The Sims, Harry Potter and Truckfest - a weekly news roundup
It's Friday again, and we've rounded up the stranger side of automotive news for you to start your weekend.
Renault Twizy Z.E. goes virtual
Customers may not be able to buy the electric-powered Renault Twizy Z.E. concept car in the real world, but gamers can now buy a virtual version in best-selling computer game, The Sims 3.
Environmentally-conscious Sims can now ‘buy’ the Renault Twizy Z.E. concept as part of an Electric Vehicle Pack, which will also feature solar panels and windmills.
The Twizy Z.E. concept will not be available in the real world, but the two seat car (the passenger sits behind the driver) did pave the way for a series of Renault electric cars to be produced over the next few years.
Chief amongst these is the Renault Fluence Z.E. The electric saloon will boast a 100 mile range when it goes on sale in 2011.
Renault hasn’t ignored its impressive range of commercial vehicles though, as the best-selling Kangoo Van has also been given an electric makeover in the shape of the Kangoo Van Z.E.
Vauxhall
Vauxhall has launched a ‘Pilgrimage’ to celebrate the British sites used for Hollywood blockbusters. It may seem like a tenuous link, but it’s all in honour of the British-built Astra. To press home the point, Vauxhall has released a number of pictures of the new Astra at various film locations across the UK.
All locations are from a list of top ten films with British locations – voted for by Brits. The top ten were:
- The Full Monty (1997)
- The Italian Job (1969)
- Harry Potter (series of films 2001 - 2009)
- Gladiator (2000)
- Braveheart (1995)
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
- Billy Elliot (2000)
- The Da Vinci Code (2006)
- Hot Fuzz (2007)
- Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (1991)
Did you know for Robin Hood, a giant, purpose built encampment was constructed at Freshwater, which, in honour of its star, became known amongst the cast and crew as ‘Russell Square’?
Well, you do now.
Alfa
Alfa has launched an online initiative for owners of the Italian cars to create an artwork to celebrate its centenary.
Here’s the press release:
As part of Alfa Romeo's Centenary celebrations, the marque is asking UK owners and Alfisti alike to help commemorate its 100-year history by getting involved in a unique work of art.
Until July 5, thousands of images submitted to a special online archive will be used to form a mosaic of Alfa's Centenary model, the new Giulietta, as a visual celebration of the brand's centenary year.
To submit your photo, please visit www.alfacentenary.co.uk
Finally, in the strangest news of the week, Strictly Come Dancing finalist and Hollywood actor Ricky Whittle will appear alongside Corrie actress Kym Marsh at – wait for it – Truckfest in Peterborough on Sunday and Monday of the Bank Holiday weekend.
Is this the unlikeliest celebrity\event match-up ever? It probably beats Justin Timberlake appearing with the new Audi A1 at the Geneva Motor Show.