Carlisle Events has officially backed the annual Auto Mania event in Allentown, Pennsylvania since 2014, with the event itself calling the Allentown Fairgrounds home since 1990.  For 2021 ONLY, the event will take place at the Carlisle Expo Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and WILL return to Allentown in 2022. 

Running January 15-17, 2021, Auto Mania offers buyers and sellers alike a chance to shop indoors (in a heated setting) for automotive pieces, parts, merchandise and collectibles.  This is a great way to further in progress projects and/or start a new as the calendar flips from December to January and car hobbyists begin those winter projects. 

Besides the new, temporary location that’s 99 miles and two highways from “home,” Auto Mania will see some added changes during these unique times.  While the Carlisle Expo Center is quite spacious, its overall footprint is smaller than that of the Agri-Plex building in Allentown.  Carlisle Events does expect Auto Mania 2021 to be sold out, even with a reduced capacity.  Vendors will be positioned indoors and outside space (weather permitting) will be available too.  Outside space will also allow for cars to be sold via a car corral.  Here, buyer and seller can work direct to make a deal on cars spanning decades of production. 

Further, it’s anticipated that 150 vending spaces will be available for the three-day offering.  Another new feature for the 2021 offering is that spectators can now purchase tickets two different ways, in-person as they normally do OR online and in advance of the event.  In all, Auto Mania offers new products for sale, memorabilia, tires, car parts, collectibles, car care products, tools, vintage automobilia, vintage advertising and more.

Ample parking is available on the street sides leading up to the Carlisle Expo Center and just a few blocks east of the building is the spacious Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  Parking will be FREE per car, while spectator tickets are $10 when purchased at the door, $9 when buying online.  Event hours vary (Friday/12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday/9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday/9 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

Finally, Carlisle Events and the Carlisle Expo Center remain COVID compliant and offer detailed health safety measures at the venue.  Complete details on the COVID plan can be found at http://CarlisleExpoCenter.com.  Once indoors, guests will find restrooms and a wide open event that aims to fill the automotive void created by the cold, dark winter months.  As food options go, Marcello's, a Carlisle based eatery will have options available for their stand within the Expo Center.  

Complete details about this ONE-TIME move, specifics on how to secure a vending or car corral space, links to purchase spectator tickets and more can be found at http://CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

Hyundai entered the automotive industry as an “econocar” builder with the Cortina, in 1967, and after earning props for economy, ventured into the luxury market with Genesis, in 2009. Genesis became its own nameplate subsidiary as a spin-off, in 2017. The new luxury badge added to its ranks with G70, a 4-door compact executive sedan, and has since added the G80 mid-size and G90 full-size luxury sedans. G90 was based on the Hyundai Equus, but has become the flagship and face of Genesis, and according to William Lee, Executive Vice President and Global Head of the Genesis Brand, “The 2020 G90 is a flagship sedan for Genesis in the truest sense. Its launch begins a product offensive for the Genesis brand centered around emotive products with exceptional design.”

For 2020, the Genesis G90 has been restyled inside and out and has added tech and safety improvements. The changes have earned G90 accolades including being named the Most Satisfying Passenger Car and top Premium Luxury Car by leading research consultancy Auto Pacific in its annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. G90 also earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, with a superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle interactions, avoiding collisions in 12 and 25 mph track tests. 

For 2020, with the exception of the roof and doors, every exterior body panel on the G90 has been replaced or changed. Employing the Genesis brand’s Athletic Elegance design language, G90’s signature Crest Grille is flanked by Quad Lamps up front, and in the rear, Quad Lamps wrap around from corner to corner. The license plate sits as low as possible, further accentuating a low and wide stance, and the elongated, horizontal side profile of G90 radiates vigor and dignity. Hyundai’s full-size luxury sedan measures 204.9 inches in length, 75.4 inches in width and 58.9 inches in height on a 124.4-inch wheelbase.

The interior design embodies the ethos of Horizontal Architecture, dominated by a harmonious, flow of horizontal surfaces including a parallel layout that includes air ventilation system, and audio controls that maximize simplicity and provide an intuitive user experience. The cabin shows a focus on premium materials and finishes that are befitting a flagship, including authentic chrome plating applied to switches and premium leather wrapping applied to the center console. Authentic, open-pore wood acts as a garnish, as does double stitching and piping throughout the cabin. Inside, G90 is roomy with 41.1 inches of front headroom, 46.3 inches of front legroom and a spacious 59.9 inches of front shoulder room. In the rear seats, G90 provides 38.0 inches of headroom, 37.8 inches of legroom and 57.9 inches of shoulder room.

Loaded and luxurious, G90 comes standard with Nappa leather seating surfaces and microfiber suede headliner; 22-way power driver seat with power lumbar, shoulder, and bolster adjustment; heated and ventilated front seats; Lexicon® 17-speaker audio system with Quantum Logic® Surround; Wireless charging pad and Genesis Connected Services.

From a safety perspective, the 2020 G90 is committed to passenger security and comfort. Advanced driver-assistance systems add a level of assuredness to the already refined driving experience. In addition to Genesis brandwide ADAS technology, the following new systems debut on the 2020 G90: Lane Following Assist expands the reach of lane-keep and lane-departure assists, to help stay centered in a lane and provide steering assistance; Rear Cross-traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist uses rear side radar to help detect and prevent impact with obstacles; Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can now help detect bicycles and vehicles in front of the vehicle; Safe Exit Assist may alert a driver and passengers with alerts when an object is approaching an opening door; and Highway Driving Assist helps the driver to maintain the center of a lane on marked interstate highways, while keeping a safe distance from a vehicle in front.

Offered in two trim configurations based on engine type, you can either get the 3.3T Premium with the 365-hp/376-lb-ft 3.3-liter turbocharged V-6 engine or the 5.0 Ultimate with the 420-hp/383-lb-ft 5.0-liter V-8 engine. Both engines are coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission and come in either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive with Genesis Adaptive Control Suspension with Electronic Damping Control. The smaller engine is rated at 17mpg/city and 25mpg/highway, and the 5.0-liter is EPA rated at 16/city and 24/highway. My 3.3 averaged 22.7mpg in mixed-use driving tests.

My test 3.3 turbo surprised at the track and pampered on the highway. In track tests, the luxury full-size polished off a zero-to-60mph sprint in 5.4 seconds during a hand-timed 13.9-second quarter-mile. In town, G90 was quiet, complaint and energetic and in the highway, my ride was strong, confident, stable and elegance in motion, with turbo lag nearly imperceptible. In quick maneuvers and over irregular terrain, G90 is smooth, precise and comfortable.

The 2020 Genesis G90 starts at $72,200 for the 3.3T in FWD and $74,700 in AWD, with the 5.0 in FWD starting at $75,700 and $78,200 in AWD. My test 3.3T AWD in Porto Red with a Black and Walnut interior, was loaded and added no packages or accessories. The only add-on was the $1025 Freight charge, to put the sticker at $75,725.

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.

 

Though slipping from 7th-best-selling vehicle in America in 2019, to No. 10 this year, and dropping one place to the 4th best-selling crossover in the U.S., Nissan’s Rogue compact CUV is still a popular buy in the final year of its second generation.

Launched in 2007 for the 2008 model year as Nissan’s entry-level compact sports-ute, Rogue will get a top-to-bottom redesign for 2021 that includes new styling, a new platform, cosmetics and an 11-hp boost in power. For 2020, Rogue discontinues its Hybrid variant; ProPILOT Assist is now standard on the SL trim and is optional on SV; and Rogue has also added the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of advanced safety equipment this year, a package that includes pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, lane departure warnings, radar-based blind spot warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts and high beam assist. ProPILOT Assist is a hands-on driver assist system that combines Nissan's Intelligent Cruise Control and Steering Assist technologies, helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane, and maintains a preset distance from the vehicle ahead. Also for 2020, every Rogue SV gets standard amenities such as heated front seats, a power driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, a motion-activated liftgate, and rear automated emergency braking.

Rogue has built a following with its sporty and versatile demeanor and capabilities, and offers such standard safety amenities as Intelligent Lane Intervention, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection and High Beam Assist, Rear Automatic Braking, a Rear Sonar System and Rear Door Alert across all grade levels.

Offered in three well-equipped grade levels -- S, SV and SL -- Rogue eliminated its third row of seating a few years back, but it fits the demand for an upscale compact crossover  with dimensions of 184.5 inches in length; 72.4 inches in width and 68.5 inches in height (AWD) on a 106.5-inch wheelbase. Minimum ground clearance is 8.4 inches (AWD), and curbweight for the AWD in SL trim is 3670 lbs. Assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee, Rogue’s unibody construction utilizes corrosion-resistant and high-strength steel, enhanced by progressive, emotive styling. The Nissan signature "V-Motion" grille and headlights with LED signature Daytime Running Lights help augment Rogue's robust, dynamic presence. Halogen headlights with auto off function are standard, along with Intelligent Auto Headlights. Also available are LED headlights with auto on/off function, High Beam Assist and fog lights. In the rear are combination lamps with LED boomerang signature taillights.

Rogue’s refined interior presents a premium look and feel, blended with a D-shaped steering wheel and leather-booted sport-mode shifter, available heated steering wheel, memory for driver's seats and mirror, and remote engine start.

Thick rear roof pillars impede interior sightlines, but Rogue’s cabin is roomy for a smaller SUV with 41.6 inches of front headroom and 38.5 inches in row two. Interior legroom is comfortable in front at 43.0 inches and relatively roomy in row two at 37.9 inches. Shoulder room is 56.6 in front and 55.9 and in the rear. The cabin also affords nearly 40 cubic feet of luggage space, or 70 cubic feet when you fold the rear seats down. The cabin experience is quiet, intuitive and the seats are cushy, and you get all the infotainment we have come to expect.

Rogue continues to offer one standard power source, a transverse 2.5-liter inline-4-cylinder DOHC engine that provides 170 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque. Coupled with an Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) with standard Sport Mode and Eco switches, Rogue is EPA rated at 26mpg/city, 33mpg/highway and 29mpg/overall in FWD and 25/32/27 in AWD. A week of mixed-use testing averaged 27.4mpg. Rogue is not a track star, and next year’s 11-hp gain will help its slow-but predictable acceleration. Uphill climbs are steady and passing at speed requires some strategy, but Rogue’s electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering was attentive enough for the niche, though with noticeable understeer. At the track, my test Rogue completed a 9.2-second hand-timed zero-to-60mpg dash, during a long 17.3-second quarter-mile.

The driving experience was smooth for the segment, with firm on-pavement engagement from independent strut front suspension, coil springs and an independent multi-link rear, though Rogue does not appear to be suited for severe off-road challenges.

Additional safety items include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant-classification sensors, driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for outboard occupant head protection for all rows.

Rogue’s three trim levels are each offered in front-wheel or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and the lineup bases from $25,490 to $33,190, which was the starting point for my top-trim 2020 Rogue SL in AWD – AWD is $1350 above FWD pricing. Scarlet Ember Tintcoat exterior paint added $395, splash guards added $170, chrome rear bumper protector added $165, clear door edge protectors were $375, and the SL Premium package added $1820 for a dual-panel Panoramic Moonroof and LED headlights. A  moonroof wind deflector added $125, and Nissan’s 360-degree exterior Impact Sensor added $210. Shipping and Handling added $1095 for a sticker-as-tested of $37,545, but as the next-generation Rogue is out for 2021, there may be steep discounts available from 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>

Blending a hip attitude, style, sportiness and luxury not generally expected from a sub-compact, Hyundai has targeted youthful “urban adventurers” with its sub-compact crossover utility vehicle, the 2020 Hyundai Kona.

Introduced in 2018 with what Hyundai called “urban smart armor” exterior styling, Kona displays an aggressive demeanor complemented by a low and wide stance, and has packed the vehicle with niche-leading safety technology and advanced infotainment features in a compact footprint. Hyundai has also paid attention to performance and safety, offering two engines – one of which is a turbo system – and Kona has been awarded Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and five stars from the federal government. The package tops off with a composure designed to exhibit confident handling in a variety of urban and adventure-oriented driving environments. 

Since its launch in 2018, Kona gained standard driver assistance features last year, including forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and pedestrian detection and an all-electric Kona model. For 2020, Kona adds available adaptive cruise control and a new SEL Plus trim that is up-tweaked with more standard equipment. And on the Kona Limited trim, if you select Sunset Orange exterior paint, it comes with new Orange interior accents. Next year, the Night Edition trim joins the lineup

Slotting just below the larger Hyundai Tucson, the subcompact CUV is so well packed that my test Kona, in Ultimate trim, required only slight accessory add-ons, and an upgrade to AWD. Kona is outfitted with a standard floating touchscreen with Apple CarPlay™/Android Auto™ capability; and Hyundai Smart Sense with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Driver Attention Warning, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning. 

My test Kona Ultimate (top-of-the-line) trim came standard with a Heads-up Display, an 8-inch LCD touchscreen display with navigation, High Beam Assist
Parking distance warning, Rain-sensing wipers, HomeLink® and compass, Infinity® premium audio with 8 speakers including subwoofer, and external amplifier, a 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display, Blue Link® Connected Car Services, Blue Link® connectivity  and guidance packages, and wireless device charging.

Kona’s exterior is designed to exude adventure, power and elegance for the niche, while showing a willingness to take on soft-road activities. Kona plays to Hyundai’s family identity with a cascading grille, featuring a sporty mesh pattern, flanked by flared, wing-like fenders that dominate the front visage. 

The sub-compact Kona measures 164.0 inches long, 70.9 inches wide and 61.0 inches high on a 102.4-inch wheelbase, providing a forgiving minimum ground clearance of 6.7 inches. The lightest Konas weigh in with a curb-eight of 2890 pounds and the heaviest with the turbo engine can reach 3276 pounds. 

The distinctive features of the exterior continue inside with a strong horizontal character line creating a wide and spacious feel. The sleek and simple layout interior incorporates advanced infotainment features and a standard floating seven-inch touchscreen. HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) controls are surrounded by soft, fluid details that contribute to a sensuous experience and enhance the comfort-focused environment.

The cabin shows average-but-not spacious room for the niche, with front headroom of 38.0 inches (with sunroof and 39.6 without it) and rear headroom of 37.8 inches. Legroom is comfortable up front at 41.5 inches and tight as expected in back at 34.6 inches. Shoulder room is generous at 55.5 inches in row one, and 54.5 in row two.

Kona targets efficiency with its powertrains and offers a choice of two gasoline engines. On the SE, SEL and SEL Plus trims a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson engine is standard, and produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Limited and Ultimate trims offer the Gamma 1.6-liter 4-cylinder direct-injected, turbocharged engine generating 175 HP and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. The turbo engine is coupled to a seven-speed EcoShift® dual-clutch manual transmission.

The 2.0-liter engine is rated at 27mpg in city driving and 33mpg on the highway for FWD and 25/city, 30/highway for AWD; and the 1.6 turbo that powered my test ride was rated at 28/city and 32/highway for FWD and 26/city, 29/highway for AWD. I averaged 27.2mpg during a week of mixed-use runs. Acceleration is predictable and confident, with hill ascends and passing achieved easily. On the track, a steady 7.7-second zero-to-60mph dash and 16.1-second quarter-mile were accomplished.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona is offered in five trims (SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited and Ultimate). The SE starts at $20,300 with the 2.0-liter engine and 6-speed automatic transmission in FWD, and ranges to $27,950 for the Ultimate trim I tested with the 1.6-liter turbo and 7-speed EcoShift Dial Clutch transmission in AWD.

In Surf Blue exterior paint and a Gray interior, my Ultimate tweaked up with AWD for $1400. The Ultimate trim was so well-packed with standard equipment that only all-weather carpeted floor mats were added for $165 and mudguards were installed for $120. With an $1175 Freight charge added, my 2020 Hyundai Kona Ultimate stickered at $30,810 for the top-of-the line and seemed to be well in-line with the luxury and quality that were included in the package. You can also get into a lesser-scale Kona for $8,000 less, and Retail Cash Bonuses of up to $2500 may be available from your local dealer, with zero-percent financing options also offered.

> 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>

Great weather goes a long way when having an outdoor automotive event…a long way.  In a year like no other, Carlisle Events welcomed a passionate group of buyers and sellers to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds for Fall Carlisle and “off the charts” weather was on the menu all five days.  From Wednesday, September 30 to Sunday, October 4 mother nature gave everyone something to remember.  The visuals weren’t just spectacular, the event itself was too.  Needless to say, those who were able to be part of Fall Carlisle 2020 went home happy. 

One of the coolest features about an event like Fall Carlisle is that those who come to sell, arrive early…like really early.  A lot of times, vendors and midway partners are coming to Carlisle upwards of one week prior to the event.  This offers ample time to unload, set up and showcase their wares.  It also allows everyone who comes to sell a chance to peruse the grounds and do some pre-event wheeling and dealing to boost inventory from or mix and mingle with their fellow vendors.

An event like Fall Carlisle is all about selling, either within the automotive flea market, midway or as part of the car corral, but for 2020, Fall Carlisle took on some added special features.  At Fall Carlisle 2020, the spotlight shined on “Anymotive vending” and the AACA car club.  Anymotive is a fun phrase coined to call out the vendors and their stuff that might not be car themed but still powered by an engine.  This includes (and was seen/sold at the event) items like lawn mowers, coolers, generators, weed whackers, power washers and more.  These vendors have always been part of the automotive flea market, but for 2020, their stuff meant even more to those who were buying or selling.   

For the AACA car club, 2020 meant a major hurdle to club promotion and participation.  Their Fall Hershey meet was canceled as were many other key events for the club, but with Fall Carlisle happening, the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and the main stage made for a perfect spot for them to showcase some cool vintage cars, motorcycles and promote their 2021 event in Chocolate Town, USA!  In addition to their cool cars and recruiting efforts, there were many AACA vendors peppered in and around the automotive flea market too, meaning more pre-war pieces, parts, merchandise and collectibles for sale.

Something else that made Fall Carlisle 2020 so special was the fact that people who came to Carlisle to sell were motivated to do so, while those looking to buy were also eager to spend.  This was true within the car corral, the automotive flea market, midway AND the adjacent two-day classic and collector car auction powered by Carlisle Auctions.  Folks were also in a giving mood at this and all events on the Carlisle schedule, as donation tins and bins were set up with offerings benefiting Project SHARE and the United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County respectively.  Project SHARE’s vision is ‘Nourishing Our Community…Awakening Hope,’ while United Way’s donations go directly to local non-profit organizations in the Carlisle community that were impacted by COVID-19.

While 2020 is a wrap, 2021 is already in the planning stages.  Fall Carlisle 2021 runs September 29-October 3 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  In addition, the two-day auction returns too, spanning September 30-October 1 at the Carlisle Expo Center.  Learn more at www.CarlisleEvents.com.