After 54 years of Pony power and nearly 9.5 million vehicles sold, the Ford Mustang continues to be the premier Pony in 2018, with choices to personalize Mustang to their owner’s preference. Mustang underwent its last complete redesign in 2015, and it has tweaked-up for 2018 with a sleek new design, more advanced tech and improved performance enhancements.

Improvements for this year include such exterior augmentations as a redesigned grille, lower hood and hood vents; a grille splitter for improved aerodynamics and better handling and fuel economy; redesigned front fenders; upgraded chassis for improved ride and handling; 12 available wheel options; standard LED headlamps; redesigned tri-bar LED taillamps, LED turn signals and available fog lamps, redesigned rear Quad exhaust tips standard on Mustang GT and three new exterior colors -- Orange Fury, Royal Crimson and Kona Blue.

The cabin gets such step-ups as a pulsing start button; SYNC® Connect with FordPass™; a digital spinning wheel on the all-new available 22-inch all-digital instrument cluster; restyled seating surfaces with new patterns and color choices; available heated steering wheel with upgraded leather; new hand-stitched dashboard and center console with contrast stitching and padded knee bolsters.

Performance advancements include available Active Valve Performance Exhaust with four available modes, and Quiet Start®, which lets owners schedule hushed engine starts; available MagneRide® damping systems; available Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S high-performance tires for improved wet grip, dry grip, braking and handling; electronic line-lock that lets drag racers pre-heat their tire rubber for improved traction; five drive modes including normal, snow/wet, sport, track and new drag mode; and the two engine choices gallop with more force – the 5.0-liter V-8 improves to 460hp and 420 lb-ft and can be mated to an available 10-speed automatic transmission; and 2.3-liter Ecoboost® keeps its 310hp but improves torque to 350 lb-ft.

The Mustang Fastback GT model I tested gained a standard quad-tip exhaust, heated steering wheel and rearview camera. The athletic and muscular 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 has a curbweight of 3705 lbs., and V-8 Convertible weighs 3852 lbs.

The cabin is well thought-out and intuitive and this year’s revamp is packed with tech, infotainment and pampering. 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. And 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 is still a bit tight for taller drivers and passengers and cozy for average-size inhabitants at 37.6 inches (Fastback). 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 44.7 in the rear.

True to Mustang DNA, my test Mustang GT has stampeding power. The 435-hp V-8 was muscular and attentive. The manufacturer says that with the $3995 Performance Pack -- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, limited-slip differential, six-piston front calipers, enhanced chassis and additional front-end bracing, the Mustang GT could blaze to a manufacturer’s estimated sub-four second 0-60 time and 11.9-second quarter. My test ride was not equipped with that option, and I still dashed from zero to 60mph in 4.7 seconds during a 13.3-second quarter-mile. On the highway, you have ground-hugging stickiness, cornering confidence -- though the electric power steering system lagged a bit -- and quick and precise shifts from the 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Mustang GT is rated 16/25/19 (automatic transmission) and 15/25/18 (manual transmission), and I averaged 18.2mpg in mixed-use tests.

The 2018 Ford Mustang is available in Fastback and Convertible configurations. The Fastback is available in four trims: EcoBoost® Fastback ($25,680), EcoBoost® Premium Fastback ($30,695), GT Fastback ($35,190) and GT Premium Fastback ($39,190). The Convertible has three trims EcoBoost® Convertible ($31,180); EcoBoost® Premium Convertible ($36,195) and GT Premium Convertible ($44,690). The Shelby GT 350 version starts at $57,240.

My test GT Premium Fastback with the 5.0-liter engine, dual-exhaust tips, leather-trimmed heated and cooled front seats, SYNC®3, heated mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, and selectable drive modes with toggle switches, was bathed in cool Orange Fury paint for an extra $495. I prefer a stick (manual 6-speed for the Pony), but my ride came with a 10-Speed SelectShift® Automatic Transmission for $1,595.

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 $1495 for Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto High Beam, BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping System, Memory Driver Seat, Mirrors and Ambient Lighting, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support and Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers. Destination charges of $900 put the sticker-as-tested at $45,875 (and some incentives may be available, so check with your local dealer.)

To check out the new Mustang and a showcase of more than 3000 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, June 1-3. And if you like Mustangs, there is a 50-year anniversary of the Bullitt Mustang with the all-new Bullitt Mustang on display; a 50th anniversary Shelby Mustang GT500KR exhibit and a sea of Yellow Mustangs, Black Ponies and Red Mustangs, all lined up along multiple rows from Mustang registries. There will even be a Ford Parade and Street Party with some 400 vehicle on parade Saturday night, June 2, 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.

There was a time at the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals when there were two distinct groups of attendees and show cars. As the show has grown and automotive tastes have changed, that’s no longer the case. For 2018, the mid-May showcase brought together cars and car lovers of all types to showcase the hottest trends in the hobby, coolest styles, top vendors and show worthy gems representing the past, present and future of the collector car world.

From May 18-20, the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds came to life and it wasn’t just about the cars on display. While there were many, over 1,400 to be exact, fun was had in various forms. Sure, the show cars offered the rare and unique, but the competitions wowed guests too. New in 2018 was drift limbo and the rolling exhaust contest was expanded. These popular draws were complimented perfectly by drifting and autocross hosted by NICOClub/NICOFest as well as low car limbo, burnouts and beauty.

While the international automotive flavor outdoors was amazing, what was showcased indoors was nothing short of spectacular. Millions of dollars of Super Cars anchored the Building Y display, with millions more positioned in Building T. The Building T cars were super in another way. These cars were Concours caliber, including Jaguars and Aston Martins. One of the Jags was formerly owned by Hollywood legend Clark Cable. Needless to say, jaws were dropping left and right!

Seminars were a popular attraction too. Multiple offerings drew crowds, including the Legends of Design seminar which included panelists associated with the Jags and Astons on display. Other seminars included experts on restoration, windshield replacement and a unique one where a Citroen was disassembled and re-assembled, all while enthusiasts looked on.

Another family fun aspect of the event was the annual passport program. This popular feature took a turn this year too, with a collectible pint glass offered as the grand prize as well as additional prizes from local businesses and entertainment outlets. Finally, the swap meet and car corral was also a driving force and will return next year along with more great cars from around the world, seminars, guests and more. Save the date, because 2019’s show runs May 17-19.

Hooray for Hollywood; after all, that’s where the money is right? The actors and actresses of today and yesterday work hard, pull in big bucks and in turn, snag the toys we all wish we had. Big houses, swimming pools, fancy cars; they really do have it all. At the 2018 Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, a very powerful star car has been confirmed and it’ll blow you away, in fact, it’ll be Gone with the Wind!

Confirmed for the annual event, running May 18-20 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds is a Jaguar XK120 formerly owned by Hollywood legend, Clark Gable. This Jag, one of at least four owned by Gable, was one of his favorites. Gable, being the perfectionist he was, sent it to the late George Barris to be customized and refined to his liking. This is quite historic as it is one of George’s first cars that he customized under the Barris name.

Fast forward to 2018 and the car is now in the possession of television personality and famed car enthusiast Joseph Limongelli. Having just arrived state-side, the car was rush delivered from Europe so Limongelli could allow it to serve as the centerpiece of the Legends of Design Display – Jags and Astons.

Like many of the Jaguars and Astons planned for display, this ride had its start in England. It was debuted by William Lyons, legendary Jaguar boss, at the 1951 London Motor Show as a way to test reaction to his first new, post-war sports car. The “test car” was a smashing success to say the least, with demand through the roof for this ride that was showcased to media at over 130 m.p.h.

As cars of this ilk sometimes do, it disappeared for many years, before being found in Dallas, Texas with its pieces and parts strewn across multiple boxes and bins. It took some time, but it was restored to its look during Gable’s ownership. It has a pristine interior and retains many of the Barris touches and best of all, it’ll be available for all to see at the 2018 Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals.

Complete event details, including specifics on this very special display are available now at www.CarlisleEvents.com. In addition, by calling 717-243-7855 or going online, enthusiasts can pick up single day or weekend passes, register for the event or gain general event information heading into the very popular May event!

As the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals continue to grow, so does the involvement of Team Chevrolet as part of the annual June event. This year’s show runs June 22-24 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and showcases some of the best rides ever produced by Chevrolet, GM, Buick, Pontiac, etc. The grounds are laced with past and present classics and now, Team Chevrolet has announced the future classics they’ll be bringing to the show.

Team Chevrolet will be located on the midway in an all-new, BIGGER footprint with a cool display all three days of event weekend. This display includes the all-new Hot Wheels Camaro. In fact, BOTH versions are scheduled, the coupe and convertible.

In addition, guests will see the following:

• 2019 Red Turbo 1LE Camaro Coupe
• 2018 Hyper Blue Metallic 2SS Camaro
• 2019 Oconus SS Camaro Coupe
• 2019 Satin Steele 2LT Camaro Convertible
• 2019 Camaro ZL1 / 1LE

Don't miss the latest cars and concepts from Chevrolet, chat with the experts and so much more. Have a question or comment on your Chevrolet product? Engineers direct from Chevrolet will be present at their tent for questions from you, the enthusiast! Want to hear more on the latest products from them? Chevrolet will be conducting new vehicle walk-arounds too. Walk-arounds are scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. and Saturday just before the burnout contest.

It all happens at Carlisle and this is your chance to see what's new from your favorite brand. Be part of the show by registering online at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by buying single day or weekend tickets. However you choose to attend, don’t miss out!

An all-new compact-luxury crossover with the iconic Jaguar body shape, the 2018 Jaguar E-Pace packs the design and performance of a Jaguar sports car into a practical and connected all-wheel-drive vehicle with SUV practicality.

The newest member of the Jaguar family of SUVs, the E-Pace, presents a five-seat compact performance SUV imbued with the latest connectivity and practicality for busy families, with streaming for up to eight devices via the optional 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. And E-Pace features a choice of two four-cylinder Ingenium gasoline engine options producing 246hp or 296HP, each mated to a ZF® 9-speed automatic transmission.

E-Pace is also loaded with standard amenities. The base model comes standard with such exterior accouterments as LED headlights, chrome side vents, grained Black grille with chrome surround, body-colored bumpers, grained black door claddings, heated door mirrors, electric windows with one-touch open/close and anti-trap, automatic headlights, rear fog lights, heated rear window, rain sensing windshield wipers, infrared reflective windshield, approach illumination (via remote) and “Follow Me Home” lighting, twin tailpipes with finishers, tailgate spoiler, Jaguar script and leaper cat, and a 3-flash lane change.

Inside, E-Pace is filled with such niceties as a leather steering wheel, two-zone climate control, center console with armrest, sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors, start-up sequence with lighting and dial movement, outside temperature gauge, second row air vents, illuminated metal treadplates with Jaguar script, 8-way manual front seats, Ebony fabric seats with Ebony interior, metal treadplates with Jaguar Script, Hill Launch Assist, Jaguardrive Control, Speed Proportional Steering, Electric Power Assisted Steering, Torque Vectoring by Braking, Dynamic Stability Control, Electric Parking Brake, push button start, Jaguar Sound System, Touch Pro system, Dynamic Volume Control, Voice Control, ECO Driving Style Assistant, trip computer, Bluetooth® Connectivity, 10-inch Touch Pro screen, emergency braking, cruise control and speed limiter, driver condition monitor, Lane Keep Assist, rear view camera and front and rear parking aid.

From a safety perspective, E-Pace is prepared with Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist, front airbags, with Passenger Seat Occupant Detector, front side airbags, full length side window curtain airbag, standard alarm, customer configurable Autolock, Rear Isofix, power-operated child locks, seat belt reminder and passive front head restraints.

Weighing in at 4175 lbs (curbweight), the sporty E-Pace fits compact SUV dimensions at 173 inches long, 64.9 inches high and 78.1 inches wide on a 105.6-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 6.4 inches and coefficient of drag is a good-for-niche 0.34.

With a ‘Catlike look indicative of its Jaguar DNA, E-Pace is inspired by the Jaguar F-TYPE, with a purposeful stance. The front view of the compact SUV reveals a confident, assertive face. The short front and rear overhangs and the teardrop design of the side windows blend with the fast sweep of the roofline working in harmony with the bold side window design. The body sides have the fuselage-like profile found in the most iconic Jaguar designs. Muscular haunches, which taper towards the rear, borrow from the F-TYPE sports car, and sharp creases in the front and rear fenders further emphasize powerful sportiness.

The Jaguar E-Pace cabin is luxurious and filled with connectivity and infotainment. Intuitive in item placement, the interior offers a coupelike 39.2 inches of front headroom and 38.2 in row two; a comfortable 40.6 inches of legroom in row one and a tight-for-adults 35.1 inches in the rear seats; and 56.1 inches for front shoulder room with 55.8 in the second row.

The first Jaguar in history available only with four-cylinders under the hood, E-Pace is outfitted with either a 246-hp/269 lb-ft of torque turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine in the Base, S, and SE models, or a 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque version in the performance-tuned R-Dynamic models. My 296-hp engine had plenty of power for the highway and for motoring around town. At the track, we zipped from zero-to-60mph in an impressive 6 seconds flat during a 14.5-second quarter-mile. Fuel consumption was fair for the niche, as my mixed-use tests averaged 23.3 mpg.

Light and agile on the road, E-Pace handled well … auto-cross well, with responsive Electronic Power Assisted rack-and-pinion steering; and the MacPherson strut front suspension works well with the integral multi-link rear to provide a supple and soft ride.

The 2018 Jaguar E-Pace starts at $38,600 for the Base model and 246hp; the E-Pace R-Dynamic starts at $47,250 with the 296hp engine and adds a ton of exterior and interior extras. The E-Pace First Edition starts at $53,550 and goes back to 246hp and adds even more upgraded enhancements.

I tested the R-Dynamic in S trim. Firenze Red exterior paint added $590; 9-spoke style wheels added $100; a fixed Panoramic roof added $1225; Chrome side windows surround added $130; Ebony Grained-Leather sport seats added $510; 10-way heated front seats added $510; the Meridian Sound System was $360; the Drive Pack was $970; the Cold Climate Pack added $640; Auto High Beam Assist added $255; Cabin Air Ionization added $105; Premium Carpet Mats were $105; the Air Quality Sensor was $80; Sirius XM Satellite HD radio added $510; 360-degree Surround Camera added $360; Power Tailgate was $360; Garage Door Opener was $255; Keyless Entry added $565; and with Delivery and Destination charges of $995, my 2018 Jaguar E-Pace stickered at $55,110.

> 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.