Yenkos and Copos and Novas...oh my! The Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals have come and gone and in 2018 the bevy of special displays were jaw-dropping! Held June 22-24 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, the event hosted 118 years of production on the National Parts Depot showfield and all types of rides that are now recognized under the Chevrolet umbrella. From Team Chevrolet to Stacey David, automotive authors and, of course, the cars themselves, the show really did have it all.

Despite a less-than-favorable weather forecast, the show and guests persevered. Gates opened at 7 a.m. on Friday and from there, it was non-stop fun. The day opened with a sensory stimulating edition of Nitro Fest with NHRA legend Bruce Larson. From there, UMI Performance had folks going for the ride-of- a-lifetime on the autocross track. In addition, engines were revving non-stop via the on-site dyno machine.

What really had guests turning their collective heads though, was the amazing Camaro display showcased by Team Chevrolet. The “brass” from HQ brought 2019 models to Carlisle as well as the smoking hot Hot Wheels edition Camaro. There were other hot rides at Carlisle too, including special displays in the pavilion with the Nova’s at Carlisle show, in Building T as part of the 100 Years of Chevy Trucks showcase, LS engine display, 60 Years of the Impala and more. One of the real gems in T was a car that was a Riddler Finalist in Detroit earlier in the year. The Nickelback Camaro, as it’s known, was simply put AMAZING!

Of course, the Solid Lifter Showroom is a fixture at the Chevrolet Nationals too and Building Y was jam-packed with some of the best rides in the world! In fact, there was so much demand for space in the SLS that an adjacent tent was used to host even more cars.

As Friday transitioned to Saturday, it was all about competition. Friday wrapped with the annual Real Street Shootout on the autocross track and Saturday hosted even more runs on the autocross track, plus the always popular burnout and beauty contests at the stage. Plus, throughout the day, the cars on the showfield were judged via participant balloting, making way for hundreds of awards being doled out as part of Sunday’s awards parade.

Complete show info, including photos, a winner’s list and more can be found online at www.CarlisleEvents.com.

Named after a Southern California beach community that derives its name from the Chumash word “humaliwo,” meaning “the surf sounds loudly,” the Chevrolet Malibu began as a Chevelle trim level in 1964, and became its own model line in 1978, when it replaced Chevelle in the Chevy line-up. Malibu made two previous runs (1978-1983 as a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, and revived as a front-wheel-drive sedan from 1997-2003) before re-emerging on its third and current trip beginning in 2008 as an FWD.

In its ninth generation that began in 2016, Malibu will be refreshed for the 2019 model year with a refined grille, a new sporty RS trim and a new infotainment set-up. So the 2018 Malibu remains essentially the same as it was in 2017, when it was named the 2017 Best Midsize Car in U.S. News and World Report’s annual Best Cars for Families survey. Building on the rep Malibu has gained by being the No.1 Midsize for the third year in a row in the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, this year’s edition subtly gains an option and some color. For 2018, the Midsize Sedan gains a Redline Edition Package that is available on LT models. The content includes black Chevy “Bowtie” emblems, black nameplate with red outline, and 19-inch black aluminum wheels with red hash marks, blacked-out grille and black outside mirror accents. The line-up also adds Sandy Ridge Metallic as an exterior color.

The 2018 Malibu is offered in five trims: L, LS, LT, Premier and the Hybrid. The Malibu LT that I tested adds 17-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, an eight-way power-operated driver’s seat including power lumbar support, Warm White ambient lighting on the instrument panel, body-colored antenna and LED daytime running lights to the standard items in lesser trims levels that include a six-speaker audio system, outside heated power-adjustable body-color mirrors with integrated turn signal, Bluetooth, keyless entry/start, a 3.5-inch instrument cluster info display, a rearview camera, Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.

With styling influenced by the 2014 Impala, the 4-door, 5-passenger sedan advances Chevrolet’s global design language with features such as slim, sweeping headlamps, a dual-port grille a wavelike group of body-side creases and a rear spoiler. Constructed with a classic mid-size configuration, Malibu measures 193.8 inches in length; 73.0 inches in width and 57.6 inches in height on a 111.4-inch wheelbase. Curbweight for my test Malibu LT was 3152 lbs.

Malibu offers two gasoline-only engine choices: the 1.5-liter DOHC inline-4 direct injection turbo engine and an Ecotec 2.0-liter I-4 turbo (standard on the LT and Premier trims). There is also an ECO version of Malibu (a hybrid), with an Ecotec 1.8-liter hybrid engine paired to an electric motor. The system delivers 122hp and 129 lbs.-ft. for 48mpg/city and 45mpg/highway. The 2.0 is estimated at 250hp and 260 lbs.-ft. for 22/city and 32/highway.

My test Malibu LT’s 1.5-liter liter I-4 turbo was coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission and was estimated at 27mpg/city and 36mpg/highway -- I averaged 29.7mpg in mixed-use testing. Not a tire-smoker, it is responsive and generous for a family car, and it conquers long uphill grades, while passing at speed takes some strategy at times.

On the track, Malibu was quiet and predictable, with the 1.5-liter engine earnestly taking 8.3 seconds for a zero-to-60mph sprint while completing a quarter-mile in 16.4.

The cabin is comfortable and with seating for five, and it is borderline entry-luxury, packed with soft-touch materials, a touchscreen, generous seats, and lots of infotainment. Malibu’s cabin is on the low-mid-size scale with front headroom of 39.1 inches, with 37.5 for row two. Legroom goes 42.0 in front and 38.1 in row two; and there is a wide-body 58.5 inches of front shoulder room with 57.1 inches in row two.

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is offered in five trims, with the base L starting at $22,555; the LS bases at $24,195; LT starts at $26,095; the Hybrid version starts at $28,795; and the loaded, upscale Premier starts at $31,895.

My Malibu LT test vehicle with Blue Velvet Metallic paint and Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray Premium Cloth seat trim, added a $1300 Sun and Wheels Package with a dual-pane sunroof, and18-inch aluminum wheels, and required the Leather Package upgrade of 6-way power front passenger seat adjuster and power lumbar control, heated front seats, Bose premium 9-speaker sound system, and leather-appointed seats for $2140. The Convenience Technology Package added $995 (remote vehicle starter system, inside rearview auto-dimming mirror, and Chevrolet MyLink® Radio with 8-inch diagonal color touch-screen); and The Driver Confidence Package added $1245 for low-speed front automatic braking, front pedestrian braking, IntelliBeam® automatic high-beam headlamps, front and rear Park Assist, Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Following Distance Indicator, Forward Collision Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Front and rear splash guards added $200; carpeted floor mats added $140 and as destination freight charges of $995 were already included in the base price, my Malibu-as-tested stickered at $32,115, but dealer prices vary and incentives and cash offers may be available from 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.

All roads lead to Carlisle, that’s just as much of a fact as it is a marketing statement for Carlisle Events. With many major roadways and just as many trucking companies in central Pennsylvania, it’s easy to see why that phrase rings true. Carlisle itself is home to multiple trucking companies and warehouses as well as a stretch of road between I-81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike that is home to a handful of truck stops and truck related businesses. It is fitting that Carlisle, Pennsylvania would also be home to the Carlisle Truck Nationals and its show within a show, the Big Rig Show and Shine. Presented in 2018 by A&A Auto Stores, this event runs August 3-5 and for 2018, plays host to a unique opportunity not only for enthusiasts of trucks, but also for those looking for work.

2018’s Big Rig Show and Shine is expected to draw over 200 big rigs and heavy trucks to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, but what makes this year’s happenings unique are that at least eight trucking companies are not only bringing trucks, they are bringing jobs to Carlisle! There is always a demand for truckers to haul payloads of all sizes, but in many cases, there aren’t enough drivers for the work. This slows down commerce and creates issues for companies contracted to do a specific job. Those jobs are competitive and in many cases, high paying. For 2018, it doesn’t matter if interested parties are already employed and looking for a new challenge or looking for work, they are invited to come to Carlisle to explore the opportunities.

Scheduled for the show in August are U.S. Express, Inc., SAIA, United Vision Logistics, DAIM, Inc. Logistics, Triple K Service, Schneider, Ruan and Classic Carries, Inc. and more. Not only will some of these companies be part of the Carlisle Carrier Showcase which features the trucks and businesses of the Carlisle region, some will have representatives at Carlisle talking to potential candidates for jobs.

For those interested in the trucking industry, this event also showcases the trucking industry with vendors, custom rig builders, antique and historic trucks as well as regional truck equipment dealers and service centers. Kenworth of PA and Motor Truck, a multi store dealership and service center for Kenworth truck equipment, and Cumberland Truck Equipment, a multi store dealership and service center for Volvo Trucks, will be on site sharing the newest equipment.

“A couple year’s ago we invited a few of our truck industry neighbors to showcase their vehicles and businesses as part of the Truck Nationals,” said event manager Ed Scholly. “The Truck Nationals has since provided many of them an opportunity to fill openings for operator and logistic jobs in their companies. We are approaching a dozen companies for 2018. If you are seeking opportunities in a strong industry, you may not find a better place to get a picture of the industry and what it has to offer,” noted Scholly. “This event features common carriers to businesses complimenting the trucking and transportation industry.”

In addition to the big rigs and heavy equipment, the Truck Nationals offers a light truck, custom van and SUV showcase. The event hosts family fun with the kids activities, light truck, jeep and SUV vendors, monster truck shows and rides, live music, competitions and more. It’s all available for just $15 per adult, with kids 12 and under admitted for free. Or get the weekend ticket for two by registering your Truck for the event. Complete details about truck weekend, including links to the companies that are showcasing and offering opportunities is available on the Carlisle Truck Nationals portion of www.CarlisleEvents.com.

All roads lead to Carlisle, that’s just as much of a fact as it is a marketing statement for Carlisle Events. With many major roadways and just as many trucking companies in central Pennsylvania, it’s easy to see why that phrase rings true. Carlisle itself is home to multiple trucking companies and warehouses as well as a stretch of road between I-81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike that is home to a handful of truck stops and truck related businesses. It is fitting that Carlisle, Pennsylvania would also be home to the Carlisle Truck Nationals and its show within a show, the Big Rig Show and Shine. Presented in 2018 by A&A Auto Stores, this event runs August 3-5 and for 2018, plays host to a unique opportunity not only for enthusiasts of trucks, but also for those looking for work.

2018’s Big Rig Show and Shine is expected to draw over 200 big rigs and heavy trucks to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, but what makes this year’s happenings unique are that at least eight trucking companies are not only bringing trucks, they are bringing jobs to Carlisle! There is always a demand for truckers to haul payloads of all sizes, but in many cases, there aren’t enough drivers for the work. This slows down commerce and creates issues for companies contracted to do a specific job. Those jobs are competitive and in many cases, high paying. For 2018, it doesn’t matter if interested parties are already employed and looking for a new challenge or looking for work, they are invited to come to Carlisle to explore the opportunities.

Scheduled for the show in August are U.S. Express, Inc., SAIA, United Vision Logistics, DAIM, Inc. Logistics, Triple K Service, Schneider, Ruan and Classic Carries, Inc. and more. Not only will some of these companies be part of the Carlisle Carrier Showcase which features the trucks and businesses of the Carlisle region, some will have representatives at Carlisle talking to potential candidates for jobs.

For those interested in the trucking industry, this event also showcases the trucking industry with vendors, custom rig builders, antique and historic trucks as well as regional truck equipment dealers and service centers. Kenworth of PA and Motor Truck, a multi store dealership and service center for Kenworth truck equipment, and Cumberland Truck Equipment, a multi store dealership and service center for Volvo Trucks, will be on site sharing the newest equipment.

“A couple year’s ago we invited a few of our truck industry neighbors to showcase their vehicles and businesses as part of the Truck Nationals,” said event manager Ed Scholly. “The Truck Nationals has since provided many of them an opportunity to fill openings for operator and logistic jobs in their companies. We are approaching a dozen companies for 2018. If you are seeking opportunities in a strong industry, you may not find a better place to get a picture of the industry and what it has to offer,” noted Scholly. “This event features common carriers to businesses complimenting the trucking and transportation industry.”

In addition to the big rigs and heavy equipment, the Truck Nationals offers a light truck, custom van and SUV showcase. The event hosts family fun with the kids activities, light truck, jeep and SUV vendors, monster truck shows and rides, live music, competitions and more. It’s all available for just $15 per adult, with kids 12 and under admitted for free. Or get the weekend ticket for two by registering your Truck for the event. Complete details about truck weekend, including links to the companies that are showcasing and offering opportunities is available on the Carlisle Truck Nationals portion of www.CarlisleEvents.com.

For 100 years, Chevrolet has been “truckin’. Chevrolet entered the truck market in 1918, with the Model 490 on sale to the masses after using them internally for a couple of years. Considered a light delivery vehicle with a half-ton rating, the 1918 Series 490 was sold as a chassis only, meaning the truck cab and body had to be installed by the customer.

Silverado began as a trim level for Chevrolet C/K pick-ups and Suburbans from 1975 through 1999, and its sister platform, the GMC Sierra also began as a trim level. They became their own lines beginning with the 1999 model year.

Chevrolet’s Silverado family of trucks is perennially, the No.2-selling vehicle line in the United States and it continues its legacy as a tough work truck with luxury upgrades and environmentally conscious enhancements. Chevrolet calls Silverado: “Strong, capable and built to stand the test of time.” Their marketing mantra is: “When you need to get things done, you want a Silverado — the most dependable, longest-lasting full-size pickups on the road.” With that in mind, changes are subtle for 2018. Silverado is still in its third generation that began with the redesigned 2014 model, and for 2018, per government mandate, all models now carry a rear-vision camera, and the tire-pressure monitor has an audible alert to indicate when the air pressure is filled to the recommended level. The eAssist package is now offered on LT and LTZ trims; two exterior colors have been added – Cajun Red Metallic and Havana Metallic; and several trim-specific upgrades have been added. Also, a commemorative Centennial Edition is available this year with iconic badging and exclusive Centennial Blue paint.

My test Silverado 1500 LTZ with a Crew Cab fits full-size parameters. With a short 5-foot-8-inch box, Silverado measures 230 inches long (the 6-foot-6-inch box adds 9.6 inches and the 8-foot box is not available with the Crew Cab), 80 inches wide and 73.8 inches high (for the 4x4) on a 143.5-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 8.9 inches and step-in height measures 22.2 inches, while the Silverado LTZ’s base curb weight comes in at 5300 lbs. with the 5.3-liter engine and 4x4 configuration.

Inside, Silverado’s well-appointed interior is roomy, quiet and functional, with a sturdy cab structure. Its Crew Cab is spacious, providing 42.8 inches of front headroom, with 40.5 in the rear. Legroom is considerable at 45.3 inches up front and 40.9 in the cab, while shoulder room measures 66.0 and 65.7 inches.

Silverado’s muscle comes in the form of three engine choices: a 4.3-liter V-6 rated at 285 hp and 305 lbs-ft of torque (297/330 on E85 fuel) and 17mpg/city and 22mpg/highway for AWD; a 5.3-liter V-8 delivers 355 hp and 383 lbs-ft of torque (380/416 on E85 fuel) and 16/22mpg for AWD; and the muscular 6.2-liter V-8 thunders out 420 hp and 460 lbs-ft of torque and is EPA rated at 15mpg/city and 20mpg/highway for AWD.

My Silverado LTZ with the 5.3 provided the anticipated muscle necessary to pass at speed and haul some heavy loads. Pick-up was niche-solid and I finished a zero-to-60mph sprint in 7.2 seconds during a 15.4-second quarter-mile that showed some sway at top speed. Fuel consumption averaged 18.8mpg in mixed-use driving.

My test Silverado LTZ was steady on uneven roads and softroad obstacles with its independent coil-over-shock front suspension with monotube shocks coupled with a solid axle rear with semi-elliptic, variable-rate, two-stage multileaf springs and monotube shocks. The electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering was attentive and while higher-speed S-turns produced top-wobble and yaw, Silverado was poised and balanced during road and highway tests.

The 2018 Silverado 1500 is offered in Regular Cab with standard box and long box; Double Cab Standard Box and Crew Cab in short box and standard box, and are configured in 2WD and 4WD. Base prices run from $29,695 to 2WD and standard box starts at $29,080.to $37,595 including destination and handling ($1495). My test 2018 Silverado 1500 came with a Crew Cab and short box, and included the 5.3-liter V-8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, for $36,195. Eight trim packages are offered that can add from $3,000 to $20,000. My LTZ trim package – sixth on the list – came with 4WD moved the sticker to $49,295, with the inclusions mentioned earlier. Red Hot exterior paint was standard, as was the Jet Black leather-appointed seat trim. Fourteen packages are available, and my test truck upgraded with The Enhanced Driver Alert package (with Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Alert, Safety Alert Seat, Front and Rear Park Assist, Intellibeam headlamps, Jet Black, Perforated leather-appointed seat trim and front, leather-appointed bucket seats) for $1710; and the LTZ Plus Package added $1295 for power adjustable pedals, Bose® premium audio system, remote start and heated steering. The Interior Convenience package (Interior driver assist handle, console insert organizer tray and underseat storage) added $370; a power sunroof added $995; spray-on bedliner was $495; MyLink® Audio System with 8-inch Diagonal Color Touch with Navigation added $495 and remote start was $275. The sticker-as-tested was $54,655, but local incentives dropped it to $53,655, so check your local dealer for the best programs.

And for truck fans, don’t miss the 2018 Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals this weekend, at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds, as there will be a Special Display honoring 100 years of Chevrolet trucks. This historic milestone will be celebrated with an indoor display in Building T to feature the “Bowtie” brand truck heritage, showcasing tough and pampering, work and family trucks, from historic and early versions to current models.

> 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.