The Chrysler Group's Jeep Design Studio team, in collaboration with Kirk Petruccelli and Graham Kelly from the Paramount Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life production team, designed and built the customized Jeep Wrangler Rubicon featured in the film.
"To create the vehicle, we took the ultimate off-road machine, a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, and tailored it to fit what aristocratic Lady Lara Croft, would need to do her job as a tomb raider," said Trevor Creed, senior vice president, Product Design, Chrysler Group. "This specialized vehicle includes original Rubicon features, aftermarket components used by many off-road enthusiasts, and unique never-before-seen custom features."
Lara's unique vehicle (three were built for the film) boasts an array of functional modifications, such as a rollcage with grab bars, a skidplate with simulated HID lighting, and an interior with specially designed gauges, shifters, instrument panel, console, and door trim. The aftermarket components used to complete the Lara Croft's Jeep Wrangler Rubicon include Hanson Enterprises front and rear bumpers, Mickey Thompson 35 inch Baja Claw Radial tires, M/T Classic II wheels with bead locks, a Skyjacker 4-inch Double Flex suspension lift, a Warn winch, and Bushwacker riveted fender flares.
"Wrangler is the icon of the Jeep brand and continues to be the original go-anywhere, do-anything freedom machine that provides maximum versatility and performance," said Jeff Bell, vice president Jeep, Chrysler Group. "In the movie, this vehicle will be showcased in many rugged and extreme situations, highlighting key strengths of the brand in a new and exciting way. You'll see the Jeep driving 80 mph across harsh desert and jungle terrain without any difficulty. That's real Jeep 4x4 capability, and that's Jeep adventure."
To showcase Jeep vehicle capability and authenticity, the brand is creating 30- and 60-second ads that feature footage from the film as well as original footage in which Jolie appears as Lara Croft. The 30-second spot will run on national TV, and the 60-second spot will be shown in movie theaters.
Ford Motor Company Introduces New Blue Oval Logo To celebrate Ford Motor Company's second century of building motor vehicles, Ford will launch the centennial oval as the company's corporate identity.
The Ford oval, the primary symbol representing Ford Motor Company during much of the past 100 years, is being modernized into a centennial version that will be revealed this year on Ford's World Headquarters building for the centennial celebration.
"This action is far more than changing a sign on a building," said Jan Valentic, vice president, Global Marketing, Ford Motor Company. "The Ford oval is a powerful symbol, recognized the world over as an icon of the company that put the world on wheels. As we head into our next century, we want to make it very clear that it is the same symbol that will lead the industry on three simple tenets: great products, a strong business, and a better world."
The move to the centennial oval is a key component of the company's revitalization strategy. "As our product-led transformation has been gaining strength, we've been exclaiming 'the Blue Oval is back - and in a major way," said Valentic. "This is just one more way."