Past success is translating into current sales for the all-new 2018 Honda Accord. Ranked as the No. 12 best-selling vehicle in America this year – and No.4 top-selling sedan – Accord’s first nine generations and 42 model years have seen American car buyers purchase more Accords than any other passenger car, with total U.S. sales exceeding 13 million vehicles.

The 2018 Accord is all-new from the ground up, built on a new platform with a lower, wider stance, with a lighter and more rigid unibody structure, a lighter and more sophisticated chassis; three advanced new powertrain units, including Accord's first-ever turbocharged engines, a new 10-speed automatic transmission and a third-generation two-motor hybrid system.

Virtually everything on the Accord is new and substantially reengineered. Major new engineering features and technologies for the 10th-generation Accord include such body tweaks as: 29 percent ultra-high strength steel, the highest ever for a mass-produced Honda; ACE™ front body structure with crash stroke design; laser-brazed roof skin; rear crush zones with Softzone technology; more aerodynamically efficient at 3 percent reduction of CdA; and it is lighter and more rigid (+24 percent torsional stiffness, +32 percent bending stiffness). The 6-percent-lighter chassis now has an aluminum-intensive front suspension with new ultra-rigid aluminum and steel subframe; a multi-link rear suspension with floating subframe; dual-pinion, variable-ratio electronic power steering; Electronic Brake Booster; Electric Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold.

The 2018 Accord also has improved connectivity and driver-assistive technology that includes standard HONDA SENSING™ with new Traffic Sign Recognition, available 6-inch Head Up Display, available next-generation HondaLink™ telematics, Smartphone entry and engine start, and more.

With a crisp, sporty design, the new Accord has a longer wheelbase, 111.4 inches, a gain of 2.16 in., a lower overall height for stability at 57.1 in. (-0.59 in.) and wider body of 73.3 in. (+0.39 in.), with a shortened overall length of 192.2 in. (-0.39 in.). Accord also now shows off sportier seating positions, a sweeping greenhouse positioned farther back on the body, shorter overhangs, a bold front fascia, a long and low hood, and a visual center of gravity moved closer to the rear wheels. Curbweight for the EX-L I tested, was 3217 lbs., but the Accord line-up runs from 3131 lbs, to 3428 for some Hybrids.

The 2018 Accord takes an entirely new approach to performance by featuring three advanced new powerplants – two turbocharged 4-cylinder engines and the third generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid powertrain technology. A new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic transmission, the first of its kind for a front-wheel-drive car, is paired with the new 2.0-liter engine, and a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission is available for both turbocharged engines in Sport trim.

The new 1.5-liter, 16-valve DOHC direct-injected turbo with dual Variable Timing Control produces a peak of 192 horsepower and 192 lb.-ft. of torque; up from 185 hp and 181 lb.-ft. last year. The Accord can also be equipped with the new 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC direct-injected turbo with VTEC® valvetrain and dual VTC. The system produces 252 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, compared to 278 hp and 252 lb.-ft. for the 3.5-liter V6 that it replaces.

The new Accord Hybrid is powered by the 3rd-generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid technology featuring a 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC Atkinson cycle engine with greater than 40 percent thermal efficiency, the highest for any mass-produced Honda engine, paired with two electric motors.

Slow, but steady, my test Accord EX-L with manual transmission got me from zero to 60mph in 7.6 seconds during a 15.8-secon d quarter-mile. Accord handles well, with predictable steering and good stability. Reliable on the road, Accord is a sweet performance ride on the autocross, with little drift during quick turns. For family outings on the highway, Accord’s suspension is family-comfortable.

With seating for five, the newly elegant interior loses some space with only 37.5 front headroom (down 1.6 inches) and 37.2 row two (-0.3). Legroom for all trims is 42.3 in row one (-0.3) and 40.4 for second-row passenger (a gain of 1.9 inches). Shoulder room goes 58.3 and 56.5

The cabin is packed with such amenities as power door locks, power windows with auto-up/down driver's window, tilt and telescopic steering column, USB audio interface, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, speed-sensitive volume control, Maintenance Minder™ system, illuminated power window switches, Smart Entry and Start, Honda LaneWatch™ blind spot display and a 160-watt, 6-speaker audio system.

Accord is offered in six trims, with the base 2018 Accord LX starting at $23,570 with the 1.5T powertrain. The top-of-the-line Touring trim starts at $33,800 and comes with the larger engine. My test EX-L is fifth on the list and comes with either engine, Leather-Trimmed Interior, Driver Seat Memory, Heated Front Seats. One-Touch Power Moonroof, 8-inch touch-screen, 450-Watt Premium Audio System with 10 Speakers and more, for a base price of $29,970. With the 1.5-liter engine and manual transmission (automatic would be $2000 more), and in Radiant Red Metallic paint and Ivory Leather interior, my Accord EX-L added Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ for $1000; a Decklid Spoiler for $349; Door Visors for $185; splash guards for $104; heated steering wheel for $399; Parking Sensors for $514; USB Charger for $120 and Wireless Phone Charger for $300. With Destination and handling fees of $895, my 2018 Honda Accord EX-L as-tested stickered at $33,322.

> 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.

And then there was one (in Pennsylvania anyway) …and it’s happening on November 4, 2018! What started in July for the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation continues in November with the 10th Annual Corvettes for Chip event! Taking place Sunday November 4 at the Carlisle Expo Center, this event is for Corvette lovers and lovers of Chip Miller. It’s as much of a car show as it is a fund raiser and over the years, participants have helped raise thousands of dollars for the CMAF.

Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for the start of the two-hour registration window. As registration wraps up, the event officially gets started with a 10:15 a.m. playing of the National Anthem. Not long after, registered car owners will meet with staff to lay out the agenda of the day. With Corvettes spanning every era of production, awards voting commences at 10:30 a.m. and runs for nearly 90 minutes.

Of course, through it all, donations are being taken to support the CMAF and the battle against Amyloidosis. It is this fund raising and giving mentality that brings the “jolly fat man” to Carlisle too. Starting at 11 a.m. Santa Claus comes to town. This is a great time for family and friends to connect with St. Nick as part of the annual Toys for Tots drive. Talk with Santa, donate at toy and even pick up tickets for the 50/50 raffle.

No event honoring Chip Miller would be complete without a ceremonial revving of the engines. At the mid-point of the Santa meet and greet, car owners will fire up their beloved Corvettes at 12 p.m. for an audible tribute to a man who played a vital role in Carlisle’s automotive history and Corvette history too.

The event wraps with the raffle as well as three silent auction opportunities, 1 p.m., 1:20 p.m. and 1:40 p.m. followed by a 2 p.m. awards ceremony for the cars and their owners. There’s so much more to the day that just what’s been mentioned above. Additional activities include car show themed awards, a bake sale, food and drink, a DJ playing music, a silent auction and more.

Registration for the event is $25 for anyone who pre-registers online at www.motorsportreg.com OR $30 the day of the show. Parking is available indoors or out, but space inside the Expo Center is limited and at $60, is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Again, to be indoors, pre-registration is required. All registration fees are tax deductible! Complete information on this event and the final one of the season, the CMAF Track Day at New Jersey Motorsports Park (November 11) is available at www.chipmiller.org or by calling 717-243-7855 x113.

The No.5 best-selling vehicle in America this year is the Toyota RAV4. With an all-new RAV4 just around the corner, arriving as a 2019 model, the 2018 RAV4 remains the top compact SUV chosen by buyers to take its owners on countless urban, suburban and off-the-beaten-path adventures. And for 2018, Adventure is a buzzword.

Next year, RAV4 is expected be sportier with an entirely re-imagined design and new performance parameters, thanks to the implementation of its new Toyota New Global Architecture platform and two new powertrains. But this year, RAV4 still adds onto last year’s model with significant safety upgrades, a new sporty Hybrid level, and a new Adventure grade with rugged styling and increased ground clearance.

Considered by Toyota as “the original small SUV that created the segment,” RAV4 was launched in 1994, as the baby-ute was named for its mission as a “Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive.” In the seventh and final year of its 4th generation, the 2018 RAV4 adds a fifth trim level -- the Adventure grade, and RAV4 Hybrid is now available in five grades.

The Adventure identity pays off inside, with such unique and exclusive features as carbon-fiber-like trim panels, leather-wrapped shift knob, “RAV4 Adventure” logoed door sill protectors, and all-weather floor and cargo mats with “RAV4 Adventure” badging. A 120V/100W power outlet in the cargo area is convenient for operating a portable air compressor or other equipment.

RAV4 has been the “cool” SUV for 24 years, and its sleek and dynamic stance includes a bold front fascia, flowing profile and sporty attitude. RAV4 keeps its compact dimensions with a 104.7-inch wheelbase and 181.1-inch length. Height is low enough for relative niche stability at 65.9 inches (the new Adventure trim is higher at 66.3 inches), while width is 72.6 inches. Curbweight remains in the range of 3460 to 3630 pounds depending on trim (3605 for the Adventure) and ground clearance comes in at 6.1 inches (6.5 for Adventure).

Non-hybrid RAV4 grades are powered by an efficient 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delievers176 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. The dual-overhead cam plant teams dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) with a standard six-speed automatic transmission for EPA fuel economy estimates of 23mpg city/30mpg highway/26 mpg combined. My mixed-use tests garnered an average of 26.2mpg.

Driver-selectable operating modes let the RAV4 driver set the mood on the road. With Eco mode selected, RAV4 optimizes powertrain operation to help maximize fuel economy. Sport mode delivers sharpened shift timing, throttle response and steering feel. Downshifting will “blip” the throttle, as the driver in a stick-shift vehicle might do. On RAV4 models with Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive, Sport mode also alters torque distribution to enhance agility. Fun to drive and cozy behind the wheel, RAV4 is a confident drive with slow, but steady acceleration. On the highway, passing is easily accomplished, and on the track my 2018 RAV4 completed a zero-to-60mph sprint in 8.5 seconds, during a slow, but entertaining 16.1-second quarter-mile.

RAV4’s electric power assisted rack and pinion steering was predictable with good feedback and entertaining understeer. The MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar and hydraulic shocks, works with a double wishbone multi-link rear with coil spring, stabilizer bar and hydraulic shocks for good road-softening and a minimum of lean and topwobble.

The RAV4 cabin is sporty and accommodating and filled with infotainment including a 6-speaker Entune™ Audio system with 6.1-inch touchscreen. Special attention was directed toward improving cabin quietness with the addition of sound insulation. Front headroom is niche-roomy at 39.8 inches, with 38.9 inches in row two. Legroom is accommodating at 42.6 inches in row one with 37.2 inches for second-seat passengers and there is a wide-body 57.3 inches of shoulder room in front with 55.4 inches for the back row.

The 2018 RAV4 is equipped with the Star Safety System™, a profusion of enhanced occupant protection and crash avoidance systems that starts with energy-absorbing crumple zone construction and includes Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System and Smart Stop Technology. Eight standard airbags consist of dual stage advanced driver and front passenger airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; first and second row side curtain airbags; driver’s knee airbag and a front passenger seat cushion airbag. Whiplash Injury Lessening front seats are designed to help support the driver’s and front passenger’s heads during certain types of rear-end collisions.

The base RAV4 starts $24,660 for the base LE trim in FWD and runs through five trims, topping out at the Limited at $32,555. The RAV4 Hybrid starts at $27,385 and also runs through five trims, ending at the Limited Hybrid at $34,280. My test RAV4 Adventure (third trim up) started at $28,650. In AWD with 6-speed automatic transmission, my Adventure added Roby Flare Pearl (Red) exterior paint for $395. Mated to a Black fabric interior, the heavily safety-oriented Heated Fabric Front Seats package was added for $1760. Running Boards added $549 and a Remote Engine Starter was $499. With Delivery and processing fees of $1045, My test RAV4 Adventure stickered at $31,537.

> 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.

What began as a quiet, upscale 1973 sedan, the Buick Regal ended its initial production run in 2004 and was relaunched to North America in 2011 (production and sales have been ongoing in China since 1999), and following a sporty mid-generation tweaking in 2014, Buick has gone all-new with Regal in 2018, with a sleek, sporty design increased horsepower, an upgraded cabin and advanced infotainment.

Heralded by Buick as “a sport sedan designed for everyday driving,” the five-passenger, four-door sedan has a front-engine, active twin-clutch all-wheel drive configuration and all-new, heated/cooled and massaging performance seats, while also adding a separate five-door sportback (hatch) design.

The Regal GS I tested was in the sedan line, and new for 2018 are a 3.6-liter V-6 engine; standard nine-speed automatic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive with active twin clutch for improved vehicle control; five-link rear suspension; GS-specific, performance seats that are heated, cooled and massaging with adjustable seat and seat-back bolsters as well as thigh support; second-generation Continuous Damping Control capable of 500 adjustments per second; Interactive Drive Control with GS and Sport modes; unique sport front and rear fascias, side skirts and rear spoiler; standard 19-inch wheels; performance brakes with Brembo front calipers; sport-tuned exhaust system; sport flat-bottom steering wheel and metal pedals and an available head-up display.

Outside, Buick offers a sculptured Euro-sportiness with aggressive front and rear fascias, a rear decklid spoiler and GS badging front and rear. The 2018 Buick Regal GS has grown some and now measures 192.9 inches in length (a gain of 2.7 inches), 73.3 inches in width (up 0.2 inches), and 57.3 inches in height (a better road hugger now as it is 1.1 inches lower); on a 111.4-inch wheelbase, which is 3.6 inches longer. Curbweight is about 3796 lbs., a weight gain of 71 lbs.

Inside, the Regal features unique perforated GS-specific performance seats with integrated headrests and adjustable lumbar and thigh support bolsters. The seats are heated and ventilated and come standard with a massage function. The interior also features state-of-the-art infotainment, on-board WiFi and GS-specific pedals and sill plates.

The reconfigured cabin makes headroom a bit tight at 38.8 inches in front and 37.4 inches in row two, with the front as same as last year, and the rear 0.6 inches wider; legroom is an accommodating 42.1 inches in row one and 36.9 for the second row – the front remains the same and rear is 0.4 inches tighter; and shoulder room is 56.9 and 55.4 (0.2 inches wider up front and an inch wider in row two).

The 2018 Regal GS offers a cohesive and connected infotainment experience with an 8-inch diagonal touchscreen and 8-inch diagonal reconfigurable instrument cluster as standard equipment. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility both come standard. A full-color head-up display is available with an optional Driver Confidence II package that also includes several safety features including Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Automatic Braking.

Regal’s base engine is a cast aluminum 3.6-liter direct injection V- 6. Mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, the system is rated at 310hp and 282 lb-ft of torque. This represents a gain of 51 hp and a loss of 13 lb-ft over the 2.0-liter turbo I tested in last year’s Regal GS review. The 2.0 has been relegated to duty in the new Buick Regal Sportback model. The 3.6-liter system is EPA rated at 19mpg/city, 22mpg/highway and 27.0mpg overall, and my week of mixed-use tests yielded an average of 20.7mpg.

On the track, my GS accelerated sportily and I was more than a second-and-a-half faster than I was last year in the sprint with my 2.0-liter turbo. My zero-to-60mph time this year was 5.5 seconds during a 14.5-second-flat quarter-mile. On the highway, we had excellent passing power at speed, steering and balance were sportlike, and the suspension was Buicklike – stable and quiet … sporty, but traditionally Buick quiet.

The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback starts at $24,990, and runs through five trims, topping at nearly $40,000. The Regal GS Sedan bases at $39,070 with the 3.6-liter V-6 Engine with Stop/Start Technology, 19-inch Cast Aluminum with Technical Gray Gloss Finish, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist, High-Performance Heated, Ventilated Bucket Seats with Massage, Integrated Head Restraints and Power-Adjustable Bolsters, Brembo® Front Brakes, Rear Decklid Spoiler, Air Dams, Ground Effects and Pass-Through Exhaust.

In Sport Red, with Ebony leather-appointed seat trim, my Regal GS added the Driver Confidence II Package for $1690, with Adaptive Cruise Control, Following Distance Indicator, Head-Up Display, Forward Collision Alert and Forward Automatic Braking. The power moonroof added $1000; The Appearance Package for $485 added wireless charging, LED headlamps with automatic leveling, cornering lamps and more. The Sights and Sounds Package added $945 for an 8-inch diagonal, 8-speaker infotainment and audio system with navigation; Premium all-weather floor mats were $140 and destination and freight charges were $925, for a sticker-as-tested of $44,255, but cash allowances and other incentives are available from the dealer to lower the price.

> 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.

Except for a little rain Thursday, the weather overall for Fall Carlisle was spectacular. Mother Nature was friend, not foe for the October 3-7 event that just took place for the 45th time at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. With her support, thousands of vendors and tens of thousands of guests had a great time buying and selling all things automotive.

Though gates opened Wednesday for the first time to officially start the show, business was happening by Monday, as vendors set up and patronized each other, while an exclusive set of pickers also had access to the grounds. Starting with vendor load in on Monday, the all-new VIP Power Picker group was able to come on grounds early, park on grounds and have free reign of the swap meet and car corral. This package was just $99 and gave unprecedented access to the grounds at an amazing value.

As each day turned to the next, there was always something different happening. The stage hosted a DJ playing music, plus FREE metal fabrication seminars from Steve Mercurio from Pro Metal Shop of Danville, Pennsylvania. His display was flanked by a special build; a custom pet wagon called the Ruff Rod. This creation was auctioned Friday and generated over $1,500 in monies for Speranza Animal Rescue of Mechanicsburg, PA.
Additional event fun included a Friday trivia party with vendors and a Saturday vendor appreciation and send off dinner for Carlisle Events’ very own Diane Vaughn. In between, Thursday offered the first day of the three-day auction powered by Carlisle Auctions, while Sunday was a day to say goodbye until next year!

Speaking of next year, Carlisle Events is pleased to open its “home based” schedule as part of its 45th Anniversary season starting April 23. The five-day event will again offer a swap meet and car corral, while Carlisle Auctions supports a 500+ car, three-day auction.

Complete details on the auction can be found at www.carlisleauctions.com, with details on Spring and Fall Carlisle available at www.carlisleevents.com.