What can you add to a truck that has been America’s best-selling pick-up for 41 consecutive years, and the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. for the past 36 years? While remaining in its 15th generation, Ford has power upgraded the F-150 with a diesel engine option on Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trim models, and the top trim, the F-150 Limited gets a serious power upgrade with the high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine previously only available on F-150 Raptor. Limited also gets a new high-flow dual-exhaust system and redesigned interior. Cosmetically, F-150’s Navy Pier interior color scheme changes to Camel Back two-tone, and the XLT Sport Appearance Package gets new five-inch angular step bars. Also, FordPass™ Connect is now standard for F-150 XLT, while the CD player has been deleted.

Other tweaks for 2019 include interior freshening on XLT Sport, XLT Special Edition, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited trims that include color and material changes for seats, instrument panel and console trim. An all-new B&O PLAY™ Premium Audio System by HARMAN is available; and SYNC® Connect is optional on XLT and Lariat, and standard on King Ranch, Platinum and Limited. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection are available, and a Technology Package is now available with 2.7-liter EcoBoost. New exterior colors for the lineup include Agate Black, Abyss Gray, and Silver Spruce.

Manufactured at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, the 2019 Ford F-150 is constructed with a high strength steel frame, aluminum cabin and bed. The body on frame truck comes in three cab schemes: Regular Cab, SuperCab, or SuperCrew®.

With sculpted creases and angles that modify the truck’s boxiness, F-150’s exterior is enhanced by configurable daytime running lamps, power sideview mirrors on XL and above trims, a quick-release tailgate with lock, new grilles available, as well as new, bumpers, lighting, tailgate, appliqués and wheels. My 4x4 test Ford F-150 XLT with a SuperCrew® cab and a bed of 6.5 feet and measured 243.7 inches long, 77.3 inches high for the 4x4, and 79.9 inches wide on a 156.8-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 9.3 inches.

For muscle, the F-150 provides plenty of power through six engine choices: a 2.7-liter twin turbo EcoBoost V-6 that delivers 325 hp and 400 lbs-ft of torque; the 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbo that presents 250hp and 440 lbs-ft; the 3.3-liter Ti-VCT FFV engine that is good for 290 horses and 265 lbs-ft; the 3.5-liter V-6 turbo EcoBoost engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing that produces 375hp/470 lbs-ft; the High Output twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine that increases power numbers to 450 hp and 510 lbs-ft of torque, and the 5.0-liter Ti-VCT VB FFV engine that growls out 395 hp and 400 lbs-ft. That’s the engine I wanted, but my test drive was outfitted with the 3.5… next time.

My test XLT was powered by the 375-hp 3.5-liter turbo engine, which was both powerful and responsive. On the track, a zero-to-60mpg dash was completed in 6.8 seconds, during a 15.3-second quarter-mile (hand-timed). On the highway, Ford F-150 is a stable long-distance cruiser that can control heavy payloads while leveling uneven roads. F-150’s rack-and-pinion, electric power-assisted steering is assertive and predictable, and the coil-on-shock, long-spindle double-wishbone independent front suspension with a stamped-steel lower control arm, works in concert with a leaf spring/solid axle rear with heavy-duty pressurized shock absorbers to impart a solid truck ride. Four-wheel vented power anti-lock ABS disc brakes deliver alert stopping ability. 

Mixing in some cruises, in-town errands and some soft off-road pot-holing, I averaged 16.6mpg.

With six interior configurations, my test ride’s SuperCrew cabin was packed with amenities and was comfortable, with 40.8 inches of front headroom and 40.4 inches for those in the cab. Front legroom was a generous 43.9 inches with second-row passengers getting 43.6 inches. Shoulder room was a spacious 66.7 inches in row one and 65.9 in the rear seats.

The 2019 Ford F-150 comes with a truckload of standard safety items including first-row side-impact airbags, front/side/canopy airbags, electronic stability control, roll stability control, trailer sway control, an SOS post-crash alert system and a passive anti-theft system and antilock brakes. And the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the 2019 Ford F-150 as the only truck to earn the top-tier good rating in every category, and the best performing truck among 11 pickups evaluated in passenger-side small overlap front crash testing

For 2019, Ford F-150 is offered in seven basic trims with modfications for engines, three bed lengths and three cab sizes. The base XL starts at $28,155; the XLT which I tested, started at $34,160 (gaining cosmetics and the Power Equipment Group) ; the upscale Lariat bases at $41,700; the lavish King Ranch® model starts at $52,390; the aggressively powerful and stylish Raptor starts at $52,855; the uptweaked Platinum trim starts at $54,920 and the top-tier Limited starts at $67,135.

My test XLT, which adds SYNC®, the Power Equipment Group and Chrome Front and Rear Bumper to the XL, based with a Regular Cab and 6.5-foot box; the 3.3-liter engine, 6-speed automatic transmission and 4x2 drive, but my test drive upscaled a bit. A SuperCrew Cab added $6565 and the 6.5-foot box; and as I am a 4x4 truck guy, that option was added for $4445; and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine added $600.

Agate Black paint was a standard color, and the interior was augmented with the 301A option which added an 8-way Power Driver's Seat, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel, Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror and Power-Adjustable Pedals for an additional $2150 (then discounted by $1000).. 

Black platform running boards added $250; a spray-in bedliner added $595; box side steps added $325; a twin-panel power moonroof and power sliding privacy glass rear window with defroster added $1845; the remote start system added $195; reverse sensing system added $275 and required a $95 Class IV trailer hitch; the voice-activated navigation system was $795 and Destination charges were $1595. That put the sticker-as-tested at $52,890, but regional incentives of $750 knocked the price down to $52.140, so check with your local dealer.

You can see the 2019 Ford F-150 and more than 3200 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Euro Ford vehicles – some vehicles more than 100 years old, some brand new and thousands in between – by visiting the largest all-Ford-themed weekend in the world, this year’s Carlisle Ford Nationals at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds, May 31 through June 2.  From trucks to muscle cars, you can see them all. And there will be special 50-year-anniversary displays of the 1969s from Mustangs, to the 1969 Shelby GT350 and GT500 to the Mach 1 to the Cougar Eliminator to the Maverick. And there will even be a walk-around of the all-new 2019 Roush Stage 3 Mustang and Classic Mustang ride-alongs with Gateway Classic Mustang's professional drivers behind the wheel. And you can join in or watch the Ford Parade and Street Party in downtown Carlisle with some 400 vehicles on parade Saturday night, June 1.

 
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.

A little sun and a lot of passionate car fans helped make the 2019 Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals an event which topped those from recent memory and will leave guests talking for weeks to come.  Since this version of the event commenced in 2016, the weekend has brought together some of the most elegant imports from around the world, while mixing with performance muscle, tuners and sport compacts.  The automotive world reunited once more May 17-19 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds!  

Though the gates opened at 7 a.m. Friday with cars rolling in, the core of the show started the day before.  That’s when the vendor base and invitational cars loaded in for a weekend of international automotive excitement.  Building R once again hosted a special French vehicle display including 80 years of motorized bikes, trikes and scooters, while Building Y hosted French Cars.  Adjacent to Building Y is Building T and that’s where the best of the best were positioned, including Supercars, the Subaru WRX STI and Jetta.  Additional featured invitationals, the Citroën and more anchored that area, while across the road within the pavilions, the popular racecar paddock and neighboring Dune Buggy display took center stage.  

With amazing displays indoors, there was plenty of room outdoors for the remainder of the show cars.  With cars and trucks parked by country of origin, guests could literally walk around the world, all within the 82-acre facility.  Once more the SAAB lovers showed strength in numbers and with the Citroën celebrating 100 years, their group offered a great showcase, including a parade of Citroën history around the grounds.  

Seminars were a popular attraction too.  With topics covering engine and timing belt repair as well as a handful centered on the Citroën, its history and more.

New in 2019 was the first chance for burnout participants to win money.  Via a special Summer of ’69 promotion, any participant who popped a tire within 69 seconds or less won $69 in cash.  Additional automotive competitions left guests standing rows deep with appreciation.  Contests included drift limbo and the rolling exhaust contest, plus low car limbo, the aforementioned burnout contest and of course drifting and autocross hosted by NICOClub/NICOFest.

It all wrapped Sunday with the winner’s list being posted, spotlighting dozens of winners, judged and honored by the team from eJudged.com.  There were even some special awards given on Friday as 10 car owners received Carlisle Elite honors. 

The fun returns in 2020 as we celebrate the 35th edition of this special weekend.  Registration is now open and show weekend runs May 15-17.  For complete details on the 2019 show, including winners lists and photos, plus registration links for 2020, visit www.CarlisleEvents.com.

When Robert S. McNamara was President of Ford, he tasked Lee Iacocca to create a sporty vehicle for the public, and the T-5 Project became the Mustang and Mustang II. In 1964, Mustang became the most successful Ford launch since the Model-A, and in the ensuing 55 years, Mustang would build 10 million vehicles (about 9.7 million sold) and, would endure as the greatest-selling Pony Car of all-time.

Mustang underwent its last complete redesign in 2015, and while it freshened for 2018 with a sleek new design, advanced tech and improved performance enhancements, Mustang largely stays the course for 2019, as Ford concentrated on bringing back a new commemorative “Bullitt” edition and the “California Special” Package, both homages to 1969. The Bullitt trim is a Mustang GT level with an exclusive 480-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 engine, plus distinctive design, special cosmetics and movie-authentic dark green exterior; and the California Special is a GT cosmetics package for $2000. The 2019 Shelby GT350 (Mustang) has also been improved with new grille, rear spoiler and better aerodynamics. Two new Mustang paint schemes have been added -- Need for Green and Velocity Blue – and a new Premium 12-speaker sound system has been installed, with Bang and Olufsen replacing Shaker.  

In fastback and convertible designs, the unmistakable Mustang look comes at you with an aggressive grille and Pony insert, rounded, sleek lines and muscularity. The 2019 Mustang Fastback GT model I tested gained a standard quad-tip exhaust, heated steering wheel and rearview camera. Athletic and muscular, the Mustang GT is 188.5 inches long and 75.4 inches wide. Height is 54.3 inches for the Fastback and 54.9 for the Convertible, on 107.1-inch wheelbase. With the 5.0-liter engine, the Fastback with a manual transmission weighs 3934 lbs.

Pony-Power is in Mustang’s DNA, and the 2019 Ford Mustang offers a choice of three brawny engines. EcoBoost models have a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine stampeding 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The 5.0-liter V-8 that powered my Mustang GT galloped out 460 hp and 420 lb-ft, and under the hood of the Shelby GT350 is a 5.2-liter V-8 that explodes 526 hp and 429 lb-ft. All Mustangs are rear-wheel drive and come with a 6-speed manual transmission. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is optional on all except the Shelby.

My test Mustang GT lived up to its heritage with tire-smoking acceleration and track-worthy handling. From a stop, I crushed a zero-to-60 sprint in 4.3 seconds en route to an exhilarating 12.6-second quarter-mile, in less-than-optimal track conditions. On the highway, my Mustang stuck to the surface with stability, cornered assertively despite some minor lag from the electric power-assisted steering with rack-and-pinion gear, and shifted as smoothly as my hand and foot moved through the manual gears. The Mustang GT is rated at 15mpg/city, 25mpg/highway and 18mpg/overall with the manual transmission, and I averaged 18.2mpg in mixed-use, pedal-mashing tests.

The cabin is intuitive, pampering and packed with tech and infotainment. Premium trim level features give the interior a luxury look and feel, with a hand-stitched wrap for the center console armrest, a look that is mirrored across the instrument panel and down the sides of the center stack. Centerpoint is a 12-inch all-digital cluster is an industry-first video game-like animation of a spinning alloy wheel kicking up a cloud of smoke when line lock is activated and engaged. 

Headroom remains tight for taller drivers and passengers, and cozy for average-size inhabitants at 37.6 inches (Fastback) in row one and 34.8 in row two. Legroom is spacious up front at 45.1 inches and a knees-in-the-chest 29.2 inches in row two. Shoulder room measures 56.3 in front and 52.2 in the rear.

The 2019 Ford Mustang is available in Fastback and Convertible configurations. The Fastback is available in four trims: EcoBoost® Fastback ($26,395), EcoBoost® Premium Fastback ($31,410), GT Fastback ($35,355) and GT Premium Fastback ($39,355) – this trim adds Leather-Trimmed Heated and Cooled Front Seats, SYNC®3, Heated Mirrors with Integrated Turn Signal Indicators, Selectable Drive Modes with Toggle Switches and a 9-Speaker Stereo to the GT.

The Bullitt trim starts at $46,595; the Convertible has three trims: EcoBoost® Convertible ($31,895); EcoBoost® Premium Convertible ($36,910) and GT Premium Convertible ($44,855); and The Shelby GT 350 version starts at $59,140.

My test GT Premium Fastback with the 5.0-liter engine, manual transmission and dual-exhaust tips had a dynamic Orange Fury exterior for an extra $495. I prefer a stick (manual 6-speed for the Pony), and saved $1595 by not opting for the 10-Speed SelectShift® Automatic Transmission. 

The 401A Premium Plus Package added $2200 for a 12-inch LCD Digital Instrument Cluster with MyColor®, Premier Trim with Color Accent Group, Heated Steering Wheel and Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System. The Ford Safe and Smart Package added $1000 for Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto High Beam, Lane Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support and Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers. Destination charges of $1095 put the sticker-as-tested at $44,145 (and some incentives may be available, so check with your local dealer, as my test ride would have cost $42,645 after a retail customer cash incentive.)

To check out the new Mustang GT and a showcase of more than 3200 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Euro Ford vehicles spanning more than a century, visit the largest all-Ford event in the world, this year’s Carlisle Ford Nationals at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds, May 31 through June 2.  And if you like Mustangs, there is a 50-year anniversary exhibition of the 1969 Boss 429 Mustang as well as Boss 302 and 351 displays. There will also be homages to the 1969 Shelby GT350 and GT500 Mustangs and the Mustang Mach 1. And there will even be a walk-around of the all-new 2019 Roush Stage 3 Mustang and Classic Mustang ride-alongs with Gateway Classic Mustang's professional drivers behind the wheel. Also, to capture the community, you can join or watch the Ford Parade and Street Party with some 400 vehicles on parade Saturday night, June 1, in Downtown Carlisle.


> 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. </I>

2019 is a year for the ages at the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar’s (May 31-June 2 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds).  Not only will Ford spotlight some of its newest products at the event, it’ll surround itself by some of the best pieces of work from its storied history of production.  Some of the new include the GT500 and 2.3L High Performance Package Mustang, Roush Stage 3 Mustang and Roush F-150 and guests might even see the latest production model Ford GT.  One thing is for sure, the GT will turn heads, as well as the like branded supercars that flank it.  One such car is only one of two of its type AND it’s being shown for the first-time EVER in the United States next to the #60 Matech Ford GT1 Race Car.

Carlisle Events is proud to announce that guests can see first-hand, the 2009 Matech Ford GT Prototype GT1 race car.  As noted above, this car has NEVER been on display in the United States at ANY car show and during Ford weekend, that WILL happen for the first-time.  This particular car is one of only two prototype Matech Ford GT1 race cars in the world and it was built by Matech Competition which was a Swiss racing team. 

It doesn’t just look sleek, it went fast, having competed in select races in the FIA GT Championship Series in 2009 as a Prototype GT1.  The Matech team saw success with this car in its races and it helped them better learn how to improve other competition cars, specifically in the aerodynamics department.

In 2010 when Matech launched the new GT1 race car they nailed the aero tweaks thanks to Ford’s factory support which allowed the team to test the new cars in their wind tunnel to concentrate on the most efficient and effective aerodynamics of their new cars.  The support from Ford really helped Matech dial in their GT1 effort in order to get the best vehicle possible for their Le Mans efforts.

The prototype making its U.S. car show debut at the Carlisle Ford Nationals will be joined by one of the aforementioned 2010-2012 competition cars.  The #60 was a front-runner at Le Mans throughout most of the race before being rear ended and disabled from the race.  Repaired and stateside since 2014, the 50,000+ showgoers at Carlisle will see these two cars, plus a handful more as part of a special Ford GT display.  In addition, the GT’s (not all of them) will put in some hot laps on the Gateway Classic Mustang Autocross course starting at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 1.

Ford weekend is an annual history-making event and with this new addition, it’s a must-do for anyone with a pulse.  Complete event information, including links to buy tickets or register for the National Parts Depot Showfield are available at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

All-new for its fifth generation, Toyota’s luxury sedan, the Avalon, has been at the top end of the line-up since its launch in the 1994-’95 model year, when it replaced the Cressida.

Assembled in Georgetown, Kentucky, as it has been for more than two decades, and conceived by Toyota’s U.S.-based design, engineering, and manufacturing entities at Calty Design Research Inc. in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Toyota Motor North America Research and Development in Saline, Michigan; Avalon received an all-encompassing makeover for 2019. Toyota’s flagship is built on Toyota's New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, constructed to improve handling, lower the vehicle’s center of gravity and decrease the levels of noise, vibration and harshness in the cabin.
 
Offered with either of two power systems -- a fuel-efficient 3.5-liter V-6 or Toyota Hybrid System (THS II) powertrain, the 2019 Toyota Avalon also presents such Toyota-firsts as standard Apple CarPlay and available Dynamic Auxiliary Turn Signals, available authentic Yamaha wood and aluminum cabin accents, and Engine Sound Enhancement. In addition, Toyota has installed standard passive and active safety benefits through Toyota Safety Sense P, and promises athletic handling from its available Adaptive Variable Suspension. Sadly, All-Wheel-Drive is not available.

Coming right at you, Avalon is, well, aggressive. Avalon exhibits a HUGE grille. Did I day huge? Yes, and you DO notice Avalon when you see it. Muscular, with a stretched cabin and almost fastback rear window, Avalon was re-designed longer, lower, and wider than before, for better aerodynamics and a lower (0.27) coefficient of drag. Bold character lines, a distinct, carved lower rocker panel behind the front wheels, a tapered C-pillar, tangential vents at the front, a rear spoiler, and the substantial underbody panel coverage from front nose to tail, make Avalon a sleek, luxurious attention-getter.

The new front-wheel drive mid-size now sits on a 113.0-inch wheelbase (2 inches longer) that serves as the platform for a length of 195.9 inches (a gain of 0.6), a width of 72.8 inches (wider by 0.6 inches) and a height of 56.5 inches (lower by a full inch). Avalon’s ground clearance is 5.3 inches (losing 0.2 inches) and curb weight is up about 50 lbs. at 3638 lbs. in Limited trim.

Avalon’s two new powertrains: a 301-horsepower, 267-lb.-ft. 3.5-liter V6 (2GR-FKS), and, a 215-net-horsepower 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder Toyota Hybrid System II with 650-volt electric motor (A25A-FXS) and Continuously-Variable Transmission, give buyers a choice between athleticism, and fuel-efficiency

While the new Hybrid (XLE HV) is EPA-rated at 44mpg, my test Limited V-6 engine was rated at 22/31/25. My tests averaged about the same as I did last year in a less-powerful engine, at 26.9mpg in mixed-use driving.

On the highway, Avalon was stable and confident, and passed vehicles easily, offering good power at speed. The Electric Power rack-and-pinion steering was predictable and compliant, and cabin comfort and quietness on the road were befitting of luxury status. Electrically assisted rack-and-pinion steering left some understeer, while the independent MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar and a multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar conveyed a luxurious ride.  

On the track, Avalon was more than a half-second quicker than last year, accelerating firmly to a zero-to-60mph sprint of 6.1 seconds during a quarter-mile run of 14.7. 

The Avalon cabin is a thing of beauty and comfort. Authentic materials, such as Yamaha-sourced wood-trim and authentic aluminum pieces, accent arm rests, center console, and instrument panels welcome driver and passengers; and soft-touch materials are noticeable throughout – around the flowing, low-profile center console; on the slim, tiered instrument panel leading into the doors; and in the rear compartment, where doors and console continue the detail and craftsmanship. 

With seating for five, Avalon did not address its slightly confined cabin. Front headroom is still only 38.5 inches without a mooroof and 37.4 with one, and 37.5 inches in row two (with moonroof). Legroom is accommodating at 42.1 inches up front and a comfortable 40.3 inches in the rear seats, and shoulder room is generous at 58.3 and 57.1. 

The 2019 Avalon is available in gas and hybrid models starting with XLE gasoline trim for $35,500 and XLE HV Hybrid for $36,500. My test vehicle was the gasoline-powered Limited Trim – third of four models available – starting at $41,800. The Limited trim has the 301-hp engine, 18-inch Super Chrome Alloy wheels; LED headlights with Smoked Chrome Bezels; Genuine wood interior trim; Premium perforated leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats; smart key and remote keyless entry; integrated backup camera with dynamic gridlines; Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control with air filter and rear-seat vents; a power tilt/slide moonroof; heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel with memory function and hands-free audio controls; Hill Start Assist Control; a 9-inch touchscreen; 14-speaker JBL audio system with navigation; Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging, and more.

The Advanced Safety Package added $1545,and included a Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan, Intelligent Clearance Sonar, Rear Cross-Traffic Braking and 50-State Emissions compliance, and also coated my vehicle in Ruby Red exterior paint, matched to a gray leather interior. With the delivery processing and handling fee of $930 the sticker-as-tested for my 2019 Toyota Avalon Limited came to $44,325.

> 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. </I>