2010

2010 BERTONE Pandion for Alfa-Romeo Is Next-Level Brilliance Inside and Out 30

Hall of Fame – 2010 Alfa Romeo Pandion by BERTONE

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We obviously cover a lot of concepts and dream cars here, but rarely does one captivate the eye and mind more than the 2010 Bertone Pandion. BERTONE: COMPANY SITUATION ANALYSIS First things first: Bertone (pronounced ‘Bear Tony’) is currently restructuring after some lean years in the Italian car business drained its corporate accounts to breaking point. Is this any way indicative of the quality of the firm’s design work? Absolutely, positively not. In fact, it is because of Bertone’s amazing ideas that the firm branched back into actual car factories versus just dreamy, steamy concept cars and prototypes. Full-scale production …

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2016 Chevrolet EQUINOX – First Look at New LEDs, Nose and Interior in 50 Photos

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First in-person look at the refreshed 2016 Chevy Equinox — which is an even-more-impressive execution of a large SUV with the pricing of a compact crossover. The 2016 model starts from just $23k in its front-drive 2.4-liter form, where it comes in with an impressive 32-mpg. The uplevel 3.6-liter V6 engine is the real sprint champ, however, with just a 6.7-second official time. Other impressive elements of the Equinox? Inside, the tech and build quality take a huge leap upward. The loaded LTZ model shown here features the new Saddle brown leather for its seats as well as dash wraps. …

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RENNtech 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 SPEC

Concept Flashback – RENNtech 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 SPEC.R Hybrid Pikes Peak

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Renntech won the Mercedes SEMA 2010 tuner challenge, and was awarded a little present as a result! Another iteration of the concept — but this time as a real rally car! All the enhanced aero is needed when climbing up to 14,000-feet at Pikes Peak International Hillclimb — when the KW springs and new NITTO grip setup are also helpful. The powertrain is a RENNtech-tuned V6 pushing 350HP, an increase of around 80 ponies versus the atmospheric petrol. Non-turbo at Pikes Peak is challenging, so the SPEC.R Hybrid adds a jumbo PHEV battery under the rear floor. Finally, custom graphics …

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VW Diesels Face Massive EPA Fraud Allegation – TDI Stop Sale Notice Is Days Away

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Very unsettling news today that casts a dark shadow on Volkswagen TDI “Clean Diesel” engines sold in the United States since 2008. The EPA’s legal “notice of violation” to Volkswagen of America is deathly serious. And, as we predict below, will lead to TDI models being pulled from US showrooms almost immediately — as soon as this coming week. Unlike recall notices to fix even serious safety issues, a willful violation of the Clean Air Act would incur significantly higher monetary damages than a typical recall. Even the Takata airbag scandal is not this alarming. Max fines per vehicle sold …

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2016 Nissan LEAF Scores Big EV Range Bump With New Li-ion Battery and Touchscreens

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  The Nissan Leaf is a cult hit. Like Tesla zealots or early Prius adopters, LEAF-ers absolutely love the machine. Up and down the west coast, Atlanta and DC — the Leaf is as common a sight as an Altima. These cities and regions have pushed hard to roll out charging infrastructure in their city centers and beyond, with helpful tax incentives to buyers also part of the mix. But since the Leaf went on sale in 2010, there has not been a huge incentive for these loyal ‘silent mafia’ of EV drivers to upgrade to the new Leaf. A …

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2010 Red Bull X1 Launched Gran Turismo As Ultimate MMO R&D Engine

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As we look to the future of disruptive, breakthrough innovations in racing — it helps to start with a blank sheet of paper. This is counterintuitive, of course, versus the typical half-step of evolution among all species — racecars included. What is needed to deliver the TV ratings and championship trophies all race series crave? Speed, beauty, drama and technical innovation. There must be balance between outright speed, sound and safety. In short, a revolution is needed to put put racing into hyperdrive. The world championship Red Bull and Vettel pairing from 2010 provided a clever look at priorities of …

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The Nissan JUKE-R gets an exciting upgrade: Introducing the JUKE-R 2

2015 Nissan JUKE-R 2.0 Updated to GT-R NISMO Mechanicals + New Style for Goodwood

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Two must-watch videos to show off the incredible, gravity-defying performance of the 2015 Juke-R 2.0! The upper video embed is the Juke-R 2.0 flying up Goodwood hill, while the below video is the Juke-R flat-out around the fabled TopGear test track. The Juke-R sequel doubles the airflow to the GT-R NISMO’s 600HP engine up front via an all-new carbon-fiber bumper, widebody fenders, and diffuser element out back. Still utterly sideways on command, the Juke-R 2.0 also shows off the latest 2015 model-year Juke nose, lighting and panels.  JUKE-R 2.0 Dunsfold Track Testing Video 2015 Nissan JUKE-R 2.0 THE NISSAN JUKE-R …

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2015 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 4WD White Diamond Tricoat 73

2015 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 1/2 Ton 4WD Review

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    American brand icons do not come much more glorious than Chevy. In the automotive realm, Chevrolet has been a constant throughout the last 100 years. A powerhouse in the General Motors stable, Chevrolet has seen off dozens of business lines and market segments. Divested in favor of keeping Chevy healthy, GM left the heavy trucks business altogether and dropped half its brand portfolio in the last ten years. Thus, the recent history of the firm has been shaken up more this century than the ten preceding decades. But the results speak for themselves. Never in my lifetime has …

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Hypercar Heroes – 750HP, 2.7s 2010 PAGANI Zonda R is 7 Minutes in Heaven

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No study of hypercar heroes would be complete without the phenomenal Pagani Zonda R from 2009 to 2010. Just 15 examples of this hardcore track machine were produced, with pricing of around $2.5-million each. With typical Pagani thoroughness, the Zonda R’s creation is far more that a set of slick tires and lightweight carpet. As you can see from almost every angle, the Zonda R employs an all-new aerodynamic setup. Giant lower intake scoops and splitter could cut off a pedestrian at the ankles, with the sharp wedge of a carbon-fiber nose an effective cleaver to finish that dark job. …

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Concept Flashback – 2010 Peugeot SR1 Roadster Brought Beauty Back to Lion

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French auto giant Peugeot has made some real stinkers over the years — especially years starting in two-thousand. The face of the brand from around 2005 to around 2012 was a horrifying ghoul of a scream mask. Looking like it wanted to eat anything that got within its gaping maw, there was real shock among auto buyers at how amazingly fugly Pugs had become. Paired with notoriously long front overhangs, the grille graphic was the last etch on the Peugeot design coffin. The SR1 Concept roadster from 2010 was a firm pivot away from that hideous look.  It was a …

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Tanner Foust VW Passat Formula Drift Car 18-tile

Update1 – Tanner Foust VW Passat Formula Drift Car Pushes 900HP from 7.4-Liter V8!

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Updated with High-Res Photos. Thanks Fred!   450 cubic inches. 7.37 Liters. That is the size of Tanner’s new V8 Formula Drift car from Rockstar Energy and Nitto Tire. Juiced with nitrous, this engine puts out a stunning 900-horsepower. Those dimensions feel familiar and might show some NASCAR roots for the hottest VW Passat of all time. Unburstable engines are an asset in the delicate but brutal world of drift driving, with its stump-pulling torque just a side benefit of all that displacement. Check out the teaser video below to hear it in action!  Tanner Foust VW Passat Formula Drift Car …

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2016 Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG003C and SCG003S – Specs, Pricing and 135 Photos!

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The name SCG003 name might be a mouthful, but its performance will be an earful, and its design is a sumptuous eyeful! Welcome to the next chapter in hardcore performance. The ultimate in hypercar power and track pace – competing with exotica like the W Motors Lykan Hypersport, Pagani Huayra, Koenigsegg and Bugatti. The 2016 Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG003 is a duo of custom-designed race-winners — both on the track and on the street. The SCG003C stands for Competizione, while the SCG003S is for the stradale — or street. Grand ambitions for this mid-engine, carbon-fiber masterpiece. A truly stunning design …

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2015 Volkswagen Tanner Foust Racing ENEOS RWB Beetle 992

2015 Volkswagen Beetle Rear-Drive Widebody by Tanner Foust Racing

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What is the best way to make the VW Beetle a credible sports-car? Make it rear-drive! But a race-prep overhaul and a widebody package from famous Japanese Porsche tuner RAUH-Welt Begriff on top of that? Yes yes yes! 2015 Volkswagen Beetle Rear-Drive Widebody by Tanner Foust Racing   2015 Volkswagen Tanner Foust Racing ENEOS RWB Beetle ft. RAUH-Welt Begriff Widebody This Volkswagen Beetle that represents a collaboration between Volkswagen rallycross driver Tanner Foust and famed Porsche tuners RAUH-Welt Begriff is set to be unveiled this week at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. The Tanner Foust Racing ENEOS RWB Beetle …

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2016 Chevrolet Equinox 1

2016 Chevrolet Equinox Facelift Revealed in Chicago

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The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox just had its best-ever sales month in January 2015, which is proof that the large and affordable crossover is still a hit with shoppers. For 2016, the Equinox features an all-new nose and tail look, along with a classier glasshouse shape and upgraded interior. Chevrolet Equinox – 2016 Fresh Face: Chevrolet Introduces Restyled 2016 Equinox Premium cues, new safety features enhance Chevy’s record-selling compact SUV CHICAGO – Chevrolet today introduced the 2016 Equinox – a contemporized version of the popular compact SUV. Updates include new styling with premium accents, new wheel designs and new available safety features, …

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The Evolution of Mercedes-Benz Gullwing Supercars in 9 Cars Since 1952

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As the SLS AMG bows out to be replaced by the new AMG GT as the Mercedes supercar, many people are unemotional about the change from gullwing to traditional hinged doors. In this regard, the gullwing doors of the SLS are so iconic that they have become a bit passe as a result. But the special magic of twin, central-hinged doors opening upward and meeting mid-roof is truly a cultural touchstone in the car business. Much as Lamborghini defines scissor doors, Mercedes gullwing doors are a huge part of the 300SL legend — and therefore the Mercedes legend — since …

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Concept Flashbacks – 2010 SEMA Mercedes-Benz GLK Tuner Cars

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Shocked and appalled by hideous custom Mercedes-Benzes prowling the world’s roads? Wish there were an upgrade kit that fits the refined aesthetic of the Merc brand? If only Mercedes would commission a few tuner custom show cars of its own, it would have control and be able to yay/nay any questionable elements. For the US launch of the GLK in 2010, MB-USA did just that: four custom GLK’s for the SEMA show in Vegas. Unfortunately for those who do not like loud, brash designs…. what resulted are four of the wildest, silliest concept GLK’s ever seen. Removing the constraint of …

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Supercars Now and Then – 2010 Zagato TZ3 Corsa vs. 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ

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  Celebrating 100 years means looking far back into a company’s roots and foundation. Zagato chose to honor the 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ. This fastback racer homage is built on the chassis of the Alfa 8C, itself a reskinned Maserati GranTurismo. Even as a third-hand rehash of another car — the TZ3 is quite compelling. Most surprising element? There are strong AMG GT flavors in the front three-quarter angle of the TZ3 — a full four years before Mercedes adopted these ultra-flowing and curved panel surfaces. NOSE   PROFILE TAIL     1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ 2010 Zagato …

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hispano suiza xiov

Mystery Concept Identified – 2010 Hispano Suiza Gran Turismo XIOV is 850HP, V10TT Dream?

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We have a thing called #namethatconcept on the facebook page of this website, where we post a few photos of a long-forgotten concept car and survey the group for info and answers. Some are much, much easier than others to decipher. It is a way to remind us that the old-school car mags showing one image of a concept years ago might not have been enough to appreciate and remember its intricate details. Before posting the photos of these concepts, we usually know the answer to what they are. But sometimes… we do not. The photos are often downloaded by …

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Concept to Reality – 2010 Mazda Shinari to 2013 Mazda6

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Now here is a company with some genius ideas, and the brilliance to bring them to a street near you. The Shinari is gorgeous, and the Mazda6 is too. Well done.     Concept to Reality – 2010 Mazda Shinari to 2013 Mazda6 2016 Mazda6   2013 Mazda6           2010 Mazda SHINARI Concept  

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Animated Evolution of the Chevrolet Suburban from 1915 to 2015

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  One thing has been pretty constant throughout the last 100 years: Chevrolet. The icon of Chevrolet for most people is the truck line. Imagine a world where Chevy could only keep making one car. That is it. Which model would you pick to evolve through year 2100? Many people would choose the Suburban. The “Chevrolet One Ton Commercial Truck” can do it all. As an all-new model arriving to Chevy dealers just before the Super Bowl 2014,all signs show this upscale workhorse will be a huge hit with shoppers. Who does not have an awesome Chevy Suburban memory? Growing …

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Concept Debrief – 2010 Citroen SURVOLT – Design Analysis in 110 Electrifying Photos

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What makes the 2010 Citroen Survolt such an achievement in sports-car design? Consider that its proportions almost perfectly mirror those of the Lotus Exige — but the curb appeal of the vehicle tells the brain to expect pricing in the $200,000 ballpark versus the Lotus at $75,000. In terms of the Survolt’s mission as a concept car, we can think of the car in the same league as the Ranult DeZir. Part tech showcase and EV R&D tool, part brand roadmap and design superstar. The Survolt found a joyous receptionin 2010 – and four years have done nothing to dull …

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Concept Flashback – 2010 Renault DeZir Was Anti-Furai With Lusty, Sexualized Curves

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  Designers are like all other artists: their work evolves but also can take sweeping and abrupt changes. A designer’s cars might take unique shapes in certain years, only to go wild in the other direction right afterwards. Such is the 2010 Renault DeZir concept — designed when Laurens van den Acker was freshly recruited away from Mazda. Van den Acker’s ‘Nagare’ themes at Mazda were all about sharp creases formed out of a wind-swept surface. He designed a half-dozen Mazda’s with this theme intact – and it is perhaps epitomized best in the Furai concept hypercar. If the Furai …

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2010 GEMBALLA MIG-U1 Is Easily Most-Outrageous Enzo Ferrari Custom EVER!

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A blast from the past on this one – the 2010 Gemballa MIG U1. Even with the latest LaFerrari hogging the Enzo’s limelight, the MIG U1 is a terrifying level of customization and deeply enchanting levels of race-ready aerodynamics. This is still a very special car – and its Dubai plates show that Gemballa is still starring in these ultra-hot hypercar enclaves like Dubai, Singapore, Miami and Hong Kong.   2010 GEMBALLA MIG-U1     PRESS RELEASE      January 2010   GEMBALLA MIG-U1 – The super sports car in a unique overall concept   In the last 27 years, Uwe Gemballa …

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Part Two: 2011 Audi Urban Concept SPYDER is 2-Seater for Scooter-Phobes

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PART TWO: Showcasing through a few favorite concept cars ahead of the Paris Motor Show! This  2010 Urban Concept from Audi is a battery EV design to be ultra-light and ultra-efficiency, while also packing the maneuverable of a scooter. Okay, that would be one large scooter… but still. It is easy to pilot around and the enclosed cockpit promises far more safety and security than anything on two wheels. A standard steering wheel and pedals make this a perfect machine for those who would never feel safe on a motorcycle, but do not require anything as huge as a Smartcar. …

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2011 Audi Urban Concept is 2-Seat Commuter EV For Stylish Yuppies

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Showcasing through a few favorite concept cars ahead of the Paris Motor Show! This  2010 Urban Concept from Audi is a battery EV design to be ultra-light and ultra-efficiency, while also packing the maneuverable of a scooter. Okay, that would be one large scooter… but still. It is easy to pilot around and the enclosed cockpit promises far more safety and security than anything on two wheels. A standard steering wheel and pedals make this a perfect machine for those who would never feel safe on a motorcycle, but do not require anything as huge as a Smartcar. It is …

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2010 Audi Quattro Concept in 50 High-Res Photos and LED Animations

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Where did Audi’s design mojo go? We are not sure — but it is gone. This concept is the purest and cleanest style any future RS5 could hope for, but after four years since its 2010 debut, we have seen nothing similar anywhere near production. The 2013 Sport Quattro concept that succeeded this short-wheelbase special is a mess of melted surfaces and creepy detailing. 2010 Audi Quattro Concept Headlamp Animation 2010 Audi Quattro Concept Taillamp Animation

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Road Test Review – 2010 Porsche Panamera S is Gorgeous, Potent and Precisely Adjustable German U-boat

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A Banker’s Hot Rod. Have you heard this term before? There are a few ways to define this old Buick advertising tagline from the 1950s: — a car for financial gurus at the top of the global banking markets. A commuter special – able to beat many muscle-cars in stoplight drag races, but also able to wow prospective clients on a lunch outing — the other definition? a car for successfully robbing banks. A getaway car that is so fast and so adept at outrunning normal machines that it will easily haul four newly-affluent people far and fast from the …

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LOTUS Esprit, Elan, Elite, and Eterne Have The Vision, But Missing The Investor Millions

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Talk about a huge missed opportunity: Lotus’s 2010 Paris business plan and five-pack of concepts might be arriving for sale about now if the world had be different. The cars are so on-trend and stylish four years later that it is hard to really see them in real-life photos without a deep sense of regret. Only the city car seemed silly then and still does. In the world of car-making and luxury brands, the three hardest and most unattainable pieces of the puzzle are: — great ideas — a fantastic brand name and legacy — global distribution and sales The …

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Concept Flashback – 2010 Ford Start – Supermini Previews Potential 2017 Ka

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“Start, g-damn-it!” Imagine yelling that as the starter churns your lifeless engine — ‘rruururrrruuu.’ “Start, Ford, Start!” Brummmmm! The engine fires to life. Hooray! The 2010 Ford Start might not be the best car name idea out there, but it must be better than the Ford Flex in conveying some kind of new idea. In fact, the Start is a rich bed of ideas for the next-gen Ford supermini – something to replace the unloved current Ka in Europe and global markets. While the original Ka was loved for its funky/premium exterior, the current model is lost in the shadow …

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Canned Hypercar Debrief – 2010 JAGUAR C-X75 Is Too Sexy For Its Turbines

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Too sexy for Milan, New York and Japan? Just kidding. Despite the jokey “I’m too sexy” headline, the Jaguar C-X75 really could do no wrong when it debuted in Paris in 2010. It was a design so captivating that they painted it a dull beige – and people still went absolutely mad for it. As you can see in the difference between the 2010 Paris announcement at the bottom, and the production announcement in 2011 directly below — the car had a rough gestation period. The initial gas turbine hybrid technology was no-where near production feasible, and the truly jet-age …

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2009 Citroen GTbyCitroen Becomes Working Media via Real-Life Art Installation in Venice

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One of my favorite pieces of marketing jargon from my past career in advertising is Working Media. This contrasts, of course, with Non-Working Media. The difference is cut/dry – Working media is something that consumers will see and may influence a purchase. Non-working Media is a line item for creative brainstorming, ideation, story-boards — everything that goes into making the ads. As a media guy, we worked hard deciding how to get the target market to see the creative. Technically, all of our exhaustive media modelling and planning was Non-Working Media as well, so not just a jab at creative …

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