I’ve been traveling to Detroit about twice a year since 2007, but this year I saw something truly unique; Roseville Moparts. Roseville Moparts sells restoration and performance parts, they work on classic Mopars and they are in the process of expanding to a full service restoration shop. Big deal, lots of places offer those services. But this is the only one I know of that’s part of a new car dealership, Golling Chrysler*Dodge*Jeep*Ram (CDJR), located in Roseville, MI.



Sure, you can go into pretty much any new car dealership and get your service parts and even collision repair items as well as Mopar accessories like a roof rack for your minivan. Most dealerships will even sell Mopar performance parts. But how many offer a full line of reproduction parts from the likes of AMD, Tony’s Parts, B/E & A, Legendary and more? It’s pretty amazing when a new car dealership sees the value in our older Mopars.



There’s even more to Roseville Moparts. When I visited a few weeks ago, the guys in the shop were tuning a Six Pack set up on a 440 and there were several other classic Mopars in various stages of restoration. As I write this, Roseville Moparts is in the process of acquiring paint booths so that they can do virtually everything in-house. Right now, they use the spray booth at the dealership’s collision center.



If that’s still not enough for you, they also have around 5-10 classic Mopars for sale in their showroom. Still not enough? They also sell used and NOS parts, too. When I was there, they had at least three E-Body Rallye gauge clusters in the display case and one had a convertible switch panel. FYI, I should’ve bought it for my convertible while I was there. D’oh!

So how did Roseville Moparts come to be? It was the brainchild of David Radcliffe. David is the Parts Manager at Roseville CDJR and he saw a decline in business in 2008. He wanted to keep his team employed and take advantage of his 20+ years of experience so he approached the owner of the dealership with an idea to sell restoration parts online and via walk-in sales.



With a classic Mopar element added to the dealership, they decided to hold an annual car show to help promote the parts business and the dealership. Next up was to build a ’70 ‘Cuda for the dealership’s owner and as a marketing tool. In short order, Roseville Moparts had become a success. But change was on the horizon.

Roseville CDJR was sold to Golling Auto Group. It’s usually not good when a business is sold and when you have a niche within the business, like selling Mopar restoration parts, it’s not likely to survive the sale. A lot of new owners would’ve seen Roseville Moparts as a liability that wasn’t worth the risk. Thankfully, Mr. Golling is a true car guy and he helped to bring the business to the next level.



On the north side of Golling CDJR was their powersports dealership that had recently closed. This created an opportunity and Roseville Moparts moved into its own building, but still located within the same property. Work is currently underway to add paint booths and more staff to make Roseville Moparts a true one-stop shop for everything Mopar, from parts to full rotisserie restorations!



As a life-long car guy, I can tell you from experience how much it means to deal with a business that “gets it” when you’re looking to make a purchase. Back when we still had small, locally owned auto parts stores, I was always willing to pay a little more for friendly service and especially someone who truly knew the parts business. Don’t get me wrong, looking up parts on the computer is very efficient for 99.9% of sales. However, when dealing with older cars, the computer isn’t always the best way to get what you really need.

The folks at Golling CDJR and Roseville Moparts definitely get it! They are very well known in the metro Detroit area and they are steadily getting their name out to the rest of the Mopar world. I’m in many Mopar groups on Facebook and when I see someone looking for a part, David is quick to reply and even includes a link directly to the needed part. On the rare occasions where David isn’t the first to reply, one of his many supporters will tag him and/or suggest Roseville. To further expand their customer base, Roseville Moparts is planning to be on the Midway at this year’s Carlisle Chrysler Nationals so you’ll be able to meet David and see for yourself!

The Dodge/MOPAR racing scene is rich with history and each summer at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, there's ample representation of it.  From Herb McCandless, the Ramchargers, and Golden Commandos to Richard Petty and more, the need for speed doesn't go unnoticed, nor has it been misrepresented. 

While we've heard their stories at Carlisle, we wanted to share another with you by way of Dodge Garage writer David Hakim.  This one is about The Missile Man!  Who is that?  Click/tap the link below to read through and learn more.  Also, don't forget to make your plans for this year's Chrysler event; July 15-17 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.

The Missile Man by David Hakim - Read More

Carlisle Chrysler Nationals

1. Learn More
2. Register to Show
3. Become a Vendor
4. Purchase Discounted Spectator Admission Tickets

The familiar ‘ding’ on my iPhone told me I had a message. With a reflex we’ve all come to know, I immediately looked at the screen and saw “Say it isn’t so!” I thought, OK, the Mecum January Kissimmee Auction must officially be over and now they’ve started promotion on Glendale.

I was right. The well-oiled machine of Mecum Auctions had just announced that the Hooked on Vettes collection of Corvettes and original neon signs was crossing the block soon, all at no reserve. A number of people who have visited my collections over the years recognized the Hooked on Vettes collections were those of Texas-based Michael Brown.

Since that message arrived on my phone, I’ve had a great many like it from friends and acquaintances I’m pleased to have made through both the Corvette community and the Road Art community. (Not to be excluded are other such aficionados who collect and sell ‘automobilia,’ ‘petroliana’ and other terms tied to the love of all things past having to do with cars and driving, among other topics of the 20th century.)

After ‘say it isn’t so’ came a long line of questions that simply asked ‘Why?’ That’s understandable, of course. When anyone has achieved some degree of visibility through sharing information and personal visits to a collection that was many years in the making, it’s only human to wonder why one would just wake up one morning and decide to liquidate everything. Of course, it wasn’t quite that spontaneous.

I’ve said many times over the years that I could trace my love of Corvettes back to a time long ago when I was in high school in a small southeast Oklahoma town. In that fall, GM unveiled the 10th anniversary version of America’s only true sports car, the 1963 Corvette. But this was not just any Corvette. This was a seismic shift in the design of the car. It was the first year the headlights were hidden. (they would stay hidden for well over 40 years!). It was the first year that a buyer could choose between a convertible and a coupe. And, of course, it was the first and only year of the infamous split rear window. The design was breathtaking. The car appeared to be moving, even when it was sitting still. It became the object of my 16 year-old dreams.

I certainly never saw one in Hugo, Oklahoma. But I saw photos and not ever really thinking it would happen, I said, ‘Some day.’ Well, that day actually came to me…22 years later. A small want ad in a suburban Dallas newspaper caught my eye; a silver ’63 coupe with black interior and a 327/340hp engine was on the market for the princely sum of $16,000. I took a deep breath, and then I took out a loan.   That life-changing moment for me was 37 years ago.

During the ensuing decades, I’ve made many trips half way across the country to Corvettes at Carlisle every August. Initially, I had no Texas friends in the Corvette hobby. I wasn’t a member of any clubs. I just heard that if you’re into Corvettes, you go to Corvettes at Carlisle. I made many lifelong friends there and those associations led to some remarkably fun and lasting projects, television shows and documentaries, all related to Corvette. Trips to Funfest, Bloomington Gold and Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals exposed me to additional friends and associations.

Where did the years go? Recently, I said goodbye to one of my life’s favorite objects, as a truck pulled away with my ’63 Corvette and a dozen other companion Corvettes that have comprised the Hooked on Vettes collection. Trailing close behind were several other 18-wheelers carrying well over 150 carefully-crated original neon signs I’d acquired over the past couple of decades or so.

During the nearly four decades since I bought the ’63, I’ve owned at least one of each of the eight generations of Corvette. The only generations not represented in my collection now are C4 and C5. The C8 mid-engine? It’s an amazing car! I’ve loved them all.

And the neon signs? Initially, I bought a few non-collectible neons to simply adorn the walls of the Corvette garage I broke ground on in 2006. But I soon ‘got into’ neons and that passion took on a life of its own, as evidenced by the sheer number of signs which were in a vacant home we own next door to our primary residence.

Every book tells a story. Every life does, as well. As I turn the pages to a new chapter in my own life, I’ll admit some degree of sadness to see my many acquisitions go. But it’s time they find a different home and I hope the new owners will enjoy each car and each piece of memorabilia as much as I have.   And equally as much fun as ownership has been, so to was the chase and the acquisition of each.

I’m well past what most consider to be ‘retirement age,’ but I have no intention of retiring. I’m moving on to some projects I’m already excited about. It’s unlikely that I’ll ever build another collection of anything to the extent the Corvettes and Road Art became. But have I owned my last neon sign? Have I bought my last Corvette?

Not on your life!

All About Cars takes a weekly look at something automotive focused and tries to tie it into an experience or show at  Carlisle!  Some weeks you'll get words, some weeks photos, and other weeks it'll be video.  This week, we join our good friend Lou Costabile as he takes a closer look at a very special 1970 Dodge Charger! 

Check out the video and be sure you make your plans for the 2022 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals; July 15-17 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  Best of all, we offer you TWO different classes just for 1970 Chargers!  

My Car Story - 1970 Dodge Charger

Carlisle Chrysler Nationals - Learn More
Carlisle Chrysler Nationals - Register to Show

In 2021, the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals showcased a team of female racers who, with the help of central Pennsylvania builder John Mickle, were planning to race at Baja in 2022!  That race is rapidly approaching and so is the 2022 iteration of the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals.  Let's take a closer look at these ladies and their crew courtesy of Lyndsay Barna and WPMT FOX 43!  

Best of all, at least one of these cars and its race team will RETURN to Carlisle direct from Baja in time for the May 13-14 event.  Check out the video from Lyndsay and be sure to cruise to Carlisle in May to see the race car and its drivers in person!

Ladies of Baja - Watch the Story
Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals - Learn More
Register for the Showfield
Purchase Discounted Spectator Admission Tickets

When you attend a car show, be it at Carlisle or elsewhere, there are many things that catch your eye, but admit it, you notice the colors.  They pop, they glisten in the sun, they are eye-catching.  But, what role does a car's paint color play in the collector car hobby?

Our latest All About Cars post comes to us from Elizabeth Puckett and Motorious/Yahoo Autos.  She takes a deep dive into what is and isn't appealing about a vehicle's color.

What Role Does Paint Color Play? - Read the FULL Story

The Carlisle PA Fairgrounds has a history dating back to the 1940s, but its modern day footprint has been carved by passionate automotive enthusiasts from around the world. 

THE biggest event of the season is Spring Carlisle and with it comes a layout of 8,100 active vending spaces, thousands of vendors, and millions of automotive pieces and parts.  Starting April 20, Spring Carlisle presented by eBay Motors commences and so does the shopping frenzy. 

So...what are the best ways to traverse the grounds and shop within the automotive flea market?  Our expert team has crafted 20 tips on making a trip to Carlisle a successful one.  Check out the info online now and while there, make your plans for attending Spring Carlisle 2022 either as a vendor selling your wares, or as an attendee shopping and enjoying the thrill of the hunt!

20 Tips for Shopping the Automotive Flea Market

Spring Carlisle - Secure my Vending Space(s)
Spring Carlisle - Secure my Corral Space(s)
Purchase Discounted Attendee Admission Tickets

Carlisle Events offers kids age 12 and under FREE admission, while also spotlighting family friendly entertainment at many of the car shows.  One element that stands out for the young and young at heart is the ability to see in real life, cars and trucks that they play (or played) with at home.  But, why is the ability to see and touch a car/truck so important to the development of a child?  Our latest All About Cars blog tackles that topic by way of a 2020 piece penned by Claire Gillespie from TheWeek.com.  

Check out the story and make your family plans to attend a Carlisle car show in 2022.  It all starts April 20 with Spring Carlisle and spans the entire summer, concluding with Fall Carlisle in late September...and remember, kids 12 and under ARE FREE!  It's a sensory experience at Carlisle and we invite you to be part of the fun.

Why Kids are Obsessed with Cars, Trucks, and Other Vehicles - Read On

2022 Carlisle Events Season Schedule - Make Your Plans Today
Register for a Car Show
Purchase Discounted Spectator Tickets

The late Chip Miller had a dream - to find an iconic Corvette race car and return it to its former glory!  Despite his passing, that dream became a reality when the legendary #3 Cunningham Corvette, complete with original driver and Chip's son Lance, returned to Le Mans, France in June 2010.  For years, the car was THE centerpiece of the Miller family collection, appearing at car shows and museum displays across the country.  Fast forward to January of 2022 and to the surprise of many, it was announced the car had been sold.  In our latest All About Cars blog, Keith Cornett of CorvetteBlogger.com spotlights the sale and what's next for this one-of-a-kind racing Corvette!

For more Corvette themed fun, make your plans for Corvettes at Carlisle 2022.  The three-day event runs August 25-27 and welcomes special displays such as 50 years of 1972 Corvettes, the NCRS, NCCC, and Chip's Choice, an annual rotating feature that in August, focuses on the Pratt & Miller/Factory Corvette Race Cars.  Learn more about the sale of the Cunningham car AND Corvettes at Carlisle via the links below.

Cunningham Corvette Sells - Read on to Learn More
Corvettes at Carlisle - Learn More

Caption: 1930 Ford Model A owned by Natalie Bolea of Coraopolis, PA

Every year in the Steel City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a different sort of steel comes together at the David Lawrence Convention Center in downtown area.  While the Steelers didn't make it past round one of the NFL post-season this year, the locals still had something to get excited about by way of the annual Pittsburgh World of Wheels car show that happened January 21-23.  This was the 61^st edition of this annual event that brings together not only automotive enthusiasts from the greater Pittsburgh area but also the greater east coast.

We at Carlisle Events attend this event to connect with many of our industry friends, clients, builders, and vehicle owners.  This year was no different with a wide array of vehicles that we hope to see at our events later this year.  Friday at the event allowed us to get a head start on the east coast car show season and see many of these awesome vehicles below.  Check out our coverage below and as always feel free to share this with your peers and friends.

Our friend John Sbrigato of Millstone, NJ brought out the Hemi Hearse and the Red Baron.  John brought us the Dragula and Batmobile at last year’s Carlisle Ford Nationals.  The Red Baron and Hemi Hearse were huge hits at World of Wheels.  Who remembers these TV Cars?

Caption: The Hemi Hearse owned by John Sbrigato of Millstone, NJ

Caption: The Red Baron owned by John Sbrigato of Millstone, NJ

Aaron Buck of Pottstown, PA brought out this radical 1936 Ford Pickup that has been transformed into this custom slammed beast! 

Chrysler products did dominate a good portion of this year’s World of Wheels.  Many familiar names brought out a piece or more from their collection.  Friend of the Chrysler Nationals, Bill Woessner, brought out a great collection of Dodge Charger R/T’s. Check them out below!

Caption: Bill Woessner of Gibsonia, PA and his Dodge Charger R/T

Caption: Bill Woessner of Gibsonia, PA and his Dodge Charger R/T

Caption: Bill Woessner of Gibsonia, PA and his Dodge Charger R/T

Caption: Bill Woessner of Gibsonia, PA and his Dodge Charger R/T

Caption: Bill Woessner of Gibsonia, PA and his Dodge Charger R/T

Floyd Furr of Nokesville, VA brought out this resto-modded 1967 Plymouth GTX, check it out:

Check out a few more Chrysler products from the show as well:

Caption: Shane Crozier of Pittsburgh, PA and his 2018 Dodge Charger

 

Caption: John Borgen of Gibsonia, PA and his 1970 Plymouth Superbird

Caption: Ralph Patsch of Houston, PA and his 1963 Dodge 330

Hailing from Kewaskum, WI, Michael Beal brought out this killer 1933 Ford using a Factory Five body. Take a look under that hood and some of the subtle touches all around the car:

Awesome Ford’s dotted the show as well, check out these that caught our attention.

 

Caption: Jeffrey Lakes Sr of Bridgeville, PA and his 1972 Ford F-250

 

Caption: Fred Birch of Franklin Park, PA and his 1964 Ford Fairlane

Caption: Bobby Crouch of Pittsburgh, PA and his 2014 Ford F-350 Platinum

Caption: Total Image Autosport’s 2022 of Pittsburgh, PA and their 2022 Ford Bronco

Caption: A good showing of Fords from the PA Hot Rods group.

Caption: Jason Faux of Clinton, PA and his 1995 Ford F-350

Caption: Tyler Davidson of New Brighton, PA and his 1997 Ford F-350

Now this next one was quite a surprise to see out in the wild!  The 1991 Ford F150 PPG Indy Pace Truck Concept was ahead of it’s time.  Designed by McLaren Performance Designs with the powerplant from Jack Roush, PPG spent over $250,000 to build this for the Indy Car Series.  Rumor has it, this truck may make an appearance on the Spring Carlisle Auction Block.

 

Here’s a slightly different Ford that is totally on another level (pun intended).  Check out this 1936 Ford Sedan overlanding build from Jason Rodz by Ludwin of Fort Johnson, NY:

One truck that caught our eye was this 1946 Chevrolet Cab Over Engine dubbed the “Lowcoe”!  Take a look at the 12 Valve Cummins sitting behind the cab!

Speaking of GM products, check out “Lil Sassy” the Cavalier here.  Who wants to go for a pass in this!?!

Caption: Robert Biery of McCandless, PA and his 1974 Pontiac Trans Am

Caption: Josh Hillard’s 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle

Caption: Ron Spadafora of Reading, PA and his 1956 Sedan Delivery

Caption: Denny Mascari of Allison Park, PA and his 1957 Chevrolet Nomad

 

Caption: Ian Stowe of Pittsburgh, PA and his 1965 Cadillac Sedan Deville

 

Caption: Marc Hansen of Chester Springs, PA and his 1955 Chevrolet Hardtop

Caption: Pro Comp Customs and their wicked 1969 Pontiac GTO

Caption: Luke Yianlouis of New Kensington, PA and his 1969 Buick Riviera

Caption: John Schiavone of Beecher, IL and his 1969 Chevrolet Camaro

One killer 1941 Willy’s Pickup Gasser from Charlie Source of Findley Lake, NY:

Pittsburgh Car Scene also showed up in force with a great showing of Import’s from their group.  Check them out below:

Speaking of Imports, our friends at Super Car Workshop / Super Car Restoration normally bring a selection of Chevy Novas and Camaros to World of Wheels, this year they brought something a little more buggy.  Check out their two VW Beetles they just finished up in time for the show. 

Caption: Colleen Hughes of Latrobe, PA and her 1979 VW Beetle

Caption: Shelly Cooper of Clymer, PA and her 1975 VW Beetle

Check out some of the other Imports that caught our eye as well below!

Caption: Jennifer Mance of McKees Port, PA and her 1991 VW Cabriolet

Caption: Ty Kimmick of Mount Pleasant, PA and his super clean WRX.  Don’t forget we are celebrating the Impreza at the Import and Performance Nationals this year in May.

Caption: Mandy and Kurt Emigh’s awesome 2000 BMW 353 ready for autocross!  Don’t forget BMW is a celebrated marque at the Carlisle Import and Performance Nationals in May.

Caption: Vincenzo Girone of Pittsburgh, PA brought out his 1993 Mazda RX7, check out that bay!

Stop back here on All About Cars next week for an all new article about the Cunningham Corvette formerly owned by Lance Miller.  In the meanwhile, learn all about what we have coming up in 2022 at CarlisleEvents.com.

From buzz words to catchy jingles, eye catching graphics, and stunning automotive styles, there is a lot that goes into an auto maker's marketing and promotional campaign.  In our latest All About Cars offering, David Hakim, writer at DodgeGarage.com takes an in depth look at MOPAR®'s Mad Men!   

Read on to learn more and be sure to see some of the best MOPARS of all-time on display and in motion as part of the 2022 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, July 15-17.

MOPAR®’S MAD MEN: PART I by David Hakim
Additional Dodge Garage Features by David Hakim
Register for the 2022 Chrysler Nationals & Learn More

With only minor changes to appearance packages, including optional 21- and 22-inch wheel designs, three new colors (Asher Gray, Ocean Drive Blue, and Flight Blue), and an available Monochromatic Reserve appearance package. The one-year-old second-Gen Lincoln Aviator remains a leader in American mid-size SUV luxury, with a nod to its sibling, the full-size Navigator, but in a smaller, and more maneuverable package.

Aviator was launched from 2003 through 2005 as a rebadged version of the Mercury Mountaineer, and after a 15-year hiatus, returned last year as a mid-size five-door, three row luxury SUV. 

Based on the Ford Explorer, Aviator has its own upscale styling, sculpting, engine, chassis makeup and tech. Aviator focuses on luxury and elegance, and is its own creation, not to be likened to any other in the brand.

The creation of the second-gen Lincoln Aviator was tasked with merging elegance, styling, performance and advanced technology, while advancing an electrified hybrid system. With a gas-powered 400hp /415 lb-ft of torque engine and a plug-in hybrid system that provides 494hp and best-in-class 630 combined lb-ft of torque, Aviator is built for power and capability joining with sleek elegance and intuitive technology.



Aviator provides Lincoln’s “Quiet Flight,” which combined performance with silence. Aviator offers those two powertrains – a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 gas engine and the Grand Touring’s hybrid powertrain. Aviator vanguarded Lincoln’s approach to a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and advanced electrified hybrid technology capable of delivering smooth performance and quick-acting torque.

Avaiator’s architecture and styling is a direct turn off its name and is marketed with a sky-driven approach. Company literature says, “The boundless allure of flight has long inspired automotive design, and the exterior styling of the all-new Lincoln Aviator takes that inspiration to the next level. The connotations of flight are intrinsic in the strong front and tapering rear of the vehicle, creating a distinct aerofoil analogy,” according to Lincoln’s pitch. Exterior dimensions are 199.3 inches in length, a wind-attracting 69.6 inches in height and 82.3 inches in width on a 119.1-inch wheelbase, for a curb weight of from 4774 to 5673 lbs. depending on trim level and configuration. My Reserve trim weighed about 5020 lbs.

Aviator’s cabin is packed with luxury appointments and comfort, a 14-speaker audio system with voice-activated touch-screen navigation system, three rows of seating, available concert hall sound, intuitive tech and function and a quiet environment of quality. The comfortable cabin provides, 41 inches of front headroom (40.2 with a Vista Roof), 39.7 inches in row two and a tight 36.9 inches in row three. Aviator provides 43 inches of front legroom, with 40.1 in the middle and a child-only 29.2 inches in the rear seats; and 61.5 inches of front shoulder room with 61.3 in row two and 54.0 in row three.
Interior climate control includes a Particulate Air Filter Tri-Zone Climate Control, with second row climate controls (with Audio and Heated/Vented Seat Controls when equipped). You also get a 10.1-inch LCD touch-screen in the center-stack, Ambient interior lighting, delayed Accessory Lighting in the first row, Lincoln Connect™ with 4G embedded modem with WiFi® hot spot capability, that enables Lincoln Way™ App remote features (when activated) and so much more we can’t do justice to listing them here.
Aviator drives quietly, attentively and smoothly in both Front-wheel-drive and Intelligent All-wheel-drive configurations. My test Aviator Reserve in AWD was outfitted with the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 Engine with Stop-Start Technology. EPA rated at 27mpg/highway, 20mpg/city and 24mpg/combined, my rides delivered 22.4mpg. With the hybrid option, Aviator Grand Touring’s twin-turbocharged engine and advanced electrified technology shows some hesitation, but increases gas mileage by up to 20 miles when all-electric.

My test ride’s 400hp system, did not delay and the response was seamless, sprinting to a 6.1-second zero-to-60mph dash, and a quarter-mile  of 14.8 seconds. On the open road, Aviator delivers a quiet, powerful, confident ride. Driver and passengers are pampered by its adaptive suspension. Aviator’s Electric Power-Assisted Steering is predictable and while there is some top-wobble during quick maneuvers, Aviator is confident in turns.

Aviator’s safety systems include Blind Spot Detection with Cross-Traffic Alert, enhanced by Driver and Front Passenger Dual Stage, Side Impact, and Glove-Box-Door Integrated Knee Airbags. The Safety Canopy/Air Curtain (3-rows) with roll-over sensor adds to security as do Vehicle Inclination Sensor Remote, Keyless Entry SecuriCode™ (Keypad), SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System, SOS Post-Crash Alert, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Emergency Brake Assist Four-Way Adjustable Head Restraints.  

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator starts at $51,465 for the base Standard trim, followed by the Reserve trim at $57,355, upgrading with 20-inch wheels, quad-zone climate control, optional packages including Lincoln Co-Pilot360™ Plus and more. The Aviator Grand Touring offers the rechargeable electric hybrid powertrain added to the standard Twin-Turbocharged engine, and keeps Reserve’s features, at $68,360. Aviator’s Black Label top trim starts at $79,350 with special themes, interior finishes and exclusive member service items. My Reserve saved me $2390 by going to AWD and removing some Reserve Package.  Burgundy Velvet exterior paint added $695 and running boards added $1065. 

The Premium interior package for the Panoramic Vista Roof® with Power Sun Shade, added $1500 and voice-activated touchscreen navigation added $500. With Destination charges of $1195 and an Acquisition Fee of $645, my sticker came to $59,065, but available incentives of up to $925 may be available, so check with your dealer.


> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I> 

Last year, Cadillac introduced the Crossover Touring 6,  or XT6 to its crossover and SUV lineup. XT6 is the largest vehicle in the XT series, slotted as a mid-size, between Cadillac’s XT5 and the full-size Escalade. Produced in GM’s Spring Hill, TN plant, the XT6 shares its wheelbase with the GMC Acadia, Cadillac XT5 and Chevrolet Blazer and sits on the same platform as the Buick Enclave.

For 2021, the XT6 enters its second year with a new Luxury model that expands its reach to more customers and completes the brand’s signature Y-trim strategy, which also includes Premium Luxury and Sport models.  

New for 2021 are a Luxury trim model with new standard-for-the-trim 2.0-liter turbo engine rated at 237 hp; Wireless Apple CarPlay7 and Android Auto8 connectivity; new 20-inch wheel design for Sport models and new exterior color options: Dark Moon Blue Metallic, Wilder and Infrared Tintcoat.

The new-for 2021 XT6 Luxury trim kicks off the range with 18-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, powered sunroof, roof rails, LED headlights, tri-zone automatic climate control, seating for seven, active noise cancellation, self-dimming rearview mirror, heated/power-adjustable front seats (8-way for the driver, 6-way for passenger.

With Cadillac marketing it as a “mid-size-plus,” the three-row family crossover centers on a luxurious, adaptable and connected cabin complemented by responsive handling and a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety technologies.

The 2021 XT6 is loaded Caddy-style, with a comprehensive suite of standard and available driver assistance and safety technologies, along with generous cargo capacity. XT6 is outfitted with the latest Cadillac user-experience items featuring intuitive controls including a rotary controller with new jog functionality. Additionally, the vehicle’s 9-speed automatic transmission offers four selectable driving modes, and both the Premium Luxury and Sport models offer customers available customized looks with unique exterior and interior distinction.

Some may call it boxy and others call it simple elegance, but XT6 architecture carries Cadillac’s look and big windows for good visibility. XT6 is large and high and measures 69.9 inches in height, 77.3 inches in width and 198.5 inches in length on a 112.7-inch wheelbase, with a 6.65-inch ground clearance. Curb weight goes from 4362 lbs. to 4690 lbs. depending on trim and drive configuration, and XT6 can trailer 4000 lbs.

Inside, XT6 plays on Cadillac’s elegant, upscale demeanor with wide surface lines and simple interfaces. Distinctive trim and interior colors exude the Premium Luxury and Sport models. Premium Luxury models are trimmed with exotic wood decor, while the Sport features performance-inspired carbon fiber trim.

Available comfort features help ensure that all passengers have a luxurious experience in every seating row, including Cadillac’s first Bose® Performance Series sound system with 14 custom-tuned speakers delivering immersive, powerful audio throughout the cabin. Additional available features include semi-aniline premium leather-appointed seating; Cadillac’s in-vehicle air ionizer; automatic heated/ventilated front seats and heated second-row rear outboard seats, and a standard automatic heated steering wheel.

Not as roomy as one would expect, the XT6 cabin provides only 39.8 inches of front headroom, 39.1 in row two and a child-worthy 37.2 inches in row three. Legroom follows at a good 41.2 in row one, 39.1 in the middle seats and only 29.5 inches in the tight third row. Shoulder room stretches out to 58.3, 57.4 and 53.5, but hip room gets really snug in row three with only 39.5 inches, after 56.1 in front and 55.7 in the middle seats.

XT6 power comes from one of two available engines. Premium horses come from a 3.6-liter V-6 direct-injection VVT engine with auto stop/start. Mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, the system delivers 310hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. In Front-Wheel-Drive, the engine is rated at 18mpg/city and 25mpg/highway, and in All-Wheel-Drive, the EPA estimate is 17/24.

New is the 2.0-liter turbo that gets 21mpg/city and 26mpg/highway. The inline-4 engine is good for 237hp an 258 lb-ft, of torque.

The quiet cabin remains hushed even when accelerating with ease while passing, and handling is similar to that of a smaller vehicle. The ride is cushioned well and smoothes out road irregularities, but steering is vague and times, and severe turns result in noticeable body waver.

While passing is powerful, track tests were slow, but steady, with a hand-timed 7.3-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a 15.7-second quarter-mile.

From a safety perspective, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given the XT6 a five-star rating and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a Top Safety Pick+, that agency's highest honor. A host of driver-assistance features are available. Automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring are standard, while more advanced features such as adaptive cruise control and night vision are available as options.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 in AWD Luxury trim starts at $51,790 with the 2.0-liter turbo engine. Premium Luxury and the 3.6-liter engine starts at $56,190 and the Sport trim starts at $59,490 in AWD (only) with the 3.6 and a few cosmetic and other minor additions. My test Premium Luxury XT6 in AWD added Dark Moon Blue Metallic paint for $625. Adding Jet Black Semi-Analine Leather Seating surfaces and real-time damping suspension and Reverse Automatic Braking was part of a huge package add-on included in the Platinum Package ($5000), The Technology Package   the rear camera mirror with washer($2350), the Driver Assist Package ($1300) and the Comfort and Air Quality Package ($750). The Cadillac User Experience with Navigation ($1000) and heated rear outboard seats ($500) were added to the options and packages that put an additional $11,250 onto the price. Destination charges of $1195 put the vehicle price at $66,870, but discounts and cash options are available.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Redesigned in 2020, the Ford Escape, once the top-selling SUV in Ford’s arsenal and second in Blue Oval sales only to F-150, has slipped behind Explorer in sales, but the fourth-generation sports-ute is still the No.24-selling vehicle in the U.S. this year.

Once thought of as a “Baby Explorer” when it debuted in 2001, the Ford Escape made the small SUV segment its own, and soon developed its own following, personality, utility, look and feel.

For 2021, Escape, has increased the fuel economy for Escape 1.5L FWD models to 28 city/34 highway mpg, making for a combined fuel economy of 30 mpg. The Class II Trailer Tow Package is now optional on Escape models with the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2021 Ford Escape is available in trim levels S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. Additionally, the available Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ package now includes Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Speed Sign Recognition. 

Also new is expanded availability with new hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the SE and SEL models offered for 2021. The 2021 Escape Titanium now has the hybrid powertrain standard. 

Additionally, four new exterior colors have been added this model year, including Antimatter Blue, Bronze Fire, Carbonized Gray, and Iconic Silver. The new options join a handful of paint choices carried over from the previous model year, including Star White Metallic, Rapid Red Metallic, Velocity Blue Metallic, Desert Gold Metallic, Agate Black Metallic, and Oxford White.  

Four colors have been discontinued this year: Blue, Dark Persian Green, Ingot Silver, and Magnetic. 

The 2021 Ford Escape continues its aerodynamic design featuring a sloped roofline, optimized liftgate spoiler and efficient underbody. Escape’s architecture embodies sportiness, borrowing its shield-shaped trapezoidal grille from a similar sixth-generation Mustang inspiration, while the lower front end pays homage to Ford GT.

The 2021 Escape continues in its compact crossover footprint measuring 66.1 inches in height and 74.1 inches in width on a 106.7-inch wheelbase. Minimum running ground clearance is 7.9 inches and Escape has a curb weight range of 3298 lbs. to 3884 lbs. depending on trim and drive configuration.

The 2021 edition offers the same four powertrains as were available last year, including a standard hybrid and a plug-in variant, and iemploys technologies ranging from drive modes and driver-assist features to electric vehicle ingenuity and on-board connectivity.

Performance upgrades help make Escape a fun-to-drive sports-ute, with both its gas engine-powered models and the standard hybrid available with all-wheel drive. EcoBoost-equipped models get a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth, responsive shifting, while every Escape sits on an accommodating suspension providing solid dynamics with an isolated rear subframe.

Available in either Front-Wheel-Drive or Intelligent 4WD, Escape’s engine choices include the direct-injection 1.5-liter EcoBoost® I-4 with Auto Start-Stop returns, rated at 181hp, with 190-lbs-ft of torque and a EPA estimate of 28mpg/city, 34mpg/highway and 30mpg/combined. The turbocharged direct injection 2.0-liter Twin-Scroll EcoBoost® inline-4 engine with Auto Start-Stop also returns this year, supplying 250hp and 280 lbs-ft of torque on premium fuel, with EPA estimates of 23/31/26. There is also a 2.5-liter FHEV iVCT inline-4 engine that delivers 165hp and 155 lbs-ft of torque with sequential multiport electronic fuel injection and the 2.5-liter PHEV gives you 200hp and is rated at (FWD) 44 mpg city/37 mpg highway/41 mpg combined.

My test vehicle was outfitted with the 1.5-liter and averaged 30.6mpg in mixed-use tests. My weeklong test on the highways, around town and some track tests showed good passing power with only slight delay. On the track, a steadily accelerating quarter-mile was accomplished in 16.1 seconds and the sprint from zero to 60 mph was a slow 7.8 seconds. Steering was carlike, the ride was soft for passengers and it handles like a family driver should.

Inside Escape’s sliding second-row seats enable best-in-class second-row legroom and as much as 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space. And Ford’s smartest-ever small SUV features selectable drive modes and Ford Co-Pilot360™ driver-assist technology. Available features include a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster, a heads-up display and its driver-assist features Active Park Assist 2.0 and Evasive Steering Assist.

The cabin is upscale with seating for five. Accommodations continue to be tight for taller drivers, as headroom measures 40.0 inches in front and 39.3 in row two. Legroom can be stretched to a maximum of 42.4 inches in row one, while second-row passengers have 40.7 inches. Shoulder room is 57.6 in row one and 56.0 for row two.

The 2021 Ford Escape is available in five trims. The S trim starts at $24,885 with the 1.5-liter I-4 EcoBoost® engine and Sync® with 4.2-inch LCD Screen Display; the SE that I tested, starts at $26,610 with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost® and adding SYNC® 3 with 8-inch LCD Screen Display, 10-Way Power Driver with Heated Front Row, Intelligent Access with Push Button Start and more; the SE Sport Hybrid starts at $28,030 with the 2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 Hybrid Engine and more; the SEL trim starts at $29,205 with the 1.5, reverse sensing and a power liftgate; and the Titanium trim started at $33,755 in FWD with the 2.5-liter Hybrid, 10-Speaker Audio System and more.

My Escape SE added Rapid Red exterior paint for $395. Upgrading from FWD to all-wheel-drive added $1500; Ford Co-Pilot Assist™ added $695 for Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System with Pinch-to-Zoom Capability, and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link®. Splash guards added $210; a Panoramic Vista Roof added $1495 and Destination Charges of $1345 for a price-as-tested of $32,250.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

 

For more than 40 years, the Chevy Silverado was the No.2-selling vehicle in America. It has since dropped to No.3, but in the second quarter of this year, Silverado edged ahead of F-150 and (for that quarter) back into the No.2 slot, behind Ram.

But at No.2 or No.3, Silverado remains a leader on the American truck scene as it has been since 1918. Silverado launched as a trim level for Chevrolet C/K pick-ups and Suburbans in 1975, before becoming its own line in 1999.

Two years after a full redesign, Silverado for 2021 offers a truckload of new mechanical and technological updates, including the addition of an available Multi-Flex Tailgate, impressive trailering capacity and enhanced tech.

The Multi-Flex Tailgate offers Silverado customers six unique functions, allowing for easier access to bed cargo, enhanced loading solutions and a standing workstation. With a weight capacity of 375 pounds, different configurations for the Multi-Flex Tailgate activate using a key fob or two tailgate-mounted buttons, one for the full gate and another for the second-tier loading and storage options. Combined with the Silverado Durabed – featuring impressive cargo space, LED lighting, a 120-volt outlet and 12 fixed tie-downs – Multi-Flex makes the 2021 model the most functional and capable Silverado ever. The Multi-Flex Tailgate will be available in early 2021 on all new Silverado 1500 models.

The 2021 Silverado features increased conventional trailering capability for two of its most efficient engines, compared to the 2020 model year. The 2.7L Turbo adds thousands of pounds of trailering capacity to every configuration. The popular Crew Cab Short Box model increases its rating by 2,500 pounds to a max capacity of 9,300 pounds in two-wheel drive. A newly available Regular Cab Long Box model provides the maximum 2.7L tow rating of 9,600 pounds and ups Silverado’s overall max payload to 2,280 pounds in 2WD.

The 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel adds an additional 1,900 pounds of trailering capacity to nearly every configuration and provides the maximum capacity of 9,500 pounds to 2WD models

Enhanced Trailering Technology for 2021 adds up to 15 unique camera views – the most of any competitor – to help make trailering simpler. 2021 models also offer new or enhanced trailering technology, including Trailer Length for lane changing maneuvers; Jack-Knife Alert tracking the position of the compatible trailer in relation to the vehicle and provides an alert if a potential jack-knife situation is imminent; Cargo Bed View enhancement; Rear Trailer View now features guidelines and Trailer-Angle Indicator; Rear Side View enhancement with a split view and multiple trim and package upgrades.

Rugged, bold and not afraid to be boxy, my 2021 Silverado 1500 LTZ with a Crew Cab was outfitted with a short bed. The 5-foot-8-inch box, brought exterior measurements to 231.7 inches in length (the 6-foot-6-inch box adds 9.5 inches and the 8-foot box is not available with the Crew Cab). Silverado’s wide body is 81.2 inches wide and a tall 75.5 inches high (for the 4x4), and some trims are as much as 78.4 inches high. My test truck has a 147.4-inch wheelbase – some trims go 157.4. Ground clearance is 8.9 inches and step-in height measures 22.2 inches, while the Silverado LTZ’s base curb weight ranges from 4940 to 5090 with the 5.3-liter engine and 4x4 configuration that were set up on my truck.

Silverado provides six power options, varying from 6-speed to 8-speed to 10-speed transmission: a 4.3-liter V-6 with a six-speed automatic transmission, 285hp and 305 lb-ft of torque, rated at 16mpg/city and 21mpg/highway; 5.3-liter V-8 and six-speed, 355hp and 383 lb-ft of torque 15/city, 21/highway; 2.7-liter Turbo and an eight-speed automatic, 310hp and 348 lb-ft of torque, 20/city, 23/highway; 5.3-liter V-8 and an eight-speed automatic or 10-speed automatic, 355hp and 383 lb-ft of torque 16/city and 22/highway; 6.2-liter V-8 with a 10-speed automatic, 420hp and 460 lb-ft of torque 16/city, 20/highway; and a 3.0-liter I-6 turbo-diesel with a 10-speed automatic, 277 hp and 460 lb-ft, and rated at 23 and 33mpg.

My test Silverado LTZ came with the eight-speed 5.3 and it was responsive and powerful. Handling trucklike, but smaller than it appears, the Silverado attacks hills and gently moves in and out of traffic. From a speed perspective, we completed a zero-to-60mph sprint in 6.6 seconds and a quarter-mile in 16.1 (hand-timed). Parking takes strategy due to true size and blind spots, but on the road and soft road, Silverado’s independent coil-over-shock front suspension with twin-tube shocks coupled with a solid axle rear with semi-elliptic, variable-rate two-stage multileaf springs and splayed twin-tube shocks give driver’s road feel

EPA-rated at 16mpg/city and 22mpg/hwy with my AWD set-up my quick-accelerating tests complied an average of 19.9 mpg.

Silverado’s well-appointed, comfortable, safety-focused and tech-filled cabin is roomy, quiet and functional, with a sturdy cab structure. It is not left wanting for much infotainment. Its Crew Cab provides 43.0 inches of front headroom with 40.1 in the rear. Legroom is spacious, at 44.5 inches up front and 40.1 in the rear, while shoulder room measures 66.0 and 65.2 inches.

Silverado 1500 for 2021 is priced for and decked out for varied tastes and wallets. In long, standard and short beds with regular, double and crew cabs, with six power options, and in 2WD and 4WD, Silverado starts at $30,995. In eight trims, topping off with the High Country starting at $59,095, my LTZ was seventh up with a 5.3-liter V-8 staring at $53,095 with a short bed and 4WD.

Cherry Tintcoat exterior paint mated to a Jet Black perforated leather interior added $495.  The LTZ Premium package, discounted to $2660, for power sliding rear window with rear defogger, front buckets, power sunroof front center console, polished 20-inch wheels, 275/60R20 all-season, black wall tires Iand more. The Technology Package added $2070 for a rear camera mirror, 8-inch diagonal digital driver information center, HD Surround Vision and head-Up display. Four-inch chrome round assist steps added $1395. Destination and Freight charges of $1695 put the sticker at $59,370, but there are total cash allowance discounts of up to $1500, available, and my test truck came to $58,370, so check with your local dealer about incentives.

You can expect to see 100 years of Chevrolet trucks and all-things GM, stretching more than a century, from antique to classic to present and future, at the 2022 Carlisle GM Nationals, June 24-25 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.  Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Jeep has been considered a rugged, go anywhere, and do anything utility vehicle, since it began as a US Army general purpose 4-wheel-drive light military carrier in 1941. Moving on to its CJ Civilian Jeep production in 1945, the marquee has evolved into a  rugged, sports-utility vehicle that now embraces luxury and high tech connectivity while continuing its legacy as a tough, dependable and sporty conveyance for in-town and off-road function.

Last year, an all-new Jeep Gladiator was launched, combining Jeep’s iconic styling with the features of a pick-up truck to become a true sports-utility vehicle … a Jeep truck.

The Jeep Gladiator plays on Jeep’s iconic look and in Willys trim, brings the legend to life in modern terms.

Because the Jeep Gladiator was first released in 2020, there are not a whole lot of updates for the 2021 model year. The Gladiator Sport offers optional LED head and fog lamps and the Gladiator Overland now offers a TrailCam® off-road camera that provides front-facing footage to help enhance off-road performance. And what’s really new is the newly available turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V-6 that makes 260 hp and 442 pounds-feet of torque and gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined, 5 mpg more than the gas V-6. Full-time four-wheel drive is available, and the Overland trim level can now have a forward-facing off-road camera.

Also, a Gladiator 80th Anniversary Edition and Willys models join the lineup.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, engineered from the ground up to be the most off-road capable Jeep truck ever, builds on a rich heritage of tough, dependable trucks with rugged utility, authentic Jeep design, open-air freedom, clever functionality and versatility. Powertrain options include a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 with engine stop-start (ESS) and, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine with ESS. Equipped with a versatile box, a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, solid axles and electronic lockers, Gladiator is one of the few midsize trucks to offer a six-speed manual transmission in addition to its available eight-speed automatic.

Based on the Jeep Wrangler SUV, Gladiator carries the Jeep look and personality, from the seven-slot grille seen on Wrangler, but with widened the grille slots for additional air intake to assist with the increased towing capacity. The top of the keystone-shaped grille is gently swept back to enhance aerodynamics. A full-sized spare tire, normally mounted on the Wrangler's rear tailgate, is mounted underneath the cargo bed of the Gladiator. The truck has front and rear doors that can be fully removed, as well as a windshield that can be lowered (like the Wrangler JL, Jeep includes a tool kit with the tools necessary to remove the doors and lower the windshield). Gladiator models equipped with LEDs feature daytime running lights, which form a halo around the outside perimeter of the headlights. Forward turn signals are positioned on the front of the trapezoidal wheel flares.

From behind, traditional square tail lamps feature available LED lighting and give way to a wide tailgate opening for unobstructed loading of cargo into the bed. The tailgate is damped and capable of stopping in three positions, while cargo is easily secured with a power-locking tailgate. And the truck bed isn’t just for looks. It is fully functional and work worthy. The 5-foot high-strength steel bed utilizes four steel cross-members to reinforce the load floor while the aluminum tailgate is damped. Utility and versatility are maximized with strong integrated tie-downs and under-rail bed lighting.

Built at Toledo Supplier Park, Toledo, Ohio the mid-size pick-up measures 218.0 inches long, 74.1 inches high with the hard top, and 73.8 inches wide on a 137.3-inch wheelbase, for a ground clearance of 11.1 inches. The Rubicon with an automatic transmission weighs in at a robust 5072 lbs.

Inside, the Gladiator combines Jeep style, versatility, comfort and intuitive feature use. Precision craftsmanship and high-quality materials are found throughout the cabin. The heritage-inspired center stack features a clean, sculpted form that complements the horizontal dashboard design. Soft-touch surfaces enhance tech items such as intuitive placement of climate and volume control knobs, media charging and connectivity ports, and Engine Stop. A U-Connect 4C Navigation system with 7.0-inch touchscreen is standard as is a push-button starter, featuring a weather-proof surround.

The cabin is niche-roomy, and provides 40.8 inches of front and rear row headroom in the hardtop, 41.2 inches of front legroom with 38.3 inches in row two, and 55.7 inches of front and rear shoulder room.

My Gladiator was powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Combined with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission, the setup focuses on low-end torque – good for off-roading and hauling heavy loads – the automatic has a trailer tow rating of 7000 lbs. The system is rated at 17mpg/city, 22mpg/highway and 19 mpg/combined for the automatic. My 3.6 accelerated smoothly and predictably and finished off a hand-timed zero-to-60mph sprint in 8.1 seconds during a 16.1-second quarter-mile. A week of mixed-use tests and some off-road trails ended with an average consumption of 18.0mpg. I found Gladiator off-road capable, highway adequate and in-town cool and fun to drive.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is available in 10 trims, from the base Sport at $34,645 to the top-of-the-line High Altitude at $52,455. My fully Willys – fourth up in the line --  started at $40,550. Sting Gray paint added $245.  Windshield with Corning Gorilla Glass adder $195; Black tubular side steps by Mopar added $6235; a Mopar spray-in bedliner added $495; an Alpine Premium Audio System and Wireless Bluetooth speaker added $295; an 8.4-inch radio and premium audio group  (with automatic temperature control and a/c) added $2095; Jeep Active Safety group with blind-spot and cross-path detection and rear park assist, added $995; and an 8-speed automatic transmission was $2000. The net price on my test ride was $46,455.

You can see Jeeps through the eras, and all things Dodge, Chrysler and Plymouth at the 2022 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds, July 15-17, 2022.

The largest Mopar event in the world, the show features more than 2,800 vehicles from all decades of the Chrysler brand, along with parts, tools, memorabilia, collectibles and more.In

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

The 17th best-selling vehicle in America this year, and third in the GM arsenal behind only Chevrolet Silverado (3rd) and GMC Sierra (12th), the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is a favorite for its smooth ride, solid handling and user-friendly infotainment system. It remains a top-seller even though it carries over from 2020 with no significant changes and receives a freshening for the 2022 model-year.

Launched as a mid-size crossover SUV in 2004 for model-year 2005 along with its twin, the Pontiac Torrent, the third-gen Equinox is now a compact sports-ute that was last redesigned in 2018. The Torrent is long gone, but the Equinox marches on. A refreshed model for the 2022 model year gets a new front grille, which extends into the redesigned headlamps, along with a restyled lower fascia with different foglamps. The rear also sees small changes in the way of redesigned taillamps and a different bumper. 

But for 2021, Equinox deletes  its powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine option, adds an available leather package on the LT trim and included Jet Black perforated leather-appointed seating  surfaces, memory settings, inside rearview mirror and outside heated power-adjustable and auto-dimming mirrors.

The top-seller of seven Chevy SUV/Crossovers, Equinox is offered in L, LS, LT and Premier models, a Midnight Edition and Sports Edition  are available on Lt and a Redline Edition is offered on Premier trim.

The 2021 Equinox plays on its only remaining-offered power source, a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo DOHC DI that is rated at 170hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, and was EPA-rated at 25mpg in the city for AWD, and 29/highway for FWD and 30mpg/highway for AWD. My week of mixed-use driving averaged 26.7mpg in an all-wheel-drive vehicle.

The turbo was attentive with minimal lag in acceleration on the highway and in track tests, where I completed a zero-to-60mph dash in 6.6 seconds during a 15.-second-flat hand-timed quarter-mile. Handling is average for the class. During quick and slick maneuvers, the Equinox electric power rack-and-pinion steering was a bit slow to react, but true when given a moment. Interior sightlines are neck-craning but the ride is soft and passenger-friendly, though road feel suffers a bit for the driver. The independent MacPherson strut front suspension with specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar and its independent four-link rear smoothed all but the most extreme pavement irregularities, and Equinox’s switchable All-Wheel Drive – available on most trims -- enhances traction and control on slippery or snow-covered roads. Conveniently, you can leave switchable AWD on year-round, since the rear wheels only engage when the system senses reduced traction. In FWD mode, AWD components completely disengage for greater fuel efficiency.

Equinox may refreshen its front next year, but the current architecture is expressive, bold and sculptured. A mass-efficient body structure is at the center of the Equinox’s lean curb weight and helps make the most of its available turbo engine options. The rounded and clean Equinox architecture measures 183.1 inches long, 72.6 inches wide and 65.4 inches high on a 107.3 -inch wheelbase, for an 8.0-inch ground clearance with 19-inch wheels. The 2.0-liter Turbo AWD crossover I tested in the Premier trim had a curbweight of 3665 lbs.

Packed with amenities inside and out, standard exterior highlights include projector-beam headlamps and LED daytime running lamps, LED taillamps on uplevel models, a hands-free power liftgate, outside heated power-adjustable and auto-dimming body-color manual-folding mirrors with turn signal indicators and chrome mirror caps, 19-inch ultra-bright aluminum wheels and a chromed dual-outlet exhaust.

 

The Equinox cabin is accommodating, and filled with entertainment and function. With seating for five, the interior provides 40 inches of front headroom and 38.5 inches in row two; legroom is 40.9 inches in the row one and 39.9 row two, while shoulder room is 57.2 and 55.5.

Inside, the cabin has a “kneeling” rear seat that features tilting bottom cushions that enable a flat load floor for easier loading. Connectivity technologies include 7- and 8-inch-diagonal MyLink® infotainment systems designed to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Teen Driver allows parents to set controls and review their teen’s driving habits and available Surround Vision offers a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the vehicle. Also inside are dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview auto-dimming mirror and standard active noise cancellation. In addition, my test Equinox Premium came with heated leather seats with driver memory, a heated steering wheel and wireless charging.

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is offered in FWD, AWD and four trims. Equinox pricing starts at $24,995 for the base L-trim model; the LS bases at $27,595; the LT trim starts at $28,795 and the Premier starts at $32,695, all in FWD. My test Premier upgraded to AWD at $34,295.

My Equinox Premier added Cajun Red Tintcoat exterior paint for $495 and was mated to a Jet Black, perforated leather interior. The Infotainment II Package (Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium System, Navigation and 8-inch diagonal touch screen, as well as a Bose® premium 7-speaker system, added $1125. Also added, for $1650, was the Confidence and Convenience II Package: Safety Alert Seat, HD Surround Vision, Adaptive Cruise Control – Camera, Front Pedestrian Braking, IntelliBeam® headlamps, heated steering wheel, 8-way power front passenger seat with power lumbar, Ventilated driver and front passenger seats and Heated rear outboard seats. With Destination Freight charges of $1195, my test 2021 Chevrolet Equinox Premium stickered at $37,565, but cash allowances and regional incentives cut my test ride by $2500, to a net price of $35,065,, so check with your local dealer.

You can expect to see three generations of Equinox and all-things GM, stretching more than 100 years, from antique to classic to present and future at the 2022 Carlisle GM Nationals, June 24-25 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Ford’s top-selling non-F150 is the Explorer, 15th-best selling 2021 vehicle sold this year and 7th top-selling SUV on the market and sits as America’s all-time best-selling SUV.

Explorer was all-new in 2020, after a nine-year run with its fifth generation, redesigning the sixth-gen as a lighter, longer and more powerful vehicle.

The vehicle that is credited with mainstreaming sports utility vehicles, Explorer began as a trim package offered on Ford F-Series trucks from 1968 to 1986. It became its own model line and replaced the Bronco II in 1991 and the mid-size remained the best-selling SUV for two decades and four generations. The 2021 Explorer continues the adventure with new style, power, performance, safety and capabilities, while retaining Explorer ruggedness, toughness and a pampering environment.

Now, for 2022, Explorer will add a new ST-Line trim with a turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain, and it will be available in rear-wheel drive. High-end King Ranch and Platinum models will increase horsepower to 400hp, and can be equipped with either a second-row bench seat or a pair of captain's chairs.

For 2021, Explorer upgraded from the 2020 redesign with reduced prices on all trims with lower-priced, RWD Enthusiast ST trim added to lineup;  King Ranch and Timberline trims added to line-up; uptweaked interiors for Limited, ST, and Platinum trims with power-adjustable front passenger seat; increased wheel choice ranging from 18 to 21 inches; standard heated front seats and optional Sport Appearance package on the XLT trim; enhanced performance packs; and a hybrid now offered for the Platinum trim with RWD powertrain. New exterior colors include Carbonized Gray, Infinite Blue Metallic Tinted Clearcoat and Stone Gray.

Built in North America at Chicago Assembly Plant, Explorer’s look changes subtly with each trim level, and remains Explorer confident, with a rear-wheel-drive architecture, athletic roundness and increased aerodynamics. Explorer measures 198.8 inches long (the ST trim is 199.3 inches long), 89.3 inches wide (including mirrors), and 70.2 inches high on a huge 119.1-inch wheelbase. Minimum ground clearance is 8.2 inches, and curbweight for the 4WD Platinum version is 4727 lbs. -- the base trim is 382 lbs. lighter.

My test Explorer Platinum exterior was enhanced by body-color door handles with satin aluminum insert, a body-color liftgate spoiler, Satin Aluminum Lower bodyside cladding accent, Quad Chrome Exhaust Tips, a unique grille with satin-aluminum finish, a Hands-Free, Foot-Activated Liftgate, LED Signature Lighting, power folding mirrors with autofold and heated glass, Rain-Sensing Wipers, Rear Bumper Step ,Acoustic-laminate window glass in front and Privacy Glass in the Second and Third Rows.

The 2021 Explorer offers three engine choices (with four set-ups): The 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-4 produces 300hp and 310 lbs-ft of torque (same as last year); the 3.3-liter hybrid is good for a combined horsepower of 318 and torque of 322 lb-ft; and the new 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 that powered my test ride, provided 365 hp and 380 lbs-ft of torque, while another version of the 3.0 stampedes 400 horses and 415 lb-ft for the ST.

The hybrid is EPA rated at 27mpg/city and 29/highway; the 2.3 gets 21/city and 28/highway and the 3.0 version gets 18 and 24. My test Explorer Platinum 3.0 averaged 20.0mpg on the highway, around town and on soft-road excursions.

The 400hp ST can complete a zero-to-60mph sprint in 5.2 and beat 14 seconds in the quarter-mile, but my 365-horse Platinum accelerated well and finished off the sprint in 6.1 seconds (hand-timed) during a 14.6 quarter-mile.

Inside, the Explorer is spacious, well-appointed, tech-savvy, luxurious, functional and comfortable with good sightlines. With seating for six or seven, front headroom is 40.7 inches with 40.5 inches in row two (and 38.9 when there is a third row); legroom is 43.0 inches up front and 39.0 in the second seats (and a tight 32.0 inches in a third row), and shoulder room is 61.8 (row one), 61.9 (row two) and 54.6 (row three).

Explore had been awarded a 5-star safety rating and features dual-stage front airbag, front-passenger knee airbag; Safety Canopy® System; SOS Post-Crash Alert System™; Traction control; AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ and Curve Control; Anti-Lock Brake System; battery saver with headlamps-off delay; four-wheel disc with Illuminated Entry System; rearview camera; SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System; perimeter alarm; and individual tire pressure monitoring system (excludes spare).

The 2021 Explorer drops in price from the 2020s by from $540 to more than $5000 depending on trim level. The base Explorer is priced at $33,470 (RWD) and 4WD adds $2000. The XLT trim raises the RWD price to $35,245 and the Limited trim hybrid goes $44,167. My top-of-the-line 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum started at $55,725, a drop of $3000 from the same crossover I tested last year. It was decked out with Intelligent 4WD, Tri-Diamond Perforated Leather Seating Surfaces with Accent Stitching, Twin Panel Moonroof, Active Park Assist 2.0, Evasive Steering Assist, Remote Start, Heated Steering Wheel, Voice-activated touchscreen navigation and 12.3-inch Digital Cluster. The Premium Technology Package added $1195 for Multicontour front Seats with Active Motion®, a 10.1-inch LCD Capacitive Portrait Touchscreen with Swipe and Pinch-to-Zoom Capability and 14-speaker, 980-watt Bang & Olufsen B&O sound system. Splash Guards added $205 and the sticker added Destination Charges of $1195 and an Acquisition Fee of $645, but regional incentives of $1750 were applied (and may be available, so check with your dealer), making the price-as-tested $57,220.

You can see the 2021 and 2022 Ford Explorer as well as vintage Explorers and more than 3200 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Euro Fords that span decades, including just about everything Ford has offered since 1903, at the 2022 Carlisle Ford Nationals, June 3-5, 2022 at the Carlisle(PA) Fairgrounds.

Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. 

The Nissan Z debuted in 1969 and has been Datsun/Nissan’s super car for seven generations. The Nissan 370Z is about to be replaced by the 2023 Nissan Z. Developed to represent an approachable sports car for the modern age, Nissan execs say "Z is the pure expression of thrill. It is Nissan's passion wrapped up on four wheels.” The all-new, 2023 Z, which drops its numerical prefix in the U.S. for the first time, is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in spring 2022.

However, as the 370Z is still out there, Nissan already has a super car, a high-performance street beast that has been an excitement provider since 2007, the Nissan GT-R.

Happy with what they have, the 2021 GT-R adds only one new exterior color, Bayside Blue, an homage to a 1990s color that was not offered in America, and a higher-performance GT-R NISMO model was added to the lineup. Last year’s 50^th Anniversary Edition has been shelved for a limited-edition T-Spec trim with wider fenders, gold-painted wheels, a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, and either Millennium Jade or Midnight Purple paint.

I tested the Premium trim GT-R that just about matches the NISMO’s 600 horsepower with 565 horses of its own.

With performance bred on the racetracks, GT-R boasts of a 3.8-liter V6 24-valve twin-turbocharged engine – each handcrafted by its own takumi (“artisan”) technician and supercharged for max output. In addition, the exhaust manifolds, inspired by racing technology, feature optimized turbo flange attachment points, which allow for easier servicing and potential tuning, without touching the exhaust manifold. The engine is rated at 565 horsepower with torque rated at 467 lb-ft.

The 2021 GT-R also features a standard titanium exhaust system, which better manages the high temperatures of the exhaust gases from the engine (versus non-titanium). The system includes a duct on the vehicle's undertray just forward of the muffler, which guides air into the rear diffuser section to help cool the muffler and evacuate hot air.

The base engine is the longitudinal electronic fuel-injected V-6 VR38DETT that is rated at 16/22/18. I averaged about 16.6 mpg, but I wasn’t driving it for fuel economy. I pedal-mashed and drove it for fun and for performance.

Some reports have the 2021 Nissan GT-R Premium blazing the zero-60mph sprint in 2.9 seconds (and the 600-hp NISMO version in 2.5) with an 11.2-second quarter-mile. My test drive was not done in ideal conditions and my vehicle was not light nor was it specially tuned for the tests, so I never got under 3-seconds, and my quarter-mile was closer to 11.5, but fast is fast, and this beast was fast. Acceleration is without a beat, though the shift points were not completely on target.

Vehicle speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion, aluminum steering rack, four-point mounting, with stiff insulators was auto-cross responsive, and the independent double wishbone aluminum, integral tube-frame structure front suspension and Independent and multi-link aluminum rear soften any road irregularities and maintain a balance between driver’s road feel and passenger comfort.

With seating for four, the front is roomy -- the rear, not so much. Head room measures 38.1 inches in front and a duck-your-head 33.5 in the rear seats. Legroom is an ample 44.6 inches in front and pull-your-knees-up 26.4 inches in the back. Shoulder room is 54.3 and 50.0. The Premium cabin’s front bucket seats are a leather/synthetic suede combination, with 8-way power heated driver’s seat and heated 4-way front passenger seat.

Infotainment includes a Bose® audio system with 11 speakers (9 speakers with 2 subwoofers in rear center armrest area) with AM/FM/CD, MP3/WMA playback and Bose active noise cancellation. Included is NissanConnect® with 8.0-inch color display with multi-touch control and voice recognition for Nissan navigation and audio, HD Radio, SiriusXM ® Travel Link and Bluetooth hands-free phone system all with steering wheel audio controls.

Safety is attended to with an advanced air bag system of driver and front passenger air bags with dual-stage inflation, seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor. On board are driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front seat occupant head protection. Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones, energy-absorbing steering column, hood buckling creases, knee bolsters, and high-strength side door guard beams were engineered for safety and support when needed.

The 2021 Nissan GT-R starts at $113,549 for the GT-R premium and $210,740 for the NISMO version. In Solid Red with a Black interior, Premium carbon-fiber all weather floor mats were added for $1085, and that was it. With $1795 included for shipping and handling, my 2021 test Nissan GT-R was priced at $116,420.

You can expect to see Zs and GTs, classic imports of luxury and racing lore and the newest a glitziest in an international vehicle wonderland showcasing more than 2300 unique and impressive imported vehicles from around the world at the 2022 Carlisle Import and Performance Nationals, May 13-14, 2022 Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.

Also on display will be domestics, kit cars, motorcycles, trucks and high-end performance vehicles. See the top builds, restorations, clubs and brands representing the world of automobiles and performance. Get your high-octane adrenaline fix on with autocross, drifting, rolling exhaust competition, and more at the 2022 Carlisle Import and Performance Nationals.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

 

Ford launched its F-150 truck line in 1948 and it soon became “America’s Truck”, the best-selling truck in the U.S. for 44 consecutive years and America’s best-selling vehicle for 39 years. This year, the 14th generation has begun and while it may look much as its predecessor did, Ford focused on capability rather than looks as the 2021 F-150 underwent a redesign of 92% of its parts, carrying over only its cab and pickup box structure. So far, the new-gen has only built on F-150’s legacy of success and sales.

Last redesigned in 2015, the all-new 2021 Ford F-150 was introduced for the 2021 model year through a live presentation streamed over the Internet on June 25, 2020. The all-new F-150 is purpose-built from the ground up — and according to Ford, it was redesigned to be “the toughest, most productive F-150 ever.”

Most productive or not, the 2021 F-150 is a street and work beast with options. There are six powertrains including a hybrid, three cab configurations, both long and short bed lengths and myriad options for luxury, tech, infotainment and toughness to fit any budget of lifestyle. Styling may not have been outwardly addressed, but the new Ford F-150 is new from grille to tailgate.

With a 6.5-foot styleside configuration 4x4, the 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat I tested measures 209.1 inches long, 77 inches high and 79.9 inches wide on a 122.8-inch wheelbase with ground clearance of 8.3 inches and ground to open tailgate height of 33.9 inches. With a SuperCrew Cab, those measurements increase to a 157.2-inch wheelbase and length of 243.5 inches. Curbweight with a Super Crew and 5.0-liter 4x4 was 5014 pounds.

Inside, the Super Crew gets you 40.8 inches of front headroom and 40.3 in the rear; shoulder room of 66.7 and 66.0 inches; and legroom of 43.9 and 43.6.

My test Lariat had a 12-inch digital productivity screen for driving information in such modes as Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slipper, Trail, Deep Snow/Sand, Mud/Rots. Rock Crawl and 4x4. It also has a 12-inch center stack touch screen with enhanced voice recognition that runs from playlist to directions. Also inside you get dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, cruise control, delayed accessory power

dome light, fade-to-off interior lighting, grab handles, dual note horn, intelligent access with push-button start, intermittent windshield wipers, outside temperature display, power door locks with flip key, power-adjustable pedals with memory, rearview mirror, color-coordinated carpet with carpeted floor mats, black leather-wrapped steering wheel, SiriusXM® with 360L, SYNC® 4 with Enhanced Voice Recognition, FordPass™ Connect with Wi-Fi Hotspot, leather-trimmed seating, 10-way power front seats with lumbar, and more.

Safety items include six airbags, safety canopy and side curtains, Post-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping System  Reverse Sensing System, AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Tow Coverage, Curve Control, Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes and more.

Outside you get optional running boards, autodimming and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals with memory and power folding, LED box lighting, cargo hooks, power lock and release tailgate and more.

The F-150 has direct and quick steering making it carlike in several ways. Sightlines were good and maneuverability in tight spots made the vehicle seem than expected. The ride was a bit bouncy over rougher terrain, but smooth on the highways. My 400 hp/410-lb-ft of torque  5.0-liter Lariat accelerated smoothly and powerfully and went from zero to 60 in 5,9 seconds during a 14.5-second quarter mile (hand-timed). Fuel mileage was 20.2 mpg.

The 2022 Ford F-150 starts at $29,290, and through three cab styles, 4x2 or 4x4, six powertrains and eight trim models, can start you off as high as $73,105 before options. My Lariat trim is third on the list and started at $45,045 with a 2.7-liter Ecoboost engine. The SuperCrew cab and 6.5-foot bed moved that to $47,660. Adding 4x4 (I always make sure my trucks are 4x4) added $3835. Tough Bed spray-in bedliner added $595. Molded splash guards were $220; 6-inch extended running boards added $1005; floor liners added $200. Destination charges of $1695 and Acquisition fees of $645 put the price-as-tested at $56,655.

You can see the 2021 and 2022 Ford F-150 and more than 2,000 trucks that span decades, from lowered mini trucks, lifted 4x4s, chromed out big rigs, SUV’s, custom vans, new trucks and the perfectly restored at the Carlisle Truck Nationals, August 5-7 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.

<I> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>