May 1st, 2009 by Byron Thurman

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Etc., Japan, Videos, Honda, Humor

Here in America, gearheads tend to think that we start our young ones off right, introducing kids to the joy of automobiles through Hot Wheels, Automoblox, racing video games, bumper cars, and the like. Japan apparently has a better idea.

Apparently taken from a Japanese children’s show called Hirake! Ponkiki, the hilarious footage after the jump shows some unidentified costumed characters (think: Sesame Street) taking to Japan’s fabled Twin Ring Motegi in a Honda S2000 and a Integra to showcase the joy of spirited driving. The show segment including portions covering gymkhana, drifting, and high-speed work. In the tradition of many Japanese gameshows, it’s colorful, zany stuff that has our inner child wishing that someone would have had the good sense to slap some Nomex and a brain bucket on Grover, handed him the keys to a Corvette parked in the pits of Laguna Seca, and said “Have at it, my furry friend.”

[Source: Youtube via Japanese Nostalgic Car]

Continue reading VIDEO: Wacky children’s tv show filmed at Motegi shows Japan is starting kids off right

VIDEO: Wacky children’s tv show filmed at Motegi shows Japan is starting kids off right originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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May 1st, 2009 by Byron Thurman

Filed under: Convertibles, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Peugeot, UK, Humor

In a cheeky bit of naked ambition, French automaker Peugeot inundated London’s morning commuters today with a pool of 308 ‘nude’ actors who appeared to only be wearing scarves. What was the reason for the au natural display? Why, to celebrate the arrival of the company’s latest topless model, the 308 Coupe Cabriolet.

Upon closer inspection, it turns out that the flesh flash mob was actually outfitted in form-fitting body-colored suits, thus preventing the local authorities getting rude with the nudes.

Interestingly, the 308CC has actually been on offer since the beginning of the month, but we can understand Peugeot’s reluctance to send out its birthday suit troops on April Fools’ Day, lest everyone get a rise out of this odd bit of viral *ahem* marketing. In any case, check out some wacky videos documenting the event and the press release after the jump.

[Source: NudeInAScarf.com]

Continue reading Buff It Out: Peugeot inundates London commuters with 308 ‘nudists’ to celebrate launch of 308 CC [w/VIDEOS]

Buff It Out: Peugeot inundates London commuters with 308 ‘nudists’ to celebrate launch of 308 CC [w/VIDEOS] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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May 1st, 2009 by Byron Thurman

Filed under: Etc., Humor

Prom is only a few weeks away for most American teenagers, which means high school juniors and seniors are prepping for what many feel are the most important night of their young lives. At our advanced age, we could really care less about proms, but we have a soft spot for the the transportation that ferries gussied up young un’s to and from this teenage right of passage. Some choose to travel in the lap of luxury, some appreciate form over function (read: big back seat), while others look to one-up their friends. We poured over the many vehicles available to America’s teens and compiled our own list of Top 10 Prom Rides. Click either image to begin and have fun… but not too much fun.

Corsage Cruisers: Top 10 Prom Rides originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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May 1st, 2009 by Byron Thurman

Filed under: Videos, Ford, Hyundai, Humor

Ford’s been building up to April 17, 2009 for several months now. In these dark days for the auto industry, there isn’t a lot worth celebrating so it’s understandable that the 45th anniversary of the introduction of the Mustang is drawing some attention. Over the past 45 years, numerous contenders have rolled up to the lights for a chance to try and snatch the crown from the original pony-car, but only the Mustang has remained standing throughout. The latest intender to the throne comes from Hyundai in the form of the Genesis Coupe. As with so many species in the animal kingdom, the battle for the alpha position is preceded by an elaborate dance. Check out the Genesis coupe’s birthday tribute the current leader after the jump.

Continue reading VIDEO: Hyundai pays tribute to 45 years of the Mustang

VIDEO: Hyundai pays tribute to 45 years of the Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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May 1st, 2009 by Byron Thurman

Filed under: Etc., Toyota, Humor

Dear readers, this is what you get when you mix some serious damage, an aversion to body shops, a lot of time, and the belief that Bondo and duct tape can fix anything. This sad-looking fifth-generation Toyota Camry was spotted in Dallas by Final Gear user Spectre, and it appears to be wearing enough Bondo to give a nice boost to 3M’s quarterly profits.

We applaud the effort on maintaining the window line as well as returning a Camry Coupe to Toyota’s lineup, but we have to take points off for the roof bulge. If you can ignore the fact that it looks like the passenger side has been overrun by some sort of mutant mold and that it appears that you can’t open the right side doors… well, there’s not much else left to say about it, is there? Have a look for yourself in the gallery below. Hat tip to Pete!

[Source: Final Gear]

No Mo’ Bondo: Hapless Toyota Camry gets its fill of filler originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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May 1st, 2009 by Byron Thurman

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Etc., Euro, Government/Legal, Supercars, Bugatti, Lifestyle, Humor