Dodge knows the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals is a big deal. Nearly 3,000 car owners and 52,000+ guests know the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals is a big deal. So, based on that data alone, it’s unanimous; the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals is a big deal! This 2017 edition of the event runs July 14-16 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and not only celebrates all things Mopar, it offers up the world’s largest all-Mopar themed swap meet. Oh, and in case three days of this event isn’t enough, there’s another show happening just across the street at the Carlisle Expo Center too (more on that to come).

Chrysler weekend has been an annual tradition for Mopar lovers since 1991 and the show and the enthusiasm that surrounds it grows annually. This year’s fun includes a handful of special displays, guests and a showcase from Dodge on its latest and greatest products.

For as much as guests come to mingle with each other and look at the cool cars, many come because of the swap meet. The massive layout is THE perfect outlet for enhancing or restoring any piece of Mopar history and the reality is, if it can’t be found within the Chrysler Nationals swap meet, it doesn’t exist. From original to aftermarket, rare to exotic and more, vendors within the swap area have every single guest covered with something specific to their Mopar passions.

Who can ignore the decades of beauty on-site too with the nearly 3,000 car showfield? This year honors 100 years of the Dodge/Ram truck brand as well as 50 years of the RO/WO Super Stocks, GTX and R/T. In addition, there is a unique and must-see Panther Pink/Moulin Rouge (FM3) display. This showcase brings the pinkest cars in the universe to Carlisle and guests of all ages will love it! To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Viper, as well as the end of production, there will be a special Viper display on the showfield.

Cars don’t just look good at Carlisle, they go fast too. Dodge is coming with some of its freshest, hottest rides like the all-new Demon, the Hellcat and more. By popular demand, Dodge brings its drag and drift rides to the track at Carlisle, while Carlisle Events supports the burnout contest.

There’s even a way for guests to better their rides, all while enjoying the show. As part of the manufacturers midway, on-site installations take place on exhaust systems, making the sweet sound of weekend that much sweeter, performance parts installs, tunes and more.

Finally, Chrysler weekend gives guests two shows for the price of one. All-new for 2017, the Carlisle Hurst Nationals takes place at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center. Some of the guests from that event, such as Linda Vaughn and Bob Riggle will appear on the fairgrounds to meet guests, sign autographs and more.

It all starts July 14 and registration details as well as links to purchase tickets are available now at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

Carlisle Auctions’ star shines bright four times a year and in just a few days, April 20-22 at the Carlisle Expo Center, the glow will be very noticeable as the auction team prepares for its first ever three-day collector car auction. The auction itself runs in conjunction with Spring Carlisle and with 100,000 guests converging on central Pennsylvania from around the world, there will be no hotter spot over three days than the expo center for the auction.

By popular demand, Carlisle Auctions has expanded its offering from two days to three in 2017 for its Carlisle based auctions. The new three-day format allows for even more cars, more people and more excitement. Some 500+ consignments are planned, including classics spanning all eras of production, collectibles, memorabilia and even a few items that will see money go to local charities and/or those in need.

With so many cars crossing the block, it’s hard to call out every single one, but a few that stand out include a 1961 Chrysler New Yorker, 1969 Yenko Camaro and a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1. In addition to those, one car draw a lot of attention. Consigned as part of this year’s Spring Carlisle Auction is a 1968 Dodge Charger that was used as part of the Fast and Furious movie franchise. Screen used as a stunt and green screen car for Fast 4 and Fast 5, this Charger saw movie stars Vin Diesel and the late Paul Walker filmed inside of it. With this pedigree and the new Fast 8 movie in theatres over auction weekend, it should be one of the top selling cars of the weekend.

The New Yorker is ultra-rare and in excellent condition. Finished in tuxedo black with a black and white interior, this car includes swivel front bucket seats, power steering, brakes and factory air. Best of all, it’s powered by a 413-cubic inch V-8. A car like this is a must have for any collection. Fast forward eight years and Carlisle Auctions offers two more gems, this time from 1969. First, one of the rarest Chevrolet Camaro’s built by Don Yenko. This Camaro is a factory Z/28 X77 car that retains all its original components, including those that Yenko installed in 1969. It is a factory Cortez Silver color with black rally stripes and was ordered with radio delete and no console. The final of three featured cars is another gem from ’69, a Ford Mustang “R Code” Mach 1. The Mach 1 has matching numbers and a 428-cubic inch Cobra Jet power plant under the hood. The quality of this restoration must be seen to be believed. Along with the aforementioned consignments, hundreds more will be available starting around 2 p.m. on April 20.

Complete details on Carlisle Auctions can be found at www.CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400. On the web are links and information for consigning a vehicle, becoming a bidder, a link to buy spectator tickets and a photo gallery of most of the vehicles that are consigned to the auction.

For the first time since 2001, Carlisle Events is launching a car show from the ground up and it’s all happening July 14-15 at the Carlisle Expo Center, an indoor/outdoor multi-purpose facility adjacent to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. The new event, known as the Carlisle Hurst Nationals, features all vehicle types that include the Hurst badge and branding. From cars to trucks, if it’s Hurst, it’s at Carlisle in July.

The Hurst Nationals is the first ever event of its type and received some early promotion from the folks at Hurst as part of a special showcase at SEMA in November of 2016. Since then, planning and preparation has been full speed ahead in the areas of securing show cars and trucks, guests, memorabilia and more. It’ll all be on display indoors and out at the expo center.

Hurst weekend is anchored by the one and only Miss Hurst Golden Shifter, Linda Vaughn. She’ll appear throughout both days, making her first Carlisle appearance in nearly 10 years. In addition, special guests include Don Glover, an original Hurst engineer, legendary racer Bob Riggle and his even more legendary Hemi Under Glass race car, Dennis Kirban, Hurst enthusiast and expert, authors Mark Fletcher and Richard Truesdell and so much more.

As for the cars themselves, it’s all things Hurst. Of course the Hurst/Olds is first to mind for many car enthusiasts, but the reality is, Hurst has its name on trucks, Jeeps, Fords and Chryslers too. The displays during Hurst weekend include a little bit of all of that and then some. Incredibly rare cars are planned too, including SC/Ramblers, Hurst/Olds prototypes and even limited-production newer Hurst vehicles. Another cool feature about the show is that the cars aren’t just to look at and guests aren’t just to meet, both will come together for special seminars and product walk-arounds.

Could things get any better for this special July weekend? Yes…yes they could. Hurst weekend offers THE best bang for the buck anywhere. Guests get two shows for the price of one because for just $12 for adults and kids 12 and under free, this allows access to not only the Carlisle Hurst Nationals, but the world’s largest all-Mopar themed weekend, the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals too. That massive event is taking place just a quick walk or an even quicker free shuttle ride away at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.

Full details on the show as well as links to register or buy tickets can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855. Don’t miss out on two amazing automotive weekends, all at the same time in America’s Automotive Hometown, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

The all-new Infiniti QX30 premium active crossover was created for a new generation of premium buyers who appreciate category-defying design inside and out. As all Infiniti SUVs and crossovers now bear the QX badge the new QX30 remains true to the powerful and elegant design cues that guided the original QX30 concept, with a highly sculpted exterior, unique crossover stance and asymmetric cabin design exemplify Infiniti’s design-led approach to product development.

While its being a true crossover can be debated -- any off-road capability seems to be “soft-road” -- this compact SUV is luxurious and comes with German heritage despite its Japanese parent (Nissan) and its assembling in Sunderland, UK. The 2017 QX30’s engines are assembled in Germany, and it shares the Mercedes-Benz GLA’s structure, engine, and transmission.

The all-new QX30 combines a crossover appearance with signature Infiniti design cues and provides a balance of coupe sportiness, utility and 5-door versatility. It delivers a confident drive and versatile attitude, aided by intelligent all-wheel drive intuitive technologies to enhance safety, comfort and convenience. The architecture provides the look and feel of a luxury coupe with a lavish cabin and a smooth, coupe-like roofline. Showing a wide stance, QX30 is 174.2 inches long, 82.0 inches wide and 59.4 inches high on a 106.3-inch wheelbase. Its step-in height is 16.5 inches and minimum ground clearance is 6.8 inches. Curbweight is 4277 lbs. for the Luxury trim version in AWD.

QX30 is built with unibody construction utilizing high-strength corrosion-resistant steel and an aluminum hood. The QX30 exterior is characterized by dramatic curves and turbulent, sculpted character lines, with dynamic shapes to create a purposeful appearance. Standard exterior features include signature LED daytime running lights and auto on/off halogen headlights, with available LED headlights with Active Front lighting System (and auto high/low beam function), and LED fog lights. A panoramic moonroof and roof rails are also offered.

The QX30 Luxury AWD and QX30 Premium AWD also include unique front and rear lower fascias, extended overfenders, unique black mold-in color side sills, roof rails, unique 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and a higher ride height.

The bold Infiniti design approach continues inside, with QX30 challenging traditional standards of symmetry through its expressive, modern and dynamic interior.
The asymmetric surfaces feature wave shapes and forceful lines that twist apart and flow away from the driver. These give an "in-motion" feel when natural light moves over the highly sculpted lines and contrasting materials in the cabin.

Premium materials and processes were selected by the Infiniti designers in order to create a modern-looking and luxurious cabin. The standard interior is finished in high quality black Fibretec, while optional black or beige Nappa leather appointments (standard on QX30 Luxury) deliver an even more premium finish.

With seating for five, the QX30 cabin fits the small crossover niche and is a tight fit for taller drivers and occupants. Front headroom with a moonroof is 38.4 inches, with rear headroom at 37.5 inches – cramped for anyone over 6-feet tall. Shoulder room is 54.8 inches in the first seats and 53.1 in the second row, and leg room is a comfortable 41.3 inches in the first row, but only child-accommodating 33.5 inches for rear-seat passengers. Outward sightlines are hampered but the overall road experience is quiet.

Power is delivered by the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged unit that is rated at 208 horsepower, with peak torque of 258 lbs.-ft. available from 1,200 – 4,400 rpm. Turbo pressure keeps the power sufficient when called upon, and the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission system provides seamless acceleration. Highway acceleration is predictable, and on the track, a zero-to-60mph sprint was finished in a brisk 6.7 seconds during a 15.2-second quarter-mile. EPA rated at 25mpg/city and 32mpg/highway, my week of tests yielded an average of 19.1mpg in mixed-use driving.

The comfort level was pampering, with the MacPherson front struts and 23mm stabilizer bar working well with the multi-link independent rear and its stabilizer bar to level most road inconsistencies.

From a safety perspective, QX30 is among the safest cars in its class owing to a range of active safety and hazard avoidance technologies that enhance the driving experience and provide a high level of safety to all occupants. And an Around View Monitor with moving object detection and Intelligent Parking Assist make the QX30 a maneuverable and easy-to-park vehicle.

The base 2017 QX30 starts at $29,950; QX30 Luxury starts at $32.600; QX30 Premium starts at $35,300; QX30 Sport starts at $38.500; QX30 Luxury AWD starts at $34,400 and the QX30 Premium AWD starts at $37,700.

My test QX30 Luxury in AWD included all QX30 Luxury trim features plus Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD); 18-inch machine finished aluminum-alloy wheels; unique front and rear AWD styling; extended overfenders with unique sill panels; roof rails and a raised AWD suspension. Upgrades from the base QX30 included Nappa leather-appointed seating; 8-way power front seats; 4-way power front passenger lumbar; memory seats and mirrors; heated seats and Leatherette-appointed and stitched dash insert.

Loaded as a trim, few extras were needed. All-season floor mats added $125; a reversible cargo protector mat added $95; Infiniti WiFi added $495 and Destination and Handling added $995 for a sticker-as-tested of $36,110.



> 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.

For years Carlisle Events has been touting what Mopar enthusiasts already knew, central Pennsylvania is a hotbed for all things automotive. In fact, America’s Automotive Hometown plays host to THE largest all-Mopar themed event in the world; the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals. While this year’s Chrysler show isn’t until July (14-16), the Mopar madness will make an early appearance via a special Dodge branded event on April 11.

Just over three months in front of Chrysler weekend, over 200 cars are expected at the Carlisle Expo Center (1 block west of the Carlisle Fairgrounds) for a one-of-a-kind party; the unveiling of the all-new Dodge Demon. The party will serve as a satellite showcase of Mopar enthusiasts. Much like Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, where New York City checks in with locations around the country, the same will happen with the Demon reveal and party.

The center of the Demon’s universe won’t quite be hell, but it will happen near the Hell’s Kitchen area of New York City at a private warehouse location. There, special guests, media members and cast members from the upcoming Fast and Furious 8 movie will pull the curtain back on the super powerful Demon. Carlisle Events will also be in attendance at the 8 p.m. unveiling. Meanwhile at the Carlisle Expo Center, beginning around 6 p.m., a few hundred guests and their cars will park, party and wait with anticipation for the big reveal. The national reveal party will take live look-ins at the Carlisle party as well as the other events happening across the country.

Backed locally by the PA Modern Mopar and Mopar Rebellion car clubs, the night will feature a DJ spinning music, food from local businesses, cool cars, prizes, games and more. Guests will not only receive a commemorative prize pack from Dodge, but also special goodies from Carlisle Events, including decals, banners, etc.

JUST ANNOUNCED TOO, as part of the upcoming release of the latest Fast & Furious movie, Carlisle Auctions, a sister company of Carlisle Events, will showcase a screen used 1968 Dodge Charger from the Fast 4 and Fast 5 movies. This car was filmed with Vin Diesel and the late Paul Walker in it and it’s available as part of the upcoming Spring Carlisle Auction. The auction runs April 20-22, with the car crossing the block mid-day on April 22. See it in person on April 11 and bid with Carlisle Auctions starting April 20.

About 40 Mopars, ranging from 1958 through 2016, will be featured inside of the Carlisle Expo Center. The indoor display will include some classic Demons from the early ‘70s including one that’s going to be an extra special birthday present for one young girl. Other standout vehicles will include the World’s Fastest Hellcat Challenger and a Dodge Ram that produces 1300 horsepower! For details on the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT® Demon, visit www.dodge.com/en/ifyouknowyouknow or simply attend the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals in July to experience one in person!