An upgrade from the QX56, the 2018 Infiniti QX80 evolves Infiniti’s presence in the luxury SUV segment.

Built by Nissan’s luxury division (Infiniti), QX began as the QX4 mid-size SUV in 1996, when it was based on the unibody Nissan Pathfinder. QX56 started in 2004 with its sister, the Nissan Armada, and Gen-3, which first came out in model-year 2011, upped the luxury ante. Carrying the name QX56 through last year, the naming convention had followed the trend of using a numeric version of engine size, with “56” standing for its 5.6-liter engine. But this year, the car was renamed QX80 as part of Infiniti's model name rebranding. The new name carries no meaning beyond suggesting that the vehicle is larger than smaller models such as the QX60.

QX80’s evolution involves what Infiniti says is “a modern interpretation of upscale luxury.” Strengthening the manufacturer’s position in the global full-size SUV segment, QX80 is built in Kyushu, Japan, and sold internationally.

For 2018, Infiniti redesigned the QX80’s sheetmetal from the A-pillar forward, featuring a taller, more prominent and more upright grille with a new LED headlamp and foglamp design. Sheemetal of the liftgate has been redesigned, as well as the taillamps and rear bumper finisher. Loaded in virtually every category, key features include a Class IV tow hitch, a 400-hp 5.6-liter V-8 engine mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, leather-appointed seating, Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, USB port for iPod® and compatible devices, Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control System, a moonroof, Infiniti InTouch™ Navigation, Infiniti InTouch™ Services Safety, security and convenience features with complimentary 4-year Select package trial, Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection and front and rear Sonar Systems.

The three-row, five-door, seven- or eight-seater is a full-size SUV with an all-steel unitary construction bodyshell. With its muscular lines and generous proportions, the 2018 QX80 sees Infiniti’s “Powerful Elegance” design language applied on a new scale. And with a forward-looking new appearance, the new QX80 expresses modern luxury SUV design.

QX80 measures 208.9 inches long, 75.8 inches high and 79.9 inches wide, with a ground clearance of 9.2 inches, and with AWD and the Deluxe Technology package, QX80 has a curbweight of 6094 lbs. Created by Infiniti’s design studio in Atsugi, Japan, the QX80 exterior incorporates geometric and organic shapes to combine power with elegance. As the largest vehicle Infiniti makes, the new model conveys solidity and power from all angles yet eschews the more aggressive styling espoused by rival SUVs. Despite its scale, the design communicates a clear sense of elegance and human artistry.

The smooth, rounded curves of last year’s model have given way to more modern, angular and sculptural forms along with a more upright, athletic stance. The impression is one of greater height and length, despite the car’s footprint and 121.1-inch wheelbase remaining unchanged from the previous model.

QX80 gets its power from a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V-8 that delivers 400hp and 413 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA rated at 14mpg in the city and 20mpg on the highway with 22-inch tires, QX80 is not an econocar, and in mixed-use driving, my test ride averaged 15.5mpg.

The engine performs well, and even at three tons, the system propelled my test QX80 to a 6.8-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a stable and confident 15.3-second quarter-mile. The fully independent front suspension with subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, coil springs and gas-filled amplitude sensitive shock absorbers and anti-roll stabilizer bar works with the fully independent rear with subframe-mounted double wishbones, coil springs and gas-filled amplitude sensitive shock absorbers, with anti-roll stabilizer bar for an elegantly smooth ride. And the rack-mounted electric power steering is attentive, responsive and helps establish adequate body control and good maneuverability.

The 2018 QX80 has a refined and spacious cabin that features high-quality materials, a hand-crafted finish and advanced drive-assist technologies. Inside, the roomy three-row sports-ute provides 39.9 inches of front head room, with 40.0 inches in row two and 36.8 in row three. Legroom is 39.6 up front, 41.0 in the middle and a child-worthy 28.8 inches in the rear seats. Shoulder room measures 63.8 inches in row one, 63.5 in row two and 60.5 inches in the third row.

The 2018 Infiniti QX80 starts at $64,750 for the 2WD version and $67,850 for AWD. My Smokey Quartz QX80 in AWD added the Driver Assistance Package for $2900 –Backup Collision Intervention, Blind Spot Intervention, Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Distance Control Assist and Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection. The Theatre Package added $2450 for dual 8-inch color monitors for multimedia video playback, wireless remote control, heated second row seats and remote tip-up second row seats. We also had 22-inch tires in a tire and wheel package that added $2800; the Split-Seat Package that added an eighth seat for $250; Infiniti 4G WiFi for $450; and the Deluxe Technology Package for $5700 that was loaded with Hydraulic Body Motion Control, climate-controlled front seats, adaptive front lighting with auto-leveling headlights and Bose® Cabin Surround® sound system with 15 speakers.

Destination and handling charges of $995 put the sticker-as-tested at $83,395.

> 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.

Imports from around the world, check! Kit Cars and Dune Buggies, yes! Drifting, slammed and stanced rides, sweet aero and guys/girls sending it around the track, oh yeah! How about the fact that it all mixes perfectly with the elegance of Super Cars, imports, classics and modern show cars! That’s right, the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals is all of that and then some as the show races your way May 18-20, 2018 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds!

Not only are the cars and guests welcome but so are the dozens of car clubs who make this event the coolest weekend hangout in the hobby! It’s three days of fun at Carlisle as this event continues to grow! Best of all, with added support from Optima Batteries, the event has a renewed power and energy too! Go hard and go fast? You better!

Imagine it now if you can; a Showfield that includes automotive excellence from at least 8 different countries! Cars and trucks representing Korea, Japan, the United States, Germany, the U.K., France, Sweden and Italy all make up this event. Best of all, these cars aren’t just trailered in and parked, many of them not only drive to the show, but they show the 20,000+ guests in attendance what their whip can actually do via on-site competitions. These activities include autocross, burnouts, drifting, drift limbo, low car limbo and a rolling exhaust competition.

There are displays too, yes…awesome displays! What do event managers Ken Appell and Ed Buczeskie have planned? How about a few milestone showcases, including 30 Years of the Nissan 240SX, 40 Years of the Toyota Supra and 80 Years of the Beetle. In addition, author and Velocity TV show host Joseph Limongelli is helping bring Aston Martins and Jaguars to Carlisle via the Legends of the Design showcase. Further, French cars take center stage in Building R, while the pavilion on the east side of the grounds showcases race-prepared vehicles. Mix in some Super Cars, seminars hosted by industry experts, the swap meet, midway and more and you have a show that’s worthy of your time!

It all starts May 18 and registration is ongoing for not only those looking to show at the event, but also for anyone looking to buy a single day or weekend pass too. Learn more via www.CarlisleEvents.com and see it firsthand in Carlisle as part of the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals.

Kia has come a long way. It began life in December 1944 as Kyungsung Precision Industry, a Korean manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts, eventually producing Korea's first domestic bicycle, the Samchully, in 1951. A year later, the company changed its name to Kia, which translates to “to come out of the East.” Moving on to motorcycles and trucks, Kia began selling cars in 1974, and when it first made a splash in America on 1994, the brand gained a rep as builders of “econboxes.”

Those days are long gone, as Kia mainstreamed with sporty 5-door hatchbacks, trendy multipurpose vehicles, hybrids, sedans and minvans, and moved on to entry luxury vehicles. And with the all-new 2018 Kia Stinger, the manufacturer has entered the mid-size luxury four-door sports car segment debuting an athletic, bold, adventurous performance car with luxurious accommodations.

From its sleek front clip through its graceful sides and slender shoulders, Stinger exudes a muscular confidence. Its raked windshield, shorter front and long rear overhang and aerodynamic features help Stinger achieve an air of elegant athleticism.
Featuring a fastback roofline and large hatch, Stinger’s sculpted steel unibody construction is packaged on a 114.4-inch wheelbase that accommodates its 190.2-inch length, 55.1-inch height and 73.6-inch width. RWD versions weigh in at 3839 lbs. and AWD Stingers have a curbweight of 4023 lbs.

The low-slung cabin with its steeply raked windshield and backlight sits toward the rear of the vehicle, creating a fast silhouette. Inside is a space dedicated to the driver’s experience while pampering the occupants with luxury. Typically a high-cost option on most competitors, all Stingers come standard with a leather-appointed interior. Available ultra-soft Nappa leather covers the deeply contoured seats and the driver’s seat has available air-cell bladders in the seatback and width-adjusting bolsters for optimal support and comfort.

Inside, Stinger exudes an aircraft-like feel filled with upscale accouterments, connectivity, and infotainment. And its available height-adjustable color Head-Up Display enables the driver to see driving information projected on the windshield glass. This includes speed, turn-by-turn navigation, audio and cruise control settings and Blind Spot Detection information. Bluetooth®18 hands-free operation is standard, while many of the vehicle’s subsystems may be accessed through the steering-wheel-mounted controls.

Roomy, yet comfortably cozy, Stinger offers 38.3 inches of front headroom with 37.0 inches in row two; 42.6 inches of legroom in row one with 36.4 inches in the second seats, and shoulder room of 56.4 and 54.8.

Powerwise, Stinger is offered with two engine choices: a 2.0-liter Twin Scroll turbo-four rated at 255 hp and 260 lbs-ft of torque, and 21 mpg/city and 29 mpg/highway for AWD; and a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 with 365 hp and 376 lbs-ft. rated at 19mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Both engines are paired exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

My test Stinger GT2 and its 3.3-liter averaged 22.0mpg in mixed-use driving, and exhibited solid sportscar exuberance, acceleration and handling. On the track, a zero-to-60mph run was blazed in 4.7 seconds and it seemed faster than that, en route to a 13.2-second quarter-mile. In traffic, Stinger slices in and out of competition with ease. Rack and Pinion / Electric motor steering is attentive and body motion is controlled. The MacPherson front suspension and Multi-link (5-link) rear with gas or electric shocks soften the ride for passengers while giving the driver just enough feel for the road.

Regarding safety, a Kia first is the new Driver Attention Warning system to help combat distracted or drowsy driving. The system monitors a number of inputs from the vehicle and the driver and will sound a warning chime and display a graphic in the instrument binnacle that it’s time to take a break from driving if it senses the driver’s attention level has been significantly reduced.

Stinger is also outfitted with Dual Front Advanced Airbags, Dual Front Seat Mounted Side Airbags, Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags, Driver's Side Knee Airbag and such safety features as Forward Collision Avoidance with pedestrian detection, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, Anti-Lock Braking System, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, Brake Fade Compensation, Cornering Brake Control, Electronic Stability Control

The Kia Stinger 2.0L starts at $31,900 with RWD – AWD is $2200 extra -- and comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission, paddle shifters, Smart Power Trunk, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, leather seat trim and heated front seat. The Premium trim starts at $37,100 adding a sunroof, Navigation System, 8-inch touchscreen color display and Harman/Kardon QuantumLogic Premium Audio. The Stinger GT bases at $38,350, with the 3.3-liter V-6 Twin Turbo engine, LED Headlamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport Summer tires, Brembo Brakes and 9-Speaker Audio System. The GT1 starts at $43,250 and my test GT2 (top of the line), based at $49,200 and added Kia Drive Wise (Advanced Driver Assistance System), Shift-by-Wire, Nappa leather trim and a Head-Up Display. AWD increased the price by $2200. A cargo mat in the trunk added $125, mud guards were $95, puddle lights under the vehicle added $240 and remote start was $495. With destination charges of $900, my test 2018 Kia Stinger G2 stickered at $53,255.

> 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.

As the 2018 car show season commences, Carlisle Events is gearing up for its always impressive car show schedule. Drawing more than half a million attendees annually to its shows at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, Carlisle Events’ shows are the place to be for those involved in the car/truck hobby. Every year Carlisle Events never ceases to amaze their attendees with new and exciting features for every show. The expectations for this year are no different as Carlisle Events furthers its relationship with A&A Auto Stores in 2018. A&A officially comes on board as the Official Performance Parts Installer for Carlisle Events and the Presenting Sponsor of Carlisle Truck Nationals.

Much like Carlisle Events, A&A Auto Stores started as a family business in 1958. Sixty years later, A&A Auto Stores continues to be a leader in the aftermarket auto parts industry. With 18 locations in Eastern and Central Pennsylvania, A&A Auto is showing no signs of slowing down. In January, A&A Auto Stores opened its newest retail location and install shop at 1053 Harrisburg Pike, less than a mile from the Carlisle Fairgrounds.

Over the years, A&A has come to be a household name within the Carlisle Event community and Ed Scholly of Carlisle Events was here when A&A and Borla Performance representatives introduced exhaust sales and installations to Corvettes at Carlisle more than a decade ago.

“I’m not sure it was part of the plan, but a FREE install offer on an exhaust sale turned into a line of Corvettes,” noted Scholly. The rest is history as A&A continues to offer FREE installations of exhaust systems at all of Carlisle’s car and truck show events,” continued Scholly. “Due to the high demand of customers, A&A Auto Stores’ footprint at many of the Carlisle specialty car shows has significantly grown. They offer exhaust installations from leading brands like: Magnaflow, Borla, Corsa, Flowmaster, Billy Boat and Kooks, and others for the convenience of Carlisle show participants. Along with exhaust installations, A&A brings a wide variety of automotive products, accessories and expert knowledge to each Carlisle event including a comprehensive product line of truck and off-road performance parts from suppliers like Extang, Trail FX, K&N, AFE, Volant, American Car Craft, Edelbrock, and Titan Lifts just to name a few.

“Being named Presenting Sponsor of Truck Nationals is a perfect honor for A&A Auto Stores as it fits perfectly into our mission of providing the biggest selection of aftermarket accessories and OEM parts to truck owners in the industry,” said Rudy Forlenza, Director of Retail Operations for A&A Auto Stores. He adds, “Carlisle Events brings together enthusiasts from all over the country each year genuinely interested in discovering new suppliers and products. We are enthusiasts too and take tremendous satisfaction in knowing that A&A is in the position to get them what they need regardless of what make or model truck they own.” A&A Auto Stores will be offering exhaust installations and more on the Manufacturers Midway throughout Truck Nationals weekend, August 3-5
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The 2018 Carlisle Events’ “home” schedule kicks off with Spring Carlisle starting April 18. As the Official Performance Parts Installer, A&A Auto Stores will also be there in addition to five more events throughout the summer. Stop by their tent to see what all of the excitement is about. Details on the Carlisle Truck Nationals and Carlisle Events’ season, including links to buy tickets, passes or showfield registration, are available online at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

The Toyota Tacoma debuted in America in 1995, and was marketed as a compact pick-up, a designation it held through 2004. The second generation was classified as mid-size, and following a full third-generation redesign for 2016, the 2018 Tacoma remains the best-selling mid-size pickup as it has for 11 years running.

For 2018, Tacoma adds a safety enhancement, as all Tacoma models gain Toyota Safety Sense-P. This equips Tacoma with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System, Automatic High Beams and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control -- all as standard.

Other changes include a minor grille update to the SR and SR5 grades, a darker mesh grille for the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road grades, and the Tacoma Limited features an updated Satin Chrome grille and offers a new black leather-trimmed interior. The 5-speed manual transmission is discontinued for 2018, though the 6-speed manual transmission remains available on certain models.

My test Tacoma, in Limited trim, came loaded with such standard items as a deck rail system, color-keyed bumper, overfenders and chrome-accented door handles, front dual automatic climate control, leather-trimmed seats and leather shift lever and tilt/telescopic steering wheel, 18-inch polished alloy wheels, power tilt/slide moonroof, power sliding rear window and power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators. Also standard on Limited, are cruise control, Smart key system with push button start, rear sonar parking assist, blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, Entube™ Premium JBL Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, Qi-Compatible Smartphone charging, and lots more.

Designed in Newport Beach, California, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, Tacoma employs extensive use of high-strength steel in the frame and hot-stamped ultra-high strength steel in the body for a strong foundation for hard work, hard play, and durability. All Tacoma models are equipped with double wishbone coil-spring front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension with staggered outboard-mounted gas shocks for a steady on-road ride and solid off-road driving capabilities.

While Tacoma does not offer a regular cab, it does come in Access Cab (an extended cab with rear-hinged rear doors) and Double Cab (crew cab with conventional rear doors configurations. Tacoma Access Cab and Double Cab models are built on a 127.4-inch wheelbase with a 60.5-inch bed, or a 73.7-inch longbed on a 140.6-inch wheelbase. My test Tacoma was the base 4x4 with an Access Cab, and it measured 212.3 inches long, 74.4 inches wide and 70.6 inches high with 9.4 inches of ground clearance. My test truck weighed in at 4445 lbs. with a 4x4 Double Cab and had a tow rating of 3500 lbs. (an optional tow package is rated at 6,500 lbs.).

Powerwise, Tacoma presents two engine options. The more economical engine is the 2.7-liter inline 4-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve cast iron block system with aluminum alloy head and VVT-i. With the 2WD 6-speed manual, it is EPA rated at 19mg/city and 23mpg/highway, and the 4WD manual is estimated at 19/21 (the 6-speed automatic gets an 19/23 estimate). The inline-4 provides 159 hp and 180 lbs-ft of torque.

My test Tacoma 4x4 automatic was powered by the larger and more powerful aluminum block 3.5-liter Direct and Port Injection, Atkinson Cycle V-6 engine with Variable Valve Timing-Intelligent Wider Intake and Variable Valve Timing-Intelligent Exhaust. EPA rated at 18/23 for 4WD automatic, I averaged 20.6mpg in mixed-use driving. The uptick in power starts with an electronic fuel-injected system, gaining the system a rating of 278 hp and 265 lbs-ft of torque. I found the Tacoma willing to transport heavy loads and it was quick-for-niche on the highway and the track, with a dash from zero to 60mph in 8.1 seconds and a quarter-mile completed in 16.4.

Tacoma’s sturdy suspension was firm on the road and capable for soft off-road activities, while its rack-and-pinion power steering is better at slow speeds than high-speeds and can be non-intuitive at times.

With seating capacity for four (2/front and 2/cab), Tacoma provides 39.7 inches of headroom in row one and 34.9 in the cab, 42.9 inches of first row legroom, and a tight 32.6 inches in the Double Cab. Shoulder room measures 58.8 inches in front with 56.5 for the rear passengers.

Toyota offers 6 basic trims in 30 configurations, including 2x4 or 4x4 setups, multiple bed sizes, cab designs and engines with each trim. Tacoma trims for 2017 include SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited and TRD Pro. The base Tacoma SR with Access Cab starts at $25,200 and runs through the TRD Pro at $41,520. My test Tacoma in Limited trim started at $40,215 with the 3.5-liter engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, 4x4 setup, a Double Cab and Short bed.

My test Tacoma in Magnetic Gray Metallic paint with a Black Leather interior added a hard tri-fold tonneau cover for $650; Black, 5-inch oval tube steps (running board) for $469; all-weather floor liners and door sill protectors added $228; a bed mat was $120; a very useful BedStep for easy access to the inside of the bed added $300; door edge guards were $140 and delivery and processing added $995, for a price-as-tested of $42,122.


> 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.