Author Archive: George Peterson

BMW opted to bring back their M6 Convertible for 2012, and as expected, it offers up more horsepower, better looks, and increased fuel economy.

The Lexus Flagship – the LS460 4-door sedan – is freshened for the 2013 model year. This comes after an all new Audi A8 in 2011, a tweaked 2012 BMW 7-Series, and the new Cadillac XTS (which may not be in this class). A major change for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is due in early 2013 as a 2014 model year. The Jaguar XJ that was all new in 2009 as a 2010 model gets a much needed all wheel drive system for 2013.

AutoPacific’s 2012 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA) are based on over 75,000 surveys completed by owners of new cars and light trucks in the United States in the first half of 2012.

Audi has launched five models from its 2013 B8 platform – the A4, S4, A5, S5 and Allroad. The B8 is a mild mid-cycle freshening of Audi’s line of compact sport sedans.

For 2012, MINI achieves the top ratings from its owners outpointing second place Popular Brand GMC by 31 rating points. Owners of the MINI Cooper give the cheeky Premium Compact Car a dominating win in its category over the Subaru Impreza WRX. The all new MINI Countryman outpoints second place Kia Sportage by 78 rating points. MINI's bold head-turning styling, combined with premium design cues and efficient, though small, packages yield an impressive score in AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Award research.

For 2012, Audi achieves the top ratings from its owners in AutoPacific's 2012 Ideal Vehicle Awards. Audi's A4, A5 and A6 swept the top three places in the Aspirational Luxury Car category. The Q7 and Q5 were second place in their crossover SUV categories. Audi's design DNA, attention to detail and finesse all contributed to this impressive win.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Wins AutoPacific 2012 Ideal Vehicle Award as Best Vehicle Overall and Best in Class Premium Luxury Car

Audi A4 Wins AutoPacific's 2012 Ideal Vehicle Award for Aspirational Luxury Cars. Audi sweeps the award with A5 and A6 coming in second and third.

2012 Dodge Charger wins AutoPacific's Ideal Vehicle Award for Most Ideal Large Car

Acura TSX Wins AutoPacific's Ideal Vehicle Award for Most Ideal Luxury Mid-Size Car