On Monday November 30, Audi AG revealed the all new Audi A8 flagship sedan to the world media in Miami, Florida. There were 850 journalists in attendance from the USA, Europe, South America, China, Japan, Russia... anywhere you can name.

Capping Audi's Centennial Anniversary, the launch of the A8 is very significant to the company. The A8 is being introduced in Europe and China earlier in 2010 with the USA getting A8 in Winter 2010 or Spring 2010.

Study Team Visits USA and China The A8 has a special place in AutoPacific's heart. In early 2006, AutoPacific hosted an Audi study team working on finalizing the concept of the A8. The team was in the USA for about three weeks. After visiting the USA, they spent a month in China where Audi outsells BMW and Mercedes-Benz by two-to-one. This group of engineers, planners, designers, financial experts and production managers were extremely enthusiastic, very knowledgeable and anxious to do what was right for the car and for Audi.

The results of their work is the all new 2011 Audi A8. Wow, what a car!

Continue reading "2011 Audi A8 Premium Luxury Reveal" »

Posted by George Peterson at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Old Time Extravaganza Let's call it a shindig. A Hollywood premiere. Audi celebrated its 100th Anniversary and introduced its all new A8 premium luxury sedan to the world on Monday night in Miami Beach at the renowned Founainbleau Hotel.

Audi constucted a monolithic hurricane-capable structure about a quarter mile up Miami Beach in which to hold the affair. The building will be used for about a week with Audi-related events. Media and glitterati on Monday night, dealers, community VIPs, consumers will all get a chance to see the new A8 during the week of November 30.

The total cost for the program is said to be $9.5 - $10million. This is a very significant sum today and goes back to the way automakers used to launch their cars - before today's huge buget cuts.

Miami Design Week As a sponsor of Art Basel Miami Beach, Audi has provided transportation to various venues and display space for contemporary art.

Continue reading "Audi A8 Premiere - Launch Gala the Old Way" »

Posted by George Peterson at 7:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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It's not everyday you have the chance to visit a brand spanking new automotive assembly plant, but the new Kia plant in western Georgia (USA, not Eastern Europe) makes Kia latest "transplant" to build new vehicles in the States. Kia began producing the all-new 2011 Kia Sorento in small volumes in fall 2009, right on schedule. Full production begins in mid-November.

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) is a 300,000 unit capacity assembly plant situated along Interstate 85 in western Georgia adjacent to the Alabama border. Its location is about 85-miles east up the 85 from the Hyundai assembly plant in Montgomery, Alabama. Surrounding and between the plants are suppliers providing components not only to the Kia and Hyundai plants in the area but some also produce components for Honda, Mercedes, and Nissan plants in Alabama and Mississippi.

Continue reading "Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia" »

Posted by George Peterson at 10:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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OK, OK. I know that title has been used for about every traditional SUV that has evolved into a Crossover SUV in its latest incarnation and that is just what the 2011 Kia Sorento has done. Sorento becomes thoroughly modern with the introduction of its 2011 model.

The first generation Sorento; Kia's first entry in the mid-size SUV arena, was a traditional SUV It had body-on-frame construction, was based on rear wheel drive architecture, had a traditional shape, carried five passengers and was powered by a V6 engine. Many people thought the Sorento was based on the Hyundai Santa Fe, but that was far from the truth.

The first year the Sorento was on the market it won AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award for best-in-class Mid-Size SUV. Clearly, its owners liked the product.

Now comes the all, new Sorento...

Continue reading "2011 Kia Sorento Crosses Over - Becomes Soft-Roader" »

Posted by George Peterson at 2:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Nissan will deliver its next all-electric vehicle in late 2010, for fleets only initially, in the United States as well as Japan and Europe. After teasing the project with a prototype of the drivetrain under a home-market Cube, Nissan has announced the name and released first photos of the production version.

The new car will first be built in Oppama, Japan, but also at Nissan's Smyrna, Tennessee, plant. Battery production will initially be in Japan, with Nissan scouting supplemental sites around the world, and including the United States.

Continue reading "2011 Nissan LEAF: First Look" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 8:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Suzuki unveiled the company's very first mid-size sedan this week, and VehicleVoice staff were on hand to witness the car's global debut. The importance of the car to Suzuki cannot be overstated. The company has long been known for small vehicles, specifically compact cars and SUVs. But, buyers of small vehicles tend to want to move up to larger vehicles next time around and by and large, Suzuki has not had larger vehicles to move owners up into (we'll ignore the forgettable Verona, a rebadged Daewoo sedan). Thus, the company has not been able to retain its customers as they progress through their lifestages.

Continue reading "2010 Suzuki Kizashi: Can This Flyweight Hold Its Own With the Big Boys?" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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In the battle for attention from car lovers, Lexus always seems to get beat up in the discussion of performance. Regardless of the numbers, Lexus' do not feel like BMWs. And they shouldn't. Certainly, Lexus' newest addition to the IS line will not get any better treatment from "true enthusiasts", but the folks at Lexus has thought this through. The new IS convertible delivers what the segment demands, and beats the competition on key metrics. Aren't those core Lexus Values?

Continue reading "2010 Lexus IS Convertible: Top Down Cruising" »

Posted by Dan Hall at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Ford Taurus SHO returns after a decade's absence from the American auto scene. Formerly Yamaha engines provided the power for the SHO, but today Ford's new EcoBoost powertrain technology provides the power. EcoBoost in Taurus form includes twin turbochargers and gasoline direct injection. Still with a heavily beefed up 3.5L V6, EcoBoost bumps up power from 263-horsepower to 365-horsepower in the SHO. Torque grows from 249 lb-ft to 350 lb-ft. And rated fuel economy stays the same.

I guarantee that EcoBoost will never meet its rated fuel economy. It's just too much fun to stay on the throttle.

Continue reading "Taurus SHO - Super High Output - and More" »

Posted by George Peterson at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Wanna know why the Elantra Touring looks absolutely nothing like the sedan that it shares its name with?

This wagon addition to the Elantra lineup was really sort of a last minute add to Hyundai's US product portfolio. You might recall that the previous Elantra was available as a SAAB-esque hatchback, and the one before that was available as a station wagon. However, because Hyundai's Korean management knew that Americans seemed to overwhelmingly prefer sedans over hatchbacks or wagons, they made the decision pretty early on to offer the current Elantra as a sedan only.

Continue reading "2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring: Another Really Competent Hyundai" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I approached the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe with great interest. Yeah, sure, it's got all the things to make a car enthusiast swoon: great styling, rear wheel drive, and lots of power. But what made the car of particular interest to me was the fact that I had a small hand in the development of the car. I wanted to see how the finished product had turned out.

Yup, not that long ago I used to work for Hyundai as a product planning manager, and I watched the car's development as it progressed from simple sketches to computer generated 3D images to full-size clay models. I even got to drive early prototypes of the car over two years ago on Hyundai's test track in Namyang, Korea.

Continue reading "2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe: No New Ideas, Just Flawless Execution" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 1:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The second generation Prius, which debuted for the 2004 model year, has become an icon on many levels. It's a green statement. It's a political statement. It's even a technology statement. I've been saying for quite a while now that history will look upon the little lozenge-shaped car as THE iconic vehicle of this decade, much as the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air was the iconic car of the 1950s.

The second generation Prius was the car that brought hybrids to the mainstream. The dorky first generation car looked and felt somewhat like a science project...and the quirky original Honda Insight even more so. But Prius v2.0 boasted a really usable interior package, decent performance, and a unique look that proclaimed to the world that you were ready for something beyond the status quo.

There was just one problem: it was just so boring to drive. There was absolutely nothing rewarding about the way it drove, so it had zero appeal to anyone who actually enjoyed the act of driving. Its steering felt completely detached from the road, it rode harshly, and it squealed like a pig through corners. For the Prius fanbase, none of this really mattered much as driving appeal wasn't the car's point.

Continue reading "2010 Toyota Prius: Wait...Did They Actually Make it Fun to Drive?" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 9:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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We got the opportunity to briefly drive the new Ford Fiesta in Port Hueneme in anticipation of Ford's "Fiesta Movement" program where they will place 100 5-door Fiestas with influential Millennium drivers. Millennium means they were born between 1979 and 1985 and influential means that they have over 500 Facebook friends and thousands of followers on Twitter. To get qualified participants - or "agents" as Ford is referring to them - Ford held a contest on their website. There were about 3,300 applicants. Since all 100 of these European Fiestas will have manual transmissions we hope Ford screened for ability to shift and clutch.

The Fiesta has been on sale in Europe since August 2008 and about 117,000 have been sold to date. With the assistance of the EPA, Ford has been able to bring in 145 into the states for testing and evaluation purposes. The 45 not in the Fiesta Movement program will be used for other drive duties. Those have automatic transmissions.

During the short drive we were able to form some conclusions...

• Fast A-Pillars: The styling of the Fiesta is great - using Ford's European "kinetic" design language. But, the styling comes with a price. Getting into the front seats is tough because the A-Pillar is so fast. The Fiesta is another car that you have to think about how to get in without injuring yourself.

• Shin Warmer: The left side of the console gets so hot that it is objectionable. "Shin Burner" may be a better term than "Shin Warmer". This is an issue that needs to be addressed prior to launch in the USA.

• Lacks Peposity: A small high image B-Car... certainly personified by the Fiesta... needs to be "peppy". The 1.6L 4-cylinder engine has 118 horsepower and, frankly, it feels like less. AutoPacific happens to be evaluating a Scion xD now as well. It is a 1.8L 4-cylinder with 128 horsepower with an automatic transmission. The Scion auto feels much better than the Fiesta with a manual. Very surprising.

Ford's powertrain plan includes an EcoBoost version of the Fiesta, but, hopefully, Fiesta's performance can be enhanced prior to its launch in the USA so you won't have to spring for EcoBoost to get sparkling performance.

Posted by George Peterson at 4:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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At the 2009 NAIAS, GM announced that in 2011, a production version of the global Beat minicar and the Orlando seven-seater will both join the U.S. lineup. The Beat, due for a Geneva show production introduction, will be called Spark for production. In the photos that follow, the white vehicle is the Orlando and the green the Beat (eventually to be renamed Spark.)

Profitable or not, GM is bringing an international minicar to the States. While the Spark will reward drivers with terrific fuel economy, will the efficiency gains be enough to adapt to the small size?

The Orlando brings an internationally sized seven-seater to the States. Orlando, introduced as a concept at the 2008 Paris auto show, will focus on moving people more than stuff. Its box shape will provide maximum cargo room for the footprint, but this will not be a vehicle measured by whether or not it can hold a sheet of drywall.
Follow the jump for more photos and Chevrolet's official release.

Continue reading "2009 NAIAS: The Beat Sparks On, and Orlando Comes to Town" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 9:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Cadillac's CTS expands the range. This car was formally introduced in Paris, and some attendees of the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance caught a look, but this is the first U.S. auto-show circuit showing. With the goodness of the CTS for a base, it should be no surprise that Cadillac has created a Euro-style, sexy-but-practical wagon.

Follow the jump for more photos and the full Cadillac press release.

Continue reading "2009 NAIAS: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Though the future of Saab is very uncertain at the moment, the company does continue to work on new products. While we wait to see when new cars like the 9-4X might arrive, Saab gives the 9-5 a last special edition (a new 9-5 is also under development). The Griffin edition gets a fresh face, rear spoiler, specific 17-inch wheels, and two-tone interior with special stitching and high-gloss trim. The special edition is being offered on the wagon and sedan 9-5.

Follow the jump for Saab's official press release.

Continue reading "2009 NAIAS: Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 7:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Buick introduces the latest LaCrosse in Detroit. The mid-size sedan segment is still the largest, and with a three-vehicle lineup, LaCrosse is critical to Buick success. The LaCrosse is also the first U.S. production Buick to have its exterior styling led by GM's group in China. Don't let the idea discourage you; this is a good-looking sedan. Buick also ups the ante with technology features (side assist and adaptive forward headlights among them) to the brand and a notably improved interior (designed in the States). There are new engines, as well as available all-wheel drive for some models. The new LaCrosse will go on sale later in 2009.

More photos and the full release follow the jump.

Continue reading "2009 NAIAS: 2010 Buick LaCrosse" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 6:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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After Mazda's Miata, BMW, Audi, and Porsche revived the roadster market. Arriving as a late 2009MY, the third generation BMW Z4 promises to be the sweetest yet. With a retractable hardtop and available 300HP 3.0L I6, I'm going to start saving my pennies now. Someday, Z4, someday...

More photos and BMW's full release after the jump.

Continue reading "2009 NAIAS: 2009 BMW Z4" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 2:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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In Los Angeles in November, Ford showed off the latest Mustang in standard and GT forms. (Click here to see our video interview with one of the designers responsible for the terrific 2010 package, filmed in LA.) In Detroit, we get the first look at the newest GT500. The car will be available in coupe and convertible forms in spring 2009.

The new GT500 has as much attention to detail as the rest of the 2010MY range, with real leather and aluminum in the interior and a two-tone theme that carries in the racing stripes. Mechanically, and similar to the way that the GT took lessons from the very well-balanced 2008 Bullitt, the GT500 adopts its philosophy from the 2008 GT 500 KR, including the 540HP 5.4L V8. Despite all the bad economic news surrounding the start of 2009, Ford's Mustang GT500 gives enthusiasts something great to get worked up over.

Continue reading "2009 NAIAS: 2010 Ford Mustang GT500" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 2:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Cadillac's first-generation SRX was weakly received, to put it mildly, and never quite met Cadillac's expectations. The successor has turned to the front-drive, unibody architecture of the crossovers consumers are buying these days. When they are buying at all, that is.

More photos and Cadillac's full release are below the jump.

Continue reading "2009 NAIAS: 2010 Cadillac SRX" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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A V10 for the R8
525HP, quattro, optional ceramic brakes and standard LED headlights. Zero to 60 in 3.9 seconds. What more is there to say?

After the jump, catch more photos and Audi's official press release.

Continue reading "2009 NAIAS: Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Chevrolet looks to have improved the Equinox in all the needed areas. New powertrains are more modern, powerful, and efficient and styling is dialed up a notch and a nicely executed take on the family look introduced with Malibu. All in a package about the same size as the outgoing crossover, with space for five passengers and stuff.

More photos and Chevy's release after the jump

Continue reading "2009 NAIAS: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The diminutive smart fortwo was launched in the US this past January, nearly ten years after the innovative microcar was launched in Europe. The car is tiny, seats only two, and looks like it came from another planet, but for early adopters and style seekers, that just makes the fortwo cooler.

smart is launching the BRABUS edition of the fortwo for 2009, and we got an interview with Ken Kettenbiel of smart USA. David Barrett got a thorough walk-through of the car and an explanation of the BRABUS' role within the smart fortwo lineup. The video is after the jump.

Continue reading "2009 smart fortwo BRABUS" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Despite the prevailing economic climate and unstable fuel prices, muscle cars are big news right now. The Camaro and Challenger are all new, but how about the facelifted Mustang? Though similar in profile to the 2005-2009 model, every panel bar the roof is brand new. Perhaps an even bigger story is inside, where the new materials soundly address one of the biggest criticisms of the outgoing model: its cheap, tacky, and plasticky interior.

Stephanie Brinley got an exclusive interview with Robert Gelardi, who was the chief interior designer for the 2010 Mustang. Is it any coincidence that he personally owns an Audi TT, which had one of the finest interiors anywhere in recent memory?

Posted by Ed Kim at 4:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Ford unveiled the new Fusion Hybrid at the LA Auto Show. It's a very nice piece of work that is able to achieve better fuel economy than the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Stephanie Brinley was able to get an exclusive interview with Gil Portalatin, hybrid propulsion integration manager at Ford. Watch below as Gil takes us on a tour of the car and some of its most innovative features.

Posted by Ed Kim at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Ed Kim got an exclusive interview and drive with Kenichiro Wada, the project manager for Mitsubishi's innovative i-Miev electric car. Hear Wada-san talk about some of the car's innovative features as well as his take on some of the infrastructure challenges that face pure electrics.

Posted by Ed Kim at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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