Passion
I did some research last night, for the upcoming assignment that I was given by my (hopefully) future employers to come up with 3 different car-related articles. 1 story on a brand new car, 1 on a modified car and 1 on a car accessory. Sounds simple? not really, in fact it's pretty daunting.
I went off to grab myself the latest editions of a couple of car mags. Did some serious analyzing of their content and editorial style. And did some notes on some guidelines which I have to work around when writing for a car mag. Here are some of my results. The articles aren't ready yet, but this will be the foundation. Will be viewing a friend's modified Fit tomorrow, here's hoping it worth while. =)
Analysis of a typical HOTstuff article
First page
- Big picture of the selected vehicle (as fierce as possible)
- Car model and make are identified on the top
- Headlines playing with certain words
- Sub-headlines brief intro to the car and its appearance
- *Smaller pics of vehicle from various angles
Second Page
- 5 small pics dominate the page featuring, sound system, engine, driver/dashboard, gauges, audio and steering wheel
1st paragraph begins with an intro to the stock model, appearance wise, history and drive-ability. Nice starter posed with a question or fact normally associated with the car.
(Note: 2nd, 3rd and 4th Paragraphs share same information)
2nd paragraph: Intro to the driver, and why the design or inspiration behind it. List exterior modifications.
3rd paragraph: more in-depth look at the cars most prominent features exterior wise. Together with a brief on the interior styling.
4th paragraph: interior modifications done on the dashboard, gauges and audio equipment are highlighted.
5th paragraph: engine specs and what’s so special about the engine. Car performance on the roads together with final verdict on the car.
Analysis of a typical Motoring article
- pages are lay out sparsely, lots of white, pics are the only things in colour.
- Headline is a word play on car’s name
- Sub-headlines intro to the car depending on positive or negative feedback
- First two pages portray the car in its entirety, big unobstructed pics from the front side and side (usually in motion)
- Some key points are highlighted in bigger fonts and bold.
- 3rd page has key pics from the cars interior: dashboard cum steering wheel, transmission, close up of dials, buttons, anything that catches the eye, back seats included. Complete with captions.
- Final page, back view of car, shot of the engine, boot and wheels with info box.
[Intro header]
1st Paragraph: brief intro of the car market in the selected segment. Humorous approach to the references used in what the car maker has lined up for the driver.
2nd Paragraph: Cars biggest feature. Any relation to other cars. Overall style and shape of car with a brief ref to engine cc. Styling cues of more detailed objects – like door handles, C/A pillars.
[Special feature of car header]
3rd paragraph: Another humorous approach with reference to everyday activities to highlight the special feature.
4th and 5th Paragraph: interior styling, cabin space, consoles, colour scheme, gauges, dials, parking brake.
6th Paragraph: Seats, sculptured? Adjustable? Storage spaces.
7th Paragraph: Rear passengers, enough room? Accessible? Wheelbase longer? More space? Boot space.
8th Paragraph: Rear sits styling same as 6th paragraph. Comfort levels.
[Engine Header]
9th paragraph: ignition type, engine type, (VVT?) Amount of torque, best range around how many RPMs?
10th paragraph: Transmission ideal for city or highway situations?
11th paragraph: downshifting throttle, feeling? Rough or gentle? Acceleration and engine gives out what sort of notes.
[Handling Header]
12th paragraph: road manners? Bodyroll? Ride quality, smoother?
13th paragraph: Traction control, tire grip, start situations. Cornering, what not to do with the car.
14th paragraph: Braking, ABS Disc brakes on wheels, priorities of the driver? Family? Spirited?
[Safety Header]
15th paragraph: safety features, Euro NCAP Star Safety Rating? Other special safety systems? Collesion detection, crumple zones, airbags, impact sensors.
Final Paragraph: Final verdict on the car, rating? Likes dislikes?
**Extra info box containing fast facts on the car**
General
- Type: engine location/ FR/RR/ Sedan etc etc.
- Price
Engine
- Model name : i-dsl, VVTi, Vtec
- CC
- Valves?
- Fuel system
- Max power Xbhp @ X rpms
- Max torque X Nm @ X rpms
Measurements
- Length
- Width
- Height
- Wheelbase
- Trackfront/rear
- Kerb Weight
Transmission
- Auto ? Selespeed ? Triptronic etc
Suspension
- Front : double wishbone
- Rear : Trapeziodal-link
- Tyres size : x/x R x
- Wheels: 17inch alloy
Brake
- Drum or Disk
Steering
- Type: Power rack and pinion
- Turns lock to lock
- Turning circle (m)
Performance
- 0 to 100km/h (sec)
- Max Speed
Fuel consumption
- Liters per 100km or km per 1litre
I went off to grab myself the latest editions of a couple of car mags. Did some serious analyzing of their content and editorial style. And did some notes on some guidelines which I have to work around when writing for a car mag. Here are some of my results. The articles aren't ready yet, but this will be the foundation. Will be viewing a friend's modified Fit tomorrow, here's hoping it worth while. =)
Analysis of a typical HOTstuff article
First page
- Big picture of the selected vehicle (as fierce as possible)
- Car model and make are identified on the top
- Headlines playing with certain words
- Sub-headlines brief intro to the car and its appearance
- *Smaller pics of vehicle from various angles
Second Page
- 5 small pics dominate the page featuring, sound system, engine, driver/dashboard, gauges, audio and steering wheel
1st paragraph begins with an intro to the stock model, appearance wise, history and drive-ability. Nice starter posed with a question or fact normally associated with the car.
(Note: 2nd, 3rd and 4th Paragraphs share same information)
2nd paragraph: Intro to the driver, and why the design or inspiration behind it. List exterior modifications.
3rd paragraph: more in-depth look at the cars most prominent features exterior wise. Together with a brief on the interior styling.
4th paragraph: interior modifications done on the dashboard, gauges and audio equipment are highlighted.
5th paragraph: engine specs and what’s so special about the engine. Car performance on the roads together with final verdict on the car.
Analysis of a typical Motoring article
- pages are lay out sparsely, lots of white, pics are the only things in colour.
- Headline is a word play on car’s name
- Sub-headlines intro to the car depending on positive or negative feedback
- First two pages portray the car in its entirety, big unobstructed pics from the front side and side (usually in motion)
- Some key points are highlighted in bigger fonts and bold.
- 3rd page has key pics from the cars interior: dashboard cum steering wheel, transmission, close up of dials, buttons, anything that catches the eye, back seats included. Complete with captions.
- Final page, back view of car, shot of the engine, boot and wheels with info box.
[Intro header]
1st Paragraph: brief intro of the car market in the selected segment. Humorous approach to the references used in what the car maker has lined up for the driver.
2nd Paragraph: Cars biggest feature. Any relation to other cars. Overall style and shape of car with a brief ref to engine cc. Styling cues of more detailed objects – like door handles, C/A pillars.
[Special feature of car header]
3rd paragraph: Another humorous approach with reference to everyday activities to highlight the special feature.
4th and 5th Paragraph: interior styling, cabin space, consoles, colour scheme, gauges, dials, parking brake.
6th Paragraph: Seats, sculptured? Adjustable? Storage spaces.
7th Paragraph: Rear passengers, enough room? Accessible? Wheelbase longer? More space? Boot space.
8th Paragraph: Rear sits styling same as 6th paragraph. Comfort levels.
[Engine Header]
9th paragraph: ignition type, engine type, (VVT?) Amount of torque, best range around how many RPMs?
10th paragraph: Transmission ideal for city or highway situations?
11th paragraph: downshifting throttle, feeling? Rough or gentle? Acceleration and engine gives out what sort of notes.
[Handling Header]
12th paragraph: road manners? Bodyroll? Ride quality, smoother?
13th paragraph: Traction control, tire grip, start situations. Cornering, what not to do with the car.
14th paragraph: Braking, ABS Disc brakes on wheels, priorities of the driver? Family? Spirited?
[Safety Header]
15th paragraph: safety features, Euro NCAP Star Safety Rating? Other special safety systems? Collesion detection, crumple zones, airbags, impact sensors.
Final Paragraph: Final verdict on the car, rating? Likes dislikes?
**Extra info box containing fast facts on the car**
General
- Type: engine location/ FR/RR/ Sedan etc etc.
- Price
Engine
- Model name : i-dsl, VVTi, Vtec
- CC
- Valves?
- Fuel system
- Max power Xbhp @ X rpms
- Max torque X Nm @ X rpms
Measurements
- Length
- Width
- Height
- Wheelbase
- Trackfront/rear
- Kerb Weight
Transmission
- Auto ? Selespeed ? Triptronic etc
Suspension
- Front : double wishbone
- Rear : Trapeziodal-link
- Tyres size : x/x R x
- Wheels: 17inch alloy
Brake
- Drum or Disk
Steering
- Type: Power rack and pinion
- Turns lock to lock
- Turning circle (m)
Performance
- 0 to 100km/h (sec)
- Max Speed
Fuel consumption
- Liters per 100km or km per 1litre
posted by Jecht at 4:47 PM
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