The Dodge Charger is the top-selling American sedan on the market. America’s only four-door muscle car has been a U.S. muscle car icon since 1965, when it was launched as an option package for the Dart GT, charging out 230 horsepower – some of today’s versions more than triple that output. With more muscle than the original, Charger remains of top-seller in the 11th year of its current run and sixth year in the current generation, with a full redesign, expected for 2020 or 2021.

For 2019, Charger revamps the Charger lineup and upgrades the muscle machine inside and out. New for 2019, Dodge is repositioning the Charger lineup into six distinct, attitude-infused models that offer a range of performance and powertrain options for every modern muscle-car customer. The lineup ranges from the 707-horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat – arguably the quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan in the world – to the efficient V-6 power of the new Charger GT RWD performance model and the all-wheel-drive capability of the new SXT AWD model. Charger GT and R/T models receive a full complement of race-bred chassis upgrades and features along with new performance looks, such as a performance hood with air induction, styled fascia, sculpted side sills, decklid spoiler and seats. Also new for 2019, Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and Scat Pack trims feature standard performance upgrades, including Launch Assist and Line Lock; a new performance grille with dual air inlets; new Launch Control switch on Scat Pack; and Torque Reserve, After-Run Chiller on SRT Hellcat.

Charger is a full-size sedan assembled Brampton, Ontario, Canada, with a unitized steel body and aluminum hood. Playing well on its heritage, Charger draws on design cues from its historic 1969 model, Charger turns heads with its muscularity, while its wide body hugs the pavement from highway to track. My Charger R/T test ride was 200.8 inches long, 75.0 inches wide and 58.5 inches high on a 120.2-inch wheelbase with a curb weight of about 4270 lbs., and ground clearance of a scant 4.9 inches.

Charger’s rep has been earned with its looks and its muscle performance. The 2019 version puts the original 1965’s 230 horses back to the stable with powerful engine choices. The standard Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine impresses with 292hp and 260 lbs-ft of torque for an EPA rating of 18/city and 27/hwy for AWD. The optional Super TrackPack upgrade bumps the power to 300hp and 264 lbs-ft. The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 that powered my R/T trim Charger thunders out 370 horses and 395 lbs-ft. The HEMI system was rated at 16mpg/city and 25mpg/highway and my mixed-use and heavy-acceleration tests averaged 23.1mpg. The Street & Racing Technology (SRT) Scat Pack and Daytona 392 trims employ a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 that muscles out 485 hp and 475 lbs-ft of torque for a rating of 15/city and 25/hwy and street-legal/track-worthy speed. The SRT Hellcat versions supercharge their 6.2-liter HEMI for a jet-thrusting 707hp and 650 lbs-ft of torque for racing and performance capabilities at an EPA rating of 13/city and 22/hwy.

I am a stick-and-clutch guy, and prefer manual transmissions in my muscle cars, but my 5.7 HEMI was coupled to an attentive TorqueFlite 8-Speed Automatic Transmission. The push-button start begins with a purring exhaust note, and when called upon, the system provides instant, tire-spinning power. Passing at speed is effortless, and track tests showed a 5.9-second zero-to-60mph dash during a 14.3-second quarter-mile.

Charger hugs the pavement in all maneuvers. Its independent SLA front suspension with high upper “A” arm, coil spring over gas-charged monotube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar works with the rear’s one piece lower-control arms on the AWD models for precise handling, and the rack and pinion steering with electric power assist is responsive and predictable.

The driver-oriented interior is skillfully conceived with premium, soft-touch materials, a full-color driver information display gauge cluster, and an instrument panel center stack with the newest Uconnect system. The interior offers comfort for drivers and passengers under 6-feet tall, at 38.6 inches of front headroom and 36.6 in the rear seats. Legroom is good for even taller inhabitants, at 41.8 inches in row one with 40.1 in row two, and wide-body shoulder room of 59.5 inches in front and 57.9 in the rear.

With six trims and multiple variations basing from $29,990 for the 300-hp Charger GT and $33,320 for the 292-hp SXT, to $67,245 for the 707hp SRT Hellcat. My370hp test 2019 Charger R/T was third on the trim list, base priced at $35,995.

In B5 Blue exterior paint (for an extra $69), with Black cloth seats, my test ride included such options as: the Harman Kardon® Audio Group for $1595, with 19 Harman Kardon® Green Edge® speakers, subwoofer and amp; The Driver Confidence Group for $1245, with Blind Spot power heated mirrors, Blind Spot and Cross-Path Detection, Auto-Dimming Mirror and more; The $995 Navigation and Travel Group with SiriusXM® Traffic Plus and Uconnect® 4CNAV with 8.4-Inch Display; and a Power sunroof added $1295. I would have liked some R/T-specific cosmetics and competition stripes, but that could have added more than $2000. Adding Destination charges of $1495 put the sticker-as-tested at $42,689, but regional incentives cut my price to $40,189, so check your local dealer for available discounts.

You can see 50 years of the Dodge Charger Daytona and 500 on display at the largest Mopar event in the world featuring over 2,700 vehicles from all eras of the Chrysler brand, at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds, July 12-14. Fifty years is the key this year as Carlisle will pay homage to: 50 ½ years of the A12 Roadrunner and Super Bee; and 50 Years of Summer ’69. And you can also take a free thrill ride in a 700-hp Hellcat. Classic cars, muscle cars, trucks, and high-performance new models are all showcased at this Mopar-lover's paradise. Cars, parts, tools, memorabilia, collectibles and more will be for sale in the Mopar Automotive Flea Market, as well as the latest and greatest products within the Manufacturers Midway.



<I> 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. </I> 

Jeep® Grand Cherokee was launched in 1992 as a ’93 model, and since it arguably began defining the premium SUV segment, has earned its spurs by being an annual favorite of award-giving groups. The accolades have led Jeep to bill Grand Cherokee as “the most-awarded SUV ever.” In keeping with that theme, Jeep Grand Cherokee was named AutoPacific’s Ideal Vehicle Award for the Mid-Size SUV segment for the eighth consecutive year, based on 58,000 responses from a national survey by the automotive research and consulting firm. And once again, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 has earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA -- the highest single rating in NHTSA’s vehicle-evaluation program.

Still in its fourth generation, which began for model-year 2011, Jeep Grand Cherokee remains ranked in the Top-20 in all vehicles sold in America, and is the seventh top-selling SUV/Crossover. To enhance that sales ranking, Jeep has made a number of mild uptweaks for 2019 across the Grand Cherokee line-up. All Grand Cherokee models now feature Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection as standard equipment, and all models are equipped with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Uconnect’s 8.4-inch touchscreen radio with 9-speaker audio system, navigation system, higher resolution and pinch-and-zoom capability. 

Outside, Grand Cherokee Limited X debuts and features a unique front and rear fascia, performance hood, Granite Crystal exterior accents and new 20-inch Low Gloss Granite Crystal wheels; Grand Cherokee Overland gets a new 20-inch Heritage wheel and Summit models get a unique optional 20-inch wheel. Three new exterior paint colors have also been added: Slate Blue, Green Metallic and Sting Gray.

From the base Laredo to the 707-hp Trackhawk, there are seven trim models available, and five different engines are offered — including a diesel. And while rear-wheel drive is standard, buyers looking to maximize the Grand Cherokee's off-road prowess can uplevel with all-wheel drive.

Assembled at Jeep’s Jefferson Avenue North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Mich., Jeep Grand Cherokee is off-road capable and still pampers well on the highway and around town. It comes at you in premium fashion, with a rounded, elegant exterior design complete with its signature seven-slot grille. Key exterior features include front and rear LED lighting, and bi-xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps that are outlined with signature LED running lamps. The front and rear feature unique lower fascias for every trim level and a large, aerodynamic rear spoiler.

I tested the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, which weighed in at about 5000 lbs. (curbweight with the 3.6-liter engine), and measured 189.8 inches in length, 84.8 inches in width at the mirrors (body width is 76.5 inches), and 69.3 inches in height at the roof rails, on a 114.7-inch wheelbase; with a load floor height of 32.4 inches, sill step-in height of 20.5 inches and a minimum ground clearance of 8.6 inches. 

Grand Cherokee offers five engine choices this year, including HEMIs, an Eco-Diesel and a 707-hp supercharged V-8. Standard on the Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit trims is the economical 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that provides 295 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque for an EPA rating of 18mpg/city and 25mpg/highway in 4WD. My week of testing in the 3.6-powered Summit trim included some off-road fun, trackwork, town and highway driving, and averaged 20.3mpg. 

A 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 is an available option on 4x4s, with 360 hp and 390 lb.-ft. of torque is optional, and the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V-6 is an option with 240 hp and 420 lb.-ft. The SRT model comes standard with a 6.4-liter V-8 that powers up with 475 hp and 470 lb.-ft.; and the Trackhawk gets a standard 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 that explodes out 707 horses and 645 lb.-ft.

All of Jeep Grand Cherokee’s engines are mated to the ZF automatic eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers quick acceleration and precise, smooth shifting. Steady acceleration accompanied engine noise that entered the cabin, but the power was ready, willing and able. On the track, my Summit’s 3.6 completed a zero-to-60mph sprint in 7.6 seconds during a 15.8-second quarter-mile.

The Grand Cherokee Summit cabin seats five and is well-crafted, technically enhanced and comfortable. Interior accommodations provide 39.9 inches of front headroom and 39.2 in row two; first row legroom is 40.3 inches with 38.6 in the second row with 4.3 inches of knee clearance, and shoulder room is 58.7 inches in front with 58 inches in row two.

Packed with tech, environment controls and infotainment, Grand Cherokee also includes more than 70 safety and security features as well as an array of advanced user-friendly technology

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee is offered in 4x2 or 4x4 configurations and various engine choices, beginning with the base Laredo 4x2 at $31,945 and moving through the model ranks all the way up to the 707-hp Trackhawk 4x4 at $86,900. My test Jeep Grand Cherokee in Summit trim well up the line-up and starts at $52,290 in 2WD, and four-wheel-drive starts at $55,290. My 4WD Summit came with a standard 3.6-liter engine, 8-speed automatic transmission. The well-accessorized trim really didn’t need many additions, but added a remote CD player for $495. With Destination charges of $1495, my vehicle was discounted $1000 with a Chrysler Capital 2019 Bonus Cash 44CKB3 offer and stickered at $55,685.


> 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. </I>

Nice weather and cool cars go together like…well, like every good cliché of things that go together.  For two days in June (21-22), the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds came to life with nearly 1,000 cars spanning the history of the Chevrolet brand as part of the annual Chevrolet Nationals.  The National Parts Depot Showfield was bustling with over 100 years of history, hosting a greater turnout of cars than the year before.  

Chevrolet weekend offered many things to many people – seminars, cool displays, activities (autocross rides with UMI Performance, Nitrofest), contests (burnouts, beauty, Real Street Shootout), special guests (Bruce Larson, Matt Avery, Charlie Morris, Larry Lombardo, Linda Vaughn and more than a half a dozen other greats from the history of Hurst) but it was the Bandit Jump that literally had folks craving more.

Vendors were coming to Carlisle days in advance of the weekend, with showcars quick to follow.  Indoor displays like the Solid Lifter Showroom in Building Y and the Featured Display showcase within Building T were in place by Thursday evening.  Additional spotlights like Novas at Carlisle and the Hurst Showcase also came together in advance of Friday’s 7 a.m. opening.  Once in place, these “best of the best” features helped anchor another great Chevrolet Nationals weekend.

With many great cars on display, many more cruised in to be part of the judged showfield.  From Fiero’s to Buick’s, Cadillac’s to Oldsmobile’s, Corvette’s to trucks and more, there was a little bit of something for everyone.   

As previously noted, the Bandit Jump was the star attraction of the show.  On Saturday at around 1 p.m., the Northeast Ohio Dukes stunt team launched a Smokey and the Bandit themed Trans-Am through the air on the southside of the grounds.  After soaring some 30 feet in the air and 120 or so feet in distance, the front-end impact left the crowd cheering and its driver, Ray Kohn wanting more.  This was also the first-time Kohn and the NEOD have jumped a Trans-Am and also the first time a jump like this was attempted anywhere in the country this year.  Needless to say, the crowd standing rows deep were appreciative of the efforts.  

In addition to all of the fun at the fairgrounds, the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center came to life for the second annual Summer Sale, powered by Carlisle Auctions.  From 11 a.m. until around 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, some 200 consignments crossed the block; again, spanning automotive history.  There was even an all-Chevrolet hour, offering a perfect compliment to all the fun happening across the street.  The top selling auction car was a 1966 Corvette going for $61,000, while another Corvette, this one a ’63, selling for $46,000.  Each sold during Carlisle Auctions’ all-Chevrolet hour late Saturday afternoon.

As the last of the vendors and showcars load out at Carlisle, everyone is making plans for 2020’s event.  Save the date, because the 20th edition of the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals take place June 26-27.  Registration is now open for that event and would be attendees are welcome to call 717-243-7855 or visit www.CarlisleEvents.com to learn more.  

Central Pennsylvania is rich in the trucking industry.  Not only do many major roadways pass through or near the area, but multiple companies have established trucking hubs to help get their products from point A to point B within the mid-Atlantic region.  In addition, Carlisle Events launched the Carlisle Truck Nationals and Big Rig Show & Shine in 1991 because ultimately, trucks of all types, are the backbone of our society.  It’s this love for trucks and the passion of those who attend shows at Carlisle that help usher in multiple businesses as supporting parts for the 2019 season (and beyond).

Carlisle Events is pleased to welcome back A&A Auto Stores as the presenting sponsor of truck weekend.  A&A has been in business for more than 60 years and within the past two years, established a brick and mortar business in Carlisle.  Not only are they the presenting sponsor, they are the official performance parts installer of Carlisle Events for many shows on the season schedule.

Joining A&A are our official sponsors Extang, Rock Auto, Meguiar’s and our ALL NEW partners, American Force Wheels and Ranch Hand Bumpers.  Ranch Hand fitted its first grille guard on the front of a truck in 1986 in a small shop in south Texas.  Since then, business experience, knowledge and determination has expanded their presence on the road from a single rancher’s truck to tens of thousands of trucks, Jeeps and SUVs across the nation.

The list doesn’t stop with presenting partners and official sponsors.  As Carlisle Truck Nationals weekend grows, so does its list of partners.  Guests at Carlisle can expect to see Ford Trucks, General Tire, Skyjacker, Rolling Big Power, Fury Off Road Tires, FASS Diesel, Borla Performance, Lund International, 4 Wheel Parts, BD Diesel, Anthem Wheels and other truck outfitters who vend at Carlisle with specific product offerings geared to truck and off road enthusiasts.

While much of what’s listed above is specific to light trucks, the Big Rig showcase includes custom and antique rigs, while also featuring a great array of partners for truckers and trucking enthusiasts.  Experiencing nearly 200 big rigs and heavy equipment is just one amazing aspect of the Big Rig Show & Shine, but when walking the grounds, guests can talk directly with the likes of Cumberland Truck Center representing Volvo Trucks as well as Kenworth of PA representing Kenworth Trucks. Commercial Carriers both national and regional show up in full force representing their fleets, while offering career opportunities as well as impressive fleet showings just for fun from carriers of various products.

Seeing is believing at Carlisle and truck weekend annually runs the first full weekend of August.  In 2019, the event kicks off August 2.  Complete details about the event are available at www.CarlisleEvents.com and if you’re interested in supporting the show as a sponsor or business partner, connect with event manager Ed Scholly at EdS@CarlisleEvents.com or by phone at 717-243-7855 x118.     

Currently, the fifth best-selling vehicle in America, the Chevrolet Equinox is second in Chevy sales, only to its Silverado line. In the second year of its third generation, the Equinox compact SUV has sold nearly 2 million vehicles since its launch in 2004 for model-year 2005.   

For 2019, Equinox plays on last year’s redesign by upgrading cosmetics and tech. This year’s tweaks include the Lights and Bright package available on 1LT trim, consisting of 19-inch bright-machined wheels with Sparkle Silver pockets, LED headlamps, LED taillamps, chrome grille surround and molded assist steps. Also new are LS Convenience and LT Appearance packages; 7-inch or 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen radios; available 8-inch system with navigation; four USB data ports are standard and two additional USB ports, an SD card reader and auxiliary input jack are now available. From a tech and safety standpoint, the Standard Rear Vision Camera has been upgraded to HD view; the available Surround Vision has been upgraded to HD view; Front Pedestrian Braking is now available on the Premier trim and Adaptive Cruise Control is available on Premier. Cosmetically, Pacific Blue Metallic and Kinetic Blue Metallic are new exterior paint schemes.

The exterior paint plays off Equinox’s expressive styling with sculpted designs. As was the case last year, a mass-efficient body structure is at the center of the Equinox’s lean curb weight and helps make the most of its available turbo engine options. The rounded and clean Equinox architecture measures 183.1 inches long, 72.6 inches wide and 65.4 inches high on a 107.3 -inch wheelbase, with a 8.0-inch ground clearance. The 2.0-liter Turbo AWD crossover I tested in the Premier trim, had a curbweight of 3665 lbs.

Packed with amenities inside and out, standard exterior 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.

The Equinox cabin is accommodating, and filled with entertainment and function. With seating for five, the interior provides 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 55.7 and 55.5.

Inside, the cabin has a “kneeling” rear seat that 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 available Surround Vision offers a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the vehicle. Also inside are dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview auto-dimming mirror and standard active noise cancellation. And my test Equinox Premium came with leather heated seats with driver memory, a heated steering wheel and wireless charging.

Equinox power comes from a choice of three engine systems: 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 I tested is rated at 252hp and 260 lb-ft. and was EPA-rated at 22mpg in city driving for both FWD and AWD, and 29/highway for FWD and 28mpg/highway for AWD. My week of driving averaged 24.7mpg in an all-wheel-drive vehicle.

The turbo synched effectively and zipped well on the track, with a zero-to-60mph sprint completed in 6.7 seconds, during a brisk 15.2-second quarter-mile (hand-timed). While the electric power rack-and-pinion steering showed some vagueness, and visibility was a bit obscured, the ride was soft, and tuned for passenger comfort rather than driver’s feel. The Equinox independent MacPherson strut front suspension with specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar and its independent four-link rear leveled out most pavement irregularities. 

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox is offered in FWD, AWD, either of three engine selections and either 6-speed or 9-speed automatic transmission. Equinox pricing starts at $24,995 for the base L-trim model with the 1.5-liter turbo liter engine in front-wheel-drive; the LS 1.5 bases at $27,095; the LT 1.5 trim starts at $28,395 and the Premier starts at $32,395 with the 1.5 Turbo. My test Premier 2.0L Turbo started at $35,095. 

My Premier 2.0L Turbo came in standard Summit White exterior paint (Premium colors add from $395 to $995). Jet Black, perforated leather-appointed seat trim was also standard. My Equinox was in all-wheel-drive (which I nearly always recommend), adding $800, and was upgraded with the Infotainment II Package (Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium System, Navigation and 8-inch diagonal touch screen, as well as a Bose® premium 7-speaker system, for $1125. Also added, for $2145, was the Confidence and Convenience II Package: Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, Safety Alert Seat, HD Surround Vision, Adaptive Cruise Control – Camera, Front Pedestrian Braking, IntelliBeam® headlamps, heated steering wheel, 8-way power front passenger seat with power lumbar, Ventilated driver and front passenger seats and Heated rear outboard seats. With Destination Freight charges of $1195, my test 2019 Chevrolet Equinox Premium stickered at $40,165, but cash allowances and regional incentives cut my particular ride by $2000, so check with your local 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. </I>