38 Votes

Video Of The Day: Audi Takes A Clever Pot Shot At Lexus

Agent009 submitted on 5/9/2007 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 11:58:01 AM

84 user comments | Category: Videos | Source: www.autospies.com

Even though the Germans didn’t use a 2008 LS parked in front of the empty car space it doesn’t take much brain power to conclude that Audi’s taking a pot shot on the high-tech Lexus models.

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User Comments

Thats awesome....self parking is just a waste of money and technology. If you can't park yourself, you shouldn't be driving.
— jmrA480 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 12:07:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

"self parking is just a waste of money and technology. If you can't park yourself, you shouldn't be driving."- jmrA480
same with
1) Shifting gear
2) same with requiring ABS brakes
3) Same with any stupid sensor that warns you of lane drift
4) toss in cruise control and auto windows if you like to pound your chest in public ...

Nice to see that the Germans have their knickers in twist by Lexus ...
— izfuney (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 3:26:45 PM | | Votes: -5

iz-dont confuse safety features like ABS and lane drift sensor with a lazy ass self park feature. Those others could save your life, what the hell is a self park feature gonna do for you,except waste your time.

Stop trying to come up with stuff to make a point , your only making your self look like an idiot.
— jmrA480 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 3:34:23 PM | | Votes: 4

Now that is a good comercial....and a nice friendly poke at any self parked car.
— Mark (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 12:10:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8

I'm of the opinion that companies taking potshots at each other isn't really great.

They should compete in the Labs and showrooms but this is not 'cool'.

Even if Lexus were to make a commercial that took a shot at Audi or any German, I would'nt be impressed.
— LexusNumberOne4ever (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 11:11:59 PM | | Votes: 1

Very clever.
I'm guessing this is the new advertising direction? It keeps Audi's reputation of solidity and engineering, yet adds dynamics, fun and performance.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 12:21:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

Interesting since VW has a self parking system developed already.
— kpaxx (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 12:25:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

What's so clever about that? There are tons of clips on the internet showing various cars doing that same trick.

They should have just used a Passat - same car anyway. (oh wait - here come the Audi 4-hole fillers saying that the engine is mounted different - hence a *TOTALLY* different car). Yeah, ok.
— raikkonen (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 12:27:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

not gonna even mention the engine mount, but the A4 and passat are on 2 totally different platforms, stop living in the past, its 2007 buddy, get with it before you post some stupid ass comment.
— jmrA480 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 12:30:45 PM | | Votes: 4

actually if you take a look historically you see the A4 rolls out and THEN the Passat debuts sometime later. In reverse order unlike the Japanese.

So which came first the egg or the chicken?
— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 2:18:10 PM | | Votes: 2

true, the old (199something-2000) A4 was based on a passat. but the 2000- model is completely different. And yes, I would count mounting the engine differently as a completely different car.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 5:04:36 PM | | Votes: 2

yes, raikkonen, and our mightY LEXUS SUPERCARS are so different from their sexybeautiful TOYOTA counterparts!!!! such as the SEXYES350 not being based on the camry, the HOTRX350/RX400H not being based on the toyota SEXYhighlander, the QUALITYGX470 not being based on the RELIABILITY4RUNNER, and the LUXURIOUSLX470 being completely different from the EFFICIENT LANDCRUISER!!!!!!! you go!!!!!

Mmm... Lexus!!!
— GX470guy (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 10:37:32 PM | | Votes: 0

Hey Kimi,

Go have another pint and get over yourself!
— Neverfollow (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2007 5:26:00 PM | | Votes: 1

It just goes to show the entire world knows Audi cars are for drivers and Lexus cars are for parkers.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 12:31:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

hahhahah...overweight FWD plonkers like Audi that serve up reheated VW's arent quite drivers choice.

Ther are notoriously nose heavy even in Quattro trim and nobody in their right mind ever tries to push them without their gazillion electronic nannies keeping watch.
Chasis balance and Audi are like Oil and water...
This is is your cue to trot out the ol' WRC win they had for one season back in the '70's before every other manufacturer smacked their ass.
— izfuney (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 3:31:38 PM | | Votes: -3

Funny, Audi had 4 year wins in a row before bailing out, after that other teams started getting victory's.

After that Audi pretty much dominated every road racing series they entered. Trans Am, Imsa GTO, DTM and 90% of all touringcar championships.
— Heyhuub (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 5:05:36 PM | | Votes: 1

Xmmm. Really provocative against Lexus! But this commercial has problems. After this, we need a brand that makes cars for "men"... you know.. without gay stuff (airbags, ABS, ESP 4 wheels, weight, and all that crap that take "joy" in Europe)
As a matter of fact real men RIDE dont drive! So, who 's next?
— silent_power (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 12:34:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

Real Men typically "Ride"?

I call that either cargo, or children.
— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 2:19:43 PM | | Votes: 2

Nice. Good job Audi!
— BimmerFan (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 12:37:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

the ad tells me that audi knows how to have fun...and not be so serious.

and it reinforces that their cars are fun to drive!

lighten up.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 2:07:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Get a sense of humor! This is a funny commercial! If, say, MB had put out self-park on the S-Class, and Lexus made this commercial with their car, you'd be laughing, too. This site is too brand-based.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 6:26:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Really S4?
What's next?

A Ford commercial where a F150 owner crushes a GM salesman to death who tries to sell Silverado to the F150 guy?

A Audi commercial where a man revs his car outside a graveyard and a dead man in the coffin wakes up because of the engine noise or 'soul' ?
— LexusNumberOne4ever (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 11:16:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

xero:

hmmm...who's the one sounding insecure? lighten up.

the ad is f...n funny.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2007 10:59:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

xero:

you're right that acknowledging competitors in luxury marketing is generally a bad idea.

however, a compact sport sedan driven by 30 year olds (A4) is not a competitor to a huge luxo sedan driven by 62 year olds (average age of LS buyer). furthermore, the media buy for this ad is wildly different for that of the LS. it's more of a poke at an older generation frankly. and i think it will reinforce that audis are youthful and fun to drive.

besides can't advertising ever be a little fun?
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2007 11:04:07 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

furthermore, the ad never actually mentions lexus. it was more of a corporate to corporate joke. only car nuts would really get the joke.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2007 11:05:30 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Great video -- that is exactly how I used to park my car in Montreal in the winter back in the late fifties and early sixties, but only when there was snow on the ground to avoid risk of rolling the car. This will not work predictably on glare ice but in snow you simply slow down and steer the left corner of your vehicle just behind the back of the car that that will end up in front of you and spin the rear wheels so that they lose traction and cause the centrifugal force of your turn to slide your car into the parking spot between two vehicles. After doing this for a while, you gain enough confidence to slide your car from the opposite side of the road into a fairly tight spot, say a foot to spare at the front and a foot at the back. Suggest you practice extensively with safety cones as your insurance will not cover any damage you cause.
— EnnNorak (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 12:46:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Is this a formal audi commercial? It is hard to believe.
— silent_power (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 12:51:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Something must be wrong with their marketing division.
— LexusNumberOne4ever (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 11:18:23 PM | | Votes: 0

If this is a formal commercial then it is censurable. Actually unheard of! A brand attacks specific brand's promotion campaign? Doesn't it seem now, that audi guys 've lost their sangfroid?
— silent_power (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 1:33:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

it's real. and they're just having a bit of fun.

plus the A4 buyer in completely different from the LS by about 40 years.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 2:09:28 PM | | Votes: 0

it's real. and they're just having a bit of fun.

plus the A4 buyer in completely different from the LS by about 40 years.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 2:09:29 PM | | Votes: -1

There have been plenty! I remember Cadillac doing one for the STS, where it drove through a pack of E-Classes, 5 Serieses and GSs, and Cadillac said something about how it stood above the rest at the end of the commercial. There was also one where a GMC Envoy was literally driving circles around an RX300, with GMC boasting about their "better turning circle," when the RX330 was already out with an improved radius. And, LOL, how much do people car about a car's turning radius unless it's significant?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 2:20:20 PM | | Votes: -1

There have been plenty! I remember Cadillac doing one for the STS, where it drove through a pack of E-Classes, 5 Serieses and GSs, and Cadillac said something about how it stood above the rest at the end of the commercial. There was also one where a GMC Envoy was literally driving circles around an RX300, with GMC boasting about their "better turning circle," when the RX330 was already out with an improved radius. And, LOL, how much do people car about a car's turning radius unless it's significant?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 2:20:21 PM | | Votes: -2

i love that i get deboosted simply for confirming that the ad is REAL.

grow up boys.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2007 11:06:43 AM | | Votes: 1

Awesome commercial!
— SixxFive (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 1:33:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I don't understand what Audi want to convey.
Why Parked between two Lexuses.

Is it because LS has self parking and the other IS is the competitor of A4.

Still i don't get it.Can anybody help me what they mean.
Xerokool could u tell me.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 1:37:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

LOL.
yeah...audi following hyundai.

they're JUST HAVING SOME FUN.
something that's lost on you guys.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 2:10:39 PM | | Votes: 0

audi is conveying (through a revved up engine, screeching tires, etc) that their cars are a blast to drive. they are meant to be DRIVEN not PARKED. the message is loud and clear.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2007 11:08:22 AM | | Votes: 2

the funny part is that Audi ("Never Follow") is working on a "self-park" system for their next generation A8
— Luxurious (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 1:42:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

And how do you know that?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 2:21:02 PM | | Votes: -4

I'm trying to find the link for you. it was in some british mag where they had some spy photos of the next generation A8
— Luxurious (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 2:26:54 PM | | Votes: 3

And, since the British mag says Audi is developing self-park, you believe them? I'd wait for Audi to say, first.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 6:29:15 PM | | Votes: -3

freakin' hysterical.
some cars are just meant to be driven.
and this ad just reinforces that.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 2:05:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I dont think that audi is so stupid to release a self-parking feature after that campaign.
That would be a
boomerang agaisnt them.
— silent_power (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 2:06:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

"The luxury car for people who can park themselves."

Thats awesome! :)
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 2:15:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The LS looks identical to a 5 series from one of the angles in this video....
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 2:17:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

yes, the rear quarter and tail lights are classic bangle. right off the 7 and 5.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2007 11:09:53 AM | | Votes: 1

Give me a break enthu! driven through parking? And what about lexus cars on this ad?
Its is obvious that audi targets Lexus campaign here...
Totally provocative attitude of audi.
Why, so dirty modus?
— silent_power (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 2:19:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

Why are the Lexus fans taking this so seriosly? Drama queens. Have a laugh.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 2:21:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Very weird sense of humour you have...

You said first that this is a formal audi campaign.
But since this is fake, ok.
— silent_power (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 2:49:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

No, I didn't, but I'm pretty sure it is a real campaign. You didn't understand the implication of my post- when I said "seriously," (which I spelled wrong) I really meant that you shouldn't take this so personally. A poke at Lexus isn't an attack on you.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 6:33:55 PM | | Votes: -1

Clever? What good will it do for Audi?

People who are not good at parallel parking should not buy Audis?

— SupraNeverBack (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 2:54:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

People who are not good at parallel parking should not buy CARS.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 6:34:56 PM | | Votes: -1

people who can DRIVE should by audis.
not the geriatrics in the LS.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2007 11:11:11 AM | | Votes: 1

The Passatt 2.0T ad with the 525 had me rolling with laughter.
— I95SPEEDINGTICKETS (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 3:00:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

This is freaking unacceptable! How some companies accept these strategies?
— silent_power (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 3:09:56 PM | | Votes: 3

You need to relax some.
What is wrong with a little light hearted fun ??
In the case of the Passatt if the claims are true then i am glad the AD Informs people of that fact.

Do you have any idea how many people drive around with their noses up at those in lesser vehicles (In their opinions)?

At least now Passatt 2.0T drivers can be safe in the knowledge that they can Outsprint the 525i from 0-100

LMAO

Say what you want, The 525i Driver in the AD was Devastated and I loved it.
— I95SPEEDINGTICKETS (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 3:26:44 PM | | Votes: -1

German car manus say "if you can't park a car then you shouldnt drive!"

But Lexus NOW say:
"if you cant park then you can have a little help".

Hey, finally some good news for Formula 1 drivers!
— silent_power (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 3:06:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

If I were Audi, I wouldn't want to try to do this with an A8.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 6:31:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

Clever ad. Lexus could create a reply ad that shows a Lexus driving past an Audi service department which is filled with Audi cars in for repair. If only Audi could make reliable cars. Most Lexus' are boring but at least they are very reliable unlike Audi. The only German brand I would buy would be BMW as they are at least decent with reliability. MB and Audi are spotty at best.
— goojman (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 5:08:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Your Having a Laugh right ??

in the last 5 years MB has had the WORST reliability history amongst the 3 with BMW a close Second.

Stop repeating everything you hear and try to go off your own experience, it will save you a lot of embarrasment.
— I95SPEEDINGTICKETS (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 5:42:16 PM | | Votes: 2

Sorry, Mercedes, I love you, but...

In CR, Lexus was at #5. Acura was in front of them, I think, with Infiniti at #8 or 9. Audi was right there at #11. BMW was in the high-20s, something like 27. Mercedes, sadly, was in dead last- #36.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 6:30:49 PM | | Votes: -1

I love these fun adverts. They're amusing, they make the companies seem more "human" which appeals to consumers.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 5:10:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Hey I95 you moron, I have owned an Audi A4 as have 2 of my friends and they were all horribly unreliable so I speak from experience and not from what I hear. Antyhing else foolish you want to add jackass? Didn't think so. Audi's have earned an awful reliability reputation.
— goojman (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 6:49:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Hey Jackass,

I have owned 3 of them back to back and never had a problem with any of them! As soon as the S5 shows up in the US, I'm going to buy it too. What do you have to say about that? Huh? Huh?

You want to take it outside to the playground and so who is reliably going to hit the ground first?
— Neverfollow (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2007 5:41:10 PM | | Votes: 1

This is good. Too bad I, along with the majority of North American luxury car buyers, am not an Audi fan though...
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 8:36:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Do you know how vague that is? The majority of North American luxury car buyers aren't Lexus fans, BMW fans, Mercedes fans, Infiniti fans or Cadillac fans, either. Noone holds over 50% of the luxury market.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 10:27:23 PM | | Votes: -2

NOBODY can ever touch or hurt LEXUS!!!!!1 our SUPERLEXUSGODS are completely invencible!!!!!! the Reliability and Quality of the SUPERLEXUS SELF-PARK will win everytime against "AUDI" parallel park,,because the "AUDI" will probably break down while its parking!!!!!!! ahhhahhahahahahhahah!!!!!!!!

Mmm... Lexus...
— GX470guy (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2007 10:56:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

LOL. said like a toyota driver.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2007 11:12:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

At least Audi didn't take the VW approach and just crash into them!
— Neverfollow (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2007 5:43:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

i am big lexus fan. but i audi ad is hilarious!

hats off to the ad agency that came up with this idea.

wonder how many tries it took to get it right. this ad remined me of the park scene from the ah-nuld schwarz... movie "true lies".
— esrar322 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2007 3:49:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

i am a big lexus fan. but this audi ad is hilarious!

hats off to the ad agency that came up with this idea.

wonder how many tries it took to get it right. this ad reminded me of the parking scene from the ah-nuld schwarz... movie "true lies".
— esrar322 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2007 3:51:50 PM | | Votes: 0

wow is this commercial for real? if it is, it only shows how desparate audi has become. honestly i havent seen an audi commercial in years and then they come up with an A4 vs LS bit. lol...and whats up with having a 5 series parked in front?
— gsh23 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2007 4:30:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Perfect!

i havent seen an audi commercial in years and then they come up with an A4 vs LS bit. lol...

Mission accomplished
— Neverfollow (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2007 5:45:13 PM | | Votes: 2

The ad is great... short, visual, exciting. I think it will definetly attract their target market 25-35.

As far as them "attacking" lexus...it's funny. If you guys have spent anytime in front of the television you'll notice that is what MOST comeercials do; they attack the competiton. Remeber the Pepsi challenge? How about Doctors recomend X over the competition, or Bounty is twice as absorbant as its thinly disguised leading competitor. Ragu vs.? And now, Ford is promoting that in a blind test people preferred the Fusion to the Camry and some other car. Get with it folks. Making the competiton look bad is what advertising is all about.
— iown1 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2007 8:00:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

To say the least about Political commercials
— Neverfollow (View Profile)

Posted on 5/15/2007 10:37:06 PM | | Votes: 1

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Video Of The Day: Audi Takes A Clever Pot Shot At Lexus

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