Video: Lexus IS commercial made with Instagram photos

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

Facebook was so 2010, so it’s no surprise that automakers are taking advantage of newer social media applications for their marketing purposes. Most recently, Lexus invited more than 200 followers on Instagram (“Instagrammers”), along with their smartphones, to make a commercial of the 2014 Lexus IS using hundreds of their photos of the car strung together into a video.

Instagram, taking advantage of smartphone cameras, is an application that allows users to shoot, edit and share photos or video online with friends and strangers alike. Lexus’s stop-motion Insta-commercial is unique as far as commercials go, with each photo in the sequence sporting a personal touch thanks to the app’s photo editor. But, even more impressive is the ability of social media to bring people together for, and involve them in, a commercial shoot. All of which you can watch below. Stay tuned after the commercial to get a look behind the scenes at the making of it all.

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Lexus IS commercial made with Instagram photos originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jul 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Latest Mini Coupe photos suggest production nearly afoot

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Mini

Mini Coupe Spy Shots

Mini Coupe Spy Shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’re inching ever closer to seeing the Mini Coupe in showrooms. The clipped Cooper is set to land on dealer lots as soon as this Autumn, and it looks like the company’s engineers are hard at work ironing out the very last wrinkles in the platform. Our spy photographer commandos managed to click off a few photos of the most recent tester out and about wearing what must be nearly production-ready sheetmetal. If we were the betting types, we’d lay a shiny nickel on the vehicle you see here being all but identical to the final iteration.

In these photos, we can clearly see that the vehicle’s retractable spoiler tucks cleanly into the trunk when not in use, though the somewhat awkward roof aero treatment is still sticking around. Up front, the Coupe wears the same corporate clothing as the Cooper line, and buyer should expect to find the same line of four-cylinder engines under the hood as well.

Gallery: Mini Coupe Spy Shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Latest Mini Coupe photos suggest production nearly afoot originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible photos leak out

2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible

2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler is set to debut the 2012 200 Convertible at the New York Auto Show in March, but through the magic of the Interwebs, the first crop of official images has already leaked out. The new 200 sedan isn’t a bad-looking car, and while the convertible’s design isn’t the most attractive creation (that rear end still looks plenty awkward), it’s certainly better than the outgoing Sebring.

Aside from the deletion of a fixed roof, expect the Chrysler 200 Convertible to be largely the same as its sedan counterpart, with interior refinement and engine choices all being carried over. This means that both the 2.4-liter inline-four and 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 should be underhood, and the end result is a cabriolet that, while better than the model it replaces, certainly won’t take your breath away.

Gallery: 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible Leaked Photos

2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible

[Source: Autoblog.it]

2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible photos leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Chrysler 300 photos hit the web

Filed under: Sedan, Chrysler

2011 Chrysler 300 teaser – Click above for high-res image gallery

Our friends at Kicking Tires stumbled upon a series of teaser images from Chrysler showing off the revised-for-2011 Chrysler 300 sedan. Yes, our intrepid spy shooters have already offered up some pretty darn good photos of the car as it was being shot for marketing purposes, but it’s always good to focus in on details like the new corporate-style grille, headlamps, taillamps and the sleek new winged Chrysler logo.

From what we can see, the next Chrysler 300 will continue the brand’s march to the top of the upscale American sedan ladder that it first ascended way back in 2004 as a 2005 model. Yes, it’s been that long since the boxy, gangsta-style machine hit the market – “due for an update” would be a serious understatement.

Expect the 2011 300 to come equipped with both the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and be available with either standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. We’re counting on a full debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show in January, but in the meantime, feel free to peruse the image gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Chrysler 300 teasers

2011 Chrysler 300 teaser2011 Chrysler 300 teaser2011 Chrysler 300 teaser2011 Chrysler 300 teaser

[Source: Kicking Tires]

2011 Chrysler 300 photos hit the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: First photos of 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen Beetle spy shots

2012 Volkswagen Beetle spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this year we learned that Volkswagen has been readying a new New Beetle, and we now have the first spy photos of the next-generation Bug out testing. Rumor has it that this car could debut as early as next month at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, but we think a Detroit or Geneva debut is much more likely.

Though still in test mule stages, it’s obvious that the next Beetle will take a lot of its styling cues from Volkswagen’s Ragster concept, first shown in 2005. The longer, flatter greenhouse and softened curves give the cutesy Bug a more aggressive stance. Perhaps Volkswagen is trying to break the Beetle out of its “chick car” stereotype.

The 2012 Beetle will ride on the new Golf VI platform, and it’s expected that powertrains will be shared between both cars. Volkswagen’s 2.5-liter inline-five is a safe bet, as is the 2.0-liter TDI four, but sources within Volkswagen have told us that the next-generation Beetle will be available with a pretty potent engine. “Something you can take to the track,” they said. Hmm… Whatever the case, we’ll know more when the car makes its official debut within the next few months.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

2012 Volkswagen Beetle spy shots2012 Volkswagen Beetle spy shots2012 Volkswagen Beetle spy shots2012 Volkswagen Beetle spy shots2012 Volkswagen Beetle spy shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: First photos of 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DentBetty provides body shop estimates from your uploaded photos

Filed under: Etc., Technology

DentBetty

Whether the cretin responsible for flattening the grille of your mint Isuzu Impulse left a note or not, the damage wrought on your vehicle is going to require repair. DentBetty streamlines the traditional pain-in-the-tuchas process of traipsing around to various body shops to get estimates for cosmetic repairs. Any incident that results in structural damage still requires a firsthand look by body professionals, but cosmetic damage is a very common annoyance that many people forgo repairing due to the aggravation.

DentBetty is up and running in California, Massachusetts and New York, with a total of about 120 participating shops so far. Vehicle owners can visit the DentBetty website and upload at least two photos of their car’s damage. Participating repair facilities will then respond with estimates. The web-based form also asks whether the repair will be paid for by insurance or personally, and both users and shops are rated, so feedback scores can factor in to the decision-making process. It’s a nice insulator between you and the repair facility; DentBetty doesn’t share your email with the shops, and you’re not asked for credit card information, either. Eventually, the DentBetty service will be branched out to SMS messaging, and a smartphone app doesn’t sound like much of a stretch, either.
[Source: Mashable.com]

DentBetty provides body shop estimates from your uploaded photos originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Oct 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More BMW M3 Tiger Edition photos surface

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, China, BMW, Luxury

BMW M3 Tiger Edition for the Chinese market – Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW’s new Joy ad campaign looks to have made it to China with the M3 Tiger – or as one Autoblog commenter called it, “the M3 by Ed Hardy.” Part of the continued celebration of a quarter century of M3s and the year of the tiger, the limited edition coupe took part in a photo shoot with a supporting cast so excited about the car they spend most of their time airborne.

On a more mundane note, the Fire Orange Metallic M3 will have black exterior accents and 19-inch wheels, while black Novilla leather will coat the inside and orange tiger heads are embroidered into the headrests. Only 250 M3 Tigers are set for production, and that may be 249 more than the world needs. Hat tip to Ragan!

Gallery: BMW M3 Tiger

[Source: Moko]

More BMW M3 Tiger Edition photos surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford releases additional photos of Mustang Boss 302, triggers additional drooling

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Perhaps the biggest news to come out of this year’s Monterey action is the revival of the Mustang Boss 302 for 2012. It’s a hardcore version of the already well-liked Mustang GT – the hot new 5.0-liter V8 has been given more power, and performance mods like an upgraded clutch, adjustable suspension, short-throw shifter and improved brakes are all on hand, as is an even more exclusive Laguna Seca model.

We’ve now spent a good deal of time fawning over the official photos of Ford’s new Boss, as well as a set of live photos shot by our own Drew Phillips. However, Ford has just released another smattering of high-res shots showing the track-storming Boss models in all their glory. Scroll through the attached galleries to see the full raft of Boss 302 images, and be sure to wipe the drool from your keyboard when you’re done. Hat tip to Antonio!

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Live Unveiling

Live photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Ford]

Ford releases additional photos of Mustang Boss 302, triggers additional drooling originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302: First live photos!

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 live

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Live Unveiling _ Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 was unveiled this morning at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and we were at the track bright and early to see it take a lap around the famous race course. Due to some early morning rain, the lap actually never happened (we weren’t told and were up at the corkscrew for about an hour waiting in the rain), but we managed to make it down to the pits to catch our first glimpse at the car.

We’ll spare you going over the details again – you can see the official press release, photos and video from our post this morning – but what we can bring you are the first live photos of the Mustang Boss 302, including a few of the “Laguna Seca” edition. Enjoy!

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Live Unveiling

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302: First live photos! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari drops new photos of 458 Challenge test session at Vallelunga

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Ferrari, Racing

Ferrari 458 Challenge – Click above for high-res image gallery

A few weeks ago, Ferrari officially debuted its latest Challenge race car, based on the 458 Italia. Now they’ve released new photos of the car during its test session at the Vallelunga race circuit. Factory test drivers Maurizio Mediani and Jaime Melo were on hand to provide feedback on the 458 Challenge, and predictably, both seem impressed with the car’s capabilities. Mediani described his drive as “very quick and extremely good fun,” while his counterpart commented, “I am sure that Prancing Horse competition owners will be very pleased with the car.”

Using the standard roadgoing 458 Italia as a base, Ferrari creates the Challenge version by increasing output of the 4.5-liter V8 to 570 horsepower, cutting weight via thinner and lighter body panels, adding a race-specific suspension setup, fitting 19-inch BBS wheels with Pirelli racing slicks, installing a set of carbon ceramic Brembo brakes and more.

So equipped, Ferrari claims the 458 Challenge can lap Fiorano over two seconds per lap quicker than its predecessor, the F430 Challenge, while pulling a cornea-yanking 1.6g’s worth of lateral acceleration. You can check out the new photos below, and we’ll be sure to bring you any more if Ferrari sends them our way.

Gallery: Ferrari 458 Challenge racer

[Source: Ferrari]

Ferrari drops new photos of 458 Challenge test session at Vallelunga originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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