, Cabernet Paint Color, Carbon Ceramic Brake Rotors.  Look, I’m all for crazy custom cool rides but if they ever produce this, they need to make a Dr.  Pepper Red or John Deere Green. Just saying.

 

I think we all knew that, GM would make an Electric version of the Chevy Volt for Cadillac.

This week, I read a press release from GM stating just that.

Cadillac’s EV will be a 2014 model, produced in 2013 called the ELR, originally name the  Converj. No performance  data, specs or miles per charge estimates were released so I really can’t go in to specifics.

The press release says the Cadillac ELR will feature an electric propulsion system with a lithium ion battery, an electric motor, and a four cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary source to drive the car without using gasoline or producing  tailpipe emissions. When the battery’s energy is low, the ELR switches to extended-range  mode to enable driving for hundreds of additional miles.

Sounds familiar eh?

The Converj Concept sparked the idea of combining the desirability of a grand touring coupe with electrification, said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, Global Design. “There’s no  mistaking it for anything but a Cadillac, an aggressive, forward-leaning profile and  proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision of a personal luxury 2+2,”  Welburn said.

I look forward to seeing this vehicle…in two years.