Mazda’s flagship midsize crossover SUV, the CX-9, has been an attractive, elegant three-row crossover since it debuted in 2006. Gaining a following for its refined interior and ride and its Euro-sculptured architecture, CX-9 received several 2020 updates that focused on elevating the premium Mazda ownership experience. The well-appointed interior extends a rich feeling to each of the three rows, creating a sense of sophistication for all occupants. Available all-new captain’s chairs help provide passengers a prestigious first-class cabin feel, a 9-inch multimedia screen helps create a premium infotainment environment, and the hands-free, power liftgate is another new prominent feature on CX-9 Grand Touring and Signature trim levels that offers refinement and ease when loading cargo.

Now in the fifth year of its second generation, Mazda has enhanced performance attributes for CX-9, adding 10 lb-ft of torque to its turbocharged Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine, delivering 320 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane gasoline (310 lb-ft of torque on 87-octane gasoline). Also new for 2020 are new standard active safety features that include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist. A new off-road traction assist feature for all-wheel-drive versions uses the brakes to slow slipping wheels and send power to the wheels that have grip. Other new standard features include heated front cloth seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated side mirrors and automatic headlights with high-beam control.

I tested the top-of-the-line Signature trim that attacks the premium niche with vigor. It is so loaded that my luxury test ride needed no options. New heated second-row captain’s chairs are standard for this top-trim level. Enhancing CX-9 Signature’s elegance is a second-row center console similar to the front row, with extra storage and convenient access to two USB charging ports and cupholders. The Signature trim also offers the option between Deep Chestnut and Parchment Nappa leather seating surfaces to match the Santos Rosewood interior trim. A new, darker silver wheel finish is unique to the CX-9 Signature, helping distinguish this top-tier trim level. CX-9 Signature is now available in the brand’s lustrous Soul Red Crystal premium exterior paint option and other premium features include a hand-stitched, leather-wrapped “chidori” steering wheel, rear exterior badging, LED grille accent lighting and supplemental interior lighting around the transmission shifter.

CX-9’s design concept embraces Mazda’s “Soul of Motion” style plan, through its proportion -- a long hood, swept greenhouse, large wheels and short overhangs that convey stability and a contained sense of potential energy. A true midsize three-row crossover, CX-9 measures 199.4 inches long, 77.2 inches wide and 67.6 inches high, with a 40.5-inch front overhang and 115.3-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 8.8 inches and curb-to-curb turning circle radius is 19.4 feet. My test CX-9 Signature was in AWD configuration and came in with a curbweight of 4308 pounds.

My Signature trim also added a Signature Badge, LED grill and overhead accent lighting, 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, automatic power folding side mirrors and power sliding-glass moonroof with sunshade.

CX-9’s powertrain added torque, but its 2.5-liter inline-4 turbo engine still delivers 227hp on regular (87-octane) unleaded fuel and 250hp with Premium (93-octane) gas. EPA-estimated at 20mpg/city, 26mpg/highway in AWD configuration (FWD is rated at 22/28), I averaged 24.0mpg in some heavy rains.

CX-9 is smooth and confident on the highway and around town, leveling out road imperfections while performing with speed and attentiveness. The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering with engine-speed-sensing variable assist was responsive and accurate both at high speed and during autocross maneuvers, and even the understeer was entertaining and predictable. Acceleration was better than average for the niche, and turbo-lag was minimal. My test CX-9 reacted quickly when asked to pass at speed or to take on long uphill grades. At the track, we managed a 7.5-second zero-to-60mph dash and a 15.9-second hand-timed quarter-mile.

The CX-9 cabin is elegant, intuitive, loaded and comfortable, though not overly roomy. Front headroom is only 39.3 inches up front without a moonroof, 38.5 in row two and a child-friendly 35.4 inches in row three. Legroom is comfortable at 41.0 in front with 39.4 in row two and a confined 29.7 in row three, while shoulder room measures 57.9, 58.1 and 53.1.

The interior is filled with high-tech and comfort amenities, infotainment, safety and navigational (option) amenities, Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound System with AudioPilot® and 12 speakers, and my test Signature added Auburn Nappa leather seating and trim, heated second-row seats, genuine Santos Rosewood inlays and leather-wrapped steering wheel with unique stitching.

Available in four trim levels, FWD and AWD, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 starts at 33,890 for a front-wheel drive in the Sport trim – AWD starts at $35,790. Touring trim starts at $35,710 in FWD and 37,610 for AWD; the Grand Touring trim starts at $41,550 (FWD) and $43,450 (AWD) and the top-of-the-model-line Signature starts at $46,215 available only in AWD.

My test CX-9 was a 2020 Signature AWD in Machine Gray Metallic (a standard color), with a Jet Black Mica interior and Second Row Captain’s Chairs. This loaded vehicle needed no additional options. With Destination charges of $1100, my 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature as tested, stickered at $47,315.

<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>

2021 marks the 40^th iteration of Corvettes at Carlisle.  This event, presented by Top Flight Automotive, was the FIRST brand/car specific event on the annual Carlisle Events schedule and dates back to 1982 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  From August 26-28, every generation of Corvette comes to Carlisle and with a special spotlight on those from 1971, so does a special partnership for the display itself.

Carlisle Events is pleased to welcome, beginning in 2021, the C3 Vette Registry.  The C3 Vette Registry will be the featured sponsor of the 50-year/1971 Corvette display and will have a presence on-site (under the grandstand) during the event as a means to promote and interact with C3 Corvette owners.  Recognized as THE best resource on the net for the third generation Corvettes, their web page (C3VR.com) sees thousands of monthly page visits, not just from 3^rd-Gen owners, but Corvette lovers of all generations. 

While Carlisle Events might bring cars and people together, the C3 Vette Registry serves as a means for C3 owners from all walks of life to interact, mix and mingle.  The registry also aims to help every C3 owner get the absolute best out of their beloved Corvette.  In fact, getting involved with the C3 Vette Registry is quite simple.  Born from a conversation between two friends in 2001, the registry just celebrated its 19^th year of serving Corvette lovers.  Interested parties can visit the registry online and learn about the various levels of registry membership, ranging from basic to lifetime.  Best of all, the basic membership level is FREE.

“C3 Vette Registry is happy to sponsor the 1971 Corvette display at Corvettes at Carlisle 2021,” noted registry founder Adam Wartell.  “Since we are all about celebrating the longest running generation of Corvette models (the C3), we hope to make even more C3 owners aware of our club so we can help them enjoy their C3 as we already have with thousands of C3 owners since we were founded in 2001.”

The display will be located just off Dukes Blvd. and consist of 20 of the best from 1971.  While the ’71 display presented by the C3 Vette Registry is limited in capacity, even more 1971 Corvettes will adorn the Fun Field.  Links and details for how to apply for the display and/or register for the Fun Field are available at http://CarlisleEvents.com.   

“We’re excited to have the C3 Corvette Registry partner with us for the 50th Anniversary display during Corvettes at Carlisle in 2021,” noted Lance Miller, co-owner of Carlisle Events.  “Adam Wartell, C3 Vette Registry Founder, is no stranger to the event and we’re excited to have them become an intricate part of the event,” continued Miller.  “If you’ve got a C3, be sure to become a member. We’re happy to have them.”

Finally, Carlisle Events and the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds remain COVID compliant and plan to offer detailed health safety measures at all 2021 events.  Complete details on the COVID plan, specifics on how to secure a vending or car corral space, register for the ’71 display, the Fun Field, links to purchase spectator tickets and more can be found at the aforementioned Carlisle Events web page or by calling 717-243-7855.

Launched as a mid-size crossover SUV in 2004 for model-year 2005, the third-gen Equinox is now a compact sports-ute that ranks second, only to Silverado in Chevrolet sales, and currently ranks as the fifth best-selling vehicle in America.

Last redesigned in 2018, the 2020 Equinox plays on last year’s cosmetic tweaks and adds a Midnight Edition available on the LT trim. Content includes: Mosaic Black Metallic exterior color, Jet Black interior with perforated leather-appointed seating, 19-inch wheels in Gloss Black, front fog lamps with dark-finish bezel surrounds, black grille and grille mesh with black surround and black Bowtie emblems. New exterior paint schemes include Chocolate Metallic, Cayenne Orange Metallic (extra-cost) and Midnight Blue Metallic, and Jet Black perforated leather-appointed seats are available on LT trim. Additionally, the engine choice shrinks from three to two, retiring the 1.6-liter turbo-diesel and relying on a 1.5-liter turbo and a 2.0-liter turbo.

The exterior paint plays off Equinox’s expressive styling with sculpted designs. A mass-efficient body structure is at the center of the Equinox’s lean curb weight and helps make the most of its available turbo engine options. The rounded and clean Equinox architecture measures 183.1 inches long, 72.6 inches wide and 65.4 inches high on a 107.3 -inch wheelbase, for an 8.0-inch ground clearance with 19-inch wheels. The 2.0-liter Turbo AWD crossover I tested in the Premier trim had a curbweight of 3665 lbs.

Packed with amenities inside and out, standard exterior 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.

The Equinox cabin is accommodating, and filled with entertainment and function. With seating for five, the interior provides 40 inches of front headroom and 38.5 inches in row two; legroom is 40.9 inches in the row one and 39.9 row two, while shoulder room is 57.2 and 55.5.

Inside, the cabin has a “kneeling” rear seat that 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 allows parents to set controls and review their teen’s driving habits and available Surround Vision offers a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the vehicle. Also inside are dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview auto-dimming mirror and standard active noise cancellation. In addition, my test Equinox Premium came with heated leather seats with driver memory, a heated steering wheel and wireless charging.

Equinox power comes from a choice of two engine systems: 1.5-liter turbo or 2.0-liter turbo engine. The 1.5-liter 4-cylinder is rated at 170hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, and the 2.0-liter turbo I tested is rated at 252hp and 260 lb-ft. and was EPA-rated at 22mpg in city driving for both FWD and AWD, and 29/highway for FWD and 28mpg/highway for AWD. My week of mixed-use driving averaged 25.5mpg in an all-wheel-drive vehicle.

The turbo exhibited only slight lag in acceleration on the highway and at the track, where I finished off a zero-to-60mph dash in 6.6 seconds, en route to a steady 15.1-second quarter-mile (hand-timed). During quick maneuvers, the Equinox electric power rack-and-pinion steering showed some vagueness, and cabin visibility was a bit obscured. The sports-ute’s ride was soft, and tuned for passenger comfort rather than driver’s feel, as the independent MacPherson strut front suspension with specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar and its independent four-link rear leveled out most pavement irregularities. And Equinox’s switchable All-Wheel Drive – available on most trims -- enhances traction and control on slippery or snow-covered roads. Conveniently, you can leave switchable AWD on year-round, since the rear wheels only engage when the system senses reduced traction. In FWD mode, AWD components completely disengage for greater fuel efficiency.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is offered in FWD, AWD and either of two engine selections. Equinox pricing starts at $24,995 for the base L-trim model with the 1.5-liter turbo liter engine in front-wheel-drive; the LS 1.5 bases at $27,495; the LT 1.5 trim starts at $28,695 and the Premier starts at $32,595 with the 1.5 Turbo. My test Premier upgraded to AWD at $34,195 and up-powered to the 2.0-liter turbo to put my starting price at $36,895.

My Premier 2.0L Turbo added Cajun Red Tintcoat exterior paint for $495 and was matched to a Jet Black, perforated leather interior. The Infotainment II Package (Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium System, Navigation and 8-inch diagonal touch screen, as well as a Bose® premium 7-speaker system, added $1125. Also added, for $1650, was the Confidence and Convenience II Package: Safety Alert Seat, HD Surround Vision, Adaptive Cruise Control – Camera, Front Pedestrian Braking, IntelliBeam® headlamps, heated steering wheel, 8-way power front passenger seat with power lumbar, Ventilated driver and front passenger seats and Heated rear outboard seats. With Destination Freight charges of $1195, my test 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium stickered at $40,065, but cash allowances and regional incentives cut my test ride by $4750, so check with your local dealer.

> 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 re-entered the hot midsize pickup segment last year by bringing back the Ranger, after an eight-year hiatus, and the muscular midsize didn’t disappoint its buyers or the marketplace.

Ford’s Ranger began its truck life in 1965 as a Ford F-Series trim package, and became its own compact pick-up line in 1983, replacing the Ford Courier. The compact Ranger ceased production in 2011 for the U.S. and Canada, but began globally as an international mid-size pickup. Ranger returned to the US last year as a versatile midsize that is available in Super Crew Cab 4x2 and 4x4, and Super Cab 4x2 and 4x4 configurations. Ranger’s Super Cab features a 6-foot box (bed) and the Super Crew comes with a 5-foot box (bed).

The original Ranger was a small, rather uninspired truck. The current 4^th-Gen Ranger is larger than originally conceived and represents a trendy, tech savvy, infotainment rich, upscale and ruggedly sporty truck with Ford-tough, workhorse attributes. Available in three trim levels (X, XLT and Lariat) in either 4x2 rear-wheel-drive or 4x4, Ford Ranger is assembled at the Michigan Assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan.

With minor revisions and additions to standard features, a new FX2 off-road package, some trim shuffling and three new exterior colors -- Iconic Silver, Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Race Red, Ranger remains largely unrevised from last year’s renaissance.

The new Ranger FX2 Package sports tough styling and capability upgrades for two-wheel-drive trucks, including an electronic-locking rear differential, off-road tires, off-road-tuned suspension, front underbody guard and Ford’s off-road cluster screen.

Meanwhile, Ranger technology comes built-in, starting with an 8-inch touch screen for available SYNC® 3, while a single or dual LCD productivity screen is available for real-time vehicle, navigation and audio information. Standard safety tech on XLT and Lariat trims includes standard Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, a Lane-Keeping System that includes lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, reverse sensing, and class-exclusive Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage. Adaptive Cruise Control is standard on Lariat.

The 2020 Ford Ranger is ready for adventure anchored by a high-strength steel frame and powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost® boasting 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque paired to an efficient 10-speed automatic. Ranger’s body-on-frame construction is sculpted into a muscular body with a high beltline, raked grille and windshield to increase aerodynamics and reduce wind noise while taking on an athletic demeanor; and short overhangs mean better approach and departure angles and improved off-road capability.

Ranger’s rugged sportiness sits on a 126.8-inch wheelbase, with a 210.8-inch length 85.8-inch width and height ranging from 70.7 to 71.5-inches depending on configuration. Ranger has a running ground clearance of 8.4 to 8.9 inches (depending on configuration) and curb weights of 4145 to 4441 lbs. Its towing capacity maxes out at 7,500 pounds, and its payload is rated at 1,860.

Ranger’s 2.3-liter muscle plant shows niche-worthy acceleration and economy, and is EPA-estimated at 21 mpg/city, 26 mpg/highway and 23 mpg combined. My week of mixed-use testing garnered an average of 23.7mpg.

With little turbo lag, my heavily feature-filled test Ranger XLT finished a 7.1-second zero-to-60 sprint and a 15.5-second (hand-timed) quarter-mile. Uphill grades were easily controlled and passing at speed is no problem. Steering is more carlike than trucklike, and while you do get sway during high-speed or autocross maneuvers, feedback is good for the segment.

Inside, accommodations for either four or five are comfortable with front headroom of 39.8 inches, front legroom of 43.1 and front shoulder room of 56.6. With seating for five, rear measurements are headroom: 38.3, legroom: 34.5 and shoulder room: 56.3. Quiet inside, Ranger is refined, with little road noise, no squeaks, rattles or typical truck noises and a host of niceties.

Safetywise, Ranger is packed and is outfitted with dual-stage driver and right-front passenger front airbags, front-seat side airbags, and a Safety Canopy® System with side-curtain airbags and rollover sensor. You also get Automatic Emergency Braking, Anti-Lock Brake System, rear view camera, Remote Keyless Entry with remote tailgate lock, SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System, SOS Post-Crash Alert System™, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

The 2020 Ford Ranger starts at $24,410 for the base XL with SuperCab, 6-foot box and 4x2. The XLT starts at $28,460 and the upscale Lariat starts at $32,500. My test XLT upgraded to the Super Crew Cab and 5-foot-box for an extra $2175. I prefer 4x4-drive stability and upgraded from 4x2 for an additional $4000. My Ranger looked sharp in Lightning Blue exterior paint and added the $1670 301A Package that included a sport appearance package, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and power-folding sideview mirrors with power glass. The 302A Package was also added for $2450, with 8-way power driver and passenger heated seats with power lumbar, manual sliding rear window and remote start. The bed utility package with bedliner added $395, and the $995 Technology Package added a number of technology features including navigation and Adaptive Cruise Control. Five-inch Black running boards added $635. Destination charges were $1195 and an Acquisition fee added $645, for a sticker-as-tested of $41,080, but available incentives reduced that by $650, for an MSRP of $40,430.

> 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>

Carlisle Events has officially backed the annual Auto Mania event in Allentown, Pennsylvania since 2014, with the event itself calling the Allentown Fairgrounds home since 1990.  For 2021 ONLY, the event will take place at the Carlisle Expo Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and WILL return to Allentown in 2022. 

Running January 15-17, 2021, Auto Mania offers buyers and sellers alike a chance to shop indoors (in a heated setting) for automotive pieces, parts, merchandise and collectibles.  This is a great way to further in progress projects and/or start a new as the calendar flips from December to January and car hobbyists begin those winter projects. 

Besides the new, temporary location that’s 99 miles and two highways from “home,” Auto Mania will see some added changes during these unique times.  While the Carlisle Expo Center is quite spacious, its overall footprint is smaller than that of the Agri-Plex building in Allentown.  Carlisle Events does expect Auto Mania 2021 to be sold out, even with a reduced capacity.  Vendors will be positioned indoors and outside space (weather permitting) will be available too.  Outside space will also allow for cars to be sold via a car corral.  Here, buyer and seller can work direct to make a deal on cars spanning decades of production. 

Further, it’s anticipated that 150 vending spaces will be available for the three-day offering.  Another new feature for the 2021 offering is that spectators can now purchase tickets two different ways, in-person as they normally do OR online and in advance of the event.  In all, Auto Mania offers new products for sale, memorabilia, tires, car parts, collectibles, car care products, tools, vintage automobilia, vintage advertising and more.

Ample parking is available on the street sides leading up to the Carlisle Expo Center and just a few blocks east of the building is the spacious Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  Parking will be FREE per car, while spectator tickets are $10 when purchased at the door, $9 when buying online.  Event hours vary (Friday/12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday/9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday/9 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

Finally, Carlisle Events and the Carlisle Expo Center remain COVID compliant and offer detailed health safety measures at the venue.  Complete details on the COVID plan can be found at http://CarlisleExpoCenter.com.  Once indoors, guests will find restrooms and a wide open event that aims to fill the automotive void created by the cold, dark winter months.  As food options go, Marcello's, a Carlisle based eatery will have options available for their stand within the Expo Center.  

Complete details about this ONE-TIME move, specifics on how to secure a vending or car corral space, links to purchase spectator tickets and more can be found at http://CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.