Mitsubishi’s top-selling vehicle is its small crossover, the Outlander. Initially known as the Mitsubishi Airtrek, when it was launched in Japan in 2001, the Outlander represents Mitsubishi’s take on the small crossover that offers all-season attention, and gentle off-road capabilities while promising lower-level emissions, good fuel economy and compact size.

To attract those buyers yearning for more sportiness in their utes, even if they don’t take them off-road, Mitsubishi added the Outlander Sport in 2011, as a smaller, sportier and more affordable Outlander offering. Carrying the Outlander badge, the trendy Sport earned its own following as Mitsubishi’s entry-level crossover, positioned below the Eclipse Cross and three-row Outlander crossovers.

Available in 11 trims (nine with a 2.0-liter engine and two with a 2.4-liter plant), Outlander Sport remains in its first generation and adds only a few changes from 2018.  What’s new? Well, Sport’s top SEL trim level get an up-market name – GT; and it comes with some great Active Safety additions. GT (along with the SE trim) gets standard Blind-Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist safety system; and the new GT trim gets as standard: Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning and Automatic High Beam Headlights.

Awaiting next year’s exterior massaging, the 2019 Outlander Sport is sculpted, athletic and small, to fit nicely in the “Under-$30K Compact Crossover” niche. The architecture is rounded and aggressively forward-leaning, utilizing an aerodynamic, low-drag body design with a clean, sloping demeanor, a short hood, raked windshield, angular corners and the “Dynamic Shield” grille bisected horizontally by a thick black centerpiece. Side action lines are sculpted in, and the rear employs a front-focused stance. 

The Outlander Sport GT 2.4 -- my test drive -- is light at 3285 lbs. in AWD, and measures 171.9 inches long, 71.3 inches wide and 64.8 inches high on a 105.1-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 8.5 inches.

With two powertrain choices, Outlander Sport brawn comes from either a 2.0-liter MIVEC DOHC in-line 4 engine that provides 148 hp and 145 lbs.-ft. of torque, with an estimated 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway for 2WD models and 23 city/29 highway for AWD; or the 2.4-liter MIVEC inline-4-cylinder engine, which is rated at 168hp and 167 lbs.-ft. and is estimated 23/29 2WD and 23/28 AWD. Both engines are set up with a 5-speed manual or Sportronic® continuously-variable transmission. 
 
My test Outlander Sport GT 2.4 was outfitted with the 2.4-liter engine that is less noisy than the smaller engine. But don’t let the name “Sport” influence your reason. Even with the 2.4, acceleration is lethargic, though predictable.  Steady on uphill grades,  passing requires some advance planning, and while comfortable and accountable on the highway, track tests were less-than-stellar, with a wearying 7.9-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a perceptibly slow 16.4-second quarter-mile. A week of mixed-use tests showed an average of 26.4mpg.

In the driver’s seat, Outlander Sport drives and feels more like a compact sedan than a small crossover. While the electric power steering seemed inattentive at times, in-town driving was fun and garnered some head-turns from onlookers. Maneuverability is athletic, and parking, tight-space exercises and obstacle-avoidance are no problem for the Outlander Sport GT. More at home in urban situations than off-road or soft-road, Sport GT is a feel-good drive rather than a rugged-ute, and you get good road feel and macadam imperfection-leveling with the MacPherson front struts with stabilizer bar and multi-link rear with stabilizer bar. 

The Outlander Sport GT cabin is loaded with infotainment, connectability, leather and lots of plastic. Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, rearview camera, heated front seats, Smartphone and multi-information displays, and a 7-inch touch panel display audio system fit nicely in the cabin. With seating for five, the interior provides 39.4 inches of front headroom with 37.9 inches for row two. Legroom is comfortable up front at 41.6 inches up front, and tighter, but adequate in the rear at 36.3 inches. Shoulder room is 56.2 inches in row one and 55.5 inches for the rear seats.

Outlanders come in various forms and start at various prices. The 2019 Outlander PHEV electric crossover starts at $35,795; the regular Outlander bases at $24,695, and the smaller, sportier Outlander Sport starts at $20,945. Available in nine trims with the 2.0 engine and two more with the 2.4, Sport tops out at $25,045-base for the 2.0 SE AWC. $20,395 for the 2WD ES 2.0 trim. The 2.4 engine model begins with the 2.4 SE at $25,045  and tops at $26,545 for the 2.4 Sport GT (my review ride) in all-wheel-drive automatic and gaining combination soft-touch seating surfaces, auto-dimming mirror with Homelink®, and All-Wheel Control. In Alloy Silver Metallic exterior paint and a black fabric interior, my Sport GT added Remote Engine Start for $545; LED fog lights for $350; and a cool Large Rear Spoiler for $310. The Popular Equipment Value Package added $200 for wheel locks, front and rear mudguards and an aluminum and leather shift knob; Park Assist Sensors added $465; and a Cargo Mat Package ($150), Carpeted Floor Mats ($135) and Tonneau Cover came with the selection. Destination and Handling Fees added $1095, for a sticker-as-tested of $29,985.

<I> 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>

Nixon was in the White House, Woodstock overtook a New York field, the Beatles were king, man was landing on the moon and Detroit was manufacturing some of the most iconic cars of all time.  It all happened in 1969 and 50 years later, a little bit of the famed Summer of ’69 will take center stage at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. 

While the season schedule for Carlisle Events has seen two of its events completed, the core of its season remains.  From Spring Carlisle (April 24-28) through Fall Carlisle (October 2-6) and everything in between, guests who come to America’s Automotive Hometown will find something a little nostalgic about their experience.  Call it a 50-year class reunion, because the displays, imagery and even some musical ambiance will transport guests back in time.

The shows themselves will offer special displays, more specifically starting with the Carlisle Ford (May 31-June 2) Nationals and concluding with Corvettes at Carlisle (August 22-25).  Ford weekend, presented by Meguiars, hosts the 50^th Birthday celebration of the Mach 1, the 50^th anniversary of the Boss, 50^th anniversary of the Eliminator and celebrates the 50^th of the Maverick.  Up next is the Chevrolet Nationals (June 21-22) which is also the first official show of Summer.  This weekend spotlights the 50^th birthday of the Blazer as well as the GTO Judge.  In addition, Buildings T and Y will have featured displays including cars from 1969. 

As June transitions to July, the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals (July 12-14) are up next.  50-year honors for this event include a 50^th tribute to the Dodge Charger Daytona & 500, the A12 Road Runner & Super Bee, the M Code A-Body as well as a featured vehicle showcase of some of the best Mopars ever made in 1969.  In August, the Carlisle Truck Nationals (August 2-4) and Corvettes at Carlisle help wrap the specialty events at Carlisle.  Truck weekend will offer a look at some of the coolest trucks ever made and spotlight the $69/69 second burnout contest, while Corvettes at Carlisle, presented by Corvette America, will host a massive display of 1969 Corvettes.  Carlisle Auctions will even offer a ‘60s Power Hour during its events.

Common themes across all events include branding and special graphics specific to the theme.  This includes flags around the grounds, plus signs and banners near main entry gates.  In addition, Carlisle Events is offering a Summer of ’69 souvenir cup.  As part of each event, a “Flash Sale” will pop up on social media.  From there, the first 69 people to order tickets online will also get the cup.  In addition, a limited amount of cups will be available with a qualifying purchase in the Carlisle Store.  The cup will also be available as a stand-alone purchase from any concessionaire too.  Another season long giveaway will be a special Summer of ’69 sticker.  These stickers will be available on grounds as well as in Guest Services for registered Showfield participants.

Opportunities will also be available to win money in at least two different ways in 2019.  While the standard burnout contest continues with the three-minute time limit, NEW this year only, anyone who pops a tire in 69 seconds or less will win $69 cash.  Speaking of cash, an inflatable cash machine will come to life at most events providing several chances throughout the weekend to fill your pockets.  For that, select guests will have the chance to snag the flying dollars.  Contestant 1 each day starts with the chance to snag $69.  What’s left remains, meaning contestant 2 has the chance at $69, plus whatever was left over…and so on.

Complete details on each event are available at the all-new www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.  Cruise to Carlisle this summer.  It’ll be groovy man!

Spring Carlisle (April 24-28) is a destination event for over 110,000 guests from around the world.  Those guests come for many reasons, but one is most certainly the chance to enjoy LIVE collector car auction excitement.  Carlisle Auctions is front and center once more as part of Spring Carlisle for its two-day offering (April 25-26) and this time around its more cars, more special themes AND an all-new start time.

Preview day for the auction commences on April 24 as the over 500+ consignments roll in, with nearly every car in place for the event by 7 a.m. on April 25.  Carlisle Auctions is also getting the fun started even earlier with a 12 p.m. start on both event days.  In doing so, it allows more cars to cross the block each day and gives everyone in attendance even more of the fun they’ve come to know from Carlisle Auctions.

When guests walk the Carlisle Expo Center footprint, they’ll find many classics and choices which would make an ideal first or next classic for their collection.  The automotive timeline dates back to at least 1920 and includes a great array of low mileage and original/survivor cars.

The two-day event itself not only presents that all-new 12 p.m. start time but will offer a trio of specialty hours.  These hours spotlight a specific brand, era or theme from start to finish, offering even more fun.  The hours include a “no reserve” hour on Thursday, April 25 at 2 p.m. with an all-truck showcase just a few hours later at 5 p.m.  In addition, Carlisle Auctions spotlights some of the best ‘60s era vehicles ever made as part of its all-‘60s hour on Friday, April 26 at 5 p.m.

Carlisle Auctions also welcomes seven charity consignments, each aiding local organizations.  Five of the consignments will benefit the Carlisle Branch of the Salvation Army, while another assists Carlisle Cares, with another helping Project Share.

As always, consignments are taken via the FRESS UNLESS SOLD guarantee on all consignments 25 years or older.  There’s still time to register to bid, either in advance or by walking up during the event itself.  Complete details about this auction, including the run list when available, details on committed consignments, a video link for the live stream and more is available online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400. 

Discontinued twice since its initial launch in 1999, Honda’s Insight returns after a five-year hiatus, with a 2019 model that evolves from a five-door hatchback into its current incarnation as a traditional compact sedan. The new third-generation Insight ups its game with a third-Gen two-motor hybrid powertrain, featuring a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine that runs on gasoline that works in tandem with a an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.

As Honda is on a program geared toward electrified vehicles that it believes will account for two-thirds of its global sales, Insight is designed to look mainstream rather than eco-electric. Moving toward that aim, the 2019 Honda Insight has been recognized as a “green” leader, as the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy named Insight to its “Greenest Vehicles of 2019” list. Additionally, Insight made the 2019 Consumer Guide® Automotive Best Buy Award list in the Compact Car niche, and was an IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) Top Safety Pick and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) top-score achiever.

Available in three trims, the front-drive compact hybrid bases with the well-appointed LX (automatic climate control, keyless entry and start, cloth upholstery, a 5.0-inch screen, Bluetooth, a six-speaker audio system, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a rearview camera); upgrades to the EX (my test ride) with an eight-speaker audio system, a center armrest for the rear seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and two 2.5-amp USB ports; and goes all-out with the Touring trim and its rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power moonroof, perforated leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats with 8-way power adjustment for the driver and 4-way power for the passenger, dual-zone climate control, a 10-speaker audio system, embedded Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™, Honda HD Digital Traffic, 17-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights.

The 2019 Insight's body structure shares much of its engineering with the 10th-generation Civic, including the latest generation of Honda's proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, extensive use of high-tensile steel, and leading technologies such as its crash stroke front frame design, which enables a shortened front overhang, and tailor-tempered “soft zones” in the body sides and rear frame for enhanced collision protection. Unlike Civic, the Insight utilizes an aluminum hood (skin and inner frame) for reduced weight and a new, reengineered rear that optimizes air-flow metrics.

The sleek lines, coupe-like profile, and wide stance of the new Insight communicate a sophisticated yet elegant design. Its “flying wing” grille, standard low-profile LED headlights and taillights, tasteful use of chrome, and dynamic character lines emphasize its premium compact sedan character. Longer, wider, lower and more stable than earlier incarnations, the 2019 Insight measures 183.6 inches long, 55.5 inches high and 71.6 inches wide, with a 200-lb, gain in curbweight at about 3000 lbs.

The driver-focused cockpit blends a graceful and wide layout with smoothly integrated technology features and high-quality materials. Premium details includes genuine double stitching on the passenger-side instrument panel, trendy and functional instrumentation, an intricately contoured sport steering wheel, a color TFT digital driver's meter and an overall premium feeling of the cabin. 

Inside my test Insight EX was a surprisingly roomy interior that provides more room than ever, at 39.3 inches of front headroom with 36.9 inches in row two; 42.3 inches of front legroom and 37.4 in the second set of seats and 56.9 inches of shoulder room in row one with 55.0 inches in the rear seats. Interior sightlines are excellent and controls are well laid out and intuitive. 

On the power front, the 2019 Honda Insight relies on the efficient 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine and powerful electric drive motor combine for a system output of 151 horsepower and 197 lb-ft of electric motor torque. Under most conditions, Insight operates as a series hybrid -- the gasoline engine connects to a generator motor to produce electricity that either powers the electric propulsion motor, recharges the 60-cell lithium ion battery pack, or both. The Inline-4 delivers 107hp and 99 lb-ft of torque and while the Hybrid Derive Electric Motor is rated at 129hp and 197 lb-ft, the total system horsepower has a rating of 151 horses and an EPA rating of 55/49/52 mpg. My week of tests achieved an average of 46.0mpg.

While it is a fun drive, the electric motor responds quickly and the engine takes over when asked, with seamless aplomb. On the track, I managed a hand-timed zero-to-60mph sprint in 8.2 seconds on less-than stellar road surfaces, and completed a quarter-mile in 16.4 seconds. Handling was niche-good and brake vectoring helps carve tight corners efficiently.

The Base 2019 Insight LX starts at $22,930. My test LX trim test ride started at $24,160 – gaining connectivity and remote start, and added Safety from the Honda Sensing® system. The top-trim Touring starts at $28,190. My Lunar Silver Insight EX had a black cloth interior, and added Body Side molding for $225; Door Edge Guards for $99; Door Visors for $213; LED Fog Lights for $549; Auto-dimming Mirror with HomeLink® for $415; and Parking Sensors for $515. Destination and handling added $920, for a sticker-as-tested of $26,681.

> 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>

Every Carlisle Events show page has a “what’s fresh” activity listing.  This is done to indicate the new and fresh happenings for each of the 10 shows in the Carlisle Events season schedule.  For 2019, the events aren’t the only thing sporting something fresh, as Carlisle Events is pleased to announce some changes to its staffing structure as well as its concession options.

The biggest staffing change at Carlisle comes in the form of Scott Amig being named General Manager & Operations Manager of Carlisle Events.  Scott has been with Carlisle Events since 2011 and much like every other staffer in the office, he wears and has worn many hats.  He’s been a building manager, an event manager, still oversees the maintenance and facilities team and now, with years of leadership experience under his belt, will also direct day to day operations on behalf of Bill Miller, Jr. and Lance Miller.

Additional management level changes include Ed Scholly being tapped as Director of Event Development and Associate Sponsorship Development.  Scholly has been with Carlisle Events since 2000, working as an event manager for the former Carlisle Bike Fest, York Open House and numerous other past events as well as his current role in the regionally popular Carlisle Truck Nationals.  In addition, his role with sponsorship development aides in securing high-end industry leaders as part of the Manufactures Midway not only at the truck show, but at all events on the Carlisle schedule.  For 2019, Scholly will also oversee each event manager, while continuing to work hand in hand with the marketing team to assure that all aspects of the event, from promotion to execution run smoothly.

One other management role that changed for 2019 is that Tami DeMark is the new Director of Customer Relations.  DeMark has transitioned into this roll following the retirement of long-time Carlisle Events staffer Diane Vaughn.  In addition, DeMark also oversees bookings, logistics and overall management of the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center. 

Speaking of events, two staffers have seen increased event planning roles for this season.  Ed Buczeskie, who historically has been the event manager for the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals and Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals adds Spring and Fall Carlisle to his resume as well as being the one to oversee the Hurst Showcase which happens in conjunction with the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals.  Down the hall and around the corner from Buczeskie is Jodi Morrison.  Jodi was hired in 2011 and over the past eight seasons has transitioned from just the Assistant to Ownership to the Executive Assistant, Concessions Manager as well as the event manager for Corvettes at Carlisle and Winter AutoFest in Lakeland, Florida.

Finally on the staffing front, Carlisle Events will be naming a new Director of Marketing in the near future.  This position, once filled, will oversee all marketing efforts for the company and its events.  The position will also oversee a staff of four who bring more than 30 years of combined service to the table. 

Staff changes aren’t the only thing fresh for Carlisle Events in 2019.  Through the efforts of Jodi Morrison, yet another 501c group is joining the already impressive list of vendors in the concession area.  The Big Spring High School Band Boosters join groups like the Boy Scouts, Carlisle High School Band and Carlisle High School Football as local non-profits who earn support via the car community each summer.  This connection, plus other local businesses like Horner’s Corner BBQ, Marcellos Ristorante & Pizzeria, Brusters Ice Cream, Market Cross Pub and Desperate Times Brewery continue to spotlight Carlisle Events’ desire to do business locally first, helping a community that’s helped us since 1974! 

All the fun starts with Spring Carlisle on April 24 and continues through the final day of Fall Carlisle on October 6.  Complete details about the season can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.