Test Drives http://testdrives.eu European car test drives and news Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:56:55 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 VW 2012 Super Bowl Ad: Dog vs Darth Vader http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/05/vw-2012-super-bowl-ad-dog-vs-darth-vader/ http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/05/vw-2012-super-bowl-ad-dog-vs-darth-vader/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:51:11 +0000 testdrives http://testdrives.eu/?p=2049 Remember the 2011 Volkswagen Ad? If not, play the second video on this page first. If yes, play the damn’ first video first!

And yes, we thing the dog version is funnieeeeeeehhrhrhhhrhhh…
…
VADER’s funnier! Sorry, my master!

]]> http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/05/vw-2012-super-bowl-ad-dog-vs-darth-vader/feed/ 0 Chrysler Eminem 2011 Super Bowl Commercial http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/04/chrysler-eminem-super-bowl-commercial/ http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/04/chrysler-eminem-super-bowl-commercial/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:01:28 +0000 admin http://testdrives.eu/?p=2019 Everybody talks about this year’s Super Bowl commercials. Well, impressive as they are, they still have to bring us a tear in the eyes. As Eminem did, last year. Classic!

]]> http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/04/chrysler-eminem-super-bowl-commercial/feed/ 0 Super Bowl – Subaru Game Day Dog Walk http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/04/super-bowl-subaru-game-day-dog-walk/ http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/04/super-bowl-subaru-game-day-dog-walk/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:57:21 +0000 admin http://testdrives.eu/?p=2017 Dog tested. Dog approved.
Because apx. 70% of Subaru drivers are pet owners, according to the company, Subaru launched two social networking app as part of its marketing effort: Dogbook for Facebook and MapMyDogwalk.

]]> http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/04/super-bowl-subaru-game-day-dog-walk/feed/ 0 Mercedes-Benz Citan – the new urban van http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/04/mercedes-benz-citan-the-new-urban-van/ http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/04/mercedes-benz-citan-the-new-urban-van/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:55:49 +0000 admin http://testdrives.eu/?p=2014 Mercedes-Benz’ new urban delivery van is called Citan. The name was revealed today during a symposium on brand competence and city logistics, which was held at the Mercedes-Benz Design Center in Sindelfingen. The name Citan combines the words “city” and “titan,” thus making it clear that the vehicle is a first-rate specialist for city logistics – one that was specifically developed to meet the tough challenges faced in day-to-day operations.

New van series to boost sales
With the introduction of the new urban delivery vehicle, Mercedes-Benz is adding another production series to its family of vans. The Citan is supplementing the Vario (6.0 to 8.2 tons), Sprinter (3.0 to 5.0 tons), and Vito (2.77 to 3.2 tons) to broaden the range of products in the lower weight classes of the van market, where it will significantly boost sales.

Whereas the small vans segment was still a niche market in the mid-1990s, it has now grown to around 700,000 units in Europe. Mercedes-Benz Vans plans to gain a market share of four to five percent in this segment. Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, is convinced that the Citan will be a big success. “We will take advantage of the trend toward city vans, which our brand will be able to exploit thanks to its attractively priced vehicles and the high quality of our products and services,” says Mornhinweg. “Our typical Mercedes-Benz reliability, 24/7 service, and, last but not least, our great brand image are key selling points as far as our commercial customers are concerned.”

Due to its large number of variants, the new urban delivery van with the star is suited for a broad range of commercial applications. Not only will the Citan be offered as a panel van, a crewbus, and a mixed-use vehicle; it will also be available in a variety of lengths and weights.
The Citan will be launched on the market in fall 2012. The vehicle will be unveiled to the general public for the first time at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover in September.

The Citan – the ideal partner in city traffic
The Citan was developed and tested in line with Mercedes-Benz’ demanding quality standards. The vehicle is correspondingly durable and robust. At the same time, it meets the requirements of customers from the service, sales, and trade sectors, offering them a large cargo space despite the vehicle’s compact dimensions. In addition, the van boasts attributes typical of the brand, such as great quality, economy, safety, excellent handling, as well as high fuel efficiency and correspondingly low CO2 emissions. The drive concept encompasses a broad range of low-emission, fuel-efficient diesel and gasoline engines and includes a BlueEFFICIENCY package. An electric drive version is also being planned.

The Citan’s operation, interior, materials, and workmanship are of the same high quality as in other Mercedes-Benz vans. The new urban delivery van can therefore be justly called the “little brother” of the Sprinter and Vito, to which it is in no way inferior. As is the case with every Mercedes-Benz vehicle, safety plays a big role in the new van, all variants of which come with ESP as standard.

New markets for Mercedes-Benz vans
Mercedes-Benz has greatly expanded its vans business in recent years. In line with the slogan of “Mercedes-Benz Vans goes global,” the brand is not only manufacturing vans in Düsseldorf (Sprinters), Ludwigsfelde (Sprinters and Varios), and Vitoria, Spain (Vitos), but also in the U.S., Argentina, and China.

It is also planning to strengthen its presence in the Russian market through a partnership with GAZ, the leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles in Russia. Over the medium-term, the GAZ factory near Nizhny Novgorod will produce 25,000 Sprinters each year, and do so strictly according to Mercedes-Benz’ quality standards.
Mercedes-Benz already is the undisputed market leader for mid-size and large vans in Western Europe.

]]> http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/04/mercedes-benz-citan-the-new-urban-van/feed/ 0 Chevy Silverado Super Bowl Commercial http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/04/chevy-silverado-super-bowl-commercial/ http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/04/chevy-silverado-super-bowl-commercial/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:49:39 +0000 admin http://testdrives.eu/?p=2021 Do you believe in the end of the world? Anyway, Chevy Silverado will save you! Take a look!

]]> http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/04/chevy-silverado-super-bowl-commercial/feed/ 0 BMW 2012 Super Bowl Ads For the New 3 Series http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/04/bmw-on-super-bowl-with-spots-for-the-new-3-series/ http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/04/bmw-on-super-bowl-with-spots-for-the-new-3-series/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:45:53 +0000 admin http://testdrives.eu/?p=2010 Here you have the new spots presented by BMW for 2012 Super Bowl. If you’d like more, can explore the all-new 3 Series at http://www.bmwusa.com/allnew3

]]> http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/04/bmw-on-super-bowl-with-spots-for-the-new-3-series/feed/ 0 Audi 2012 prices – R8 GT Spyder http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/03/audi-prices-2012-r8-gt-spyder/ http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/03/audi-prices-2012-r8-gt-spyder/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:02:40 +0000 testdrives http://testdrives.eu/?p=1985 The recently introduced Audi R8 GT Spyder is a hand-built, limited production vehicle with just 333 units produced world-wide and 50 units coming to the U.S. Similar to the R8 GT Coupe unveiled last year, each car will be uniquely distinguished with an individual vehicle number displayed on the gear shift.

The 2012 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the limited-edition R8 GT Spyder is as follows:
MSRP $210,000 (excludes $1,200 Destination and Delivery and Taxes)

Even lighter, more powerful and captivating, the Audi R8 GT Spyder delivers breathtaking performance. The open-top flagship version of the high-performance sports Coupe features a 5.2-liter V10 with direct injection and has been boosted to an output of 560 horsepower. With the reduced weight and increased engine performance, the R8 GT Spyder accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of
197 mph.

Using the principles of Audi ultra lightweight technology, the R8 GT Spyder has trimmed a full 187.39 lbs from an already low weight, increasing fuel economy, performance, strength and rigidity. The engine frame is constructed of ultra-light magnesium, and the long cover over the soft-top compartment and the large side panels at the rear are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. A fixed rear spoiler also made of carbon fiber composite provides the necessary downforce on the rear axle. The Audi R8 GT Spyder is capable of extreme lateral acceleration and engineered to deliver exceptional responsiveness through its sport suspension has a stiffer calibration and lowers the the R8 GT Spyder by ten millimeters versus the R8 V10 Spyder.Legendary quattro all-wheel drive system provides exceptional grip on 19 inch wheels and xyz ventilated and cross-drilled rotors provide exceptional stopping power.
Visual styling cues include a performance enhancing enlarged diffuser, front splitter and a fixed rear spoiler.

The interior is black and can be adorned with stitching in a choice of Titanium Gray or Crimson Red for added refinement. Alcantara applications include, seat inserts, flat-bottom sport steering wheel, hand brake cover and windshield frame.
R8 GT Spyder customer vehicle deliveries will begin as of February.

R8 GT Spyder Standard Features | Highlights:
− 5.2L 10-cylinder, gasoline engine, aluminum block
− quattro® all-wheel-drive
− Exterior mirrors: power adjustable, heated Front Airbags: Driver and passenger full-size dual-stage front airbags and knee airbags
− Side airbags: Driver and passenger seat mounted head and thorax airbags
− Front disc brakes: 8-Piston calipers, perforated, internally vented
− Rear disc brakes: 4-Piston calipers, perforated, internally vented
− LED headlights and daytime running lights
− Sport seats, heated, 10-way power with 4-way power lumbar
− Audi navigation system plus, 6-disc CD changer, Sirius Satellite Radio, Aux-in jack with 7 speakers and 5-channel amplifier with a total output of 140 Watts
− Preparation for mobile phone (Bluetooth®) with seatbelt microphone

R8 GT Specific Standard Features | Highlights:
− 19″ R8 GT wheels with summer performance tires
− R tronic ®, 6-speed sequential gearbox with shift-by-wire technology and sports mode
− R8 GT specific sport suspension system
− R8 GT specific carbon fiber matte exterior mirrors
− R8 GT specific LED tail lights
− R8 GT specific aluminum door sill inserts
− R8 GT specific steering wheel
− R8 GT specific sport seats in Alcantara and leather
− R8 GT specific carbon fiber matte interior inlays (monoposto and interior door handles)
− R8 GT specific numbered aluminum gear knob
− Windshield frame in Alcantara

Optional Equipment | Highlights:
− Audi navigation system plus with Audi music interface w/ iPod® cable (replaces 6-disc CD changer)
− Audi Carbon Ceramic Brakes
− Bang & Olufsen Sound System (12 speakers 495 watt)
− Titanium Finish 19″ 5-arm-double-spoke-design aluminum alloy wheels with summer performance tires
− Forged Aluminum 19″ 5-twin-spoke-Y-design in matte silver look with summer performance tires
− Carbon fiber matte door and center console panels
− Windscreen Frame in Fine Nappa Leather (interior)

audi_R8_gts_01 audi_R8_gts_02 audi_R8_gts_03 audi_R8_gts_04 audi_R8_gts_05 audi_R8_gts_06 audi_R8_gts_07 audi_R8_gts_08 audi_R8_gts_09 audi_R8_gts_10 audi_R8_gts_11 audi_R8_gts_12 ]]> http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/03/audi-prices-2012-r8-gt-spyder/feed/ 0 Alfa Giulietta Ad. Can a car play Ice Hockey? http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/03/alfa-giulietta-plays-ice-hockey-ad/ http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/03/alfa-giulietta-plays-ice-hockey-ad/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:25:34 +0000 testdrives http://testdrives.eu/?p=1981 Can a car play ice hockey?
Using the Alfa Giulietta’s all weather D.N.A. technology, ALfa Romeo set out to answer this question. Lots of hilarity ensued.

]]> http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/03/alfa-giulietta-plays-ice-hockey-ad/feed/ 0 Ferrari FF and a Rally Pilot. In snow. Fun! http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/03/ferrari-ff-on-a-snow-covered-forest-stage/ http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/03/ferrari-ff-on-a-snow-covered-forest-stage/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:03:52 +0000 testdrives http://testdrives.eu/?p=1977 Markku Alen behind the wheel of the FF to trial the 12-cylinder on the Arjeplog track in the North of Sweden. What more can you ask for?

Here you can see an excellent performance as well as the mechanical set up and the innovative 4RM system of the Ferrari FF, the Gran Turismo from Maranello entertained and thrilled the former World Champion on a spectacular track with ups and downs and challenging corners, passing the test with a top grade.

]]> http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/03/ferrari-ff-on-a-snow-covered-forest-stage/feed/ 0 Kia 2012 Super Bowl Ad with Adriana Lima http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/03/kia-a-dream-car-for-real-life/ http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/03/kia-a-dream-car-for-real-life/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:46:56 +0000 testdrives http://testdrives.eu/?p=1973 The new 2012 Kia Optima is having some fun with Adriana Lima, Chuck Liddell and Motley Crue. Or viceversa. We really don’t know. What we do know it’s the result is a blast! Super Bowl 2012 rocks!

]]> http://testdrives.eu/2012/02/03/kia-a-dream-car-for-real-life/feed/ 0