For comedian Jerry Seinfeld, the debut of the Acura NSX in Detroit demonstrated a concept that was totally different from his classic TV sitcom: it was a show about something. Something worth waiting for.
That’s exactly what Seinfeld is doing in a new advertisement released online by Acura. After he finds out that he isn’t the first in line to receive one of the highly-anticipated supercars, he spends the majority of the ad, entitled “Transactions,” trying to bribe the person who is. In the extended version available on the internet, Jerry offers the services of the Soup Nazi (a familiar face for fans of the show), an alien, a speed boat, the last living munchkin (according to Seinfeld anyway), small talk with an omelet bar attendant and a sock puppet recap of a popular cable gangster drama.
Seinfeld’s final offer is access to his “personal network of Manhattan zip lines” as a means of transportation. Just as he has the keys to the first Acura NXS in hand, Jay Leno swoops in (literally) wearing a ridiculous “jet pack flying squirrel suit” that can supposedly get from New York to Los Angeles in 20 minutes. At the end of the commercial, Seinfeld sulks about the thwarting of his efforts with his cast of misfits in the booth of a coffee shop.
Production of the Acura NSX is expected begin sometime in 2015. It will likely feature a V-6 engine (probably either 3.5 or 3.7-liter), accompanied by three electronic motors. The combination will attempt to balance driving performance with ecological impact. “Like the first NSX, we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency,” said Honda CEO Takanobu Ito. “But even as we focus on the fun to drive spirit of the NSX, I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities.”
In the ad, Jay Leno laughs maniacally as he blasts off with the original NSX owner latched on behind him. This isn’t the first time that he has stolen something that was promised to an NBC funnyman. You’re not alone, Jerry. Conan O’Brien feels your pain. The Acura NXS spot will air during the Super Bowl, Sunday, February 5 on NBC.
