Video: Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride interactive promo

Lexus debuts "Dark Ride," a high-definition interactive film that promotes its new luxury compact hybrid, the CT 200h.



Got wheels. Lexus has released a high-def interactive film, Dark Ride, to promo its new CT 200h model. Visitors to the LexusDarkRide website can slot themselves – well, a likeness – into the movie, and into the CT 200h seat right next to actor Norman Reedus, of the Boondock Saints film franchise.  From there they can record their own dialogue, control the camera movement and POV, and make decisions that alter the path of the movie narrative.









Press Release



Lexus Invites Consumers to Co-star in New 'Dark Ride' Interactive Film to Launch New CT 200h Hybrid



Torrance, Calif., May 14, 2010 -- "Get in, buckle up and start talking." Lexus customers will be calling the shots in a high-definition interactive film entitled "Dark Ride." The film features Lexus' newest hybrid, the CT 200h premium compact car, piloted by actor Norman Reedus (Boondock Saints franchise). Reedus is behind the wheel in this 12:30 action film, but he is following the directions of the person riding shotgun...the consumer.



"With ‘Dark Ride' we are creating a unique virtual test drive opportunity so consumers can experience this hybrid, that is like no other, months before it is available at dealerships in early 2011," said Dave Nordstrom, Lexus vice president of marketing. "In it, consumers play a co-starring role as the fun-to-drive Lexus CT 200h is put through its paces. By guiding the driver and the CT through a series of adventures, customers will be exposed to ‘The Darker Side of Green,' which is completely different than the way hybrids are usually portrayed."



The film releases online at www.lexusdarkride.com today along with the trailer for the film, which will appear in select movie theaters across the country. Visitors to the www.lexusdarkride.com site will get to insert themselves into the film, sitting beside "Tony" (Reedus), and navigating while he drives the CT 200h from the Nevada desert to a Los Angeles safehouse and protects it from a variety of enemies who wish to get their hands on the new prototype.



Consumers will use an array of interactive features in the film-allowing them to insert their own likeness (via a Webcam or profile pic), record their own dialogue lines, control the camera movement and POV, and make decisions that alter the path of the film so new situations arise each time.



The "Dark Ride" film is the next step in the launch of the Lexus CT 200h and demonstrates Lexus' marketing theme, "The Darker Side of Green." This theme, which shines a different light on this new breed of a fun-to-drive hybrid, debuted at a star-studded event prior to the CT 200h's North American debut at the New York International Auto Show in April. This initiative will continue through the launch period with in-market custom events and a VIP marketing program that will give tech-savvy influencers access to an edited "Dark Ride" list of restaurants, clubs, bars and lifestyle brands. Brand partners include Duncan Quinn bespoke suits, VeeV Açaí Spirit, The James Hotel and Grand Hospitality for The Soho and Tribeca Grand Hotels.



DIRECT FILM VIEWING LINK: www.lexusdarkride.com

CAMPAIGN LINK: www.darkersideofgreen.com



The all-new CT 200h premium compact hybrid will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2011 as the first dedicated hybrid vehicle in the premium compact segment. Expected to lead its class in fuel economy, the stylish, sporty five-door also delivers a dynamic, fun-to-drive experience. The CT is powered by a 1.8L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gas engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and Lexus Hybrid Drive technology. The CT will be equipped with four drive-modes: Normal, Eco, Sport and EV.



With its reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service from its 228 dealers, Lexus has been the top-selling luxury automaker in the U.S. for ten years in a row. In addition, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader, now offering four hybrids, with a fifth on the way, that provide the best in innovative technology and first-class luxury. When Lexus was established in 1989, it offered two models of vehicles. Now, more than 20 years later, Lexus offers variations of 11 vehicles, from the entry-level IS 250 to its first V10 supercar, the LFA.



Note: Lexus Dark Ride is viewable with Internet Explorer (Versions 6 and most optimally, 7), Google Chrome, Safari and Mozilla Firefox. Your computer must be equipped with Adobe Flash Player Version 10, found here: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

Corvette Stingray Concept AKA Autobot SIDESWIPE Unveiled in Chicago

Welburn introduced the car at the Chicago Auto Show. The Sting Ray concept hasn't been seen before now. It's an extreme styling exercise that combines elements of the current Corvette and the classic 1963 split-window Corvette Sting Ray. Extravagant, shoulder-like fender flares and extreme curves make this car into what Welburn calls "an exercise in exploration for the Corvette." The influence of the '63 model can be seen in the Sting Ray's split rear window and rear silhouette, as well as in the update of the stylized Sting Ray badge.


Since photos from the Transformers set have been leaking onto the web, the Sting Ray concept has created quite a bit of stir as auto spies and Corvette fans alike traded rumors as to what the vehicle might be.


The identity of the "mystery" Transformer seen in spy photos on the set of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has finally been revealed. The vehicle, which will play the character "Sideswipe" in the movie, is a design study called the Corvette Sting Ray, according to GM Global Design Vice President Ed Welburn.


Alas, there are no plans for production. Transformers director Michael Bay reportedly toured the GM styling studios looking for new characters for the movie, saw the Sting Ray concept, and was so impressed by the car that he created a character for it, just to get the car into the movie.


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Chicago Auto Show : Autobots Headed

We usually know what vehicles an automaker will debut at a major auto show the weekend before, but General Motors has kept us in the dark about its plans for the Chicago Auto Show next week. As such, we're not expecting any major product reveals, but today we learned that GM will be introducing us to the new Bumblebee from the movie Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.


He's the same Bumblebee from the first film, but the Camaro into which he transforms has been spiffed up for the sequel with a new front bumper, chin spoiler, hood scoop and different wheels. Whereas the first Bumblebee was based on the Camaro Concept, it appears that the new one is based on the actual production car.


Joining the orange Camaro in Chicago will be other characters from the film in their car forms. New additions to the sequel brandishing a GM badge include a 2010 Chevy Volt called Jolt, a Chevy Spark called Skids and a Trax concept called Mudflat (together known as the Twins), and a character called Sideswipe based on the still-yet-to-be-revealed Corvette Centennial Concept. GM didn't specify in its press release (included after the jump) which characters are accompanying Bumblebee to Chicago, but the venue at McCormick Place is one of the largest exposition centers in the world, so the more Transformers the merrier.
via autoblog



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New Lotus Evora Celebrities Line-up

Looks like you will have some hefty competition if you want to get one of the few editions of the Lotus Evora to be produced over the next year. The 0-60mph time in under five seconds sports car with a top speed of 160mph has celebrities and lay people alike running rabid with anticipation, including London Mayor Boris Johnson.


According to the British automaker, A-listers like Beyonce, Daniel Craig, Dave Grohl, and George Clooney are lining up for test drives, as are a whole host of B-list through D-list celebs. Amongst those wanting the under-£50,000 2+2 are Top Gear presenters James May and Richard Hammond.


Johnson, recenly promised to get an electric family car as soon as one is available, seems more interested in the fun sports car than a clean one. He has plans to get behind the wheel of a Lotus Evora as soon as possible, despite the fact that it produces more than twice the amount of carbon dioxide per kilometer (225 grams) than a Toyota Prius (104g per km). Johnson seems to be backing away from the statement he made to the Independent, published earlier today, when he said, "I don't want to buy another internal combustion engine, there is a market waiting to be satisfied, and if that isn't an economic stimulus, I don't know what is."


Only 2000 units of the Lotus Evora will be produced per year, so hopefully Richard Hammond won't crash his out.


Group Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley said in a press release, "The Evora is the biggest milestone for Lotus since the Elise was born 13 years ago. We are currently working at broadening the appeal of the Lotus brand through an aggressive 5-year model plan of which this car represents the first exciting step."
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