Raunchy Lesbian Ad for Renault Twingo Banned in Italy

What woman wouldn’t falsely seduce another to steal her shirt? No, this isn’t another one of my sexist rants: it’s a (legitimate?) question posed by a Renault ad that has been banned in Italy.

The ad features two women – who I’ll refer to as the blonde and the brunette – who sneak off together for some hanky-panky bedroom fun. The brunette undresses; the blonde blindfolds her and steals her pink top, later comparing it to the color of her Renault Twingo Miss Sixty.

The ad was created by the Milanese arm of French advertising firm Publicis, which Renault had used before to great effect with the highly popular Papa et Nicole ads of the 1990s for the Renault Clio I. However, this latest ad has not gone down well in Italy, with TV RAI (essentially Italy’s BBC) and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's Mediaset organization refusing to air it. It has also outraged the nation’s gay-lesbian groups which claim it is offensive to homosexual women.

Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera asks:

“Is it controversial or cutting edge? One thing for certain though at no point during the advert is any technical aspect of the new Renault Twingo ever mentioned.”

Can’t you be both controversial and cutting edge? Lady Gaga (sort of) falls into this category, doesn’t she? *Is pelted with rotten tomatoes* Okay, okay; and let us never speak of her again.

Publicis spokeperson Daniele Tranchini defends the controversial ad:

“We wanted to create an advert that was original, enjoyable and at the same time not vulgar and I believe we have achieved that. What is clever is that you think the advert is going one way but in the end it goes another - its great don't you think?”

For the time being, the ad is only being aired on Sky and has not be shown outside of Italy. Thanks to YouTube, you – our loyal readers – can see the ad for yourselves and render your verdict in the comment’s section below.

By Tristan Hankins

Via: Dailymail & USA Today

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VIDEO: Renault Shows Megane CC's Glass Top in Motion

In this latest promotional video, Renault shows us how the new 2010 Megane CC quickly transforms from a coupe to a convertible. As with the previous model, the new Megane CC features a large, two-piece retractable glass roof that folds away in the boot.

The new CC, which will have its world premiere in Geneva next month, also features a new electric power steering system, a choice of seven gasoline and diesel engines as well as Renault's all-new automatic EDC dual clutch automatic transmission that will be offered on certain models as an option.

VIDEO: See the New Renault Wind Coupe-Roadster's Rotating Top in Action

In a world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2, Renault will unveil its brand-new coupe-roadster, the Wind, and this here is the first video of that car. Even though its shares its underpinnings with the Twingo hatch, the Wind is 200mm longer and gets its own unique styling, and will be marketed separately.

The highlight of the small roadster is of course its novel electric roof that pivots open in 12 seconds, without having any effect on luggage space. You can watch the roof top in action in the video after the jump.

Renault Fluence: New Compact Sedan for Russia, Turkey and Romania, and perhaps the US as a Saturn

Remember Renault's 2004 Fluence concept car that inspired the styling of the Laguna Coupe? Well, the only common denominator between the sexy prototype (see pics below) and this compact-sized sedan is their name... Virtually a rebadged version of the Korean market Samsung SM3 that was revealed earlier this year, the Fluence is the sedan variant of the Megane and it will be initially sold only in Russia, Romania and Turkey.

There's also a chance that we may see Renault's VW Jetta-sized sedan heading towards the States as a Saturn if the American brand's new owner, Penske Automotive Group, closes a proposed deal with the French automaker.

Depending on the market, buyers will have a choice of two gasoline engines, a 110HP 1.6-liter unit linked to either a manual gearbox or an automatic transmission and a 140HP 2.0-liter matted to a CVT, plus a 1.5-lited dCi diesel with outputs of 85HP, 90HP (DPF - Diesel Particulate Filter), 105HP and 110HP (DPF). All diesel engines are coupled to a manual gearbox, with the most powerful version also offered with Renault's new dual-clutch transmission.

In 2011, Renault will also introduce an electric version of the Fluence with more details expected to be released closer to the launch date.

The 4,62 metres long four-door saloon that boasts a luggage capacity of 530 liters will be built at Renault's plant in Bursa, Turkey, on the same assembly line that manufactured the outgoing Megane II sedan.

Renault Fluence Sedan

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Samsung SM3

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Renault Fluence Concept

Video: 2009 Renault Clio GT

The third-generation Renault Clio has received a subtle facelift for the 2009 MY. To be officially presented at the Geneva Show next month, the Clio features a redesigned front and rear-end while Renault also introduced a new sportier version of the supermini called GT which gets an aerodynamic bodykit and a stiffer suspension set-up. No word yet on what's hiding under the hood, but Renault did release this video of the Clio GT that includes driving and beauty shots. See it after the jump.

Video: New Renault Kangoo Be-Bop

The latest model to join Renault’s Kangoo family is the all-new Be-Bop which is essentially the production version of last year’s Kangoo Compact Concept. Scheduled to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, the four-seat Be-Bop with the cool two-tone paint scheme comes equipped with a large sliding glazed roof and rear tailgate window that rolls down for a near-convertible experience. Hit the jump below to watch the official video or click here to read our detailed post on the Be-Bop that also includes a high-resolution image gallery. -Continued

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The Ondelios concept is Renault’s extreme vision for a high-end 6-seat crossover with business-like amenities for all passengers that will debut at next month's Paris Show. But as with all previous attempts from the French automaker to enter the luxury car segment –think R25, Safrane, Avantime and the current Vel Satis, the Ondelios doesn't seem to convince with its odd (to say the least) design. As with most concept cars today, the Ondelios is equipped with a lithium-ion battery and powered by a hybrid drivetrain which combines a powerful 205 HP version of Renault’s 2.0-liter dCi diesel engine, with two 20kW electric motors at the front end rear axles. -Video after the jump

2009 Renault Megane III – First Official Video

Check out the first official video of Renault’s all-new Megane hatchback that will be making its first public debut at next month’s Paris Motor Show. Renault promises that its new Golf VI rival will feature improved quality, along with better reliability and durability than the current Megane. Scheduled to go on sale in Europe this November, the third-generation Megane will be offered initially in 5door and 3door (coupe) versions but by 2011, the range will comprise of six models including a sedan, a station-wagon and a coupe-cabriolet with a retractable hardtop. Hit the jump for the video that includes interior, exterior and driving shots or click here for details and the high-res image gallery. -Continued

Savoir-Vivre: How to Park in a Really Tight Spot

Looks like someone was having a bad day… Check out how this man attempts to squeeze a Renault Megane (it seems it is somewhere in France) in a parking spot that doesn’t look big enough to fit a Twingo, let alone a compact-sized model. After bashing both front and rear cars, he eventually realizes that there’s no way he can the Megane will fit in the tight parking spot so he does what every sane guy would do: he leaves the car as is and walks away! -Video after the jump

Video: Renault Megane Coupe Concept

The French carmaker’s star at this year’s Geneva Motor Show was without doubt, the new Megane Coupe Concept (details and pics here). The sleek 3door-coupe with the two-piece gullwing doors however is more than just a concept as Renault states that it previews a a production version that’s set to be released at a later date. Under the Megane Coupe Concept’s bonnet lies a 200 Hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine matted to a 6-speed manual gearbox. –Check out the video after the jump

Video: Renault Megane F1 Team R26 Advertisement

The Renault Megane F1 Team R26 is a supped up, limited edition version of the Megane Renault Sport equipped with an enhanced 230hp 2.0 turbo engine, more powerful Brembo brakes, new tires and alloys, updated chassis with new settings and a limited slip differential. In this ad, Renault attempts to highlight the differences between the F1 Team R26 and the standard Megane RS by showing all the new components flying around in "Star Wars-style" at its factory before ending up on the new hot hatch. –Check out the video after the jump

Thanks for the tip Kique!

Video: 2009 Renault Twingo RS

Here’s the first official video of Renault’s all-new 2009 Twingo RS (RenaultSport) that’s set to make its public debut at the forthcoming Geneva Show in early March. The video gives us the first view of the Twingo RS’ interior that gets RenaultSport bucket seats, a sport steering wheel, and different instruments.

Powered by a 1.6-liter engine that pumps out 131 HP, the Twingo’s evil brother features an aggressive bodykit with wider wheel arches housing new alloy wheels, restyled bumpers and a roof spoiler. Sales are set to start in Europe this spring. –Video after the jump

Renault's Synchronized Crash Commercial

To reflect on its five star European crash test scores, Renault decided to create a commercial which boasts elegance and sophistication while crashing its cars. (And does so nicely might I add.) The cars take on a life of their own in a synchronized ballet of side, rear and mid-air crashes. The European auto ads never seize to amaze me. Via: Motorpasion

Posted by Daniella