Equinox, Chevrolet’s second-best selling vehicle, after the Silverado, enters its third generation in 2018 with a full redesign. The Gen-3 Equinox sheds nearly 400 pounds -- approximately 10 percent of its mass, creating a nimbler, more responsive and more refined driving experience. Combined with this weight loss, the all-new body was designed and optimized for top safety ratings.

An all-new, mass-efficient body structure is at the center of the Equinox’s trimmer curb weight and helps make the most of its available turbo engine options. The sporty Equinox cut 4.7 inches in length to 183.1 inches long; is 72.6 inches wide and is an inch shorter at 65.4 inches high on a 107.3 -inch wheelbase – losing 5.2 inches. The 2.0-liter Turbo AWD crossover I tested weighed in with a curbweight of 3703 lbs., more than 400 pounds lighter than the Equinox I tested last year.

The new body structure is part of all-new expressive styling with sculpted designs that echo what Chevy shows in Volt, Malibu and Cruze. There is also an all-new interior with elements including available denim-style seat fabric that blends high style with durability. New safety features are also available, including Safety Alert Seat, Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking and Surround Vision. And Chevrolet’s first all-turbocharged multi-engine propulsion system lineup is in play, including a segment-exclusive turbo-diesel offering a GM-estimated 40 mpg/highway

Packed with amenities inside and out, standard exterior Equinox 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.

Standard Equinox power comes from the choice of a 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 is rated at 252hp and 260 lb-ft.

The 1.5 is EPA rated at 26mpg/city and 32mph/ highway for FWD and 24/30 for AWD
1.6-diesel is GM-estimated at 32/city and 40mpg on the highway for FWD and 31/37 for AWD. The 2.0-liter turbo I tested is EPA-rated at 22mpg in city driving for both FWD and AWD and 28/highway FWD and 27mpg/highway for AWD. My week of driving averaged 24.1mpg.

I found the turbo to be seamless and faster than expected. On the track, my Equinox completed a zero-to-60mph dash in 6.8 seconds (0.4 seconds faster than last year), and maintained its acceleration to finish a quarter-mile in 15.3 seconds. On the road and on uneven surfaces, the Equinox independent MacPherson strut front suspension with specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar and its independent four-link rear with coil springs and trailing arm; stabilizer bar; hydraulic link bushings were tuned for passenger comfort rather than for driver’s feel and precise handling. The hydraulic power rack-and-pinion steering could have been sharper, and understeer is common during quick maneuvers, but acceleration is reliable, and the cabin is quiet and calm.

The Equinox cabin is accommodating, and filled with entertainment and function. With seating for five, the interior is slightly tighter than last year, but not by much, with 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 55.8 and 55.3.

Inside, the all-new cabin has a new “kneeling” rear seat 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 new available Surround Vision offers 360-degree bird’s eye view of the vehicle. Also inside are leather heated seats with driver memory, dual-zone automatic climate control air conditioning and a rearview auto-dimming mirror.

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox starts at $24,575 for the base L-trim model with the 1.5-liter turbo liter engine in front-wheel-drive; the LS 1.5 bases at $26,595; the LT 1.5 trim starts at $27,795 and the Premier 1.5 starts at $31,795. The LT 2.0L Turbo bases at $30,295, and my test Premier 2.0L Turbo starts at $34,595. The LT 1.6 Turbo Diesel starts at $31,695 with the Premier 1.6L Turbo Diesel starts at $33,995.

My Premier 2.0L Turbo test ride with Jet Black, perforated leather-appointed seat trim, was in all-wheel-drive (which I nearly always recommend), adding $3700. My ride was upgraded with the Sun, Sound and Navigation Package for $2620, that included a Panoramic sunroof, Chevrolet MyLink® Audio system with 8-inch diagonal touch screen and navigation, as well as a Bose® premium 7-speaker system. The Protection Package added $220 for premium all-weather floor mats and rear splash guards; The Hit the Road Package added $995 for roof rack cross rails and molded assist steps; and Remote Start added $275. With Destination Freight charges of $995, my test 2018 Chevrolet Equinox stickered at $42,130, but cash allowances and regional incentives are available to cut that price a bit.

> 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.

Internationally known and attended? Yes! World’s LARGEST all-Ford themed weekend? Without a doubt! Rare and unique rides on display? Yes! Special guests? Yes! The epicenter of all things Ford for at least three days in June? YES!!! The Carlisle Ford Nationals, presented by Meguiar’s is all of that and then some for global automotive enthusiasts and it’s all happening June 1-3 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.

It’s hard to spotlight just one star attraction, as the entire weekend is basically an all-star event featuring a who’s who of cars and industry star power. There is a bevy of displays though, plus guests too. From 3,000+ Ford’s spanning the history of the brand (including a unique Ford Tractor showcase) on the National Parts Depot Showfield to Building Y and the 4th annual Ford Nationals Select cars, this just scratches the surface of the fun.

Not far from Y is Building T and in it, guests will see the best of the best, including 50 Years of the Cobra Jet, 50 Years of the Torino, 50 years of the GT500KR, 20 years of the Focus, a special Bullitt Mustang celebration and more.

Speaking of SPECIAL rides, Ford recently revealed to Carlisle Events their intention of bringing the all-new California Special Mustang, Ranger, Bullitt Mustang, Ford GT and Edge ST to Carlisle too. Aside from major international auto events such as those held in New York City or Detroit, east coast car lovers have yet to see these sleek, new rides in person. Again, this speaks volumes to what the Carlisle Ford Nationals mean to the hobby.

It’s not just the cars, trucks, tractors or guests that bring people to Ford weekend either. The MASSIVE Ford centric swap meet provides a treasure trove of finds for enthusiasts of all generations. Much like the show itself, it too is the world’s largest of its type. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for something new, vintage or somewhere in between, the swap meet is the beginning, middle and end for nearly all your shopping needs!

As guests go, Steve Saleen returns with his biggest footprint ever of Saleen Mustangs and groups from Ford, Roush and Shelby will have a commanding grip on the always growing midway. The biggest special guest of them all though, is Dave Kindig. Kindig, of Kindig-It Designs and star of Bitchin’ Rides on Velocity comes to Carlisle for the first time ever and is making an ultra-rare east coast event appearance. There are other industry guests slated, including many from Ford Performance, Roush, Shelby and more.

Ride and drive with Ford too, as guests can check out the latest products via FREE test drives at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center and guests can even go fast and have fun via various on-site competitions too.

While this show is scheduled for three days, weather permitting, guests are flocking to Carlisle days in advance of the start. It all culminates with a Saturday night downtown Ford parade in Carlisle and a Sunday on-site awards parade at the Carlisle Fairgrounds. Giveaways, guests, cool cars (new and classic), plus an unmatched atmosphere within the car show world; the Ford Nationals really do have it all!

The 2018 Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals offer an international automotive showcase and this year’s event is no different. Running May 18-20 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, the event features an all new grouping of Jaguars and Aston Martins featured in what’s known as the Legends of Design. With those cars comes some very special guests that will take you through the generations of Jaguar and Aston design. These guests will be present from Friday to Sunday inside Building T as part of the special showcase and will also participate in a seminar on the stage inside Building T from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday only. Following the seminar, stick around for a book signing, too. Without further ado here are the guests and a little bit about them.

Michael Quinn: The grandson of Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons and personal Jaguar representative to the Queen of England, Michael Quinn will be joining us throughout the event weekend. Michael is not only a wealth of knowledge in the Jaguar realm but an enthusiast just like you! He is the current managing director of RA Creamer & Son and is also a committee member of the Royal Automobile Club.

GW Bartlett aka Gary Bartlett: Gary Bartlett is one of the foremost experts in classic Jaguar restorations. Gary started the company OSJI (Original Specification Jaguar Interiors) in 1980 and has since hand-crafted some of the top Jaguar interiors down to the finest detail. Gary is also involved with Muncie Imports & Classics, a top European and Asian vehicle restoration shop located in Muncie, Indiana.

Dave Welsh: Dave is the General Manager of Welsh Enterprise, the largest independent supplier of Jaguar parts in North America. Dave's father, William Welsh, started Welsh Enterprises in 1976 as a full-time parts business. In the early 1990s, Welsh became a licensed salvage dealer, which has grown to be the largest Jaguar-only salvage yard in the country.

Joseph Limongelli “aka “GT Joey”: Published author, Velocity Channel TV host, and overall great car enthusiast, will be debuting and signing his all new book on Aston Martins. Joey will also be our MC for the roundtable discussion and will be talking about his next book, "Me and My Jaguar." You can also chat with him about Season 1 of Legends of Design on Velocity Channel and purchase a copy of the show on DVD.

You won’t find experts like this together in one place…ANYWHERE! Make plans now to visit Carlisle in May and enjoy “The Legends!” Gate tickets are just $10 daily for adults, $15 for a three-day pass and kids 12 and under are FREE, plus the international showfield is always craving more cars like those showcased as part this display, too. Learn all about the weekend, buy tickets, register and more at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

Guests of events at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and any other show promoted by Carlisle Events and/or Carlisle Auctions will notice something new in 2018! Carlisle Events is pleased to announce a brand-new merchandise and apparel partnership with Green Mountain Monogram of Vermont.

Green Mountain will be positioned in the same place as the previous vendor, within Building T in the northwest corner of the building. The Carlisle Store will still house a wide variety of merchandise, apparel, collectibles and more, but the selection will be bigger, better and vaster than ever before.

Founded in 1986, Green Mountain Monogram consists of a staff of skilled providers of screen printing, embroidery, promotional products and vending event merchandise. The Green Mountain Monogram team members are always learning new techniques, trends and technologies too. This background, combined with their primary passion – printing and designing for the car hobby made this new partnership possible.

“It’s the perfect opportunity for both companies,” said Gene Eastman, President and CEO of Green Mountain Monogram. “Bringing our long background of producing and retailing souvenir apparel to the prestigious Carlisle team is a win-win for both companies,” continued Eastman. “It’s our goal to take Carlisle’s official event merchandise to a new level. They (Carlisle) have the brand and we have the experience to retail it,” concluded Eastman.

After one event to date with Carlisle Events (Allentown Auto Mania), GMM is already seeing a positive response from enthusiasts. At the Allentown event in mid-January, GMM brought its Jack Daniels themed black Carlisle Events shirt for sale, plus a tour shirt, listing all events on the Carlisle schedule. Each were a popular sale. In addition, earlier than ever before, GMM presented for sale the 2018 event shirt for Spring Carlisle.

“We’re excited about partnering with Green Mountain for Carlisle Events souvenirs.,” noted Carlisle Events co-owner Lance Miller. “Green Mountain has many years of event experience and their enthusiasm to take Carlisle Events souvenirs to the next level is something we’re ecstatic about,” continued Miller. “I invite all guests to be sure and visit the all-new Carlisle Store within Building T. It’ll have a fresh look, a new feel and nice new array of items for sale!”

While the 2018 Carlisle Events season is already underway, its home schedule launches April 18 with Spring Carlisle. From April 18-22, the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and Carlisle Expo Center come to life with decades of automotive history, merchandise and memorabilia for sale. Tickets are available online now as well as complete event details for all weekend events, including the all-new Carlisle Auctions Summer Sale at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

The Lexus RX has been America’s best-selling luxury SUV since its introduction in 1998, and has earned a reputation as a reliable, elegant, pampering and performing utility vehicle.

RX was the first Lexus SUV, and has been its entry into the luxury crossover niche through four generations. As the category has attracted more competition, RX has refined, upgraded, teched-up and improved its line.

Two years after its introduction, the fourth-generation RX sees several changes for 2018. Most notably, the Enform Safety Connect and Enform Service Connect are now complimentary for the first 10 years of ownership. Both were previously offered with a one-year trial. Also new for 2018: a Sunroof and Blind Spot Monitoring System now available on base model; and a new Premium Package is available for the RX 450h and repositioned base model.

While the Lexus RX has been marketed as a combination of SUV versatility and luxury sedan-like comfort, it also stands out in the segment with a dramatic mix of sculpted creases and elegant curves. The focal point of the front is the Lexus signature spindle grille, set off by a lavish chrome-plated border and standard Bi-LED headlights.

The available L-shaped premium LED headlights use three unique L-shaped elements per side. The spindle theme repeats at the rear, where L-shaped LED taillights envelop the tailgate and wrap into the rear fenders. Capping off the design, quite literally, is a floating-roof effect created by elegantly blacked-out C-pillars. Where the rubber meets the road, there’s a choice of three 20-inch wheel designs. And all eleven RX paint colors feature a scratch-resistant self-restoring coat, using high-performance macromolecular polymer.

All of these elements are part of the 4387-lb. (for the AWD) RX 350 that measures 192.5 inches long, 74.6 inches wide and 67.7 inches high on a 109.8-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 8.2 inches and maximum towing capacity is 3500 lbs.

The RX 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 aluminum block engine, coupled with an 8-speed Automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission. The system delivers 295 hp and 267 lbs.-ft. of torque, and the transmission, with “intelligence”, accelerates car-like. Traveling faster than it seems when behind the wheel, passing at speed is effortless and a zero-to-60mph run was completed in 7.5 seconds during a 15.9-second quarter-mile. EPA rated at 19/26/22 for AWD, my test ride averaged the expected 22.0mpg in mixed-use tests.

The RX’s electric power rack and pinion steering with electronic power assist was not as responsive as I would have liked, and understeer was apparent, but the in-cabin experience is luxury-smooth, as the all-wheel-drive set-up and the MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and the rear double wishbone, smoothed out most road irregularities.

The cabin is loaded with intuitive, luxurious and high-tech conveniences. With seating for 5, interior dimensions are comfortable at 39.4 inches up front and 39.1 in the rear; legroom is 44.1 inches in row one and 38.0 inches in row two; and shoulder room is 57.8 and 57.6. The interior cabin is a cornucopia of amenities including automatic dual-zone climate control; dust and pollen particle and deodorizing interior air filter; dual sliding sun visors; electrochromic rearview mirror with compass; power door locks with anti-lock out feature; power tilt-and-telescopic steering column; power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature; steering wheel audio controls; Lexus Display Audio with an 8-inch screen and nine speakers; backup monitor and Bluetooth® hands-free phone and automatic phonebook download capabilities.

Safety items are also plentiful and include side impact door beams, a supplemental restraint system consisting of dual-stage and dual-chamber driver’s and front passenger’s airbag, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front side airbags, rear side curtain airbags and front and rear seat-mounted airbags; a tire pressure monitor system with available tire inflation display function; active front headrests; vehicle theft-deterrent and engine immobilizer system.

The base 2018 Lexus RX 350 starts at $43,270 in front-wheel drive and $44,670 in all-wheel drive. The seven-passenger 350L is priced at $47,670 for FWD and $49,070 for AWD; the dynamic sport-tuned RX 350F Sport starts at $48,920 (FWD) and $50,320 (AWD). The 450h (gas-electric Hybrid) starts at $45,695 in AWD, the 450hL in AWD is $50,620 and the RX 450h F Sport bases at $51,055.

My all-wheel-drive test RX 350 AWD in Nightfall Mica (Dark Blue) with a Black NuLuxe Leather with Striated Black trim interior added the $3200 Navigation/Mark Levinson® Package with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System, Navigation System, 12.3-inch color multimedia display, Lexus Enform App Suite, in-dash DVD/CD player, remote touch and climate control smog sensor. The Premium Package, for $1110, added Espresso Walnut and leather interior trim, a rear armrest storage compartment, rain-sensing wipers, leather interior trim, electrochromic power folding outside mirrors, and the Lexus Memory System. A power tilt and slide moonroof with aluminum roof rails added $1350, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking And Intuitive Parking Assist added $1065, heated front seats were $440, Touch-Free power rear door added $200, running boards were $639, body side moldings added $209 and door edge guards were $140. With delivery fees of $995 my test RX350 stickered at $51,358.


> 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.