The advertising experts at Slate took a look at Volkswagen’s wacky GTI “Fast” commercials in a report this week. Throughout his over-analysis of the commercials, Seth Stevenson looks at the impact on various demographics and the not-so-subliminal messages, which he says include: 1) speeding, 2) reckless driving in inclement weather, and 3) more female-hating. We’re not too sure these ads go that far, but it’s an interesting thought. Stevenson also points out that the ad agency behind these ads was also behind the Burger King’s new “King” campaign. “Both the King and the Fast have impassive, inanimate faces,” writes Stevenson. “Both are creepy advocates for their cause (the King silently hands people Whoppers; the Fast telepathically urges people to be dickheads).” Undecided? Check out the GTI “Fast” ads here. And if you like those, also have a look at the hilarious “Unpimp your ride” spots.
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03/09, 8:38 AM
posted by:
Madcapp
As a fan of old Humphrey Bogart films, I can tell you that a woman needs a good slap in the face every now and again to keep from getting hysterical. Merely telling your girlfriend to shut it, as in the VW commercial is exceedingly kind.
03/09, 8:42 AM
posted by:
David
I don’t think the message they are trying to send has anything to do with speeding, wreckless driving, or female-hating. I think the message is more about the new GTI being a fast car that begs to be driven. I also think the commercials are just supposed to be funny in general.
Another thing that caught my eye was the the “fast” is actually a rabbit. I think this was an attempt by VW to show a little rememberance to the roots of the GTI.
03/09, 9:53 AM
posted by:
Nuno
If you look hard enough, you’re bound to find something offensive. I remember once somebody on TV talking about how the “Teletubies” were bad for kids, I don’t remember what they said because it was just ridiculus.
03/09, 9:57 AM
posted by:
Northeasterner
Ok – Seth Stevenson is taking this thing out of context. The commercials are funny and to the point. They don’t encourage wreckless driving or female-hating – claiming that is just ridiculous. Just exhibits how far the “political correctness” have been pushed.
03/09, 10:39 AM
posted by:
Daldianus
These ‘Unpimp’ ads rock so much!
03/09, 12:01 PM
posted by:
manny
i have to agree that it promotes speeding, because its impossible to advertise a car like that and not advertise speed…
03/09, 12:32 PM
posted by:
Jason
Do you all know the original cure for women having hysteria? It was for them to be stimulated to orgasm
That goes to show we all have our own ideas of what is good for someone else……
Fast cars are fun to drive, you have to drive them fast some times!!!
03/09, 4:50 PM
posted by:
Michael Spadaro
They’re just blowing hot air. Those “Unpimp” ads are HILARIOUS. I just wish they’d come sooner. “Bling” is stupid.
03/09, 5:15 PM
posted by:
StanFord
Those “Unpimp” ads are the best thing that VW has done in N. Amercia since they broght in the Golf R32..
They now need an “Unfatten” campaign on the new Passat and Jetta which lost something with the new models – they’re too big and cushy and remind me of Japanese transportation appliances w/ a bit of “Germanization”..
03/09, 5:36 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
I posted the first comment in this thread to see if ANY women visit sites like this, or if its the sausage fest that I thought. And its lookin’ like the latter. Why is it that the only interest women have in cars is to get their father or significant other to buy one for them.
03/10, 7:10 PM
posted by:
Mookie
Makes me want to buy a VW, which is difficult to ponder, mission accomplished….
03/14, 12:10 PM
posted by:
Lewis Salem
Great advertisments. My wife doesn’t like them, so I’m sure there spot on.
03/16, 12:38 PM
posted by:
WillP
Both the FAST adds and the Unpimp your ride ads kick butt. I feel sorry for Lewis, my wife loves the ads. She loves them so much she has been searching all over the damned place trying to buy herself a Fast to put in her Mazda. “My FAST hates it when they block the fast lane”, she says.
03/20, 3:54 PM
posted by:
Cody
I sooo have to get one of those fasts…. all you people out there that say those commercials are stupid, or say the fast is creepy, then you must not have a sense of humor, or you are just a dumbass. My friend’s fast makes it hrd for him to have a relationship.
03/20, 3:57 PM
posted by:
Mr. T
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Also, get a Mr.T starter set at http://www.mrt.com —- They are what got me started.
Sweet commercials though…..
03/20, 3:59 PM
posted by:
Cody
Hey all you double-o-dumbasses out there, unpimp your gay rides atscion — at least they have better cars than you, and they suck!!
03/21, 4:09 PM
posted by:
Mr.T
Why hasn’t anyone gottona Mr. T starter set yet???!!!!! It comes with 3 gold chains, a giant golden T, and a how to guide to shave your head just right to make it look like mine.
05/02, 2:19 PM
posted by:
Nicky
The ‘Fast’ commercials are sophomoric!