Girling Race / Rally Brake Fluid Reservoir 7/16 Male Outlet - 60mm X 113mm on 2040-parts.com

Hyundai Suicide ‘Advert’ causes a rumpus

It’s not easy advertising your wares and finding the right balance between mainstream and innovative to capture attention, as Hyundai has found out to their cost with an ‘advert’ for the hydrogen powered ix35 FCEV which, rather distastefully, depicts a man trying to commit suicide by running a hose from the tailpipe to the cabin before realising he can’t achieve his aim as the FCEV’s only emissions are water. It’s a proper cock-up from Hyundai – usually so sure-footed with their PR – but, despite Hyundai US putting the blame at the door of Hyundai UK, there’s more to this suicide ‘advert’ than meets the eye. It seems the suicide video was put together by Innocean – a European Ad Agency owned by Hyundai’s Chairman Chung Mong-koo and his daughter, and responsible for much of Hyundai’s marketing output – and was a clumsy attempt to gauge reaction to the somewhat macabre take on the benefits of an FCEV.

Remember this twin-engine, AWD, home-brew Scirocco?

Obviously, the big problem with the VW Scirocco is that its rear wheels aren't driven. Around a decade ago, a guy named Anson decided to solve that problem by shoving a second VW motor in the rear end of his Scirocco. Sure, VW had done it before, but this enterprising do-it-yourselfer spent just $1,800 on the build.

Detroit auto show 2013: CAR's A-Z guide

Welcome to CAR Online's coverage of the 2013 Detroit motor show. This is your handy A-Z guide with our full stories on all the new metal to bow in at Detroit. Click 'Add you comment' below to tell us your favourite concepts, and which is your Detroit show star.