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>

The Honda CR-V debuted in 1995 as a small crossover that took its alphabetical name from the manufacturer’s marketing campaign labeling it a “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle,” or CR-V. The small SUV dual-purposed as an urban daily driver and an off-road or soft-road vehicle, that was part van, part passenger car, part activity roader. Since then, CR-V has evolved into an elegant and sporty crossover imbued with state-of-the-art tech and entertainment, while upgrading with increased power and better fuel economy.

With a freshening on tap for 2020, only minimal changes were made for this year. A new exterior paint has been added – White Pearl – and Honda pretty much stays the course otherwise. 

But staying the course has made it a media favorite and an award-winner, as automotive experts have heaped praise on CR-V. For example, the 2019 CR-V earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest pedestrian detection and crash prevention rating of “Superior” based on new testing of CR-V’s available Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, which includes the award-winning Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™). Additionally, the experts at Edmunds named the 2019 CR-V as “Best SUV” in their inaugural “2019 Editors' Choice Awards”. Also, for the third straight year, CR-V has won U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Cars for the Money” Award. And the 2019 Honda CR-V beat out all other tested compact SUVs in Motor Trend's car comparison test “The New Normal”. Furthermore, CR-V was named an overall winner in AutoWeb's Buyer's Choice Awards, taking home “Best Utility Vehicle of the Year” honors.

Fully redesigned in 2017, CR-V rolls on with its assertive design cues, refined demeanor and energetic character in a sporty package, with a footprint that measures 180.6 inches in length, 66.5 inches in height and 73.0 inches in width on a 104.7-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 7.8 inches for the 2WD and 8.2 for the AWD. Curbweight comes in at 3473 lbs. for the EX trim I tested.

The 2019 CR-V in EX and higher trims are powered by CR-V's turbocharged 1.5-liter DOHC, Direct-Injected in-line 4-cylinder engine with Single-Scroll MHI (Mitsubishi Heavy Industry)TD03 Turbo and Internal Wastegate. The CR-V LX trim is powered by a 2.4-liter DOHC direct-injected i-VTEC engine with Variable Timing Control. Both engines are coupled with an efficient and smooth continuously variable transmission with Honda G-Shift control logic. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 184 hp and 180 lbs.-ft. of torque, and the 1.5-liter turbo is rated at 190hp and 179 lbs.-ft. of torque. In AWD, the 1.5 is EPA rated at 25mpg/city, 31mpg/highway and 27mpg/combined mpg. My test week in a turbo AWD EX trim was mixed-use with in-town, highway and soft-road miles, for an average of  28.8 mpg, well within the EPA rating range of 27/city, 33/highway and 29/combined.

Acceleration was predictable and sufficient in all ranges on the highway; and on the track, my CR-V was deliberate, but steady, with a zero-to-60mph sprint finished off in 7.7 seconds, during a 16.1-second quarter-mile (hand-timed). Handling was niche-solid and the riding experience was family-oriented – smooth and stable, with less road feel than in a driver’s vehicle. The MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear, both with stabilizer bars, smoothed out rough surfaces. Steering was road responsive, but not auto-cross efficient, with some perceptible understeer.

Inside, the 2019 CR-V continues unchanged, as the cabin remains sophisticated, quiet, comfortable and intuitively laid out. High-tech instruments, infotainment and premium features permeate the compartment. Interior accommodations come in a bit low at 38.0 inches of front headroom and 39.1 in row two; legroom is 41.3 inches in front and 40.4 inches for the second row; and shoulder room measures 57.9 and 55.6 inches. 

Honda incorporates premium active safety, passive safety and driver-assistive features in the CR-V, including Honda Sensing™ technology, offered as standard equipment on EX and higher trims. Utilizing Honda's innovative Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ body structure, the 2019 CR-V has been rewarded with the highest available collision safety ratings, including a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the IIHS, including a SUPERIOR rating for frontal crash prevention when equipped with Honda Sensing™.

CR-V is offered in four trim packages in both AWD and 2WD. The Base LX starts at $24,350 (an increase of $200 over last year) and the EX trim I tested starts at $27,250 (up $300) for the 2WD -- and you gain the Turbo engine, Honda Sensing™, Smart Entry and a 7-inch display audio touchscreen. EX-L starts at $29,750 (a gain of $300) adding leather inside, a power liftgate, power seats and auto-rearview mirror. The top-of-the-line Touring trim starts at $32,750 (an increase of $355) in 2WD and picks up a hand-free access power tailgate, full LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers and satellite-linked navigation. My EX in AWD (for $1400 more – same increase as last year) based at $28,650. With an Obsidian Blue Pearl exterior and a Gray Cloth interior, my CR-V EX added Body side molding for $225, Door Edge Guards for $99, Door Visors for $184, and back-up sensors for $528. With destination and handling charges of $1045, my sticker-as-tested was $30,731.

> 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>

In 1977 Carlisle Events first offered Spring Carlisle to its throngs of fans.  All these years later, the annual spring fling is still just as important to the guests who call the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds home each April.  For 2019, Spring Carlisle ran April 24-28 and welcomed over 100,000 guests, all with a common goal; car stuff and camaraderie.  People came from around the world to buy, sell and trade, while also catching up with old friends, and also making new ones.  It was five days of automotive bliss!

Coming out of Easter weekend, the facility was already full of life early on Monday of event week.  With a few days of load-in completed, Wednesday ushered in the first day of the show under sunny skies and perfect spring weather.  Spaces were packed with vendors, while aisles were crowded with shoppers.  From the northern part of the car corral to the western part of the automotive flea market, the fairgrounds were bustling.    

As the event transitioned from Wednesday to Thursday, the event sped forward at a breakneck pace.  The automotive appetites of everyone who made the annual pilgrimage to Spring Carlisle also were satisfied.  Pieces and parts were moving so fast that the most frequent call on staff radios was for the parts haulers, designed to help customers get a purchase from point A to point B.  Within the car corral, the automotive history was evident too.  Rides for sale by owner spanned from early 1900 models to modern day, meaning that over 100 years of history was available at Carlisle.

Friday gave guests yet another reason to make their way around the grounds, albeit while dodging a few rain drops.  With mother nature working against showgoers, those who were on hand made the best of their time, helping lighten the return load of vendors who also were weathering the storm.  Another bright spot of the day were a pair of cars on the stage.  One car, a 1967 Camaro, showcased THE definition of a barn find (because it was), while the other was a sharp looking Bandit Trans Am, on display via a local enthusiast to help promote the June 22 Bandit Jump happening as part of the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals.

Saturday and Sunday saw Spring Carlisle wind down and close out.  The rain of Friday moved on, yielding a breezy, cool day for Saturday, while Sunday carried all the sun and fun that everyone would have hoped for all five days.     

In addition to a great event on the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, the Carlisle Auctions team staged yet another amazing collector car auction.  Spanning Thursday and Friday (April 25-26), the event saw 500+ consignments cross the block, tallying $5 million in sales with a 60% sell through rate.

Up next for Carlisle Events, its Import & Performance Nationals event which runs May 17-19, while Carlisle Auctions returns on June 22 for its second annual Summer Sale.  Complete details on the Carlisle Events show can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com, while auction details can be found at www.CarlisleAuctions.com.