The Only Time Rust Looks Good On A Car. The Art Of Bo Lundvang.

Today's NY Times featured an article about the automotive art by Swedish writer and artist Bo Lundvang which prompted me to look further into his artwork.

The "rustings" as he calls them begin with a rendering of the desired image in a computer program. The finished image is sent to a vinyl cutter that produces a stencil from a large piece of adhesive vinyl, which Mr. Lundvang then affixes to a piece of bare steel measuring roughly three feet long and 1½ feet tall. With the stencil in place, the artist applies a process — “my own little secret,” he said, refusing to say more — that speeds the oxidization and regulates the formation of rust. When the stencil is removed, the image stands in smooth, gray steel against a background of deeply textured rust. Lastly, the entire work is covered in a sealing agent to protect against further oxidization.

Koenigsegg CCX:




Lamborghini Aventador:





'69 Dodge Charger:




The works, of which he creates no more than two each month, are for sale on his web site, with prices for predesigned work starting at $1,500, and special commissions costing more.

I'll Be Back. On My $38,000 Bike. Five Terminus Hybrid Luxury Bikes from M55.

If Optimus Prime and The Terminator had a child, it'd be the Terminus by M55. Founded in 2006, the Hungary-based M55 Hybrid Bike company builds cutting edge hybrid electric bicycles using the best technologies and materials available. Titanium, carbon fibre, custom airbrushing and even Swarovski crystals are used in the construction of these mean-looking electric machines. And at a price of $36,000 - $39,000 per bike, these are made for a discriminating, and wealthy, bunch.





After many months and numerous prototypes (they tried different high-tech frame materials, components, batteries but none of them had worked to their liking), the Terminus, their flagship bike, finally launched in May 2011.



M55 Bikes are driven by brushless electric motors which were designed by using a FEM software to create a light motor with the best performance. The efficiency of the M55 bike - depending on operating mode - is over 90%.



The energy to the motor is provided by 8 specially placed A123 battery cells. These occupy the greater part of the self-supporting frame’s internal volume. The capacity and performance of these special cells is much higher than anything available in presently produced e-bikes. The electric motor of the M55 bike only uses 60 A at maximum, so the expected life cycle of these cells will be very long. The manufacturer guarantees 1000 charge and discharge cycles with no more than 9% loss in performance. Another great advantage of this battery cell, that it can be charged to 80% of its capacity in just 60 minutes.



The Terminus bike comes in five editions; the Classic, the Biceps, the Airbrush, the Royal (with Swarovski Crystals) and the Prime. Special editions, built to an individual customer's desires, are available.

TERMINUS CLASSIC EDITION





The Classic series is the cleanest representative of our 6 year evolutionary journey, equipped with White Brothers double crown fork, the color of the bike is dominated by the silvery color of CNC’d 7075 Aluminum and the natural anthracite texture of the carbon-fiber battery container and fenders.

TERMINUS BICEPS




Our patented single-arm front-suspension design is a true extravaganza. Buttery smooth travel, rigid CNC machined Aluminum base reinforced with carbon-fiber and the resemblance of a human arm. Besides the extraordinary design, the prime advantage of this suspension is the elimination of brake-dive effect, enhancing safety while braking - especially on steep slopes.

TERMINUS AIRBRUSH EDITION

The Terminus Classic’s technical artistry enhanced with fine arts of an airbrush artist.







Let it be a tagline, a name, a logo, or a full-surface texture, we can make it happen. With this edition the Terminus becomes a ‘white canvas’ that is covered with our client’s imagination.

TERMINUS ROYAL EDITION





Shining Swarovski crystals, gemstones of your choice, even diamonds and golden or silver carbon textures are also options on the carbon-fiber components. This is the Royal Edition: true individual luxury.





The new, improved CNC machined frame is decorated with sparkling crystals from the world-famous Austrian company and installed silver and golden carbon fibre top layers are placed on the Terminus’ battery container box and both mudguards.


TERMINUS PRIME EDITION

Above: Terminus Biceps shown

This is the ‘no limit’ version of the Terminus. Nomen est omen - whatever our client requests, we make it happen. Combination of the Biceps, Royal and Airbrush edition in one bike? No problem. 
Exclusively produced one of a kind models for the V.I.P.

Terminus is a hybrid bike with not only extraordinary performance but also a stunning outlook as well. The motor power and battery capacity is well over the industry standard and a truly futuristic design makes the rider feel like they're steering a spaceship. The hybrid drive fuses two 'green' energies: human and electric power; meaning the motor is not a substitute to your human power but an addition.

The Terminus is a mountain bike designed for cross-country use. This ride represents state of the art in its every detail. Reaching speeds of up to 65KPH, the riding sensation cannot be compared to anything else - it tricks your mind and you will feel almost superhuman. The M55 is a limited edition product with only a handful of units expected to be made by the manufacturer.

Their bikes are custom tailored to their client's taste, so the shipping time depends on the date of the actual order.



Models and prices in Euro / USD:
M55 Terminus Classic edition - from 25.555 € / 31.500 CHF / $36,200 (excluding VAT, including free shipping worldwide)

M55 Terminus Airbrush edition - from 28.888 € / 35.600 CHF / $38,500 (excluding VAT, including free shipping worldwide)

M55 Terminus Biceps edition - from 28.888 € / 35.600 CHF / $38,500 (excluding VAT, including free shipping worldwide)

M55 Terminus Royal edition - from 28.888 € / 35.600 CHF / $38,500 (excluding VAT, including free shipping worldwide)

M55 Terminus Prime edition - Your imagination defines the borders at this model only.

Please note that M55 Bike donates to the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s actions for the preservation of our environment when a piece of M55 Terminus is sold.


images and info courtesy of M55

M55 Bike Hungary Kft.
Hungary
2096 Üröm, Kőbánya u. 11
vat #: HU14946668

E-mail: info@m55-bike.com

Bueller, Bulldogs & Beckham. A Look At 15 Of The Most Anticipated Super Bowl XLVI Commercials.

The practice of leaking Super Bowl spots before the actual Game Day is growing. And at about $3.5 million dollars a spot, it's no wonder big name brands are trying to get as much bang for their buck as possible.

Automotive companies in particular are sharing their spots on YouTube, Facebook and with bloggers and PR companies. Some with extended versions, others with a teaser.

For those who watch the Super Bowl more for the commercials than the actual sport, this may alleviate the need to tune into the game all together, a bad thing for network tv. For those who like to watch the spots multiple times, it's good for the companies.

Either way, here's a bunch of tv spots (and a few teasers) that will be airing on February 5th's 46th Super Bowl. References to 20+ year old movies and tv shows like Star Wars, Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Seinfeld seem to hint at the age of the creatives behind the ads.

Acura NSX "Transactions" with Jerry Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld is so excited about the new Acura NSX that he will stop at nothing to acquire the very first one. Check out the extended version of Acura's big game commercial:



Honda "Matthew's Day Off" extended version
Honda’s ad already sparked mass conversation thanks to last Thursday’s teaser. The commercial, directed by Todd Phillips (Old School, The Hangover, Due Date, etc.), features Matthew Broderick playing himself in a grown-up version of his celebrated role as Ferris Bueller alongside the all-new 2012 CR-V. Using themes from the original film to bring Honda’s “Leap List” campaign to life, the spot is meant to reinforce how the CR-V helps consumers conquer their aspirations before life’s next big phase.

True fans may also spot dozens of “Easter Eggs” hidden in the commercial that pay homage to the original film; fans are encouraged to join the conversation at Facebook.com/HondaCRV.



Volkswagon "The Bark Side"
A canine chorus barks a familiar tune. Keep an eye out for our 2012 Game Day commercial—it will all make sense. Love Star Wars and Volkswagen? You'll love this.



Chevy Sonic "Stunt Anthem"
The all-new Chevy Sonic is up for adventure. Watch Sonic's first time skydiving, bungee jumping, kick flipping, and performing with OK GO. 100% real stunts. For behind-the-scenes content, check out http://letsdothis.com/stunts



Chevy "OK Go -- White Knuckles" Talented Dogs


Chevy "Happy Grad"
Watch Zack Borst's winning entry to Chevrolet's Route66 competition. This Chevy ad will appear during Super Bowl XLVI. Filmed by Borst and company in four hours "Happy Grad" beat out 198 other video submissions and 400 scripts in the contest. Check out more about Chevy and Super Bowl XLVI at http://www.chevrolet.com/culture.



Audi "Vampire Party"
See the new Audi commercial and find out what happens when an Audi S7 shows up at a party full of vampires.



Toyota "Reinvented"
The brand's 60-second long spot is called “Reinvented” and continues the same theme as the first ads of the 2012 Camry last year, albeit with a more cheeky and humorous tone.
“Reinvention is a powerful idea and one we took to heart when we redesigned America’s most popular car with the launch of the 2012 Camry and elevated it above the competition,” said Bill Fay, group vice president of marketing at Toyota USA.

“The Super Bowl provides a forum to really drive home the reinvention message of the seventh-generation Camry, using humor to resonate with the American public," he added.
The “Reinvented” spot will be one of two 30-second commercials Toyota will be airing during the game on February 5.



Suzuki "Sled"
American Suzuki Motor Corporation will once again advertise during the Super Bowl with an all-new television commercial called "Sled", which highlights the automaker's all-wheel-drive 2012 Suzuki Kizashi sport sedan, which also starred in the company's first-ever Super Bowl ad -- entitled "Wicked Weather" -- during last year's big game.



KIA "Drive The Dream" Teaser
At last year's game, Kia took on the time traveling theme to show off its new Optima sedan. For this year's commercial, the South Korean automaker has chosen the topic of dreams to introduce the new 2012 Optima Limited edition.

Titled "Drive the Dream" and directed once again by Noam Murro who is helming the upcoming 300 spin-off, "300: Battle of Artemisia", the new 60-second commercial is set to air during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLVI.

“After working with Kia for the Super Bowl last year I was drawn to work with the fast-growing brand again by the idea of exploring people’s ultimate fantasies in a fun and lighthearted way, and I am certain we have created a spot people will be talking about after the game,” said Murro.

The new ad brings together several stars including Victoria’s Secret model Angel Adriana Lima, the Mötley Crüe, mixed martial arts champion Chuck Liddell and champion bull rider Judd Leffer.

“Mötley Crüe had a blast doing the Kia commercial,” said the group's bassist Nikki Sixx. “A hot model, a fast car, a pro fighter, pyrotechnics and rock n' roll...What's not to love?”

Kia said that the the complete “Drive the Dream” ad will make its premiere on February 2 on more than 18,000 movie screens across the country. The company also released a teaser of the ad, which you can watch below.



Lexus Teaser
The Lexus Super Bowl 2012 Ad will promote the new 2013 Lexus GS 350. It is the first ever Super Bowl Ad for Lexus.



Bridgestone "Time to Perform" Teaser
"Bridgestone Americas was one of the first companies to begin offering highly produced and entertaining teasers ahead of our Super Bowl commercials when we began doing so four years ago," said Philip Dobbs, Chief Marketing Officer, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. "Now it has become standard practice for Super Bowl advertisers to produce really creative and suspenseful teasers. This year's sneak peak reveals how the Bridgestone brand plans to change the world of sports with its new line of tire technology-infused performance balls (and puck) that were introduced in the first "Press Conference‟ TV spot of the campaign.

Bridgestone "Time To Perform"


Bridgestone "Press Conference"


Skechers "Mr. Quiggly" Teaser
Kim Kardashian is replaced by a french bulldog named Mr. Quiggly in Skechers GOrun 2012 Big Game Commercial.



H&M David Beckham Bodywear Collection Teaser:
H&M teases their new commercial for David Beckham Bodywear in Super Bowl XLVI. In the spot he is sporting various pieces from the new collection including the briefs (USD 12.95) and trunks (USD 14.95). The ad will air during the 2nd quarter of the Super Bowl.



Special thanks to SupercarHall for some of the additional info