As the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals continue to grow, so does the involvement of Team Chevrolet as part of the annual June event. This year’s show runs June 22-24 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and showcases some of the best rides ever produced by Chevrolet, GM, Buick, Pontiac, etc. The grounds are laced with past and present classics and now, Team Chevrolet has announced the future classics they’ll be bringing to the show.

Team Chevrolet will be located on the midway in an all-new, BIGGER footprint with a cool display all three days of event weekend. This display includes the all-new Hot Wheels Camaro. In fact, BOTH versions are scheduled, the coupe and convertible.

In addition, guests will see the following:

• 2019 Red Turbo 1LE Camaro Coupe
• 2018 Hyper Blue Metallic 2SS Camaro
• 2019 Oconus SS Camaro Coupe
• 2019 Satin Steele 2LT Camaro Convertible
• 2019 Camaro ZL1 / 1LE

Don't miss the latest cars and concepts from Chevrolet, chat with the experts and so much more. Have a question or comment on your Chevrolet product? Engineers direct from Chevrolet will be present at their tent for questions from you, the enthusiast! Want to hear more on the latest products from them? Chevrolet will be conducting new vehicle walk-arounds too. Walk-arounds are scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. and Saturday just before the burnout contest.

It all happens at Carlisle and this is your chance to see what's new from your favorite brand. Be part of the show by registering online at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by buying single day or weekend tickets. However you choose to attend, don’t miss out!

An all-new compact-luxury crossover with the iconic Jaguar body shape, the 2018 Jaguar E-Pace packs the design and performance of a Jaguar sports car into a practical and connected all-wheel-drive vehicle with SUV practicality.

The newest member of the Jaguar family of SUVs, the E-Pace, presents a five-seat compact performance SUV imbued with the latest connectivity and practicality for busy families, with streaming for up to eight devices via the optional 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. And E-Pace features a choice of two four-cylinder Ingenium gasoline engine options producing 246hp or 296HP, each mated to a ZF® 9-speed automatic transmission.

E-Pace is also loaded with standard amenities. The base model comes standard with such exterior accouterments as LED headlights, chrome side vents, grained Black grille with chrome surround, body-colored bumpers, grained black door claddings, heated door mirrors, electric windows with one-touch open/close and anti-trap, automatic headlights, rear fog lights, heated rear window, rain sensing windshield wipers, infrared reflective windshield, approach illumination (via remote) and “Follow Me Home” lighting, twin tailpipes with finishers, tailgate spoiler, Jaguar script and leaper cat, and a 3-flash lane change.

Inside, E-Pace is filled with such niceties as a leather steering wheel, two-zone climate control, center console with armrest, sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors, start-up sequence with lighting and dial movement, outside temperature gauge, second row air vents, illuminated metal treadplates with Jaguar script, 8-way manual front seats, Ebony fabric seats with Ebony interior, metal treadplates with Jaguar Script, Hill Launch Assist, Jaguardrive Control, Speed Proportional Steering, Electric Power Assisted Steering, Torque Vectoring by Braking, Dynamic Stability Control, Electric Parking Brake, push button start, Jaguar Sound System, Touch Pro system, Dynamic Volume Control, Voice Control, ECO Driving Style Assistant, trip computer, Bluetooth® Connectivity, 10-inch Touch Pro screen, emergency braking, cruise control and speed limiter, driver condition monitor, Lane Keep Assist, rear view camera and front and rear parking aid.

From a safety perspective, E-Pace is prepared with Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist, front airbags, with Passenger Seat Occupant Detector, front side airbags, full length side window curtain airbag, standard alarm, customer configurable Autolock, Rear Isofix, power-operated child locks, seat belt reminder and passive front head restraints.

Weighing in at 4175 lbs (curbweight), the sporty E-Pace fits compact SUV dimensions at 173 inches long, 64.9 inches high and 78.1 inches wide on a 105.6-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 6.4 inches and coefficient of drag is a good-for-niche 0.34.

With a ‘Catlike look indicative of its Jaguar DNA, E-Pace is inspired by the Jaguar F-TYPE, with a purposeful stance. The front view of the compact SUV reveals a confident, assertive face. The short front and rear overhangs and the teardrop design of the side windows blend with the fast sweep of the roofline working in harmony with the bold side window design. The body sides have the fuselage-like profile found in the most iconic Jaguar designs. Muscular haunches, which taper towards the rear, borrow from the F-TYPE sports car, and sharp creases in the front and rear fenders further emphasize powerful sportiness.

The Jaguar E-Pace cabin is luxurious and filled with connectivity and infotainment. Intuitive in item placement, the interior offers a coupelike 39.2 inches of front headroom and 38.2 in row two; a comfortable 40.6 inches of legroom in row one and a tight-for-adults 35.1 inches in the rear seats; and 56.1 inches for front shoulder room with 55.8 in the second row.

The first Jaguar in history available only with four-cylinders under the hood, E-Pace is outfitted with either a 246-hp/269 lb-ft of torque turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine in the Base, S, and SE models, or a 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque version in the performance-tuned R-Dynamic models. My 296-hp engine had plenty of power for the highway and for motoring around town. At the track, we zipped from zero-to-60mph in an impressive 6 seconds flat during a 14.5-second quarter-mile. Fuel consumption was fair for the niche, as my mixed-use tests averaged 23.3 mpg.

Light and agile on the road, E-Pace handled well … auto-cross well, with responsive Electronic Power Assisted rack-and-pinion steering; and the MacPherson strut front suspension works well with the integral multi-link rear to provide a supple and soft ride.

The 2018 Jaguar E-Pace starts at $38,600 for the Base model and 246hp; the E-Pace R-Dynamic starts at $47,250 with the 296hp engine and adds a ton of exterior and interior extras. The E-Pace First Edition starts at $53,550 and goes back to 246hp and adds even more upgraded enhancements.

I tested the R-Dynamic in S trim. Firenze Red exterior paint added $590; 9-spoke style wheels added $100; a fixed Panoramic roof added $1225; Chrome side windows surround added $130; Ebony Grained-Leather sport seats added $510; 10-way heated front seats added $510; the Meridian Sound System was $360; the Drive Pack was $970; the Cold Climate Pack added $640; Auto High Beam Assist added $255; Cabin Air Ionization added $105; Premium Carpet Mats were $105; the Air Quality Sensor was $80; Sirius XM Satellite HD radio added $510; 360-degree Surround Camera added $360; Power Tailgate was $360; Garage Door Opener was $255; Keyless Entry added $565; and with Delivery and Destination charges of $995, my 2018 Jaguar E-Pace stickered at $55,110.

> 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.

Trucks of all shapes, sizes, styles and eras converge on the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds from August 3-5 as part of the Carlisle Truck Nationals, presented in 2018 by A&A Auto Stores. The three-day celebration of all things truck brings families and guests of all ages to Carlisle in ways unmatched by any other event on the Carlisle season schedule. Trucks and truck lovers converge on Carlisle to celebrate the lifestyle, compete in truck themed competitions, socialize, congregate, restore, rebuild and enhance their trucks.

Luckily the event runs for three days, because with the displays offered and the wide array of trucks being shown; well…that will take more than just a few hours to enjoy! The big rigs that come to Carlisle are doing so from the region over and with Carlisle (the town) being the distribution epicenter for all things going to Mid-Atlantic cities, it’s a perfect compliment to the weekend. Haulers, Bobtail rigs, flat beds, dump trucks heavy machinery, tow truck, wreckers and more make up this display along with showings of antique trucks and more.

There are big names on board for 2018 as well. First off, our friends and now neighbor in Carlisle, A&A Auto Stores officially presents the event for the first time. Their partner and ours, Extang will be joining them as the official Tonneau cover of Carlisle Truck Nationals and our summer events. In addition, monster trucks will destroy everything in front of them this summer, as Samson and Bad News make their mark on the Carlisle Fairgrounds. There’s a new crop of stunt jumpers planned for free style moto-cross action along with an all-new to the truck show, Timberworks Lumberjack show, spotlighting some of the top timber sports athletes and competitions in the world.

Along with the thrills that compliment activities for spectators, participants have fun with competitions such as burnouts, low truck limbo, high truck, drop and drag and so much more. The stage will play host to live music and the kids come to Carlisle in droves not only for the monster truck and FMX fun, but to play in the Phantom Fun Zone, and get in on a little car crushing action with monster truck rides on the Virginia Giant ride truck.

Could there possibly be more? Yes…there is! Cool custom vans, fire trucks, big rigs, lowered and lifted trucks, antiques dating back a century and more bring the grounds to life and when flanked by aisle upon aisle of vendors within the swap meet and on the midway. Our presenting sponsor, A&A Auto Stores, will be offering FREE on-site installs of leading exhaust systems brands along with offerings from Extang Bed Covers. Leading truck and aftermarket companies will be on site including RAM, Ford, Nissan, Skyjacker, Roush Performance and more. Lastly, if trucks are your passion, look for opportunity to make them a profession by visiting recruiters from many of the regions transporters on site during the event.

Be part of the show by registering online at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by buying single day or weekend tickets. Either way, don’t miss out on the biggest and best truck event of its type in the region!

Hyundai has targeted youthful “urban adventurers” with its all-new sub-compact crossover utility vehicle, the 2018 Hyundai Kona.

Utilizing what it calls “urban smart armor” exterior styling, Hyundai has created Kona with aggressive body styling complemented by a low and wide stance for a sporty demeanor, and has packed the vehicle with leading safety technology and advanced infotainment features in a compact footprint. And Hyundai has paid attention to performance, offering two engines – one of which is a turbo plant – and a composure designed to exhibit confident handling in a variety of urban and adventure-oriented driving environments.

Slotting just below the larger Hyundai Tucson, the subcompact CUV is so well-packed that my test Kona, in Ultimate trim, required only one slight accessory add-on. Kona hits the market with bold, fresh design elements with optional color-contrasting roof and extroverted color options. Konas are also outfitted with a standard floating touchscreen with Apple CarPlay™/Android Auto™ capability; and Hyundai Smart Sense with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Driver Attention Warning, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning. You also get standard Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay™ and wireless device charging.

Additionally, my test Kona Ultimate (top-of-the-line) trim was decked out with a Heads-up Display, an 8-inch LCD touchscreen display with navigation, High Beam Assist
Parking distance warning, Rain-sensing wipers, HomeLink® and compass, Infinity® premium audio with 8 speakers including subwoofer, and external amplifier, a 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display, Blue Link® Connected Car Services, Blue Link® connectivity and guidance packages, and wireless device charging.

Kona’s exterior reflects its adventuresome powerful presence, as its armor shows readiness for extreme activities. It incorporates Hyundai’s new family identity, the cascading grille, featuring a sporty mesh pattern, flanked by flared, wing-like fenders that dominate the front visage. It’s further enhanced by a separated-headlight design, with high-efficiency LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights. Contrasting black armor provides a protective skin and visually connects the front to the rear. As with the front LED arrangement, the rear light configuration also creates a unique signature appearance. The slim brake lights, turn indicators and reverse lamps are in a separate configuration, surrounded by protective skin that begins at the C-pillar garnish.

Fitting compact CUV parameters, Kona measures 164.0 inches long, 70.9 inches wide and 61.0 inches high on a 102.4-inch wheelbase. The front overhang is 33.3 inches and the rear overhang is 28.3 and coefficient of drag is an efficient 0.32. The lightest Konas weigh in with a curbweight of 2890 pounds and the heaviest go 3344 pounds.

The distinctive features of the exterior continue inside with a strong horizontal character line creating a wide and spacious feel. The sleek and simple layout interior incorporates advanced infotainment features and the standard floating seven-inch touchscreen includes Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ capability. Further, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) controls are surrounded by soft, fluid details that contribute to a sensuous experience and enhance the comfort-focused environment.

The cabin shows average-but-not spacious room for the niche, with front headroom of 38.0 inches (with sunroof and 39.6 without it) and rear headroom of 37.8 inches. Legroom is comfortable up front at 41.5 inches and tight as expected in back at 34.6 inches. Shoulder room is generous at 55.5 inches in row one and 54.5 in row two.

Kona powertrain offerings have top efficiency levels as a primary target. Kona is offered with a choice of two gasoline mills. A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson engine produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Limited and Ultimate trims offer the Gamma 1.6-liter 4-cylinder direct-injected, turbocharged engine (that also powers the Hyundai Tucson) generating 175 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. The turbo engine is coupled to a seven-speed EcoShift® dual-clutch manual transmission that is a fun shift drive.

The 2.0-liter engine is rated at 27mpg in city driving and 33mpg on the highway for FWD and 25/city, 30/highway for AWD; and the 1.6 turbo that powered my test ride was rated at 28/city and 32.highway for FWD and 26/city, 29/highway for AWD. I averaged 26.7mpg during a week of mixed-use runs.

I found the cabin quiet with good sightlines, and the ride smooth with attentive Motor Driven Power Rack and pinion steering. Acceleration is predictable and confident with hills and passing achieved easily. On the track, a steady 7.8-second zero-to-60mph dash and 16.2-second quarter-mile were accomplished.

The 2018 Hyundai Kona SE starts at $19,500 – lowest price in the Hyundai Crossover line-up. With four trims offered (SE, SEL, Limited and Ultimate), Kona ranges from just under $20K for the SE with the 2.0-liter engine and 6-speed automatic transmission in FWD to $28,700 for the Ultimate I tested with the 1.6-liter turbo and 7-speed EcoShift Dial Clutch trans in AWD.

With a Pulse Red exterior and black interior, my Ultimate was so packed with standard equipment that only carpeted floor mats were added for $125. With a $980 Freight charge added, my 2018 Hyundai Kona Ultimate stickered at $29,805. Just under $30K might seem high for a subcompact entry-level crossover, but this was the top-of-the line and seemed to be well in-line with the luxury and quality that sat on top of the four wheels. And you can get into a lesser-scale Kona for $8,500 less.

> 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.

Toyota’s family SUV, the Highlander, underwent a thorough freshening in 2017 and is scheduled for a full makeover for 2019, so it remains unchanged for 2018. I tested the 2017 model, so why review the model this year? The answer is that the model still stands on its own as a 2018, and deserves a test to also see if we were accurate in our appraisal from a year ago.

This third-generation of the three-row family SUV, debuted in 2014, but the Highlander began its life in late 2000, known as the Toyota Kuraga (pronounced Kluger) in Japan and Australia. The name "Kluger" derives from the German word "klüger", meaning "clever" or "very clever. In January 2001, Highlander became the first car-based midsize SUV or midsize crossover available in North America and it has been a solid seller for Toyota ever since.

Moving to 2018, Highlander combines a family-use personality with niche-solid economy and driver-friendly maneuverability for in-town and soft-road utility.

The Highlander exterior features a bold grille, striking LED taillights, a sophisticated silhouette, low roofline and sculptured side-door panels. Highlander measures 192.5 inches long, 75.8 inches wide and 68.1 inches high on a 109.8-inch wheelbase, to provide 8.0 inches of ground clearance and a towing capacity of 5000 lbs., with a curbweight in Limited trim of 4495 lbs.

Available in 4-cylinder and V-6 powertrain configurations, the 2.7-liter 4-cylinder is coupled with a 6-speed Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with FWD, and with intelligence (ECT-i), sequential shift mode and snow mode. The system is good for 185hp and 184 lbs.-ft. of torque for an EPA estimate of 20mpg/city, 24mpg/highway and 22/combined.

The 3.5-liter V-6 engine that powered my test vehicle, delivers 295hp and 263 lbs.-ft- of torque, mated with a Direct Shift – 8AT, 8-speed Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with intelligence in either FWD or AWD, for an EPA fuel rating of 20mpg/city, 26mpg/highway and 22mpg/combined for AWD.

I tested the 2018 Highlander Limited in better conditions than I tested last year’s model – clear roads this year vs. snowy roads in 2017. This year, the better conditions improved fuel consumption from 21.9mpg in 2017, to 22.8, in mixed-use driving. Acceleration and performance were as expected with good response from a stop and in passing. Track tests were nearly identical to last year, as I shaved one-tenth second off both runs -- 7.6 seconds from zero-to-60mph and a 15.9-second quarter-mile.

The interior is well-crafted and quiet, and seats seven, providing 39.5 inches of front headroom (with moonroof), 39.6 in row two and 35.9 inches in row three; leg room is 44.2, 38.4 and a child-worthy 27.7 in row three, with shoulder room of 59.3, 59.6 and 55.0.

My Limited trim cabin was packed with infotainment and amenities upgraded with Entune™ Premium JBL®Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite. Blue LED ambient lighting around the dash and doors adds a touch of high-tech elegance, and comfortable second-row captain’s chairs, perforated leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a 4-way power passenger seat and memory settings for the driver seat and side mirrors set the luxury tone for driver and passengers.

From a safety perspective, Highlander earned an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ ranking --qualifying for the award with standard equipment. Highlander is among numerous Toyotas employing the innovative Toyota Safety Sense™ P driver-assist technology as standard. TSS-P uses millimeter-wave radar and a monocular camera sensor to detect obstacles and automatically apply braking if necessary to help mitigate or avoid collisions in certain conditions. TSS-P includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection function; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist function; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams.

Available in LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited and Limited Platinum trims, as well as four Hybrid trims starting at $36,270, the gas-version Highlander starts at $31,030 for the base model and tops out with the Limited Platinum starting at $46,660. Prices are up $400 per model for 2018. The Hybrids start at $36,670 and run to $48,280. My test Limited based at a $43,540 starting price that included the3.5-liter engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P) package, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear Parking Assist Sonar, Integrated Backup Camera, Smart Key System+ Liftgate with Push Button Start, Leather-Trimmed Steering Wheel, Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel, Heated/Ventilated Front Seats, Seating for Seven with Second-Row Captain's Chairs and 60/40 Split Third-Row Seats, Multi-Information Display, Roll-Top Center Console, Soft-Touch In-Dash Shelf, Three-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Entune™ Premium JBL®Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, Height-Adjustable Power Liftgate and Flip-Up Rear Hatch, Chromtec® Roof Rails and a Moonroof.

Blizzard Pearl paint was matched to an Almond Perforated Leather interior. A rear seat Blue-ray Disc™ entertainment system with9-inch display added $1810; the All-Weather Floor Liner Package (front, rear and cargo) added $249; Body Side moldings added $209, Door Edge Guards added $125;Remote Engine Starter added $499; Roof Rack Cross Bars added $350 and Running Boards added $599. With Delivery, Processing and Handling fees of $995 ($35 more than last year), my test 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited stickered at $48,771 (with slightly different accessories, the sticker was $2760 higher than my test Highlander last year).

> 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.