When Nissan created the Datsun 240Z in 1969, it launched a unique automotive nickname designation, “the Z-Car.” That first “Z” was powered by a 2.4-liter engine (hence the “240” portion of the name) that offered 151hp. Over the next 49 years, the “Z” has been upgraded and upnamed to a “260Z” (with a 2.6-liter engine), “280Z” and “280ZX” (with a 2.8-liter engine), “300ZX” (with a 3.0-liter engine), the 350Z (with a 3.5-liter engine), and the current alpha-numeric, “370Z” (with a 3.7-liter 332-hp engine).

The 370 is still part of the official; name, but more often than not, Nissan and its customers are calling it the Z Coupe (no number).

Now in the 10th year of its sixth generation, the Nissan 370Z has been honed by engineers to artfully reduce airflow, and the exhaust note has been fine-tuned. Inside, the feel of the switches and textures of the seats have been elegantly upgraded and the exterior has been revised with a dark headlight treatment, dark tinted rear combination lights, new blackout rear lower fascia and new 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design.
Behind the wheel, the 370Z driving experience has been enhanced through optimized acceleration and torque profile tuning. Without changing the engine’s internal structure or components, engine performance has been improved through refinement of Accelerator Pedal Opening and Throttle Valve Opening angles. And manual transmission-equipped 370Z models feature a new motorsports-inspired EXEDY® high-performance clutch.

In addition, for 370Z Coupe buyers wanting to stand out from the crowd even further, a new Heritage Edition package is offered on the base 370Z grade – a cost saving of thousands over other trim levels. The Heritage Edition is available in two exterior colors. The Chicane Yellow Heritage Edition features black outside mirrors, gloss-black graphics and yellow interior trim, and the Magnetic Black Heritage Edition includes gloss-silver graphics and yellow interior trim.

Other 2018 enhancements include two additional speakers for the base 370Z audio system and the addition of an electric interior hatch release switch on the center console. Also, the new model year adds a bold new exterior color – Passion Red – to the 370Z Coupe color palette. The Passion Red paint uses a high brightness aluminum pigment in the base coat and Nano-pigment tinted clear coat to give it a vivid, jewel-like red color that looks different depending on the viewing angle.

The 2018 370Z Coupe's aerodynamic exterior design incorporates intentional styling cues from the original classic 240Z – including a short wheelbase, wide track, low center of gravity and fluid silhouette. As in previous years, the "dynamic motion" feel continues, with a dramatic roofline and a "low visual gravity." The sleek profile is defined by its upswept quarter window design that is echoed by the dynamic upward curvature in the lower rocker panel and the sense of the taut sheet metal molding itself around the wheels and frame.

The 370Z Coupe's well-proportioned body provides a 100.4-inch wheelbase, 167.5-inch overall length, 72.6-inch width and 51.8-inch height, giving it a classic sports car look and feel, weighing in at 3375 lbs. for the manual transmission Heritage version I tested.

The 2018 370Z Coupe is offered with a standard 332-horsepower, 270 lbs-ft of torque 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control and choice of 6-speed manual transmission with an available SynchroRev Match® synchronized downshift rev matching system, or a 7-speed automatic transmission with available paddle shifters. The manual system I tested is rated at 18/city, 26/highway and 21/combined, (automatic gains 1mpg/city) and a week of mixed-use driving and decided pedal mashing achieved an average of 20.1mpg on Premium unleaded fuel.

Acceleration is exciting and powerful in all ranges, and my Z finished off a smooth-shifting 4.8-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a 13.7-second quarter-mile.

The driver-oriented cockpit remains essentially unchanged. The traditional 2-seat Coupe layout is built around a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length center console separating the driver and passenger's seat. The design focus incorporates an innovative, driver-centric "three-layer" design with information, operation and holding layers. The well-appointed and cozy cockpit provides 38.2 inches of headroom, 42.9 inches of legroom, 54.6 inches of hip room and 54.4 inches of shoulder room.

Safety items include Nissan Advanced Air Bag System Driver and front passenger air bags with dual-stage inflation, seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor.

Pricing for the 2018 Nissan Z starts at $29,990 for the base 370Z Coupe, goes through six levels, and reaches $45,690 for the 370Z NISMO ® Tech version. The Z Roadster starts at $41,820.My test ride, in Heritage Edition trim in Chicane Yellow, started at $30,780, and added Heritage Edition unique exterior graphics, Heritage Edition yellow interior trim details, leather-wrapped steering wheel with yellow trim and Gloss black outside mirrors to the base vehicle. My test ride came with the 6-speed manual transmission, which is much more fun than the 7-speed automatic that would have cost an additional $1400. Optional accessories included a rear decklid spoiler for $610, front chin aero deflector for $167, carpeted “Z” floor mats for $140, In-mirror RearView Monitor with HomeLink® for $790, and splash guards for $245. With destination and handling charges of $885 the sticker-as-tested was $33,617.

> 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.

Fall is officially upon us. Not only does that calendar say so, but the temps are getting cooler and maybe best of all, Fall Carlisle is right around the corner! The annual fall event takes place from October 3-7 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and hosts 100,000 guests from around the world. They come to central PA for many reasons, including the rapidly growing three-day auction powered by Carlisle Auctions. The auction runs October 4-6 adjacent to the fairgrounds at the spacious Carlisle Expo Center and for 2018, a bevvy of consignment options. In fact, over 500 consignments are expected, and they’ll span decades of automotive history. Best of all, many of these consignments will cross the block with low mileage, making them both collectible AND desirable.

Supported by the FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee, Carlisle Auctions starts with a preview day on Wednesday, October 3, followed by the auction itself at 2 p.m. on October 4 and 5, with a 10 a.m. start on October 6. From muscle cars to sports cars, trucks to daily drivers, the auction will have a little bit of everything. But…the low mileage rides available are unlike anything ever offered by Carlisle Auctions.

How about a car with just 8 miles on its odometer, or one with 371? If those low mileage numbers don’t drop your jaw, how about this? Carlisle Auctions also offers consignments with 815, 2,640, 11,500 and 38,000 miles. You’ve seen the numbers, but what are they attached to?

Let’s start at the bottom so to speak and work our way up. The ride with 8 miles is a 2002 Pontiac Fire Bird Trans Am. For anyone that’s into the Pontiac brand, this is THE car to have. It was never driven by its owner and the miles that are on it come from factory tests and pre-delivery transportation. It’s red with a white top and is a Ram Air WS6, including a 6-speed transmission and Hurst shifter. Its body and roof combo make it just one of 11 made in this combo. The factory plastic is still on it and its been garage kept, waxed and cared for during its entire life.

Up next, a 371 mile 1984 Ford Mustang GT350. This is one of only 670 20th Anniversary Editions of the GT350 made and is white with a white top and red interior. Its original dealer stock windows sticker is still affixed and will be sold with the original title and all the original paperwork. Lots of options, low mileage and well kept; a must-have for Mustang lovers for sure.

Less than 500 miles up the spectrum and bidders can drive home in a 1978 Corvette Pacecar with 815 miles . Another well-kept gem, this Corvette drives like new and hosts a 350 c.i. V8 engine with automatic transmission. Buyer will get its original door decals too.

Another Pontiac makes the low mileage list for Carlisle Auctions, but this time it’s a 1988 Fiero. With 2,640 original miles, this yellow gem stands out in a crowd. Originally sold in Canada and now being consigned by its third ever owner, it will be available with a New York registration/clean title and offers a nice history too, having been shown at the 30th Anniversary Fiero show in Detroit. Also, the Fiero is powered by a V6 engine and automatic transmission.

The Buick Grand National is a car many long for and Carlisle Auctions has one with 11,500 miles on it just for you! Of course, it’s black with gray interior, but what makes this one stand out is that it’s a 100% survivor car. This car today looks as it did when it was made available more than 30 years ago. One lucky bidder could be its third owner as part of the 2018 auction.

Our final spotlight consignment is a 1967 Corvette. This Vette is well documented and well cared for too. There’s just 38,000 miles on this 50+ year old classic too. Additional specs include a 427 c.i./390 HP V8 engine, close ratio 4 speed manual transmission, side exhaust, red line tires and a 3:70 Posi rear end.

Not only will these gems cross the block, but hundreds more will too along with memorabilia and a few charity items as well. One such item is known as a Ruff Rod and is a wagon for pets. It’s been built and fabricated by Steve Mercurio of Pro Metal Shop in Danville, PA and proceeds from its sale will go directly to a local animal rescue known as Speranza.

Complete details on the aforementioned rides as well as all other consignments via Carlisle Auctions can be found at www.CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400. On the web are links and information for consigning a vehicle, becoming a bidder and a photo gallery of most of the vehicles that are consigned to the auction. Finally, a run list and link to watch a live stream of the auction will also be available during each day of the auction. Reach out today to be involved and don’t miss out!

Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions are Pennsylvania based companies, but each come to Florida in February for their popular Winter AutoFest Lakeland event and auction. February in Pennsylvania – cold…February in Florida – desirable! Be part of what’s desirable and enjoy Winter AutoFest spanning February 22-24 at the SUN ‘n FUN Campus for an automotive flea market, car corral, car shows, auction and more.

On the car side of things, the grounds will be laced with hundreds of vendors selling millions of automotive pieces and parts. These items range from collectibles to memorabilia as well as original equipment and new reproduction products too. With the pieces and parts up for grabs, cars and trucks are as well in the car corral. Here, buyer and seller deal person to person and in many cases, seal the deal on-site in a matter of moments.

Want another way to score your first or next classic? Join Carlisle Auctions as it returns with a two-day auction. The auction features 400+ consignments and runs February 22-23 within the spacious hangers that serve as a backdrop to the car show excitement. Consignments range from low mileage collectibles to hard to find and rare classics. You never know what’s being consigned at Lakeland, so stop watching the other guys on TV and experience a Carlisle Auctions event in person starting February 22.

Other aspects include a trio of automotive showcases. Those showcases include the returning FREE car cruise-in where car and driver can enjoy the day for FREE, the always popular Mustangs and Mustangs all-Ford spotlight where car owners can have their ride photographed with a P51 Mustang airplane and BRAND NEW to Winter AutoFest, Carlisle Events welcomes the NCRS for their Winter Regional Corvette Meet.

The Corvette meet is the 41st annual offering for the NCRS and the FIRST TIME they’ve held their Sunshine State showcase with Carlisle Events as part of Winter AutoFest. Judged NCRS participants gain entry to the entire Winter AutoFest weekend for themselves and a guest plus receive two bidders passes for the auction. Corvettes who choose to be a part of the all-new Corvette VIP showfield will also be privy to some amazing perks including a designated parking area in the center of the fun, Saturday morning breakfast and VIP access to preview the day’s auction, two free bidder’s passes and an evening cookout with entertainment and more.

Another great feature of Winter AutoFest is the rapidly growing Air & Coach Concours. Roll or fly into SUN ‘n FUN to experience this lifestyle event, complete with food, music, seminars and VIP access to the auction.

Finally, when the acres of FREE parking open to the masses on Friday, February 22 at SUN ‘n FUN, those attending will immediately be immersed in an eclectic mix of all things automotive. Winter AutoFest offers some of its standard features once more in 2019, that being airplane and helicopter rides, but also gives guests an array of new showcases too.

While Carlisle Events does return in February for the Winter AutoFest show, its important to share with enthusiasts that there won’t be a fall event in Lakeland this November. That said, Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions continue to explore entertainment options for the fall time frame going forward. In the meanwhile, the time, efforts and energy put into the February show will make Winter AutoFest bigger and better than ever starting February 22.

Complete details about the Winter AutoFest event can be found online at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

Compact cars were all the rage a few years ago, and while demand for econocars is trending downward, the Ford Focus continues to be a force in the compact niche, as it continues to deliver style and economy for under $20K.

Dropping one slot to the 12th top-selling sedan in America (all sedan sizes and luxury levels included), the 2018 Ford Focus remains essentially the same for 2018 as it was last year, with massive changes set for 2019. Ford’s econobox will sit on an all-new platform with an adaptive suspension system next year, and the body will be sculpted with crisper lines, a longer hood and a longer wheelbase.

For this year, Focus is offered in Sedan, Hatch and Electric models, and can be tailored (with options) to fit personal style for car shoppers on a budget, with a price that starts at $17,950. New for this year are a revamped color palette with four new metallic hues offered: Blue, Hot Pepper Red, Lightning Blue, and Outrageous Green are in, and Blue Candy, Kona Blue, Race Red, and Ruby Red are out. Also, the SE Appearance Package is now available on all SE models regardless of engine choice, and some minor equipment elements have been deleted from various trims. And, unfortunately, the spiffiest Focus, the RS trim, is being discontinued, with a limited run of only 1,000 vehicles available in America.

But there’s still a lot to like for 2018, as Ford Focus remains a comfortable, power-enough low-frills commuter car, with enough infotainment to satisfy younger and trend-motivated buyers. The 2018 Ford Focus has available SYNC® 3 enhanced voice recognition and entertainment system with AppLink™ and 911 Assist®, an 8-inch center LCD touch screen with available navigation, and swiping and pinch-to-zoom capabilities. Two standard smart-charging USB ports are great for families on the go with energy-hungry devices.

Visually, Focus displays a sporty architecture that seems upticked from typical economical sedans priced under $20K. Focus is fluid and rounded and exudes energy and hipness. Configured in hatchback or sedan layouts, the compact sedan, measures 178.7 inches in length (the hatchback is 5 inches shorter), 71.8 inches in width and 57.8 inches in height on a 104.3-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of 2935 lbs. for the sedan and 3214 for the hatchback version.

Assembled at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, with unitized steel body construction, the SE trim Focus I tested was pleasing for the segment, with an aggressive demeanor and attractive lines.

For power, the standard Focus engine is a 2.0-liter Ti-VCT FFV inline-4-cylinder engine built in Dearborn, Michigan. That system provides 160hp and 146 lb-ft. of torque and is rated at 26mpg/city, 36mpg/highway with a 5-speed manual transmission. Also available are a super-economical 1.0-liter 3-cylinder EcoBoost® engine built in Craiova, Romania, that provides 123 hp and 125 lb-ft. of torque. The manual version is EPA rated at 30mpg/city, 42mpg/highway and 35mpg combined, while the six-speed PowerShift automatic with SelectShift is rated at 30mpg/city and 42mpg/highway. On the downside, you DO sacrifice performance for the increase in economy. Realistically, the 1.0-liter 3-cylinder system requires a lot of strategy to pass at speed on the Interstate, and long uphill grades can be a challenge – that’s why I opted for the standard 2.0-liter. On the upside, if you crave more power for a sub-3000-lb. vehicle, a 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 is also available, with its 252 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, for an EPA estimate of 22/city and 31/highway with the 6-speed manual transmission.

My test Focus SE, outfitted with the 2.0-liter Ti-VCT FFV I-4, was mated to a six-speed PowerShift automatic. It was rated at 27mpg/city and 40mpg/highway and my mixed-use car tests churned out an average of 32.2mpg.

On the track, the 160 horses were enough to complete a 9.1-second zero-to-60mph sprint during a 17-second quarter-mile; and on the highway, the set-up was adequate enough to ease by other vehicles at speed and overcome uphills.

Inside, Focus features a center console and driver/passenger-friendly capabilities. With seating capacity for five, front head room is tight, but niche-acceptable, at 38.3 inches with 38 inches of rear head room; front legroom measures 43.1 inches with a cramped 33.2 inches for rear passengers and shoulder room is 55.6 inches in front and 52.6 inches for rear seat passengers.

Available in Sedan, Hatchback and Electric configurations, the Base “S” 2018 Focus sedan starts at $17,950; the Hatch starts at $20,540 and the Electric bases at $29,120. My test SE sedan, under $20K to start, with a manual transmission and the 1.0-liter engine, was in Lightning Blue with Medium Light Stone cloth seats. The 2.0-liter I-4 necessitated a move to the 6-speed automatic transmission for $1095. The Cold Weather Package added $645 for all-weather floor mats, heated front-seats, leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel and heated exterior mirrors with turn signal indicator. The Interior Protection Package added $150 for all-weather floormats and cargo area protector. Remote start added $445 and Destination charges were $875. The sticker-as-tested was $22,305, but incentives of $4000 brought the price down to $18,305, so check with your local dealer for under-$20K deals.

> 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.

Volvo launched its small luxury crossover, the XC60, for the 2010 model year, and in the nine years since its launch, it has become the bestselling premium mid-sized SUV in Europe with nearly a million units sold globally. The XC60 today represents around 30 percent of Volvo’s total global sales.

Well, it’s time for a makeover, and the Volvo XC60 has been completely redesigned for 2018.

Keying in on safety, Volvo has added such new safety items for 2018 as Oncoming Lane Mitigation, that uses Steer Assist to help mitigate head-on collisions, while Volvo’s Blind Spot Indication System now uses Steer Assist to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions. Steer Assist has been added to Volvo’s ground-breaking City Safety system. Also in the safety suite is Pilot Assist, Volvo’s advanced semi-autonomous driver assistance system, which takes care of steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked roads up to 80 MPH, now available as an option

Also new for 2018 are a T8 Twin Engine gas plug-in hybrid at the top of the powertrain range, delivering 400 hp; a new CleanZone four-zone climate system that removes harmful pollutants and particles from outside the cabin to deliver fresh air on the inside; and enhanced driver infotainment and connected services that offer Sensus, and the Volvo On Call app, both upgraded with a graphical update with improved usability. Smartphone integration with CarPlay and Android Auto is also available.

As no redesign is complete without an exterior re-imagining, Volvo has constructed the 2018 XC60 as an elegant SUV with drivability. Available in three trim levels: the elegant Momentum; the sportier and track-cornering R-Design; and the more luxurious Inscription with an enhanced exterior and interior, XC60 shows off fluid Euro rounded exterior lines, an elegant demeanor and a sculpted feel. Inside, the cabin is a composition of well-resolved architecture, luxury materials and step-ahead technology, blended together for what Volvo says is: “a true Scandinavian experience which will make our customers feel special.”

Weighing in from 4105 lbs. to 4600 lbs. depending on trim level and options, XC60 measures 184.6 inches long, 83.3 inches wide and 65.3 inches high on a 112.8-inch wheelbase.

Inside, pampering prevails, as does comfort, with the exception of headroom – a surprisingly skimpy 38 inches of front and rear headroom. However, you do get a comfortable 41.5 inches of front legroom with 38 inches in row two, and 58.2 inches of front shoulder room and 56.3 inches of rear shoulder room.

While not as quiet inside as I would have expected, due to road and wind noise, the XC60’s cabin is filled with soft and lush materials, comfortable seats, impressive climate control, state-of-the-art infotainment, a rotary control touch-screen that works well, and good sightlines and visibility.

Under hood, XC60 power comes in several options. The base engine is a T5 AWD 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that provides 250hp and 258 lb-ft of torque for an EPA rating of 22mpg/city, 28mpg/highway and 24mpg/overall. Next up is the T6 that powered my test ride. T6 is a 2.0-liter that performs to 316hp and 295 lb-ft. That setup got me 27mpg on the highway and a 22.2mpg average in mixed-use driving. Finally, the T8 eAWD plug-in hybrid distributes 400hp and 472 lb-ft and mileage ratings were not yet available.

While the double wishbone front suspension, coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and stabilizer bar work well with the integral axle rear with transverse composite leaf spring, hydraulic shock absorbers and stabilizer bar to smooth out road irregularities, we did feel the vibrations inside. On the road, the power-assisted rack and pinion steering was above average for the niche, and the XC60 was stable and confident even during quick turning.

Acceleration was strong and predictable, and I was in line the manufacturer’s estimates of 6.8 seconds for a zero-to-60mph dash and a 15.2-second quarter-mile, with hand-timed runs of 6.9 seconds and 15.3.

The 2018 Volvo VX60 is offered in three trims, with the Momentum starting at $41,500, the R-Sport basing at $44,800 and the Inscription trim beginning at $45,300.

My test XC60 Momentum, with a laminated Panoramic Moonroof with power sunshade, LED headlights with Thor’s Hammer Daytime running lights, rear park assist camera and Smartphone integration, upgraded with the T6 AWD for an additional $3400. The T8 e-AWD plug-in Hybrid starts at an additional $8000, but my test vehicle went with the T6 only. Upgraded metallic paint costs $595, but mine was standard in Ice White. Spiffy wheels can run from $1000 to $4375, but mine has spiffy-enough standard wheels -- 19-inch, 5-Double Spoke Black/Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels. The Advanced Package added Active Bending Lights, LED Front Fog Lights with Cornering Lights, 360-degree Surround View Camera, Graphical Head-up Display and Headlight High Pressure Cleaning for $1900. The upgrade requires also adding the $1100 Vision Package -- Park Assist, Blind Spot Information, Cross Traffic Alert, Power retractable rear view mirrors and auto-dimming motors. Navigation and 12.3-inch digital instrument display added $1400; Heated front seats and steering wheel added $750; heated rear seats added $450; and Keyless entry and power tailgate added $575. With Destination fees of $995, my 2018 Volvo XC60 stickered at $52,070.


> 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.