Archive for February 2, 2011


Audi is spending some big bucks during the 2011 “Big Game” to try and convince younger buyers to abandon Mercedes-Benz because it’s the luxury brand favored by their old, stuffy (wealthy) parents – a dying breed of luxury buyers.  Audi would like you to believe that arch-rival Mercedes represents a “hollow status symbol” and an “outdated luxury tradition.”  Audi, of course, will help you avoid that mistake.

The video below is a fun tease for the actual Super Bowl ads and sets the tenor for the pitch.  It’s titled “Startled Smart” as a play on the “Scared Straight” concept where at-risk juvenile delinquents are brought to prisons to see what it’s really like being incarcerated in hopes that they lead a felony-free lifestyle.  The message: Don’t end up in Luxury Prison.

This prequel would never air during the actual game.  At three minutes long and a estimated $3 million for a prime 30-second spot on the 2011 Super Bowl broadcast, it would cost a staggering $18 million – and that’s just to the Fox.  Forget what it cost to actually produce the spots.

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