Nissan’s top-selling vehicle, its compact crossover – Rogue – no longer offers a third row, but has added drivers’ assist technology and a bevy of other enhancements for 2018.

Rogue for 2018 adds available ProPILOT Assist technology, which provides assisted steering, braking and accelerating during single-lane highway driving. ProPILOT Assist helps drivers stay centered in the lane, navigate stop-and-go traffic, maintain a set vehicle speed and maintain a set distance to the vehicle ahead. And, it is all done with a simple two-button operation.

Among the other enhancements to the 2018 Rogue are:
• NissanConnect featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ and one additional USB port (inside front center console box) added to all grades
• Standard Motion-Activated Liftgate added to SV grade (in addition to SL grade)
• SL grade adds standard Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Revised Midnight Edition Package (SV grade) with new black front and rear fascia accents, black rear license plate finisher, black V-motion grille, black emblems
• New S Value Package (replaces Appearance Package, late availability)
• SV Sun and Sound Touring Package revised to include Premium Package content
• Revised SV Premium Package with added Intelligent Cruise Control and memory driver's seat and outside mirrors
• Revised SL Platinum Package with ProPILOT Assist (Intelligent Cruise Control with full speed range and hold, steering assist) and electronic parking brake (replaces foot release parking brake)
• Two new exterior colors: Scarlet Ember and Midnight Pine
• As in previous years, Rogue offers passenger and cargo flexibility with its innovative EZ Flex Seating System™ and Divide-N-Hide® Cargo System. The 2018 Rogue is available in three grade levels: S, SV and SL.

Assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee, utilizes corrosion-resistant and high-strength steel for its unibody chassis and with mid-size crossover dimensions, Rogue measures 184.5 inches long; 72.4 inches wide and 66.6 inches high on a 106.5-inch wheelbase. Minimum ground clearance is 8.2 inches (AWD) and curbweight for the AWD in SV trim is 3614 lbs.

Rogue’s refined interior presents a premium look and feel, and is enhanced with a D-shaped steering wheel and leather-booted sport-mode shifter, available heated steering wheel, memory for driver's seats and mirror, and remote engine start.

While thick rear roof pillars create a large blindspot, and the side curtain airbags limit headroom for second-row passengers, Rogue’s cabin is spacious for a midsize SUV at 41.6 inches of front headroom, 38.5 inches in row two. Interior legroom is roomy in front at 43.0 inches for row one and comfortable in row two at 37.9 inches. Shoulder room is 56.6 in row one and 55.9 and 49.3 in row two.

Rogue’s standard power source remains its 170-horsepower, 175 lbs.-ft. of torque, transverse 2.5-liter inline-4-cylinder DOHC engine, mated to an Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) with standard Sport Mode and Eco switches. With an EPA rating of 25/city, 32/highway and 28/overall, my week of mixed-use testing yielded an average of 26.0mpg. On the road, acceleration is sluggish, but steady. Uphill grades and passing at speed require strategy and perseverance, and the electric power-assisted power assisted rack-and-pinion steering was often heavy. On the track, the 0-60mph time was 9.3 seconds, and a quarter-mile was a 17.3-second journey.

Independent strut front suspension with coil springs and an independent multi-link rear provide a firm on-road feel, as Rogue may not be suited for severe off-road challenges.

Earning top marks in safety, Rogue Safety Shield technologies include radar-based Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Additionally, Rogue is constructed with zone body construction with front and rear crumple zones; energy-absorbing steering column; hood-buckling creases and safety stops; body side reinforcements; shift interlock system; vehicle security system; vehicle dynamic control and traction control system.

The 2018 Nissan Rogue starts at $24,800 for the base S trim in FWD and $26,150 for AWD. The SV with all-wheel-drive started at $27,370. The SV trim adds 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Nissan Intelligent Key® with push button ignition, blind spot warning , rear cross traffic alert, dual zone automatic temperature control and a 6-way power driver's seat to the base S. The Midnight Edition in Black with special cosmetics is priced at $28,465 and the upper-scale Rogue SL I tested starts at $32,250 in AWD and gains Nissan Door to Door Navigation with Premium Traffic, Intelligent Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Leather-appointed seats.

My Monarch Orange test 2018 Rogue SL (premium color that added $395) added a power panoramic moonroof and LED headlights with the SL Premium Package for $1820. The SL Platinum Package, for $790, added 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Cruise control and Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection. The standard Charcoal Leather seats were upgraded to a Premium Tan-appointed seating look with special quilted leather inserts as part of the Platinum Reserve Interior Package, for $250.

Four splash guards added $160; roof rail crossbars were $355 and a chrome rear bumper protector was $155. Adding destination and handling charges of $975, my 2018 Rogue SL-as-tested came in at $36,080.

> 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 Events purchased the former IAC/Masland/Leer property in the fall of 2010. This massive footprint sat less than 1 mile from the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, home of the largest classic and collector car events in the world. At the time, the purchase was consummated to assure sustainability for the company going forward. Taking possession of parking was THE main factor, as it was unknown at the time what would become of the IAC facility and its vast landscape if purchased by someone else. It was always known that something bigger and better would rise from the ashes of the devastating fire that brought the historic complex to the ground in 2012. Today, those plans are revealed in detail!

Carlisle Events, Carlisle Auctions, the Miller families, Galbraith Pre-Design and NAI/CIR are pleased to announce the Concours at Carlisle. Not only is the Concours at Carlisle going to offer something new and unique to the north end of Carlisle, it’ll also be an event sponsor of Carlisle Auctions’ Spring Carlisle offering from April 19-21 at the Carlisle Expo Center. In addition, they are coming on board as a season-long sponsor for all other Pennsylvania based events on the Carlisle schedule.

Live where you play and play where you live; that’s the lifestyle afforded to residents of the Concours at Carlisle. The facility will be unlike anything in the region as it’ll be Pennsylvania’s first community of luxury auto collector condos. In short, this means having a layout ideal for a distinguished car enthusiast and the ability to come home to a spacious, climate-controlled garage with an interior mezzanine that overlooks the treasures within. In addition, home owners will be able to custom design their interior to best fit their interests from a personal and automotive stand point.

The facility will ultimately best serve the car collecting community while concurrently improving the Carlisle area; to this end, the Concours at Carlisle was conceived. Along with its conception came the partnership with Carlisle Auctions. Guests of the three-day auction can expect to see multiple levels of branding and representation from the Galbraith group. They’ll be on-site to take pre-orders for units, showcase renderings and answer any questions the 100,000+ guests from around the world who converge on Carlisle might have. Not only will they be at the Carlisle Expo Center, they’ll be within Guest Services of the Carlisle Fairgrounds for this event and many more on the season schedule.

“What better place than ‘CAR’lisle to have luxury car condos,” said Carlisle Events co-owners Bill and Lance Miller (no relation).

“Many people, including my wife, don’t totally understand the passion behind someone so entrenched within the automotive hobby that they’d buy such a place,” continued Lance Miller. “I often wonder myself, why do I enjoy the car hobby so much? Events like the ones we host in Carlisle showcase how car crazy people are and it’s not only because of the car but more importantly, it’s about the likeminded people behind the wheel of the car. I’m grateful for what my father and Bill created in 1974 and how that allows me and so many others to be a part of the hobby day in and day out, noted Miller (Lance).

“The upcoming luxury car condos will be an amazing addition to the Carlisle community and for all car lovers alike,” continued Miller (Bill). “It’s great that they will be locally built as well. Known as the Concours at Carlisle, this great facility will offer lifestyle living at its finest and not only is my wife Peggy and I excited to secure a unit, we know Lance and his wife Michelle are too. We can’t wait to see it all come together.”

“The Concours at Carlisle is an exciting opportunity for car enthusiasts and collectors to be part of an auto condo community which is the first of its kind in the northeast United States, noted Mark Galbraith, co-owner of Galbraith Pre-Design, Inc. “Having a conditioned and secured place to house one’s collection, as well as reside either full or part-time, gives collectors many options when visiting shows and auctions in the region. An exclusive community like this, in partnership with Carlisle Auctions and the Miller families, promises to enhance the collector car scene and experience in Carlisle, Pennsylvania; an experience limited (until now) to collectors in large metropolitan areas or racing communities,” continued Galbraith. “Being Carlisle natives with a rich history of development and construction in the region, we are proud to have teamed up with another Carlisle institution – Carlisle Auctions.”

Spring Carlisle and its partner auction get underway April 18. The five-day event spans April 18-22, with the auction running April 19-21. Complete details about Spring Carlisle, the auction and this awesome new lifestyle community that’s planned for Carlisle, Pennsylvania can be found online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com.

A derivative of “the truck that won WWII,” the all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler upgrades in its 4th generation, with a modern design that stays true to the original, advanced fuel-efficient powertrains and more open-air options. And it is loaded with safety features and advanced technology.

Based on the nostalgic military Willys Jeep of 1941, the Jeep Wrangler has been an off-road enthusiasts’ favorite since 1986. A compact four-wheel-drive multi-purpose vehicle, Wrangler debuted in 1986 as a progression of the Jeep CJ-7, was revised in 1996, and last completely redesigned in 2006.

Wrangler has been presented in numerous trims, models and cosmetics with such badge names as: Islander, Renegade, Sahara, Apex, Columbia, Freedom, Golden Eagle, Rocky Mountain, TJ, Unlimited and the Rubicon Tomb Raider. But one of the more popular end enduring treatments has been the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, which debuted for the 2003 model year, and which I tested this year.

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.

Its instantly recognizable keystone-shaped grille pays homage to Jeep® CJ models, and the new 4th-Gen Wrangler subtly improves on the classic rugged exterior with design tweaks that afford up to 30 inches of water fording while improving its aerodynamics. The redesign adds about 2.8 inches in length for the 2-door and 3.8 inches for the 4-door, on a longer wheelbase (1.4 inches longer for the 2-door and 2.4 for the 4-door model). Width has been widened by 0.2 inches and the track is wider by 2.5 inches. Yet with the size gain, Wrangler’s redesigned frame has helped shed 200 lbs. off its previous-generation curbweight.

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 combines authentic styling, versatility, comfort and intuitiveness. 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 38.3 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.

Rubicon offers three engine choices: the 3.6-liter V-6 manual rated at 285hp and 260 lbs.-ft of torque and 17mpg/city and 23mpg/highway, 3.6 V-6 with 8-speed automatic trans rated at 285hp and 260 lbs.-ft of torque and 18mpg/city and 23mpg/highway, 2.0-liter I-4 turbo with 8-speed automatic rated at 270hp and 295 lbs-ft. of torque (unrated in fuel consumption at the time of the test).

On road or off-road, Rubicon performs. The solid axle front suspension with link coil, leading arms, track bar, coil springs and stabilizer bar works with a solid axle rear, link coil, trailing arms, track bar, coil springs and stabilizer bar 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 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.

I tested the Wrangler Rubicion with the 3.6 automatic and averaged 22.6mpg and my track tests showed an 8.7-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a 16.7-second quarter-mile.

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler starts at $23,995 for the JK Sport 4x4 2-door with the 3.6 engine and moves through 10 trims (Sports S, Willys Wheeler, Golden Eagle, Freedom Edition, Willys Wheeler W, Sahara, Altitude, Rubicon and Rubicon Recon) with additional variations on each trim, to a high base of $42,945.

My Firecracker Red Rubicon test Jeep 4-door based at $41,690 with a manual V-6. The 8-speed automatic adds $2,000, though I think the manual is much more fun and gives more control along with the cost saving. The Cold Weather Group option adds $895 for heated front seats, heated steering wheel and remote start; the Electronic Infotainment System Group adds $1495 for an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Alpine® Premium Audio System, GPS navigation, HD Radio® and auto-dimming rear view mirror; the Dual Top Group which provides both a Black Freedom Top® 3-Piece Hard Top and a Premium Black Sunrider® Soft Top for Dual Top, added $2195; the Jeep® Active Safety Group added $895 for Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection, Parke Sense® Rear Park Assist and LED Tail Lamps; and All-weather floor mats added $130. My test ride had black cloth seats – leather trim would have added $1400. With Destination Charges of $1195, my 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon stickered at $49,300.

> 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.

Equinox, Chevrolet’s second-best selling vehicle, after the Silverado, enters its third generation in 2018 with a full redesign. The Gen-3 Equinox sheds nearly 400 pounds -- approximately 10 percent of its mass, creating a nimbler, more responsive and more refined driving experience. Combined with this weight loss, the all-new body was designed and optimized for top safety ratings.

An all-new, mass-efficient body structure is at the center of the Equinox’s trimmer curb weight and helps make the most of its available turbo engine options. The sporty Equinox cut 4.7 inches in length to 183.1 inches long; is 72.6 inches wide and is an inch shorter at 65.4 inches high on a 107.3 -inch wheelbase – losing 5.2 inches. The 2.0-liter Turbo AWD crossover I tested weighed in with a curbweight of 3703 lbs., more than 400 pounds lighter than the Equinox I tested last year.

The new body structure is part of all-new expressive styling with sculpted designs that echo what Chevy shows in Volt, Malibu and Cruze. There is also an all-new interior with elements including available denim-style seat fabric that blends high style with durability. New safety features are also available, including Safety Alert Seat, Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking and Surround Vision. And Chevrolet’s first all-turbocharged multi-engine propulsion system lineup is in play, including a segment-exclusive turbo-diesel offering a GM-estimated 40 mpg/highway

Packed with amenities inside and out, standard exterior Equinox highlights include projector-beam headlamps and LED daytime running lamps, LED taillamps on uplevel models, a hands-free power liftgate, outside heated power-adjustable and auto-dimming body-color manual-folding mirrors with turn signal indicators and chrome mirror caps,
19-inch ultra-bright aluminum wheels and a chromed dual-outlet exhaust.

Standard Equinox power comes from the choice of a 1.5-liter turbo, 1.6-liter diesel or 2.0-liter turbo engine. The 1.5-liter 4-cylinder is rated at 170hp and 203 lb-ft of torque; the 1.6-diesel is good for 137hp and 240lb-ft; and the 2.0-liter turbo is rated at 252hp and 260 lb-ft.

The 1.5 is EPA rated at 26mpg/city and 32mph/ highway for FWD and 24/30 for AWD
1.6-diesel is GM-estimated at 32/city and 40mpg on the highway for FWD and 31/37 for AWD. The 2.0-liter turbo I tested is EPA-rated at 22mpg in city driving for both FWD and AWD and 28/highway FWD and 27mpg/highway for AWD. My week of driving averaged 24.1mpg.

I found the turbo to be seamless and faster than expected. On the track, my Equinox completed a zero-to-60mph dash in 6.8 seconds (0.4 seconds faster than last year), and maintained its acceleration to finish a quarter-mile in 15.3 seconds. On the road and on uneven surfaces, the Equinox independent MacPherson strut front suspension with specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar and its independent four-link rear with coil springs and trailing arm; stabilizer bar; hydraulic link bushings were tuned for passenger comfort rather than for driver’s feel and precise handling. The hydraulic power rack-and-pinion steering could have been sharper, and understeer is common during quick maneuvers, but acceleration is reliable, and the cabin is quiet and calm.

The Equinox cabin is accommodating, and filled with entertainment and function. With seating for five, the interior is slightly tighter than last year, but not by much, with 40 inches of front headroom and 38.5 inches in row two; legroom is 40.9 inches in the row one and 39.7 in the second seats, while shoulder room is 55.8 and 55.3.

Inside, the all-new cabin has a new “kneeling” rear seat features tilting bottom cushions that enable a flat load floor for easier loading. Connectivity technologies include 7- and 8-inch-diagonal MyLink® infotainment systems designed to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Teen Driver is offered, allowing parents to set controls and review their teen’s driving habits and new available Surround Vision offers 360-degree bird’s eye view of the vehicle. Also inside are leather heated seats with driver memory, dual-zone automatic climate control air conditioning and a rearview auto-dimming mirror.

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox starts at $24,575 for the base L-trim model with the 1.5-liter turbo liter engine in front-wheel-drive; the LS 1.5 bases at $26,595; the LT 1.5 trim starts at $27,795 and the Premier 1.5 starts at $31,795. The LT 2.0L Turbo bases at $30,295, and my test Premier 2.0L Turbo starts at $34,595. The LT 1.6 Turbo Diesel starts at $31,695 with the Premier 1.6L Turbo Diesel starts at $33,995.

My Premier 2.0L Turbo test ride with Jet Black, perforated leather-appointed seat trim, was in all-wheel-drive (which I nearly always recommend), adding $3700. My ride was upgraded with the Sun, Sound and Navigation Package for $2620, that included a Panoramic sunroof, Chevrolet MyLink® Audio system with 8-inch diagonal touch screen and navigation, as well as a Bose® premium 7-speaker system. The Protection Package added $220 for premium all-weather floor mats and rear splash guards; The Hit the Road Package added $995 for roof rack cross rails and molded assist steps; and Remote Start added $275. With Destination Freight charges of $995, my test 2018 Chevrolet Equinox stickered at $42,130, but cash allowances and regional incentives are available to cut that price a bit.

> 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.

Internationally known and attended? Yes! World’s LARGEST all-Ford themed weekend? Without a doubt! Rare and unique rides on display? Yes! Special guests? Yes! The epicenter of all things Ford for at least three days in June? YES!!! The Carlisle Ford Nationals, presented by Meguiar’s is all of that and then some for global automotive enthusiasts and it’s all happening June 1-3 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.

It’s hard to spotlight just one star attraction, as the entire weekend is basically an all-star event featuring a who’s who of cars and industry star power. There is a bevy of displays though, plus guests too. From 3,000+ Ford’s spanning the history of the brand (including a unique Ford Tractor showcase) on the National Parts Depot Showfield to Building Y and the 4th annual Ford Nationals Select cars, this just scratches the surface of the fun.

Not far from Y is Building T and in it, guests will see the best of the best, including 50 Years of the Cobra Jet, 50 Years of the Torino, 50 years of the GT500KR, 20 years of the Focus, a special Bullitt Mustang celebration and more.

Speaking of SPECIAL rides, Ford recently revealed to Carlisle Events their intention of bringing the all-new California Special Mustang, Ranger, Bullitt Mustang, Ford GT and Edge ST to Carlisle too. Aside from major international auto events such as those held in New York City or Detroit, east coast car lovers have yet to see these sleek, new rides in person. Again, this speaks volumes to what the Carlisle Ford Nationals mean to the hobby.

It’s not just the cars, trucks, tractors or guests that bring people to Ford weekend either. The MASSIVE Ford centric swap meet provides a treasure trove of finds for enthusiasts of all generations. Much like the show itself, it too is the world’s largest of its type. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for something new, vintage or somewhere in between, the swap meet is the beginning, middle and end for nearly all your shopping needs!

As guests go, Steve Saleen returns with his biggest footprint ever of Saleen Mustangs and groups from Ford, Roush and Shelby will have a commanding grip on the always growing midway. The biggest special guest of them all though, is Dave Kindig. Kindig, of Kindig-It Designs and star of Bitchin’ Rides on Velocity comes to Carlisle for the first time ever and is making an ultra-rare east coast event appearance. There are other industry guests slated, including many from Ford Performance, Roush, Shelby and more.

Ride and drive with Ford too, as guests can check out the latest products via FREE test drives at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center and guests can even go fast and have fun via various on-site competitions too.

While this show is scheduled for three days, weather permitting, guests are flocking to Carlisle days in advance of the start. It all culminates with a Saturday night downtown Ford parade in Carlisle and a Sunday on-site awards parade at the Carlisle Fairgrounds. Giveaways, guests, cool cars (new and classic), plus an unmatched atmosphere within the car show world; the Ford Nationals really do have it all!