Audi Kicks Off Iron Man 2 Contest

Just the Facts:

• Audi is launching a social media competition called "The Tony Stark Innovation Challenge."
• The contest kicks off April 28, with participants submitting two-minute videos that explain their ideas for "living better through technology."
• The competition celebrates the debut of Iron Man 2.

HERNDON, Virginia — Continuing to piggyback on the appeal of the movie Iron Man 2, Audi on Tuesday launched "The Tony Stark Innovation Challenge ," a new social media competition that calls for ideas for "living better through technology." The grand prize: $15,000 to fund the idea.

The contest kicks off on April 28, with participants submitting two-minute videos that explain their ideas for "living better through technology."

"They then must rally members of their Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other social media networks to rate, comment and discuss their ideas," said Audi in a statement.

"The partnership in Iron Man 2 celebrates our shared focus on innovation, and this contest allows anyone with a great idea to not just express it, but potentially make a true difference within their industry," said Scott Keogh, Audi of America chief marketing officer, in a statement.

The winner will not only get the cash, but "spa treatments, tailored cocktail attire and grooming to perfect their Stark style," said Audi. The prize package includes a trip to California and the opportunity to drive the Audi R8 on a racetrack.

Iron Man 2 arrives in theaters nationwide on May 7. Audi's Iron Man ad has been running in cinemas prior to the film's release.

Inside Line says: Leave it to Audi to come up with one of the more tantalizing auto contests in recent memory. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent