Many SUVs are soft-road capable and carlike on the road. Jeep Grand Cherokee is off-road capable and still pampers well on the highway and around town. An annual favorite of award-giving groups and organizations, Jeep calls Grand Cherokee “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. The award recognizes the changes owners desire in their vehicles based on 58,000 responses from a national survey by the automotive research and consulting firm. And one 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.

Awards often translate into sales and so far this year, that is the case here, as Grand Cherokee is ranked in the Top-20 in all vehicles sold in America this year and is the seventh top-selling SUV/Crossover,

The four-door sport-utility-vehicle is built at the Jefferson Avenue North Assembly Plant, Detroit, with steel uniframe construction, and is offered in either rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. New for 2018 are three new models: a new 707-horsepower, 645 lb-ft. of torque Trackhawk trim; the Grand Cherokee Sterling Edition debuts, available on Limited models, marking Grand Cherokee’s 25th anniversary and features Platinum Chrome badging and lots of cosmetics; and Grand Cherokee High Altitude Edition returns for the 2018 model year, available on Overland models, with Low Gloss Granite Crystal badging, grille bezels, step pad, tail lamps, and 20-inch wheels.

Among the 2018 tweaks and augmentations are Jeep’s replacing its old 5-inch info screen with a larger 7-inch one, and the optional 8.4-inch touchscreen receives Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility to make integrating a Smartphone easier. And there are numerous trim-specific tweaks and additions. Linewide, Active Noise Cancellation is now standard with the available nine-speaker Alpine audio system.

Grand Cherokee continues on its theme as a Premium SUV 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 Limited, which weighed in at 4746 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, Trailhawk, Overland and Summit trims is the economical 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that provides 295 hp and 260 lbs.-ft. of torque for an EPA rating of 18mpg/city and 25mpg/highway in 4WD. My week of testing in the 3.6-powered Limited trim included some off-road, trackwork, town and highway driving, and averaged 20.9mpg.

A 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 is also available with 360 hp and 390 lbs.-ft. of torque is optional, ass is a 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V-6 with 240 hp and 420 lbs.-ft., and the SRT model comes standard with a 6.4-liter V-8 that powers up with 475 hp and 470 lbs.-ft. Also onboard this year for the Trackhawk model is a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 that explodes out 707 horses and 645 lbs.-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. While the engine noise that filled the cabin was greater than expected, acceleration was steady on the highway and toque provided good off-road power when called upon. At the track, a dash from zero-to-60mph was accomplished in 7.7 seconds during a 15.9-second (hand-timed) quarter-mile.

The 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 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee is offered in a dozen trim styles in 4x2 or 4x4 configurations, beginning with the base Laredo 4x2 at $27,390 and moving through various models all the way up to the 707-hp Trackhawk at $86,200. My test ride in Limited trim is the fifth up the line-up and starts at $34,490 in 2WD. Four-wheel-drive starts at $36,490, and my 4WD Limited came with a standard 3.6-liter engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, and added Uconnect® 4C NAV with 8.4-Inch Display for $1395., a remote CD player for $495, a power sunroof for $1195, and Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection for $595. With Destination charges of $1495, my vehicle stickered at $41,665, but discounts of up to $1000 may be available in your area.


> 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.
options.

Nissan launched Altima in 1993 as a compact, and it evolved into a mid-size that steadily gained in stature in handling, fuel economy and style. That translated into solid sales and a ranking that has been as high as No.3, and is still positioned in the Top-5 sedans sold in America.

Altima completed its last redesign in 2013 (a mid-cycle styling-performance-tech augmentation), and will be an all-new next-generation vehicle in 2019, with new exterior and interior styling, a new platform featuring two all-new engines, and the first application of all-wheel drive on a Nissan sedan in the U.S. The 2019 Altima will market as “… bringing fresh style and excitement back to the mid-size sedan category.”

But there’s a lot to like about the 2018 Altima. Assembled in Smyrna, TN., with engines assembled in Decherd, TN, this year’s edition offers a high level of standard equipment and features, and includes as standard thus year: Nissan's advanced Automatic Emergency Braking and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning. In addition, the top of the lineup Altima 3.5 SL receives standard Intelligent Cruise Control and upgraded NissanConnect™ with Navigation and Services, featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™.

Along with those enhancements, the 2018 model year brings a simplified model lineup: 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL and 3.5 SL (base 2.5 and 3.5 SR are no longer available) and revised option package content and availability. Among the new or revised option packages are the 2.5 SR Special Edition and 2.5 SV and 2.5 SL Technology Packages. And, following its winter 2017 launch, the popular Midnight Edition Package – featuring black 18-inch SR aluminum-alloy wheels, black mirror caps, black spoiler, black “Altima” and "SR" rear emblems, black V-Motion grille and black rear license plate holder – is again available on Altima 2.5 SR for 2018.

The 2018 Altima fully embraces Nissan's bold design language. Known by designers as "energetic flow," for Altima, it is expressed by the low muscular front fascia, distinctive "V-motion" grille and deep bumpers. The Altima hood and fenders are accented with tailored character lines, while the available LED signature boomerang headlights, fog lights and Daytime Running Lights create a distinctive contemporary "face." In the rear, the fascia and bumper add a dramatic character. The look is highlighted by wide four-piece taillights featuring a signature boomerang shape. The trunk lid incorporates an integrated spoiler for the 2.5 SR grade.

Altima’s premium and sporty expression is accomplished within mid-size dimensions of 191.9 inches in length, 72.0 inches in width and 58.0 inches in height on a 109.3-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 5.4 inches, and my test Altima 3.5 SL weighed in at 3463 lbs.

The 2.5-liter models feature a 179-hp/177 lb.-ft. of torque 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine, while the 3.5-liter Altima SL offers a 270-hp/251 lb.-ft. of torque DOHC V6. Both engines are matched with a standard smooth and efficient Xtronic transmission with enhanced third-generation D-Step Shift logic. The 2.5-liter engine gives Altima the best-in-class economy rating at 27mpg/city and 38 mpg/highway. The Altima 3.5 performs to an estimated at 22/city and 32/highway, and my test 3.5 averaged 26.4mpg during a week of mixed-use driving.

My 3.5 accelerated well in all ranges, and a track run from zero-to-60mph was completed in an energetic 6.1 seconds during a 14.6-second quarter-mile.

Steering showed some understeer that was fun on the autocross, and the independent strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar and a multi-link independent rear suspension with stabilizer bar was smooth on the road.

Altima’s cabin is refined, luxurious, tech-filled, quiet and comfortable, with 40.0 inches of front headroom and 37.1 inches in row two; 45.0 inches of front legroom and a snug 36.1 inches in the second row; with shoulder room of 56.4 inches in both rows.

From a safety perspective, Altima offers a long list of standard safety features starting with its construction that includes an energy-absorbing steering column, zone body construction with front and rear crumple zones, hood buckling creases and safety stops, pipe-style steel side door guard beams, knee bolsters, slide-away brake pedal assembly, break-away engine mounts, and body side reinforcements. Active Safety items include: Blind-Spot Warning, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Traction Control, Tire Pressure warning, ABS brakes and more. And the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System has dual stage supplemental front air bags, seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain supplemental side-impact air bags for front-and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

The base 2018 Nissan Altima 2.5 S carries a starting MSRP of $23,260 and four 2.5 variations run up to $29,110 for the 2.5 SL. The special 2.5 SR Midnight Edition, with exclusive cosmetic and tech items, starts at $25,415. The larger-engined Altima 3.5 SL bases at $33,630 I tested that one with a front and rear sonar system, paddle shifters with manual shift mode and 18-inch alloy wheels. Scarlet Ember (Red) exterior paint added $395 and was matched to a Black leather interior. There were no packages available, but accessory add-ons included a rear decklid spoiler for $405 and four splash guards for $200. Interior accent lighting added $210, Illuminated kick plates were $375, body side moldings added $55; a moonroof wind deflector was $80, and Nissan WiFi and apps added $450. Destination and handling added $895 for an MSRP as tested of $36,320, but incentives may be 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.

November 11, 2018 wasn’t just Veterans Day in Millville, New Jersey. For dozens of adrenaline junkies, November 11 was also a day reserved for going fast and having fun. As part of the day, the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation hosted its annual track day at New Jersey Motorsports Park. The day included hands on driving sessions, door prizes and more; all in the name of Amyloidosis awareness and fund-raising efforts.

Under sunny skies and crisp fall temps, drivers showed up for a day of fun. A more than expected crop of novice drivers showed up and mixed nicely with the “skilled” drivers who were part of the fun too. It all started with a delicious breakfast, then drivers meeting. The breakfast and lunch were hosted by Jerry Raffa and backed by the all-new automotive app, Motorcrush.

As the drivers took to the track, one of their biggest enjoyments wasn’t just being on the track, but the amount of time spent driving. Trained drivers helped the novices learn the ropes and by the end of the day, it was clear that everyone, regardless of skill set, learned a little bit of something. Along with the intermediate and advanced driver groups, many attendees and drivers converged for drinks and Hors d'œuvres at the conclusion of the day, which once more, raised thousands for the CMAF.

“Many of the drivers raved about how much track-time was provided which is exactly what we were after,” noted CMAF president Lance Miller. “Mike Ramano helped us run the event and did a phenomenal job,” continued Miller. “It was neat to see the excitement of so many drivers following the fun filled day. New Jersey Motorsport Park and their team were all top notch and we’re looking forward to doing it again in 2019 (dates TBD).”

The Track Day concludes the 2018 CMAF fundraising season and while there are no in-person events to attend at this point, donations are accepted 24/7 online at www.ChipMiller.org or by calling 717-243-7855. In the meanwhile, stay tuned for an announcement about season fundraising totals, plus the release of the 2019 CMAF schedule.

Explorer began as a trim package offered on Ford F-Series trucks from 1968 to 1986, but ever since the Ford Explorer became its own model line and replaced the Bronco II in the 1991 Blue Oval line-up, the mid-size SUV had been a top-seller and arguably was the vehicle that mainstreamed sports-utes. Through two decades and four generations, the Explorer was the No.1-selling SUV in America.

Now, in the eighth year of its fifth generation, Explorer is still a top-seller, ranked as the No. 7 top-selling SUV/Crossover this year, and coming in second on Ford’s SUV list to its smaller sibling, Escape. With a new design possible for 2020, the 2019 version should only see upgrades in tech, some new appearance packages and a few interior add-ons. So for 2018, Explorer gets a few upgrades over last year, including a new grille insert, with redesigned and smaller fog light housings. Five new wheel options and four new paint options are offered, and the interior gets a 4G LTE modem and Wi-Fi hotspot that connects up to 10 devices. A new Safe and Smart package combines several popular active safety and driver assist tech together.

Built in North America at Chicago Assembly Plant, as well as in Venezuela and Russia, the global Explorer is packed with such standard driver-experience enhancing interior items as: auxiliary rear climate controls, AM/FM stereo/ single-CD player with MP3 capability and six speakers; SYNC® with 4.2-inch color LCD screen in center stack, and media hub with smart-charging USB port; eight-way power driver’s seat; and steering wheel-mounted cruise, audio and five-way controls.

Outside, Explorers have power, heated sideview mirrors with integrated blind spot mirrors; automatic headlamps; roof-rack side rails; and automatic LED headlamps with halogen reflector high beams. And all Explorers come with trailer sway control; a standard Six-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission; front wheel drive; hill start assist and much more.

Explorer’s tweaked look remains rugged and functional, and its closed-off lower roof rack with channels cascade rainwater off the vehicle and create excellent aerodynamics. Explorer’s clean, angular design is set on a unitized steel body that measures 198.3 inches long, 90.2 inches wide including mirrors, and 70.0 inches high on a 112.8-inch wheelbase. Minimum ground clearance is 7.8 inches. Curbweight for the 4WD version is 4629 lbs. and 2WD is 186 lbs. lighter.

Under the hood, my test Explorer was powered by a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine, rated at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The aluminum block and head set-up delivers 290hp and 255 lbs-ft of torque and a week of mixed-use testing achieved an average of 23.3mpg.

Other available engines are a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-4 that delivers 280 horses and 310 lbs-ft of torque, and is estimated at 28 mpg on the highway; and a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 that provides 365 hp and 350 lbs-ft of torque.

With responsive low-end torque, and power available at all speeds with only minor hesitation, I was able to accelerate my 290hp 3.5-liter from zero to 60mph in 7.9 seconds during a 16.2-second quarter-mile.

Handling is carlike, with only minor top-wobble in quick turning, and autocross tests, and Explorer performed well for the niche on- and off-road. Explorer is stable, smoothing out rough roads with a MacPherson strut front suspension with a 32mm stabilizer bar, and an SR1 independent multi-link 22-mm stabilizer bar. Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and AdvanceTrac braking system are predictable and capable.

Inside, the Explorer is roomy, refined and functional with seating for six or seven, and provides a comfortable 41.4 inches of front headroom with 40.6 inches in row two (and 37.8 when there is a third row); legroom is 42.9 inches maximum up front and 39.5 in the second seats (and 33.3 inches in a third row), and shoulder room comes in at 61.5 and 61.0. The third row provides 50.8 inches of shoulder room.

With five-star safety ratings, Explorer safety features include dual-stage front airbags, front-passenger knee airbag, front-seat side airbags, and three-row Safety Canopy System with side-curtain airbags and rollover sensor. Other safety and security items include: AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ and Curve Control; Anti-Lock Brake System; battery saver with headlamps-off delay; four-wheel disc with Illuminated Entry System; LATCH – Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children; rearview camera; SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System; SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ and tire pressure monitoring system (excludes spare).

The 2018 Explorer is base priced at $32,140 including destination fees of $995. The XLT trim raises the base to $34,175 for reverse sensing system, LED signature lighting, fog lamps and cosmetic extras. And Limited, Sport and Platinum trims raise the ante to as much as $53,940 (Platinum trim) for upticked cosmetics, tech, power, suspension and interior. My base model in Blue came with the 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine, 6-speed SelectShift® Automatic Transmission and FWD. I added Intelligent 4WD for $2150; black running boards added $595; roof rack cross bars added $140; splash guards added $205; and the ticker-as-tested came in at $36,225, but incentives may be available, 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.

Car show season at Carlisle is an annually celebrated event akin to the opening day of baseball season, the leaves falling each October, fireworks in July or snow at Christmas. Over a half a million guests converge on America’s Automotive Hometown to buy, sell and trade all things automotive, see decades of classic cars or trucks on display, connect with old friends or make new ones. Best of all, of the people who come to Carlisle from around the world, not many of them are paying full price to attend. Why? The annual Carlisle Events Holiday Sale is why.

This year the sale returns and kicks off on Black Friday, November 23; running through Wednesday, January 2 at 5 p.m. For more than one month, fans of Carlisle Events and the 10 events produced by the company (plus four auctions backed by Carlisle Auctions) can secure all types of access at a 20% discount. This 20% discount includes season passes, weekend passes, single day tickets and showfield registration; again all at a 20% discount. Passes of all types are available via www.CarlisleEvents.com starting November 23, so act now!

Why pay full price for access to some of the most historically significant automotive family fun on the planet when the holiday sale is specifically designed for that to never happen. Every 20% discount is applied at check out and multiple passes or tickets can be purchased in a single shopping session. Give the gift of Carlisle Events for Christmas, Chanukah, Valentines, a birthday gift, etc. and do it starting November 23. Again, online sales are an option for you 24/7 at www.CarlisleEvents.com. Passes and discounts are value priced for all Carlisle Events/Carlisle Auctions happenings, including the season opening show in Allentown, the event in Lakeland, Florida or any of the events at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.

With 10 annual events (plus four auctions), a season pass is the best way to experience all that Carlisle Events has to offer. The on-sale price for this pass will be $71.99, a 20% savings off the already low rate of $89.99. More so, this discount pricing carries a true value of $423. WOW – what savings! The season pass is THE gift that keeps giving all year long, so whether it’s for one of Carlisle Events loyal guests or a gift for a Carlisle first-timer, this is a deal not to be missed.

In addition to a 20% limited time savings for season passes, showfield/fun field registrations are also available. Right now, passes are available at a 10% savings via Gate-N-Go; however, for a limited time, passes will see an additional 10% discount, providing for a total of 20% in savings through the end of this Holiday Sale. Weekend and single day passes are also discounted, so act today and order your passes online.

Overall, taking advantage of the 2018 Carlisle Events Holiday Sale is a tremendous way to save time and money prior to the upcoming event season. Anyone interested in grabbing a discounted pass in time to stuff into a Christmas stocking may call 717-243-7855 through 12 p.m. on December 21. Passes purchased through that 12 p.m. timeframe will be mailed. Otherwise, with the business office closed December 24 through January 1, enthusiasts may purchase passes online at www.CarlisleEvents.com. Any passes purchased during the holiday break will be mailed once the office re-opens at 8 a.m. on January 2, 2019.