Video: Audi reveals "Vampire Party" 2012 Super Bowl commercial

Taking a jab at the likes of Twilight and True Blood, Audi of America has officially revealed their 2012 Super Bowl commercial. Bearing the tagline "Daylight, now in a headlight," the one-minute ad-spot humorously shows the power of Audi's patented LED headlight technology when the new S7 pulls up to a midnight "Vampire Party." All perfectly matched to a soundtrack of Echo & The Bunnymen's "Killing Moon." Video after the jump.



Although we like the ad, the recent "Ahab" commercial would have been our pick for Super Bowl airtime. What are your thoughts?

Source: Audi of America (YouTube)

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Video: Supercharged, 600+ HP Audi RS4 by MRC Tuning

Our friends from MRC Tuning are at it again. Adding to their portfolio of projects (and brilliant videos) including a 204 mph B5 S4 and 820 hp RS6, the British tuning firm has revealed this supercharged B7 Audi RS4. Affectionately called "The Road Warrior," this latest film by NisusHD features everything we love about MRC's featurettes; stunning camera work, exhaust flames and a great soundtrack. Video and more details on the car after the jump.



MRC Tuned Audi RS4 (B7)

Horsepower: 612 (620PS)
Torque: 465 lb/ft (630 NM)
TTS Supercharger
MRC Cold air feed (deflapped intake, ported, decoked)
Milltek Exhaust
Brembo 380mm Brake Upgrade

Film by NisusHD
Source: MRC Tuning via Vimeo

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Audi voted "most admired company in Germany" in recent survey

According to the recent "Imageprofile" survey by manager magazin, Audi is the "most admired company in Germany." Compared against 170 companies from 10 different business sectors, Audi was voted number one by a pool of roughly 4,050 company board members and managers. "Audi’s win shows that it pays to strive hard for better products. The outstanding image of this company is not the result of trendy marketing, but rather of the hard work of engineers and designers. Vorsprung durch Technik – this slogan is clearly the right mantra for Audi." stated Dr. Arno Balzer, Editor-in Chief of manager magazin. Full press release after the jump.

Hamburg, January 19, 2012 - Audi is the most admired company in Germany, according to an independent survey by manager magazin. The magazine announced yesterday in Hamburg that the company had prevailed in the “Imageprofile” survey against 170 companies from ten business sectors. In the survey of roughly 4,050 company board members and managers, the carmaker from Ingolstadt secured first place for its effective image development.

Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, accepted the honor yesterday evening in Hamburg. Stadler told the 200 invited guests: “The overall win in this well-respected study honors all Audi employees.” He stated that the employees have dedicated themselves to the company over many years and with virtually limitless enthusiasm.

Their efforts have paid off: from innovation, management quality and customer focus to financial stability and sustainability – Audi earned excellent marks in all of the evaluation criteria.

In his laudatory remarks, Dr. Arno Balzer, Editor-in Chief of manager magazin, said: “Audi’s win shows that it pays to strive hard for better products. The outstanding image of this company is not the result of trendy marketing, but rather of the hard work of engineers and designers. Vorsprung durch Technik – this slogan is clearly the right mantra for Audi.”

For its “Imageprofile” analysis, manager magazin surveyed 4,050 company board members, managing directors and top executives. The survey is conducted every other year and is considered to be of massive importance in the corporate world. In 2012 the results of the survey were presented for the 16th time.

Source: Audi AG

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Audi's 2012 Super Bowl commercial to feature S7 and LED technology

Though still much a mystery, Audi of America has today released a hint of what to expect from this year's Super Bowl commercial. In addition to the all-new, 2013 Audi S7, the 60-second TV-spot will highlight the brand's signature LED technology. "With LED, there’s no mistaking an Audi. Since pioneering the technology nearly ten years ago, LED lights have established the Audi persona have become one of the most recognizable features on the road," said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America. "Like our LEDs, this year’s Super Bowl spot will be unmistakably Audi." Full press release after the jump.

HERNDON, Va. January 17, 2012 - Audi today revealed details of its highly-anticipated Super Bowl advertisement, slated to run in the first quarter of the big game on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012. In the upcoming 60-second spot, the brand’s signature LED headlights will take center stage along with the new 2013 Audi S7 sedan. The story theme remains undisclosed.

“With LED, there’s no mistaking an Audi. Since pioneering the technology nearly ten years ago, LED lights have established the Audi persona have become one of the most recognizable features on the road,” said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America. “Like our LEDs, this year’s Super Bowl spot will be unmistakably Audi.”

At 5,500 Kelvin, Audi LED headlights are the closest re-creation of daylight available, providing numerous safety benefits, such as helping drivers’ eyes perceive more contrast experience less strain. Traditional lights take 0.2 seconds to engage, while LEDs are immediately activated making driving safer, faster. In addition to safety, LED lights save resources by using 50-percent less power required from the alternator – which in turn reduces the load put on the vehicle’s engine – and can last the lifetime of a vehicle.

Throughout February, enthusiasts can visit Audiusa.com to interact with LED-themed content and learn more about Audi’s signature technology, including its design, safety, efficiency and performance benefits. Beginning on January 29, visitors to the Audi Forum in New York can explore an interactive LED-focused digital experience.

The all-new Audi S7 combines thrilling performance, stunning design, and intelligent efficiency technologies in a package that further enhances Audi’s exciting new A7 five-door coupe. Audi MMI Navigation plus comes standard on the S7, which includes Audi connect™ enabling Google Maps™ and Google Search™ as well as a Wi-Fi® hot spot for up to eight devices. The Audi S7 is fitted with the new 4.0 liter TFSI® with 420 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.

Super Bowl XLVI marks the brand‘s fifth consecutive time as an advertiser in the big game. San Francisco-based Venables Bell & Partners is creating the spot.

In last year’s “Release the Hounds” spot, Audi became the first Super Bowl advertiser in history to tag an ad with a Twitter hashtag. The adventurous spot, featuring the new Audi A8 flagship sedan, was a parody of individuals attempting to escape from the confines of old luxury as portrayed in a luxury prison. The spot also featured a comical cameo by legendary musician Kenny G.

In 2010, Audi’s Super Bowl ad showcased a soundtrack created by rock legends Cheap Trick and featured the A3 TDI “Green Car of the Year” clean diesel vehicle, showing how easy being green can be. The brand’s 2009 spot featured actor Jason Statham in a series of high-speed chase scenes involving luxury competitors, sending the message that luxury is evolving. In 2008, the brand’s first Super Bowl spot delivered a parody of the movie “The Godfather,” signaling that Audi was ready to take on the perceived luxury leaders.

Source: Audi of America

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Video: Tom Kristensen, Leena Gade and Allan McNish at AUTOSPORT International 2012

From recapping last year's ILMC season, to hinting at what to expect from Audi in the 2012 WEC, Audi Sport's Tom Kristensen, Leena Gade and Allan McNish were on hand for some Q&A at last week's AUTOSPORT International in Birmingham, England. In addition to speaking of Audi Sport's team engagements, Kristensen, Gade and McNish also spoke briefly of 2011's personal achievements and extracurricular activities; such as McNish's Sport quattro drive and Kristensen's white-knuckle AC Cobra Daytona coupe run at Goodwood. Overall, a must-watch for the Audi Motorsport fan.



AUTOSPORT also got some one-on-one time with Allan McNish, which we've included below.



Source: AUTOSPORT (YouTube)

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