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Yeah, you know what day it is. Ever since Chaucer's Canterbury Tales in 1392, the world has considered April 1st to be the day the gullible are tricked. Not surprisingly, even the normally staid suits at automakers take time out from their busy schedules to have some fun on April Fools' day. We've gathered together a list of some of the best prank press releases we've seen today and compiled them here for your viewing enjoyment.
Two of our favorites come from Bavaria. Both BMW and Mini got in on the fun today, with BMW releasing its new Political Roundel Attachment Tag (PRAT), 'a highly stylised limited edition accessory of the BMW product portfolio and comes available in the colours of all major UK parties.' These tags showed up 'after boffins at BMW offered other award winning innovations such as Canine Repellant Alloy Protection that stopped dogs relieving themselves on customers' wheels, Magnetic Tow Technology, the ultimate in tailgating tech, and BMW Instant Messaging which let owners know what they really thought of other road users.'Mini, for its part, has just announced an innovative new MINIMagic paint system that allows 'owners to change the exterior color of their vehicle as often as they change their mood.' Professor Lirpa Loof, Head of Exterior Aesthetics and Paint Finishes at MINI USA, added: 'MINIMagic will bring a whole new meaning to the concept of car cleaning and restoration. As easily carried out as a wash and a wipe, our owners can have a 'new' MINI Clubman that is capable of matching any atmosphere or any occasion.'
But wait, there's more. Suzuki has announced its intent to enter stock car racing with its Kizashi Sport driven by none other than The King, Richard Petty and powered by an IntimiGixxer V8 engine made from two Hayabusa engines; Ron Dennis branded the $2 million Bugatti Veyron a 'piece of junk' and Goodwood announced an 'udderly electrifying' plan to power the Festival of Speed with cow methane (farts). How 'bout a replica of Wonder Woman's Invisible Jet from Hot Wheels?Not to be outdone, Infiniti has announced its new Gastronomi technology (see above), which 'will not only alert the driver of the need to stop for food but will also navigate the car to the nearest restaurant that suit's the driver's taste and pocket.' The system detects 'the sounds of borborygmi -tummy rumbles. If a pre-determined volume of rumbling is heard, a knife and fork symbol flashes up on the Connectiviti information screen and the driver is asked whether they wish to divert for a pit-stop.'
More? Sure. PickupTrucks.com reports that the Ford Ranger has been granted an indefinite production run while also gaining a Harley-Davidson edition (look to the right). Auto windscreens will allow you to shed your glasses with its prescription windshields. The British AA plans to launch new patrols equipped with jet packs. Subaru offers to teach your dogs how to drive and the ALMS has added DeLorean to its racing series, powered by Mr. Fusion, of course.Oh, and finally: Obama To Bailout USF1 Formula One Team, GM To Fund Team Until 2015. Click past the break for a bevy of foolishly funny press releases.
Continue reading April Fools' Day: The celebration of getting duped, auto style
April Fools' Day: The celebration of getting duped, auto style originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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