Kia has come a long way. It began life in December 1944 as Kyungsung Precision Industry, a Korean manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts, eventually producing Korea's first domestic bicycle, the Samchully, in 1951. A year later, the company changed its name to Kia, which translates to “to come out of the East.” Moving on to motorcycles and trucks, Kia began selling cars in 1974, and when it first made a splash in America on 1994, the brand gained a rep as builders of “econboxes.”

Those days are long gone, as Kia mainstreamed with sporty 5-door hatchbacks, trendy multipurpose vehicles, hybrids, sedans and minvans, and moved on to entry luxury vehicles. And with the all-new 2018 Kia Stinger, the manufacturer has entered the mid-size luxury four-door sports car segment debuting an athletic, bold, adventurous performance car with luxurious accommodations.

From its sleek front clip through its graceful sides and slender shoulders, Stinger exudes a muscular confidence. Its raked windshield, shorter front and long rear overhang and aerodynamic features help Stinger achieve an air of elegant athleticism.
Featuring a fastback roofline and large hatch, Stinger’s sculpted steel unibody construction is packaged on a 114.4-inch wheelbase that accommodates its 190.2-inch length, 55.1-inch height and 73.6-inch width. RWD versions weigh in at 3839 lbs. and AWD Stingers have a curbweight of 4023 lbs.

The low-slung cabin with its steeply raked windshield and backlight sits toward the rear of the vehicle, creating a fast silhouette. Inside is a space dedicated to the driver’s experience while pampering the occupants with luxury. Typically a high-cost option on most competitors, all Stingers come standard with a leather-appointed interior. Available ultra-soft Nappa leather covers the deeply contoured seats and the driver’s seat has available air-cell bladders in the seatback and width-adjusting bolsters for optimal support and comfort.

Inside, Stinger exudes an aircraft-like feel filled with upscale accouterments, connectivity, and infotainment. And its available height-adjustable color Head-Up Display enables the driver to see driving information projected on the windshield glass. This includes speed, turn-by-turn navigation, audio and cruise control settings and Blind Spot Detection information. Bluetooth®18 hands-free operation is standard, while many of the vehicle’s subsystems may be accessed through the steering-wheel-mounted controls.

Roomy, yet comfortably cozy, Stinger offers 38.3 inches of front headroom with 37.0 inches in row two; 42.6 inches of legroom in row one with 36.4 inches in the second seats, and shoulder room of 56.4 and 54.8.

Powerwise, Stinger is offered with two engine choices: a 2.0-liter Twin Scroll turbo-four rated at 255 hp and 260 lbs-ft of torque, and 21 mpg/city and 29 mpg/highway for AWD; and a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 with 365 hp and 376 lbs-ft. rated at 19mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Both engines are paired exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

My test Stinger GT2 and its 3.3-liter averaged 22.0mpg in mixed-use driving, and exhibited solid sportscar exuberance, acceleration and handling. On the track, a zero-to-60mph run was blazed in 4.7 seconds and it seemed faster than that, en route to a 13.2-second quarter-mile. In traffic, Stinger slices in and out of competition with ease. Rack and Pinion / Electric motor steering is attentive and body motion is controlled. The MacPherson front suspension and Multi-link (5-link) rear with gas or electric shocks soften the ride for passengers while giving the driver just enough feel for the road.

Regarding safety, a Kia first is the new Driver Attention Warning system to help combat distracted or drowsy driving. The system monitors a number of inputs from the vehicle and the driver and will sound a warning chime and display a graphic in the instrument binnacle that it’s time to take a break from driving if it senses the driver’s attention level has been significantly reduced.

Stinger is also outfitted with Dual Front Advanced Airbags, Dual Front Seat Mounted Side Airbags, Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags, Driver's Side Knee Airbag and such safety features as Forward Collision Avoidance with pedestrian detection, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, Anti-Lock Braking System, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, Brake Fade Compensation, Cornering Brake Control, Electronic Stability Control

The Kia Stinger 2.0L starts at $31,900 with RWD – AWD is $2200 extra -- and comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission, paddle shifters, Smart Power Trunk, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, leather seat trim and heated front seat. The Premium trim starts at $37,100 adding a sunroof, Navigation System, 8-inch touchscreen color display and Harman/Kardon QuantumLogic Premium Audio. The Stinger GT bases at $38,350, with the 3.3-liter V-6 Twin Turbo engine, LED Headlamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport Summer tires, Brembo Brakes and 9-Speaker Audio System. The GT1 starts at $43,250 and my test GT2 (top of the line), based at $49,200 and added Kia Drive Wise (Advanced Driver Assistance System), Shift-by-Wire, Nappa leather trim and a Head-Up Display. AWD increased the price by $2200. A cargo mat in the trunk added $125, mud guards were $95, puddle lights under the vehicle added $240 and remote start was $495. With destination charges of $900, my test 2018 Kia Stinger G2 stickered at $53,255.

> 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.

As the 2018 car show season commences, Carlisle Events is gearing up for its always impressive car show schedule. Drawing more than half a million attendees annually to its shows at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, Carlisle Events’ shows are the place to be for those involved in the car/truck hobby. Every year Carlisle Events never ceases to amaze their attendees with new and exciting features for every show. The expectations for this year are no different as Carlisle Events furthers its relationship with A&A Auto Stores in 2018. A&A officially comes on board as the Official Performance Parts Installer for Carlisle Events and the Presenting Sponsor of Carlisle Truck Nationals.

Much like Carlisle Events, A&A Auto Stores started as a family business in 1958. Sixty years later, A&A Auto Stores continues to be a leader in the aftermarket auto parts industry. With 18 locations in Eastern and Central Pennsylvania, A&A Auto is showing no signs of slowing down. In January, A&A Auto Stores opened its newest retail location and install shop at 1053 Harrisburg Pike, less than a mile from the Carlisle Fairgrounds.

Over the years, A&A has come to be a household name within the Carlisle Event community and Ed Scholly of Carlisle Events was here when A&A and Borla Performance representatives introduced exhaust sales and installations to Corvettes at Carlisle more than a decade ago.

“I’m not sure it was part of the plan, but a FREE install offer on an exhaust sale turned into a line of Corvettes,” noted Scholly. The rest is history as A&A continues to offer FREE installations of exhaust systems at all of Carlisle’s car and truck show events,” continued Scholly. “Due to the high demand of customers, A&A Auto Stores’ footprint at many of the Carlisle specialty car shows has significantly grown. They offer exhaust installations from leading brands like: Magnaflow, Borla, Corsa, Flowmaster, Billy Boat and Kooks, and others for the convenience of Carlisle show participants. Along with exhaust installations, A&A brings a wide variety of automotive products, accessories and expert knowledge to each Carlisle event including a comprehensive product line of truck and off-road performance parts from suppliers like Extang, Trail FX, K&N, AFE, Volant, American Car Craft, Edelbrock, and Titan Lifts just to name a few.

“Being named Presenting Sponsor of Truck Nationals is a perfect honor for A&A Auto Stores as it fits perfectly into our mission of providing the biggest selection of aftermarket accessories and OEM parts to truck owners in the industry,” said Rudy Forlenza, Director of Retail Operations for A&A Auto Stores. He adds, “Carlisle Events brings together enthusiasts from all over the country each year genuinely interested in discovering new suppliers and products. We are enthusiasts too and take tremendous satisfaction in knowing that A&A is in the position to get them what they need regardless of what make or model truck they own.” A&A Auto Stores will be offering exhaust installations and more on the Manufacturers Midway throughout Truck Nationals weekend, August 3-5
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The 2018 Carlisle Events’ “home” schedule kicks off with Spring Carlisle starting April 18. As the Official Performance Parts Installer, A&A Auto Stores will also be there in addition to five more events throughout the summer. Stop by their tent to see what all of the excitement is about. Details on the Carlisle Truck Nationals and Carlisle Events’ season, including links to buy tickets, passes or showfield registration, are available online at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

The Toyota Tacoma debuted in America in 1995, and was marketed as a compact pick-up, a designation it held through 2004. The second generation was classified as mid-size, and following a full third-generation redesign for 2016, the 2018 Tacoma remains the best-selling mid-size pickup as it has for 11 years running.

For 2018, Tacoma adds a safety enhancement, as all Tacoma models gain Toyota Safety Sense-P. This equips Tacoma with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System, Automatic High Beams and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control -- all as standard.

Other changes include a minor grille update to the SR and SR5 grades, a darker mesh grille for the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road grades, and the Tacoma Limited features an updated Satin Chrome grille and offers a new black leather-trimmed interior. The 5-speed manual transmission is discontinued for 2018, though the 6-speed manual transmission remains available on certain models.

My test Tacoma, in Limited trim, came loaded with such standard items as a deck rail system, color-keyed bumper, overfenders and chrome-accented door handles, front dual automatic climate control, leather-trimmed seats and leather shift lever and tilt/telescopic steering wheel, 18-inch polished alloy wheels, power tilt/slide moonroof, power sliding rear window and power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators. Also standard on Limited, are cruise control, Smart key system with push button start, rear sonar parking assist, blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, Entube™ Premium JBL Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, Qi-Compatible Smartphone charging, and lots more.

Designed in Newport Beach, California, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, Tacoma employs extensive use of high-strength steel in the frame and hot-stamped ultra-high strength steel in the body for a strong foundation for hard work, hard play, and durability. All Tacoma models are equipped with double wishbone coil-spring front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension with staggered outboard-mounted gas shocks for a steady on-road ride and solid off-road driving capabilities.

While Tacoma does not offer a regular cab, it does come in Access Cab (an extended cab with rear-hinged rear doors) and Double Cab (crew cab with conventional rear doors configurations. Tacoma Access Cab and Double Cab models are built on a 127.4-inch wheelbase with a 60.5-inch bed, or a 73.7-inch longbed on a 140.6-inch wheelbase. My test Tacoma was the base 4x4 with an Access Cab, and it measured 212.3 inches long, 74.4 inches wide and 70.6 inches high with 9.4 inches of ground clearance. My test truck weighed in at 4445 lbs. with a 4x4 Double Cab and had a tow rating of 3500 lbs. (an optional tow package is rated at 6,500 lbs.).

Powerwise, Tacoma presents two engine options. The more economical engine is the 2.7-liter inline 4-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve cast iron block system with aluminum alloy head and VVT-i. With the 2WD 6-speed manual, it is EPA rated at 19mg/city and 23mpg/highway, and the 4WD manual is estimated at 19/21 (the 6-speed automatic gets an 19/23 estimate). The inline-4 provides 159 hp and 180 lbs-ft of torque.

My test Tacoma 4x4 automatic was powered by the larger and more powerful aluminum block 3.5-liter Direct and Port Injection, Atkinson Cycle V-6 engine with Variable Valve Timing-Intelligent Wider Intake and Variable Valve Timing-Intelligent Exhaust. EPA rated at 18/23 for 4WD automatic, I averaged 20.6mpg in mixed-use driving. The uptick in power starts with an electronic fuel-injected system, gaining the system a rating of 278 hp and 265 lbs-ft of torque. I found the Tacoma willing to transport heavy loads and it was quick-for-niche on the highway and the track, with a dash from zero to 60mph in 8.1 seconds and a quarter-mile completed in 16.4.

Tacoma’s sturdy suspension was firm on the road and capable for soft off-road activities, while its rack-and-pinion power steering is better at slow speeds than high-speeds and can be non-intuitive at times.

With seating capacity for four (2/front and 2/cab), Tacoma provides 39.7 inches of headroom in row one and 34.9 in the cab, 42.9 inches of first row legroom, and a tight 32.6 inches in the Double Cab. Shoulder room measures 58.8 inches in front with 56.5 for the rear passengers.

Toyota offers 6 basic trims in 30 configurations, including 2x4 or 4x4 setups, multiple bed sizes, cab designs and engines with each trim. Tacoma trims for 2017 include SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited and TRD Pro. The base Tacoma SR with Access Cab starts at $25,200 and runs through the TRD Pro at $41,520. My test Tacoma in Limited trim started at $40,215 with the 3.5-liter engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, 4x4 setup, a Double Cab and Short bed.

My test Tacoma in Magnetic Gray Metallic paint with a Black Leather interior added a hard tri-fold tonneau cover for $650; Black, 5-inch oval tube steps (running board) for $469; all-weather floor liners and door sill protectors added $228; a bed mat was $120; a very useful BedStep for easy access to the inside of the bed added $300; door edge guards were $140 and delivery and processing added $995, for a price-as-tested of $42,122.


> 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.

Most guests who show a car at Carlisle have the need for speed, though many choose to simply show rather than go. There are a select few; however, that like to do both. At this year’s Corvettes at Carlisle, presented by Corvette America, Carlisle Events and the Cumberland Valley Corvette Club are joining forces to offer a safe, yet competitive outlet for those who have the “drive” to go fast.

The event itself runs August 23-26, 2018 and welcomes over 5,000 Corvettes spanning every generation of the brand. Of course, only a hand full of those speed machines will hit the track, but for those that do, it’ll be a new and improved experience.

Autocross is sponsored by Lingenfelter Performance and supported by the Cumberland Valley Corvette Club in 2018. In past years, Autocross was a few days of driving the course for a $20 fee and logging times. It was an effective way to test a driver’s skill and push the car to extremes, but with fun and competition in mind, some tweaks have been made.

All-New this year, Friday and Saturday morning will host practice and qualifying sessions, with mid-morning Saturday hosting the competition itself. It’s open to all registered Fun Field guests and the $20 fee remains.
With times gleaned from the practice/qualifying laps, the top 8 cars will return for the championship round. In bracket form, 8 becomes 4, 4 becomes 2 and then those 2 will compete until there’s a clear-cut King of Auto-X! The winner and their Corvette will be recognized on the stage later in the day and be awarded a prize pack, including $1,000 CASH via Lingenfelter Performance. All of the honors take place as part of the Saturday stage activities which help wrap the on-site fun.

“Corvettes get better and better each year,” noted event manager and co-owner of Carlisle Events Lance Miller. “They accelerate quicker, stop on a dime and handle like a million-dollar exotic. The demand to drive your Corvette to the limit continues to grow and we at Corvettes at Carlisle understand this,” continued Miller. “That’s why we incorporated the autocross. In fact, new this year we’ll have more of a competition associated with autocross happening Friday and Saturday. It’s a competition, it’s for fun and best of all, it sponsored by Lingenfelter Performance and supported by our friends at the CVCC! Not only is it fun to do but it’s fun to watch – we’re excited to add the shootout to the schedule and look forward to seeing more Corvettes on the track than ever before!”

Registration for the 2018 event is now open as is the ability to buy single day tickets. Complete info on both can be found at CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

Five years into its fourth generation, and a year removed from a solid style refreshening, the Subaru Forester remains a sports utility ride for the granola-and-fresh water brigade. It gained a following among those who genuinely love the “forest” portion of the name, despite the fact that very few Forester owners really take their vehicles off road or deep into the woods.

Beginning with its first incarnation in 1997, the Forester replaced the Impreza Gravel Express in Japan, which was marketed in the U.S. as the Subaru Outback Sport. Perhaps a crossover from the beginning, even before the term existed, Subaru gave its early version the slogan: “SUV tough, car easy.” This fourth-gen model is marketed as a crossover, employing the versatility of a minivan, car and small sports-ute in its abilities.

Last year, Forester upgraded its architecture, styling, interior niceties and safety – resulting in a Top Safety Pick+ rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2018 Forester is a top IIHS pick again and has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Association’s (NHTSA’s) highest overall safety rating of five stars.

After the 2017 augmentations, the 2018 Subaru Forester adds only minor upgrades including a new Black Edition that combines distinctive style with substantial equipment upgrades -- and a black-out finish on wheels, body trim and grille and extends into the cabin with black cloth upholstery and black gloss dashboard trim; Active Torque Vectoring now standard on the 2.0XT Touring trim; Touring models now feature EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard and EyeSight-equipped models gain High Beam Assist and Reverse Auto Braking.

With unitized body construction, ring-shaped frame reinforcement safety structure, Forester presents a raked windshield, character lines in the hood, chiseled front end,
projector headlights and LED taillights. Considered within the industry as a compact crossover SUV, the Forester’s 103.9-inch wheelbase supports its 181.5-inch length, 70.7-inch width and 66.4-inch height with ground clearance of 8.7 inches. Curbweight for the 2.5-liter engine models is about 3400 lbs., with the 2.0-liter turbo models weighing in at about 3700 lbs.

Inside, the Forester cabin is intuitive, with controls, alerts and items that are easy to use and read, and placed where you’d expect them to be without consulting the manual. My test drive in 2.5i Premium trim was outfitted with 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, reclining rear seatback, cloth upholstery, automatic climate control, STARLINK™ 7-inch Multimedia Plus audio/communication system, six speakers, analog gauges with LCD display and color multi-function display.

The cabin is roomy with good sightlines, and offers 41.4 inches of front headroom with 39.8 inches in the rear seats. Legroom is 43.0 inches on row one and 38.0 inches in row two, with shoulder room of 57.0 and 56.5.

Available with two engine choices, Forester comes with either a 2.0-liter turbo or a 2.5-liter engine. The 2.0 turbo puts out 250hp and 258 lbs.-ft. of torque, and the 2.5 delivers 170 horses and 174 lbs.-ft. Fuel economy is rated at 26mpg/city, 32mp/highway and 28mpg combined for the 2.5i with an automatic transmission, and the 2.0 turbo is rated at 23/city, 27/highway and 25/combined for automatic. My test 2.5i Premium Forester averaged 28.1mpg in mixed-use driving over snow-covered streets and less-than-perfect interstates.

While turbo tests have come in at a swift 6.8 seconds for a zero-to-60mph dash and a 15.3-second quarter-mile, my test Forester in 2.5-liter configuration was not as quick, but was slow and steady, with the sprint finished in 8.7 seconds, en route to a 16.8-seond quarter-mile. Acceleration was predictable and powerful enough to pass at speed, and the handling was more carlike than trucklike.

The suspension was a bit stiff – good for drivers, but less-so for passengers, with a 4-wheel independent setup -- MacPherson-type struts, lower L-arms, coil springs and stabilizer bar up front and a double wishbone rear with pillow ball joint mount, coil springs and stabilizer bar.

The 2018 Subaru Forester is available in six trim options -- four for the 2.5i and two for the 2.0XT. The 2.5i bases at $22,795; the 2.5i Premium starts at $25,695; the 2.5i Limited begins at $29,395 and the 2.5i Touring starts at $33,090. All 2.5i models base with manual transmissions and the 2.0XTs are automatic. The 2.0XT Premium bases at $29,495 and the 2.0XT Touring starts at $36,090.

My test drive was the economical 2.5i Premium, with a Panoramic Sunroof and AWD. The automatic transmission added the Lineartronic Continuously Variable (automatic) transmission for $500. My test drive added an All-Weather Package with windshield wiper de-icer, heated side mirrors and heated front seats for $500; the Eye Sight Driver Assist Technology Package added blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, fog lights, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning and lane keep assist for an additional $1195 (packaged with the all-weather package for a total of $1695); an auto-dimming mirror was $344; rear cargo tray was $79.99; body side molding was $267; door edge guards were $155; remote engine starter added $455; rear bumper cover was $98; rear seatback protector was $93 and destination and handling added $915, for a sticker-as-tested of $30,296.

> 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.