Author Archive: George Peterson

Without question, one of the most buzzworthy topics surrounding automobiles this year has been plug-in cars. AutoPacific recently got to test three of them.

When Ford announced that the 5.0L V8 was coming back to life for the 2011 model year, the Boss 302 rumors immediately followed.  We haven’t seen the Boss 302 name grace a Mustang since 1970.  It’s back for the 2012 model year and after a few days in one, it is safe to say it is the must-have Mustang since the last Boss 302.

The flagship sedan market today probably has the most competitive set of entries we’ve seen in years.  The Audi A8, Jaguar XJ, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS460 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class all are eager to showcase just what the brand is about today and where technology is going in the next few years.  They all have their own unique way to navigate between iPod playlists and the nearest Chipotle on the navigation screen.  Some are better than others.  Some have better audio systems than others.  Some have more powerful powerful engines or sportier suspension tunings.  Some just make people drool more than others.  Once you dig in and realize how well respected the S-Class is around the world and look at the 2011 S550, you begin to understand what the hype is all about.

As I drove the new Sonic, Chevrolet's replacement for the unloved Aveo, I realized something. There really are no bad small cars in the marketplace anymore.

Drivers paid around one dollar more per gallon at the gas pumps this past July compared to the same month in 2010. Surprisingly, however, nearly the same number of drivers planned to purchase SUVs, pickups and V8 engines both years, proving that car buyers have become immune to the spikes in fuel prices when it comes to their vehicle-purchase decisions. In addition, nearly one in ten surveyed planned to modify their current vehicles with aftermarket parts hoping to attain increases in fuel economy.

Now is your chance to weigh in on the issue by taking the latest September 2011 Fuel Prices survey available to VehicleVoice panelists. Simply click here, or login using the email address for which you created your account, click the “Go to Surveys” button, and follow the “Fuel Prices” link to take the [...]

The model year was 2007.  ‘Crazy’ by Gnarls Barkley was popular on the radio.  Steve Irwin, the famous crocodile hunter was killed by a stingray and minivans were about as cool as Barney.  Two new three-row crossover SUVs entered the market looking to haul families and mass quantities of Vitamin Water from Costco in style and safety.

In car design, the redesign of an icon is always a challenge. The 2012 beetle, in showrooms this October, will be a test of just how far styling changes and overall sophistication can take a vehicle that’s original appeal was its retro character.

Although the fad of pavement pounders and soccer moms driving vehicles better suited for the Camel Trophy than the city playground is over, Land Rover continues to offer the LR4 for those who still demand the a vehicle with no compromises. While Land Rover has never been known for quality, they have been known for their off-road prowess. Jeep might be known for something similar, but Jeep doesn't offer anything with the no compromises capability of the 2011 Land Rover LR4. What other vehicle can move seven people off the beaten path in comfort and style and tow 7,000 pounds?

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade not only won its segment for the Vehicle Satisfaction Award and the Ideal Vehicle Award, but in fact was the top scoring vehicle period for both awards! So what's its secret?

A few weeks ago I ventured to the middle of no where in Washington to feast on all of the new Camry variants for the 2012 model year.  Did Toyota churn up a revolution or an evolution?  With the Camry tattered and torn during the past few years I was excited to see what Toyota had done to turn the page on the next chapter for the Camry.