American Suzuki Motor Corp. is promoting its new 2011 Kizashi sports sedan and Sports GTS via a racing game application.

The application highlights recent Tokyo to LA: The Hard Way road trip, which concluded this summer. The application is also powered by Brass Monkey remote control technology.

?We wanted the app to be a fun game that is engaging and challenging and also has the functionality and search capability to get people more familiar with our brand?s offerings,? said Jeff Holland, associate director of public relations and social media of American Suzuki, Brea, CA.

Suzuki currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 300 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states.

Room room room
The Ring of Fire application is available for the iPad and iPhone.

Users can play the Kizashi game on the iPad or iPhone

The application is a single player game that lets players experience the Kizashi in four fantasty track locations including Tokyo, Siberia, Alaska and Los Angles.

Users can race the 2011 Kizashi SE in the game on the first two tracks and the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sports GTS on the third and fourth track.

?When we began thinking about creative ways to promote the brand and integrate the Tokyo to LA road trip last September, the iPad and next generation iPhone discussions were heating up as a couple very popular potential social media communication tools,? Mr. Holland said.

?During our research, we came upon the good folks at Brass Monkey and began to discuss an innovative and unique use of their technology that would highlight our game for launch,? he said. ?Once we gained the support of our leadership, the game development commenced.

?During development, use of the iPhone and iPad skyrocketed and we knew we were on the right track. Future OS like Android are being discussed and will be based on our success with the Apple OS.?

Steer clear
The application uses the device?s motion sensors for dynamic steering.

Additionally, the Brass Money remote control lets users turn their iPad and iPhone into a virtual steering wheel.

Players can connect the device to a computer via WiFi connection.

?At current, the Kizashi is the only game featured, although future updates to the game will include other Suzuki vehicles,? Mr. Holland said. ?Since Kizashi was launched most recently and for the fact that this was the car used on our Tokyo to L.A. trip, we thought that was the most logical vehicle to use at launch.?

Final Take
Here's a demo of the Kizashi game