Stevenson, Wash. – September 9, 2019 – The Northwest Automotive Press Association named the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Four-Door as the Northwest’s Most Fun to Drive Vehicle in their annual Run to the Sun performance vehicle and convertible event.
The GT 63 S captivated journalists with its potent, yet refined, 630-horsepower engine, excellent road manners, and exquisite interior.
This year marked the 13th anniversary of the annual event. Over the course of three days, members drove two dozen different 2019 and 2020 model-year vehicles on some of the best roads in America, with routes ranging from wide-open high desert highways to twisty canyon roads. From our base at the Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Wash., we traveled roads throughout the Columbia River Gorge and central Oregon.
“The Northwest’s spectacular roads and three days of magnificent weather gave NWAPA members the perfect opportunity to put 24 world-class vehicles through their paces,” said NWAPA President John Vincent, a senior reporter with U.S. News & World Report.
Vehicles entered in Run to the Sun competed in four categories: Northwest Most Fun in the Sun (Convertibles), Most Fun Coupe, Most Fun Sports Sedan, and Most Fun SUV. An overall winner – the Northwest Most Fun to Drive Vehicle – was also chosen.
Participants were asked which vehicle they would choose as their own based on what they learned over the 459-mile drive route. The course weaved through the Columbia River Gorge and traveled as far south as the Erickson Aircraft Collection museum in Madras, Ore. before heading east to the ghost town of Shaniko, Ore. The day ended with a sprint back to the Skamania Lodge. The final day took the group along the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, then into Oregon and the historic Mosier Curves, before returning to Portland.
The winners selected by the 24 participating automotive media professionals are:
“Whether on the wide-open stretches of tarmac in Oregon’s high desert or carving through the twisty roads of the Columbia River Gorge, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S proved its status as the pinnacle of Mercedes performance,” said Vincent. “Its supercar performance is blended with superb driving dynamics and a gorgeous, functional interior.”
About NWAPA
NWAPA (www.nwapa.org) is a professional organization of automotive journalists and media members from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Southwest Canada. Founded in 1991, NWAPA includes 62 voting members representing newspapers, magazines, radio stations, television networks, media groups, and the internet. Non-voting NWAPA members include representatives from automotive manufacturers and related industry professionals.
Photos and videos of the event are available at the following link: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AlK-A45XG2XMg5EgEy2N7zG60nQCyQ?e=G7Wpdv. Photos are free to use in coverage of the event. Please credit Doug Berger / NWAPA.
For more information, contact:
Nik MilesRun to the Sun Chair nik@OurAutoExpert.com503-343-4841
John VincentNWAPA President NWAPA.President@gmail.com (503)784-2848
NWAPA Announces 2018 Run to the Sun Awards
Welches, Ore. – September 24, 2018 – The Northwest Automotive Press Association named the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio as the Northwest’s Most Fun to Drive Vehicle in their annual Run to the Sun performance car and convertible event. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio impressed the participating journalists with its powerful engine, nimble handling, and Italian-inspired personality.
This year marked the 12th annual edition of the event, which included three days of driving 18 different 2018 and 2019 model-year vehicles on some of the best roads in America – ranging from wide open high desert highways to twisty canyon roads. From our base at the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, we traveled over Mt. Hood to Central Oregon and the Columbia River Gorge.
“We had three days of spectacular weather, amazing roads, and many of the best performance cars that you can buy,” said NWAPA President John Vincent, a Consumer Advice Writer with U.S. News & World Report.
Participants were asked which vehicle they would choose as their own based on what they learned over the 527-mile drive route. The course crossed Mt. Hood and traveled as far south as Sisters, Ore. before heading east to the ghost town of Shaniko, Ore., and returning to Mt. Hood. The final day took the group to the historic Mosier Curves in the Columbia River Gorge before crossing into Washington for the return drive to Portland, Ore.
The winners selected by the 18 participating automotive media professionals are:
“Sounding a rip-roaring exhaust note, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio announced it was the vehicle to beat in this year’s event,” said Vincent. “With 505-horsepower on tap, plus a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and an electronically controlled suspension, the Stelvio was well-suited to both the vast straights and twisty canyons on the drive.”
More comments on the winners:
“As great as all the vehicles were in this event, you always wanted to be in the Miata when the road got twisty. It’s so much fun to drive that it always puts a smile on your face.” – Perry Stern, AutoNXT
“Driving the Bullitt Mustang on the very best driving leg of this event was the most fun I’ve had behind the wheel since driving the Miata on a similar route by myself in my regular vehicle rotation.” – Lary Coppola, AutoReviewers.com
“It’s hard to imagine a more perfect sport sedan – seemingly unlimited power and grip in comfortable, stylish four-door.” – Perry Stern, AutoNXT on the BMW M5
“The Bullitt Mustang is the perfect balance of performance, machismo and Americana. You’ll feel like Steve McQueen every time you walk toward it.” – Tom Voelk, Driven
“Enthusiasts that dismiss crossovers simply haven’t driven this Alfa. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio plugs directly into your synapses in a way few sport sedans manage to do.” – Tom Voelk, Driven
“BMW brought their ‘A game’ with the M5. It is the perfect embodiment of Grand Touring — a refined vehicle that equally fits in at the symphony or the open track day.” – Deanna Isaacs, The Auto Reporter
“A true tribute to a legend. More manageable and more fun to drive than the GT, and kind of like Steve McQueen…instantly recognizable, good looking and cool no matter what year it is or what generation is buying it.” – Vinnie Richichi, Drivetime Radio on the Ford Bullitt Mustang
“You know it has more than 500 horsepower, but you’re still surprised and delighted every time you put your foot down with that resulting growl and blasting acceleration.” – Perry Stern, AutoNXT on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
This week, members of the Northwest Automotive Press Association gathered at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site for Drive Revolution 2018. On the tarmac in front of the Pearson Air Museum sat a collection of 19 vehicles. Comprised of battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and full hybrids, this group boasted some of the most fuel-efficient powertrains currently available, and were the focus of Drive Revolution’s evaluation and competition.
“The variety of vehicles is impressive” said Drive Revolution Chair Sarah Shelton of U.S. News & World Report. “From small city cars that cost less than $28,000, to fuel-sipping family-haulers that can carry up to seven people, today’s selection demonstrates that there is something for anyone when it comes to alternatively-fueled vehicles.”
Under the open wood rafters of a 97-year old hangar, NWAPA journalists cast their ballots for the best green vehicle. After a full day of testing through the streets of Vancouver, Washington, NWAPA journalists named the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid as the Northwest Green Vehicle of the Year. The Pacifica Hybrid, which also won the award as the Best Family-Sized Plug-In Hybrid by a landslide, was nominated as the overall winner for its combination of fuel-efficiency, ample cabin space, user-friendly amenities, and value.
“The Pacifica Hybrid’s 84 mpg-e and 33 miles of all-electric range saves you hundreds in fuel costs each year over the average new minivan or SUV” Shelton said. “But what’s particularly remarkable is that you can achieve this fuel economy while also carrying a family of seven in the front and a suitcase for everyone in the back. This, along with a notable amount of standard equipment, makes the Pacifica Hybrid a truly family-friendly vehicle.”
The Pacifica Hybrid wasn’t the only green vehicle to earn a trophy. The four category winners are as follows:
About the Northwest Automotive Press Association: NWAPA (www.nwapa.org) is a professional organization of automotive journalists and media members from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Southwest Canada. Founded in 1991, NWAPA includes 54 voting members representing more than 700 newspapers, magazines, radio stations, media groups and the internet.. Non-voting NWAPA members include representatives from automotive manufacturers and related industry professionals.
About Drive Revolution For the past six years, the automotive media professionals of the Northwest Automotive Press Association have produced Drive Revolution to test and evaluate the growing number of electrified vehicles available to Northwest buyers. Oregon and Washington are at the epicenter of this seismic shift in vehicle propulsion, and Drive Revolution offers NWAPA members the opportunity to see and drive leading edge alternative-fuel vehicles back-to-back in a consistent testing environment.
NWAPA Announces 2018 Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year
Photos Courtesy of Ryan Douthit/NWAPA
Shelton, Wash. – May 7, 2018 – The Northwest Automotive Press Association named the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4×4 as the top vehicle at its annual Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year competition. The completely redesigned 2018 Wrangler came out on top with its improved on- road and impressive off-road prowess. It demonstrated an unbeatable combination of performance, features, capability, and technology during the NWAPA’s 24th annual Mudfest competition.
NWAPA automotive media professionals spent two days driving 26 vehicles through a mix of on-road handling and off-road courses at The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Wash. Day one’s activities included on-road handling testing while the second day took journalists through a custom-made off- road course built at The Ridge to determine the capabilities of the sport utility vehicles, crossovers, and pickups.
Vehicles entered into Mudfest competed in five categories: Subcompact, Compact and Midsize, Family, Luxury, Pickup, and Extreme Capability. NWAPA members also selected an overall winner: The Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year.
While the competition was fierce, and the voting was close, there can be only one winner from each category. These vehicles earned the praise of the 26 NWAPA media professionals who evaluated the vehicles:
“The 2018 Jeep Wrangler has evolved from a uniquely capable off-road-only machine into a thoroughly modern SUV with safety, technology, and on-road ride comfort that makes it an excellent choice for both workdays and weekends,” says NWAPA President John Vincent of U.S. News & World Report. “Amazingly, the Wrangler became a better off-road vehicle even as it gained on-road refinement.”
The on-road evaluation venue included an autocross course that led into The Ridge’s go-kart track. The layout included portions that tested acceleration, handling, panic braking, rear-view cameras and more. The vehicles were also evaluated on an off-road course that simulated rough Forest Service roads that northwest drivers encounter on weekend adventures. The testing course featured optional sections for extremely capable vehicles. Plenty of dirt, mud, and ruts formed the second day’s route, challenging each vehicle’s four- or all-wheel drive systems. The venue allowed the vehicles to showcase state-of-the- art technologies, including 360-view cameras, hill descent controls, and active traction management systems.
The extreme off-road sections took vehicles through rigorous conditions designed to test their prowess and features, such as low-range four-wheel drive, axle articulation, plus approach, breakover, and departure angles.
About NWAPANWAPA (www.nwapa.org) is a professional organization of automotive journalists and media members from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Southwest Canada. Founded in 1991, NWAPA includes 54 voting members representing more than 700 newspapers, magazines, radio stations, media groups and the internet. Members of the organization have been testing SUVs and crossovers since the advent of the modern sport-utility vehicle in the mid-1990s. Non-voting NWAPA members include representatives from automotive manufacturers and related industry professionals.
Photos and videos of the event are available at the following link: https://dspor.tv/mudfest2018
Deanna Isaacs Event Chair Contact@TheAutoReporter.com (425)891-7360
Tuan Huynh Event Co-Chair & NWAPA Secretary Tuanies@Gmail.com (360)306-5448
John Vincent NWAPA President JMVinc03@comcast.net (503)784-2848
Portland, Ore. – Members of the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) and journalists from across the nation recently tested 19 of the most energy-efficient and technologically advanced vehicles that are on the road today – or soon will be.
“The market for hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles has matured to the point that consumers aren’t just looking for one car that can go farther than another,” said NWAPA President John Vincent. “To stand out, they need to provide great driving experiences, excellent quality, advanced safety features, and technology that keeps drivers connected to their digital lives.”
The NWAPA Drive Revolution field included gasoline-electric hybrid models, plug-in hybrids, battery-electric vehicles and a hydrogen fuel cell car.
Following a full day of testing on the streets of downtown Portland, Oregon, the journalists selected the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV as the Northwest Green Vehicle of the Year. Members felt that the Bolt EV’s exceptional range, reasonable price tag, and generous interior room provide Northwest consumers with an excellent blend of the attributes that they’re looking for in an electrified vehicle.
“The Bolt EV more than doubles the range of other affordably priced battery-electric vehicles,” said event co-chair Sarah Shelton of U.S. News & World Report. “With the ability to travel up to 238 miles on a single charge, the Bolt EV is a game-changer in the green vehicle market and a glimpse of things to come.”
Pricing for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV starts at $36,620, and many Bolt EV buyers will qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit. The Bolt EV Premier model tested had a price tag of $43,510.
Using a secret ballot, the attendees also selected the following category winners:
Northwest Battery-Electric or Fuel Cell Vehicle of the Year: 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Northwest Family Green Vehicle of the Year: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Northwest Plug-In Hybrid of the Year: 2017 Chevrolet Volt Northwest Alternative Fuel Sports Car of the Year: 2017 BMW i8
As one of the leading cities in the nation for the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles and vehicle charging infrastructure, Portland provided an exceptional backdrop for the fifth annual event. Drive Revolution followed on the heels of one of the country’s premier future mobility conferences – EV Roadmap.
Shelton, Wash. – May 8, 2017 – The Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) named the 2017 Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury as its 2017 Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year. The 2017 Land Rover Discovery impressed NWAPA members with its on-road and extreme off-road prowess, demonstrating the perfect combination of performance, features, capability and technology during NWAPA’s annual Mudfest competition. This is the event’s 23rd year.
Twenty-eight NWAPA automotive journalists spent two days driving 27 vehicles through a mix of on-road handing and off-road courses. Testing took place at The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Wash. A custom off-road course was built at The Ridge to explore the capabilities of the sport utility vehicles, crossovers and pickups.
Crossover and sport utility vehicles competed in five different categories: Compact, Premium Compact, Family, Premium, Pickups, and Extreme Capability. The attending journalists selected from among these category winners to determine an overall winner.
It was a close competition with excellent vehicles from all manufacturers in each category, but the vehicles below were a cut above the rest:
“With the U.S. experiencing a long period of low fuel prices, the SUV and crossover segments are booming,” says NWAPA President John Vincent of U.S. News & World Report. “Whether you’re a skier who’s looking for an SUV that can get you to the mountains in the worst of weather, or a family needing plenty of room for kids and all their gear, an all-wheel drive SUV is a great option.”
Journalists tested on-road capabilities on a coned-off autocross course that lead into The Ridge’s go-kart course. The layout was a perfect test of a vehicle’s acceleration, slalom, panic braking and rear-view camera capabilities. All of the vehicles were also tested on an off-road course with optional sections that demanded extreme capabilities. There was plenty of dirt, mud and ruts to test a vehicle’s four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive systems and technology features like front cameras and hill descent control.
An extreme off-road section subjected certain vehicles to more rigorous conditions designed to evaluate their off-road prowess and features including low-range four-wheel drive, superior axle articulation, and approach angles. Although only three vehicles were entered in the extreme capability class, the 2017 Ford Raptor, Jeep Compass Trailhawk, Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, Wrangler Trailstorm, Nissan Titan Pro-4X, Nissan Armada, Ram 2500 Power Wagon and Subaru Forester were also tested on the tougher course.
NWAPA (www.nwapa.org) is a professional organization of automotive journalists and media members from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Southwest Canada. Founded in 1991, NWAPA includes 53 voting members representing more than 100 newspapers, magazines, radio stations, media groups and the Internet. Non-voting members include representatives from automotive manufacturers and related industry professionals.
Shelton, Wash. – April 18, 2016 – The Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) named the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary Edition as its 2016 Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year. The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th tackled the on-road and extreme off-road courses beautifully, demonstrating the perfect combination of performance, features, capability and fuel economy during NWAPA’s annual Mudfest competition. This is the event’s 22nd year.
Twenty-six NWAPA automotive journalists spent two days putting 28 vehicles through a mix of on-road handling and off-road courses. Testing took place at The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Wash. A custom off-road course was built at The Ridge to push the limits of the sport utility vehicles, crossovers and pickups.
Vehicles competed in six different categories: compact, premium compact, family, premium, extreme capability, and pickups. The attending journalists selected from among these category winners to determine an overall winner.
It was a muddy competition with excellent vehicles from all manufacturers in each category, but the vehicles below were a cut above the rest:
Journalists tested on-road capabilities on a tight course used for go-karting at The Ridge. The layout was a perfect test of a vehicle’s acceleration, slalom, panic braking and backup camera capabilities. The off- road course included challenging sections for evaluating the performance of vehicles with extreme off- road capabilities. There was plenty of dirt, mud and ruts to test each vehicle’s four-wheel or all-wheel drive system and technology features such as front cameras and hill descent assist.
The extreme off-road section subjected vehicles to the more rigorous conditions encountered during serious off-roading, which requires low-range four-wheel drive and superior axle articulation, approach angles and departure angles. Although only three vehicles were officially entered in the extreme capability class, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th, Ram Rebel, Toyota Tacoma TRD, Lexus LX570 and Chevrolet Colorado Z71 were also qualified for the tougher course.
The Northwest Automotive Press Association is a professional organization of automotive journalists and media members from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Founded in 1991, NWAPA includes 45 voting members representing more than 100 newspapers, magazines, television and radio stations, media groups and the Internet. Non-voting members include representatives from automotive manufacturers and related industry professionals.
Tahuya, Wash. – Apr. 27, 2015 – The Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) named the 2015 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk as its 2015 Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year. The 2015 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk combined the perfect blend of performance, features, off-road capabilities, fuel economy and value after two days of rigorous testing during NWAPA’s annual Mudfest competition. This is the event’s 21st year.
Twenty-four NWAPA automotive journalists spent two days putting 27 vehicles through a mix of paved and off-road tracks. On-road testing took place at Sanderson Field in Shelton. Off-road testing was done at the Tahuya Offroad Area near Tahuya, Wash.
Crossover and sport utility vehicles competed in five different categories: compact, premium compact, family, premium mid-size and full-size, and extreme capability. For the first time in Mudfest history, a pickup category was also included. The attending journalists selected from among these category winners to determine an overall winner.
It was a grueling competition with excellent vehicles from all manufacturers in each category, but the vehicles below were a cut above the rest:
Journalists tested on-road capabilities on a decommissioned runway at Sanderson Field with a customized track layout that tested each vehicle’s acceleration, slalom, panic braking and backup camera capabilities. Two off-road courses were used: a moderate course designed for typical outdoor activities with plenty of dirt, mud, deep puddles and ruts; and an extreme off-road course for highly-capable vehicles, subjecting them to the more rigorous conditions designed for leisure off-roading that benefits from locking differentials as well as superior axle articulation and approach angles. Although only two vehicles were officially entered in the extreme capability class, the 2015 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk 4×4, 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4×4, and 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE were also qualified for the tougher course.
NWAPA (www.nwapa.org) is a professional organization of automotive journalists and media members from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Founded in 1991, NWAPA includes 45 voting members representing more than 100 newspapers, magazines, radio stations, media groups and the Internet. Non-voting members include representatives from automotive manufacturers and related industry professionals.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NWAPA Announces 2014 Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year
Snoqualmie, Wash. – May 2, 2014 – The Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) has named the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk as its 2014 Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk demonstrated outstanding performance, features, off-road capabilities, fuel economy and value after rigorous testing during NWAPA’s annual Mudfest competition. This is the event’s 20th year.
More than 20 NWAPA automotive journalists spent two days testing vehicles on autocross, paved, and off-road routes at the 310-acre DirtFish Rally School site in Snoqualmie. Journalists tested 23 vehicles from 16 manufacturers to select winners in five categories: compact utility, family utility, premium compact utility, premium standard utility and extreme capability vehicles. The attending journalists selected from among these category winners to determine an overall winner.
It was a tough competition with many excellent entries in each vehicle category, but the vehicles below were a cut above the rest:
Best Compact: 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4×4
Best Premium Compact: (Tie) Volvo XC60 T6 AWD and Mercedes-Benz GLK250 BlueTEC
Best Family: 2015 Kia Sorento SX AWD
Best Premium Standard: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4×4 ECODiesel
Best Extreme Capability: 2014 Land Rover Range Rover HSE
Best Overall: 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4×4
Journalists tested on-road capabilities of each vehicle on a wetted-down autocross course and public roads around the DirtFish site. Two off-road courses were available, with a moderate off-road course designed for all vehicles with dirt, gravel, mud and ruts. Vehicles with extreme off-road capability were subjected to a tougher course designed to simulate leisure off-roading that fully benefits from locking differentials as well as superior axle articulation and approach angles. While three vehicles were officially entered in the extreme capability class, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4×4 ECODiesel and the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4×4 were also qualified for the tougher course.
NWAPA donation to Oso landslide recovery effortsNWAPA is donating $1,000 to a local K9 Search and Rescue organization in support of its tremendous contribution to the Oso landslide recovery efforts. Many NWAPA members reside in the Puget Sound region not far from the disaster area.
About NWAPANWAPA (www.nwapa.org) is a professional organization of automotive journalists and media members from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Founded in 1991, NWAPA includes 45 voting members representing more than 100 newspapers, magazines, radio stations, media groups and the Internet. Non-voting members include representatives from automotive manufacturers and related industry professionals.
Photos:
Credit: NWAPA/Josh Mackey
NWAPA member Tom Voelk reviews the Chevrolet Malibu Turbo LTZ.
