vLane Blog

Articles Matching “WTF”

• Upcoming: #carchat 35; November 4 @ 8PM EST

  Banovsky on November 4, 2009

  This week: Chrysler's restructuring plan, the new Chrysler logo, and SEMA…Oh, and how the Dodge Viper logo looks like Daffy Duck!

  If you'd like to participate, check out the #carchat How-To. Anyone can join us at 8 PM EST November 4, but you'll need a Twitter account to ask questions.

  However, if you'd like to follow things live, go here at 8 PM EST.

  And if you'd like to suggest topics and questions for the discussion, please leave a comment below, tag articles on Delicious.com with "carchat," or email me at michael [at] banovsky.com.

  Topics:

  • Discussion: New Chrysler logo…thoughts?
  • Discussion: Chrysler LLC restructuring
  • Discussion: SEMA Show recap + Are custom vehicles passé?

  So click through and read a few links, and see some photos related to the discussion.

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under Industry, WTF, This week, Chrysler, Discussion, Social Media, carchat, Twitter, LOL, Jalopnik, Original

• Video: Kia gets its Tron on

  Banovsky on November 4, 2009

  "The face of marketing is changing," yadda yadda yadda. Fact is, 30-second TV commercials don't do it for us any more. So Kia, as part of their interactive marketing campaign for the Soul, decided to make a pretty kick-ass short flick about a time-travelling Nissan and Tron-slash-zombie creating Soul. Really.

  

  We love the effects… [via freshnessmag]

  So click through to see this frankly awesome-filled Internet commercial. Why? Because it's cool. And normal car commercials are typically awful.

  Read full article | Comments (2) | Filed under Video, WTF, Crossover, Advertising, Kia, Kia, 2009, Soul

• Viral video victim gets new Hyundai

  Banovsky on November 4, 2009

  YouTube users: don't try this at home. Canadian Hyundai Elantra owner Todd Jamison exited his local gym after (presumably) a rigorous workout — only to find his car completely smashed, trashed, and inoperable.

  

  The video of the incident and Hyundai's response is after the jump

  As the resulting video (after the jump!) proves, he was a victim of both a terrible parking job and a soon-to-explode Internet meme. Within hours of the incident, the video was uploaded to YouTube — and to date, 1.6 million people have watched the carnage unfold over Todd's beloved car.

  What to do? Well, Hyundai Canada's marketing agency saw the video and pitched Hyundai: Why not be a good corporation and give this guy a brand-new car?

  As you'll see after the jump, that's exactly what happened. Bravo, Hyundai Canada.

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under Video, WTF, Wagon, Hyundai, Advertising, collision, community, LOL, Elantra

• Worst ad ever: Sting and the Jaguar S-Type

  Banovsky on October 26, 2009

  The Jaguar S-Type never really lived up to expectations. Sure, it looked all right — but unfortunately, it was a victim of the late-90s "retro" craze that quickly died off, along with its sales figures.

  

  Wake up, Sting! You're in a commercial!

  Here, for your amusement, is an ad for the S-Type featuring legendary rocker pop star Sting. And here are some things to look out for:

  • 0:20 — Sting has his eyes closed on stage because he's "dreaming" about being in a Jaguar S-Type. Shows how exciting the song is.
  • 0:23 — Caption: "What do rock stars dream of?" Well, they apparently don't dream about women, money, or success.
  • 0:31 — A very quick shot of Sting in the back seat of the S-Type. Is is that boring to drive?
  • 0:35 — The Jaguar splashes through water, its electrical system seemingly still works. This must be fiction.
  • 0:42 — Sting is awake now, still in the back seat, looking out a half-open window. "I wish I could remember what type of cream cheese I had on my bagel this morning…"
  • 0:52 — Back on stage, Sting is awake and throwing his arm in the air. Just one, like he's blessing his fans.
  • 0:55 — Narcoleptic Sting is asleep again. Somebody check his blood sugar levels.

  Click through for the awful-ness.

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under WTF, Advertising, Jaguar, LOL, Original, Worst Ad Ever, Sting, S-Type

• Car brands: Who owns what

  Banovsky on October 23, 2009

  With all this global automotive industry turmoil, it seems as if vehicle brands are trading hands like poker chips. How will you know if you're buying a British car…if it's owned by an Indian automaker?

  Here's an updated list for the major automotive manufacturers in the world.

  Read full article | Comments (2) | Filed under Future, Feature, WTF, Goodyear, manufacturers, 2009, Original

• Upcoming: #carchat 33; October 21 @ 8PM EST

  Banovsky on October 21, 2009

  This week: revelations on the auto bailout, buying a car that won't be stolen, strangest vehicle options, and advice for a new website — on how to make a good automotive website.

  If you'd like to participate, check out the #carchat How-To. Anyone can join us at 8 PM EST September 30, but you'll need a Twitter account to ask questions.

  However, if you'd like to follow things live, go here at 8 PM EST.

  And if you'd like to suggest topics and questions for the discussion, please leave a comment below, tag articles on Delicious.com with "carchat," or email me at michael [at] banovsky.com.

  Topics:

  • Discussion: More bailout revelations, from Steven Rattner!
  • Discussion: What car is least likely to be stolen or "burgled" at an airport?
  • Discussion: Strangest car/truck/van options, past and present
  • Discussion: What makes a good automotive website?
  • Discussion: Would you buy a Chevrolet Cruze wagon? (With fake spy photo!)

  So click through and read a few links, and see some photos related to the discussion.

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under WTF, Nissan, Social Media, carchat, Chevrolet, Twitter, vLane, Cruze, Jalopnik, Original

• That thing you do: Mitsuoka Viewt

  Banovsky on October 21, 2009

  We love interesting cars here at vLane. They don't have to be the best-looking, fastest, or safest. Don't get us wrong, we love Porsches and things — but sometimes "normal" vehicles are just plain boring.

  

  Mitsuoka Viewt

  Cue Mitsuoka. This tiny Japanese manufacturer takes existing vehicles (usually Nissans) and attaches a stylish retro body. Think of them as old Jaguars, shrunk in the wash — but reliable.

  Here's their latest, the Viewt. What do you think?

  Click through for more photos.

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under News, WTF, Japan, Weird, Mitsuoka

• Video: Lada Canada stunt team

  Banovsky on October 21, 2009

  We're just as surprised as you are. Sure Russian manufacturer Lada sold cars in Canada, but we don't remember any stunt driving demonstrations!

  

  Yes, they removed the wheels…

  This short video is pretty tame by modern standards — and I'm sure the vehicles were "strengthened" in many key areas — but really…stunts with cars are always awesome!

  Without further adieu, click through for the video!

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under Classic, Video, WTF, Europe, LOL, stunts, Lada

• The secret world of cars and tents

  Banovsky on October 16, 2009

  It started with the photo you see below. A Sunday morning browse of Chrysler's press photo archive turned up a photo of the "Magic Camper" package, available on the 1985 Plymouth Voyager. "Hmm…" I wondered, "How many car companies offer tents for their vehicles?" The results may surprise you.

  

  1985 Plymouth Voyager "Magic Camper" package

  If I'm honest, I gave up searching for OEM tent packages. There are simply too many. From laughing at the Chervrolet Nova 6 "Hutch" package (that turns an open hatchback into a three-sided cheese slice tent), to marvelling at the ingenuity of the Honda Element's available "curtains" — it seems outdoorsy people work at nearly every car company.

  So without further adieu, click through for a gallery of my favourites.

  Read full article | Comments (6) | Filed under Classic, Feature, WTF, Saab, Misc, Toyota, Ford, Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, Chevrolet, Dodge, LOL, GMC, From the web, Original, Camping, outdoors, Weird

• Silly old ad: This Jeep has two business ends

  Banovsky on October 15, 2009

  I love campy old ads. This one, for the Willys-Overland 'Jeep' — yes, from before AMC and Chrysler ownership — touts the practicalities of the military-bred machine for farm use and chores.

  

  Click through for the ad!

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under Classic, WTF, Truck, Advertising, Jeep, LOL, Pic