Pennzoil Reimagines Go-Karting With Real-World Mario Kart 8 Experience At SXSW

HOUSTON--March 5, 2014: Pennzoil is proud to present Mario Karting Reimagined, a real-world racing experience based on the highly anticipated Mario Kart™ 8 video game for Wii U™, brought to life on the grounds of SXSW Interactive. As the Official Motor Oil & Auto Fuel Sponsor of the 2014 SXSW Interactive Festival, Pennzoil is introducing this innovative experience to consumers as a way to convey the innovation tied to Pennzoil PlatinumŽ Full Synthetic Motor Oils with PurePlus™ Technology.

Derived from pioneering technologies and creativity, Pennzoil was inspired by its love of cars and the Pennzoil Platinum line of motor oils featuring PurePlus Technology, a revolutionary process that converts natural gas into the first-of-its-kind, high quality full synthetic base oil. The line of Pennzoil Platinum with PurePlus Technology are motor oils reimagined; delivering complete protection through the use of groundbreaking technology, which is as advanced as today's cutting-edge vehicles.

"The collaboration with Nintendo's Mario Kart franchise marks two iconic brands coming together as leaders on the front lines in their respective industries," said Chris Hayek, Pennzoil Global Brand Manager. "Mario Karting Reimagined is sure to surprise SXSW attendees with the way that it uses the iconic elements of the Mario Kart 8 video game to capture the inspiration behind PurePlus Technology, pushing the boundaries of innovation and imagination."

Mario Karting Reimagined lets SXSW attendees get behind the wheel of a super-powered go-kart inspired by the Mario Kart 8 video game. For drivers to gain a competitive edge during the on-track experience, participants must collect the Pennzoil Complete Protection icons on the track that act as simulated power-ups, appearing in the form of Pennzoil branded icons to compliment some of the traditional Mario Kart 8 icons. The live racing will be broadcast on a jumbo-tron, with each go-kart's performance behaving normally until an icon is tripped on the track. Once activated, the go-kart will experience the effects of the icon in real-time to trigger speed boosts or slow the go-kart down.

Just as the Mario Kart video game series is known for its unpredictable racing fun, Mario Karting Reimagined will let participants compete for the checkered flag on Pennzoil's custom course, where anything can happen. As drivers pass certain areas of the track, the image showing each driver's point of view on the jumbo-tron will flip upside down, just as Mario and his friends can defy gravity and drive upside down in Mario Kart 8. Each participant will walk away with their own digital video link to their Mario Karting Reimagined experience, offering a helmet camera view of their track laps and personal Complete Protection score.

Onsite at SXSW, the track will be located directly outside the Palmer Events Center, with shuttle transportation available to and from the Austin Convention Center. From noon to 6 p.m. on March 7-9, the custom-built track inspired by Mario Kart 8 will be open and free for SXSW Interactive & Gaming attendees, ages 18 and up, to experience racing from a whole new perspective from behind the wheel of a Pennzoil/Mario Kart-branded go-kart. Attendees will also be able to participate in a special gameplay preview experience with the upcoming Mario Kart 8 game for Wii U before it launches in stores this May.

Mario Kart 8, the newest installment in the fan-favorite video game series from Nintendo, launches exclusively for Wii U on May 30, introducing anti-gravity racing, allowing players to drive up vertical surfaces and even upside down on inverted tracks. Players will be able to race alone, with other friends in the same room via split-screen multiplayer (multiple controllers required; sold separately) or online with others from around the world (broadband Internet access required). Players can even capture their favorite gameplay clips and share them using the new Mario Kart TV feature. The game includes a selection of the most recognizable characters from the Mushroom Kingdom such as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser and, for the first time ever, the seven Koopalings that first made their debut in Super Mario Bros.™ 3.