Category: On The Road: Driving Impressions

VehicleVoice got the chance to spend some quality time with a Lamborghini Gallardo. And not just any Gallardo, mind you, but the hardcore flagship of the family, the LP 570-4 Superleggera.

This is almost becoming repetitive. How many times have we reviewed a new small entry level car and declared it filled to the brim with style, features, performance, and personality?

Mitsubishi has been on something of a downturn over the last few years, even more so than most of the automakers during this recession.  Aging model lines and relatively little marketing have reduced the brand’s visibility over the years despite some exciting turbocharged and all wheel drive products, in stark contrast to Mitsubishi’s relatively high profile at the turn of the century due to extroverted products, catchy commercials, and creative financing.

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.

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.

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.