Launched for the 2004 model year as an alternative to the full-size pick-up establishment, Nissan’s Titan went through its first generation without a major redesign until 2016. This year, the all-new Titan Crew Cab adds a bold design, a new half-ton model and a new standard 390-horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance® V-8 gasoline engine coupled with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

With body-on-frame (fully boxed ladder-type) construction utilizing corrosion-resistant and high strength steel, the new Titan half-ton continues the design cues established by the original Titan full-size pickup, including bed and cab features that are now industry standard, and the rugged function and style of the Titan XD.

The Titan half-ton has the same aggressive style as the Titan XD, but is built on a completely separate chassis and is about a foot shorter in wheelbase (139.8 inches versus XD's 151.6 inches). At 228.1 inches in length, it is 14.7 inches shorter than the larger Titan XD (242.8 inches).The new Titan also measures 79.5 inches in width and 76.0 inches in height. Minimum ground clearance is 8.9 inches and step-in height is 22.9 inches up front and 23.8 in the rear and Titan has a curbweight of 5684 lbs. Titan and Titan XD share the same cabs, and both offer similar toughness, durability and innovative interior, bed and driving aid features.

The Titan half-ton's exterior design was created at Nissan Design America in La Jolla, Calif. The design's focus on improved aerodynamics (an approximate 10 percent reduction versus the previous-generation Titan) incorporates a front spoiler, roof and tailgate spoilers, front tow hook hole cover, underbody covers, rear tire wind deflectors and a seal between the cab and bed.

The Titan half-ton also incorporates an Active Grille Shutter, which helps reduce drag by closing the grille opening behind the radiator when a large amount of airflow is not needed, and its standard 5.5-foot bed is designed to work hard and play hard, with a wide range of available functionality features.

An improved interior layout offers enhanced storage versus the previous generation Titan – front storage has been increased 33 percent and rear storage 28 percent – and new second- row underseat storage includes a locking lid for added security, along with an integrated foldout flat floor.

Filled with high-tech, infotainment, climate and comfort items, the interior provides 41.0 inches of front headroom with 40.4 inches in row two; leg room is 31.8 inches in row one and 38.5 inches in the second row; knee room is 26.6 and 23.9 and shoulder room is 63.3 inches in the first seats and 63.6 in the second row.
The standard front and rear Zero Gravity seats help maximize posture positioning for enhanced comfort during long distance driving.

Titan power is provided by a smooth 5.6-liter Endurance® V-8 engine that shares its displacement with the previous-generation V-8, but gains 73 hp (390 hp) and 9 lbs.-ft. of torque (394 lbs.-ft.) from Gen-1. Titan is EPA rated at 15mpg in city driving, 21 mpg on the highway and 18mpg overall, and a week of tests in snowy conditions yielded an average of 17.3mpg.

During tests, the cabin was quiet, the seats were comfortable and the sightlines were good. Engine power built predictably and consistently and while the rack-and-pinion engine speed variable assist steering was a bit heavy, handling was par for the niche though a bit top-heavy. The double-wishbone front suspension with 34-mm stabilizer bar and twin-tube coil-over shock absorbers works with a multi-leaf solid-axle rear with an 18 mm-stabilizer bar and twin-tube shock absorbers to smooth out most road irregularities and while it floated a bit at high-speed, Titan’s road feel was dependable when needed. On the track, Titan gradually gained enough speed to finish off a zero-to-60mph sprint in 7.2 seconds and confidently completed a quarter-mile in 15.7 seconds.

With attention to safety, Titan is outfitted with an Anti-lock Braking System, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Also onboard is the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with single-stage driver and dual-stage passenger supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor. This includes roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor and front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags.

The 2017 Nissan Titan Crew Cab comes in nine base trim levels, beginning with the S 2x2 at $34,780 and the 4x4 at $37,760, and topping out with the Platinum 4x4 at $55,400. Second on the list – SV -- started at $37,670 and added Advanced Drive-Assist® Display, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, trailer sway control and chrome exterior trim to the S. I tested the next one up, the SL, starting at $46,380, after adding Remote Engine Start/Stop System, Leather-appointed seats, NissanConnect™ powered by SiriusXM® and a Rockford Fosgate® audio system. In Magnetic Black with an SL Black Leather interior, the Chrome Package was added for $1200 (chrome grille, exhaust finisher, 20-inch chrome wheels and kick plat finisher); and the $410 Towing Convenience Package was required; Splash Guards added $235; Running Board Lighting added $370; Door Sill Plates were $95; all-season floor mats added $135 and Destination and Handling added $1195, for a sticker-as-tested of $50,020.


> 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 becoming a bit of a tradition for the team at Carlisle Events to not only showcase classic cars as part of its AutoFest events in Lakeland, Florida, but to also bring some of TV’s most iconic stars to town too. The trend continues February 23-26 at the SUN ‘n FUN campus with the addition of Butch Patrick to event weekend. Patrick, who played little Eddie Munster on the ‘60s TV show The Munsters will be on hand all weekend to meet fans, sign autographs and more.

As mentioned above, Patrick is best known as Eddie Munster from the CBS comedy that ran from 1964-1966. He reprised the role for a 1966 feature film and also starred as Mark on the ABC Saturday morning series, Lidsville from 1971-1973. It’s his Munsters career that endeared him to millions though and it’s that role and its corresponding popularity that brings him to Lakeland.

"I was just happy to be part of a TV show that has such a timeless following,” said Patrick from his home in Florida. “People today really seem to enjoy nostalgic shows with real family values even if it’s a family of lovable monsters."

In addition to Patrick himself, he’s bringing with him a handful of ghoulishly unique cars. The Munster’s themed display not only includes Patrick, but the Munster Koach and Dragula tribute cars, the ORIGINAL 1964 Barris/Von Dutch chain link Schwinn Stingray Bike and other Munsters props, including a Munsters go-cart, baseball bat, Wolf Wolf, miniature spot and street signs.

An autograph for any item brought to the event is $20. In addition, Patrick and his team will have items for sale, including photos, shirts and photo ops with the famed rides that are part of his display. Prices will vary and will be listed at his onsite location. Posed photos are included for free with the purchase of any item from him or with the purchase of an autograph.

Winter AutoFest itself isn’t just about this special guest, but also about a swap meet, car corral, two-day collector car auction and car show. 100 years of automotive history will be on display and the event is unlike anything else in the region, plus it’s affordable family fun. Adult tickets are $10 per day, kids 12 and under are free and complete details are available at www.CarlisleEvents.com.

Kia Motors is going green in a big way, with a Hybrid that doesn’t look like a Hybrid, and housed in a Crossover package that doesn’t look or act quite like a Crossover. It is more like an “un-Hybrid, non-Crossover.” Kia’s all-new 2017 Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV) is marketed by Kia as: “A no-compromise vehicle that combines driving enjoyment with eye-catching design, functional utility and hybrid efficiency.”

What Niro does well is provide impressive fuel economy – EPA rated at 51mpg in the city, 46/highway and 49/combined. To back that up (though my tests showed a bit less, as they generally do), in December 2016, Niro officially received a Guinness World Records title for the lowest fuel consumption by a hybrid vehicle, as it traveled from Los Angeles to New York City with a fuel consumption record of 76.6 mpg. Now, they hypermile and use techniques you won’t use (and I didn’t use), but my review tests still produced a notable average of 47.1 mpg in mixed-use driving.

Niro is marketed as a Crossover, but seems like more of a Hatchback. It is not offered in AWD and cargo space is not as cavernous as what we expect from CUVs. Not boxy or high – Niro is curvy, slim and only 60.8 inches tall -- it doesn’t look like a typical crossover. In fact, Kia bills the exterior design as "un-hybrid". Niro certainly doesn’t fit the perception of what a hybrid is supposed to look like as it offers a wide stance, long and curved roofline and short overhangs.

Designed at Kia’s design centers in Irvine, California, and Namyang, Korea, Niro’s architecture is atypical of a hybrid, appearing strong and confident with subtly sculpted surfaces offset by robust styling cues. Niro sports wide and low proportions, standing 171.5 inches long, 71.1 inches wide and 60.8 inches high with roof rails, on a 106.3-inch wheelbase. The overhang is 34.3 inches in front and 30.9 inches in the rear and Niro has a ground clearance of 6.3 inches. Curbweight for the upper trims is 3161 lbs.

Up front, Niro bears a familiar front fascia highlighted by Kia’s signature grille and flanked by aggressively shaped headlights that accentuate the Niro’s strong shoulders. Contours on the hood lend visual interest and, along with voluminous wheel arches, rocker cladding, roof rails, and rear skid plate, contribute to a sporty look. Although Niro employs a Crossover theme, it was designed with aerodynamics in mind, with its carefully shaped bodywork contributing to a relatively efficient coefficient of drag of .29.

Stepping inside the Niro reveals an inviting, modern and high-tech interior. Glossy white or black accents underline the HUV’s straightforward theme. The instrument panel is uncluttered and clean, with colorful and informative gauges at the forefront and perfectly positioned primary and secondary controls falling readily to hand. Interior roominess measures 49.1 inches of front headroom with 39.1 inches in the rear; legroom is 41.7 inches up front and 37.4 inches in row two, and shoulder room has been measured at 56.0 and 55.2. Seats with increased pad density in the cushions ensure a comfortable ride, helping to prevent fatigue on longer trips and the Niro boasts an elevated seating position much like the Kia Soul, providing drivers with a more commanding view of the road as well as easy ingress and egress.

The powertrain begins with an all-new, state-of-the-art Kappa 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, engineered specifically for hybrid applications. The aluminum block and head system delivers 104hp and 109 lbs,-ft. of torque. The electric motor is a Lithium-Ion Polymer battery-powered 240-volt AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet Motor that provides 43 hp and the combined system is rated at 139hp and 195 lbs.-ft of torque. The system has a driving range of 583 miles.

Niro’s power is transmitted through a newly developed, second-generation six-speed dual-clutch transmission, which not only boosts efficiency but is also a key factor to a fun driving experience. The transmission delivers smooth, quick shifts for a natural and peppy feel, unlike other hybrids, though a zero-to-60mph “dash” took 10.9 seconds during an 18.4-second quarter-mile

Corners were taken effectively for the niche with little body roll and comparatively small top wobble. Road noise was surprisingly present in the cabin, but for the most part, Niro handled more like a sedan than a Crossover. Acceleration was decent enough for everyday driving, braking was confident, steering was supple and responsive and the independent front suspension with MacPherson struts, stabilizer and gas shocks, works well with the independent multi-link rear with twin tube shocks to smooth out most road irregularities.

The 2017 Kia Niro starts at $22,890 for the base NR trim, and moves up through the LX at $23,200; the EX at $25,700; the Touring at $29,650 and the Touring Launch at $31;950. My test Niro LX added the Sunroof Tech Package for $1450, with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, Smart Cruise Control, Leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, LED Daytime Running Lights and front fog lights. Mud guards added $95; carpet floor mat was $130; and Destination Charges added $895 for a price-as-tested of $25,570, making it one of the more affordable hybrids in the segment.


> 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.

When the calendar flipped from 2016 to 2017, the Carlisle Events web page began a brief three week countdown until the first event of the year. That event, Auto Mania at the Allentown Fairgrounds, has come and gone and the power of heat in the middle of winter, combined with the passion of thousands of automotive enthusiasts helped once again to make this event PA’s biggest and best indoor, heated swap meet.

From the time the gates opened at noon on January 20 through final load out on Sunday, January 22, the Ag Hall complex was packed. Between the automotive and collectible items for sale and the neighboring farmer’s market, everyone was treated, in one way or another, to a deal at every turn. From toy trains to vintage signs, classic cars, an Amish prayer buggy, traffic lights, emblems and more, Auto Mania offered the perfect cure for every ailing car guy (and gal) who was sick of the winter temps. For an event that doesn’t officially have a car corral, even that feature was bustling. One vendor had such a great weekend that he flipped two cars Friday, then came back the next day with even more inventory.

Saturday was THE day for Auto Mania. Gone was the distraction of a presidential inauguration, the chance for any adverse weather and any real excuse as to why one would not attend the event. Given the full day of fun, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday drew guests from far and wide. New York, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and other neighboring states were represented and not only was the main floor footprint hopping, the adjacent hall with body kits, classic cars for sale, shirts, banners and other automotive themed pieces and parts was too. Even the outside vending space was busy, with this year’s footprint two, maybe even three times bigger than in years past. In fact, demand was such that every available space, indoors and out was spoken for.

Sunday helped wrap the weekend and guests that came had one final shot at deals within the swap meet and one last chance to connect with old friends before saying goodbye until “the next time.”

Speaking of the next time, Carlisle Events' next offering comes in one month as staff travel to Lakeland, Florida for Winter Florida AutoFest. That event runs February 23-25 and hosts not only a swap meet and car corral, but a two-day collector car auction AND car show too. There’s unique displays, Air & Coach Concours and more. The auction boasts Carlisle's exciting FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee as well as other great conveniences related to being part of a Carlisle Auction. A complete rundown of this event and others that follow it are available online via the Carlisle Events’ web page; www.CarlisleEvents.com.

Supply and demand is a powerful dynamic and for 2017, Carlisle Auctions is reacting to the demand by upping its supply. As part of this year’s schedule, the Carlisle Auction team is expanding its auction events at Spring and Fall Carlisle. Instead of two-day auctions running Thursday and Friday, the new format offers auction excitement at the Carlisle Expo Center on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. With the expansion, Carlisle Auctions will professionally showcase even more cars, more people and more excitement.

Spring Carlisle itself runs April 19-23 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and its auction offering, powered by Carlisle Auctions, takes place April 20-22. In addition, Fall Carlisle spans September 27-October 1, while the auction is September 28-30. Both Carlisle-based auctions take place at the Carlisle Expo Center, located at 100 K St. in Carlisle, just one block west of the fairgrounds.

The ALL-NEW three-day format means that cars and collectibles will still cross the block starting at approximately 3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, but with the added third day, Saturday of auction weekend will also feature available lots. The Saturday auction commences at 10 a.m. With the added day, more cars will be consigned too. Additional consignments also make for an overall better quality event, which in turn, affords the chance for even more bidders to come to the table. Best of all, it’s done via Carlisle Auctions FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee.

“We are thrilled to be expanding to a three-day format for our upcoming Spring Carlisle Auction,” said Director of Auction Operations Tony Cline. “Fall Carlisle 2016 was our most successful auction ever in quality of consignment, volume and bidder registration. Because of that, we now feel it is the perfect time to move forward with expanded offerings.”

Carlisle Auctions 2017 campaign kicks off in February with a two-day auction in Lakeland, Florida as part of Winter AutoFest. The Spring and Fall events are on the horizon and the auction team is currently accepting consignments for those events. Finally, the auction season concludes in November with a return to Lakeland for Fall AutoFest. This event, much like its sister show in February is a two-day auction. Complete details on Carlisle Auctions can be found at www.CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400.