With all the confidence of an undefeated prize fighter, Carlisle Auctions knows its place in the collector car hobby and as such, has a certain swagger to its events annually. After a stellar first offering in February in Lakeland, Florida, the mighty auction team that could is back at it April 19-21 as part of Spring Carlisle. The three-day event takes place at the spacious Carlisle Expo Center (Carlisle, PA) and gives buyers, sellers and enthusiasts alike a chance to see nearly 500 classic and collector cars/trucks cross the block, all for sale to the highest bidder.

The event is the third go around for Carlisle Auction’s three-day format as well, proving that demand remains strong in the hobby. Available lots span decades, from modern muscle to a quartet of rides from when Calvin Coolidge was President of the United States (1920’s). Along with the cars and trucks that have accumulated millions in sales over the past few years, Carlisle Auctions also runs select collectibles and merchandise across the block daily too, offering nice pieces for a garage or mancave!

With an all-star list of cars from start to finish, it’s tough to identify the can’t-miss consignments, but here are a few worth looking at twice.

1) 1957 Chrysler 300C – When this car sells, it’ll be going home with only its second owner in the past 47 years. This classic from the bygone tailfins and chrome era runs and drives as you’d expect, plus it’s powered by a rebuilt 392 Hemi 2 x 4 BBL engine, making it better than new under the hood with high performance forged aluminum pistons, TRW sodium filled valves and all high-quality internals.

2) 1967 Pontiac GTO – This droptop is red with parchment interior and turns heads with its 400 c.i. V-8, year correct engine, 4-speed manual transmission, power steering, power front disc brakes, and more. It’s recently undergone a complete restoration with razor straight seams and has just 4,480 miles on its odometer since restoration.

3) 1971 Plymouth Cuda – Does it get much better than this? After an extensive and complete rotisserie restoration, this Curious Yellow Cuda convertible could be yours! Powered by a 440 six pack engine with 727 torqueflite automatic and Dana rear axle, it runs as well as it looks. It’s clear there was no expense spared recreating this amazing Plymouth.

4) 1972 Chrysler Town & Country – As cool as the other side of the pillow, this one owner car has less than 10,000 miles on it, all its documentation and is unrestored, unaltered and as original as it can be. Options from the dealer include vinyl roof, tilt telescopic steering wheel, power antenna, split bench seat, remote mirror, AM/FM stereo, tinted glass, air-conditioning, torqueflite transmission, white wall tires, roof rack assist handles, six-way power seats and so much more. Oh, it seats 9 too, so bring your friends AND your family along to bid on this gem. Plus, it’s a multiple Best of Show award winner and it can be yours…if the price is right!

Carlisle Auctions is also offering specialty hour-long blocks of time Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The blocks of time spotlight particular brands or styles during prime hours each day. Thursday and Friday’s block is from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with Thursday spotlighting the Chevrolet brand and Friday the Ford brand. Saturday, which is a truncated version of the previous two days sees a truck block anchor the mid-point of the auction between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.

Complete details on Carlisle Auctions can be found at www.CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400. On the web are links and information for consigning a vehicle, becoming a bidder, a link to buy spectator tickets and a photo gallery of most of the vehicles that are consigned to the auction. Finally, a run list and link to watch a live stream of the auction will also be available during each day of the auction. Reach out today to be involved and don’t miss out!

The all-new eighth-generation Toyota Camry is an established mid-size family sedan that has turned into a sports car … of sorts.

The best-selling sedan in America for the past 15 consecutive years has evolved steadily. Camry was launched as a compact car when introduced to the Japanese market as a narrow-body successor to the Carina in 1980. After it replaced Corona in 1983, Camry lengthened to mid-size, and captured the American market. Now, in 2018, Camry has evolved into a sedan that adds a more exciting and emotional character, with newfound performance and style.

The 2018 redesign offers three engine options, a luxury variant and a sporty trim, and is longer, wider, shorter and closer to the ground, for increased ride dynamics. According to the manufacturer, “there were three primary design goals when drawing the all-new Camry: a distinctive, low center of gravity that results in a firm wide stance; a practical-yet-emotionally styled cabin profile, and a sporty and upscale image both inside and out. These design goals have resulted in a new type of sedan that’s both exciting to look at and, more importantly drive, reestablishing itself as the new standard in the mid-size sedan category.”

Camry continues with mid-size dimensions, gaining 1.2 inches in length to 192.1 inches, in length; adding 0.7 inches in width to 72.4, and increasing its wheelbase 1.9 inches to 111.2, while lowering its height an inch to 56.9 and losing 0.4 inches of ground clearance to 5.7 inches. My test Camry XSE with the 3.5-liter engine, had a curbweight of 3560 pounds, a gain of nearly 200 pounds over Gen-7.

The dimensions are incorporated into Camry’s new look, starting with its face, which is accentuated by a two-piece grille comprised of flowing thin and thick treatments – key elements of the Camry’s “Keen Look” design philosophy. The curvaceous 1.6-inch-lower aluminum hood sits neatly above the grille’s uppermost section which accommodates a commanding Toyota emblem. Its stance is more aggressive than before, and the lower center of gravity shows off a road-hugging sportiness, as does the rear and its athletic motif that melds flowing lines and complex shapes to form a sculpted landscape.

Inside, the completely redesigned interior is a fusion of functionality, futuristic styling, and a high degree of personal space and craftsmanship. While the driver is situated in a sporty cockpit-type environment having gauges angled toward his or her direction, the front passenger is treated to a sense of openness and freedom that results from the innovative dashboard design.

All surfaces throughout the cabin -- dashboard, instrument panel, center console, door trim, etc. -- employ the highest grade of soft-touch and premium materials. Additionally, the new Camry features Toyota’s latest in-vehicle information technology whose next-generation displays offer a unique level of integrated information with minimal distraction. It relays information through three available interlinked displays: a 10-inch color Head-Up Display; a seven-inch multi-information display within the instrument cluster, and an eight-inch audio/navigation/HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) control panel that’s seamlessly integrated into the center console in a modern, flush-surface design.

Interior space is more sportscar than luxury sedan as headroom loses half-an-inch to 38.3 inches upfront 38.0 in the second row. Legroom gains 0.6 in row one to 42.1, but loses 0.9 in row two to 38.0 inches. Shoulder room also shrinks a bit to 57.7 inches in front and 55.7 in the rear.

Known for pampering rides, Camry gains handling and performance dynamics. Beginning with its power, Camry is a strong and economical force with three engine choices. Its base 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, twin-cam, 16-valve engine with VVT-iE has an aluminum alloy block and head. It provides 203hp and 184 lb-ft of torque for an EPA rating of 28mpg/city and 39 mpg on the highway. The aluminum 3.5-liter, V-6, twin-cam, 24-valve engine delivers 301hp and 267 lb-ft of torque and is rated at 22mpg/city, 32mpg/highway. And a Hybrid 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, twin-cam, 16-valve engine with Intake VVT-iE is also offered and also aluminum, and distributes 176hp and 163 lb-ft of torque, rated at 44/city, 47/highway.

My 3.5-liter ride cornered like a proper autocross vehicle, with minimal understeer, and accelerated as one would expect a sports sedan to act, with solid velocity when called upon, both from a stop and while passing. A zero to 60mph dash was accomplished in a smooth 5.8 seconds during a 14.4-second quarter-mile. Fuelwise, I averaged 26.7mpg in mixed-use tests.

Available in L, LE, SE, XLE, XSE, XLE V6, XSE V6 and three Hybrid trims, the 2018 Camry in L trim starts at $23,495 with a 2.5-liter engine; the LE starts at $24,000; the SE starts at $25,200; the XLE starts at $28,450 and the sporty XSE bases at $29,000 with the smaller engine. The Hybrid trims start at $27,800.

My test XSE V6 based at $34,950 in Wind Chill Pearl paint (for an extra $395) and a Cockpit Red Leather interior, added a Driver Assist Package with Navigation and a Bird’s Eye View camera for $1990. The All-Weather Floor Liner package added $254, illuminated door sills added $299, mudguards added $129; and with processing and handling fees of $895, my test 2018 Camry XSE V6 stickered at $38,017.


> 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.

Do you ever sit at home watching a car program and think “hey, I’d love to have that guy in my garage helping me?” Or maybe it’s “he doesn’t sound scripted, he sounds like the real deal.” Well, both of those statements accurately portray the special guest announced for the 2018 Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals - Stacey David. Award winner, long-time TV host, expert in his trade – Stacey David comes to Carlisle for the first time EVER to the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals, June 22-24 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and tickets ($10 for adults, kids 12 and under FREE) are available right now at www.CarlisleEvents.com.

Stacey David is Mr. Everything in the automotive world and that wealth of knowledge makes this encounter a must for anyone who loves cars and trucks! With decades of experience working in restoration and hot rod shops, plus over 20 years on national television as part of two hit TV shows, Stacey David has been showing people how to build cool cars and trucks for a long time. When a man who has been showing the world how to build for that long talks, you listen, and that’s what his visit to Carlisle affords guests.

His mechanical abilities and fabrication skills have made him one of the most trusted and respected custom car builders in the world today and with his incredible work and positive influence, he’s earned many awards and accolades from the automotive industry over the years. Stacey David continues to work hand-in-hand with the OEM’s and aftermarket to keep new vehicles and parts in front of the gear-head public. Stacey David doesn’t just build the mild, he also is well known for building the wild too! Decades of work have given us trend-setting custom vehicles like Copperhead, The V8 Interceptor and Sgt. Rock. This leadership by example has inspired legions of gear-heads all across the nation to “get out there and build something.”

So, what does a man with that kind of resume offer guests of the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals? How about an interaction that is priceless! Not only will there be multiple autograph sessions throughout the weekend, but he’ll also be hosting a FREE Q&A session Friday of event weekend too. Meet him, talk shop, gain valuable feedback AND get a free autograph and/or photo; what more could you ask for?

The Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals run June 22-24. Buy tickets now online or register for the NPD Showfield at www.CarlisleEvents.com. Plus, while online, additional aspects of one of the biggest and best events of its type in the region are highlighted too! Register today to be part of the June fun and meet Stacey David at Carlisle.

Many great companies position their brand name and product lines alongside the Carlisle Events moniker annually as part of its automotive events schedule. That trend continues in the weeks leading up to Spring Carlisle as Carlisle Events is pleased to announce that Extang Corporation will be recognized through its 2018 season as the Official Truck Bed Cover of the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar’s, Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals, Carlisle Chrysler Nationals and Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores. Their presence will include product offerings and installation opportunities throughout the summer show season as well as an on-site presence with products and a representative.

Extang, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, offers folding, rolling and snapping bed covers as well as accessories available to the light truck market. Their history at Carlisle includes longtime midway partners for Ford and Truck weekend, often visiting with and representing products from their sister company, BedRug. This year’s visit comes with the backing and support of their parent company, Truck Hero, Inc. and now as Carlisle Event’s Official Performance Parts Installer, A&A Auto Stores.

Summer events at Carlisle welcome tens of thousands of guests, with nearly as many registered vehicles. Trucks are a significant percentage of registered vehicles at events like Carlisle’s Ford, Chevrolet and Chrysler Nationals. The Truck Nationals event, where Extang will see a full truck showfield, plays host to nearly two thousand trucks and a significant presence of manufacture and retail vendors as well. Additionally, many of the show cars on those fields come to town under tow by…you guessed it, trucks! This makes Carlisle the perfect home for Extang in 2018 and beyond.

“Extang is excited to be a sponsor with Carlisle Events this summer” noted Steve Kelley, VP of Sales. “I’ve always loved the atmosphere that Carlisle Events creates and the enthusiasts really seem to enjoy talking with our factory sales staff. Partnered with the A&A Auto Stores, we’ll have some great deals too!”
“Extang has supported Carlisle Events for nearly two decades,” noted event manager Ed Scholly. “I have personally worked with their staff for charity truck builds and projects with SEMA’s Light Truck Accessory Alliance. I have also used their products on my own vehicles and have always been satisfied with the quality of Extang’s covers,” continued Scholly. “Truck owners attending shows at Carlisle will have an opportunity to not only secure products but see them installed at the event.” concluded Scholly.

Carlisle Event’s season at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds opens with Spring Carlisle on April 18. Details on the season can be found via social media and www.CarlisleEvents.com. There, guests can get info on the shows, buy tickets, register for an event or make appointments for on-site installs.

Nissan’s top-selling vehicle, its compact crossover – Rogue – no longer offers a third row, but has added drivers’ assist technology and a bevy of other enhancements for 2018.

Rogue for 2018 adds available ProPILOT Assist technology, which provides assisted steering, braking and accelerating during single-lane highway driving. ProPILOT Assist helps drivers stay centered in the lane, navigate stop-and-go traffic, maintain a set vehicle speed and maintain a set distance to the vehicle ahead. And, it is all done with a simple two-button operation.

Among the other enhancements to the 2018 Rogue are:
• NissanConnect featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ and one additional USB port (inside front center console box) added to all grades
• Standard Motion-Activated Liftgate added to SV grade (in addition to SL grade)
• SL grade adds standard Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Revised Midnight Edition Package (SV grade) with new black front and rear fascia accents, black rear license plate finisher, black V-motion grille, black emblems
• New S Value Package (replaces Appearance Package, late availability)
• SV Sun and Sound Touring Package revised to include Premium Package content
• Revised SV Premium Package with added Intelligent Cruise Control and memory driver's seat and outside mirrors
• Revised SL Platinum Package with ProPILOT Assist (Intelligent Cruise Control with full speed range and hold, steering assist) and electronic parking brake (replaces foot release parking brake)
• Two new exterior colors: Scarlet Ember and Midnight Pine
• As in previous years, Rogue offers passenger and cargo flexibility with its innovative EZ Flex Seating System™ and Divide-N-Hide® Cargo System. The 2018 Rogue is available in three grade levels: S, SV and SL.

Assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee, utilizes corrosion-resistant and high-strength steel for its unibody chassis and with mid-size crossover dimensions, Rogue measures 184.5 inches long; 72.4 inches wide and 66.6 inches high on a 106.5-inch wheelbase. Minimum ground clearance is 8.2 inches (AWD) and curbweight for the AWD in SV trim is 3614 lbs.

Rogue’s refined interior presents a premium look and feel, and is enhanced with a D-shaped steering wheel and leather-booted sport-mode shifter, available heated steering wheel, memory for driver's seats and mirror, and remote engine start.

While thick rear roof pillars create a large blindspot, and the side curtain airbags limit headroom for second-row passengers, Rogue’s cabin is spacious for a midsize SUV at 41.6 inches of front headroom, 38.5 inches in row two. Interior legroom is roomy in front at 43.0 inches for row one and comfortable in row two at 37.9 inches. Shoulder room is 56.6 in row one and 55.9 and 49.3 in row two.

Rogue’s standard power source remains its 170-horsepower, 175 lbs.-ft. of torque, transverse 2.5-liter inline-4-cylinder DOHC engine, mated to an Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) with standard Sport Mode and Eco switches. With an EPA rating of 25/city, 32/highway and 28/overall, my week of mixed-use testing yielded an average of 26.0mpg. On the road, acceleration is sluggish, but steady. Uphill grades and passing at speed require strategy and perseverance, and the electric power-assisted power assisted rack-and-pinion steering was often heavy. On the track, the 0-60mph time was 9.3 seconds, and a quarter-mile was a 17.3-second journey.

Independent strut front suspension with coil springs and an independent multi-link rear provide a firm on-road feel, as Rogue may not be suited for severe off-road challenges.

Earning top marks in safety, Rogue Safety Shield technologies include radar-based Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Additionally, Rogue is constructed with zone body construction with front and rear crumple zones; energy-absorbing steering column; hood-buckling creases and safety stops; body side reinforcements; shift interlock system; vehicle security system; vehicle dynamic control and traction control system.

The 2018 Nissan Rogue starts at $24,800 for the base S trim in FWD and $26,150 for AWD. The SV with all-wheel-drive started at $27,370. The SV trim adds 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Nissan Intelligent Key® with push button ignition, blind spot warning , rear cross traffic alert, dual zone automatic temperature control and a 6-way power driver's seat to the base S. The Midnight Edition in Black with special cosmetics is priced at $28,465 and the upper-scale Rogue SL I tested starts at $32,250 in AWD and gains Nissan Door to Door Navigation with Premium Traffic, Intelligent Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Leather-appointed seats.

My Monarch Orange test 2018 Rogue SL (premium color that added $395) added a power panoramic moonroof and LED headlights with the SL Premium Package for $1820. The SL Platinum Package, for $790, added 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Cruise control and Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection. The standard Charcoal Leather seats were upgraded to a Premium Tan-appointed seating look with special quilted leather inserts as part of the Platinum Reserve Interior Package, for $250.

Four splash guards added $160; roof rail crossbars were $355 and a chrome rear bumper protector was $155. Adding destination and handling charges of $975, my 2018 Rogue SL-as-tested came in at $36,080.

> 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.