We have discussed in this column that some companies like to get a psychological jump on competition by postdating their cars (e.g. putting out a “2018” model in early 2017). You can forgive Lexus’s zealousness by calling their newly launched Lexus LC 500 a 2018, as the flagship coupe is innovative, exciting and powerful. And the future year ties into their marketing campaign titled “Feats of Amazing” that dramatizes the LC 500’s engineering marvels, including its near-perfect weight distribution that gives drivers agile handling, control and confidence on the road.

While everything else is above standard, Lexus uses standard alphanumerics for the name, as “LC” stands for Luxury Car and “500” is typical for a 5.0-liter engine.

Powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engine, and mated to a 10-speed Direct-Shift transmission, LC 500 combines power and performance with energetic exterior architecture, a thoughtfully crafted tech- and connectivity-imbued interior, and new multimedia and safety technologies.

Available with either the naturally aspirated engine or a new Multi Stage Hybrid System specifically for the LC 500h, the LC 500 and LC 500h are constructed with a unitized steel body with steel front and rear subframes. Designed for visual excitement, LC 500 is built on a new platform -- GA–L (Global Architecture – Luxury) -- designed with a lower center of gravity to aid agility and driving pleasure, and to enable more charismatic vehicle designs.

Immediately identifiable as a Lexus thanks to its signature spindle grille with a unique mesh texture that changes visual tension as it spreads across the front of the car, LC 500 also utilizes dynamic character lines, independent L-shaped daytime running lights beneath new ultra-compact Triple LED headlamps and functional venting that adds to aerodynamic stability and cooling. The body’s confident look stems from prominent quarter panels that flare away from the center of the car, and door panels that are pulled inward. The flowing lines maintain a consistent tension in the body panels through to the rear, where slim tail lamps use mirrors to create a three-dimensional sequence of L-shaped graphics. The sweeping roofline tapers rearward between muscular, sloping fender tops, underscoring the car’s wide and stable stance. Low and wide, LC 500 measures 53 inches high, 75.6 inches wide and 187.4 inches long on a 113-inch wheelbase, affording a ground clearance of 5.2 inches while weighing in with a hefty curbweight of 4280 lbs.

The LC 500 cabin is alive with a grand touring coupe personality. An intuitive layout is split into two zones — with the driver’s side functional and cockpit-lik,e and the passenger side shielded from complexities. A 12-speaker sound system, navigation, multimedia and connectivity highlight the cabin infotainment and the interior is also packed with climate control, deodorizing and dust/pollen-removing interior air filter, Lexus Enform Remote that customers to remotely view and control certain aspects of their vehicle, steering wheel cruise control access, SmartAccess keyless entry with push-button start, Guest Driver Monitor, Vehicle Finder, Vehicle Status Report, Power door locks with anti-lock out and a ton of other niceties in a well-crafted leather environment.

The cabin seats four and provides coupelike interior space, providing only 36.8 inches of front headroom and 32.2 inches in the rear; legroom is comfortable up front at 42 inches, but cramped in row two at 32.5 inches. Shoulder room is good in row one with 54.1 inches and cozy in the back at 48.9 inches.

Power comes from the 5.0-liter V-8 built with an aluminum block and cylinder heads. The system stampedes out 471hp with 398 lbs.-ft. of torque. The Electrical Fuel Injection system is EPA estimated at 16mpg/city, 26mpg/highway and 19mpg/overall, and in my week of pedal stomping and aggressive cornering, I averaged 18.3mpg.

Behind the wheel, the experience is one of luxuriant power and pride. From acceleration to cornering to hard braking, LC 500 performs – maybe not to supercar/track-dominant levels, but to high levels that exceed most showroom stars. The electrically assisted steering is predictable and compliant, while passing at speed and uphill journeys are enjoyable and exciting.

The manufacturer touts a 4.4-second 0-60mph sprint, and while I never achieved that kind of acceleration, I was cozy in my cockpit as I finished off a 4.8-second dash and a 13.2-second quarter-mile, feeling secure and energized during the run.

Next-Gen luxury concepts from Lexus are priced as one would expect. The rear-wheel-drive 2018 LC 500 starts at $92,000 and the hybrid LC 500h starts at $96,510. My test 2018 LC 500 with an InfraRed exterior ($595 extra) was mated to a Black leather interior. The Performance Package added $5960 for Active Rear Steering; speed-activated rear wing and Variable Gear-Ratio Steering; eight-way power-adjustable front seats with Alcantara® inserts and headliner; a carbon fiber roof and door scuff plate, and more. The Convenience Package added $1000 for Intuitive Parking Assist and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. A $2650 add-on was 21-inch split-five-spoke forged alloy wheels with polished finish and gloss black accents, and a Torsen® Limited-Slip Rear Differential added $390. The All-Weather Package added $250 for heated leather-trimmed steering wheel and windshield wiper de-icer. A premium Mark Levinson® Reference Surround Sound Audio System added $1220 and a Color heads-Up Display added $900. Delivery, processing and handling fees of $995 put the sticker-as-tested at $105,960.


> 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 Carlisle Ford Nationals have quickly become THE destination for Ford lovers from around the world. After all, why would people travel from across the country for the first time or even from around the world from as far away as Australia to enjoy a National Parts Depot showfield laced with nearly 3,100 of Ford’s best? The simple fact is that Carlisle, Pennsylvania and the Carlisle Ford Nationals are a destination for automotive lovers and that was on display during the weekend of June 2-4, 2017.

As is the case with many shows on the Carlisle Events schedule, this three-day show could easily host a fourth given the demand and popularity of the Ford brand and dedication of the enthusiasts who follow up. Thursday load in and set up was quickly followed by three days of amazing weather, clear blue skies, a cool breeze and 100 years of Ford history!

Special displays included ones that honored E & F Code cars, a 50th anniversary celebration of the Cougar, 60 years of the Edsel, 100 Years of Ford Trucks and so much more. In addition, Shelby American brought a pair of prototype Shelby Super Snakes to Carlisle, while Ford showcased its Roush Nightmare Edition F-150, the 2018 Mustang and how its performance parts can take an already amazing Raptor and make it even better. Ford also hosted FREE test drives at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center, while also hosting walkaround sessions on grounds too.

Another great showcase was one centered around the Ford GT. Not only were some of Ford’s most iconic super cars at Carlisle, but many were in action too. On Friday and Saturday of event weekend about a dozen GTs roared around the grounds to standing room crowds and the GT fun was capped Saturday evening when one brave owner put his in the burnout pit and let it roar for a solid 30 seconds, much to the approval of a packed grand stand.

The midway and swap meet areas were booming too, while special guests like Rutledge Wood, Chuck Cantwell, Tom Scarpello, Dean McCann, the Robertson Race Team and more entertained guests. Rutledge Wood came to Carlisle for the first time ever via eBay Motors. They were on-site with him to promote a special Mustang build with parts sourced from eBay Motors. The car will debut at SEMA in the fall of 2017.

Finally, the weekend wrapped with the always popular burnout and beauty contests, while cars rolled off grounds Saturday night and into downtown Carlisle for the Ford Parade and Street Party. Sunday hosted the awards parade and saw the last of guests roll out until next year. Speaking of next year, the 2018 Carlisle Ford Nationals returns June 1-3. Save the date and register today!

Andy Lally ALIVE, a next generation marketing technology innovator in the automotive and motorsports space, announced MotorCrush, a mobile app custom-built for car enthusiasts and gearheads. The MotorCrush app is now available for free in the App Store and Google Play.

“For people who are really into performance vehicles—whether they like high-end cars, hot rods, muscle cars, classics, drift cars, trucks, Jeeps, or motorcycles—there’s an insatiable desire to know more, to meet up, to talk about their vehicles, to compare what they have with others and to imagine new possibilities…but there have always been limits on how easy that connection was made,” said Andy Lally, 5 time Daytona 24 Hour race winner, multi-time road racing champion and principal of Andy Lally ALIVE. “MotorCrush changes this. It’s a really unique app and evolving social network for car enthusiasts that enables them to enhance the way they enjoy their hobby.”

MotorCrush makes it easy for car enthusiasts to find other like-minded individuals nearby through a unique, patent-pending geo-location feature. App users can “check in” their car when they want to tell others that they’re out cruising, or that they’ve arrived at an event. The in-app feed displays car check-ins in the user’s city, or even across the country. This feature dynamically creates car meets on the go, enabling users to connect, meet new people and use the app as a social network that supports their hobby.

MotorCrush users can:
• Connect with like-minded car enthusiasts
• Create their own profile and 'show off' their car so that others can admire it
• Tout modifications and enhancements to their car
• Like and follow other cars
• Message with other car owners or car groups
• Check in live so others can find them when they’re cruising
• Participate in live car meets
• Buy, sell and trade parts and other gear
• Get tips from enthusiasts who have customized their cars

“We wanted to package all of the right features together to connect the car culture in a way they would find compelling,” said David Atadan, Co-Founder of Andy Lally ALIVE. “Until now, there was no efficient way for them to easily meet up with friends and other enthusiasts on the fly. MotorCrush gives them a way to find out where friends or other enthusiasts they haven't met yet are gathering. All without calling, texting or searching group pages for times and dates. It creates a new, passion-specific social network within the app.”

Andy Lally ALIVE is a partnership between 5 time Daytona 24 Hour race winner, multi-time road racing Champion and entrepreneur Andy Lally; Trellist, one of the most reputable marketing and technology firms in the northeastern United States; Jerry Raffa, an entrepreneur and automotive aficionado; and Carlisle Events, the successful producer of 12 annual collector car and truck events that attract over 500,000 enthusiasts each year.

ALIVE is a team of creators and innovators with diverse technical and business expertise. The company delivers customized solutions and unique products to support the automotive and racing industries. This includes technologies that serve fans and enthusiasts, as well as businesses interested in reaching the unique audiences that the automotive and motorsports industries represent.

ABOUT ANDY LALLY ALIVE
Andy Lally ALIVE is a partnership between 5-time professional sports car champion and entrepreneur Andy Lally; Trellist, one of the most reputable marketing and technology firms in the northeastern United States; Jerry Raffa, an entrepreneur and automotive aficionado; and Carlisle Events, the successful producer of 12 annual collector car and truck events, which attract more than 500,000 enthusiasts each year.

ALIVE leverages marketing expertise, business acumen and technological expertise to entertain, connect, and inform, and thereby shape the future of the industries millions of consumers are passionate about.

The original Ford Shelby GT350 was a high-performance Mustang derivative that galloped onto the scene in 1965. Exhilarating and exciting, the Gen-1 GT350 powered up with a 289 cubic-inch (4.7-liter) engine that delivered 271 horsepower – some of the engines were modified to reach 306 horses. Fast-forward to 2017, and the engine size has grown to 5.2 liters and the horses have swelled to 526.

The original Shelby Mustangs were built by Shelby-American from 1965 to 1968; by Ford from 1969 to 1970, and were re-launched by Ford in 2005. Following numerous tweaks, incarnations and variations such as the GTR sports model and the GT500 -- which is in hiatus, but which will be back in 2018 with an expected 740hp – Ford presented an all-new Shelby GT350 last year, with expanded safety and handling features, the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever -- a 5.2-liter flat-plane crank V-8 engine that stampedes out 526 horses and 429 lbs.-ft, of torque, and all the infotainment we have come to expect from our vehicles.

While technically a Mustang, the 2017 Ford Shelby GT350 is a horse of another color … or another performance and cosmetic level. It is a “Pony” with a big engine, a lower street- and track-hugging height, adaptive MagneRide™ suspension, heavy-duty front-end springs, intercoolers, more powerful Brembo brakes, and a Shelby personality.

To further differentiate GT350 from the typical Mustang, Ford Performance has added more standard features to the 2017 model. Making the Shelby GT350 Mustang street-legal -- but race ready, and track capable -- Ford has also adjusted the available packages after listening to customer feedback. At the end of last year they began offering a back seat option for the Shelby GT350R, and the Standard Track Package now features an aluminum tower-to-tower brace; a high-downforce decklid spoiler; engine oil, transmission and differential coolers; and the MagneRide™ damping system.

The 2017 Shelby GT350 also adds three new colors -- Ruby Red Metallic, Lightning Blue and Grabber Blue replace Deep Impact Blue and Competition Orange --
and the choice of either an available Electronics Package or a Convenience Package.

Combining style with substance and function, GT350 employs an aero shape designed to increase downforce and cooling airflow. All bodywork from the windshield forward is unique to this high-performance beast and up to two inches lower than the Mustang GT.

The aluminum hood has been lowered and sloped, compared to the base Mustang; tightly wrapped around the engine for the smallest possible aerodynamic signature; and the fascia has been sculpted to deliver significant downforce. The hood outlet acts as a heat extractor while also reducing underhood lift at high speed. At the rear, an aggressive functional diffuser increases downforce and provides cooling air to the optional differential cooler, and a subtle lip spoiler across the trailing edge of the decklid increases downforce without adding excess drag.

The aero-design puts GT350’s configuration at 189.7 inches long, 75.9 inches wide and a low-and -stable 53.6 inches high on a 107.1-inch wheelbase. Curbweight is a stout 3655 pounds.

Inside, you have a driver’s cockpit from specially designed Recaro sport seats to its flat-bottom steering wheel for easier driver entrance and egress. Gauges have been upgraded for race visibility, and chrome and bright finishes have been reduced or eliminated to prevent sun glare that may distract the driver.

The interior seats four, but taller drivers and passengers may feel a bit cramped. Headroom provides only 37.6 inches up front and 34.8 inches in row two. Front legroom is generous in row one at 44.5 inches, but only 30.6 inches in the rear seats, and shoulder room is comfortable at 56.3 in row one and 52.2 in the rear.

Above all, GT350 is a performance stallion. Its 526hp, 5.2-liter V-8 engine is a track star. I sprinted a zero-to 60mph run in 4.4 seconds, en route to a 12.6-second quarter-mile – the GT350 of the ’60s took 6.8 to 7.0 seconds for the zero-to-60mph sprint and 15 seconds or more for the quarter-mile. From leaving the line through passing at high speed, my Pony galloped effortlessly. The engine is quiet until you rev it high and get the throaty sport-tuned exhaust notes. Steering is attentive, the suspension is supple and road hugging is confident.

The engine is rated at 14mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, and my week of admitted pedal mashing and tire smoking averaged 15.9mpg.
.
The 2017 Ford Fastback Shelby GT350 bases at $56,145 and the GTR starts at $63,645. In Lightning Blue, a cool Black Racing stripe added $475 and a Painted Black Roof was $695. The Electronics Package, for $3000, added a 9-speaker Audio System, SiriusXM® Radio, SYNC® 3, Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control, Soft Door Rollover, Turn Signal Mirrors, Universal Garage Door Opener and Voice-Activated Navigation System. With destination charges of $900 added, my 2017 Shelby GT350 test drive stickered at $61,215 plus a gas-guzzler tax.

You can see the 2017 Ford Shelby GT350, the 2018 Ford Mustang, and a showcase of nearly 3000 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles at the Carlisle Ford Nationals, this weekend at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. From historical icons to concept cars to race cars, trucks, test drives, customs and family cars, it’s the largest all-Ford event in the world.

> 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.

There’s a new “Cat” in town. Jaguar has filled its lair with an entry-level luxury sports sedan, the XE, to attract Cat lovers to elegance at Jag’s most affordable pricing. The XE is all-new and is marketed as “a true driver’s car” that “redefines the concept of the sports sedan thanks to its advanced lightweight aluminum-intensive construction, streamlined styling, luxurious interior, and outstanding ride and handling.”

The Jaguar XE was developed with an all-new modular architecture shared with both the XF mid-size sports sedan and the first-ever Jaguar SUV, the F-PACE. The architecture employs a low and sporty driving position, sleek coupe-like profile, short front and rear overhangs and a dynamic cab-rearward stance. The strongly sculpted hood creates a taut, muscular appearance and the rising waistline adds to the sense of movement.

Even with lightweight materials, XE has a curbweight of 3649 lbs. on a wheelbase of 111.6 inches; with a height of 55.7 inches, length of 183.9 inches, width of 77.4 inches and ground clearance of 4.7 inches.

Available in FWD, AWD, diesel-or gas-powered and four trims, I tested the top-of-the-line XE S, and while I optioned up, the standard items were a cornucopia of luxury and high-tech items. My XE S was loaded with features that included Dynamic Volume Control (Road speed and ambient noise levels), a meshed aluminum trim veneer with Ebony grained leather inside, 19-inch 15-spoke 'style 1015' wheels with Gloss Black Diamond Turned Finish, and an “S” Body-Kit with “S” front bumper, black front grille with Satin Chrome surround, Gloss Black extended side sills, “S” Style rear bumper with Gloss Black valence, trunk-lid spoiler and 'S' Badging. The S also came with Red brake calipers, adaptive xenon headlights with LED Signature daytime running lights, headlight power wash, auto high beam assist, “S” embossed grained leather and suedecloth sport seats, 18-way electric front seat adjustment, Adaptive Dynamics with Configurable Dynamics and Lane Keep Assist. To round out the standard S items, you also get a Driver Condition Monitor, Blind Spot Monitor and Reverse Traffic Detection, Front and Rear Parking Aids, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio and Emergency Braking.

Built at an all-new facility, at the Jaguar Land Rover Solihull plant in England, the XE comes with a choice of gas or diesel engines that are either turbocharged or supercharged. A 2.0-liter diesel in-line 4 cylinder engine in two configurations mated to either a manual 6-speed or automatic 5-speed transmission can deliver either 263hp and 380 lbs.-ft. of torque or 180hp and 430 lbs.-ft. A gas-powered turbo with direct injection, in two configurations gets either 200hp and 320 lbs.-ft. or 240hp and 340 lbs.-ft. And the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 thunders out 340hp and 450 lbs.-ft. with an 8-speed automatic.

The 3.0-liter that powered my 2017 XE in S-trim, was EPA rated at 24.4 mpg in city driving, an eyebrow-raising 46.3 mpg hwy and 34.9 combined. My test driving included some smoked tires and pedal mashing, but 40mpg was never achieved and I averaged 33.8 mpg overall.

On the road or at the track, the supercharger works with little hesitation or jolt and the engine is relatively quiet. Behind the wheel, the XE is Catlike. Acceleration is exhilarating and handling is sportcarlike and trackworthy. Steering is attentive and predictable and the low profile and ground-hugging demeanor sticks in even quick autocross situations. On the track, I was never able to approach tohe manufacturer’s claim of a 4.8-second zero-to-60mph sprint, but I was able to take my non-track-tuned model through a 5.1-second dash and a 13.6-second quarter-mile.

Inside, the spacious cabin (though backseats are a bit cramped) conforms around front seat passengers with a deep center console which creates a cockpit-like feel. The instrument panel dials and the cluster needle sweep on start-up to further emphasize the sports sedan attributes of the XE.

Front and rear seat occupants enjoy comfortable head and legroom, while fine-grain leathers and details such as contrasting twin-needle stitching pay off the Jaguar mystique of elegance. And the all-new Jaguar InControl® infotainment system offered on the XE features the latest technologies to connect the car, driver and the outside world together. At its heart is an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen which features a clear, intuitive interface with fast response times.

The configurations are plentiful as each base vehicle is available in FWD and AWD, gas-powered or diesel-powered and in XE, Premium, Prestige and R-Sport trims. The base gas-powered 2017 Jaguar XE in 20d trim starts at $37,725; 20d in All-Wheel-Drive starts at $39,825; the turbocharged 25t trim starts at $35,725 and 25t in AWD starts at $38,225; the 35t supercharged group runs from $42,525 to $54,775 to start. My test 35t AWD with the 380hp 3.0 liter V6 gas version XE S was $54,775. Loire Blue exterior paint added $565; the Technology Package added $3265 for an enhanced connected navigation system and enhanced 825-watt surround sound system; the Driver Assistance Package added $3495 for Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive speed Limiter, Surround camera System, 360-degree Parking Aid, Park assist, Adaptive Cruise control and Blind Spot Assist; and the Comfort & Convenience Package for $2235, added a Power Gesture Tailgate/trunklid, heated and cooled front seats with heated rear seats and an electric rear window sunblind. With delivery and destination charges of $995, my 2017 Jaguar XE S as tested stickered at $65,330.

> 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.