Peter Braun
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Author/Co-Author of 398 articles
Peter is a freelance contributor to Digital Trends and almost a lawyer. He has loved thinking, writing and talking about cars since his first adventures with the ill tempered Volvos he learned to drive on. In his free-time Peter diagnoses the problems with his Volvo 850 Turbo, goes target shooting and reads about history.
Toyota’s hydrogen-powered Mirai exposes the promise and pitfalls of fuel cells
Toyota’s hydrogen-powered Mirai is about to go from concept to California roads, giving Americans a glimpse at the future of hydrogen fuel cell power, warts and all.
Waste not, want not: This 3D-printed supercar could pave the way to green speed
Traditional car manufacturing requires tremendous amounts of resources and produces heavy cars, but a system of carbon-fiber rods and 3D-printed connectors could pave the way for affordable, greener manufacturing.
Meet the new transmission tech quite literally driving your car forward
Transmission technology has come a long way since the relatively simple world of automatics and manuals a few decades ago, which is good. Unfortunately being spoiled for choice leaves some buyers downright confused. Accordingly, we are decided to break down each technology and its best and worst qualities.
Why ‘Free Piston’ engines could power your next plug-in hybrid
The next major advancement in automotive technology may not be electric or hydrogen, but instead a new type of internal combustion.
Hyundai Blue Link review
After this year's update, Hyundai's Blue Link infotainment system is an above average – if frustrating – entry into infotainment market. The system combines positives like an excellent graphics and features with a difficult user interface.
Infotainment Review: Volvo Sensus Connect
Volvo's new XC90 is replete with innovations, but perhaps the most impressive is its new Sensus Connect infotainment system.
FCA Uconnect review
Chrysler has defined the industry standard for inexpensive infotainment with its excellent Uconnect system. Uconnect combines ease of use and fun features in a way that no other system has managed. Better yet, buyers don't have to break the bank to get it in their cars.
NissanConnect review
NissanConnect continues a theme of high quality infotainment from mass-market automakers. Its high-tech capabilities and aesthetics match up nicely with the latest generation of eye catching Nissans.
2015 Volkswagen e-Golf review
The VW e-Golf shows how far electric cars have come -- but unfortunately also shows how far they still have to go.
Three pieces of car tech you shouldn’t leave the dealership without
Car tech is exploding, and each new model year comes with a storm of new options.
2015 Subaru Forester XT review
The Subaru Forester is a vehicle that is good without being exciting. The Forester XT, however, flips that paradigm with 250 horsepower of surprisingly practical, turbocharged fun.
2014 Toyota Tundra review
The latest edition of the Toyota Tundra delivers an uncompromising blend of luxury and rugged prowess. Whether you are riding a thunderous wave of power from the 5.7-liter i-Force V8 or sitting back in the comfortable seats, this truck has a lot to offer, so long as you don't mind stopping at every third gas station.
2015 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E review
The Volvo S60 with its nearly-$50,000 price tag wades into one of the most competitive segments in the whole automotive industry. But it does so with an all-new and excellent engine, and the sort of excellent Scandinavian design that made IKEA a household name.
2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid review
The Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid is a bit of an oddball. Is it a crossover, a wagon? It’s unclear. Either way, it’s hard to argue with a car that gets more than 30 mpg, can fit in a compact space, and still has more interior room and ground clearance than just about any small SUV.
2014 Nissan Rogue SV review
The 2014 Nissan Rogue may not be the world's most exciting car, but it is one of the cheapest ways to seat seven people, and still come away with feels like a quality product. For less than $30,000 the Rogue delivers an astounding amount of tech and utility.
2015 Chrysler 200S AWD review
Rarely has one generation of car been so different from what came before. The original Chrysler 200 was so bad, it went straight to rental fleets. The new 200S AWD, however, has gone straight to our hearts.
2014 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD review
The Highlander is one of the most “mommy” vehicles on the road. But those moms are on to something. The Highlander is one of the best compromises between utility and luxury in the crossover segment.
Toyota Entune review
Toyota's Entune infotainment system doesn't set its sights too high but, because of that, it also doesn't crash and burn. Instead, Entune offers a competent and easy to use, if unimaginative, interface and a wide array of features.
2015 Hyundai Genesis review
The Hyundai Genesis may not be able to compete with Germans as a sports sedan. As a luxury car, however, it’s a strong contender. Even better, the big Korean sedan can be had for just $39,000, which is less than a base BMW 5 Series.
2015 Acura TLX V6 SH-AWD review
The all-new Acura TLX may not be as exciting or adrenaline pumping as a BMW, but it is very good at what people actually use their cars for: commuting. Thanks to silky smooth power, upscale interior, and grownup styling, the TLX can compete with all comers.
2015 Kia K900 review
What to make of a $66,000 Kia? Thanks to the badge, the all-new Kia K900 may or may not be a success. Any lack of success, however, won’t be due to any major shortcomings. The K900 manages to be a tremendously luxurious ride and – surprisingly, for a $66,000 car – a serious value.
Volkswagen RNS review
Volkswagen doesn't seem to care that much about infotainment, and it shows. The company’s infotainment system is slow, difficult to use, and doesn't look very good. In fact, its best quality is that it allows parents to spy on their children.
2015 Ram 1500 Big Horn EcoDiesel review
The Ram 1500 with an EcoDiesel manages to do to something nearly impossible, get midsize sedan mileage in a truck the size of a small country. But there is more to this truck than mileage, its powerful, and very practical. But this excellence comes at a price.