HERNDON, Va. — After record consumer response in 2011, Audi is bringing back its famed #WantAnR8 Twitter campaign where fans can tweet for the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a 2012 Audi R8 for a day.  The #WantAnR8 hashtag will appear during a new 30-second spot called “Once Upon a Time,” featuring the R8 supercar.  The spot debuts today on the Audi YouTube channel, followed by network TV on March 26.

• New R8 30-second spot debuts on YouTube.com/audiusa; network TV premiere slated for March 26
• Commercial features the hashtag #WantAnR8 and showcases the cultural impact of the Audi R8 supercar
• R8 enthusiasts can Tweet for the chance at winning their own Audi R8 for the weekend

“Last year, what started as a small swell on Twitter erupted into a nationwide battle to win an R8 for a day. The #WantAnR8 Twitter campaign allowed Audi fans to engage in a fun, exciting way and we’re thrilled to bring it back for a second year,” said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America.  “The spot highlights the Audi R8 as one of those iconic vehicles that leaves a lasting and memorable impact on the world at large. The spot is exhilarating, fast paced and portrays the R8 as a history-defining vehicle.”

In 2011, local D.C. Audi fan Joanne McCoy tweeted Audi of America about how much she wanted the R8.  When she used the hashtag #WantAnR8 in her tweet, Audi took notice, and drove a brand new Audi R8 to Joanne’s house to use for the day.  Building off that momentum, Audi launched the official #WantAnR8 Twitter campaign that gave Twitter users the chance to get behind the wheel of the brand’s flagship Audi R8 V10 for a day simply by tweeting.  Since, the hashtag has been used over 75,000 times.

Starting today, the new #WantAnR8 Twitter contest runs from March 20, 2012 through October 29, 2012.  The contest is split up into four entry periods, and two winners will be selected in each round.  There will be eight winners in total.  Winners will have the option to drive the R8 on the track at the Audi Sportscar Experience in Sonoma, CA or have an R8 delivered to their home.  All drives will happen within the 2012 calendar year. For terms and conditions, please visit audi.us/R8contest.

The Audi R8 has exceptional performance resulting from the combination of advanced lightweight materials and increased power. The 2012 Audi R8 is available as both a Coupe and Spyder, with each style offering two levels of power – a 4.2-liter FSI® V8 or a 5.2-liter FSI V10. The V8 generates 430 hp at 7,900 rpm, with 316 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 – 6,000 rpm, while the 5.2 liter achieves 525 hp at 8,000 rpm with 391 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. Ultra high-revving FSI® Direct Injection motor and race-inspired mid-engine dynamics, coupled with Audi aluminum technology makes the R8 relatively lightweight while maintaining an extremely rigid frame to enhance performance.

The new 30-second spot called “Once Upon a Time” was created by Audi of America advertising agency Venables, Bell and Partners.

ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. Audi was a top-performing luxury brand in Europe during 2011, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Through 2016, AUDI AG will invest about $17 billion on new products and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.