Fully redesigned for 2019, the Volvo S60 uptweaks its styling, adds a hybrid and more powerful engine choices, includes a long list of standard and available safety equipment, and connects with Sensus – Volvo’s connectivity and infotainment system that uses an intuitive touch screen interface that combines car functions, navigation, connected services and in-car entertainment applications such as Spotify, Pandora, Baidu or TuneIn. 

Now in its third generation, S60 is a mid-size luxury sedan that Volvo introduced in 2000 for the 2001 model year. Built at Volvo’s first American manufacturing plant, a facility outside Charleston, South Carolina, the company’s president and chief executive, Håkan Samuelsson, promoted the sedan saying, “The new S60 is one of the most exciting Volvo cars we’ve ever made. It is a true driver’s car that gives us a strong position in the US and China sedan markets.”

Borrowing design cues, power setups and amenities from its larger S90 sibling, S60 is built on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture modular platform that also underpins the S90. I tested the base S60 trim called Momentum, and I found that the 4-door mid-size focuses on the signature face of Volvo’s design language that includes elegant Euro lines, classic Volvo styling cues, sculpted hood creases, iconic “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlight design, a dignified honeycomb hexagonal grille, lower and bolder stance than before, long front end, curved and lower-looking roofline, angular shoulders and artistic tailllamp graphics. Aesthetically, S60 uses its grille and lower skid plate, sculpted hood creases, contoured lower shoulders and curved inset rear to create a sensually pleasing demeanor.

The elegant exterior combines lavishness with aggressiveness at 56.3 inches high (4.3 inches lower than the previous generation), 72.8 inches wide and 187.4 inches long (a gain of 5 inches) on a four-inch longer wheelbase (113.1 inches). Ground clearance is only 5.8 inches and curbweight for my test Momentum trim was 3913 lbs. 

Inside, the quiet cabin plays off the clean, minimal Scandinavian influence that also fills Volvo’s 90 Series. Volvo’s orthopedic-designed seats really are comfortable and supporting, and they are heated, power-adjustable and Nappa leather-trimmed. An 8.0-inch instrument cluster display, 9.0-inch multimedia touch screen, Smartphone integration, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity add to the versatility of the interior.

The S60 cabin is pampering and accommodating, though over-6-footers may feel a bit confined with 37.9 inches of front headroom with a sunroof, and 37.5 inches in the rear. Legroom is 42.3 inches up front and only 35.2 inches in row two, and shoulder room is a comfortable 56.1 and 54.5.

In keeping with Volvo's reputation for safety, the new S60 comes with a complete suite of advanced safety features. You can also add Volvo's Pilot Assist semi-automated drive system for an extra layer of protection. And Volvo’s City Safety technology, standard on all Volvo models, combines automatic braking functionality and collision avoidance systems to cover a range of potential accident scenarios and help keep you safe. City Safety is the only system on the market that detects pedestrians, cyclists and large animals such as moose and deer.

The S60 offers four gasoline powertrains and is the first Volvo car to be sold without a diesel. Options include a T5 4-cylinder turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (250 hp/258 lb-ft) and theT6 AWD in-line 4 2.0-liter, supercharged and turbocharged engine (316 hp/295 lb-ft) that powered my test ride. There are also a T8 Twin Engine AWD in-line 4 2.0 supercharged and turbocharged engine (313 hp/295 lb-ft) and the T8 Polestar 2.0 supercharged and turbocharged plant (328 hp and 317 lb-ft). With quick and supple acceleration, my T6 powered up for a 5.9-second zero-to-60mph dash during a 14.4-second quarter-mile run. My week of mixed-use driving averaged 29.1 mpg, and I found the ride, quiet, controlled, but a bit rough over road imperfections. Handling responsively, the S60 steers predictably and handles curves in auto-cross fashion.

The 2019 Volvo S60 starts at $35,800 for the Momentum trim with the 250-hp T5 engine and 18-inch Momentum Alloy wheels. The R-Design trim starts at $42,545 and the Inscription level is $42,900. I tested the Momentum and upgraded to the T6 AWD and 316hp, to start the build at $40,300. Fusion Red Metallic exterior paint added $645 and was mated to a Charcoal (Black) Leatherette interior. A rear diffuser with split end pipes added $595. Inside, the cabin added the Premium Package ($2050) for automatically dimmed exterior mirrors, Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Alert with auto brake, compass in rear view mirror, HomeLink™, keyless entry with illuminated door handles and hands-free trunklid, retractable side view mirrors, and
front and rear Park Assist. The Multimedia Package added a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a Harmon Kardon Premium Sound system and Sensus Navigation Pro, for $2500. The Advanced Package added Active Bending Lights (as you steer, the headlights turn to illuminate the curve ahead), Graphical Head-up Display, Headlight High Pressure Cleaning, LED Front Fog Lights with Cornering Function, Pilot Assist - Driver Assistance System with Adaptive Cruise Control and Visual Park Assist + 360° Camera, for $2500, and the heated rear seats and heated steering package added $750. Rear mudflaps added $85 destination fees added $995, for a sticker-as-tested of $50,420.
 
<I> 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 Infiniti Q60 is a 2-door sport luxury 4-seater coupe, not to be confused with the cross-over QX60. The Q60 is the successor to the Infiniti G Coupe and convertible, and began as a rebadged “G” for the 2013 model year. Unlike other alpha-numeric nomenclature in which the number is directly related to engine size (e.g. the old G37 stood for a 3.7-liter engine), the “Q” stands for sedan-class and the “60” is for the proposed relative ranking in the “Q” universe, where the entry-level Q is the Q50, the sporty convertible is called the Q60, the luxury Q is the Q70 and the cross-over is the QX with its own number placements.

For 2019, the third year of its second generation, Infiniti has eliminated its old 2.0-liter turbo engine and has replaced it with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo setup, available in two power ranges. This year’s Q60 is offered in three grade levels – PURE, LUXE and RED SPORT 400 – the RED SPORT 400 gets its name from the traditional power production – a 400hp engine, as opposed to 300 horses for the other trims. And a few cosmetic packages have been renamed, while several previous options are now standard on the various trims, including standard automatic emergency braking on the uplevel offerings.

Building on Infiniti's luxury-sports sedan design, performance and technology, the Q60 delivers an in-motion appearance with its aggressive stance, low and wide proportions and muscular lines. Its low center of gravity enhances driving dynamics, and is augmented by trapezoidal, honey-comb grille and crescent-shaped C-pillars that arc forward. Signature LED headlights, employ light guide technology to spread light evenly on the road ahead, and are designed to emulate the shape of the human eyelid, providing an alluring face to the car. The deep grille is inset from the high-strength steel corrosion-resistant body and aluminum hood. The 2019 Q60 measures 184.4 inches long, 54.5 inches high and 72.8 inches long on a 112.2-inch wheelbase. 

The well-appointed interior is cramped up top and in the rear, and the backseats are difficult to access, but the cockpit is tailored to meet a driver’s needs. The layout includes natural contour ergonomic-design front seats for enhanced comfort, premium leatherette seating surfaces, available semi-aniline leather-appointed seating, 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with manual lumbar support (power available), 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, available power torso bolsters (driver's side), Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, touch unlock door function, available heated front seats and heated steering wheel, Fine Vision electroluminescent instrumentation, premium 13-speaker Bose® sound system, Infiniti InTuition™ – a customizable digital environment for storing and providing various driver settings and driving characteristics to Intelligent Key, and much more. But as mentioned, interior dimensions are a bit tight north and south and in the rear, with 37.9 inches of front headroom and 34.5 inches in row two; legroom is comfortable at 43.1 inches in row one, but a child-worthy 32.4 in the rear; and shoulder room measures 54.6 and 52.0.  

Available in rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, Q60 delivers power with its standard 3.0-liter longitudinal V-6 twin-turbo that provides 300-hp. 295-lb-ft of torque. The uptweaked Q60 Red Sport 400 model gets its numerics from a 400-hp, 350 lb-ft 3.0-liter V-6. The engines are teamed exclusively to a 7-speed automatic transmission, and the vehicle delivers when called upon. While inclement weather forced test track closures, my test LUXE trim should complete a zero-to-60mph dash in about 6 seconds, with a quarter-mile accomplished on about 14.5. Fuelwise, I averaged 22.8mpg during mixed-use tests.

Handling is quick-turn worthy and the power-assisted, vehicle-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering is predictable, while the independent double-wishbone front suspension with a stabilizer bar, works well with a multi-link independent rear with a stabilizer bar for good road-feel without a harsh ride.

From a safety perspective, Q60 is outfitted with six airbags, LATCH connectors for child safety seats, brake assist, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, advanced vehicle dynamic control and traction control, tire-pressure monitoring and an emergency inside trunk release. Optional safety features include backup-collision intervention, blind spot monitoring, predictive forward-collision warning, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot intervention, lane-departure warning and lane-departure intervention with active lane control and front-seat pre-crash seat belts.

The 2019 Infiniti Q60 is available in three trims in RWD and AWD configurations, with the AWD adding $2000 to the base. The 3.0t PURE starts at $40,750. The 3.0t LUXE that I tested, started at $44,900 and the 400hp RED SPORT starts at $54,900. My test LUXE added AWD for that $2000 increase, and upgraded with the Essential Package ($3200) for Navigation with voice guidance, voice recognition, Lane Guidance and 3D building graphics, heated front seats and steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering column, dual-occupant memory system for driver's seat, steering column, and outside mirrors, driver's seat power lumbar and side bolsters, auto-dimming outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature and remote engine start system. A carbon fiber rear decklid spoiler added $870; carbon fiber look rear bumper protector added $50; remote engine start added $328; trunk protector added $120; Infiniti WiFi added $495; and destination and handling fees added $995 for a sticker-as-tested $52,958.


> 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>

As the 19^th edition of the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals takes shape, one thing is for sure.  The weekend of June 21-22 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds will be unlike anything ever seen before at this annual summertime gathering.  If cars were stars, which to the thousands of guests at Carlisle they are, then this year’s event is star-studded to say the least.  From special displays to guests, activities and more, being a part of the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals is a MUST for any tried and true fan of the brand.

Gates open at 7 a.m. for this two-day event.  Once on grounds, showgoers will immediately be taken back to a time when Detroit and Chevrolet (as well as other products under the GM umbrella) were king.  From Pontiac to Buick, Cadillac to Oldsmobile, Camaro to GTO Judge, El Camino to Chevy Trucks and so much more, the National Parts Depot Showfield has it all!

While there are many great highlights to the event, THE highlight of the entire weekend happens on the back half of its final day.  At 1 p.m. on June 22, guests can enjoy the Bandit Jump.  This is the first event of its type ANYWHERE in 2019 and the first time it’s ever happened at Carlisle.  Join the Northeast Ohio Dukes as they honor the late great Burt Reynolds and Smokey and the Bandit with this jump on the south side of the grounds.  The jump is free for all on-site, but for prime viewing, a VIP ticket is required.  The VIP ticket pack is available now at www.carlisletickets.com. 

Other great celebration features in 2019 include a judged Showfield specific to Chevy and GMC trucks spanning the era of 1947 to 1987.  In addition, the Chevy Blazer gets a nod with a display spotlighting 50 years, while El Camino lovers honor 60 years of their beloved coupé utility.  Another 50^th showcase includes the GTO Judge while Carlisle Events as a company also invites enthusiasts to help honor the iconic Summer of ’69 with a 50-year focus of cars and trucks from that era.

50 and 60-year old honors aren’t all that will come out of Chevrolet weekend, as the Nova Nationals invade the fairgrounds, plus the Solid Lifter Showroom returns to Building Y.  A judged Showfield of nearly 1,000 cars plus a strong automotive flea market and midway help make this event one of the best of its type in the region.

Chevrolet weekend also plays host to a two-day dedicated Hurst Showcase.  This display, located under a tent, features dozens of top of the line Hurst branded cars.  There will also be Hurst engineers and others associated with the early years of Hurst.  In addition, Miss Hurst Golden Shifter, Linda Vaughn is scheduled to appear at the event for the first time in more than a decade.

But wait, there’s more!  In keeping with the theme of Chevrolet Nationals weekend being bigger and better, guests should also plan a stopover at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center for a full day of collector and classic car auction excitement.  Backed by Carlisle Auctions, the Summer Sale spans a good portion of Saturday and will host over 200+ consignments.  A free shuttle will transport guests between venues to best quench their automotive appetites too.

Judging, competitions like burnouts and autocross, awards, an awards parade, seminars and so much more.  Register today or by single day/weekend tickets at www.CarlisleEvents.com.  To learn more about the auction, visit www.CarlisleAuctions.com or call 717-960-6400.

The 1941 Willys Jeep was a military workhorse that has been called nostalgically, “the truck that won WWII.” Based on that concept, the Jeep Wrangler was born in 1986 as an evolution of the Jeep CJ-7. Wrangler was improved in 1996, updated again in 2006 and completely redesigned last year. 

Created to take its drivers and passengers on everyday adventures, the 2019 model adds to last year’s revamp with a new advanced safety group package that includes adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. The 2019 Wrangler also adds a new exterior color – Bikini, which is similar to Turquoise. Five trims are available this year, and for those looking for adventure, Wrangler is available in multiple off-road configurations with different axle ratios, differentials, and transfer cases among the trim levels. Looking ahead, it is believed that a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a diesel engine might be available in 2020, and a Wrangler pick-up is on the horizon.

Built in Toledo Supplier Park, Toledo, Ohio, the multipurpose vehicle is laid out with a longitudinal front engine, four-wheel drive set-up on a ladder-type frame with an open steel and aluminum body. That body is Jeep-look all the way, from its seven-slot keystone-shaped grille in the manner of legendary Jeep® CJ models, to its trapezoid wheel flares, removable doors, exposed hinges with the Torx tool-bit size stamped into it, a fold-down windshield and innovative removable tops that allow the Wrangler to retain the brand’s iconic appearance and function.

Wrangler’s 118.4-inch wheelbase (for the 4-door -- 96.8 inches for the 2-door model) accommodates 188.4 inches in length (for the 4-door -- 166.8 inches for the 2-door), 73.8 inches in width and 73.6 inches in height. My Rubicon trim had a ground clearance of 10.8 inches and a curb weight of 4455 lbs. (for the 4-door -- 4145 lbs for the 2-door).

Jeep Wrangler’s interior is intuitive and driver-friendly with nostalgic styling that offers more comfort than one would expect in a rugged off-road-worthy vehicle. Precision craftsmanship and high-quality materials are found throughout the cabin, and the heritage-inspired center stack features a clean, sculpted form that complements the horizontal dashboard design and sports a finish dictated by the model choice. The cabin is packed with infotainment and ergonomic controls as well as more than 75 available safety features.

Roomy inside for front row driver and passenger, and somewhat tighter for second row travelers, headroom was 42.6 inches up front with the soft top and 41.7 inches in the rear; legroom was 41.2 inches in row one and 38.3 in row two; and shoulder room was 55.7 inches in both rows.

In terms of power, Wrangler offers two engine choices: the 3.6-liter V-6 manual which is standard on all models, is rated at 285hp and 260 lbs.-ft of torque and 17mpg/city and 23mpg/highway; and the 2.0-liter I-4 turbo is an option for all models, with 8-speed automatic rated at 270hp and 295 lbs-ft. of torque and is EPA rated at 22/24 mpg. I tested the Wrangler Rubicon with the 3.6 automatic setup mated to an eight-speed overdrive transmission, and I averaged 23.3mpg on some long-distance, around-town and soft-road driving.

On road or off-road, Rubicon performs. The solid axle front suspension with link coil, leading arms, track bar, coil springs, stabilizer bar and electronic sway-bar disconnect system with high-pressure gas-charged monotube shock absorbers with MTV technology and hydraulic rebound stop, works well with a solid axle rear, link coil, trailing arms, track bar, coil springs and stabilizer bar with high-pressure gas-charged shocks, for a comfortable ride on the highway while attacking potholes, road ruts and off-road obstacles. Low-end torque prevails over hill climbs, mud, snow and trails, and acceleration is solid for highway passing and off-the line fun. The electro-hydraulic power steering is tight and attentive, and while not an auto-cross star, it is fine for in-town maneuvers and fun for tree and brush skirting.

Wrangler power is predictable and sufficient to pass at speed, conquer uphill grades and get off the line quickly. My track tests were fun exhibitions, culminating in an 8.7-second zero-to-60mph dash and a 16.7-second quarter-mile.

There are five available 2019 Jeep Wrangler models, starting with the $31,545 Unlimited Sport 4x4 and moving through the MOAB at $51,300. The Rubicon trim I tested in Firecracker Red, is fourth up on the scale and starts at $41,545. My ride came with the standard 3.6-liter V6 engine … if you upgrade to the 2.0-liter I-4 Turbo, it will cost you an extra $1000. However, we did step up from the 6-speed manual transmission to the 8-speed automatic, for $2000. The Jeep Active Safety group added $995 for Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection, Parke Sense® Rear Park Assist and LED Tail Lamps; the Cold Weather Group option adds $995 for heated front seats, heated steering wheel and remote start; the 8.4-Inch Radio and Premium Audio Group added $1595 for an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Alpine® Premium 9-speaker Audio System, GPS navigation, HD Radio® and auto-dimming rear view mirror; and Adaptive Cruise Control/Forward Collision Warning added $795. With Destination Charges of $1495, my 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon as tested stickered at $49,420.

> 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 2019 Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals run June 21-22 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and have many great features and guests slated to appear.  One such guest stands head and shoulders above all others due to her iconic affiliation with an equally iconic brand.  Linda Vaughn is coming to Carlisle to honor the Hurst brand as part of a very special Hurst Showcase.  This is Vaughn’s first appearance at the Chevrolet Nationals since 2008, making this a much anticipated return to this special event weekend.

In an automotive world dominated by men, Vaughn, also known as Miss Hurst Golden Shifter, burst onto the scene in the early ‘60s and perfectly blended Hollywood, sex appeal and women into the ranks of motorsports.  She is, without question, the First Lady of Motorsports and was the trophy girl at nearly every type of major motorsports competition, including Indy Car, Formula One and NASCAR.  She’s been crowned the queen of many different tracks, products and organizations, but her attachment to the Hurst brand in the ‘60s propelled the one-time dental assistant and local beauty to an international superstar.  She was so popular that she did USO type tours to Vietnam and even had similarly “built” assistants work as stand ins (Hurstettes) during the height of her popularity due to demand.

As part of her visit to Carlisle, Vaughn will meet fans, sign autographs, pose for photos and talk about her time in the automotive world as one of its preeminent beauty queens.  The Chevrolet Nationals is a can’t miss two-day happening and when combining that show with the long awaited return visit for Vaughn to Carlisle, there is no reason not to get involved. 

“When you think of the Hurst brand you almost instinctively think of Linda Vaughn.  They are almost inseparable,” said event manager Ken Appell.  “From an event planning perspective, getting Linda to the show was arguably as important as anything else and I’m glad we were able to make it happen.”

Again, autographs and photos are free and her appearance schedule will be announced closer to event weekend.  Rest assured, she will be in Carlisle throughout the weekend to meet everyone who wants to meet her.  Complete details about the Chevrolet Nationals, including the Bandit Jump, special displays additional Hurst guests, links to purchase single day or weekend tickets, specifics on Ms. Vaughn’s time at Carlisle and more can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.