Audi R8 Spyder Buzzes Red Carpet at Ironman2 World Premier
The good folks at Rolls-Royce were kind enough to invite us to the World Premier of Ironman2 in Hollywood. Why? Rolls has a product placement deal with the movie, and if you recall the first Ironman, you’ll remember that Robert Downey, Jr.’s character Tony Stark has some nice wheels, with a Rolls among them. Last night, around 6:30, we were standing on the Hollywood Blvd red carpet as if we were “someone”, awaiting the cast’s arrival. The cast has expanded for Iron2, now including the ever cool Don Cheadle and Samual L. Jackson, Micky Rourke, as well as talented and perennially smoking hot Scarlett Johansson. Downey, Gwyneth Paltrow, and most of the previous key players reprise their previous roles.
There was an empty lane next to the red carpet, and I mistakingly assumed that this might be where limos and other forms of transport bring the stars in prior to them being assaulted by the entertainment shows and other assembled media. No. This extra lane was there for a single reason, and and that was so that Downey could buzz the lineup in Tony Stark’s ride of choice, the new Audi R8 Spyder V-10.
The crowd really lit up as Downey and his wife made the right turn off of a side street on to Hollywood Blvd, and buzzed to a stop just in front of the famous El Capitan Theater where the movie was showing.
In spite of his many life setbacks, Downey is someone that his fans and all of Hollywood has always rooted for; he’s a solid actor when he’s sober. He looks great, and seemed comfy in his skin. Dressed in a sharp black suit and track shoes, he smiled, waved, signed autographs, and was gracious to anyone who approached him and during his media interview duties.
The car wore California license plate “Stark 11″ after the name of the main character, and wears the same plate in film, as Stark lives in a mythical Malibu mansion.
If you enjoyed the first Ironman, you’ll enjoy this one too. There’s some good car play in there, and it’s fun watching tough guy Rourke scythe apart a Phantom during a slightly over the top Monaco Historic Grand Prix F1 race. Besides the Audi, I’d happily take Stark’s Ford flathead powered rod.
Photography by the author
Ironman2 Opens May 7.
