Bigger is indeed better and with the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, guests get the best of the automotive world, literally and figuratively. The 2017 offering runs May 19-21 and this year, Korean cars take center stage. With a showfield parked by country of origin, the 82-acre around the world adventure has something for everyone. From drifting to autocross, burnouts and beauty, seminars, parts shopping and more, Import & Performance weekend isn’t just about classic cars, it’s about classy cars.

One of the best parts about 2017 at Carlisle is that guests may be featured on national TV. Via enthusiast and host Joey Limongelli, Velocity Channel cameras will be onsite filming an all-new show called Legends of Design. The show will highlight the tasteful automotive designs of the import world throughout the years and guests just might find their 15 minutes of fame because of it. Special displays are always a draw too and on-site, guests will see ones dedicated to wagons of the import and performance world, luxury cars and even trucks. There’s also a race prepared vehicle display which is a nice compliment to the autocross and drifting that keeps guests going fast all weekend.

Of course, there are awards available, not just for those showing, but for those who attend as spectators. eJudged.com hosts drive through judging for registered showfield members, while the Passport Program offers all guests a chance to walk the grounds and tour the automotive world, all while getting their special passport booklet stamped. In the end, they’ll get an award too via prizes donated from local businesses.

Aside from the cars and those who show them, this event would be nothing without its passionate base of vendors. From kit car vendors to those selling pieces, parts and collectibles geared to the import lovers, enthusiasts of this show should know that there is no better place to show a car, build a car or find pieces for a car than the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals.

Complete event details are available at www.CarlisleEvents.com. There, specific event activities are listed, there are links to register a car, become a vendor, buy single day or full weekend passes, hotel information and so much more.

Is it possible to make the world’s largest all-Ford event even bigger? In short, yes…yes, it is! The 2017 Carlisle Ford Nationals promise even more cars, more people and more excitement as part of the show that runs June 2-4. Presented this year by Meguiar’s, Ford weekend will pack the National Parts Depot Showfield with 100+ years of automotive history. In addition to the cars and trucks on display, Ford Motor Company brings some of its top products (and people) to Carlisle as well.

Where does one start when trying to talk about what the Carlisle Ford Nationals weekend is all about? Should it be the FREE test drives as part of the ride and drive experience at the Carlisle Expo Center? Should it be the massive showfield that hosts nearly 3,300 cars and trucks? How about the massive swap meet and Manufactures Midway area where thousands of original parts and aftermarket accessories are available for Fords of all eras? What about the special displays or even the downtown Ford parade and street party? See, there isn’t just one thing that draws over 50,000 people to Carlisle; it’s ALL things that draw people to Carlisle.

2017 features multiple displays and brand showcases that make this year’s show extra special. Taking center stage will two 100-year features; one focused on Ford Trucks, the other on Lincoln. Ford weekend also spotlights 60 years of the Edsel as well as 50 years for the GT500 and Cougar. As part of the Cougar fun, guests can see the first-ever Cougar produced. There’s even an E and F code reunion too.

The product walk-arounds from Ford are unmatched as well, with some of the most important people in the company talking to guests about what went into the cars and trucks that are on display or coming onto the market in the coming months and maybe best of all, Ford product experts will be positioned within the Ford Performance Garage taking care of installs, all with the car owner enjoys the show.

Even more aspects of Ford weekend will be announced in the coming weeks and months via the Carlisle Events social media channels and at www.CarlisleEvents.com. While on the web, there are links available to register for the show, buy single day or weekend passes, register to become a vendor and more. It all gets underway June 2 in America’s Automotive Hometown, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

The Lexus RX remains America’s best-selling luxury SUV, as it has since its launch in 1998. Using 350 and 450 as its designated line names, the 350 is outfitted with a 3.5-liter engine, typical of a 350 designation, but the 450h is also equipped with the 3.5 (along with a hybrid electric motor), as Lexus deviates from the alpha-numeric norm.

After introducing the all-new fourth-generation RX 350 and RX 450h Hybrid luxury utility vehicles for 2016, Lexus opens the RX model’s second season with such advancements as making the Lexus Safety System+ standard equipment. Introduced as an option for 2016, Lexus Safety System+ includes Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Also new for 2017 are rain-sensing wipers standard on RX 350 models; an auto-brake function added to the Intuitive Parking Assist and Rear Cross monitor system; a new F SPORT FWD Model added to the line-up and Atomic Silver added to the color palette.

While the Lexus RX has been marketed as a combination of SUV versatility and luxury sedan-like comfort, it also stands out in the segment with a dramatic mix of sculpted creases and elegant curves. The focal point of the front is the Lexus signature spindle grille, set off by a lavish chrome-plated border and standard Bi-LED headlights.

The available L-shaped premium LED headlights are accompanied by 18 individual LEDs that surround the headlights and act as turn signal indicators. The spindle theme repeats at the rear, where L-shaped LED taillights envelope the tailgate and wrap into the rear fenders. Capping off the design is a floating-roof effect created by sophisticated blacked-out C-pillars.

The 4387-lb. (for the AWD) RX 350 measures 192.5 inches long, 74.6 inches wide and 67.7 inches high on a 109.8-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 8.2 inches and maximum towing capacity is 3500 lbs.

The RX 350 is powered in either a full-time all-wheel drive (AWD), or front-engine, front-wheel drive (FWD), by a 3.5-liter V-6 aluminum block engine, matched to an 8-speed Automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission. The system delivers 295 hp and 267 lbs.-ft. of torque, and the transmission, with “intelligence”, accelerates car-like, but you perceive truck confidence, as you quickly and seamlessly hit speed without feeling as though you are going that fast -- so watch your speedometer. On the track, my test RX 350 dashed from zero to 60mph in 7.6 seconds (hand-timed) during a 16.0-second (hand-timed) quarter-mile – and at 80mph, within the luxurious and well-thought-out surroundings, it really felt as if I were going 60. The Lexus RX 350 is EPA rated at 19/26/22 for AWD, my test ride averaged 21.8mpg in mixed-use tests.

The RX’s electric power rack and pinion steering with electronic power assist is a bit vague, with a bit of understeer, and quick turns result in some top-wobble. But the ride is luxury-smooth, as the all-wheel-drive set-up and the MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and the rear double wishbone, flattened out most inconsistencies encountered on the road.

The cabin is packed with intuitive, indulgent and high-tech conveniences. Interior dimensions are generous at 39.4 inches up front and 39.1 in the rear; legroom is 44.1 inches in row one and 38.0 inches in row two; and shoulder room is 57.8 and 57.6. The cabin is packed with too many amenities to fully list, but they include: automatic dual-zone climate control; dust and pollen particle and deodorizing interior air filter; dual sliding sun visors; electrochromic rearview mirror with compass; power door locks with anti-lock out feature; power tilt-and-telescopic steering column; power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature; steering wheel audio controls; Lexus Display Audio with an 8-inch screen and nine speakers; backup monitor and Bluetooth® hands-free phone and automatic phonebook download capabilities.

Safety items are also plentiful and include side impact door beams, a supplemental restraint system consisting of dual-stage and dual-chamber driver’s and front passenger’s airbag, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front side airbags, rear side curtain airbags and front and rear seat-mounted airbags; a tire pressure monitor system with available tire inflation display function; active front headrests; vehicle theft-deterrent and engine immobilizer system.

The base 2017 Lexus RX 350 starts at $43,020 in front-wheel drive and $44,420 in all-wheel drive. The dynamic sport-tuned RX 350F Sport starts at $48,920 (FWD) and $50,320 (AWD). The 450h (gas-electric Hybrid) starts at $53,035 with the RX 450h F Sport basing at $56,495.

My all-wheel-drive test RX 350 in Eminent Pearl White with a Black Leather/Espresso Walnut trim interior added the $2770 Navigation/Mark Levinson Package with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System, Navigation System, 12.3-inch color multimedia display, Lexus Enform App Suite, in-dash DVD/CD player, remote touch and climate control smog sensor. The Premium Package, for $980, added a rear armrest storage compartment, rain-sensing wipers, leather interior trim, electrochromic outside mirrors, roof rails and the Lexus Memory System. A power moonroof added $1100, running boards were $639, Intuitive Parking Assist added $535, and a Touch-Free Power Open/Close rear door added $200. With delivery fees of $995 my test RX350 stickered at $51,619.


> 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.

For the second time in as many February’s, Carlisle Events brought its unique brand of classic car entertainment to central Florida. The event, known as Winter Florida AutoFest Lakeland packed the spacious SUN ‘n FUN campus for four days of family fun. Backed by a two-day car show, a two-day collector car auction and four fun filled days of all things automotive, guests from around the region converged on the grounds. In addition to the awesome array of classic cars and collectibles onsite, Winter AutoFest welcomed Butch Patrick to the show. Butch played Eddie Munster on the iconic ‘60s TV show The Munsters.

In all, the weekend was yet another success for Carlisle Events. From the time the gates opened on Thursday until final load out Sunday, the place was bustling with enthusiasts and families of all ages. Another great feature of the show was the aeronautical nod to what SUN ‘n FUN is all about; aviation. Guests could take Bi-plane rides and hop into a Bell helicopter and see the show from high above! Along with the plane rides, there were two P-51 Mustangs on-site to accompany the nearly 200 car Mustangs and Mustangs car show, plus the SUN ‘n FUN food vendors were busy too. After all, an automotive appetite wasn’t the only thing that needed satisfied for the 40,000+ guests that passed through the gates.

While set up day on Wednesday transitioned into show day on Thursday, the event didn’t fully pick up until Friday when Carlisle Auctions presented its sold-out collector car auction. For two days, collector car lovers were in their own kind of utopia, as the live auction action played out right in front of them. Carlisle Auctions did nearly $3 million in sales, with 401 consignments crossing the block. This number surpasses the totals from February of 2016 and proves once more that the collector hobby is vibrant and stronger than ever.

With this event a wrap, Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions turns their collective attention to its “home schedule” and Spring Carlisle. The annual spring event at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds runs April 19-23, with a newly expanded three-day collector car auction at the adjacent Carlisle Expo Center. Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions returns to Lakeland for Fall AutoFest later in the year. The fall show wraps the season November 10-12, 2017.

The 2017 Nissan Rogue upgrades last year’s model with extensive enhancements, including an optional new hybrid powertrain, updated exterior styling, a refined interior and advanced safety, security, connectivity and driving aid features.

This year’s nuances include revised available optional equipment packages with new content as well as three new ones – Sun and Sound Touring, Platinum and Platinum Reserve interior. In addition, other available packages include the Family Package, Appearance Package and Premium Package; all available on several trim levels.

Rogue embarked on its second generation in 2014 and improves on the theme this year -- a fact that is not lost on automotive judges. Cars.com selected the redesigned crossover as its “2017 Family Car of the Year.” Rogue has also been named a 2017 Consumer Guide® Automotive Best Buy Award winner and The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2017 Rogue a "Top Safety Pick Plus" (TSP+) vehicle safety rating.

Rogue’s updated exterior styling features designed to enhance Rogue's robust, dynamic presence. They include a new front fascia with integrated fog lamps, bumper, Nissan signature “V-Motion” grille and revised headlights with LED signature daytime running lights. In the rear, a new bumper and revised rear combination lamps with LED boomerang signature taillights have been added, while new chrome-trim side door moldings complete the freshened appearance.

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 3554 lbs.

Rogue’s refined interior is enhanced with a new 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. New design features include tweaked door and instrument panel finishers, fresh shift knob design, revised center console and console lid and fashionable seat fabric. The result is a more premium look and feel.

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 and 34.6 in row three, meaning the third row is best left for small children. Interior legroom is roomy in front at 43.0 inches for row one, comfortable in row two at 37.9 inches and a child-friendly 31.4 for row three. Shoulder room is 56.6 in row one and 55.9 and 49.3 in rows two and three, and Rogue offers 32-cubic-feet of cargo area.

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 26.7mpg. 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 9.1 seconds, and a quarter-mile was a 17.3-second journey.

The optional hybrid is rated at 141 hp and 144 lbs.-ft. of torque and a total system output of 176 hp, and a 31mpg/city, 34mpg/highway and 33mpg/overall rating.

Earning top marks in safety, Rogue Safety Shield technologies include radar-based Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Rogue is also available for the first time with Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention. New this year are Intelligent Cruise Control and Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection. 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 2017 Nissan Rogue starts at $23,820 for the base S trim in FWD and $25,170 for AWD. The SV with all-wheel-drive started at $26,590. 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 upper-scale Rogue SL I tested starts at $31,310 in AWD and gains a Motion Activated Liftgate; NissanConnect℠ with Navigation, Mobile Apps, and Services; Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Leather-appointed seats. The SV Hybrid starts at $27,590 with the SL Hybrid basing at $32,510.

My Monarch Orange test 2017 Rogue SL (premium color that added $395) added a power panoramic moonroof and Forward Emergency Braking for $2020 with the SL Premium Package. The SL Platinum Package, for $770, 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 charges of $940, my 2017 Rogue SL-as-tested came in at $36,355.

> 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.