Mitsubishi Outlander Sport online test drive promotion sets Guinness World Record 12/22/2010
Japanese automaker Mitusubishi has found its way into the Guinness Book of World Records with a unique online promotion for its 2011 Outlander Sport crossover.
According to a press release from Massachusetts dealer Quirk Mitsubishi, visitors to OutlanderSport.com were able to test drive a real vehicle using their computers as remote controls. Close to 5,000 people from all 50 states chose to take the car for a virtual spin, and the Outlander Sport was driven 91 miles over the course of the 24-hour promotion.
Ultimately, the 91 miles the car traveled were enough to earn Mitsubishi the new Guinness World Record for longest distance driven by an online-controlled vehicle.
Promotion participants reportedly enjoyed getting the chance to try out the Outlander Sport from the comfort of their own homes, with 38 people spending their entire test drive making the car do donuts in the parking lot.
"For the sake of safety, I suggest sticking to Dunkin Donuts in the Outlander Sport," said Phil Ternullo, general manger of Quirk Mitsubishi. "But the online test drives do show the handling and capability of this vehicle, which will be a real thrill for anyone used to the sluggish response of some bigger SUVs."