Ford launched its F-150 truck line in 1948 and it soon became “America’s Truck”, the best-selling truck in the U.S. for 44 consecutive years and America’s best-selling vehicle for 39 years. This year, the 14th generation has begun and while it may look much as its predecessor did, Ford focused on capability rather than looks as the 2021 F-150 underwent a redesign of 92% of its parts, carrying over only its cab and pickup box structure. So far, the new-gen has only built on F-150’s legacy of success and sales.

Last redesigned in 2015, the all-new 2021 Ford F-150 was introduced for the 2021 model year through a live presentation streamed over the Internet on June 25, 2020. The all-new F-150 is purpose-built from the ground up — and according to Ford, it was redesigned to be “the toughest, most productive F-150 ever.”

Most productive or not, the 2021 F-150 is a street and work beast with options. There are six powertrains including a hybrid, three cab configurations, both long and short bed lengths and myriad options for luxury, tech, infotainment and toughness to fit any budget of lifestyle. Styling may not have been outwardly addressed, but the new Ford F-150 is new from grille to tailgate.

With a 6.5-foot styleside configuration 4x4, the 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat I tested measures 209.1 inches long, 77 inches high and 79.9 inches wide on a 122.8-inch wheelbase with ground clearance of 8.3 inches and ground to open tailgate height of 33.9 inches. With a SuperCrew Cab, those measurements increase to a 157.2-inch wheelbase and length of 243.5 inches. Curbweight with a Super Crew and 5.0-liter 4x4 was 5014 pounds.

Inside, the Super Crew gets you 40.8 inches of front headroom and 40.3 in the rear; shoulder room of 66.7 and 66.0 inches; and legroom of 43.9 and 43.6.

My test Lariat had a 12-inch digital productivity screen for driving information in such modes as Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slipper, Trail, Deep Snow/Sand, Mud/Rots. Rock Crawl and 4x4. It also has a 12-inch center stack touch screen with enhanced voice recognition that runs from playlist to directions. Also inside you get dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, cruise control, delayed accessory power

dome light, fade-to-off interior lighting, grab handles, dual note horn, intelligent access with push-button start, intermittent windshield wipers, outside temperature display, power door locks with flip key, power-adjustable pedals with memory, rearview mirror, color-coordinated carpet with carpeted floor mats, black leather-wrapped steering wheel, SiriusXM® with 360L, SYNC® 4 with Enhanced Voice Recognition, FordPass™ Connect with Wi-Fi Hotspot, leather-trimmed seating, 10-way power front seats with lumbar, and more.

Safety items include six airbags, safety canopy and side curtains, Post-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping System  Reverse Sensing System, AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Tow Coverage, Curve Control, Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes and more.

Outside you get optional running boards, autodimming and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals with memory and power folding, LED box lighting, cargo hooks, power lock and release tailgate and more.

The F-150 has direct and quick steering making it carlike in several ways. Sightlines were good and maneuverability in tight spots made the vehicle seem than expected. The ride was a bit bouncy over rougher terrain, but smooth on the highways. My 400 hp/410-lb-ft of torque  5.0-liter Lariat accelerated smoothly and powerfully and went from zero to 60 in 5,9 seconds during a 14.5-second quarter mile (hand-timed). Fuel mileage was 20.2 mpg.

The 2022 Ford F-150 starts at $29,290, and through three cab styles, 4x2 or 4x4, six powertrains and eight trim models, can start you off as high as $73,105 before options. My Lariat trim is third on the list and started at $45,045 with a 2.7-liter Ecoboost engine. The SuperCrew cab and 6.5-foot bed moved that to $47,660. Adding 4x4 (I always make sure my trucks are 4x4) added $3835. Tough Bed spray-in bedliner added $595. Molded splash guards were $220; 6-inch extended running boards added $1005; floor liners added $200. Destination charges of $1695 and Acquisition fees of $645 put the price-as-tested at $56,655.

You can see the 2021 and 2022 Ford F-150 and more than 2,000 trucks that span decades, from lowered mini trucks, lifted 4x4s, chromed out big rigs, SUV’s, custom vans, new trucks and the perfectly restored at the Carlisle Truck Nationals, August 5-7 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.

<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>

Florida is a destination location and with its year-round sunshine and countless entertainment options, it’s easy to see why so many visit the Sunshine State.  Carlisle Auctions, a Carlisle, Pennsylvania based company, offers central Florida residents yet another reason to get out and enjoy themselves next month with its two-day classic and collector car auction.  The Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction returns to the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus November 12-13 and offers an anticipated 400+ lots spanning automotive history; some even selling for a charitable cause.

With easy access just off the Polk Parkway, I-4 and County Line Rd., the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus has been home to Carlisle Auctions multiple times a year dating back to 2015.  This time around, and just in time for the holiday season, bidders and buyers alike can enjoy muscle cars, antiques, daily drivers, best of show gems, trucks and so much more.  Though the cars and trucks are great to look at, this isn’t a car show…it’s a car go, and go they will, with each vehicle eligible for purchase by the highest bidder.

Starting at 10:30 a.m. daily, the auction excitement is as good, if not better than those showcased on cable TV.  November 12 will feature an all-truck hour starting at 1:30 p.m., meaning those who are into the truck lifestyle can watch for 60 minutes straight, truck after truck cross the block.  Jeeps will also be part of this hour and with the popularity of Jeeps in Polk County and Florida as a whole, may offer a hopeful Jeep owner a chance to pick up a new ride at an affordable price.

Speaking of pricing, with the cost of new and used cars up 27% and a projected delay in new car inventory through 2023, the auction is THE BEST way to find something pre-owned at an affordable price point.  Lots will range from four-figures to six and each will be an investment that truly accelerates.  Inventory will also span nearly 100 years of production.

All-new for the Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction, Carlisle Auctions is pleased to announce a partnership with the Rescue 22 Foundation.  Rescue 22 is a non-profit with its training facilities based in Naples, whose mission is to pair highly trained service dogs with combat veterans.  The aforementioned partnership will see a WWII era 1944 (titled as a 1957) Willys Jeep cross the block with 100% of the funds raised benefitting Rescue 22.  Rescue 22 will also have an onsite presence, showcasing their cause, and hosting combat veterans, service dogs, and more.

“We are excited to return to central Florida and this amazing facility for our Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction,” noted Director of Auction Operations Tony Cline.  “We’ve had a Florida presence for nearly 10 years and while Lakeland in February has been a main-stay on our auction schedule, it’s been a few years since we hosted a November auction,” continued Cline.  “We’ve had record-breaking results throughout 2021 and it all started this past February at this very same location.  We are confident that the buyers, sellers, and spectators who join us November 12-13 will be entertained and more so, happy with their results!”

Complete details on the auction are available at CarlisleAuctions.com.  In addition, the auction offers THREE great ways to bid on desired lots; in person, on the phone, or online!  Best of all, once registered as a bidder, online bidding can commence immediately.  Consignments are being added daily to the Carlisle Auctions web page.  Finally, there is onsite RV parking for those looking to make the event a multi-day adventure.  For auction details, call 717-960-6400 and for details on RV parking, call 717-243-7855.  Get involved today and don’t miss out! 

The Dodge Challenger has been a Dodge excitement-provider (albeit with a few stoppages) since 1958, when it debuted for two years as a limited-edition member of the Dodge Coronet line -- the Dodge Silver Challenger. Challenger made a lasting impression a decade later when it galloped onto the Pony car scene in 1969 as a sister to the Plymouth Barracuda. Entering the American “Muscle Car” Wars,” Challenger began with the Chrysler “E-body” short-deck, long-hood platform it shared with the Plymouth Barracuda. With powertrain choices that ranged from a 145-hp 225-cubic-inch I-6, to a 426-ci HEMI V-8 that thundered out 425 horses (there was also a larger 440-ci V-8 that produced 390 horsepower), Challenger’s first run ended in 1974.

The next generation lived from 1978 to 1983, when it was shelved until its renaissance in 2008. Back as a retro-luxury-muscle car in 2008, a re-design in 2015 built on the 1970s architecture and power has increased ever since, to promote Challenger as “the most powerful muscle car ever,” and  “The Strongest Muscle in America.” That boast is backed up by Challenger’s available supercharged SRT Super Stock model that explodes out 807 horsepower.

We won’t see the next generation of Challenger until 2023, and the 2021 version sits on the same platform it debuted on in 2008. Its last major facelift was in 2015, yet with iconic looks and power to attract, the 2021 Dodge Challenger is in a dogfight, or Pony race with Mustang for the top-selling muscle car spot this year. With few changes except conveniences in store for 2022, the 2021 beast adds a widebody package available on R/T Scat Pack Shaker and T/A 392; memory feature for driver's seat, steering column, side mirrors, and radio presets available on all trim levels; 20-inch wheels now standard on GT AWD, available on SXT AWD trims; additional SRT branding on SRT trims and Black chrome finish on the grille, spoiler, and fender badges on some SRT trims

In classic muscle car front-wheel, rear-drive configuration, the SRT Super Stock’s revised powertrain rating, combined with its larger, stickier standard Nitto drag radials, help propel the 807-hp model to a 3.25-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a 10.5-second quarter. 

Other model power numbers start at 303hp and there is a power setting for every taste, as long as you like muscle. The 2021 Dodge Challenger offers a full range of engine options, including the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 on SXT, SXT AWD, GT and GT AWD models; the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 on R/T models, the naturally aspirated 392 HEMI V-8 on R/T Scat Pack models; the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 on SRT Hellcat and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI high-output V-8 on SRT Hellcat Redeye and new SRT Super Stock.

Available in 13 exterior and five interior colors, the 2021 Challenger is built at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada. Its unitized steel body construction measures 197.9 inches long, 78.3 inches (widebody) wide and 57.7 inches high, with 5.2 inches of ground clearance on a 116-inch wheelbase. My manual shift model weighed 4308 lbs. (curbweight)

I went with a manual shift 5.7-liter HEMI that was good for 375 hp and 410 lbs-ft of torque set up that is EPA rated at 15mpg/city and 23mpg/highway. My test driving averaged 16.8 mpg, and I did a lot of pedal mashing. My sprint speed was 5.1 seconds during a 13.8-second quarter-mile.

Inside, you get 21st century infotainment and headroom of 39.3 inches in front, 37.1 rear knee clearance of 4.4 inches;  legroom of 42 in front and 33.1 in row two; and shoulder room of 58.5 and 53.9. 

Acceleration is as quick as I can shift and stomp, and the electric steering is mildly into understeer. The indy short- and long-arm front suspension and five-link rear floats a bit for a driver, but is smooth for passengers.

With nine models in the line-up the 2021 Dodge Challenger starts at $29,065 for the 303-hp SXT and ranges on up to $82,465 for the 807-hp SRT Super Stock. Most buyers will go somewhere in the middle and my test R/T model was third up on the list and started at $35,575 with a 5.7-liter HEMI and 6-speed manual shift. In classic Go Mango (orange) paint, classic black R/T side stripes and hood cowl added $395. In the cockpit, Alcantara/Nappa leather seats were standard, along with a UConnect 4C system with 8.4-inch display. An Alpine Audi Group option with subwoofer added $995 and a power sunroof added $1295. The $3095 Plus Package added machined granite 20-inch wheels, 276-watt amp, 6 premium Alpine speakers, HD radio, 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hot Spot, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, power tilt/telescope column and much more.

Adding destination charges of $1595 and discounting a $1500 National Retail Consumer Cash deletion, my 2021 Dodge Challenger was priced at $42,540.

You can see 50 years of Challengers and all things Dodge, Chrysler and Plymouth at the 2022 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds, July 15-17, 2022.

The largest Mopar event in the world, the show features more than 2,800 vehicles from all eras of the Chrysler brand, along with parts, tools, memorabilia, collectibles and more.

> 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>

The Chevrolet Camaro is the No.3-selling muscle car in America for 2021, and there is talk of an all-electric reboot in Camaro’s future. It may be third in sales, but it is a king beast on the asphalt.

When Americans clamored for a muscular, powerful, sporty car for the street and for tire-smoking bragging rights in the early 1960s, GM answered the call, attacked the genre, and put out a vehicle to compete for the 1967 model year … the Camaro. When Chevrolet product managers were asked what “Camaro” means, they responded with “a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs.” And The Pony Wars of American muscle was born.

Through six generations, 5.5 million Camaros have been sold, with its first four generations produced from 1967 through 2002, and it’s most recent two generations built from 2010 through the present.

For 2021, There are only a couple of changes to the Camaro ZL1 lineup for 2021. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are now on its roster of features, and Chevy offers a new extra-cost paint color: Wild Cherry. And for 2022, expect only some color palette changes, and a loss of some wheel and cosmetic options.

In the front-engine, rear-drive formula that drove iconic muscle cars back in the day, the 2021 Camaro is available in eight trims and convertible and coupe configurations. The top-of-the line 2021 ZL1 is powered by a 650-hp/650 lb-ft of torque, 6.2-liter LT4 supercharged V-8 engine with direct injection. EPA rated at 21mpg/highway and 14 mpg city in manual … the “only” way to drive a muscle car for some of us … this power-packed street beast can fly from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and finish off a quarter-mile in 11.5.

Built to hug the road, Camaro is 52.4 inches high, 74.7 inches wide and 190.2 inches long, on a 110.7-inch wheelbase. That translates to a close-to-the-pavement sticky ride, and a cozy interior with only 36.6 inches of front headroom and a hunched over 33.4 inches in the rear – a convertible is much more comfortable with better sightlines. The coupe weighs in at 3853 lbs for the stick shift version, and the manual shift convertible weighs 4120. On the road, the wide ride is giving to passengers and secure  for the driver, with quick, powerful acceleration, responsive handling and cornering and strength, grace and style in every situation. ZF rack-mounted electric, power-assisted and variable ratio rack-and-pinion steering with 20-inch rear tires and 19-inch front Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R rubber make for a ride-on-rails performance.

Inside the well-appointed high-tech cabin, legroom is an ample 42.7 inches in front and a crunched 29.9 inches in the rear. Shoulder room is comfortable with 55.5 in front and 50.3 in row two.

Infotainment includes an 8-inch diagonal color touch screen and available Navigation system. Built-in Wi-Fi hotspot is onboard with available 4G LTE data.

Safety is attended to with an airbag system consisting of dual- stage frontal, thorax side-impact and knee, driver and front passenger, and head curtain side-impact (head curtain airbags on coupe only). Standard items include Passenger Sensing System. There is a standard tire pressure monitor system, HD rear-vision camera, Head-Up Display, Forward Collision Alert in the coupe only, Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert.

Available in coupe and convertible configuration in eight trims, starting at $26,195. My test ZL1 was top of the line and started at $64,195 for the manual coupe and $65,790 for the automatic. In Summit White (though I would have preferred Red Hot, and Premium paints are available), the exterior was mated to a Jet black set trim with red accents.  The ZL1 1LE Extreme Track Performance Package with rear bench seat, visible carbon fiber weave hood insert, Satin Black hood wrap and performance suspension with DSSV dampers added an additional $7500.  Premium carpeted floor mats with ZL1 logo added $185. With gas guzzler tax of $1700 and destination freight charges of $1195, my test 20231 Camaro ZL1 was priced at $73,580.

You can expect to see six generations of Camaros and all things GM, from antique to classic to present and future at the 2022 Carlisle GM Nationals, June 24-24 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.

> 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>

Originally envisioned as a second-gen Falcon, Ford’s Mustang immediately became its own legendary self when it was introduced April 17, 1964 and became the most successful Ford launch since the Model-A.

Ford’s original Pony Car, the Mustang, has been the top-selling muscle car of all-time, with nearly 10 million vehicles sold, and it has occupied the No.1 yearly slot in muscle car sales since 2015, when it supplanted Chevy Camaro in total yearly sales. This year, the 2021 Mustang is in a horserace for the top spot with Dodge Challenger …  but with an expected new design in the works for the 60th anniversary in 2024, the new 2022 Mustang receives a few cosmetic changes. Last fully revamped in 2015, and refreshed in 2018, Mustang adds the return of the limited-edition Mustang Mach 1 fastback coupe, first seen in 1969.  

With the addition of Mach 1, the 2021 Pony car stable includes Mustang EcoBoost® and Mustang GT, both available in fastback and convertible models, as well as the track-ready Mustang Shelby® GT500®  the most powerful street-legal Ford in history and the most advanced Mustang ever on the street, track or drag strip. The new Mach 1's heritage-inspired appearance plays off an aerodynamic design, cosmetic-yet-functional front end, stylish black stripes on the hood and bodysides and a blade spoiler. From a performance perspective, Mach 1 gains power enhancements and handling elements also available on Shelby GT350 and GT500 offerings. The Mach 1 comes with a 480hp 5.0-liter V8 engine and .an available Rallye Suspension Package and improved Brembo brakes. The system is EPA rated at 15/23 mpg, and has been clocked at 4.2 seconds for a zero-to-60mph sprint and a 12.6-second quarter-mile.

For Mustang EcoBoost and GT models, 2021 introduces standard Ford Co-Pilot360™. The suite of driver-assist technologies includes auto high-beam headlamps, rearview camera, Blind Spot Information System, Lane-Keeping System, and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Dynamic Brake Support. A front and rear Belt Minder® safety belt reminder system and rain-sensing wipers are also standard.

In Oxford White with a Ceramic (white) interior, and a 6-speed manual transmission – I love a muscle car with a stick … so much more tire-smoking, power when I ask for it fun than in an automatic, my test ride added an EcoBoost handling package and a Pony package. It came with Recaro cloth seats, Mach 1 instrument panel bade with a unique chassis number and the Mach 1 Handling Package: 19-inch by 10.5-inch (front) and 19-inch by 11-inch (rear) Dark Tarnished-painted aluminum wheels; 305/30R19 (front) 315/30R19 (rear) tires; adjustable strut top mounts; front bumper sport; blade decklid spoiler and a Magnetic Rear seat with a folding split bench.

Standard exterior features include Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert,  Easy Fuel® capless fuel filler, hood vents, LED sequential taillights, Pony Projection Lights, rear diffuser, performance rear spoiler, bright 4.5-inch exhaust tip finish, manual fold and pony puddle lamp, unique lower and outboard grilles, unique front upper grille with Pony badge, silver painted strut-tower brace with Mach 1 badge, unique front and rear lower fascia and rear-window defroster.

Standard Power and Handling items include Brembo™ six-piston front brake calipers with larger rotors, electronic line-lock (track use only), independent rear suspension, launch control, selectable drive modes, Selectable Power-Assisted Steering, MagneRide® damping system, heavy-duty front springs, larger radiator, Open Air Induction System, Performance Enhanced Powertrain Calibration, unique intake manifold, black painted brake calipers, Unique Chassis Tuning, Active Valve Performance Exhaust System with Revised Tuning and more.

Interior Features include cabin particulate air filter dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, aluminum foot pedals, ambient lighting with MyColor® and 4.2-inch cluster, auto-dimming rearview mirror autolights (automatic on/off headlamps) with wiper activation, bright chrome door speaker surround, premium carpeted floor mats with accent stitch, illuminated door-sill scuff plates, intelligent access with push-button start, leather-wrapped parking brake handle, leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls and tilt/telescoping steering column, MyKey®, power windows, rear view camera, heated steering wheel, 9-speaker sound system with amplifier, AM/FM Stereo MP3 capable, SiriusXM®, SYNC® 3, FordPass™ Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and more.

Safetywise, the Mustang includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping System, 4-way adjustable front head restraints, 3-point safety belt restraint system for all seating positions, glove box door-integrated knee airbag,

AdvanceTrac® with Electronic Stability Control, driver's knee airbag, dual front airbags

front-seat side-impact airbags, LATCH Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children, Personal Safety System™ for driver and front passenger, Safety Canopy® side-curtain airbags, SOS Post-Crash Alert System™, Ford Co-Pilot360™  and more.

The 2021 EcoBoost Fastback starts at $27,205, EcoBoost Premium Fastback $32,225, EcoBoost Convertible $32,705, GT Fastback $36,285, other Premium models run from $37,725 to $45,785, and the Mach 1 starts at $53,400, with the Mach 1 Premium at $53,300 and the Shelby GT500 at $72,900.

My tested 2021 Mustang Mach 1 with the $1250 Mach 1 appearance package was priced at $57,745.

You can expect to see 2021 and 2022 Mustangs as well as 58 years of Ponies and just about everything Ford has offered since 1903, at the 2022 Carlisle Ford Nationals, June 3-5, 2022 at the Carlisle(PA) Fairgrounds.

> 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>