In 2005, for the 2006 model year, Honda introduced the Ridgeline to give Honda automobile owners a chance to also own a truck under the badge. It was created, not as a traditional truck, but as a crossover sports-utility truck, or SUT, Production on that first generation ended in 2014, but Ridgeline is back for 2017 as an innovative midsize pickup truck. Ridgeline has been redesigned from the ground up to offer both recreational and work users a higher degree of utility and versatility in a modern, rugged and sophisticated midsize pickup.

Based on Honda's Global Light Truck platform -- with its highly rigid, aerodynamic and tightly sealed unitized body construction, Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ safety body structure, and fully independent front and rear suspension systems with Amplitude Reactive Dampers – the 2017 Honda Ridgeline has been named the 2017 North American Truck of the Year at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit (chosen by more than 60 automotive journalists). Ridgeline has also earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, when equipped with available front crash prevention system and LED headlights. Ridgeline is the first and only pickup to earn that rating.

The all-new 2017 Ridgeline sports a sleek, sophisticated and rugged exterior design, incorporating new premium features including standard LED taillights, and available features such as LED projector headlights and LED daytime running lights. The Second-Generation truck gained 3.2 inches in wheelbase over Gen-1 and now sits at 125.2 inches. This year’s model is also 3.1 inches longer at 210 inches, 0.5 inches higher at 70.8 inches in AWD configuration, and 0.8 inches wider at 78.6 inches. The bed length is 3.9 inches longer at 64 inches, yet with the size gains, curbweight is down for AWD by 73 lbs. to 4431 lbs.

The redesign retains the features and capabilities from the first generation, but with more traditional truck styling, advanced safety features and modern electronic amenities.

Powering the 2017 Ridgeline is a new 3.5-liter direct injected i-VTEC® 24-valve SOHC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ cylinder deactivation technology. The new engine is mated to an innovative smooth shifting 6-speed automatic that offers a 20 percent wider gear ratio spread than the previous-generation Ridgeline 5-speed automatic, for enhanced acceleration, pulling power and fuel efficiency. The Ridgeline's new engine is rated at 280 peak horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. peak torque. Peak engine output is up 30 horsepower and 15 lb.-ft. of torque over the previous Ridgeline, with increased torque over the engine's entire operating (rpm) range.

AWD fuel economy is EPA rated at 18/city, 25/highway and 21mpg/combined on regular unleaded fuel. A week of testing over snow, ice and occasionally dry roads and highways, as well as some soft-road activities, yielded an average of 20.3mpg.

Behind the wheel, steering was attentive and carlike on long straights and weaving corners, with very little body-lean. Acceleration from the six-speed automatic transmission was smooth and predictable, and track runs proved solid for a mid-size truck or SUT at 7 seconds flat for a zero-to-60mph sprint and 15.6 seconds for a quarter-mile.

The four-wheel independent suspension was supple over highway irregularities and worked well with an advanced traction management system to conquer snow and soft-road obstacles.

The new interior combines premium quality, convenience and user-friendly technology in a roomy, versatile package. With seating for five, sightlines are good and interior space is accommodating at 40.1 inches of front headroom and 38.8 in the rear; legroom affords 40.9 inches up front and 36.7 for rear seats and shoulder room comes in at 62.0 and 61.5 inches.

Ridgeline’s cabin features such available amenities as one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature; LED interior ambient lighting; Smart Entry and pushbutton start; heated front seats and steering wheel; reconfigurable rear seat; 8-inch touchscreen display audio system with Android operating system; Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto; new-generation "2.0/3.0" SiriusXM® Radio; Pandora® compatibility; SMS Text Message function and HondaLink™ connected-car system.

Key safety and driver-assistive features include Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Design, Vehicle Stability Assist™ with Traction Control, Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering, Brake Assist, advanced 4-channel ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution, Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, side curtain airbags, Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Tire Fill Assist, Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, parking sensors, Honda LaneWatch™, Blind Spot Information, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and much more.

With seven trims offered, the base 4-door Crew Cab 2017 Honda Ridgeline RT starts at $29,475 in 2WD automatic. The AWD automatic version (and I nearly always recommend to go AWD or 4WD) adds $1900. Cool bodyside molding added $225 and silver roof rail crossbars added $225. Door visors added $275; an expanded view mirror added $44; door edge guards added $105; fog lights added $400; running boards added $625 and splash guards added $116 for front and rear. Inside, all-season floor mats added $169 and automatic dimming mirror added $142. Three electronic additions were back-up sensors for $500, remote engine start for $99 and a CD player for $310. With destination and handling charges of $940, my 2017 Honda Ridgeline as tested was priced at $36,075.


> 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.

The 2017 season is right around the corner for Carlisle Events and as the new year commences, one thing is certain; the automotive excitement at Carlisle will be bigger and better than ever. That statement has never been truer than with the Carlisle Ford Nationals. This annual early June show packs in over 50,000 guests and over 3,000 show cars, plus it showcases 100+ years of Ford history. All-new for 2017, the Carlisle Ford Nationals will be presented by Meguiar’s.

Meguiar’s is a car care products company based in California that has been long time supporters of Carlisle Events and all of its shows for more than 20 years. Annually positioned on the Manufacturers Midway, the Meguiar’s display rig has what’s considered by most to be a permanent spot on the grounds; almost as permanent as the grandstand, stage and showfield that surround it. The rig, flanked by amazing show cars, showcases some of the finest car care products on the planet and with their enhanced involvement in 2017 at the Carlisle Ford Nationals, the footprint and involvement will be bigger and better than ever.

“Meguiar’s is proud to partner with Carlisle Events for the Ford Nationals in 2017,” said Manager, Event Marketing and Motorsports, Tony D’Amato. “We trust Carlisle to produce an event that our brand is proud to be associated with and we also believe that this partnership can strengthen an already thriving event.,” continued D’Amato. “Meguiar’s is looking forward to this wonderful and exciting event.”

“Meguiar’s is one of the preeminent brands in the car world,” added Jim Vinarski, Director of Business and Event Development for Carlisle Events. “They have a full line of high quality products designed to help car enthusiasts pursue their passion. We consider it an honor that Meguiar’s has chosen our Ford Nationals to partner with and support the thousands of automotive enthusiasts who will come to the show in June,” concluded Vinarski.

The 2017 Carlisle Ford Nationals plan to shatter last year’s mark of registered cars with continued and unmatched representation from Ford at the show, the annual downtown parade and street party, a special 50th Anniversary showcase of the GT500 as well as the Cougar and a 100-year display of the elegant Lincoln. The Cougar display plays host to the first-ever Cougar produced and decades of Lincolns will adorn the grounds too. Combine that with every other car and truck on the grounds and guest will find themselves immersed in automotive history – over 100 acres of it. There is a burnout contest, FREE test drives from Ford, a beauty contest, autocross, a massive swap meet, car corral, parts installs and so much more; all starting June 2.

Carlisle opens its season January 20 with a three-day indoor swap meet in Allentown, Pennsylvania followed by a four-day extravaganza in Lakeland, Florida. The “home based” schedule commences with Spring Carlisle on April 19 and the Meguiar’s backed Carlisle Ford Nationals run June 2-4. Complete Ford Nationals and Carlisle Events season details, including links to buy event tickets, weekend or season passes or register for the showfield are available online at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

Country music frequently sings about trucks and some very popular athletes and TV personalities have taken turns promoting the benefits of driving and owning a truck. Why? Because trucks help make the country go round. There’s a rugged impression of truck owners and who doesn’t love, as one time Ford pitch man Toby Keith sang about, a “Big Ol Truck?” For 2017, multiple truck brands are celebrating 100 years, but only one of those brands will be showcased at the Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar’s AND Carlisle Truck Nationals. From June 2-4 and again from August 4-6, Carlisle Events presents 100 years of the Ford Truck.

It all starts in June with the Carlisle Ford Nationals. This event historically hosts over 50,000 guests and some 3,000+ Fords spanning automotive production. Nearly 40% of the field boasts the Mustang, but the remainder is a wide mix of all things Ford and this year, the remaining 60% will have an increased focus on the Ford Truck. A special invitational display is planned, where truck owners will be showcased and be eligible for special awards too. Ford weekend also welcomes trucks to participate in the always popular burnout and downtown parade and street party. With 100 years of history available the anticipated showcase should be vast.

Two months after the trucks depart Ford weekend, many more return for the Carlisle Truck Nationals. Truck weekend is August 4-6 and hosts over 2,000 trucks, including custom vans, haulers, big rigs and more. The Ford honors continue at the truck show with similar, yet different invitational displays featuring Ford trucks. You can expect to see Ford trucks represented throughout the event to include the manufacture midway, monster trucks shows, rides and from enthusiast clubs around the field. The event also features truck specific competitions including drop and drag, burnouts, low truck limbo and a high truck contest.

Together, both shows will focus on thousands of trucks spanning a century of production. Plans are in the works for truck specific guests, engineers, seminars, installs, product showcases and more.

“This will be a spectacular showcase of all things Ford Truck at Carlisle in 2017,” noted Ed Scholly, event manager of the Carlisle Truck Nationals. “Trucks of all sizes help move America and the Ford brand has historically produced some of the most reliable and unique trucks ever. The combination of Ford’s elegance and the love of the truck will make these two events something to experience in person.”

Registration is ongoing now for the Carlisle Ford Nationals and Carlisle Truck Nationals. In addition, special showfield discounts are available through the Gate-N-Go deadline and there is even an additional savings via multiple show and multi vehicle registrations too, so Ford truck owners can join us for both events. For Ford Nationals weekend, the Gate-N-Go deadline is May 1, while Truck Nationals discounts run through July 3. Online ticketing is also available for anyone looking to secure a day or weekend pass in advance of the shows. Complete information is available now at www.CarlisleEvents.com.

TV cameras and TV hosts have become the norm at Carlisle rather than the exception as of late and that trend continues in 2017 as part of the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals. This year’s Import & Performance weekend runs May 19-21 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and features Korean cars, while also showcasing some of the best vintage imports, tuners and performance sport compacts from around the world. While 20,000+ guests and nearly 2,000 cars are anticipated, what is confirmed is that joining them in May will be a production team representing Discovery’s Velocity Channel.
This is not the first time Carlisle has been seen via Velocity, but it’ll be the first time in quite some time that the Import & Performance event gets its turn in the spotlight. The new program, entitled Legends of the Design, will air later in the fall and be comprised of 10 episodes filmed at shows around the country. Of those 10, one, maybe two of them will be set in Carlisle.

Legends of the Design is co-hosted by author and car collector “GT Joey” Limongelli as well as Maria Prekeges and will give those showing and attending at Carlisle their chance for 15 minutes of fame and to be able to brag that their car is now “as seen on TV.” Joey, Maria and the crew will scour the Carlisle grounds looking for cars that highlight amazing designs of the import world. Not only will the cameras flock to these showfield gems, Joey and Maria will speak with owners and enthusiast to better educate viewers on overall design and features. In addition, Joey and Maria will go the extra step, breaking down the who, what, where and why of the car design and its features.

A show like this is a perfect fit for the mixed audience of people and cars that come to Carlisle. According to Joey himself, Carlisle was a must for this upcoming season.

“I’m excited because I’ve been coming to this event for 20 years and I could not think of a better launching point for this all-new TV series,” noted “GT Joey”.”
“The filming of this new show puts our weekend of international automotive excitement on display for the entire world to see…literally,” said event manager Ken Appell. “It is exciting to see this attention brought to such a diverse market and to work with such a professional host as “GT Joey.”

The Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals is currently accepting registrations for the 2017 event. Be it showfield, vendor inquiries or the purchase of single day or weekend tickets, complete details are available by calling 717-243-7855 or online at www.CarlisleEvents.com.

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Carlisle Events is a partner or producer of 12 annual collector car and truck events. Events are held at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds (Carlisle, PA), Allentown Fairgrounds (Allentown, PA) and the SUN ‘n FUN Campus (Lakeland, FL). The season schedule includes five automotive swap meets of varying size, four auctions, as well as individual specialty shows featuring Hurst branded machines, Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, imports, tuners and performance sport compacts. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, events hosted at Carlisle attract more than a half a million enthusiasts annually from all corners of the globe. More information is available via www.CarlisleEvents.com or www.CarlisleAuctions.com.
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Automotive enthusiasts have a tendency to be excited by dynamic vehicles and often anoint them with the term “supercar.” This leads to what I perceive as an overuse or misuse of the term. Having said that, a new imagining of an old vehicle certainly deserves consideration of the supercar label for its design, innovation, driving excitement and its horsepower -- 573hp. That vehicle is the 3-engine, 2017 Acura NSX.

The original Acura NSX debuted in 1990 as a cutting-edge coupe combining exotic car styling and performance with a new dimension of quality, exceptional ergonomics and dynamic poise. It underwent a performance upgrade in 1997 and facelift in 2002 before being discontinued in 2005. NSX is back for 2017 as a lightweight, naturally aspirated coupe that can be perceived as a hybrid supercar, with a twin-turbo engine combined with a hybrid setup, and dual-clutch transmission. The new NSX rides on an aluminum-intensive space frame with a carbon fiber floor and a body designed to direct airflow over, under, and through the car including cooling duties.

Winter weather closed my test track, so I was unable to prove the estimated top speed of 191mph or the manufacturer’s estimate of a 3-second-flat zero-60mph sprint; and the NSX probably should be tested in spring or summer to fully enjoy the experience; but we never look gift horsepower in the trunk, so an exciting ride in winter was better than no ride at all.

Designed with elegance, NSX is constructed with a multi-material space frame of cast aluminum nodes and a mix of light aluminum and low-density SMC outer panels. The architecture features a wedge shape with prominent cooling ducts on the rear fenders, a conservative rear spoiler, and no active aero components (such as an active rear spoiler or active front grille shutters). Complex high-performance aluminum castings for crush zones is the world's first automotive application of the technique, as are the A-pillars made from 3DQ ultra-high-strength steel and a use of Carbon Fiber front floor panels.

Sitting on a wheelbase of 103.5 inches, with a length of 178 inches, height of 47.8 inches, width of 87.3 inches and a curbweight of only 3803 lbs., the NSX provides stability and speed by managing air flow through the front motor room and rear engine room as well as around the body, while still maintaining the increased stability of properly distributed downforce. Stability at speed is what the NSX delivers with exceptional balance and confidence to enhance the driving experience.

And there’s exceptional power. Maximum total system power is 573hp with maximum total system torque of 476 lb.-ft. The next-generation Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit consists of an all-new longitudinally mid-mounted twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 that puts out 500 hp and 406 lb.-ft of torque, and a permanent-magnet, water-cooled electric motor/generator direct drive motor. This system delivers 47hp and 109 lb.-ft. and is mated to a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission

On the road, stability is track-worthy and acceleration is immediate with the electric motors engaging before the twin turbos kick in. In tight quick turns you have to be on your toes because there is a lot of understeer, but the system softens torque steer and I wouldn’t be surprised if the 3-second factory hype on a zero-to-60 sprint is close to reality. My road-hugging pedal mashing averaged 20.7mpg in town and on the interstates.

The NSX cockpit is cozy, elegant, intuitive and filled with electronics. With seating capacity for two, NSX provides 38.3 inches of headroom, 42.8 inches of legroom, 57.6 inches of shoulder room and 54.5 inches of hip room.

Intuitive instrumentation, Alcantara® leather, well-padded sports seats, steering wheel and center console, exemplary ergonomics and a center console/control set-up designed to minimize distractions from the most important function – driving – combines with state-of-the-art connectivity and infotainment and more than a dozen active and passive safety features to provide a super interior experience.

In Curva Red – there’s not much better than a red sportscar -- the 2017 Acura NSX starts at $156,000. The Ebony interior was enhanced by Semi-Aniline Full Leather Alcantara® power seats for an additional $2500. Pricey exclusive wheel designs were available but the standard Y-spoke wheels were classy as they were. Brake packages for $10,000 or more were available, but the standard iron rotors with Black calipers served my test ride well. The Exterior Sports Package with a Black front spoiler, Black side sills, Black rear diffuser and chrome exhaust finisher was pretty cool, and we did without the $9000 Carbon Fiber rendition of the package. The same can be said for the body color rear decklid that was kept rather than to upgrade to Carbon Fiber for an additional $3000, as well as the spiffy NSX engine cover that could have been upgrade to Carbon Fiber for $3000. The standard interior package included a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Metallic Silver steering wheel spokes, Alcantara® meter visor and Black rubber pedals and footrest. An available Carbon Fiber upgrade was not included and would have cost $2900. One upgrade that was made on my test ride was an ELS Studio® Audio +Tech + SiriusXM Package for $3300 that upgraded a standard premium audio system to an ELS Studio® Premium Audio System with AcuraLink® The Next Generation, navigation, proximity sensors and XM Radio. A Black Aluminum roof antenna was also added as was Illuminated door sill trim inside (and this time Carbon Fiber was included) for $1500. Destination handling is $1800, which put the price as tested at $165,100.

> 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.