I was a bit too young to fully enjoy Ferris Bueller’s Day Off as I was born a year after the movie was released. This however did not stop me from fully embracing 1980’s cinema, ultimately falling in love with it when I finally saw it. Since that faithful day, Ferris Bueller’s (Matthew Broderick) crazy antics on his day off school have stayed with me my entire life, causing me to think of ways to skip classes as well. Deeply entrenched in my psyche, when I saw a potential commercial for sequel you could imagine my shock. I was ready to pay or do anything necessary to see it. Unfortunately for me, it did not turn out to be a movie at all. Rather, it was a campaign created by Honda to introduce its new CR-V.

However, all was not lost. While we didn’t get a movie per se, we did receive a bit of a nostalgic interpretation of our hero’s past exploits. Here is a list of connections between the original film and Honda’s recent reinterpretation:

The opening scene is very much so reminiscing of the original film: Mr Broderick is faking being sick. Once more talking to the camera and breaking the third wall, he addresses us about his plans. With the classic music playing in the background, he says that it is his “worst performance of his career,” the very same lines uttered when he was much younger.

Here there is a brief switch to the commercial part of the sequence. The classic “Broderick, Broderick” remark of the valet is reminiscent to the “Bueller, Bueller” uttered by Ben Stein. We than finally see what the cars looks like. The Honda CR-V is actually one of the company’s longest running vehicles. With the new fourth generation set for release in 2012, the crossover is a highly successful and powerful vehicle that could transfers any terrain. While it may not be a Ferrari 250, the car certainly looks quite good.

Later in the after Broderick almost gets caught by his boss but plays it cool and hides much like he had trying to ditch his highschool principal. His fun antics in the museum are directly inspired by what he did to the art pieces in the film. With short shots back to the Honda, Broderick once more gets on a float to sing a slightly different song than his original rendition at the Chicago parade.

The last wink related to the valet stealing the new Honda for a joy ride. While it may not be a Ferrari, the car  looked quite good jumping over the hills. Finishing off with the classic saying that “life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it,” the commercial certainly lived up to its original film.

Click here to watch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Honda Commercial

Competition to become the world top-selling carmaker is fierce. A small error can cost a dealer the coveted spot, thus producing an ever-fluctuating environment. Until recently the revelry was largely between Toyota and GM, altering based on small but significant reasons. However, now it appears that GM has retaken its sales title, once more dominating the world scene.

Selling a little over 9 million cars and vans across the world, the company’s stats have been up 7.5% from 2010. UKPA noted that this is nearly a million better than Toyota, the same company who had taken the title away from the company in 2008.

The loss was initially humiliating for GM as the company has been at the top of its field for nearly seven decades. Such a consistent and powerful performance could not however be held onto after the demise of the US car manufacturer sector and indeed economy itself. After the company filed bankruptcy protection in 2009 the government bailed it out so that it could stay afloat.

After some decisive cuts the company has seen a dramatic rise in vehicle sales. With a nearly $7.1 billion (or £4.6 billion) net income for the first three quarters of 2011 fiscal year, many analysts believe that when the final quarter details are revealed they will also show a dramatic increase. Based on this it seems like the juggernaut is finally back in motion.

Rather than having Toyota quick on its heels, GM’s competition is now coming from the German car manufacturer Volkswagen. They have been doing quite well with nearly 8.16 million sales, which is up nearly 14% from last year. Behind them is the French-Japanese union in Renault and Nissan, selling nearly 8.03 million vehicles in the last year. Rather surprisingly Toyota had dropped to fourth place with a still impressive 7.9 million vehicles sold.

Those following the news will note that Toyota’s great fall had been largely due to natural disasters. Indeed, the earthquakes earlier in 2011 completely rattled the Japanese infrastructure, creating an inhospitable business and manufacturing environment. While a great deal has been done to set the company and indeed the country on track, the process is by no means complete. Perhaps in a few more years Toyota will once more be capable of challenging the powers of GM.

An impressive feat, the company has come a long way since its bankruptcy. While analysts had always predicted a tight race between the four main competitors, GM’s place was not set in stone. Now back on top, it will be interesting to see how the company grows and if it continues to remain in this top place.

There are few cars that can match the beauty of a classic Mercedes-Benz Gullwing. Originals are not only incredibly rare but also quite expensive, making them very exclusive vehicles. Recently up for auction, a stupendous example of this vehicle recently sold for a whopping $4.6 million (£3 million), making it the envy of most car collectors.

The luxurious brand has been known for creating fantastic vehicles with unmatched style. The 300 SL coupe model was built between 1954 and 1957, and only around 30 of these being the lightweight ‘alloy’ models. This exclusive subsection is even rarer to find, costing many millions to purchase.

This ‘alloy’ model gullwing was sold last week at the Gooding & Co auction in Scottsdale. Jonathan Welsh from the Wall Street Journal has noted that this price is extraordinarily high. They’ve conservatively estimated that it sold for nearly 7 or 8 times more than it would have only a decade ago. Indeed, in 2000 a regular gullwing would go for $300,000 while the alloy model would be perhaps double this. Now it even appears that the average gullwing goes for over a million.

The Scottsdale auction is indeed quite an event in the United States. Just last Saturday the auction sold 244 cars selling a total over $43 million. Massively exceeding pervious records set in 2007, some fantastic models have made their way onto the floor. Most notable of these have been a 1948 Trucker Torpedo which sold for $2.65 million. The truck was indeed unique as it was only one of 51 cars built by the Tucker car company, making it quite a spectacle to see. Similarly an equally rare 1947 Bentley Mark VI sold for $2.5 million at the auction. One last vehicle to note was the brilliant 1933 Pierce Arrow Silver Arrow which sold for $2 million.

It appears that for some the economy is indeed improving. While these vehicles can certainly be seen as investments and not simply toys to drive around in, their prices seem to be out of this world. Their exotic nature and beautiful shapes make them the desired pieces of any one wealthy enough to purchase them. While most of us can simply gaze upon them in awe, one lucky investor will certainly be rolling home in the car of their dreams.

No car manufacturer can create a flawless vehicle. Once in awhile a certainly defect creeps up that alters its safety and ultimately causes the company to recall the model. Costing a tremendous amount of money as well as causing some embarrassment for the company, BMW’s Mini’s have unfortunately been recalled due to potential fire risk faults in its water pump.

A rather large recall, the company is looking to fix nearly 235,000 vehicles of which nearly 30,000 are located here in the UK. The Guardian noted that a number of models have been affected by this change, particularly the Cooper S as well as the John Cooper Works models made between 2006 and 2011.

The move was announced by BMW who, as Mini’s parent company, are responsible for the inner workings of the company. Their announcement was prompted after the company was notified of four separate cases where fires have resulted from the electric water pump. The company had explained that under high operating pressures there is a problem with the electro-migration on the circuit board installed within the pump itself. Because of this there can be some failure associated with the water pump breaking, smouldering, even catching on fire.

A problem that could not be ignored, the company has therefore taken the necessary steps in remedying the difficult situation.  Reporters have noted that all owners that have registered their vehicles have been notified about the problem. They have been invited to take their vehicles to their nearest Mini dealership in order to begin the exchange process. The company estimated that it should not take more than an hour or two to make the exchange. Furthermore, the company has noted that turbocharged engines that are affected have an additional water pump so the problem is not completely dire.

The mini plant located in Oxford makes around 200,000 vehicles each year. BMW has noted that there is a very low incidence of faults in these cars. Representatives have state that a great deal of time and effort is places to make these cars as effective and safe as possible. This, according to them, is an extreme circumstance that is rarely if ever repeated. While no injury’s or accidents have been reported due to this problem, the company is hopeful that the letter scheme will sort out any potential problems that might result from the issue.

While most individual’s associate expensive cars with the European market, American car manufacturers have long since experimented with this successful idea. Indeed, the ‘custom’ car market is filled with incredibly fast as well as great looking cars. Some costing as much as any European sports car, a rather unique Ford Mustang has recently gone on sale at the 2012 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, turning a few heads at its cost and looks.

An exceptional vehicle, the 2012 Ford Mustang GT recently sold for $160,000 (£100,000). Auctioned by the SPX Corporation, the company plans on donating the funds to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

SPX commissioned Galpin Auto Sports to create the unique vehicle. Making its debut in Las Vegas in September 2011, the car has made its way across the United States and had been featured on a number of channels.

What makes this car so unique is that it tries to recreate the iconic look of the 1969 Boss 429 Mustang in a modern shell. Indeed, as Marketwatch noted, the specially designed Mustang is outfitted with racing performance springs, Custom Forgiato wheels that have been equipped with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires. Not to be outdone, the car also comes with custom suede and leather trimming upholstery that would make the most conservative car enthusiast envious. Furthermore, the vehicle also comes with a SPX Sunpro gauge Pod Kit as well as a special Tachometer and shift light.

The outside is truly reminiscent of the 1969 Boss 429. The 2012 Mustang comes with a gorgeous PPG Candy Apple Red Pearl Paint job and a fabricated spoiler.  On the back the car also had a rather impressive 2012 Boss Laguna Seca Rear spoiler. The hood as well as scoop features look very much like the 60’s model, coming with valve covers as well as a Canton polished intercooler and radiator. Looking very much like the car of the future but straight out of the past, it is a fantastic example of what custom shop specialists can do.

PR Newswire noted that this is the third time the company has donated the car to the hospital, helping to raise a total of $450,000 (£280,000). The Chairman, President and Chief Executive officer Christopher Kearney noted that this close relationship has produced real results in curing catastrophic childhood diseases. Providing as much support as possible, the company believes that its collaboration with Barrett-Jackson as well as Galpin Auto Sports is not only worthwhile but truly amazing.

Most car adverts seem content to sell a lifestyle rather than a product. They’re not so much saying “buy this car” as “look how cool you’d look driving this car”.

Peugeot’s latest campaign, though, is a buck to this long-established trend. They are indeed saying “buy this car”, and they’re doing so through helpfully pointing out just how fun, exciting and joyful it is to buy a new car.

It’s called “Drive Away Happy”, and it’s a self-confessed reaction to a car market “awash with cut-price deals and overblown offers”. This campaign, though, is all about happiness. Peugeot want to make you happy.

And how? Well, have you heard of their “Just Add Fuel” scheme? It’s a way of streamlining the costs of running a car. It aggregates your insurance, servicing, warranty, road tax and assistance into one fixed monthly amount. All you need to worry about is fuel.

Both this and the Drive Away Happy campaign are being launched by way of a new 30 second TV advert.

It envisions a world made of paper and deploys stop-motion animation to demonstrate how a Peugeot avoids all the hassles associated with running a car.

A famous face in the form of Life on Mars/Dr. Who star John Simm is onboard to offer his priceless endorsement.

Says UK Marketing Director for Peugeot, Morgan Lecoupeur: “2012 is set to be a year of regeneration for the Peugeot brand with several exciting new product launches on the horizon including the world’s first diesel electric hybrid car and the hugely anticipated new 208.

“What better way to start than with an optimistic campaign that emphasises the positive emotions associated with driving a new car. In John Simm we have found a talented, credible and instantly recognisable personality and voice, and we look forward to working with him in 2012 as we move the Peugeot brand forward.”

With a January 23 premier, you may already have seen the advert by now. You may even already be sick of it.

I’m convinced that companies create concept cars to taunt us. They sculpt exquisite vehicles out of metals, crafting machines from the future. Who amongst us would not want to own a concept Ferrari or Lamborghini? Indeed, these absolutely stunning cars show us where the industry is headed and what designers are planning next. As each car manufacturer tries to outperform the other, it seems that now Honda will try to awe us with their own concept, one that will certainly be turning a few heads.

Set to debut at the 2012 Detroit auto show, Honda’s NSX is not a new car but rather a radical remodelling of an old favourite. Originally produced between 1990 and 2005, the mid-engine vehicle was powered by a V6 engine and was quite popular due to its unique design and quick speed. However, due to dwindling sales the car became economically enviable. Since 2007 there were talks to bring it back, revamped and reimagined. Out of the ashes rose the Acura ASCC and more recently the direct successor called the NSX.

Honda’s CEO noted that the drive is not simply more exhilarating but also far easier to control and enjoy. The new environmentally friendlier car will incorporate electric drivetrain  in order to give the engine an extra boost. Still mid-engine, the vehicle will now boast a 400bhp four-wheel drive hybrid 3.5-litre V6 engine that will push 0-62 mph in just under 5 seconds.

Reporters at Autoexpress noted that the concept car will have its debut as an Acura, the more luxurious North American arm of the company. However, when it comes to the UK reports suggest that it will have a Honda badge.

Recent reports suggest that the car will also play a role in the upcoming summer blockbuster The Avengers. Based on the films and comic books it looks like it might be driven by Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) otherwise known as Iron Man. While the previous Iron Man films featured the Audi R8 quite prominently, perhaps it’s time for the Honda to steal some of the limelight.

A car that will certainly be turning a few heads when it roars, it looks like it will be quite an exciting year. Keep an eye out for this and many other fascinating vehicles in the Detroit autoshow in the upcoming weeks.

Many of us have gotten into car accidents. While some are more severe than others, we can all agree that they are fairly common occurrences. Capable of happening anywhere and at any time, news channels very rarely have the time to report each and every one of these. However, once in awhile, one occurs that quickly captures our attention, changing the way we appreciate cars forever.

Such an occurrence happened this morning in Japan, where some 14 vehicles caused chaos in the south prefecture of Yamaguchi. Rather than being your run of the mill Toyota’s or Ford’s these were perhaps the most well known vehicles on the planet. Comprising of some eight Ferrari’s, a Lamborghini, three Mercedes and two other vehicles, the news of this ultra expensive crash has been reported all over the world

Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun reported that the accident occurred when one of the Ferrari drivers tried to change lanes but accidentally ended up hitting one of the barriers. One thing led to another and all the cars ended up quite damaged. Video footage and pictures are now spread out all over the web, documenting the event from multiple angles.

Patrol lieutenant Eiichiro Kamitani said that he’d never seen or expected such a thing. He suggested that since the speed limit was only 80 km/h and the cars were as damaged as they were, the vehicles were obviously travelling at considerably higher speeds. Recent reports suggest that the convoy was travelling between 140-160 km/h. At such, the lieutenant suggested that it only took a few seconds for all those cars to come crashing into one another.

Recent reports put cost of this now scrap metal at around 300 million yen or roughly £2.5 million. This is not surprising seeing the huge list ranging from 355’s to F430’s. Indeed, recent reports suggest that while some of the vehicles remained reparable, others were no longer recognizable.

As these vehicles were designed for high-speed collusions this not surprising of to hear that all the drivers escaped serious injury. Indeed, police reports suggest that only 10 individuals were treated for cuts and bruises.

It is certainly a fascinating and sad day to see such beautiful cars lay beaten across the road. While this accident serves as a good example of high-speed dangers, one would hardly believe that Ferrari drivers would ever limit their speeds. Nonetheless, it will certainly be interesting to see how these individuals file their insurance claims.