In the off chance you’ve been on a remote island for the last several weeks and are only now reestablishing a connection with civilization, I’ll start by saying Super Bowl LI took place over the weekend, and it was quite the event. I guess there were a few points scored and something about a comeback, but I was in it for the car advertisements. After all, these aren’t your normal adverts – companies pay upwards of $170,000 per second to get their product front and center for the big game, and that means we saw the major makes go full-bore with the commercial gloss. Tons of car-related adverts were aired, and we’ve got ‘em all right here.
Some were funny and goofy, others were dramatic and heartfelt, and some were just straight up weird. But hey, that’s how it goes when vying for the attention of consumers soaked in beer and guacamole.
Which advertisements caught your eye? Let us know in the comments!
Continue reading to see all the car adverts from Super Bowl LI.
Alfa Romeo
Alfa spared no expense in making its presence known to American audiences, dropping no less than three individual adverts for the Super Bowl. Each features the high-powered Giulia sports sedan predominantly throughout, showcasing the gorgeous lines of the four-door in a flair of quick-moving shots and glorious exhaust noise. Attention U.S.A. – say hello to Italian passion.
American Petroleum Institute
Believe it or not, but oil is, like, really important to civilization and modern standards of living here in the U.S. It’s true! It’s used for all sorts of stuff, like paint, and cosmetics, and medical products. Oh yeah, it’s also used for cars and space ships too. Those are the reminders that API sent with this 30-second advert.
Audi
The Four Rings went the social commentary route with its advert, championing its stance for more equality between the sexes when it comes to work compensation. Oh, and there’s an S5 Sportback too.
Buick
Buick has been busy revamping its image, and what better way to do that than with pro quarterback Cam Newton and supermodel Miranda Kerr? Joining the celebrity duo is a red Cascada convertible.
Ford
Ford was the first out the gates on Sunday, giving us this one-minute, 43-second advert about getting unstuck from a variety of situations, whether it takes self-driving cars, or the new Ford GT. It’s the right message for a brand reintroducing itself as a “mobility company.”
Honda
Honda also touted some star-studded celebrity muscle to help shine up its product, with this advert tapping Tina Fey, Magic Johnson, Steve Carell, and several others to help show off the new CR-V crossover.
Hyundai
It doesn’t really matter what you’re plugging – give a shout out to the troops, and you’re sure to get the people’s support. And that’s exactly what Hyundai did in this 90-second advert showing how it connected soldiers with their families.
Kia
Actress and comedian Melissa McCarthy stars in this one, playing an eco warrior who tries to save the environment and its various at-risk flora and fauna – you know, whales, trees, the polar ice caps, stuff like that. It, uh, doesn’t go as planned.
Lexus
Slick, stylish, and beat-tastic is Lexus’ Super Bowl spot. It’s an interesting parallel of human movement and machine form. The Lexus LC provides the four-wheeled bits.
Mercedes-AMG
Easy Rider came out in 1969, but Peter Fonda is back in this advert for the AMG GT Roadster. It’s Captain America in a German drop top.
Michelin
Ready to tug on the ‘ole heartstrings a little bit? Michelin has just the thing.
Toyota
To be honest, it seems like Toyota is the only major automaker taking this whole hydrogen thing seriously. In fact, it’s so serious, it bought an ad spot for its FCV Mirai four-door.
Weathertech
Weathertech isn’t messing around when it comes to protecting your interior. Just make sure to leave your moon roof open.