Peugeot RCZ: Snappy Car, Snappier Advertising

Comment dites-vous “RCZ"?

The Porsche Cayman and the Peugeot RCZ may both be assembled by Canadian-Austrian monolith Magna Steyr, but each gazes into the automotive snowglobe from a slightly different angle. The mid-engined Cayman carries its sporting pretenses on its lapel for all to see. The Peugeot’s FF approach is closer to that of the Audi TT, minus drive to all four patches. That, and a focus on style, is where the paths diverge. The Peugeot, after a few too many decades of trying to be German (Stockholm Syndrome?), has put readjusted its beret and baguette for its latest car. And the result couldn’t be more French if it were named Jean Claude. To me, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as Frenchness. The RCZ does the whole schtick admirably, at least as well as the Euro market’s other recent Gallic gift: the Citroen DS3. 

So just how French is the RCZ? Well, it has the stirring good looks box firmly ticked...

Now, it has a bit of marketing pizazz to back it up. 

J’ai fait une carte de France. Euphemistically, of course. 

The New Beetle Isn’t So New

As you can plainly see, this uncamouflaged 2012 VW Beetle has undergone a few cosmetic enhancements. As well it should, it hasn’t been to the Wolfsburg Surgeon since its introduction in 1998. In 14 years, most cars go through two, if not three, bodystyle changes. 

As you’ll notice, the ’12 model bears a striking resemblance to the second cousin of its great-great-great-grandfather, the Porsche 356. 

1994 Renault Espace F1

X-Ray goggles used to maximum effect here.

The eminently practical category that is Minivans has lost favour with the masses, as you already know, replaced by higher-margin crossovers and oddly-hatched trucks. Unsurprisingly, manufacturers are more than happy to oblige, especially after years of gouging each other’s eyes out with hefty minivan incentives. But when I was just a boy, the minivan was not only ubiquitous, but some were very nearly cool. 

On the metaphorical back of Brawn GP’s utter domination of Formula 1 in 2009, were several impressive story lines for the 2010 season, such as:

"Seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher returns to the sport after a 3-year retirement."

"Mercedes brings back its factory team to the sport after a 55-year hiatus (and they’re using the double World Championship Brawn GP as a foundation!)"

And other such headlines that I could have just as easily made-up. So why didn’t the picture above turn into the picture below? Y’know, with the hardware like Sebastian Vettel is holding? Good question. Mercedes GP and its returning saviour, Schumacher, failed to manage even a single podium, even with megamind technical director Ross Brawn scheming in the background.