(April 20, 2011) TORRANCE, Calif. — Could there be a better fit? Acura will become the official vehicle of S.H.I.E.L.D. Maybe the now famous — or infamous depending on your point of view — shield-like grille on most Acura products had something to do with Acura joining forces with Marvel Entertainment.

Acura and Marvel Entertainment announced today the details of their promotional campaign for the film THOR. In the luxury automaker's first partnership with a major motion picture, Acura will have a pivotal role in THOR as the official vehicle of S.H.I.E.L.D.

S.H.I.E.L.D., the fictional worldwide peace-keeping organization of the Marvel Comics Universe, has a leading role in this film portrayal of the iconic comic-book series. Throughout THOR, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents drive various Acura vehicles, including the MDX, ZDX, RL and TL models.

Acura desert scene in THOR

"Acura is thrilled to launch this joint venture with Marvel," said Susie Rossick, brand manager of Acura National Advertising. "Being the official vehicle of the cutting edge S.H.I.E.L.D. organization is a perfect opportunity to reinforce Acura's brand philosophy of innovation and advancement."

THOR will be released by Paramount Pictures on May 6. Acura kicked off its partnership with Marvel on March 14 at C2E2, Chicago's Comic & Entertainment Expo, with S.H.I.E.L.D. recruitment booths where recruits were able to take a picture and receive a S.H.I.E.L.D. ID badge. The booths will be on display this week at the New York Auto Show and Pier 83, including a S.H.I.E.L.D.-embellished Acura TL at both locations.

Acura's interactive website for THOR will serve as the hub of the national advertising campaign and will allow fans to immerse themselves in the world of THOR as actual S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.

Users can receive their official ID badge, post it on Facebook and climb the ranks within the organization by completing assigned case files to earn the chance to win rewards like movie tickets, iPad 2 tablet computers, LiveScribe "smart pens" or the grand prize of an exclusive evasive-driving experience. Fans can also build their own virtual S.H.I.E.L.D. vehicle with over-the-top features to aid in their online adventure.