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ETC: BMW Ultimate Swimming Machine leaves German police feeling soggy

Filed under: Etc., Humor

BMW 3 Series turned into swimming pool

Four men were pulled over in the German town of Eibenstock in what a police report described as “a convertible of a slightly different kind.” What made this BMW 3 Series Convertible different? It was filled with 530 gallons of water. Yes, four German men had turned their car into a swimming pool.

The beige BMW drew the attention of the German polizei after an officer noticed water sloshing over the sides. Following the car into a parking lot, the four occupants hopped out and made a run for it, according to Der Spiegel. Deutsch police are evidently a bit more assertive when it comes to immobilizing vehicles, as the officers reportedly bled the car’s tires of air and went so far as to disconnect the engine’s spark plug wires. The police believe the men were ~~under water~~ under the influence when they fled the scene, and may issue charges, but there’s no mention of whether they’ll be cited for a lack of proper flotation devices.

The convertible had been sealed with “synthetic material,” and was complete with wood railings and Hawaiian-style decorations. We’re quite partial to the work done on the steering wheel. Sadly, the unusual amphibious car only had one functioning gear and a top speed of just 15.5 miles per hour. When asked by German tabloid Bild about the outing, one of the men gave a stock response in this sort of situation: “the ride was a stupid idea.”

BMW Ultimate Swimming Machine leaves German police feeling soggy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jul 2013 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Hyundai shows Walking Dead Veloster Zombie Survival Machine at Comic-Con

Filed under: Aftermarket, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Hyundai, TV/Movies

Hyundai Veloster Turbo made up for The Walking Dead tv show - front three-quarter view

The Walking Dead, the hit zombie apocalypse show on AMC, has enjoyed a marketing tie-in with Hyundai for two seasons now. If you’ve watched the show, you’d no doubt seen Rick Grimes, his sociopath-in-training son Carl and emerging hero Glenn Rhee avoiding the dead behind the wheel of a light-green Hyundai Tucson. That relationship expanded beyond the show when Hyundai brought an Elantra Coupe-based Zombie Survival Machine to last year’s San Diego Comic-Con.

For this year’s Comic-Con, the new Zombie Survival Machine is just a touch faster, funkier and deadlier. Based on a Hyundai Veloster Turbo and built by Galpin Auto Sports to decapitate as many Walkers as possible, this four-door hatch has been heavily modified. The headlights, taillights and windows are all protected with a combination of wrought iron and chainlink fencing. There’s also plenty of armor on the body panels.

Passive zombie killing features abound, like the “horde plow” on the front bumper and sawblade grille. But by and large, the majority of the Veloster Turbo Zombie Survival Machine’s offensive power comes from a combination of firearms and chainsaws. A .50-caliber machine gun is mounted on the roof, along with a pair of assault rifles on the hood. Each door features blades along the base and a machine gun. Melee weapons can be found in the back, including a spiked baseball bat or katana.

We see a few issues with the Veloster Turbo ZSM. Clearly, the creators have never read Max Brooks’ excellent book, World War Z, otherwise they’d know that flame throwers (of which we counted three) are ineffective against the dead, as are rapid-fire weapons. Our nerdy minds aside, this is a pretty cool one-off concept from one of the very best shows on television. But if you think you can do better, Hyundai has set up an app for fans to design their own Zombie Survival Machines. The winning entry will get their car built and put on display at New York Comic-Con in October. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we need to see if we can retrofit our long-term Veloster Turbo into a Zombie Survival Machine.

Continue reading Hyundai shows Walking Dead Veloster Zombie Survival Machine at Comic-Con

Hyundai shows Walking Dead Veloster Zombie Survival Machine at Comic-Con originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jul 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Bodyless Dodge Viper is the ultimate burnout machine

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Videos, Dodge

Dodge Viper doing a burnout

Bodyless Dodge Viper does perfect burnouts – Click above to watch video after the jump

Chrysler really should have sold the Dodge Viper without its body. We don’t really have anything against the slinking lines of the big snake, but there’s something about the vision of the V10 monster frolicking around with its skirt off that simply flips all the right switches. It’s like a post-pubescent Ariel Atom. If you recall seeing the awesome Viper-powered Saab 9-3 SportCombi built by Zatzy forum member mrspringer, you probably spent at least half a second wondering what fate befell the engine’s donor.

Well, wonder no more.

Mrspringer seemingly got a hold of the whole vehicle in running condition with one notable exception – it had no skin. Like any mad scientist worth his salt, the guy immediately set the rear tires spinning and the naked guts of the Viper pirouetting in a remarkably tight parking area. We applaud both his car control skills and his commitment to safety. Remember, kids, always wear your seatbelt. Hit the jump to check out the action for yourself.

Continue reading Bodyless Dodge Viper is the ultimate burnout machine

Bodyless Dodge Viper is the ultimate burnout machine originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 May 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AdSpotting: BMW 5 Series “Refuel” reintroduces us to The Ultimate Driving Machine

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW, Luxury

BMW 5 Series Refuel ad

Company: BMWa

Brand: BMW

Medium: TV

Ad Agency: Grey West

Product: 2011 5 Series

Campaign: 5 Series “Refuel”

What We Like: The swagger is back at BMW. After more than a year of fooling around with “Joy” as a lead ad positioning, a new marketing team at the German automaker is re-emphasizing “The Ultimate Driving Machine” as the brand’s central positioning. The 30-second ad contains what many BMW followers like – a fast car and a big plane. No, the plane, which looks to be a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, is not hovering so close to the 5 that it could fill the guy’s coffee cup. But the CGI is good enough to pull off the visual trick.

What We Don’t Like: Not much at all. Getting a story and message across in a 30-second TV ad is not easy. But BMW and this ad agency, Grey West, did a nice job of conveying a fuel efficiency story.

Strategy: BMW marketing chief Dan Creed, who took over at BMW North America a few months ago, is all about re-affirming “The Ultimate Driving Machine” as Bimmer’s main message. At the New York Auto Show, he walked us to the front of BMW’s stand to look at a giant rendering of the ad slogan, which dates back to the early 1970s. At last year’s show, there was a giant banner that proclaimed “Joy of Driving.” “We know there is a lot of joy in driving a BMW, but we are going to show it in pictures and film rather than say it,” says Creed.

It’s worth noting that as fun as this ad is, the message is about the 5 Series’ fuel economy, not the horsepower. BMW is trying to broaden its message to be more inclusive of men and women, as well as tell its story about its investments in the South Carolina plant that produces X3 and X5. But Creed also wants the brand and the cars to show some leg when it comes to marketing and advertising. BMW remains an exciting brand, and a premiere stable of driving machines. That shouldn’t be lost when telling the broader story.

BMW is kicking off a review for a new ad agency. It parted ways with Austin-based GSD&M late last year. New York-based Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal + Partners produced last February’s Super Bowl ads. Grey West, which has handled BMW’s retail and pre-owned advertising since 2008, produced the ad and will presumably get a crack at the whole enchilada.

Grade: A-

Watch the commercial after the jump and give it your own grade below.

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Continue reading AdSpotting: BMW 5 Series “Refuel” reintroduces us to The Ultimate Driving Machine

AdSpotting: BMW 5 Series “Refuel” reintroduces us to The Ultimate Driving Machine originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: BMW ActiveE looking to become the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine

Filed under: Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, BMW, Electric

BMW ActiveE at 2011 Geneva Motor Show

BMW ActiveE – Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW showed us the ActiveE Concept back at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Now the automaker is using the Geneva Motor Show floor to roll out the latest version of its electrified 1-Series. The BMW ActiveE, following in the footsteps of the Mini E before it, will begin rolling out to select markets in the Fall of 2011.

Mini utilized a fleet of 600 electric Coopers for field tests, but BMW is upping the ante by producing 1,000 vehicles. The ActiveE will make its North American debut at the New York Auto Show in April. After that, it will roll its way into the driveways and garages of residents in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, New York, Boston and parts of Connecticut.

Powering the BMW ActiveE are a plethora of liquid-cooled SB LiMotive batteries. They provide enough juice to generate 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The ActiveE uses that energy to run from 0-60 miles per hour in about nine seconds and the juiced-up 1-Series has a range of 100 miles. Check it out in the galleries below and read more about the car in BMW’s official release after the jump.

Gallery: BMW ActiveE: Geneva 2011

Gallery: BMW ActiveE

Continue reading Geneva 2011: BMW ActiveE looking to become the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine

Geneva 2011: BMW ActiveE looking to become the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW – The Ultimate Meerkat Stalking Machine?

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Videos, BMW

BMW unscripted Meerkat Man

BMW unscripted meets Grant the Meerkat Man – Click above to watch video after the jump

BMW has sat down with a handful of notable Bimmer aficionados, ranging from Sabine Schmitz to Murray Fowler, the lone owner of a 1969 BMW 2800 CS. Now BMW has brought its cameras down to South Africa to speak to Grant McIlrath… who also goes by Meerkat Man.

Grant runs the Meerkat Magic Conservation Project and he does so with the help of his BMW 525i. The Meerkats have grown used to the sight of Grant’s white 5er and the car helps him get closer to the animals. Previously, attempts to see the Meerkats in a 4×4 or off-road vehicle resulted in them immediately scurrying into their tunnels.

It’s an odd choice for a unique man working a very different kind of job. However, you don’t get the nickname Meerkat Man by making conventional decisions. Hop the jump to watch Grant and his E34 in action.
[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: BMW – The Ultimate Meerkat Stalking Machine?

Video: BMW – The Ultimate Meerkat Stalking Machine? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mini goes retail with interactive vending machine billboard

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mini, Canada

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Whether they’re challenging Porsche to a duel, littering the streets with packaging or jiggling some chubby dude’s man boobs, Mini has a certain flair for creativity when it comes to its advertising. The latest chapter unfolds in Canada, where an interactive “vending machine” billboard was projected onto the side of a building near Toronto’s Air Canada Centre (after a Leafs game, from the look of things).

The brainchild of advertising agencies Media Merchants and Taxi, the billboard invites passers by to text their favorite Mini from their phone. After doing so, they’re treated to an animated display showing their choice making its way to the bottom of the virtual vending machine. Unfortunately the public can’t then drive off in said Mini, but it might prompt some Canucks to stop by their local dealership and do exactly that. Follow the jump to check out the video for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Mini goes retail with interactive vending machine billboard

Video: Mini goes retail with interactive vending machine billboard originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Dec 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Crazy machine rolls out brick roads like it’s laying carpet

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos

Tiger Stone brick layer – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Any non-professional who has built anything using brick pavers knows that the work is tough on the back and hands and the process is slow as molasses. The payoff is a beautiful, long-lasting finish, but there has to be a better way. If you have a Tiger Stone brick layer, there apparently is.

The Dutch-made brick laying machine utilizes an angled plain that enables workers to feed pavers into the machine without bending over and wrecking their backs. At the same time workers are feeding the electrically-powered machine, gravity is used to lay down the pavers in an orderly fashion. Fresh bricks are fed into the system via telescoping forklifts, further removing human blood, sweat and tears from the equation. The machine moves methodically down the pre-leveled path, enabling up to 400 square meters of 18-foot wide paved roads per day. Impressive stuff. Hit the jump to watch video of the machine doing its thing.

[Source: YouTube via Inhabitat]

Continue reading Video: Crazy machine rolls out brick roads like it’s laying carpet

Video: Crazy machine rolls out brick roads like it’s laying carpet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Nissan Juke – The Ultimate Donut Machine?

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Nissan

Nissan Juke drift

Nissan Juke on a donut run – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Is the 2011 Nissan Juke a smart tool for doing donuts? It’s a fun whip, but as a front- or front-biased all-wheel driver, we’re leaning very close to ‘No.’ Is the Juke a great tool for getting donuts? After watching Nissan’s new ad for its little crossover, we might just have to say ‘Yes.’

The first Juke ad we saw went in a rather weird direction, however this new spot plays up the CUV’s sportiness. The Juke squeezes 188 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque from its 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Pair that with an available six-speed manual transmission and a curb weight that sits on the good side of 3,000 pounds (for the front-wheel drive model), and you have a tiny machine capable of a surprising amount of thrills behind the wheel.

Grab the e-brake and drift on over to the jump to see the donut-run action, along with a second bonus commercial in which the Juke takes on ‘The Dread.’ Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Juke: First Drive

[Source: Nissan via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Nissan Juke – The Ultimate Donut Machine?

Video: Nissan Juke – The Ultimate Donut Machine? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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