Giant Robot Store and GR2 News
I test drove a the new Scion iQ as a part of an intimate blogger gathering of 24 writers. A disclaimer in the second sentence: Are each of us writing something and it’s being tracked by big the disciples of Big Japanese Brother, Toyota? Perhaps. It’s no secret that Giant Robot has done projects with many branches of Toyota. From the Matrix, Yaris and yes the Scion, we’ve been patronized by the world’s largest car company many times. Naturally, reaching out to us makes sense.
The Scion iQ is part of a global movement to be efficient, fun and smarter. That’s what I got out of the half day symposium.
It’s nearly a shame that the Smart Car brought the word “smart” and car together in a strange marriage that eventually was revealed to be an unhealthy relationship. The two co-exist conceptually as a brilliant plan – the DNA of a small footprint and the magic of low price should have birthed something desirable. Maybe it was too early and maybe the needs of the adopters from the Smart orphanages weren’t met. You hardly see these on the road and I’ve heard nothing but complaints.
It’s something new that Toyota is teaming up with Hatsune Miku, the huge pop idol that’s actually a virtual star. It’s straight up on their Toyota Corolla site. Does this mean you can buy a show room ready car wrapped Toyota? Probably not, but you will see ads and more. Take a look at the video commercial.What’s with the voice over, it’s a non match. But the concept and ideas of integrating the “Vocaloid” star of Japan into something here is something cutting edge – especially since Miku is still relatively unknown here.
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There’s been previous virtual stars. This isn’t new. Click forward to see a couple more from the past.