Raunchy Lesbian Ad for Renault Twingo Banned in Italy

What woman wouldn’t falsely seduce another to steal her shirt? No, this isn’t another one of my sexist rants: it’s a (legitimate?) question posed by a Renault ad that has been banned in Italy.

The ad features two women – who I’ll refer to as the blonde and the brunette – who sneak off together for some hanky-panky bedroom fun. The brunette undresses; the blonde blindfolds her and steals her pink top, later comparing it to the color of her Renault Twingo Miss Sixty.

The ad was created by the Milanese arm of French advertising firm Publicis, which Renault had used before to great effect with the highly popular Papa et Nicole ads of the 1990s for the Renault Clio I. However, this latest ad has not gone down well in Italy, with TV RAI (essentially Italy’s BBC) and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's Mediaset organization refusing to air it. It has also outraged the nation’s gay-lesbian groups which claim it is offensive to homosexual women.

Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera asks:

“Is it controversial or cutting edge? One thing for certain though at no point during the advert is any technical aspect of the new Renault Twingo ever mentioned.”

Can’t you be both controversial and cutting edge? Lady Gaga (sort of) falls into this category, doesn’t she? *Is pelted with rotten tomatoes* Okay, okay; and let us never speak of her again.

Publicis spokeperson Daniele Tranchini defends the controversial ad:

“We wanted to create an advert that was original, enjoyable and at the same time not vulgar and I believe we have achieved that. What is clever is that you think the advert is going one way but in the end it goes another - its great don't you think?”

For the time being, the ad is only being aired on Sky and has not be shown outside of Italy. Thanks to YouTube, you – our loyal readers – can see the ad for yourselves and render your verdict in the comment’s section below.

By Tristan Hankins

Via: Dailymail & USA Today

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Renault Extends Gordini Lineup with New Twingo 100HP TCe and 85 dCi Models

While many petrolheads may not agree with Renault's decision to use the Gordini nameplate for styled-up and better equipped models, the French company claims the idea has proven successful so far with buyers as Gordini versions account for around two-thirds of Twingo R.S. [133hp] sales and one-third of Clio R.S. sales in Europe.

Building on this success, the company has decided to extend the lineup with the introduction of the Twingo Gordini, which will replace the GT variant. It will be offered with a choice of two engines, a 1.2-liter TCe turbocharged gasoline unit delivering 100-hp, and a 1.4-liter dCi turbo diesel churning out 85-horsepower.

Exterior appointments include specific front and rear bumpers, 15-inch alloy wheels and special badges. There are three available colors to choose from: Malte Blue metallic, Pearlescent Black and Glacier White. The Malte Blue metallic models come with white stripes and details, while the other two colors are matched with Cold Metal Grey stripes and details.

Inside, the Gordini treatment adds special blue and black leather throughout the interior, sports seats, blue rev-counter housing with white background and bezel, aluminum pedals, black lacquer-finish centre console and dark-charcoal leather-trimmed dashboard cowl with visible stitching.

Renault said the Twingo Gordini will be marketed across most of Europe. Order books for the TCe 100hp version are already open in France, with prices starting from €14,800.

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Paris Preshow: Renault and Fashion House Miss Sixty Create Twingo for the Girls

Billed as the first "all-feminine" and "most glamorous" of all Twingo limited editions, the Twingo Miss Sixty is the result of collaboration between Renault and Miss Sixty, the international fashion label of Italy's Sixty group. The fashionista Twingo's world premiere will take place on the Renault stand at next week's Paris Motor Show before launching into the European market in November 2010.

The Twingo Miss Sixty will be available in two unique exterior colors, Bohemian Pink or Pearlescent black, with the interior detailed in pink and black, giving it what Renault describes as a "sultry glam'rock look".

Aside from the Miss Sixty brand logos, other highlights include a pink-rimmed tachometer and speedometer, a pink-stitched leather steering wheel and pearlescent black door mirror housings.

Further details and pricing will be announced at next week's Paris Motor Show.