Motor Trend: News

Audi of America, The Odyssey Lifestyle, and Yuroz recently held a private reception at The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Sponsored by Motor Trend magazine; the event marked the start of a year-long project to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Media members, as well as art, auto, and lifestyle enthusiasts gathered for the unveiling of the all-new 2003 Audi A4 Cabriolet. The car, one of only a few early arrivals in the United States, began its journey all the way from Germany for this special occasion, when its ultimate destiny and philanthropic movement was revealed to the attendees.

"The transformation of our stunning A4 Cabriolet into an exceptional piece of art, to benefit a charitable cause, is a unique collaboration that we felt aligned well with Audi's strong heritage of innovation and desire to 'Never Follow,' " says Maria Nahigian, Audi's event marketing manager. "This is an exciting opportunity for Audi, and we look forward to expanding our existing partnerships with The Odyssey Lifestyle and Yuroz, while also building new relationships with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society."

"Audi cars are artful by design," stated Yuroz. "It is challenging and exciting to make my art a part of that, but it is a new way of introducing art to the people -- functional art -- and to have the opportunity to do this for charity is a wonderful thing."

Yuroz, considered by many to be among the greatest visionaries of his generation, utilized that preliminary gathering as an opportunity to lay the first line of paint on the Cabriolet, before the amazed crowd. The celebration marked the beginning of a cross-country odyssey for the car.

Yuroz's fully realized vision, the Audi A4 Cabriolet transformed into a priceless work of art will be unveiled this weekend, on November 16 at the Las Vegas Odyssey during the American Rarities black tie dinner and celebration. Presented by Audi, Las Vegas Odyssey is The Odyssey Lifestyle's annual gourmet food and wine festival that brings together some of the city's most talented chefs and world class vintners.

The Audi/Odyssey Masterpiece will subsequently embark on a 12-month journey stopping at numerous events throughout the United States. On these occasions, people will have the chance to purchase $25 raffle tickets to win the one-of-a-kind Audi and support the charity simultaneously. Only one lucky winner will take home this original masterpiece.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the fastest-growing voluntary health organization with a nationwide presence. Its mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has provided more than $240 million for research specifically targeting blood-related cancers. For more information, visit www.leukemia-lymphoma.org .

Fore more information on the Audi/Odyssey Masterpiece Tour, please contact The Odyssey Lifestyle at 702-257-2345 or visit online at www.odysseylifestyle.com