Volvo has launched a new flagship, its all-new midsize luxury sedan, the S90, that replaces the S80 in its lineup. Marketed as a vehicle that celebrates those who follow their own paths, its commercials are set to the inspiring words of American poet, Walt Whitman, and his “Song of The Open Road.”

This subliminal urging to escape the confines of indoor spaces to seek inspiration outside and behind the wheel, is paid off with Volvo luxury, attention to detail, crisp and upscale architecture, and Volvo’s advanced modular product platform – Scalable Product Architecture – that underpins all new Volvo cars in the 90 and 60 Series.

Making a strong first impression, the 2017 S90 has received a car-full of accolades from industry magazine and groups: S90 was a finalist for the 2017 Motor Trend “Car of the Year” and the “2017 North American Car of the Year”; it won the “Roadshow Editor’s Choice Award”, presented by CNET, excelling in multiple areas; it won the NAIAS (North American International Auto Show ) “EyesOn Design Awards” that honor the best production and concept vehicles making their worldwide auto show debut in Detroit; was called “an All-Star” for its “cohesive package of safety, style, sensibility, and supple ride” by the editors of Automobile magazine, and the S90 was awarded Top Safety Pick designation for 2017 by the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).

The S90 is a premium 4-door, 5-seat flagship sedan that carries the confident face of Volvo’s new design language, along with classic Volvo styling cues. Key features include the iconic “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlight design, the new grille and Volvo Iron Mark, and the expressive use of the Volvo word mark on the rear.

Measuring 56.8 inches in height, 195.4 inches in length, and 79.5 inches in width, on a 115.8-inch wheelbase, the Volvo S90 is sleek, rounded and elegant with 9-inch 10-spoke Silver Diamond cut alloy wheels, special trim badges, grille and cosmetic elements; color-coordinated door handles with side decor, illumination with Puddle Lights, a Panoramic Moonroof with Power Sunshade; dual integrated tailpipes; retractable mirrors and tire pressure monitoring system.

The lavish cabin adapts design cues utilized in Volvos XC90 model with new details on the dashboard and instrument panel, including new air blades that stand vertically on each side of the Sensus user interface. Measuring a comfortable, but not spacious
38.7 inches of front headroom with 37.8 inches in the rear; legroom of 42.2 inches up front and 35.9 inches for passengers and front shoulder room of 47.5 with 44.9 inches in row two, the cabin is packed with amenities. A brief list of interior niceties includes Keyless entry; Rear Park Assist Camera; 4-Zone Electronic Climate Control; an Automatic CleanZone Function that lets you and your passengers enjoy clean, healthy cabin air and monitors incoming air -- shutting the cabin's air intakes if harmful substances are detected. You also get a 12.3-inch digital driver display; 224-watt High Performance Audio System with tweeters and woofers; Sensus Navigation; Smart Phone Integration; SiriusXM Satellite Radio; Speech Function; Sun Curtain, Rear Side Door Windows and rear window; Nappa Leather upholstery; ventilated and heated front seats; 10-way, Power Front Driver Seat including Driver Seat Memory; Inscription Carpet; Interior High Level Illumination, headlight high-pressure cleaning; and Road Sign In formation that detects various speed limits and road information signs.

Offering two 4-cylinder engine options (and a Plug-in Hybrid model as well), the T5 models use a 2.0-liter Inline four -cylinder turbocharged engine that puts out 250 hp and 250 lbs.-ft. of torque for an EPA estimate of 34/highway and 23/city. My test T6 AWD powered up with a 2.0-liter In-line four-cylinder turbocharged and supercharged engine that provided 316hp and 295 lbs.-ft. Rated at 31/highway and 22/city, my tests brought in an average of 26.6mpg.

Handing was solid, and road manners were refined, though the suspension was rough at times. S90 was agile, but steering was a bit heavy with minor understeer. Performance-wise, the twin-charged T6 engine was not hesitant and accelerated seamlessly. On the track, a zero-to-60mph sprint was finished off in 5.9 seconds and the quarter-mile was dispatched in 14.4 seconds (hand timed).

Available in four trim options, the S90 T5 Momentum starts at $46,950; the S90 T5 Inscription starts at $49,650; the S90 T6 Momentum starts at $48,100 and my test S90 T6 Inscription based at $58,600. The T8 Hybrid will start at $68,150.

My T6 Inscription added Bright Silver Metallic exterior paint for $595 and was mated to Charcoal Perforated Leather upholstery. A heated steering wheel added $300; the Convenience package added $2250 for a compass in Interior Rear View Mirror, Park Assist Pilot and Front Park Assist, Heated Washer Nozzles, Power Operated Trunklid, 360-degree Surround View Camera, 12 Volt Outlet in Luggage Compartment and Homelink®. Going all out and all upscale, the Luxury Package added $3450 for Nubuck Headliner, Heated Rear Seats, Deluxe Rear Seat Center Armrest and a Backrest Massage. A Graphical Head Up Display added $900 and upmarket sound systems and suspension could have added an additional $4400, but were not on my test vehicle. With destination fees of $995, the sticker as tested was $67,390.


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 launched its CX-9 in 2006, as a midsize three-row crossover that laughed in the face of standard SUV boxiness, and offered more carlike handling and a more sculpted look. That first CX-9 shared elements with its Ford brethren, but after 11 years, and now a full season into its second generation, Mazda’s flagship sports-ute stands and rides firmly on its own.

Largely unchanged for the 2017 model year, the mid-trim-level CX-9 Touring adds Smart City Brake Support as a standard feature, an amenity that was previously reserved only for CX-9’s Touring’s available options package as well as Grand Touring and Signature trims. And this year’s model has trimmed down a bit, as my test CX-9 Signature in AWD configuration is 26 pounds lighter with a curbweight of 4301 pounds.

Speaking to the niche’s tech-demanding audience, technology highlights on the CX-9 include an available windshield-projected Active Driving Display; MAZDA CONNECT™ infotainment system with 7-inch or available 8-inch, full-color touchscreen display and voice command; standard rearview camera; Multi-function Commander control; Auto-dimming rearview mirror; Standard Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio; BOSE® 12-speaker surround sound system with Centerpoint® and AudioPilot®.

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. At 199.4 inches long, CX-9 is 1.2 inches shorter than its Gen-1 length, but its wheelbase was stretched 2.2 inches to 115.3 inches, benefiting passenger leg room as well as entry to and exit from the rear. CX-9 carries shorter overhangs on both ends than previous models, as its long hood adds a sense of strength through proportions. CX-9 measures 77.2 inches in width and 67.6 inches in height with a ground clearance of 8.8 inches and curb-to-curb turning circle radius in 19.4 feet.

After being named as a finalist for the 2017 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, 2017 World Car of the Year and 2017 World Car Design of the Year, CX-9’s design cues play a role through the KODO architecture concept. CX-9’s exterior flows with a proud front fascia that blends into crisp lines that flow to the rear, a rounded and curvy demeanor and subtle creases. The cabin is ergonomic, thoughtful, high-tech and imbued with upscale inclusions specific to each trim level. The focus of CX-9 continues to be one of being an automotive experience rather than simply another vehicle to get from, place to place.

CX-9’s powertain remains 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 20/city, 26/highway in AWD configuration (FWD gets 2mpg better). A week of road tests in mixed-use situations averaged 22.9mpg.

The CX-9 driving experience is marked by responsive steering and a relatively smooth ride on uneven surfaces. Acceleration was steady and predictable, as passing at speed and tackling long uphill grades proved easy tasks. On the track, a zero-to-60mph time of 7.3 seconds and a consistent 15.4-second quarter-mile were fun and stable. Autocross tests showed some top wobble during quick turns, but certainly well within expectations for the niche.

The CX-9 cabin is comfortable, but tight 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 confining 29.7 in row three, and shoulder room comes in at 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.

Safety items include i-ACTIVSENSE, which provides active safety features such as Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitoring. CX-9 is also outfitted with Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam, Smart City Brake Support, Distance Recognition Support System, Forward Obstruction Warning and Smart Brake Support. And there is also the typical array of airbags, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution with Brake Assist, dynamic stability control and traction control system, a tire pressure monitoring system and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.

The 2017 Mazda CX-9 starts at $31,520 for a front-wheel drive in the Sport trim – AWD starts at $33,320. Touring trim starts at $35,970 (FWD); the Grand Touring trim starts at $40,370 and the new top-of-the-model-line Signature starts at $44,315 for AWD.

My test ride, a CX-9 Signature in Machine Gray Metallic (an extra $300), mated to a Jet Black Mica interior, offered no available major packages as this trim is loaded as is. Mazda Mobile Start (Smartphone-controlled App) added $550 and an Interior Lighting Kit added $350. With a destination fee of $940, my 2017 Mazda CX-9 Signature stickered-as-tested at $45,905.

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.

Debuting for the 2001 model year, the Ford Escape was once referred to as the “Baby Explorer”. Now, five years into its third generation, Escape is firmly entrenched as Ford’s No. 2 nameplate behind only the F-Series.

Significantly updated for the 2017 model year, Escape now features more of what Ford says its customers told them they really wanted.

Manufactured at Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Kentucky with a unitized welded steel body, Escape has tweaked its exterior demeanor to create a more confident, rugged persona. The redesigned hood and raised hexagonal grille replaces the old trapezoid, and slimmer headlamps look sexy. In the rear, the liftgate is more upright and pleasing, and the taillamps have also been slimmed.

Inside, a new push-button electronic parking brake replaces the large hand-actuated parking brake, and the gear shifter has been repositioned rearward for improved access to climate controls on the center stack. The redesigned steering wheel is more ergonomic and the center armrest is more comfortable, combining with the other changes for a greater feel of spaciousness.

The 2017 Ford Escape has also updated its engines, replacing a 1.6-liter engine with a new turbocharged 1.5-liter EcoBoost® I-4, and it has added 5 hp to its 2.0-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine. Additionally, Escape is the first Ford vehicle to make Auto Start-Stop technology standard.

The new Escape also features available SYNC® Connect mobile access, which allows owners to use the FordPass® smartphone platform to start, lock, unlock and locate their vehicle.

The 2017 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 3765 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 configuration. A week of mixed-use tests including long interstate drives, and a few off-road excursions, averaged 24.3mpg.

Escape handles and steers in carlike fashion. The rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assist is responsive and predictable, and the MacPherson front struts with stabilizer bar and twin-tube hydraulic gas-pressurized shocks work in concert with an independent double lateral link rear suspension with semi-trailing arms, stabilizer bar, linear-rate springs and monotube hydraulic gas-pressurized shocks to soften many road irregularities, but it is NOT a luxury smooth ride and road noise often permeates the cabin.

Power from the 2.0-liter was strong across all ranges. Passing at speed and uphill grades are conquered without issue, and a zero-to-60mph dash was accomplished in 7.7 seconds during a 15.9-second quarter-mile (hand-timed).

Inside, the cabin is well-appointed and seats five with headroom of 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.

My test Escape in Titanium trim also came standard with remote start, power liftgate, reverse sensing system, silver roof rails, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and SYNC® with SYNC Connect.

The 2017 Ford Escape starts at $23,750 in S trim with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine, and moves to $25,250 for the SE and its 1.6-liter EcoBoost®. My test Escape Titanium in Ruby Red paint, started at $27,645 in 2WD with the 1.5 engine, and came with leather-trimmed 10-way heated power driver and passenger seat, remote start, Blind Spot Information System and a 10-speaker Sony audio system. The Ruby Red paint added $395. Up-powering to the 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine added $1345 and 4WD upgraded road capabilities for an additional $1750.

The 301A Equipment Package of auto high beams, Enhanced Active Park Assist with Parallel Parking, Park Out Assist, Reverse Perpendicular Parking, Forward and Side Sensing Systems, Bi-Xenon HID headlamps, LED Signature Lighting, heated steering wheel, Lane-Keeping Alert, Lane-Keeping Aid and Driver Alert System, rain-sensing windshield wipers and supplemental PTC heater added $1995.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Pre-Collision Assist added $595; a Panoramic Vista® roof added $1495; roof-rail crossbars added $145; all-weather floor mats added $75; a cargo mat in the back added $90; a Sony® audio system with SYNC® 3 and Voice-activated Navigation System added $795; side-window deflectors added $89; and destination charges of $895 put the sticker-as-tested at $36,269. Incentives are available and could save you as much as $2500 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.

Automotive history on display at a Carlisle Events car show is a given, but this year’s Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals is taking the unique to a whole new level. Earlier this year, the event planning team announced that the first-ever Camaro would be part of the show. Fast forward a few months and Carlisle Events can now proudly announce the inclusion of a Camaro made 4,999,999 cars later. That’s right, Camaro #5,000,000 will be on display for all to see June 23-25 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.

While Chevrolet has made thousands more Camaro’s since this special powerhouse rolled off the assembly line in 2011, it’s the most recent million milestone car available, meaning Chevrolet has yet to produce a 6 millionth Camaro.

Built with little external fanfare, this car is a 2011 1LT model, with a black interior and exterior as well as the base wheel package available at the time. It was so under the radar in 2011 that it took about a month before the news leaked out that a 5 millionth Camaro existed. Aside from some pretty basic visual pieces and parts, it’s powered by a 312 horsepower V6 engine with a manual transmission. The Lexington, Kentucky dealership that received it also installed a GM specific dovetail spoiler and it carried a sale price of $24,700.

So, that’s what it is and where it was, but how does this milestone car make it from Kentucky in 2011 to the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals in 2017? Carlisle Events co-owner Lance explains via the following comments:

“We were so excited to have Camaro #1 join us for this year’s Chevrolet Nationals that we decided having the last millionth Camaro would really be a home run,” noted Miller. “We looked long and hard to find the car so our loyal participants had an opportunity to see the two cars together for the first time EVER and finally, we found it,” continued Miller. “We’re thrilled to make this announcement and I’m certain it’ll be a sight to be seen. Bring your camera because the opportunity for pictures will be out of this world. A Camaro enthusiast or not, this will be a MUST SEE display and certainly one for the history books!”

This car, Camaro #1 and many more classics spanning the history of the Chevrolet family brands will be on display at Carlisle starting June 23. A link to buy single day or weekend tickets can be found online at www.CarlisleEvents.com as will details on the event itself and information on how to register as a vendor or show a car.

Carlisle Auctions has considered adding a third day to its Spring and Fall Carlisle auctions for some time and in 2017, it finally happened. That decision, combined with the demand for high quality classic and collector cars offered a three-day event in April that will be talked about for years to come. Carlisle auctions saw a massive increase in not only registered bidders, but those who did so well in advance of the show, plus with 500+ consignments, saw a record sales total too.

Between the time the first piece of memorabilia came up for auction on Thursday (4/20) to the final slam of the gavel and last classic car crossed the block on Saturday (4/22), $4.7 million in sales had occurred and a whopping 60% sell through rate had been executed. There were periods of time each day where it looked like every car would sell. The passion among the bidders and sellers alike ran high because the cars and trucks crossing the block were just that good.

Tops across each day included a 1970 Boss 302 Mustang (Thursday/$58,315), a 1992 Ferrari 512TR (Friday/$161,035) and a 1968 Dodge Charger that was screen used as part of the Fast and Furious movie franchise (Saturday/$96,300). While these were the top selling cars each day, the top five overall are as follows. The Ferrari and Charger were the top two, with a 1969 Dodge Super Bee A12 moving for $75,435 coming in third. Fourth was a 1969 Camaro Z/28 at $67,677 and rounding out the top five was a 1966 Corvette at $58,550. Each price listed includes fees.

The Fast & Furious Charger turned lots of heads Saturday as it was hands down the star of the day. A Facebook Live stream generated hundreds of views, the live web broadcast of the auction spiked when it came up for auction and the proverbial flash bulbs were popping left and right within the expo center. This is the second star car that Carlisle Auctions’ has sold in recent years, with a Trans-Am owned by Burt Reynolds selling for over 100,000 a few years ago.

With two auctions down and two to go, Carlisle Auctions Director of Operations Tony Cline is very pleased with not only how this event played out, but with how his season is going so far.

"At nearly $5 Million in sales, this is by far the most successful auction that we have ever presented,” said Cline. “It was great to sell the Fast and Furious car, and I look forward to an even larger auction this September at Fall Carlisle."

The next Carlisle Auctions event is part of Fall Carlisle. Again running three days, this event takes place September 28-30 at the Carlisle Expo Center. Visit www.CarlisleAuctions.com or call 717-960-6400 for details on bidding or consigning for the fall auction in Carlisle or on how to get involved with the two Florida based auction events too.