My Perfect Automobile » Celebrity-Cars

Brad Pitt Pitches for Cadillac

Larry Bell — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 13:03:09 +0000

Cadillac ELR, winner of Eyes on Design award

In an effort to win new luxury customers in China, Cadillac is mounting an aggressive ad campaign that features actor Brad Pitt. The company hopes to lure a piece of the luxury segment away from entrenched German automakers BMW and Audi with the introduction of its XTS, CTS, and ATS models between now and 2014. Cadillac has chosen Pitt, one of the world’s most recognized celebrities, to help them gain ground in the competitive Chinese marketplace.

The ‘Bradillac’?: Video

Two video clips highlight the latest news from Cadillac. Above, see the commercial where Brad Pitt makes his debut as the face of Cadillac in China. The ad was shot in San Francisco, with Mr. Bradillac himself behind the wheel, apparently tooling around town doing errands and enjoying the scenery.

Below, design winner ELR, the Cadillac version of the Chevy Volt, takes some cold punishment in northern Michigan in order to test braking systems and handling ability. The car endures falling snow, slick terrain and ice, all for the sake of science.

Cadillac ELR: Design Award Winner

Cadillac’s ELR extended-range electric car took home the prestigious Eyes on Design award at the most recent Detroit Auto Show. The EOD trophy is considered one of the top prizes in the industry and is handed out by a discerning panel of automotive designers each year at the North American International Auto Show. Judges give another award for the best-designed concept car, which went to Cadillac Converj, ELR’s predecessor, in 2009. In any case, the 2013 win for ELR in the production category was a major upset over its closest competitor, the 2014 Corvette Stingray.

For more about the Cadillac ELR see the company’s specific web page for the car:
http://www.cadillac.com/elr-electric-car.html

For all else about the family of Cadillac vehicles, visit the official corporate website:
http://www.cadillac.com

For those who can’t get enough about Mr. Pitt, Cadillac’s newest pitchman, see the following information site:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brad_Pitt

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Classic Cars for Sale: Investors are Taking Notice

Larry Bell — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 23:36:37 +0000

Classic Cars for Sale (Pictured: Jaguar E Type V12)

Unique classic cars have recently turned into a hot investment, outperforming old-money stalwarts like wine, global equities and art. High-end classic cars for sale, many with a celebrity connection, routinely fetch upwards of $500,000 at auction. Consider Clark Gable’s 1949 Jaguar XK120, which just went to a lucky buyer for $2,250,000. Investors do not always trade celebrity cars. Typical sale prices for the 2008 Jaguar XKSS are four times what they were just five years ago, when the car was new.

Classic Cars for Sale: Conversion to Electric

Most car buffs do not think of the 1967 Austin Mini Countryman as a glamorous classic car. Regardless, an EV fan turned one into a respectable electric commuter car for his wife, and it looks great on its test run. For a first-hand look, see the video clip above. Glamor? No. Economy, efficiency and inventiveness? Yes. The tiny EV conversion takes a few loops around the lot, and does so in almost total silence.

Classic Cars for Sale

Experts say the global market for investment-grade classic cars is approximately $55 billion and growing. A trend that started in the UK and the US has spread to Asia and the Mideast, where elite car auctions are becoming more common. These days, signs that say, “Classic cars for sale,” could signal million-dollar events in the offing. Classic cars for sale in and around London tend to be unique gems that have lived pampered lives.

For an in depth look at some of the world’s most beautiful classic cars, see the JD Classics official website below. One of Britain’s best-known classic car organizations, JD Classics does everything from restoration and engineering to servicing and fabrication. Virtually every type of automobile has come through their facility. In fact, the company even sources classic cars for their local and international clients.
http://www.jdclassics.co.uk/

Larry Bell

Lamborghini Limo in the Works

Larry Bell — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:22:20 +0000

Lim-borghini: Rendering of a Lamborghini limo

A British luxury car rental company has announced plans to create a limousine version of the Lamborghini Aventador. The model will sport plasma TV screens, a wet bar, four doors, and a surround sound audio system. The technical challenges involved in building the prototype are formidable; the company is offering free advertising and naming rights to major financial sponsors. Custom stretch limos are nothing new, but a faithful Lambo replica is, primarily because it’s never been done before.

Limo-borghini?: Video

The clip above is the closest you will get to a tour of the Aventador limo, complete with eerie music and non-standard photo angles. The clip is more properly called a “rendered video,” or CGI, which means that the car does not actually exist yet, but that’s not stopping Cars For Stars, the UK luxury rental company. The bar area rivals anything you may have spotted in a custom Rolls classic. When and if the Lamborghini stretch ever hits the road, it is certain to draw a crowd wherever it alights.

Electric Limo: Video

The vehicle featured in the video above is not a Lamborghini, but it is a Superbus. That is the name given to the prototype, high-speed limo that gets incredible mileage and travels at 155 mph. The creators of the elegant limo, a Dutch engineer and an Italian designer, hope that the vehicle will be a smart substitute for high-speed trains in communities that have smaller populations. Looking like a Formula 1 race car that has been stretched to several times its original length, the Superbus might just be plying the roads of European cities by the end of this decade.

For more about the makers of the fresh-faced Lambo limo, see the website for Cars for Stars:
http://www.carsforstars.net
For more about Lamborghini vehicles, see that company’s official corporate website:
http://www.lamborghini.com

Larry Bell

Audi e-tron EV to Star in ‘Iron Man 3′

Larry Bell — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 02:02:45 +0000

Audi A3 e-tron

Audi has announced that its R8 EV will once again star in a major Hollywood film. As it did in Iron Man 2, the R8 will play a prominent role in the upcoming Iron Man 3, which arrives in theaters in early May. Iron Man himself, Tony Stark, will drive the e-tron version of R8 in the latest installment of the ultra-popular serial drama. This time around, Stark’s romantic interest, Pepper Potts, will also pilot an Audi, in her case the S7.

Audi R8: Video

For those who missed it, above is the official commercial from Audi which featured its R8 supercar, the V10 Spyder. Though the ad only provides very short glimpses of the main characters, many reviewers have said the car was as much a star of the film as Robert Downey, Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow. Downey’s Tony Stark plays a wealthy man-on-the-run who is trying to keep the secret of his body armor suit from government agents. Paltrow is CEO of Stark Industries. She is also Tony’s best friend and potential love interest.

Fresh from its appearance in Transformers 2, Audi’s R8 was well prepped for its star turn in the Iron Man series. Created by one of the company’s subsidiaries, Quattro GmbH, the R8 looks a lot like another famous vehicle, Lamborghini’s Gallardo. Note: Audi AG Corporation happens to be the owner of Lamborghini, so the resemblance is not coincidental.

Audi e-tron

The Audi R8 e-tron is still officially a prototype, but many industry-watchers claim the car’s high-profile film roles are a hint that it will someday go into production. The Iron Man-mobile Audi is perhaps second in movie-car fame only to the Back to the Future car, a DeLorean, which catapulted to celebrity status with its role in the cult film which starred Michael J. Fox.

For more about Audi vehicles, see the carmaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.audiusa.com

Larry Bell

Oscars’ Green Cars: Fiat 500e, Chevy Volt

Larry Bell — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 16:44:56 +0000

Oscars Go Green: Fiat 500e

Chevrolet and Fiat will be in the spotlight on Oscar night with events and promotions that highlight the Fiat 500e electric car and the Chevy Volt hybrid-electric vehicle. Fiat has been conducting a promotion called, “Into the Green,” to build excitement for its 500e. Two of those events are held prior to the Oscars telecast. In order to raise money for the Motion Picture and Television Fund, Fiat will let celebrities drive 500e models for several months. After that, the cars will be auctioned to raise money for the fund.

Chevy Volt: Video

How many celebrities can you spot in the above video clip from the 2010 Global Green USA conference party? If you caught tennis star Serena Williams, then you are on the right track. In fact, the event featured the Chevy Volt, though it talked up electric and hybrid vehicles in general. As one of the stars pointed out, the party was about the cars, not the celebrities. A GM rep was on hand to let the stars take test drives and be photographed with the Volt. That event took place in the early days of the Chevy Volt’s rollout, when no one had any idea how the car would be viewed by the automotive press and the public. Now, three years later, Chevy is not the only carmaker tagging along on pre-Oscar publicity to get the word out about alternative transportation. Fiat has apparently decided that its 500e, one of the newer EVs on the block, could use a healthy dose of celebrity schmoozing on Oscar eve.

Fiat 500e, Chevy Volt

This year’s Global Green USA pre-Oscar party featured celeb Ed Begley, Jr., who drives a Chevy Volt. The Volt, Cadillac ELR, and all-electric Spark EV were talked up at the event, which is held annually to promote green initiatives.

For more about Chevrolet and Fiat, see the automakers’ official corporate websites:
http://www.chevrolet.com/volt
http://www.fiat.com

Larry Bell

Grammy Awards, Chevy Volt, John Cusack: It’s All Good

Larry Bell — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 22:22:33 +0000

Chevy Volt, star of Grammy commercial

During the Grammy Awards telecast this week, actor John Cusack debuted as the carmaker’s new, official advertising voice, replacing actor Tim Allen. Chevy’s fresh “Find New Roads” theme offered up its first spot during the Grammy show, with a creative short-story that spotlighted the Volt, Corvette, Spark, Impala, and Sonic. The Chevy Volt, however, was the centerpiece of the commercial. The company has a busy year ahead, with at least 13 upgraded or completely new models aimed at various global markets.

Grammy Gala’s Volt, Cusack Ad: Video

The advertisement in question, which is linked via Chevy’s official YouTube channel, above, features several of the company’s newest and hottest vehicles, but is actually centered on the Volt. The commercial’s storyline involves a little girl and her dog, who have various real and virtual adventures as the parents take a drive in their Chevy Volt hybrid-electric car. The middle portion of the spot offers up some exciting footage of Chevrolet’s Sonic and other models in action on city streets, concluding with a spellbinding chase scene involving the 2014 Corvette. Like all good stories, this one has a calm, happy ending as the little girl and her dog share kisses with a tame deer that nuzzles up to the window of the Volt.

Grammy,Volt,Cusack

Actor John Cusack is the new voice of Chevrolet but only appears toward the end of the spot. We will likely see much more of him in the near future, as Chevy rolls out a slew of ads for its 2013 and 2014 models. The actor is a familiar face to audiences all over the world, having starred in such blockbuster films as Being John Malkovich, High Fidelity, and Say Anything.

For more about Chevy cars and trucks, see the automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.chevy.com

Larry Bell

Grammy Star Taylor Swift’s Eco Mercedes Viano

Larry Bell — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 02:28:29 +0000

Mercedes-Benz Viano owner Taylor Swift (Photo: Flynetonline)

Taylor Swift blasted open the Grammy Awards show this week with a wild, hilarious rendition of her signature hit, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”

Swift, arguably the world’s most famous pop singer, at one time owned a Mercedes-Benz Viano, the environmentally friendly vehicle that comes equipped with a BlueEfficiency package which includes regenerative braking and other green components. Uber-celeb Swift has been spotted on the streets of LA in her Audi R8 as well. It comes as no surprise that the global sensation owns several hot rides, and besides the green Viano and an Audi R8, Taylor is also known to prefer the Porsche 911 as a get-around cruiser for weekend errand-running.

Taylor Swift: Video

When Swift first acquired her Mercedes-Benz Viano, the vehicle had not yet shown its Vision Diamond concept version, which was on display at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show. The video clip above offers a few rare shots of the vehicle, perfectly suited for a celebrity lifestyle. The Vision Diamond concept has a plush interior that resembles a small, upscale hotel room, complete with entertainment center, ultra-comfortable seating and plenty of legroom. One of the most luxurious vehicles at the Beijing show last year, the Viano is based on another Mercedes-Benz model, the Vito panel van. Though the Vision Diamond concept has not yet seen production, it is a good guess that many of its features and components will find their way onto other Mercedes-Benz models in the near future.

Taylor Swift and Viano

The Viano employs a so-called smart alternator that operates independently, making sure the battery gets additional power at exactly the right time. BlueEfficiency packages come standard on the Viano. With a design based on the Mercedes-Benz Vito van, the Viano provides seating for eight people yet is frugal when it comes to fuel consumption.

For more about Mercedes-Benz vehicles, see the automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.mercedes-benz.com

Larry Bell

Grammy Winner Kelly Clarkson’s Turn for Toyota

Larry Bell — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:15:56 +0000

Toyota Avalon Hybrid

Grammy winner for Best Pop Vocal Album, Kelly Clarkson had a busy year, which featured an unusual musical gig as the driver of a Toyota Camry in a commercial for the Japanese automaker. The spot featured Clarkson’s smash single, “Stronger,” which she and her car mates sang as they tooled down the road. Toyota’s Camry and Camry Hybrid are among the company’s most popular vehicles, thanks in part to the pop diva’s turn at the wheel. Clarkson took home the Pop Album trophy at the Grammy Awards this week, but was also nominated in Pop Solo Performance and Record of the Year categories, rounding out a career-topping 2012 and getting 2013 off to a rousing start.

Kelly Clarkson’s Toyota Ad

Kelly Clarkson’s recent spot for Toyota was one of the automaker’s more popular commercials, not only because it featured four well-known people, but because her song, “Stronger,” was number one at the time the ad was released. It all melded perfectly into the Toyota Camry, and Camry Hybrid, message. Seriously, what company would not want their product to be associated with the idea of strength, plus the hottest singing star of the day? Clarkson and Toyota were a good mix, which has some wondering if the two corporate teams will make more music together in the future.

Kelly Clarkson and Toyota

Toyota’s Camry has been the best-selling passenger car in America for eight years in a row. No doubt the teaming with A-list celebrity Kelly Clarkson was a part of the auto giant’s way to keep Camry on top of the segment. The 2013 Camry Hybrid features an audio system with Bluetooth streaming, as well as a 6.1-inch touch screen audio system. The audio system figured prominently in the Clarkson-Toyota spot which aired all of last year.

For more about Toyota vehicles, see the Japanese automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.toyota.com
For more about Kelly Clarkson, see the superstar’s official site:
http://www.kellyclarkson.com/us

Larry Bell

Kia ‘Superman’ Optima Hybrid Rocks Chicago Show

Larry Bell — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 14:46:30 +0000

Kia’s ‘Superman’ Optima Hybrid

Look! Up in Chicago. It’s not a bird or a plane. It’s a car. At the Chicago Auto Show this week, Kia Motors America showed off its Superman-themed Optima, which is a rare combination of serious artwork and car design. The Superman logo and colors seem to literally cover the vehicle and create an overall surrealistic impression. The Superman car, an Optima Hybrid, was used as a nod toward saving the planet (or is that the Daily Planet?), which is the Super Hero’s main job. Kidding aside, Kia unveiled five other DC Entertainment cars last year. The Superman Optima is the sixth “Justice League” car to be shown. DC and Kia are working together on a charitable drive for famine and drought relief. Kia has not specified exactly when or where the next two models will be shown.

Kia Optima: Video

The video clip below features a montage of Kia’s presentations at the Chicago Auto Show, which included the aforementioned Superman Optima, the Cross GT hybrid concept, and the surprising Forte 5-door. The Superman car is part of a charitable campaign which centers on eight different characters from DC Entertainment’s Justice League. The automaker’s Cross GT Hybrid concept is painted in a unique copper hue and sports rear-hinged doors on the back, allowing easy access to the rear seats.

Superman Optima Hybrid

The super Optima was designed by artist Jon Sibal and illustrator Jim Lee. MV Designz of California built the car to include some very special touches, like extra-wide fenders and ground effects. While you are not likely to see one cruising down the HOV lane anytime soon, we have heard the car might prefer the Lois Lane instead. The super car features special 5-spoke, 20-inch wheels.

For more about Kia’s down-to-earth cars, see the Korean automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.kia.com/Optima

Larry Bell

Batmobile at Barrett-Jackson Auction: $4.6 Mil

Larry Bell — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 15:04:46 +0000

Batmobile sold for $4.6 million at Barrett-Jackson auction

The original Batmobile, of TV series fame, sold at the Barrett-Jackson auction today for $4.6 million. Originally a Lincoln Futura that owner George Barris customized for the ‘Batman’ television series, the car eventually overshadowed the show and its human stars. In its heyday, the Batmobile used smoke screens, lasers, and oil slick accessories to elude, and often capture, criminals. One of the first live-action vehicles to feature an in-car telephone, the Batmobile’s selling price “pleased” Barris, according to his spokesperson. The buyer has not been identified.

Batmobile at Barrett-Jackson: Video

In the fascinating clip below, the Batmobile’s creator, and former owner, speaks of the vehicle’s place in entertainment history. Specifically, one can say that the unique re-do of a 1955 Lincoln Futura is the only TV car to become a star, in addition to its function as a central prop. The Batman TV series did not last long, but the Batmobile will live forever. Now, with the world-record bid at the most recent Barrett-Jackson auto auction, the sleek future-mobile will zoom into history books as one of the most expensive automobiles ever.

Batmobile

The video clip gives a close up look at some of the Batmobile’s more unusual options, like the nail-spreader and the Bat ray, perfect for ‘losing’ unfriendly tailgaters and all-around bad guys. The ‘secret area,’ positioned approximately where the glove box would be, held all sorts of 007-like gizmos and gadgets the Dynamic Duo used to fight crime, which was the Batmobile’s primary function. This weekend’s auction finally gave the world media a reason to say, “Holy high-bids, Batman!”

Now, the Batmobile can take its place alongside some of the entertainment industry’s most ballyhooed wheels, namely the “Back to the Future” 1981 DeLorean DMC-12, Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible” BMW i8, and Herbie, The Love Bug, a 1963 Volkswagen.

For true car buffs who also love movies, here are a few other celebrity rides that might bring back fond memories:

James Bond’s “Goldfinger” 1964 Aston Martin DB5

The 1977 Pontiac Trans Am from “Smokey and the Bandit”

Steve McQueen’s car in “Bullitt,” which was a 1968 Mustang GT 390

1970 Dodge Charger from, “The Fast and the Furious”

Finally, yet another Dodge: the “Vanishing Point” Challenger R/T.

For more about the Barrett-Jackson car auctions, see the organization’s official corporate website:
http://www.barrett-jackson.com

Larry Bell

DeLorean ‘Back to the Future’ Car Back in the News

Larry Bell — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 22:51:14 +0000

DeLorean EV prototype

The DeLorean is back, but not to the future. The car, and its original driver, Christopher Lloyd, will appear in an upcoming episode of TV series Raising Hope, set to air on Jan. 8. In reality, the re-booted DeLorean Motor Company, now based in Texas, will be producing an electric version of the cult classic to debut sometime in 2013.

DeLorean EV: Video

Sit back and spend nine minutes being amazed by the electric DeLorean prototype, soon to be available to the public as an electric passenger car. After a tour of the Texas factory, the reviewer discusses the future of the DeLorean EV with the company’s owner, and then takes a test spin in the prototype. Zooming along at 70 mph on the highway, the Back to the Future vehicle is virtually silent. Even if you are not a fan of the car or the movie, this project seems like the ultimate conversion job, on a major scale. When the DeLorean EV goes into production it will have a range of approximately 200 miles and boast a few other extras, but will look almost exactly like the original product.

DeLorean EV

DeLorean Motor Company’s CEO, Stephen Wynne, is currently working with Epic EV to create the electrified Back to the Future car. The prototype EV made its world debut in October of 2011. Some of the original cars, which first appeared in 1981, are still around. DeLorean enthusiasts estimate that over 70 percent of the original 9,000 cars are on the road today. The electric versions of the car that arrive in 2013 will, for the time being anyway, be custom-made models with lithium-ion battery packs. The legendary car gets its name from the company’s original founder, John DeLorean, who incorporated the business in 1975.

For more about DeLorean, see the company’s official website:
http://www.delorean.com

Larry Bell

Bieber, Lautner, Jonas All Drive This Car

Larry Bell — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 20:10:13 +0000

Bieber-mobile: Justin’s chrome Fisker Karma

Now it is official: Three of the most popular young males on the planet are Fisker Karma owners. Teen heartthrobs Justin Bieber, Joe Jonas, and Taylor Lautner all drive Karmas, but only one of them has a special chrome-plated model. Bieber’s shiny Karma has been the subject of endless media ink since he received the unique hybrid vehicle as a birthday present. Soon after, Justin was stopped by police and made the cover of every tabloid newspaper in the universe. Now, with Lautner and Jonas as fellow Fisker owners, the car can rightly claim to be number one among teen glitterati.

Fisker Karma Hot Ad: Video

With the production quality of a high-end Hollywood movie, the following Fisker Karma commercial will either make you want to go out immediately and purchase a car, or buy some ice cubes. Watch the video to understand what that means, but be warned, when the Fisker people mention ‘pure driving passion,’ they know what they’re talking about. As car company advertisements go, this has to be one of the, how shall we put it, most sensual. The final tag line says it all: The Fisker Karma is designed to get you, not the planet, hot. View the clip and be your own judge.

Bieber, Lautner, Jonas

The Karma made its debut on the world stage at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show as Fisker’s first production vehicle. The company was founded in Sept. of 2007. The hybrid-electric car gets an EPA all-electric range rating of 32 miles, but the German Technical Inspection Association tested the Karma and found that its range was 52 miles per charge. The car’s combined fuel efficiency is 112 mpg-equivalent according to the German testing organization.

For more about Fisker Automotive, and some awesome photos of the Karma, see the company’s official corporate website:
http://www.fiskerautomotive.com

Larry Bell