11 events down, one to go – that’s all that remains for Carlisle Events as part of wildly successful 2017 season. The team from Carlisle, Pennsylvania is heading south to the Sunshine State to wrap it all up with Fall Florida AutoFest, November 10-12 at the SUN ‘n FUN campus in Lakeland. The three-day festivities include family fun, a car show, swap meet, car corral, collector car auction and more!

It all gets underway on Thursday, November 9 with vendor and auction load-in. Once in position, this will anchor the fun which commences at 8 a.m. on Friday, November 10. Carlisle Auctions brings 400+ classic and collectible rides, plus merchandise and collectibles to the auction block, while Carlisle Events offers hundreds of vending spaces and hundreds more vendors selling all things automotive. New to the hobby or seasoned veteran, this event is perfect for everyone!

Another great feature of the show is the car corral. While cars are for sale as they are within the auction, the car corral offers vehicles that are for sale by owner vs. to the highest bidder. This allows for negotiation, tire kicking and an overall once over that can’t always be accomplished within the fast-paced nature of an auction.

Family fun is also a key element to the show. Offering a nod to SUN ‘n FUN’s aeronautical roots, Fall AutoFest offers helicopter and airplane rides, a morning fly over as part of the national anthem, air stunt show and appearances by Patty Wagstaff, World Aerobatic Champion, Gene McNeely, AeroShell Aerobatic Team member, Paul Schulten, Orville Eagle and more. Wagstaff will also sign autographs and pose for photos free of charge at the event. Additional family fun includes a wild life show with Bwana Jim and the chance to check out the air museum too.

Finally, what AutoFest event would be complete without the always expanding car show and Air & Coach Concours. These two show features welcome show cars, motor coaches, airplanes and more. The car show portion hosts hundreds of classics from around central Florida, while the Air & Coach display is an upscale, VIP gathering of motor coaches and their enthusiasts.

For those that can’t make Lakeland in November, Carlisle Events returns in February for Winter AutoFest. That show runs February 23-25, 2018. Tickets for both Florida events as well details on every show promoted by Carlisle Events can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

Dodge entered the American “Muscle Car” Wars with the 1970 Challenger, debuting in fall 1969 with a Chrysler “E-body” short-deck, long-hood platform it shared with the Plymouth Barracuda. With powertrain choices that ranged from a 145-hp 225-cubic-inch I-6, to a 426-ci HEMI V-8 that thundered out 425 horses (there was also a larger 440-ci V-8 that produced 390 horsepower), Challenger’s first run ended in 1974.

Back as a retro-luxury-musclecar in 2008, Challenger recreated its 1970 look as an old-school muscle street machine with a long nose, front end skirt and hood scoop, in a sedan package. Following a re-design in 2015 that built on the 1970s architecture, Challenger added a few trim and wheel options last year, and this year, with its 707-hp HELLCAT and other trims that stampede out from 305 to 485 horses, the Challenger is being marketed by Dodge as “the most powerful muscle car ever,” and “The Strongest Muscle in America.”

New for this year are all-new Dodge Challenger T/A and Challenger T/A 392 models; heritage-inspired cosmetic styling advances to several HEMI-powered trims; wider, 20 x 9-inch and 20 x 9.5-inch wheels with high-performance Goodyear and Pirelli tires; increased stopping power with ultra-high performance Brembo brakes; Satin Black exterior graphics; sport seats; a new directed cold-air hood system; a cold-air induction system, and “Air Catcher” headlights inspired by the Challenger SRT Hellcat.

Also new are performance bolstered seats and Dodge performance steering wheel with available die-cast paddle shifters; standard Active Exhaust; FCA’s fourth-generation Uconnect infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration; standard Houndstooth cloth upholstery, and a new 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation offers multi-touch gestures with pinch, tap and swipe capability.

With 10 models and 13 variations offered, the rear-wheel drive Challenger is assembled in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, with a unitized steel body, a 1971-style split grille, projector headlamps with halo light-emitting diode surrounds and LED tail lamps. In the rear are a body-colored rear spoiler and dual-chromed exhaust tips integrated into the lower rear fascia. My 4175-lb. test Challenger R/T measured an aerodynamic 197.9 inches in length, 75.7 inches in width and 57.5 inches in height on a 116.2-inch wheelbase, providing running ground clearance of 5.2 inches.

Regarding power, 2017 Challengers are available with four engine choices and either manual or automatic transmissions. The 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 that muscles-up the Challenger HELLCAT with 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. torque, is EPA rated at 13mpg in the city and 22mpg on the highway. A 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 is also available that delivers 485 hp / 475 lb.-ft. torque and is rated at 15/city and 25/highway. The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and its 372 horses and 400 lb.-ft. of torque that powered my test Challenger, is EPA rated at 16/city and 25/highway; and a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 is also offered, delivering 305 hp / 268 lbs.-ft., rated at 19/city, 30/highway (RWD).

My Challenger R/T test car was musclecar quick, both on the highway and on the track. I took on the dragstrip in a 6-second-flat (hand-timed) zero-to-60-mph dash, and a 14.4-second quarter-mile. For comparison, the top-of-the-line trim, Challenger SRT Hellcat with its 707-hp 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 has been factory tested in a 3-second 0-60mph sprint and a National Hot Rod Association-certified quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.2 seconds with street tires (10.8 seconds on race slicks).

But my Challenger R/T and its 375-hp 5.7-liter HEMI engine mated to a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission will garner way more sales, so I tested it that way and was more than satisfied with its performance. While there is slight hesitation when pedal stomping at speed to pass or overtake a hill on the interstate, it is undeniably powerful and attacks the highway confidently while being smooth and a head-turner around town.

Gentle for passengers, Challenger’s independent front and indy five-link rear suspension smoothes out most irregularities and while there is some float at high speed reminiscent of 1970s road feel, the available SRT-tuned suspensions in Sport Mode gives a track-worthy feel.

Inside the 2017 Dodge Challenger is a performance-focused cockpit, featuring world-class materials, execution and technology, also inspired by the interior of the 1971 Challenger. The cabin seats five and is accommodating with 39.3 inches of front headroom and 37.1 inches in row two; leg room of 42.0 inches in front and 33.1 inches in the rear, and shoulder room of 58.5 and 53.9.

Safetywise, the 2017 Dodge Challenger has earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and includes more than 70 standard safety and security features.

The base Challenger SXT and its 3.6-liter engine starts at $26,995 and the line-up runs through 10 trim versions, topping off at the SRT® Hellcat at $64,195 base. My review R/T is third up and gets the 5.7-liter HEMI to base at $32,995. Mine had the fun-to-drive 6-speed manual transmission (an automatic 8-speed trans would have added $1500). The Cold Weather Group option added a 180-amp alternator, heated front seats and heated steering wheel for $495; the Driver Convenience Group added Blind Spot and Rear Cross Path Detection, High Intensity Discharge Headlamps, ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System, power multi-function mirrors with manual fold-away and remote start system for $1295; we upgraded the audio with a 276-watt amplifier and six premium speakers with the $795 Sound Group; and a power sunroof added $1195. Finally, a modern R/T hood stripe was added for $495. Destination charges of $1095 put my 2017 Challenger R/T at $38,365, but incentives of up to $4250 may be available in some regions, so check out your local dealer for applicable incentives.

> 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 Toyota Camry, first launched 35 years ago as a narrow-body successor to the Carina, has been the best-selling passenger car in America for the past 14 years. The seventh-generation mid-size remains essentially the same as last year, but builds on its rep as the top purveyor of roominess, comfort, quality, safety and performance in the segment.

For 2017, Camry adds value as standard amenities now include the Entune™ Audio Plus multimedia system with a 7-inch touchscreen and Connected Navigation App & JBL® Audio for XLE and XSE trims. The Hybrid trims now also come standard with Qi Wireless Smartphone Charging for compatible phones. And for an extra dash of style, the bold Blue Streak Metallic color, which was on the 2016 Camry Special Edition, is now a regular production color available for the sporty SE and XSE grades.

Assembled in America and packed with American-made amenities, the Base Camry LE comes standard with projector-beam halogen headlamps with auto on/off feature; Daytime Running Lights (with on/off feature; color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with manual folding feature; 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers and P205/65R16 tires; washer-linked intermittent windshield wipers; High Solar Energy-Absorbing glass and bright chrome upper grille and rear trunk garnish.

My top-tier XLE gained such exterior extras as dual chrome-tipped exhaust; sport-tuned suspension, smoked chrome upper grille and rear trunk garnish; Piano Black sport mesh lower front grille; LED Low and Hi Beam Headlights with auto on/off feature; 17-inch alloy wheels with super chrome paint & P215/55R17 tires; power tilt/slide moonroof with one-touch open/close with jam protection, driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, and rear-seat reading lights; and acoustic noise-reducing front windshield.

Inside the Camry XLE, you get a backup camera; multi-function in-key remote keyless entry; cruise control; power door locks with shift-linked automatic locking feature with anti-lockout feature; power windows with driver and passenger-side auto up/down, jam protection in driver and passenger position and retained-power features; rear window defogger with timer; a Smart Key System on front doors and trunk with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry; leather-trimmed multi-stage heated front seats with seatback pockets; 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support; 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat; leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel with audio, and Bluetooth hands-free phone voice command controls; dual-zone auto climate control with air filter and rear-seat vents and more.

With sleek and bold architecture, a tall, wide and confident lower grille, and tail lamps that wrap around into the tapered rear quarters for a sophisticated appearance, Camry continues with mid-size dimensions of 190.9 inches in length, 71.7 inches in width and height of 57.9 inches on a wheelbase of 109.3 inches. Ground clearance is 6.1 inches, and my test Camry XLE with the larger of two engine choices, had a curbweight of 3460 pounds.

Camry offers three engine choices. The economical 178 hp/170 lbs.-ft. of torque 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine powers the LE and SE trims, and is coupled with a standard six-speed automatic transmission, for an EPA rating of 24 mpg/city and 33 mpg highway. The larger engine that powered my test ride is a 268 hp/248 lbs.-ft. of torque 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 with chain-driven camshaft and Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence. With the six-speed automatic, this powertrain has an EPA estimate of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway, and my week of mixed-use driving averaged of 24.4 mpg. The third engine option is a Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain that nets 200hp and is EPA estimated 42 mpg/ city, 39 mpg/highway, 41 mpg combined fuel economy.

My 3.5-liter test engine accelerated impressively in all ranges and was a quiet competitor on the track with a 6.2-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a 14.6-second quarter-mile.

Inside, Camry seats five comfortably, and interior dimensions are unchanged, with 38.8 inches of headroom up front and 38.1 in the second row, legroom of 41.6 inches in row one and 38.9 for row two, and shoulder room of 58.0 and 56.6.

Awarded a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, when equipped with the Pre-Collision System that includes automatic emergency braking, Camry focuses on safety with the Star Safety System™ that includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist and Smart Stop Technology; 10 standard air bags: dual-stage advanced SRS front airbags; front and rear seat-mounted side airbags; side curtain airbags and a driver’s and front passenger’s knee airbag; and such design features as an energy-absorbing collapsible steering column, front and rear energy-absorbing crumple zones and side-impact door beams.

Available in LE, SE, XSE, XLE and three Hybrid trims, the 2017 Camry in LE trim starts at $23,070 with a 2.5-liter engine; the SE starts at $23,840; the XSE starts at $26,310 and my test XLE also based at $24,310 with the smaller engine. The Hybrid trims start at $26,790.

My test XLE in Crème Brulee Mica paint, went with more power, and the 3.5-liter engine upped the ante by $6270. The Technology Package with Safety Connect®, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Entune™ Premium JBL® Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite and 50 State Emissions added $2475; body side moldings added $209; all-weather floor liners added $139; door edge guards added $125; door sill protectors added $199; mudguards added $85; and a remote engine starter added $499. With delivery, processing and handling fees of $895, by test Camry XLE stickered at $35,996.

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.

It's been some time, but Corvettes at Carlisle finally saw a complete show filled with sunshine and blue skies. With support from Corvette America, this year's show challenged the all-time turnout for show cars, honored 65 years of Corvette production and featured a once in a lifetime display of L88 cars, just to make a few highlights.

The second year of the four-day format was also a smashing success, with cars and guests coming on-site as early as Tuesday. Along with cars spanning 1953 to 2018, Corvettes at Carlisle shined light on 1967 Corvettes, including the L88. With only 16 of the 20 produced known to exist, Carlisle Events welcomed eight (8) plus an engine. The display, valued at least $30 million, packed in guests to Building T and was yet another awesome tribute to Chip Miller, co-founder of Carlisle Events and name sake of the Chips Choice Display.

On the Fun Field itself, Callaway Cars celebrated 30 years, the NCRS hosted a nice selection of cars, even more 1967 Corvettes celebrated 50 years and NCCC hosted its 7 Sanctions Judging. Burnouts, beauty, a Corvette giveaway, downtown parade and more helped power the event for four days, much to the delight of all in attendance.

A show like Corvettes at Carlisle is as much dependent on the show cars and midway vendors as it is the swap meet and car corral. As guests had exhaust installs handled just east of the end of the midway, thousands of guests walked the swap meet, looking for Corvette pieces, parts, literature and collectibles. In addition, many Corvettes were for sale by owner via the car corral. One that sold carried a unique story with it. Going for nearly $10,000, a moss-covered barn find ’56 Corvette was the star attraction just inside of Gate 2. For anyone that missed it at the August event, word is, it may return to Carlisle as part of Fall Carlisle in September.

As the show wraps in 2017, focus turns to 2018 already with displays like the 1968 50th reunion, guests like Wil Cooksey, J.D. Orr, Paul Korner and more, plus seminars are all kinds! Save the date, because the 2018 show takes place August 23-26. Event registration is open now at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

The Cadillac CTS began life in 2002, taking the “CTS” name from the vehicle it replaced in the line-up, -- the Catera -- CTS meant: “Catera Touring Sedan”. The CTS-V derivative was launched in 2009 as a 4-door luxury mid-size sports sedan with real power. What the “V” stands for is a matter of conjecture. Cadillac owners group lore has it that the V stands for: victory, velocity, voracious, or Vette-derivative, and some swear it is because it has a 0-60 time of under 5 seconds, thus making the V represent the Roman numeral for 5 and not an actual word. GM has been non-committal and it might just be a marketing letter, but it is on the record that the Cadillac V-Series is a line of high-performance vehicles, and CTS-V is equipped with a V-8 engine shared with Corvette: the 640hp, 630 lbs.-ft. of torque LT4 engine. And that makes the muscular luxury sedan earn its “V” for Vroooom.

The 2017 CTS-V follows its sold-out 2016 model year as the most capable V-series ever from the factory. In the second year of its third generation, CTS-V adds a Carbon Black sport package, available high-def Rear Camera Mirror, and upgrades and enhancements for the Cadillac CUE infotainment system that include “Teen Driver,” that can track a driver’s speed, distance traveled and whether any safety systems were activated.

Constructed with a unitized welded steel body with direct-mounted front cradle and rubber-isolated, multi-link independent rear suspension, the CTS-V design is functional in form and avant-garde in design philosophy. Almost every exterior panel on the Cadillac CTS-V super sedan is unique, from the fascias and fenders, to the hood, rear spoiler and rocker moldings – and each was designed to support the car’s capability, contributing to lift reduction, enhanced cooling and improved aero management. With its athletic stance, wide body and low height, the CTS-V’s shape is both aggressive and intelligent. Weighing in at a robust and stable 4141 lbs., with 52.7 percent of its weight distribution up front, CTS-V stands 197.6 inches long, 57.2 inches high and 72.2 inches wide on a 114.6-inch wheelbase.

What sets Cadillac CTS-V apart from other mid-size luxury sedans is its muscle. Powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine that thrusts out a Corvette-capable 640 horses and 630 lbs.-ft. of torque, the direct-injection fuel delivery system is EPA rated at 14mpg/city and 21mpg/highway. Coupled with a paddle-shift eight-speed, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transmission with a torque converter clutch, power is immediate. I smoked tires whenever possible and still averaged 20.0mpg in my mixed-use tests.

For me the “V” in CTS-V stood for velocity. I experienced no supercharger lag, and while the rear swayed a bit at times, there was no apparent torque steer. While I never quite reached the manufacturer’s touted 3.6-second time for a zero-to-60mph sprint, I did break 4 seconds at 3.89 seconds during a smooth 11.99-second quarter-mile (hand-timed).

Responsive steering kept understeer to a minimum, and the rear-wheel drive CTS-V’s MacPherson-type front suspension with dual lower ball joints and direct-acting stabilizer bar, and Magnetic Ride Control with monotube inverted struts, worked well with an independent five-link rear with Magnetic Ride Control for a good combination of road feel and passenger pampering.

Inside, a performance-focused cabin with handcrafted refinements was filled with high tech, infotainment and luxurious comfort. With seating capacity for five, interior accommodations are roomy up front and tight in row two with 40.4 inches of front headroom and 37.5 inches in the rear. Legroom is 45.7 inches in row one and 35.4 inches behind, and shoulder room is 56.9 and 53.3.

CTS-V safety features include dual-stage driver front air bag, driver and front passenger frontal front seat thorax and pelvic, rear thorax protection for outboard seating positions, side-curtain and driver and front passenger knee airbag and an airbag passenger sensing system.

The 2017 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan starts at $86,990. Crystal White Tricoat premium exterior paint added $600 and was mated to a Light Platinum interior with Jet Black accents. The Luxury Package added $2075 for a rear camera mirror, tri-zone climate control, heated rear outboard seating positions, power rear-window sunshade, manual rear side window sunshades and more.

The $600 Advanced Security Package added a shielded theft-deterrent alarm system with dedicated power source; inclination sensor that activates an alarm during unauthorized jacking and/or towing; steering column lock that prevents steering without the appropriate fob or key; locking wheel lugs to help prevent wheel theft and laminated glass rear door windows to help absorb impact without shattering. The all-weather mat protection package added $225 for premium all-weather floor mats and cargo mat.

OK, now for the coolest option package – the $1600 Performance Data And Video Recorder allows the driver to capture performance metrics. High-definition video and in-cabin audio in real time includes four overlays - Sport, Track, Performance or no Overlay. Its front-view camera captures each curve and straightaway, and when parked, lets you watch and analyze your driving performance on the Cadillac CUE®1 screen, and recordings can be downloaded to a personal computer to evaluate driver and vehicle performance, make comparisons to improve driver performance and share recordings with friends. This is a performance and video game enthusiast’s “must’ buy”.

The UltraView® power sunroof added $1450; a cargo net in the trunk added $55; destination and freight charges were $995 and the gas guzzler tax added $1000 for a sticker as tested of $94,540.

> 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.