For 100 years, Chevrolet has been “truckin’. Chevrolet entered the truck market in 1918, with the Model 490 on sale to the masses after using them internally for a couple of years. Considered a light delivery vehicle with a half-ton rating, the 1918 Series 490 was sold as a chassis only, meaning the truck cab and body had to be installed by the customer.

Silverado began as a trim level for Chevrolet C/K pick-ups and Suburbans from 1975 through 1999, and its sister platform, the GMC Sierra also began as a trim level. They became their own lines beginning with the 1999 model year.

Chevrolet’s Silverado family of trucks is perennially, the No.2-selling vehicle line in the United States and it continues its legacy as a tough work truck with luxury upgrades and environmentally conscious enhancements. Chevrolet calls Silverado: “Strong, capable and built to stand the test of time.” Their marketing mantra is: “When you need to get things done, you want a Silverado — the most dependable, longest-lasting full-size pickups on the road.” With that in mind, changes are subtle for 2018. Silverado is still in its third generation that began with the redesigned 2014 model, and for 2018, per government mandate, all models now carry a rear-vision camera, and the tire-pressure monitor has an audible alert to indicate when the air pressure is filled to the recommended level. The eAssist package is now offered on LT and LTZ trims; two exterior colors have been added – Cajun Red Metallic and Havana Metallic; and several trim-specific upgrades have been added. Also, a commemorative Centennial Edition is available this year with iconic badging and exclusive Centennial Blue paint.

My test Silverado 1500 LTZ with a Crew Cab fits full-size parameters. With a short 5-foot-8-inch box, Silverado measures 230 inches long (the 6-foot-6-inch box adds 9.6 inches and the 8-foot box is not available with the Crew Cab), 80 inches wide and 73.8 inches high (for the 4x4) on a 143.5-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 8.9 inches and step-in height measures 22.2 inches, while the Silverado LTZ’s base curb weight comes in at 5300 lbs. with the 5.3-liter engine and 4x4 configuration.

Inside, Silverado’s well-appointed interior is roomy, quiet and functional, with a sturdy cab structure. Its Crew Cab is spacious, providing 42.8 inches of front headroom, with 40.5 in the rear. Legroom is considerable at 45.3 inches up front and 40.9 in the cab, while shoulder room measures 66.0 and 65.7 inches.

Silverado’s muscle comes in the form of three engine choices: a 4.3-liter V-6 rated at 285 hp and 305 lbs-ft of torque (297/330 on E85 fuel) and 17mpg/city and 22mpg/highway for AWD; a 5.3-liter V-8 delivers 355 hp and 383 lbs-ft of torque (380/416 on E85 fuel) and 16/22mpg for AWD; and the muscular 6.2-liter V-8 thunders out 420 hp and 460 lbs-ft of torque and is EPA rated at 15mpg/city and 20mpg/highway for AWD.

My Silverado LTZ with the 5.3 provided the anticipated muscle necessary to pass at speed and haul some heavy loads. Pick-up was niche-solid and I finished a zero-to-60mph sprint in 7.2 seconds during a 15.4-second quarter-mile that showed some sway at top speed. Fuel consumption averaged 18.8mpg in mixed-use driving.

My test Silverado LTZ was steady on uneven roads and softroad obstacles with its independent coil-over-shock front suspension with monotube shocks coupled with a solid axle rear with semi-elliptic, variable-rate, two-stage multileaf springs and monotube shocks. The electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering was attentive and while higher-speed S-turns produced top-wobble and yaw, Silverado was poised and balanced during road and highway tests.

The 2018 Silverado 1500 is offered in Regular Cab with standard box and long box; Double Cab Standard Box and Crew Cab in short box and standard box, and are configured in 2WD and 4WD. Base prices run from $29,695 to 2WD and standard box starts at $29,080.to $37,595 including destination and handling ($1495). My test 2018 Silverado 1500 came with a Crew Cab and short box, and included the 5.3-liter V-8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, for $36,195. Eight trim packages are offered that can add from $3,000 to $20,000. My LTZ trim package – sixth on the list – came with 4WD moved the sticker to $49,295, with the inclusions mentioned earlier. Red Hot exterior paint was standard, as was the Jet Black leather-appointed seat trim. Fourteen packages are available, and my test truck upgraded with The Enhanced Driver Alert package (with Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Alert, Safety Alert Seat, Front and Rear Park Assist, Intellibeam headlamps, Jet Black, Perforated leather-appointed seat trim and front, leather-appointed bucket seats) for $1710; and the LTZ Plus Package added $1295 for power adjustable pedals, Bose® premium audio system, remote start and heated steering. The Interior Convenience package (Interior driver assist handle, console insert organizer tray and underseat storage) added $370; a power sunroof added $995; spray-on bedliner was $495; MyLink® Audio System with 8-inch Diagonal Color Touch with Navigation added $495 and remote start was $275. The sticker-as-tested was $54,655, but local incentives dropped it to $53,655, so check your local dealer for the best programs.

And for truck fans, don’t miss the 2018 Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals this weekend, at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds, as there will be a Special Display honoring 100 years of Chevrolet trucks. This historic milestone will be celebrated with an indoor display in Building T to feature the “Bowtie” brand truck heritage, showcasing tough and pampering, work and family trucks, from historic and early versions to current models.

> 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.

Carlisle Auctions kicked off summer just a few days early with its first-ever Summer Sale. On Saturday, June 16, Carlisle Auctions held its third auction of the year and first standalone event at the Carlisle Expo Center. The decision to do so was a success with 200+ consignments spanning automotive history, a new product showcase via a trio of local dealerships, food trucks and more! It all took place under sunny skies and showcased the best of the best within the collector car world.

As part of the multi-hour affair, hundreds of bidders came out to the Expo Center ready to bid/buy with even more looking on as spectators eager to simply enjoy the day. With over 200 available consignments, the turnout of the first ever Summer Sale was impeccable, and Carlisle Auctions is looking forward to more events in the future.
Carlisle Auctions is more than happy with the outcome and as such, is pleased to share the top three selling cars as well as overall auction results. The top three amassed $251,610 and were led by a gem of a ’57 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible.

1) 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible - $120,000
2) 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo - $72,760
3) 1968 Chevelle SS - $58,850

Aside from those three vehicles, there are still more for sale. If you are interested, contact www.CarlisleAuctions.com for more information on the “Still for Sale” rides, including the following:

• 1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Fiesta
• 1966 Shelby GT350H
• 1967 Chevrolet Corvette
• 1970 Buick Grand Sport
• 1977 Porsche 911S
• 2006 Ford GT

Ultimately, Carlisle Auctions continues to set the bar high and backed by its FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee, plans to offer another stellar event this fall. The Fall Carlisle auction will run from October 4 to October 6 at the Carlisle Expo Center. It is expected to spotlight over 500 vehicles that can be bid on. More details about Fall Carlisle and more auctions in the future can be found at www.CarlisleAuctions.com.

The Mopar Hall of Fame has become an annual part of the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals and it's never too late to consider attending, either the ceremonies, the Chrysler Nationals OR BOTH! The Hall of Fame is literally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend an evening with the legends of the hobby, mingling with them and hearing their stories directly from the source. In addition to the current inductees, former Hall of Famers return each year as well as other Mopar VIPs. Don’t read about it or hear it from someone else, live it!


This year's Hall of Fame inductions take place once again at the Radisson Hotel in nearby Camp Hill, Pennsylvania on Saturday night of the event weekend. Tickets are available now and cost $99 per person or $150 per couple. Groups of 8 can save even more with a $550 ticket for an unforgettable night of honor and nostalgia.


The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and once checked in, you’re immediately immersed in mix and mingle atmosphere unlike any other. An amazing dinner comes your way next around 7:30 p.m. with the ceremony itself starting at 8:30 p.m.


The list of inductees for 2018 has been announced and their names are listed below. Get involved and be part of Mopar History on Saturday night, July 14.


Class of 2018

Steven Juliano - Lifetime Achievement

Plymouth Rapid Transit System Caravan – Bob Laravee & Bill Moeller

Ernie Derr – Stock Car Driver

Scott Harvey – SCCA Racer

Randy Graves – SCCA Racer

Summers Brothers Racing Team – Bob Summers & Bill Summers

Tom Tiganelli – Chrysler Race Group Engineer

Bob McDaniels – Chrysler Racer and Product Planning

1968 Hemi Super Stock Package Cars


The Hall of Fame ceremonies are just one of many amazing aspects of the weekend which is enjoyed by tens of thousands of guests from over three dozen states, Washington D.C. and Canada. Experience the cars, the people and the excitement starting July 13 with the 2018 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals.

Camaro has been an American muscle car legend since it hit the streets for the 1967 model year. Designed to compete in the “Pony Car” wars, it went on sale on September 29, 1966, and was manufactured in four generations until production ended in 2002. The nameplate was revived on a concept car that evolved into the Fifth-Gen Camaro in 2009.

After a 2017 re-design, Camaro, now in its sixth generation, remains essentially the same for 2018, but the ZL1 trim gains a $7500 1LE package with better aerodynamics, wider tires that are track-worthy, extra powertrain cooling, and some other street-legal racing tweaks.

Available in six versions in coupe or convertible configurations, I tested the ZL1 Camaro Coupe this year, after going with the 2SS trim last year. Now, the 2SS is outfitted with a 6.2-liter 455-hp engine, but in this era of “more power”, my ZL1 lived up to Camaro’s legacy of muscle and performance with power coming from a 650-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. This stampede of horses makes it the hottest and fastest Camaro ever, and a full-second faster in the sprint than my 2SS ride last year.

Traditional Camaro styling lives on with muscular and sporty architecture, sculpted creases, a proud undergrille and a low and wide stance that hugs the road and turns heads. My ZL1’s exterior was enhanced by a front fascia with larger cooling ducts, wide front fenders, specific rocker moldings and rear diffuser; a distinct hood with carbon-fiber air extractor; a Stanchion rear spoiler; a Chevrolet flowtie front emblem and a Black Chevrolet bowtie in rear.

The ZL1 Camaro is powerful and confident, measuring 188.3 inches in length, 74.7 inches in width and 52.4 inches in height, on a 110.7-inch wheelbase. My test Coupe weighed in at 3820 lbs. in curb weight.

The most powerful Camaro ever, ZL1’s standard 6.2-liter LT4 direct-injected V-8 engine is responsive and super-powered. While my 2SS and its 455 horses finished off a zero-to-60mph sprint last year in 4.5 seconds during a 12.8-second quarter-mile, my 2018 Camaro ZL1 and it 650 horses/650 lb-ft of torque blazed the dash in 3.4 seconds (hand-timed), and finished off a quarter-mile in 11.4 seconds. .

Camaro’s structure and balance was race-car precise, firm and attentive. Its ZF rack-mounted electric, power-assisted and variable ratio rack-and-pinion steering was auto-cross responsive, and the MacPherson-type front and rear struts with dual lower ball joints, twin-tube struts and direct-acting stabilizer bar provided a driver’s feel while smoothing out road irregularities for passengers.

EPA rated at 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway, I got as much rubber as I could and mashed the pedal often during my weeklong test, to average 18.0 mpg.

Inside, my ZL1 Coupe was packed with infotainment, keyless access with push-button start, cruise control, power trunk release, manual rake and telescopic steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose premium audio system, heated/ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel, Black interior with Red accent stitching and suede inserts, suede-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel and shift knob,
Red seat belts, and tech, tech and more tech.

Interior space was leg-roomy and head-tight, with 38.5 inches of front headroom and legroom of 43.9 inches. Rear accommodations are a tight 33.5 inches of headroom with only 29.9 inches of child-worthy legroom. Shoulder room is accommodating at 55 inches.

Standard safety items include a rear vision camera, dual-stage frontal, thorax side-impact and knee airbags, driver and front passenger, and a head curtain side-impact set up as well as GM’s Passenger Sensing System.

Available in six trims in both Coupe and Convertible configuration, the 2018 Camaro base prices in Coupe form are: LS/LT -- $26,700; 1LT -- $27,695; 2LT -- $31,495; 1SS -- $37,995; 2SS -- $42,995 and ZL1 -- $62,495.

My ZL1 Coupe in Red Hot (I have loved Red Camaros since I owned a Red 1967 Camaro back in the day) with a Jet Black interior and Red accents, tweaked up with an overly expensive, but very cool $7500 ZL1® 1LE Track Performance Package upgrade that included: Black hood wrap; unique front splitter; front dive planes; exposed carbon fiber weave hood insert; exposed weave carbon fiber rear spoiler; low-gloss black outside rearview mirrors; dark tail lamps; 19-inch low-gloss Black-painted forged aluminum wheels with Goodyear® Eagle®F1 SuperCar 3R 305/30R19 front and 325/30R19 rear, summer-only tires; Red calipers with 1LE logo; performance suspension with DSSV™ dampers, adjustable camber plates, rear stabilizer bars (3 positions) and front spring seats. This option came with my test set-up, but if I were ordering, I’d save the $7500. Transmission-wise, I prefer the 6-speed manual transmission that was in my test ride, but you could go for the 10-speed paddle-shift automatic for $1595. Chevrolet MyLink® with an 8-inch diagonal Color Touch Screen and Navigation added $495; Premium carpeted floor mats with ZL1-specific logo added $160; a really sweet carbon-fiber instrument panel added $500 and a cargo net for the trunk added $65. With Destination and Freight charges of $995, and a Gas Guzzler Tax of $1300, my 2018 Camaro ZL1 Coupe/1LE was priced-as-tested at $72,515.



FYI, Camaro fans can see 51 years of Camaro at the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals at Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds, June 22-24. Home to a diverse group of General Motors vehicles, from vintage muscle to the modern 6th Generation Camaro, this event was formerly known as the GM Nationals. While focusing on 107 years of the Chevy brand (and 100 years of Chevrolet trucks), the weekend isn’t limited to “Bow-Tie” branded cars and trucks. The Chevrolet Nationals also includes any and all makes and models produced by General Motors. But for Camaro enthusiasts, be sure to check out the 2018 Camaro ZL1.


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.

Mazda’s CX-9 has been an award-winning head-turner since it debuted in 2006, as curved and sculpted midsize three-row crossover that distanced itself from the typical box-on-wheels SUVs it competed against. Now, three years into its second generation, CX-9 is still carlike in its handling and it continues to collect a long list accolades as Mazda’s flagship sports-ute.

CX-9 has been lauded as a Car and Driver “10 Best” winner in its trucks and SUVs competition; “North American Utility of the Year” finalist; “World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year” finalist and WardsAuto “10 Best Interiors” and “10 Best Engines” awards recipient. CX-9 also won Strategic Vision’s “Total Quality Impact” award, and for 2018, Mazda CX-9, continues to impress in safety, earning the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest recognition of “Top Safety Pick+” when equipped with Smart Brake Support and Adaptive Front-lighting System.

Essentially unchanged for the 2018 model year, CX-9 adds exterior items -- Auto On/Off Headlights and Rain Sensing Wipers have been added to the Touring trim and Windshield Wiper De-icer is on the GT/Signature trim. Several interior tweaks have been added to the GT/Signature trim including a Heated Steering Wheel, 2nd row seat heater; and the Active Driving Display adds Traffic Sign Recognition; and the front driver's seat adds a tilt function, seat lifter and power lumbar. Safetywise, Blind spot monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are added to the Sport trim; Rain-sensing windshield wipers, High Beam Control, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Mazda Radar Cruise Control - MRCC are now on the Touring trim, Front Parking Sensor is on GT/Signature and the full i-ACTIVSENSE safety technology suite is standard on CX-9 Touring and above. Additionally, G-Vectoring Control vehicle dynamics enhancements and Smart City Brake Support automatic emergency braking are now on all trims.

From a design perspective, CX-9’s execution of the Mazda KODO -- Soul of Motion design lives through its proportion -- a long hood, swept greenhouse, large wheels and short overhangs that convey stability and a contained sense of potential energy. Fitting nicely into midsize, three-row crossover SUV parameters, CX-9 measures 199.4 inches long, 77.2 inches wide and 67.6 inches high, with a 40.5-inch front overhang and 115.3-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 8.8 inches and curb-to-curb turning circle radius is 19.4 feet. My test CX-9 Signature was in AWD configuration and came in with a curbweight of 4308 pounds.

CX-9’s powertrain is the same as last year, its 2.5-liter inline-4 turbo that delivers 227hp on regular (87-octane) unleaded fuel and 250hp with Premium (93-octane) gas. Torque is 310 lbs.-ft., and the EPA estimate is 20mpg/city, 26mpg/highway in AWD configuration (FWD is rated at 22/28). A week of mixed-use driving averaged 23.1mpg.

As a driver’s vehicle, CX-9 is smooth and attentive. Road irregularities are smoothed out well by an independent front MacPherson strut suspension with stabilizer bar and an independent multi-link rear with stabilizer bar. The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering with engine-speed-sensing variable assist was responsive a relatively true, even in auto-cross tests, though acceptable understeer was the norm and quick S-Curve moves showed the expected top wobble. Acceleration was predictable and solid in all ranges. My CX-9 had solid pick-up for passing at speed and for conquering long uphill grades. On the track, a zero-to-60mph dash took 7.7 seconds, and a steady 16.1-second quarter-mile was a smooth journey.

The CX-9 cabin is comfortable, but confining for drivers and passengers over 6-feet tall. Front headroom is 39.3 inches up front without a moonroof, 38.5 in row two and a child-friendly 35.4 inches in row three. Legroom is comfortable at 41.0 in front with 39.4 in row two and a cramped 29.7 in row three, and shoulder room measures 57.9, 58.1 and 53.1.

The cabin is packed with high-tech and comfort amenities. My test Signature was loaded with such items as Nappa leather-trimmed seats, Auburn-colored interior accents, leather wrapped steering wheel with unique stitching, genuine Rosewood interior trim, power sliding-glass moonroof with sunshade, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated front seats, windshield-projected Active Driving Display, 12-speaker Bose® Centerpoint® 2.0 Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®, SiriusXM Satellite radio, Mazda Navigation System and much more.

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 starts at $32,130 for a front-wheel drive in the Sport trim – AWD starts at $34,925. Touring trim starts at $34,960 in FWD and 36,760 for AWD; the Grand Touring trim starts at $40,470 (FWD) and $42,270 (AWD) and the top-of-the-model-line Signature starts at $44,315 for AWD – all trims see price increases in 2018 except for the Signature.

My test ride, a CX-9 Signature in Snowflake White Pearl Mica (an extra $200), with an Auburn Nappa Leather interior, offered no available major packages as this trim is loaded as is. A Rear Seat Entertainment System added $1995 for dual 8-inch headrest-mounted LCD monitors and two sets of wireless headphones for occupants in the second row. Front and rear splash guards added $150; an Interior Lighting Kit added $350; and Mazda Mobile Start (Smartphone-controlled App) added $550. With a destination fee of $995, my 2017 Mazda CX-9 Signature stickered-as-tested at $48,355.

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.