The Ford Escape is the No.2-selling vehicle in the Blue Oval arsenal, and after being significantly updated for the 2017 model year, the 2018 Escape adds a new trim level, but remains essentially the same as last year.

Six years into its third generation, Escape, a small SUV that debuted for the 2001 model year, offers a new SEL trim level that features leather-trimmed seating, power liftgate, heated exterior mirrors, signature LED lighting, SYNC® 3 with a SYNC Connect eight-inch display and reverse sensing system. The SE trim series gets front heated cloth seats, roof side rails and perimeter alarm. Escape Titanium (my test vehicle) gets a 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine, navigation system, enhanced active park assist and high-intensity discharge headlamps.

Packed with standard amenities, all Escapes come with infotainment, power systems and tech. Among the standard installed items are an Easy Fuel® capless fuel filler, LED taillamps, power sideview mirrors with integrated blind spot mirrors, MyKey®, power windows and door locks, steering wheel-mounted cruise control, tilt/telescoping steering column, six-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission and intermittent front and two-speed rear wipers.

The 2018 Escape continues in its compact crossover footprint at 178.1 inches in length, 66.3 inches in height and 72.4 inches in width on a 105.9-inch wheelbase. Minimum running ground clearance is 7.9 inches and Escape has a curb weight of 3755 lbs. for its 2.0-liter powerplant and 4WD. When properly equipped, Escape can tow 3500 lbs.

Escape’s engine choices include the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter iVCT inline-4 engine that delivers 168hp and 170 lbs-ft of torque with sequential multiport electronic fuel injection. For the economy minded, a direct-injection 1.5-liter EcoBoost® I-4 with Auto Start-Stop is available, rated at 179hp, with 177-lbs-ft of torque. My test Escape Titanium was powered by a turbocharged direct injection 2.0-liter Twin-Scroll EcoBoost® inline-4 with Auto Start-Stop that supplied 245hp and 275 lbs.-ft. of torque on premium fuel. EPA ratings are 21mpg in city driving and 29mpg on the highway for the 2.5 in FWD configuration; the 1.5-liter EcoBoost® is estimated at 23/30 in FWD and 22/28 in AWD; and my test 2.0 liter EcoBoost® was rated at 20/27 in AWD. A week of mixed-use tests including long interstate drives, and a few soft-road excursions, averaged 24.9mpg.

Escape is a small SUV that acts like a car on the road. Steering, balance and acceleration are carlike. The rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assist is attentive and dependable and the MacPherson front struts with stabilizer bar and twin-tube hydraulic gas-pressurized shocks work well with an independent double lateral link rear suspension with semi-trailing arms, stabilizer bar, linear-rate springs and monotube hydraulic gas-pressurized shocks to level road imperfections. The ride is not a luxury-smooth experience and the cabin can be noisy at times, but for the niche and for soft-road activities, Escape presents a gentle driving experience.

My 2.0-liter engine was muscular at all shift points in all ranges. Passing at speed is predictable and uphill grades are easy play. In Autocross maneuvers, quick acceleration and anticipated soft turning angles make for a fun ride. In speed tests, a zero-to-60mph dash was completed in 7.6 seconds, and a quarter-mile took 15.8 seconds.

Inside, the cabin is a step below luxury, but well-appointed with seating for five. It could be a bit roomier, as tall drivers may feel cramped. Headroom measures 39.9 inches in front and 39.0 in row two. Legroom can be stretched to a maximum of 43.1 inches in row one, while second-row passengers have 37.3 inches. Shoulder room is 55.9 in row one and 55.2 for row two.

Safety is well-addressed with a number of active and passive inclusions. Among Escape’s standard safety and security items are: AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™; Airbags – Driver’s knee, front-seat side, and Safety Canopy® System with side-curtain airbags and rollover sensor; battery saver, four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-Lock Brake System; child-safety rear door locks; head restraints and three-point safety belts on all five seating positions; illuminated entry system; LATCH – Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children; perimeter alarm; Personal Safety System™ for driver and front passenger with dual-stage airbags; rear view camera; SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System; SOS Post-Crash Alert System™; tire pressure monitoring system (excludes spare) and traction control.

The 2018 Ford Escape starts at $23,940 in S trim with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine, and moves to $25,700 for the SE and its 1.5-liter EcoBoost®. The new SEL trim starts at $28,100 my test Escape Titanium in Cinnamon Glaze paint, started at $32,140 in FWD with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine, Intelligent Access with push-button start, Leather-Trimmed 10-Way Heated, Power Driver and Front Passenger Seats, Remote Start System, Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System and a 10-Speaker Audio System from Sony®. The Intelligent 4WD System added $1350 and The Ford Safe and Smart™ Package added $1295 for Driver-activated front rain-sensing windshield wipers, Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support, Auto high-beam headlamps, BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, Rain-Sensing Wipers (Front Only) and Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror. Splash Guards added $210, and Destination charges of $995 put the sticker-as-tested at $35,990. Lease and purchase incentives are available depending on your region, so check with your dealer.


> 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.

The Hurst Nationals is one-of-a-kind and its fitting that Carlisle Events, a likewise one-of-a-kind company is backing it! The second annual Hurst Nationals runs concurrently with the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals and takes place at the Carlisle Expo Center July 13-14, 2018. Of course, there are unique cars slated to appear, but just announced; the men who made these machines – the guys behind Hurst!

It’s difficult to say “Hurst” without almost instinctively adding “Olds” when talking cars. Hurst/Olds production ran from 1968 through 1984 plus Hurst offered an “aero kit” in 1988 for owners to install on 1988 and older G-Body Oldsmobiles. Conveniently, 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary Hurst/Olds. We’ll be celebrating with a display featuring one of each year of production as well as the “proposal” cars. These are the cars that Hurst built to show Oldsmobile brass their vision for that year but ultimately, regular sales were strong enough in those years that a limited-edition Hurst model was deemed unnecessary.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of two of the most famous factory drag cars ever produced, the 1968 Hemi Dart and Barracuda Super Stocks, also known as “LO” and “BO” respectively, based on the first two digits of the VIN. Chrysler partnered with Hurst to convert assembly line Darts and Barracudas to Hemi-powered Super Stock legal beasts by installing fiberglass fenders and hoods, thin Corning side glass, lightweight van seats, cut wheel wells on the Darts and more. These cars are still running today and the NHRA created a class just for them. See one of the largest gatherings of factory LO and BO cars.

Carlisle Events is excited to announce the return of Hurst engineers and employees to the show, including Don Glover and Jim Kerr. Not only are these guys guests of the event, they have each played major roles in the development of the event. Don Glover was a longtime Hurst engineer who was part of many of the Hurst vehicles built. He also worked on the Jaws of Life design and he developed the “Hurst Equipped” emblem. Jim Kerr was an important part of Hurst, performing many roles in the company. His most notable was probably his position in customer service where he was one of the earliest Hurst Shifty Doctors. As such, it was Jim’s job to go to the races and fix any problems the racers might have had with their Hurst Shifters.

2017 was received favorably by all of the Hurst employees who attended, and they are all planning to return in 2018. Further, Carlisle Events is working with at least three more legendary Hurst employees who couldn’t make it last year but are planning to attend this year. Once those guests are officially locked in, details will be shared via the Hurst Nationals web page of www.CarlisleEvents.com as well as via Facebook at www.Facebook.com/CarlisleHurstNationals.

Getting this many former Hurst employees together in one location is extremely rare. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear them speak about their time at Hurst and the projects they worked on as well as talking to them one-on-one and even having your specific questions answered. Don Glover can always be counted on to bring tons of photos, engineering drawings and more that he loves to show and talk about. These guys also have other rare items, prototypes and more. Rather than see these pieces in someone else’s collection, you’ll get to see them and learn about them directly from the guys who built them!

Guests will be talking shop Friday and Saturday of the 2nd annual Hurst Nationals and will also be joined by the legendary Linda Vaughn. The event itself features unique indoor display cars sporting Hurst branding as well as even more cars outdoors that fit the theme of the weekend. You’ve never seen this many Hurst vehicles together in one place so don’t miss out! Tickets are available online too, plus links to register for not only this event but the Chrysler Nationals, happening right down the street at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds from July 13-15.

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!