Welcome To Petrolicious 2.0

August 6, 2020

36 comments

I know it currently looks the same, but there are many changes coming to this, the home of car passion, over the next days, weeks, and months. The first being to the ownership.

Having exercised his First Amendment right, the founder has now left the building – and the business. He’s taken with him not only his personal views but also, sadly, his exquisite collection of Alfa Romeos…

That means I am now the proud new owner of Petrolicious. Who am I? Professionally, a producer of TV shows, writer for BBC TopGear, and an agency creative. But when I’m not doing any of those, I’m a car-infused enthusiast and naturally a fan of Petrolicious.

So I know what this means to us, the automotive community. And that’s why you can rest assured that going forward it will always be curated respectfully – and, yes, tastefully – by me and the rest of the Petrolicious team of staff and global contributors.

But that does not mean that Petrolicious is going to remain the same as today. As the home of car passion, we believe that Petrolicious needs to include a greater diversity of content and voices to truly recognize the depth and breadth of this obsession.

Muscle cars need to be included more regularly, as do the exquisite builds in the JDM space. New cars need to get a look in, too. But only when we absolutely love them. Take a look at Gordon Murray’s extraordinary new T.50 and tell me you don’t want to know everything about that. And more motorcycles, for sure.

Plus it won’t just be the big money cars and bikes which get featured. While we appreciate absolutely the finer things life has to offer, Petrolicious content going forward will be driven by the passion that’s gone into a project, not the price tag…

We will also be adding many things to enhance the Petrolicious lifestyle and membership. Like new products and services which make car buying and owning more fun and rewarding. So standby for all those to start rolling out as soon as the paint’s dry.

There is a lot to come, but the main message of today is to simply say hello, and to thank you for being a fan of Petrolicious and part of our community of enthusiasts. There have been a couple of bumps in the road recently, but all four wheels are now firmly back on track.

I look forward to meeting and hearing from you as we take Petrolicious down new roads, but in the meantime, as ever, Drive Tastefully.

Tags Announcements/ Car Culture/ Petrolicious

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shakoson@gmail.com

2 years ago

I can’t tell you how to be successful in business, but I can tell you how to fail…try to be all things to all people. Petrolicious has a great niche in the automotive market. Enhance it, keep it about passion, yes! But expand beyond its current market and start diluting the soul?…well, you might as well turn out the lights and let it Rest In Peace.

Jarro Cabañes

2 years ago

I’m not a premium member as I am nowhere near to take advantage of the perks of being one. But one thing is for sure, I have been a fan of the work, the videos and the articles from the very first video you guys published on Youtube.

One thing I truly miss from the time of Afshin Benhia is the format of the videos you guys make. It is much more engaging to watch videos featuring the owners of the cars themselves and share their stories, perspectives and reasons for owning their car instead of a host that tells us whatever has already been said or is known about the cars you feature.

I honestly think that it was a step backward to opt to go with a host who isn’t even very charismatic and authentic on screen.

Sad how the videos I’ve loved so much have abandoned the very thing that I think set you guys apart from every other automotive channel on Youtube.

John Holland

3 years ago

Petrolicious was and always will be the brainchild of Afshin Benhia, his talented wife Kika and the hard working team including Nadia Fugazza. They produced great films 52 times a year and much else besides, from the beginning to the end.

Victor Cleveland

3 years ago

I am glad to see that someone has taken the helm of this site! I love the moments in my day that I can sit back, relax and read articles or watch videos about my passion. What I truly enjoy is the quality of the content and production. I believe that we all understand that going forward there will be changes to the site, that is inevitable, I just hope that the changes enhance the experience and maintains the elegance we have come to expect. All I ask is that you please not dilute it, add inferior content, lower the production value or turn it into another Motortrend TV. Well, best of luck in your endeavor, I am eagerly waiting to see what happens.

Guido Lambeck

3 years ago

Welcome to the new owner and good luck.
Hopefully the excellent concept of Petrolicious will not be changed in the described way, for me motorcycles, muscle cars and these strange Japanese automobiles are completely uninteresting, my interests always were focused on European classics, on some American Classics and especially on the people behind and also on the lifestyle. I also liked very much the slightly „high class“ image of Petrolicious, I don’t need the common context of cars and coffee, loud cars and badly dressed people. So hopefully you will stand to the concept as much as possible so that I do not have to remove my „Drive Tastefully“ Sticker from my classic Alfa Romeo. Best regards from Germany!

Steve Schriefer

3 years ago

Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you.

I have loved Petrolicious for years, but it lost its way a few years ago and became more of an elitist high end watch and new car news channel. I missed the stories on the vintage cars and the beautiful photography. I missed Petrolicious.

I saw this article and held my breath. I thought, “don’t jump back in too quick, give them time to prove themselves.” I can now say that it feels like the good old days. Great articles, wonderful photography and lots of cars without the gimmicky sales pitches from the old iteration. The first video wasn’t my cup of tea, just because it was like watching a car show instead of focusing on the car and the history of that particular car, not the history of 924s in general. It was still wonderful, don’t get me wrong.

European, JDM, Eastern Bloc, Latin American, American – as long as it is vintage it works for me. All of them have character and a story to tell.

Again. Thank you.

Roman Macias

3 years ago

I kind of feel the folks who seem adamantly opposed to JDM and muscle car content, might also be the kind of people with prejudice and judgmental opinions on a superficial level. Some of those people have made comments about the early years, when there were wonderful stories about people driving cars in that category, great stories and tastefully represented.

I too am a founding member, and proud muscle car fanatic. In fact, my 73 year old father and I represented the muscle car category in a beautifully restored ’66 Caprice in the Paso rally. Although we were one of three Amercican cars represented, no one in the group treated us differently. In fact, the diversity made for more interesting conversations. I’m a member for the perks and privileges, but I sure a shit don’t think we need to stand in a line with our arms interlocked keeping anyone out.

Besides, muscle cars are exotic and exclusive in most other countries outside of the US and AUS.

Jack B

3 years ago

An introduction with a gratuitous barb directed at the former owner perhaps isn’t the most gracious entrance. I’m hoping that wasn’t a preview of what we can expect in the future. Attitude is as important as content. Good luck.

wing nut

3 years ago

I always enjoyed my daily sip of delicious Petrolicious and was unhappy to not be able to indulge myself each day with a new article or film. If honest, I wasn’t aware of the original owners missteps until recently and felt a sense of loss not knowing what would become of this site. I’m glad to see we are now back in first gear with a new driver accelerating nicely through the rev counter with his hand gently placed on the stick moving us through the gears and on to higher speeds. We have places to go, things to see and people to meet. LET’S GO!!
I’ve enjoyed so many of the films with my morning cup of tea as it proved to be a wonderful momentary respite from our mad world. I’ve become a fan of the automotive “lifestyle” and really enjoy seeing new products being offered in this genre such as watches, clothing, art-work etc. In addition I always found it interesting to read the costs involved in maintaining a super car or antique car or how parts are found for cars where parts are no longer offered. Who knew an oil change on a Bugatti Chiron would cost as much as a small second hand car!! Let’s roll onto the highway with our new driver and let him and his staff take us on some grand tours of our own. Welcome back.

Jean-Noël Fermaud

3 years ago

Hi !

I just wanted to say good luck. The world is evolving and changing, and although good things are still in shortage, they’re not there forever. To ensure they can stay, they have to evolve, though we don’t like it. Especially in the classic car circles, where being water-cooled can still be a sacrilege…
That being said, I hope you’ll be able to keep, maybe not the shell, but the spirit of Petrolicious alive : quality content on all regards, from all perspectives, for everyone. And I would like to add something not many have said : remember that one of the core values of Petrolicious is that it caters to the whole world, not just America (and Europe, obviously). Although I don’t mind muscle cars and JDM (if tastefully done !), they shrink the appeal to fewer regions. Don’t let the always-loud voice of North America drown the chatter of the rest of the world : it’s just as interesting, and less taken notice of. You have been the voice of enthusiasts from unexpected places, keep it a priority !

Matthew Lange

3 years ago

Welcome Pat and good luck. I agree with the previous commentators that Petrolicious 1.0 was at its best in the first 3-4 years when it was more focused on telling stories, than reprinting PR pieces from auction houses. I started following Petrolicious because it spoke to me as a site that featured older (especially European) cars in a more modern way than the usual pipe and tweed way they are often portrayed in magazines. I hope that is something that continues.

weston Hanson

3 years ago

I always loved how “anti-marketing” the content was. I felt that the stories that they shared about some of the cars were what pushed me to come back looking for that short tea break at work between meetings. That is what I enjoyed most from the older content. Just some people talking about their cars and the memories that come with them.

Good luck with taking on such a large challenge. I’m sure the Petrolicious community will be a great ally for steering the content if they were engaged.

Thank you for keeping the group moving forward.

Frank Anigbo

3 years ago

If you want to make Petrolicious better, take it back to what it was during the first three or four years.

Carvs

3 years ago

What originally got me onto Petrolicious was it’s premium, high quality content and at one time, relatability. The MR2 connection is still one of my favourite videos created by the publication as it was an excellent demonstration that automotive passion, enthusiasm and the ability to drive tastefully extended far past the pockets of the elite.

More recently, its felt like the videos focused on stroking the egos of the elite which has somewhat diluted both the true passion of the brand and it’s surrounding culture. While I’m the first to admit that I adore seeing intimate details of Singer 911’s and watch in awe as their legs are stretched in beautiful locations, it would be great to see more relatable content.

Provided Petrolicious upholds the same incredible production quality and passion, I think this is going to be a very positive change. I hope the new structure expands perspectives and teaches people that passion can be held by anyone, with any car, and appreciate the automotive culture as a whole.

Jan-Pieter

3 years ago

Best of luck…fingers crossed…I will be watching…I missed the videos and content…badly

Jim Simpson

3 years ago

Welcome Pat,
It’s great to have you in the driving seat and to have Petrolicious back!
I’m looking forward to the same again, but a little different.

Mark St Clair

3 years ago

This is a welcome change. Whilst we have a lot to thank the original creator of Petrolicious, it is time for a change, with, by the sounds of it, a little less elitism.
With your production background, maybe you will credit the creators of the videos, the unprofessional lack there of, in the past left a bad taste in one’s mouth.

-1

Glynn Huaraka

3 years ago

Hello Pat,

Wishing you all at Petrolicious all the very best with your new editorial/creative endeavours.

Good luck.

Drive tastfully.

Douglas Anderson

3 years ago

I wish you all the best, kind of big shoes to follow .
I wish this very expensive trend for membership would end.
I am a motorhead to the core, nothing in my garage stays stock very long. If it has an engine , makes rhorty snorty noise , count me in.
I look forward to seeing the weekly videos .

Stefan Gochev

3 years ago

Welcome, and thank you for continuing this incredible community of pure motor vehicle enthusiast bliss!

That said, I would like to mirror a lot of what has been said by other founding members (as well as about 23 of my family members & friends that I had join the Petrolicious community)- PLEASE stay away from the mish-mash of muscle cars/JDM. Coming from Top Gear, you know very well what true tradition and enthusiasm means to the fans. I was devastated when the original cast was ousted, however, thank god Amazon was able to revive The Grand Tour and the original Top Gear charm and motor-passion. Do not turn this into a MotorTrend or any other sub-par motor journal, please keep the purity of Petrolicious alive, and just simply modernize for the better (and not change to just follow a trend, and completely distort its originality and pure motorist-appeal).

To put it simply, keep the tradition alive just like PORSCHE has never truly changed its iconic shape, style, and distinct individuality…. and do not become the KIA or Hyundai that care about nothing but pure profit and fitting in with the most recent trend.

I am in my late 20’s and would really miss this publication if it were to slip in the wrong direction, but aside from the minor muscle car/JDM slip-up, I think Petrolicious 2.0 has an incredibly bright future!

Cheers, and always Drive Tastefully!

Qiguang Li

3 years ago

When your favorite restaurant changes the chief, everything is changed, even with the same table and seats.
To me and to many members, Petrolicious is a secret garden to find clam in a modern concrete city. It’s a relaxing place to be after a busy day of work. And the best cake to go with a espresso on a Saturday morning, when everyone is still sleeping, earphone in, moka brewing, engine roaring, whether it’s a AR DOHC or 2.2 H6, that’s what powers me. Now I can be certain it’s a dying art anyway, even Petrolicious can’t avoid the trend, till another renaissance.

Adam Ringgenberg

3 years ago

As a member, also voting for no muscle cars or JDM. Don’t divert resources to covering those topics.

Thomas Gateau

3 years ago

I am glad to see the boat has a new captain and that we can sail again. As a founding member I only wish to see this site continue to live on, but also the value of this membership not devaluated.
To be honest I am not very enthusiastic to see more JDM and Muscle cars here. They have always been there in good numbers… And for more, Speedhunters or Motor trend are doing this very well already, but if you manage to keep the “tasteful” spirit while expanding diversity, then it will be all for the best.
So I guess wait and see for now, good luck 🙂

Sergio Lavermicocca

3 years ago

Reply to Thomas Gateau

Fully agree with you Thomas that Speedhunters cover this whole JDM and muscle car genre and that Petrolicious should continue to exploit the massive genre of cars & motorcycle, people and businesses associated with cars from the 1930 up to the turn of the century. JM2CW

Ps. Congratulations and all the best Pat & Co.

3rdmacedon@gmail.com

3 years ago

Welcome Pat. I don’t know what went on behind the scenes but am very glad to see you here.

Qiguang Li

3 years ago

I’d rather not see more muscle car content. That’s not why I come to this site. +1

vladimir.jovanovic

3 years ago

Welcome,
I hope you plan to keep up the great work

Good luck

Paul Ciancimino

3 years ago

This has always been a special place for me. It gave me an appreciation for special vehicles that I ignorantly overlooked. This is one of the few websites that has a feel of elegance, history, and craftsmanship. As a founding member I hope that you maintain some appreciation for what this website represents. I am not wildly enthusiastic about this potentially turning into a Motortrend type website. That would be a shame. Welcome and I wish you the best of luck.

Ed Moses

3 years ago

Reply to Paul Ciancimino

Sorry that should be a double vote up -scree buttons are to small. I agree we do not want another Motortred/JDM site – that is not why I became a Founder Member. Having said that good luck and looking forward to more great content and Uk events.

vladem2006

3 years ago

Tasteful 4×4 that we had before would be great to have more of as well. Those are some of the heavily watched videos, and, more generally, off-road rigs passed on from generation to generation are “tasteful.”

Brenda Peón

3 years ago

Hello, and welcome! I love your introduction and I am happy to see updates coming soon!

Jamie Carter

3 years ago

Got to be honest – that doesn’t sound great to me. I’ll wait to see where you go with it but a mish mash of all sorts of other content isn’t what I’m here for at all. It will be a huge shame if the whole “Drive Tastefully” ethos is just forgotten about.

Harv Falkenstine

3 years ago

Welcome and thanks for taking on this “project”. I have been a loyal follower since inception and enjoyed the photography and the excellent videos added every Tuesday morning. I hope to see you retain the excellent writers and photographers that have contributed in the past. In the past videos have ranged from kids with mopeds to seniors with long term Ferrari ownership all conveying a passion that we share in the community. We can appreciate an Emory Outlaw as well as a high mileage Ducati, please don’t abandon this niche. Good luck to you and your staff, looking forward to next Tuesday. Keep it fun.

Kenny K

3 years ago

I’d rather not see more muscle car content. That’s not why I come to this site.

Paul Bilek

3 years ago

Hello and thank you. I hope us founding members are still offered the same benefits and perks of our memberships. Welcome!

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