One of the best parts of the Carlisle Truck Nationals and Big Rig Show and Shine is that the event itself hosts a wide array of unique designs, builds and creations. From custom vans to mini trucks, monster trucks to big rigs and just about everything in between, this show is arguably the most diverse of its type in the mid-Atlantic region. The 2017 edition runs August 4-6 and as special showcases go this year, Carlisle Events is pleased to announce the addition of Hauk Designs to the weekend.

Hauk Designs is local to Carlisle, calling Chambersburg, Pennsylvania home, but for as local as they are to the truck show and the region, they are nationally and internationally known too. Since early in 2017, the Hauk team has been featured on the History Channel program Road Hauks. Led by lead designer Kenny Hauk, his team works to build and fabricate ultra-powerful, one-of-a-kind vehicles that can go anywhere and do anything!

According to the History Channel page on the program, the designs from Kenny and his team “take inspiration from iconic styles and designs throughout American history and transform America’s right past into modern, drivable and show-stopping creations.” That show-stopping factor is bound to come true once more as the team brings at least two creations to Carlisle, one a rig and the other an off-road truck known as the Hauk Willys ’48.
In addition to the trucks on display, the team from Hauk will be at Carlisle to sign autographs, meet fans and discuss their creations. Aside from their scheduled time with fans, they’ll be enjoying the show just like everyone else, meaning that guests who walk the grounds at the 2017 Carlisle Truck Nationals will do so alongside stars from a hit TV show seen by millions each week.

“We are super proud to be a part of the Carlisle Truck Nationals event,” said Kenny Hauk. “We look forward to meeting up with fans of the Road Hauks TV show and checking out some amazing trucks from all across the country!"

With the addition of Hauk Designs, the Carlisle Truck Nationals lineup is nearly complete. The weekend includes the Phantom Fun Zone for kids and families, monster truck rides via the Virginia Giant, a monster truck show with Big Foot and Snake Bite, frisbee dog excitement via the Disc-Connected K9s, live music and more. Registration is open now for the judged or non-judged truck and big rig showfield as well as single day and weekend passes too. Complete details, including links to register can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

Looking great and performing young for being 50 years old, the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro continues to make history. Launched in 1967 to compete in the “Pony” car segment, the Camaro offered sporty performance at a competitive price … and the “Pony Wars” had begun. Playing off Chevy’s line-up of “C-named” cars that included Corvair, Chevelle, Chevy II and Corvette, GM product managers, said, the made-up name “Camaro” was “French in origin,” and was “… a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs.”

I owned a Red 1967 Camaro 4-speed stick, with a standard 327 V-8 (5.4-liters) and the beast weighed 3227 pounds. I thought its 210 hp and 320 lb.-ft. were really something back then -- I had a 2bbl, though the 4bbl was rated at 275 hp and 355 lbs.-ft. Well get a load of the 2017 model …with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine that produces 455 hp and 455 lbs.-ft.

In the second year of its sixth generation, the 2017 Camaro builds on its legacy as the top-selling car in the segment for the past six years, with styling, performance, tech and infotainment to keep it atop the leaderboard.

After last year’s revise, Camaro stands pat essentially, and new for 2017 are an available 50th Anniversary Edition; a “FIFTY” badge on the steering wheel of all models; a Teen Driver feature that allows parents to set controls, review driving habits and encourage safe driving habits even when they are not in the vehicle; and a new exterior color is being offered: Arctic Blue Metallic

Produced at GM’s Lansing Grand River assembly plant in Lansing, Michigan, Camaro is muscular and sporty with sculpted creases, a proud undergrille and a low and wide architecture that hugs the road and turns heads.

Camaro sits on the same critically acclaimed platform that Cadillac uses for the ATS and CTS sport sedans. Its lean, muscular appearance powerfully engulfs its dimensions of 188.3 inches in length, 74.7 inches in width and 53.1 inches in on a 110.7-inch wheelbase. My test Coupe weighed in at 3697 lbs – curb weight -- and the package is confident on the road and on the track.

Camaro’s exterior is enhanced with unique 20-inch wheels, Camaro-specific grille with satin chrome accents; body-color front splitter; orange front brake calipers; distinctive black leather interior with suede inserts and orange accent stitching; exclusive 50th Anniversary treatments on the instrument panel, headrests, steering wheel and illuminated sill plates; and standard HID headlamps and LED daytime running lamps.

The most powerful Camaro ever, its standard 6.2-liter LT1 direct-injected Small Block V-8 engine is responsive and muscular. While the original Camaro performed to the tune of a 10.7-second zero-to-60mph dash and an 18.2-second quarter-mile, this 50-Year celebration of automotive stallionism finished off the sprint in 4.5 seconds during a 12.8-second quarter-mile.

EPA rated at 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, I was not shy about flooring it and smoking tires during my weeklong test, yet I still averaged 21.6 mpg.

Camaro’s ZF rack-mounted electric, power-assisted and variable ratio rack-and-pinion steering was attentive and compliant, and the MacPherson-type front and rear struts with dual lower ball joints, twin-tube struts and direct-acting stabilizer bar gave a driver’s feel while smoothing out terrain for passengers.

Inside, my Coupe was packed with such standard items as a 6-speaker audio system, Chevrolet MyLink Radio with 7-inch diagonal color touch-screen, AM/FM stereo with seek-and-scan and digital clock that includes Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability for compatible phone, On-Star, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, 8-way power sport bucket seats, leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob, driver information center, compass display, power windows and programmable door locks, keyless access with push-button start, cruise control, power trunk release, manual rake and telescopic steering wheel and air conditioning with single-zone automatic climate control.

Interior room had its highs and lows with a cozy 38.5 inches of front headroom and legroom of 43.9 inches. Rear accommodations are cramped at 33.5 inches of headroom and only 29.9 inches of child-worthy legroom. Shoulder room is comfortable at 55 inches.

Standard safety items include a rear vision camera, dual-stage frontal, thorax side-impact and knee airbags, driver and front passenger airbags, and a head curtain side-impact set up as well as GM’s Passenger Sensing System.

2017 Camaro Coupes start at $26,900 for the 1LS (including $995 in destination freight charges) and 2017 Camaro Convertibles start at $32,900. The Coupe moves to the 1LT at $27,595; $31,400 for the 2LT; $37,900 for the 1SS and $42,900 for the 2SS.

My 1LS Coupe in Red Hot (I love Red Camaros) could have spiffed up with a number of cosmetic decals, stripes and ground effects packages, but it stayed stock-true except for a Body-color wing spoiler for $575; the Technology Package for $800 (Chevrolet MyLink® Radio with 8-inch diagonal color touch-screen and Bose® premium audio system); and On-Star Guidance with Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Stolen Vehicle Assistance for $349. That put the sticker-as-tested under $30k at $28,275.

And Camaro fans can celebrate 50 years of Camaro at the all-new Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals at Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds, June 23-25. Home to a diverse group of General Motors vehicles, from vintage muscle to the modern 6th Generation Camaro, this event was formerly known as the GM Nationals. The name change was meant to reflect the ever-growing number of enthusiasts who buy and enjoy Chevrolet products. Of course the weekend isn’t limited to bow-tie branded cars and trucks either. The Chevrolet Nationals also includes any and all makes and models produced by General Motors. But for Camaro enthusiasts, check out the 2018 Camaro ZL1 display.


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.

We have discussed in this column that some companies like to get a psychological jump on competition by postdating their cars (e.g. putting out a “2018” model in early 2017). You can forgive Lexus’s zealousness by calling their newly launched Lexus LC 500 a 2018, as the flagship coupe is innovative, exciting and powerful. And the future year ties into their marketing campaign titled “Feats of Amazing” that dramatizes the LC 500’s engineering marvels, including its near-perfect weight distribution that gives drivers agile handling, control and confidence on the road.

While everything else is above standard, Lexus uses standard alphanumerics for the name, as “LC” stands for Luxury Car and “500” is typical for a 5.0-liter engine.

Powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engine, and mated to a 10-speed Direct-Shift transmission, LC 500 combines power and performance with energetic exterior architecture, a thoughtfully crafted tech- and connectivity-imbued interior, and new multimedia and safety technologies.

Available with either the naturally aspirated engine or a new Multi Stage Hybrid System specifically for the LC 500h, the LC 500 and LC 500h are constructed with a unitized steel body with steel front and rear subframes. Designed for visual excitement, LC 500 is built on a new platform -- GA–L (Global Architecture – Luxury) -- designed with a lower center of gravity to aid agility and driving pleasure, and to enable more charismatic vehicle designs.

Immediately identifiable as a Lexus thanks to its signature spindle grille with a unique mesh texture that changes visual tension as it spreads across the front of the car, LC 500 also utilizes dynamic character lines, independent L-shaped daytime running lights beneath new ultra-compact Triple LED headlamps and functional venting that adds to aerodynamic stability and cooling. The body’s confident look stems from prominent quarter panels that flare away from the center of the car, and door panels that are pulled inward. The flowing lines maintain a consistent tension in the body panels through to the rear, where slim tail lamps use mirrors to create a three-dimensional sequence of L-shaped graphics. The sweeping roofline tapers rearward between muscular, sloping fender tops, underscoring the car’s wide and stable stance. Low and wide, LC 500 measures 53 inches high, 75.6 inches wide and 187.4 inches long on a 113-inch wheelbase, affording a ground clearance of 5.2 inches while weighing in with a hefty curbweight of 4280 lbs.

The LC 500 cabin is alive with a grand touring coupe personality. An intuitive layout is split into two zones — with the driver’s side functional and cockpit-lik,e and the passenger side shielded from complexities. A 12-speaker sound system, navigation, multimedia and connectivity highlight the cabin infotainment and the interior is also packed with climate control, deodorizing and dust/pollen-removing interior air filter, Lexus Enform Remote that customers to remotely view and control certain aspects of their vehicle, steering wheel cruise control access, SmartAccess keyless entry with push-button start, Guest Driver Monitor, Vehicle Finder, Vehicle Status Report, Power door locks with anti-lock out and a ton of other niceties in a well-crafted leather environment.

The cabin seats four and provides coupelike interior space, providing only 36.8 inches of front headroom and 32.2 inches in the rear; legroom is comfortable up front at 42 inches, but cramped in row two at 32.5 inches. Shoulder room is good in row one with 54.1 inches and cozy in the back at 48.9 inches.

Power comes from the 5.0-liter V-8 built with an aluminum block and cylinder heads. The system stampedes out 471hp with 398 lbs.-ft. of torque. The Electrical Fuel Injection system is EPA estimated at 16mpg/city, 26mpg/highway and 19mpg/overall, and in my week of pedal stomping and aggressive cornering, I averaged 18.3mpg.

Behind the wheel, the experience is one of luxuriant power and pride. From acceleration to cornering to hard braking, LC 500 performs – maybe not to supercar/track-dominant levels, but to high levels that exceed most showroom stars. The electrically assisted steering is predictable and compliant, while passing at speed and uphill journeys are enjoyable and exciting.

The manufacturer touts a 4.4-second 0-60mph sprint, and while I never achieved that kind of acceleration, I was cozy in my cockpit as I finished off a 4.8-second dash and a 13.2-second quarter-mile, feeling secure and energized during the run.

Next-Gen luxury concepts from Lexus are priced as one would expect. The rear-wheel-drive 2018 LC 500 starts at $92,000 and the hybrid LC 500h starts at $96,510. My test 2018 LC 500 with an InfraRed exterior ($595 extra) was mated to a Black leather interior. The Performance Package added $5960 for Active Rear Steering; speed-activated rear wing and Variable Gear-Ratio Steering; eight-way power-adjustable front seats with Alcantara® inserts and headliner; a carbon fiber roof and door scuff plate, and more. The Convenience Package added $1000 for Intuitive Parking Assist and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. A $2650 add-on was 21-inch split-five-spoke forged alloy wheels with polished finish and gloss black accents, and a Torsen® Limited-Slip Rear Differential added $390. The All-Weather Package added $250 for heated leather-trimmed steering wheel and windshield wiper de-icer. A premium Mark Levinson® Reference Surround Sound Audio System added $1220 and a Color heads-Up Display added $900. Delivery, processing and handling fees of $995 put the sticker-as-tested at $105,960.


> 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.

The Carlisle Ford Nationals have quickly become THE destination for Ford lovers from around the world. After all, why would people travel from across the country for the first time or even from around the world from as far away as Australia to enjoy a National Parts Depot showfield laced with nearly 3,100 of Ford’s best? The simple fact is that Carlisle, Pennsylvania and the Carlisle Ford Nationals are a destination for automotive lovers and that was on display during the weekend of June 2-4, 2017.

As is the case with many shows on the Carlisle Events schedule, this three-day show could easily host a fourth given the demand and popularity of the Ford brand and dedication of the enthusiasts who follow up. Thursday load in and set up was quickly followed by three days of amazing weather, clear blue skies, a cool breeze and 100 years of Ford history!

Special displays included ones that honored E & F Code cars, a 50th anniversary celebration of the Cougar, 60 years of the Edsel, 100 Years of Ford Trucks and so much more. In addition, Shelby American brought a pair of prototype Shelby Super Snakes to Carlisle, while Ford showcased its Roush Nightmare Edition F-150, the 2018 Mustang and how its performance parts can take an already amazing Raptor and make it even better. Ford also hosted FREE test drives at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center, while also hosting walkaround sessions on grounds too.

Another great showcase was one centered around the Ford GT. Not only were some of Ford’s most iconic super cars at Carlisle, but many were in action too. On Friday and Saturday of event weekend about a dozen GTs roared around the grounds to standing room crowds and the GT fun was capped Saturday evening when one brave owner put his in the burnout pit and let it roar for a solid 30 seconds, much to the approval of a packed grand stand.

The midway and swap meet areas were booming too, while special guests like Rutledge Wood, Chuck Cantwell, Tom Scarpello, Dean McCann, the Robertson Race Team and more entertained guests. Rutledge Wood came to Carlisle for the first time ever via eBay Motors. They were on-site with him to promote a special Mustang build with parts sourced from eBay Motors. The car will debut at SEMA in the fall of 2017.

Finally, the weekend wrapped with the always popular burnout and beauty contests, while cars rolled off grounds Saturday night and into downtown Carlisle for the Ford Parade and Street Party. Sunday hosted the awards parade and saw the last of guests roll out until next year. Speaking of next year, the 2018 Carlisle Ford Nationals returns June 1-3. Save the date and register today!

Andy Lally ALIVE, a next generation marketing technology innovator in the automotive and motorsports space, announced MotorCrush, a mobile app custom-built for car enthusiasts and gearheads. The MotorCrush app is now available for free in the App Store and Google Play.

“For people who are really into performance vehicles—whether they like high-end cars, hot rods, muscle cars, classics, drift cars, trucks, Jeeps, or motorcycles—there’s an insatiable desire to know more, to meet up, to talk about their vehicles, to compare what they have with others and to imagine new possibilities…but there have always been limits on how easy that connection was made,” said Andy Lally, 5 time Daytona 24 Hour race winner, multi-time road racing champion and principal of Andy Lally ALIVE. “MotorCrush changes this. It’s a really unique app and evolving social network for car enthusiasts that enables them to enhance the way they enjoy their hobby.”

MotorCrush makes it easy for car enthusiasts to find other like-minded individuals nearby through a unique, patent-pending geo-location feature. App users can “check in” their car when they want to tell others that they’re out cruising, or that they’ve arrived at an event. The in-app feed displays car check-ins in the user’s city, or even across the country. This feature dynamically creates car meets on the go, enabling users to connect, meet new people and use the app as a social network that supports their hobby.

MotorCrush users can:
• Connect with like-minded car enthusiasts
• Create their own profile and 'show off' their car so that others can admire it
• Tout modifications and enhancements to their car
• Like and follow other cars
• Message with other car owners or car groups
• Check in live so others can find them when they’re cruising
• Participate in live car meets
• Buy, sell and trade parts and other gear
• Get tips from enthusiasts who have customized their cars

“We wanted to package all of the right features together to connect the car culture in a way they would find compelling,” said David Atadan, Co-Founder of Andy Lally ALIVE. “Until now, there was no efficient way for them to easily meet up with friends and other enthusiasts on the fly. MotorCrush gives them a way to find out where friends or other enthusiasts they haven't met yet are gathering. All without calling, texting or searching group pages for times and dates. It creates a new, passion-specific social network within the app.”

Andy Lally ALIVE is a partnership between 5 time Daytona 24 Hour race winner, multi-time road racing Champion and entrepreneur Andy Lally; Trellist, one of the most reputable marketing and technology firms in the northeastern United States; Jerry Raffa, an entrepreneur and automotive aficionado; and Carlisle Events, the successful producer of 12 annual collector car and truck events that attract over 500,000 enthusiasts each year.

ALIVE is a team of creators and innovators with diverse technical and business expertise. The company delivers customized solutions and unique products to support the automotive and racing industries. This includes technologies that serve fans and enthusiasts, as well as businesses interested in reaching the unique audiences that the automotive and motorsports industries represent.

ABOUT ANDY LALLY ALIVE
Andy Lally ALIVE is a partnership between 5-time professional sports car champion and entrepreneur Andy Lally; Trellist, one of the most reputable marketing and technology firms in the northeastern United States; Jerry Raffa, an entrepreneur and automotive aficionado; and Carlisle Events, the successful producer of 12 annual collector car and truck events, which attract more than 500,000 enthusiasts each year.

ALIVE leverages marketing expertise, business acumen and technological expertise to entertain, connect, and inform, and thereby shape the future of the industries millions of consumers are passionate about.