Remember when you had to actually watch the Superbowl to see the commercials, you remember back when commercial breaks meant Beer run, bathroom or snack time. Well, the battle of the Superbowl commercials continues to heat up. We’ve already checked out “The Beast“, and “The Dog Strikes Back“, now Chevy has their Superbowl commercial ready to be viewed (days before the Superbowl).

Chevy’s claim to Superbowl commercial fame is centered on the Chevy Sonic. Besides just driving down the street, have you ever wondered what you might like to do with your Sonic? Chevy tries to answer that question. How about Sky Diving, Playing the Piano (remember this is with your Sonic), perhaps trying a corkscrew jump with your new sonic is more your thing.

Well, checking out the video and finding out what it would be like is just a click away

Chevy Sonic Superbowl Spot

Maybe it was Al Chevy Dealership trying to appeal to the transformers crowd

Sorry Chevy, Your not making my top 10 list of Superbowl commercials with this list. Maybe next year.

Big money is spent in the Superbowl spots with millions going to air a 30 or 60 second commercial. While the best ads used to go to the beer commercials (Budweiser) now it seems the car manufacturers are trying to take the limelight. With Volkswagen is working with funny (always a winner with Superbowl commercials), Lexus is taking a more serious route with their commercials and have produced “The Beast”.

So what do you think? Is the funny twist on the Star Wars theme taken by Volkswagen (“The Dog Strikes Back“) going to make you want to buy their car, or is the more “Manly” theme of “The Beast” from Lexus going to be what entices you into shelling out the bucks to buy a new car?

Check out the Lexus Superbowl spots on our next page (click here )

Lexus Superbowl spot “The Beast”

“The all-new Lexus GS is showcased in this ad because it’s the first model to feature the new look of Lexus and it’s also the first of nine new or updated models we’ll launch this year,” said Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing. “This spot looks very different than anything Lexus has done before and demonstrates to the 50-million-strong Super Bowl audience that 2012 will be a breakthrough year for Lexus.”

The battle of the superbowl commercials! It’s funny how these commercials are starting to turn into the highlights of the game. Considering the $millions that are spent on creating and then airing these 30-60 second spots it’s little wonder that the companies producing them all strive to have the most memorable of the commercials. After all, if the commercial becomes popular people actually flock to see it on YouTube and other video uploading sites.

Want to check out their latest creations? On the next page of this post we have all three video spot “The Dog Strikes Back”, “The Force” and the teaser “The Bark Side”. Check them out and let us know what you think. Are they worth $millions?

Volkswagen VW Bug

This year Volkswagen if focusing on the VW bug for its commercials. The hero of the VW spots is a overweight dog. While I won’t spoil the commercial for you, I will say that it ends up having a Star Wars slant to it that turns out to be pretty funny. Now if funny isn’t your choice in Superbowl Commercials maybe the more “Manly” theme of “The Beast” from Lexus will catch your interest. Let us know what you think which spot rocks?

The Dog Strikes Back Video

The Force

The Dog Strikes back is a continuation of the theme that was started at the 2011 Superbowl with the Commercial “The Force”.

The Bark Side Video

Volkswagen also produced a teaser that has been airing in preparation for the Superbowl. Once again staying to the Star Wars theme “the Bark Side” is a canine musical rendition of the Star Wars “Imperial March” song.

So what do your think. Are they worth the millions spend to produce and finally air these commercials?

The Ford Focus electric is Ford’s first ever all electric passenger car. The 2012 Ford Focus was designed with specific competitive features in mind including a mile-per-gallon equivalent better than Chevrolet Volt and competitive with other battery electric vehicles. Using a 240 charging station the Focus can be charged in 3-4 hours, half the charge time of the Nissan Leaf. The design will be familiar, as it’s based on Fords global C-car platform which is used for both the gasoline and diesel powered Ford Focus vehicles which where debuted at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit (Detroit Auto Show) and were launched at the Paris Motor Show in September.

2012 Ford Focus Electric

MyFord Mobile Application

One of the unique features for the Ford Focus electric is the MyFord Mobile app. Like other remote EV applications you are able to monitor the charging status of the EV and receive instant notices when the charging process is complete. You can also receive a notice when the vehicle needs to be changed.

Advanced Battery System

The 2012 Focus includes an advanced battery system that heats or cools the battery as needed to keep it at the optimum temperature to maximize battery life and the driving range. This optimum temperature helps the battery remain at the most efficient temperature for both charging and discharging.

The batteries can be charged with 240 or 120 volt EV chargers. The charging port has light rings that tell you when the charging connector is properly connected and also tells you when the batteries are being charged. If there is a fault the rings flash, when fully charged the entire ring is solidly lit.

Ford Focus Value Charging

The 2012 Ford Focus employs software from Microsoft to create a new feature called “Value Charging” (let’s hope it doesn’t include the “blue screen of death”). This new feature helps the owner to charge their vehicle at the lowest possible utility rates.

“Value charging allows our customers to reduce their electricity costs by taking advantage of off-peak or other reduced rates from their utility without a complicated set-up process,” said Ed Pleet, manager, Ford Connected Services Organization. “This is a ‘set it and forget it’ approach for the customer to reduce energy cost.”
Check out the full specifications at 2012 Ford Focus

Another Great year for the Scottsdale Arizona Barrett Jackson auction with a large number of Vehicles going for over a million dollars. The Top 5 for all 6 days was a 1948 TUCKER TORPEDO for $2,915,000.00, 1947 BENTLEY MARK VI COACHWORKS BY FRANAY for $2,750,000.00, 1954 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL GULLWING for $2,200,000.00, 1933 PIERCE-ARROW SILVER ARROW for $2,200,000.00 and a 1954 DE SOTO ADVENTURER II for $1,430,000.00.

There were also 4 other cars that sold for over $1 million, a 1928 DAIMLER P.1.50 VEE FRONT ROYAL LIMOUSINE for $1,155,000.00, a 1930 ISOTTA FRASCHINI TIPO CABRIOLET for $1,100,000.00, 1930 DUESENBERG J for $1,045,000.00 and a 1964 FORD FAIRLANE 500 CUSTOM 2 DOOR HARDTOP for $1,000,000.00.

The Scottsdale auction started off on Tuesday and the top 5 results were dominated by Ford and Chevy. The highest selling car on Tuesday was a 1956 FORD F-100 CUSTOM PICKUP for $58,300.00, followed by a 1957 CHEVROLET CAMEO PICKUP for $57,200.00, a 1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO COUPE YENKO RE-CREATION for $56,650.00, a 1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE for $55,000.00 and finally a 1965 FORD THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE for $55,000.00. No word yet on what the Jordin Sparks “Playboy Pink” classic mustang convertible went for.

The Thursday entertainment list for the Barrett Jackson show included the Dress for success trends show, the CRAVE stylists and Fashion show, another VIP and Media preview party, and the international “Fiesta of Four Flags” fashion and food party. Dodge and Bentley made a showing in the top 5 for Thursday with a 2010 DODGE CHARGER NASCAR NATIONWIDE RACE CAR topping the list at $250,000.00 followed by a 1968 FORD MUSTANG CUSTOM FASTBACK for $242,000.00, a 2004 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT for $128,700.00 a 1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE for $113,300.00 and ending the top 5 list for Thursday was a 1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE for $110,000.00.

Friday went to the dogs with the Pet Pawshion Show, it also gave the media another VIP and Media preview party, and the much acclaimed Barrett-Jackson Culinary & Wine Fest. A Plymouth and a Shelby made it to the top 5 for Friday but the top slot went to Chevy again with a 1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE for $357,500.00 followed by a 1964 FORD THUNDERBOLT 2 DOOR for $242,000.00, a 1968 PLYMOUTH BARRACUDA SUPER STOCK for $242,000.00, a 1968 SHELBY GT500 CONVERTIBLE for $220,000.00 and finally a 1970 FORD MUSTANG BOSS 302 FASTBACK for $209,000.00 to wrap up the Friday top 5 list.

The stars were shinning on Saturday both on an off the auction floor with the “Jazz, Jewelry & Bedazzled Brunch” Another VIP preview party that includes a “Beach Bunnies Fashion Show” and the “Icing: The Million Dollar Diamond & Dessert Show”. This was the day of the top sellers all 5 of the highest selling cars were sold on Saturday once again the list was a 1948 TUCKER TORPEDO for $2,915,000.00, 1947 BENTLEY MARK VI COACHWORKS BY FRANAY for $2,750,000.00, 1954 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL GULLWING for $2,200,000.00, 1933 PIERCE-ARROW SILVER ARROW for $2,200,000.00 and a 1954 DE SOTO ADVENTURER II for $1,430,000.00.

If you were needing a break for the auction by Sunday you were treated to the “Champagne Brunch & Celebrity Karaoke Contest:”. The 2012 Scottsdale Barrett Jackson auction finished with it’s final top 5 list going to a 2010 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS MILITARY TRIBUTE for $175,000.00, 1932 FORD HI-BOY CUSTOM ROADSTER for $150,000.00, a 1971 DODGE CHALLENGER CONVERTIBLE for $126,500.00, a 1966 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS 442 2 DOOR HARDTOP for $121,000.00 and a 1998 BENTLEY AZURE CONVERTIBLE for $88,000.00

2012 Barrett Jackson Palm Beach Florida
If you missed the Scottsdale Arizona auction you can start making plans for the Palm Beach Florida auction being held on April 5-7 of 2012. Barrett Jackson is already taking consignments for the show and tickets should start going on sale soon. There are also Barret Jackson auctions held in Las Vegas and Orange County later this year.

Russo and Steele is another one of the large automotive auction companies specializing in collector cars. There Scottsdale auction is held at the same time the Barrett Jackson auction is held in Scottsdale Arizona Jan 18th through the 22cd. There is also a Monterey Russo and Steele Auction called Sports and Muscle in Monterey” that is held at the same time as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance August 13th through August 15 in Monterey California.

Ford Roadster Russo and Steele Auction

Over 700 collector cars are on the block this week at the Scottsdale Russo and Steele auction here are some of the highlights. A large number of these vehicles will be offered without reserve.

• 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra CSX3127 Street 427 Prototype
• 1953 Chevrolet Corvette ‘Noland Adams’
• 1965 Shelby GT350 “R” Model
• 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda
• 1972 Ferrari Dino GTS
• 1932 Ford “Fusion” Great 8 Contender
• 1967 Dodge Factory Super Stock Hemi Coronet
• 1948 Ford “Vendetta” Custom Pick Up
• 1967 Chevrolet Corvette “Pickett Race Car”
• 1969 Ford Mustang ‘Jack Morris’ Custom
• 1954 Jaguar XK120 SE Roadster
• 1964 Chevrolet Corvette “Fuelie” Roadster
• 1999 Shelby Series 1
• 1951 Ford Custom Deluxe Woody
• 1970 Plymouth Superbird
• 1937 Mercedes-Benz 230 A Cabriolet
• 1937 Ford 2dr Sedan Slantback
• 1960 Ford Foose Custom Starliner
• 1951 Jaguar MK V 3-Position Drop Head Coupe
• 1962 Chevrolet Belair Bubble Top
• 1983 Ferrari Boxer 512 Bbi
• 1957 Chevrolet Belair 2×4 Convertible
• 1967 Jaguar XKE Roadster
• 2002 Superformance ‘1965 Cobra’
• 2005 GT40 Sport MK-I Replica
• 1957 Ford Thunderbird
• 1959 Chevrolet Impala “Tri-Power” Convertible
• 1936 Auburn Speedster Replica
• 2006 Panoz Esperante GT Convertible
• 1951 Jaguar Xk 120 Roadster
• 1936 Auburn Speedster Replica
• 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6 “Last Known LS6 to Exist”
• 1972 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV
• 1963 Plymouth Sport Fury
• 0 SPCN Batmobile Replica
• 1974 Detomaso Pantera
• 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ‘Yenko Tribute’
• 1969 Jaguar XKE Series II OTS
• 1933 Ford Model B Roadster
• 1932 Ford Boydster ll
• 1953 Studebaker Champion
• 1930 Ford Model A Pickup
• 1959 Fiat 500 Bianchina Trasformabile
• 1957 MG MGA Ex182 Tribute
• 1992 Ford Hooters Thunderbird ‘Alan Kulwicki’ Race Car
• 1959 Austin Healey Bug Eye Sprite

There are also a vehicle that are going to be offered this year that is the last known to exist of this particular model and year.

• 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6

Russo and Steele Celebrity Memorabilia

Along with the collector cars Russo and Steele also have a memorabilia auction that is held at the same time. Items are offered daily and are presented by Kevin Martin.

Russo and Steele Ticket Prices

You can purchase the Russo and Steele auction tickets online on their website. Russo and Steele Tickets. The price for a single day is $20.00, three days are $55.00 per ticket and a 5 day pass is $80.00 per ticket. If you can find one there are also promo codes that will give you a discount on the tickets.

While most bidders will usually want to personally be at the show you can also register to bid for the Russo and Steel Auction in Monterey by phone.

It’s always interesting to see how advertisers decide to use new technologies. Sometimes it works, other times it’s a flop. Right now one of the big rages in marketing is to create Apple iPad Apps (Applications) or perhaps an app for one of the Apple competitors like Blackberry or Android. Regardless of the format you choose the idea is to engage your target audience and get them talking about and interested in your products. Which leads me to the subject of this post, the new Volkswagen “GOLF R DRIVERS FOREVER” iPad App (likely works for iPods and iPhones also).

Golf R iPad App

Personally I’m an Android user so I’m not going to be able to download this app and see if there is really any thing in it that could make me interested in the Volkswagen Golf application for iPad. But I do have their description so let’s take a look.

To start out, what does Volkswagen have to say about the reason for the application? “The Golf R app was created to celebrate and thank the Volkswagen brand’s community of enthusiasts because they represent what makes the Golf R special,” said Jon Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “The app will help build awareness around the Volkswagen brand heritage and we are excited to offer this innovative approach that illustrates the performance of the Golf R.”

Interesting comments, but if the intended user of the application is already an enthusiast (meaning they already own and drive the vehicle), I would think that most of the information presented would be “old News”. In reality I’m guessing that the app is actually created to try to entice people into becoming enthusiasts, or at least to buy the car.

GOLF R DRIVERS FOREVER iPad app Features

• Exclusive videos, photos, interviews and Golf footage. Highlights include:
  • A mini-documentary about the world of Volkswagen including footage of the world-famous Autostadt, created by AWOL Films
  • An exclusive interview with designer Chip Foose discussing his passion for the VW brand and love for the Golf
  • Accounts from key members of the Volkswagen of America Product Marketing team and Volkswagen R GmbH team
• Fan testimonials and enthusiast stories
• Interactive timeline spanning the history of the Golf
• Golf R brochure with tech specs, photo gallery and 360° view of the car

Golf R Drivers Forever App

Well, have they gotten you interested yet? If so you can download the app here. Be sure to stop by here again and leave a comment letting us know what you think! Was the Apple app a success?

Check out the specifications on the NorCalCars Volkswagen Golf R Specifications page

One of the most recognized auctions in the world is currently underway. The Scottsdale Barrett Jackson is being held at Westworld of Scottsdale in Scottsdale Arizona Jan 16-22cd. The Barrett Jackson Auctions usually have an eclectic selection of car and this year’s auction is no different.

Barrett Jackson Tickets

Ticket prices vary tremendously depending on the day, how long you plan on staying and if you qualify for one of the discount tickets. Week passes go from $160 to $80 with the online tickets going at about half price so it’s well worth going to the online Barrett Jackson Ticket sales instead of paying at the gate.

If you can’t get tickets and see the show in person, Barrett Jackson also does video footage of the auction so you can check out some of the top sales on TV from the comfort of your own home.

Barrett Jackson Cars

To be expected there is an impressive list of some of the most beautifully restored classic cars you can imagine, mixed in with the classic are usually a large number of customized rods, this year’s lineup include a Chevy hot rod hearse, a recreation of the “Mystery Machine” from Scooby Doo, a “Hello Kitty” VW bug, the “Bumble Bee” Camaro, and Jordin Sparks “Playboy Pink” classic Mustang. You will often see some of the cars showcased from some of the larger auto shows; one of the notable auto show entries is a General Motors SEMA Show Vehicle, a Hummer H3.

Other Barrett Jackson Shows

The Scottsdale Barrett Jackson is one of 4 Barrett Jackson auctions that are held each year. There is also an auction held June 22-24 in Orange County, California, The Palm Beach Barrett Jackson is held April 5-7 this year and the 2012 Las Vegas Barrett Jackson auction is Sept 20-22. The Scottsdale auction is the original and was first held in 1971, as Barrett Jackson Auctions became more popular the additions auctions were set up in the other three states.

While the Scottsdale auction is still one of the larger shows, the others each have their own distinct flavor getting more cars from a particular region of the United States. For example the 2011 Orange County Barrett Jackson sold Tony Hawks customized 2011 Mustang GT dubbed the “Hawkized Stang” Celebrity cars are pretty popular are the at the Various Barrett Jackson Auctions.

California continues to lead the world in the use and development of electric vehicles (EV). One of the newer automotive manufacturers is Coda (based in Benicia California) with its all electric sedan. The company focus for Coda is “Green Technology” with its first effort being the 4 door, five-passenger all electric Coda Sedan.

2012 Coda EV

To start off the 2012 Coda has a pretty impressive warranty, a 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty, 5-year / 60,000-mile power train warranty and 10-year / 100,000-mile limited battery warranty. It also has one of the best driving ranges for an electric vehicle with a range of up to 125 miles per full charge (which takes 5 hours on a 220 volt, 30 amp charger. Top Speed for the Coda is 85 Mph and is electronically limited.

Federal Tax Credit

Federal Tax Credits and other incentive can help lower the cost of owning this EV. A federal Tax credit of up to $7,500 is available as well as a growing number of other state and business incentive. Coda is also hoping to qualify for the California Clean Air Sticker to allow single occupant carpool access and even free parking in some cities. This is a real bonus in the bay area where most of the freeways have some sort of carpool lane in affect for most of the high traffic hours.

Coda Luxury Features

One of the more interesting features is the all-in-one audio system from Alpine. This combines audio, video and navigation in one convenient system. You also get Bluetooth hands free calling and a convenient touch screen for controls. You can also plug your iPhone, iPod and MP# player into the Alpine sound system.
Perfect car for Bay Area Commutes.

The single person carpool access will really help out if you are commuting in the San Francisco Bay area. You can also find a large number of businesses, government parking, and university parking garages with EV charging where you can make use of the Level 2 charging capability of the Coda. Two hours of charge will get you p to 50 miles where a full charge of 6 hours will take you up to 150 miles.

Coda Safety Features

The 2012 Coda has an impressive list of safety features including ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), 6 standard airbags (2 dual stage front driver and passenger, 2 foor-mounted curtain, and 2 seat mounted side impact air bags), 3-point force limited and pre-tensioned front seat belts, a collapsible steering column and latch child restraint systems.

Bay Area EV Charging Stations

If you are looking for some ideas on where to get your new Coda (or any EV) Charged in the bay area here are some of the NorCalCar pages listing EV Charging stations.

• San Francisco EV Charging Stations
• San Jose EV Charging Stations
• San Mateo EV Charging Stations
• University EV Charging Stations

You can check out all the Specifications on the NorCalCars 2012 Coda Specifications page.

The original Volkswagen Beetle or VW Bug made its entry into the automotive world as a cheap car designed to be affordable by anyone. Who would have know that with its humble beginnings the VW Bug would move from bottom of the line through cult classic and now on to trendy. Move over “New Beetle” here comes the E-Bugster!

Volkswagen E-Bugster

While there is no knowing if this will every hit the showroom floor this concept will no doubt get some attention at the North American International Car show in Detroit Michigan.

VW E-Bugster