With winter gone and spring here, it is fun car time. For some, it is Supercar time, and while I try to avoid over-use of the term, one car that arguably seems to fit the Supercar niche is the Nissan GT-R. For me, a Supercar could be a daily driver, around town or on long cruises, and while fewer than 600 GT-Rs are sold in north America each year, the car that its fans call “Godzilla, “ is certainly a car to behold … powerful, sexy, track-handling, tech-advanced, a head-turner and a very fun drive.

Called “unique” by Nissan chief creative officer, Shirō Nakamura, who compares it to the giant robots of the sci-fi “Gundam” series, Nakamura says “The GT-R is not simply a copy of a European-designed Sports car; it reflects the Japanese culture.” To that end, GT-R has been co-designed by Nissan's American designers, European designers and Polyphony Digital – creators of the “Gran Turismo” motor racing video games.  Emerging from the Nissan Skyline badge that began in 1969, with an unveiling in 2007 as a high-performance sports car, the GT-R last had a facelift in 2011, and continues with cosmetic and engine tweaks for 2019 as it now niches into the luxury sports car market. 

There are no significant changes for this year, but I finally got around to test driving it and it was worth the wait. Nissan says its team is working on an all-new edition with a new platform and powertrain, which he said will likely feature electrification, and technology borrowed from Nissan’s LMP-1 GT-R hybrid race car. While that version is still several years away, the 2019 Nissan GT-R is super as it is.

Staring with its architecture, GT-R is aggressive, sexy, fluid and functional. The V-motion grille, one of Nissan's design signatures, features a matte chrome finish and mesh pattern. The hood, with its pronounced character lines flowing flawlessly from the grille, is reinforced to enhance stability and aerodynamics during high-speed driving. The curving profile of the front under spoiler is slightly extended and lowered to maximize airflow at its lower edge; the C-pillars' upper portions are shaped to deliver better airflow management by preventing the generation of a smaller vortex; and the rear of the GT-R is defined by its iconic round taillights and character line that separate the lower black section from the body panel.  The GT-R is also outfitted with 20-inch wheels and massive 15-inch brake rotors. GT-R’s unibody construction, steel, carbon fiber, die-cast aluminum body on a Premium-Midship platform measures 185.4 inches long, 64.6 inches wide and 53.9 inches high on a 109.4-inch wheelbase weighing nearly two tons, at 3933 lbs.

Getting to the super aspect of GT-R, its 3.8-liter 24-valve twin-turbocharged V-6 engine delivers 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque. That super power delivers rocketlike acceleration. The manufacturer claims a 2.7-second zero-to-60mph capability, and my test runs on less-than-perfect surfaces and without special tuning, delivered a blazing sprint in 3.1 seconds during an 11.2-second quarter-mile, and I think it can go quicker than that. And the special NISMO-tuned engine can gallop out 600 horses and faster launch times.

The Electronic Nissan Direct Injection System and engine are rated at 16mpg in the city, 22 mpg/highway and 18mpg/combined. My week of tire smoking, hard-cornering and some lane-changing cruises still averaged 17.9mpg.

On the pavement, GT-R’s vehicle speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion, aluminum steering rack, four-point mounting, with stiff insulators was an auto-cross champ, and the independent double wishbone aluminum, integral tube-frame front suspension and independent multi-link aluminum rear suspension are track sticky with super driver’s feel.

Inside, the well-appointed and tech-savvy interior is adult comfortable up front and child-roomy in the rear, with 38.1 inches of front headroom and a neck-bending 33.5 in the rear seats; a roomy 44.6 inches of legroom ion row one and a child-worthy 26.4 inches on row two; and 54.3 inches of front shoulder room with 50.0 inches in back. Seamlessly wrapped in one continuous hide of the highest quality Nappa leather, the instrument panel adopts a “horizontal flow” while occupants sit in the leather-and-suede covered cushioned seats; and the 8.0-inch touch panel monitor features large icons on the display screen to allow the user to easily manage the audio system, navigation system, telephone controls and other infotainment functions.  

The 2019 Nissan GT-R is available in four trims. The PURE starts at $99,990; the Premium (my test ride), started at $110,540 and added Titanium exhaust with Exhaust Sound Control, Bose® audio system, Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement; the Track Edition started at $128,540 and added a NISMO-tuned suspension, carbon-fiber trunk lid, 20-inch NISMO black super-lightweight RAYS® forged-alloy wheels and a Black/Red interior treatment; and the track-worthy NISMO trim based at $175,540 and added a NISMO-tuned engine and about 35 more horses, aerodynamic body design, and more carbon fiber cosmetics, and NISMO Recaro® leather-appointed front seats with synthetic suede inserts.

My GT-R Premium added Super Silver Quadcoat exterior paint for $3000. The All-Weather Package was included for no charge, with Dunlop® SP Sport® 7010 all-season run-flat tires; Premium Sport floor mats with carbon fiber inserts added $1085; and Destination and handling added $1695, for a sticker-as-tested of $116,320.

> 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> 

Ford Nationals weekend has come and gone, and this year’s event ranks right up there with the all-time greats that have come before it. Presented once more by Meguiar’s, the National Parts Depot Showfield welcomed a record breaking total of cars spanning 112 years of Ford and Ford family production. From cars to trucks, rare to daily drivers and everything in between, the event showcased once more why this is THE car event for Ford lovers from around the world.

Every year at Carlisle it seems the cars, people and vendors are showing up earlier for Ford weekend. This year was no different as people were showing up and setting up on Memorial Day Monday, days in advance of the weekend start. Indoor displays were also loading in early, with nearly all buildings filled by mid-day Thursday, while the Showfield, automotive flea market and midway were all coming to life on Thursday as well. As an added bonus to the decades of classics on grounds, Ford wowed crowds with a great array of new products. These cars and trucks weren’t only on the midway and in front of the stage, but were also at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center. There, show goers could not only see the vehicles, they could get behind the wheel and drive many of them too.

Featured vehicle displays included those dedicated to the Fox Body and Fox Platform, Mach 1, Boss, Eliminator and Maverick. While many of those cars had that preserved and classic look that we all love, some showcased top of the line restoration work, wowing all who walked by. 

The aforementioned weren’t the only featured rides. Dating back to 2015, Ford weekend has hosted the Ford Nationals Select display. Annually, 12 cars anchor this display, each for a specific or unique reason. This year was no different. Cars 51-62 took their rightful place within the building and included the likes of an original 1982 Escort with less than 900 miles on it, 1959 English Ford, a 1961 Country Squire and more.

Ford Motor Company brought a lot of great new products to the table this year.  With each new ride came a walk around at the stage. Carl Widmann, the Chief Engineer of Ford Performance shared the details of the new Shelby GT500. Roush and Saleen offered product walk arounds too, with Roush showcasing not only one of its new trucks, but its Stage 3 ROUSH Supercharged Mustang.  In addition, Saleen gave attention to its 2019 SA35 edition Mustang.  Gateway Classic Mustang delivered an experience for Ford Motor Company on the autocross track throughout the weekend. New rides like the 2.3L High Performance Mustang and the GT350 furthered the fun on the track as guests could go for hot laps in the latest performance offerings from Ford Motor Company

What’s a show at Carlisle without special guests? Of course, there were many, including Mike Finnegan of “Road Kill” on MotorTrend TV. Finnegan was joined by Al Joniec, Steve Saxty, Don Farr, John Clor, Charlie Morris, Tony Alonso, Scott Hoag, Jake Jerrell and the artistic talents of David Snyder. 

While many guests simply admired the parked cars, others had installs handled via A&A Auto Stores, participated in the burnout contest, autocross rides or open runs and even hit the streets of downtown Carlisle for the parade and street party.

In all, hundreds of awards were doled out, with everyone walking away eager for next year’s fun. Speaking of next year, save the date. The 2020 Carlisle Ford Nationals take place June 5-7. Registration is now open at www.carlisleevents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

A new car!  Sure, the announcer guy on a TV game show says it best, but it’s true…you really could win a NEW 2019 Corvette Stingray.  Once again, the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation with the help of their friends at Lancaster County Corvette Club are raffling off a 2019 Corvette!  The always popular giveaway is up and running and would-be winners are invited to purchase tickets early so as not to miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Tickets available have 3 digits – 000 through 999, meaning 1,000 opportunities exist for this 2019 Stingray.  The winning number, well that will be determined by the evening Pick 3 drawing via the Pennsylvania Lottery.  Those 1,000 tickets are available now!  The price for a shot at a “free” car?  Just $100!

The Pick 3 drawing takes place twice daily, so hopeful winners will want to keep an eye on the evening drawing on Saturday, August 24.  This is the date and time frame when the winning numbers will be pulled at random.  At that point, the winner will be notified and subsequently recognized at the event.

The prize itself is indeed a Corvette.  Coming direct from Kerbeck Corvette in New Jersey is a 2019 Corvette Stingray.  The car retails for over $50,000 and is brand new.  Each ticket sold is another $100 towards the Chip Miller Amyloidosis foundation, though the value of the car does come out of money raised.  Once all the I’s are dotted and T’s crossed, the CMAF tallies about $50,000 which is earmarked for donation and research purposes.  Monies also benefit Clare House, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania based organization serving homeless women and children in a caring environment.  This is done through life skills training and support, leading to self-sufficiency.

“The Lancaster County Corvette Club has been an amazing group to work with,” said CMAF President Lance Miller.  “Their passion to help two wonderful charitable organizations by promoting ticket sales and the raffle and being so energetic about their efforts is great to see,” continued Miller.  “The CMAF can’t thank them enough for all of their efforts.  I also want to thank the many supporters that purchase raffle tickets to help the CMAF.  We really enjoy being one of the lucky charities behind the effort, plus who wouldn’t want to win a BRAND NEW CORVETTE?”

Tickets for this cool car and great cause are available now!  They can be obtained a few different ways.  Tickets can be ordered by downloading the raffle form at https://tinyurl.com/y2drr2mc, by calling the CMAF at 717-243-7855 x113 or in person at the Chevrolet Nationals in June or Corvettes at Carlisle in August.

Complete details about the CMAF and all of its events are available at www.ChipMiller.org.  There, not only can you download the form to buy a ticket to win the car, you can also register for other summer fun events, donate or simply learn about all that the CMAF offers.  Good luck and thanks for the support! 

There has been Hurst representation at Carlisle in some form or the other since the inception of the Carlisle Events brand. The Hurst spotlight in 2019 shines directly on the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals.  Spanning two days, June 21 and 22, the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds comes to life with not only all things Chevrolet, it also plays host to a Hurst Showcase!  The showcase will feature a few dozen Hurst branded GM cars and welcomes some amazing guests.

New for 2019, guests at the Chevrolet Nationals can expect a visit from Linda Vaughn.  This is Vaughn’s first trip to Chevrolet weekend in over 10 years and by coming to Carlisle in June, offers event guests a chance to meet THE first lady of Motorsports.  In addition, Hurst enthusiasts have a chance to connect with Jim Kerr, also known as “The Hurst Shifty Doctor,” former Hurst engineer Don Glover, former Hurst sales manager Steve Weiner, former PR and sales guy Howard Maseles, former O.E.M. salesman Don Morton, former production engineer Marty Danko, former engineer & designer Don Lane and former manager of manufacturing & quality control, Joe Barone.

Jim Kerr was the ORIGINAL Hurst Shifty Doctor (the guy who installed and repaired Hurst shifters at the races)!  Jim was involved almost since the beginning and is one of the key people who developed the Carlisle Hurst Nationals.

Don Glover was an engineer with Hurst starting in 1967. In his time at Hurst he worked on the team that developed many of the products and specialty cars. Don is basically an encyclopedia for all things Hurst. Don will be available all weekend with many of his blueprints, products and more. 

Steve Weiner is probably one of the oldest Hurst employees, having started with the company in 1960 at the age of 18. Steve was at Hurst almost from the beginning and he was deeply involved in the business, so he knows it well.  

Joe Barone will join his former Hurst co-workers for the 2019 Hurst Showcase.  Joe worked for Hurst Performance in Warminster, Pennsylvania from 1971 to 1986.  During his time, Joe served as the Manager of Manufacturing & Quality Control for various hallmark products.

Marty Danko started with Hurst at the age of 19 and spent 18 years with the company. During his time with Hurst, Marty was involved in both production and engineering as the R&D Engineer. Marty’s primary duty was to make prototypes and then fit them into the vehicle applications.

Don Lane began his career with Hurst in 1955 which makes him one of the earliest employees of the company. Don designed the Hydrogate, Lenco shifter and the Quarter Stick as well as many other shifters that never made it into production. He was also involved in the early stages of the Jaws of Life.

Joe Barone worked for Hurst Performance from 1971 to 1986 as the Manager of Manufacturing & Quality Control. Some of the key products during Joe’s watch were Roll/Control, Jaws of Life as well as the Competition/Plus, Dual Gate, Super Shifter, Lightning Rod and Quarter Stick shifters.

Howard Maseles was part of a team of Detroit racers who were contracted by Hurst to help build the ‘69 Hemi Super Stock cars. Howard went full-time with Hurst in 1969 to help build many prototype vehicles, race cars and more. In 1970, he moved to Pennsylvania to become the Hurst Shifty Doctor until 1981.

Don Morton was in charge of OE sales and experimental vehicles at Hurst. Essentially, Don was the guy who worked with each OEM when they wanted to outsource a special project. This included cars like the Hurst/Olds that made more sense to send to Hurst for the transformation rather than build a limited run on Oldsmobile’s assembly line.

Each guest will be part of seminars, pose for photos and sign autographs too.  Complete details about the Hurst aspect of Chevrolet Nationals weekend as well as on the Chevrolet event itself can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855 .

Launched in 2001 as a “Baby Explorer” to address the growing demand for compact sports-utility vehicles, the Ford Escape quickly developed its own following, personality, look and feel.
 
Firmly entrenched as the No.2-selling vehicle in the Blue Oval line-up, and seven years into its third generation, Ford has an all-new, completely redesigned Escape on the launch pad for 2020 with four new propulsion choices, including a return to a hybrid system with a standard hybrid and a plug-in variant, as well as a sportier new architecture, sliding second-row seats, more legroom and new driver-assist technology. 

With that in mind, the 2019 Escape closes out Gen-3 with more features added as standard equipment, including SYNC® 3 and FordPass™ Connect, and 4G Wi-Fi, are now standard on Escape SE, while a unique seating material is standard on SEL. Intelligent Access with push-button start and remote start are standard on SE, as is one-touch up or down front and rear power windows. SE and SEL customers can choose from an assortment of updated packages, including a Roof Package and a Sport Appearance or Sport Appearance Plus Package. A Safe and Smart Plus Package is optional for SE, SEL and Titanium customers, and the engine block heater is now an available option in any region.

Perhaps the most visible change to the exterior design of the 2019 Ford Escape is the deletion of the LED taillamps. New colors for 2019 are Agate Black, Baltic Sea Green and Sedona Orange.

Inside, the 2019 Ford Escape removes its paddle shifters while the ActiveX seating material is now standard on SEL. The CD player has been eiminated and the voice-activated touchscreen navigation system is no longer available on SE and SEL trims.

Packed with standard amenities, all Escapes come with infotainment, power systems and tech. Among the standard installed items are an Easy Fuel® capless fuel filler, power sideview mirrors with integrated blind spot mirrors, MyKey®, power windows and door locks, steering wheel-mounted cruise control, tilt/telescoping steering column, six-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission and intermittent front and  two-speed rear wipers.

The 2019 Escape continues in its compact crossover footprint at 178.1 inches in length, 66.3 inches in height and 72.4 inches in width on a 105.9-inch wheelbase. Minimum running ground clearance is 7.9 inches and Escape has a curb weight of 3755 lbs. for its 2.0-liter powerplant and 4WD. When properly equipped, Escape can tow 3500 lbs.

Available in either FW or Intelligent 4WD, Escape’s engine choices include the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter iVCT inline-4 engine that delivers 168hp and 170 lbs-ft of torque with sequential multiport electronic fuel injection. For the economy minded, a direct-injection 1.5-liter EcoBoost® I-4 with Auto Start-Stop is available, rated at 179hp, with 177-lbs-ft of torque. My test Escape Titanium was powered by a turbocharged direct injection 2.0-liter Twin-Scroll EcoBoost® inline-4 with Auto Start-Stop that supplied 245hp and 275 lbs.-ft. of torque on premium fuel. All three engine choices are mated to a 6-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission. EPA ratings are 21mpg in city driving and 29mpg on the highway for the 2.5 in FWD configuration; the 1.5-liter EcoBoost® is estimated at 23/30 in FWD and 22/28 in AWD; and my test 2.0 liter EcoBoost® was rated at 20/27 in AWD. My weeklong test included some interstate trips, in-town maneuvers and one soft-road test, and I averaged 25.0 mpg.  

Escape is a small SUV with carlike steering, balance and acceleration and a mellow driving and passenger experience. While not luxury smooth or uplevel quiet in the cabin, but leveling and hushed the niche, Escape’s ride is family mild.

My 2.0-liter engine delivered in all ranges. I found acceleration quick after a beat, and I turned a zero-to-60mph sprint in 7.5 seconds, during a 15.7 quarter. 

Inside, the cabin is a step below luxury, but well-appointed with seating for five. It could be a bit roomier, as tall drivers may feel cramped. Headroom measures 39.9 inches in front and 39.0 in row two. Legroom can be stretched to a maximum of 43.1 inches in row one, while second-row passengers have 37.3 inches. Shoulder room is 55.9 in row one and 55.2 for row two.

Escape addresses safety well, starting with dual-stage front, driver’s knee, front-seat side, and Safety Canopy® System with side-curtain airbags and rollover sensor; battery save, head restraints and three-point safety belts on all five seating positions.

The 2019 Ford Escape is available on four trims. The S trim starts at $24,105 with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine; the SE starts at $26,500 with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost®; the SEL trim starts at $28,445 with the 1.5, reverse sensing and a power liftgate; and my Agate Black test Escape Titanium started at $32,620 in FWD with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine, Intelligent Access with push-button start, Leather-Trimmed 10-Way Heated, Power Driver and Front Passenger Seats, Remote Start System, Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System and a 10-Speaker Audio System from Sony®. 

The Intelligent 4WD System added $1500 and The Ford Safe and Smart™ Package added $1895 for Driver-activated front rain-sensing windshield wipers, Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support, Auto high-beam headlamps, BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, Rain-Sensing Wipers (Front Only) and Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror. Splash Guards added $210, and Destination charges of $1095, minus $1250 in incentives, put the sticker-as-tested at $36,070. 


> 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. </I>