This year Corvette marks 65 years of production, and 55 years ago, Corvette gave birth to the historic Corvette Grand Sport (GS), a light-weight, factory-built speed machine built to compete on domestic and foreign race tracks. Only five hand-assembled cars were built, and they were all driven by racing Hall of Famers including A.J. Foyt, Roger Penske, Jim Hall, Bob Bondurant, Dick Guldstrand and Dick Thompson.

The originals raced with various engines, but the most common among the plants used was the GS engine, an all-aluminum 377ci small-block V-8 with four Weber side-draft carburetors, combining to stampede out 550 horses. The classic was brought back in 1996 with a limited-edition Grand Sport -- only 1000 1996 Grand Sports were built -- offering a 330hp LT4 V-8 engine that produced 340 lb-ft of torque.

Reborn again in 2010, Grand Sport continues in its Corvette Gen-7 (C7) configuration in Coupe and Convertible versions that utilize a lightweight architecture, track-honed aerodynamics package, and a naturally aspirated engine. Architecturally, Grand Sport borrows from Stingray design cues with a touch of Z06, including the front grille and wider rear fenders, which give it an aggressive stance and a wide track. The front and rear wheels are offset, measuring 19 by 10 inches up front with bigger and wider 20-by-12-inch wheels in the rear, covered in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires for solid traction.

Building on its 2017 packages, Grand Sport updates for 2018 with such new features as a higher-resolution rear view (back-up) camera; a new distinctive Carbon 65 Edition exterior package; enhanced Head-Up Display rotation setting; standard HD digital radio; Spice Red convertible top; Ceramic brakes offered as stand-alone option; available Performance Data Recorder/Cosworth Toolbox that offers four additional data channels: individual wheel speeds, individual suspension displacements, yaw rate and intake and ambient air temperatures; and several upscale exterior and interior cosmetic upgrades.

Looking nostalgically sharp and aerodynamically refined, the GS measures a sculpted 176.9 inches long, a wide-body road-hugging 77.4 inches wide, and stable 48.7 inches high on a 106.7-inch wheelbase. Iconically, it personifies Corvette from every angle.

The 2018 Grand Sport lives up to its performance legacy. Weighing in at 3487 lbs. for the Convertible, GS has power to launch with its cast aluminum LT1 6.2-liter V-8 VVT with direct injection and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation). The engine roars out 460hp and 465 lb-ft of torque and can be mated to either a 7-speed manual with Active Rev Match or an 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. The automatic is heavy and adds $1725 to the cost, and the manual is much more fun, so we went with the stick.

With its precise seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching, my test GS, which was tuned only as a dealership drive-off is tuned, raced through the sprint in 3.9 seconds en route to a tire-smoking 12.3-second quarter-mile (hand-timed).

The GS hugged the pavement during quick-maneuvers, with StabiliTrak electronic stability control, and variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assist that responded well to provide a low-to-the pavement, accurate driving experience, and its short/long arm (SLA) double-wishbone front suspension with cast aluminum control arms, transverse-mounted composite spring, monotube shocks mated to an SLA rear with the same set-up delivered track-worthy road feel and highway-comfortable passenger pampering.

EPA-estimated at 16 mpg/city and 25 mpg/highway for a manual shift, my pedal-mashing, tire-smoking tests yielded an average of 16.3 mpg.

Inside, my Grand Sport Convertible cockpit was cozy and secure. With the top down, wind-in-your hair excitement embodies Corvette, and with the top closed, the driver and passenger are surrounded by leather, electronics and comfortable seating, with headroom a comfy 38 inches, legroom a vast 43 inches and shoulder and hip room an indulgent 55 and 54 inches.

For base Corvettes, the 2018 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe starts at $56,590, and the Grand Sport, offered in 1LT, 2LT and 3LT trims, starts with the base Coupe (1LT) beginning at $66,590, and the base Convertible priced at $70,590 (both including $1095 in destination and freight charges). The Convertible is assembled in rear-wheel-drive with a 9-speaker Bose® audio system, three seat color options and two 8-inch HD color displays for the 1LT. The 2LT trim starts at $75,045 and adds console and door panels in interior color, lumbar/wing adjust, heated/vented seats, seat emblems and more. My test ride was the top trim 3LT. Priced at $80,335, my GS 3LT added a custom leather-wrapped interior, sueded microfiber upper interior trim, Performance Data Recorder (optional on 1LT/2LT) and Napa leather seating surfaces. Premium paint can cost $995, but my test ride was in Arctic White and a Blue Convertible Top at no extra charge. A Blue Center Hood and Trunk Stripe (for an additional $995) and Torch Red hash marks played well together and required Premium floor mats with Grand Sport logo, and GS Heritage package for $1790. Adrenaline Red perforated Napa leather seats were onboard for an exciting cockpit look, and we could have added a carbon fiber rear spoiler for $2520 or other carbon fiber aesthetics as well as a plethora of cosmetic decals and enhancements, but my GS was cool enough as it was and the net price-as-tested was $82,715.

You can see the 2018 Corvette Grand Sport and more than 5,000 Corvettes that cross the 65-year history of America’s sports car, at the world’s largest Corvette event – 2018 Corvettes at Carlisle, August 23-25 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. The event represents all generations of “America’s Classic Sports Car,” and includes burnouts, autocross competition, a huge swap meet and a parade through downtown Carlisle. And there are fun events lined up for the entire family.


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.

Carlisle Events has something special for our loyal patrons at Fall Carlisle. Gain VIP access plus add-on goodies and perks via the all-new VIP Power Picker program. This special VIP feature helps you get in, get everything you want and get out with ease. Here’s how it works!

For just $99, the pass gives its holder access to the grounds for all five days of Fall Carlisle, plus early access starting Monday of event week. From sun up to sun down, you’ll get the same access as vendors at Carlisle! In addition, you get ON GROUNDS parking just inside of Gate 5. Parking will be in CD or CE (car coral) rows on the east side of the grounds and spaces are first come-first served. If you need an additional space for trailer parking or a flatbed you will need to buy an additional space for $50 per space. Also, if you have a passenger who doesn’t want the VIP treatment, they will need to pay either $12 per day or $35 for a five-day pass. Now that you’re on-site, Carlisle Events wants to help you shop with ease. As part of your access, you’ll get a FREE canvas shopping tote sponsored by Hemmings Motor News, FREE direct taxi service from your parking space to a drop spot of your choosing and FREE parts hauling from pick up to your space.

In addition, via Hemmings, you’ll get your very own Hemmings window decal, a discount of nearly $7 off to become a subscriber to THE automotive bible, Hemmings Motor News, a FREE coffee voucher from Shuman’s concessions on the west end of the food court, a FREE pre-qualified bidders badge for the three-day auction, powered by Carlisle Auctions (if pre-qualified 14 days prior to the event), a VIP lanyard and Badge identifying you as a VIP Power Picker and, of course, the pride in the fact that you’re coming to Carlisle to buy, sell and trade all things automotive.

Come hungry, leave happy…right? As if all of this wasn’t enough of a selling point, how about this? You also get two meal tickets, one for Thursday and the other for Friday, at our neighboring auction at the Carlisle Expo Center. Thursday and Friday meals are served between approximately 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Much like on-site parking, food is available while supplies last. Again, this cost is just $99 for the entire five-day event but has a retail value of much, much more! Plus, even more goodies will be coming your way before Fall Carlisle starts in October. You may also obtain Power Picker status on a per-day basis of $40, if there is space available. Certain restrictions may apply.

If you’re a VIP Power Picker, then you’re a privileged enthusiast who knows a good deal when you see it. Register today online at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855 and don’t miss out on the fun.

Trucking forward with new front-end freshening, Toyota’s Texas-assembled Tundra full-size pickup continues in its third generation that began in 2014, with several tweaks that attend to safety and looks.

The most hyped change for the 2018 Tundra is the addition of a new TRD Sport package. TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, so the package includes an upgraded Tundra TRD Sports chassis, TRD anti-sway bars and sport-tuned TRD Bilstein shocks. A TRD shift knob and floormats complete the look inside. The new TRD Sport package gets its own look with body-color surround for the honeycomb-style grille, color-keyed mirrors, bumpers and hood scoop, and it rides on 20-inch silver-painted aluminum alloy wheels with black accents.

But all 2018 Tundras get a front-end look and the Platinum grade goes for elegance with an updated black honeycomb grille and body-color surround. Tundra’s 2018 front end features new grille designs and headlamps, a new mesh look complemented by halogen headlights with a black bezel on the base SR and SR5 trims, and a billet-style grill and LED headlights for Tundra Limited and 1794 Edition. Also for this year, the advanced Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) system is now standard on all Tundra grades; and reflecting ongoing trends in the segment, the Regular Cab models have been discontinued, leaving an all-four-door lineup with the Double Cab and extra-roomy CrewMax models.

Assembled exclusively in San Antonio, Texas, the Toyota Tundra lives up to the state’s “big” personality by offering a plethora of possible configurations, plus, a towing capacity of up to 10,200 pounds. Tundra presents a bold and confident stance, a powerful demeanor and sculpted elegance. Additionally, the front and rear bumpers use three-piece construction for reduced repair costs, and all CrewMax models have a power vertical sliding rear window.

My Tundra 4x4 CrewMax test ride measured 228.9 inches long with a standard short bed. Its width was 79.9 inches and height was 76.2 inches on a 145.7-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance came in at 10.4 inches and curbweight was 5670 lbs. Towing capacity for the Platinum Crew Max with a 5.5-ft. short bed is 9,800 lbs. in 4x4 configuration and the 5.7-liter engine.

Tundra links a 6-speed automatic overdive transmission mated to either of two engine choices. The 2018 pick-up truck comes standard with the 4.6-liter i-Force DOHC EFI V-8 that provides 310 hp 327 lbs.-ft. of peak torque and is EPA rated at 14mpg/city and 18mpg/highway in 4x4. The 5.7-liter i-Force DOHC EFI V-8 that powered my test truck is the more popular choice among buyers. It is muscular and delivers 381 hp and 401 lbs.-ft. of peak torque. The 5.7-liter is offered in both gasoline and Flex Fuel variants, and in 4x4 configuration is EPA rated at 13 city/17 highway. A week of mixed-used driving averaged 15.2 mpg.

In acceleration tests, Tundra’s power source was attentive, but noisy. Torque was good in all ranges, and brawn was consistent and plentiful. On the highway, uphill grades and passing at speed were accomplished easily, and on the track, my Tundra Platinum completed a zero to 60mph in 6.5 seconds during a 15.1-second quarter-mile.

Tundra Platinum’s interior is comfortable, thoughtfully constructed and its large knobs can be operated while wearing work gloves. The info gauges are grouped in a clear, easy-to-see design and there’s a center-mounted multi-information (LCD) display screen.

The cabin is filled with high-tech infotainment items and sightlines are clear. Tundra’s Crew Max Cab offers seating for five or six and provides 39.7 inches of front headroom and 38.9 inches for rear cab occupants. Legroom is 42.5 inches up front and 42.3 in the rear, and shoulder room is 65.7 inches (front) and 65.5 inches (rear). Platinum’s added amenities include dual-zone air conditioning; 12-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, memory and a 4-way power passenger’s seat -- both upscaled with heat and ventilation.

Available in six trims with 14 variations (cabs and 4x2 vs. 4x4), 2018 Toyota Tundras start at $34,370 for the SR trim with the 4.6-liter V-8. The SR5 loses the tow package and is priced lower, at $33,030. The Limited trim is next, at $43,635 and comes with the 5.7-liter V-8; the Platinum trim I tested starts at $50,330 as does the 1794 Edition.

The Platinum trim comes with the 381hp, 5.7-liter V-8 engine, Crew Max cab and 5.5-ft. bed. Mine was bathed in Smoked Mesquite (brownish) paint mated to a Premium Black leather interior. The Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade added $1195 and also included running boards. All-Weather floor liners added $149; a Bed Extender added $320; a bed mat was $139; a Bed Step was $275; Skid Resistor™ Bedliner with deck rail added $395; Black Tailgate Insert added $99; and Delivery, processing and handling added $1395, for a sticker-as-tested of $53,582.

The Platinum trim starts with the CrewMax and 5.5-ft. Short Bed configuration, and my test truck came in Magnetic Gray Metallic accented by a Black leather interior. Running Boards added $345; a Skid Resistor™ Bedliner added $365; Bed Tie-Down Cleats added $142; All-Weather Floor Liners added $139; Glass Breakage Sensor added $299; key finder added $79; and a Remote Engine Starter added $499. With an $1195 delivery, processing and handling fee, the price as tested came to $51,553.

> 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.

CARLISLE, PA – Evolution and change are a part of life…and business. For 2019, Carlisle Events is pleased to announce a quartet of schedule modifications and enhancements to its season schedule. The changes affect Chevrolet Nationals weekend, Chrysler Nationals weekend, Hurst Nationals weekend and the single day Carlisle Auctions event known as the Summer Sale.

The event seeing the most benefit from these changes is the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals. Launched in 2001, the event has long embraced all things General Motors. This includes marques like Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Hummer, Saturn and more. Annually drawing over 100 years of history on display, the event recently welcomed Team Chevrolet to the mix beginning in 2017. For 2019, they’ll be back as will two brand new features which give guests even more bang for their buck.

New to 2019, Chevrolet Nationals weekend will feature a Hurst-specific display. This display comes off the strength of two great Hurst-centric events held in 2017 and 2018 as part of the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals. While the Hurst showcase leaves Chrysler weekend in July, it’ll now spotlight some of the best Hurst vehicles in the region. The display will be located near the crossroads of the grounds and is being planned as a 15-20 car feature. In addition, there will be some Hurst-themed memorabilia and efforts will be made to entice Hurst engineers who have attended in years past to return for the 2019 event. There will also be Hurst-centric seminars planned throughout the event too.

Another terrific addition to Chevrolet Nationals weekend is the aforementioned Carlisle Auctions Summer Sale. Originally held as a stand-alone event in 2018, the Carlisle Auctions team brings its fast-paced brand of excitement to Chevrolet weekend. Again, a one-day event in 2019, the Summer Sale will feature over 200+ classic and collector cars for sale, including two brand-specific power hours. These hours will include one dedicated to trucks with another focused on the General Motors family of vehicles. The auction will be held on Saturday, June 22 at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center and offers a FREE shuttle to move guests between the two facilities plus FREE spectator admission.

Further, as it relates to Chevrolet weekend, guests will have an easier time to enjoy all that the weekend has to offer in 2019. All-new for 2019, the Chevrolet Nationals will run just two days, Friday and Saturday, June 21 and 22. All events historically held Sunday morning (except for the worship service) will now take place Saturday evening following burnouts and beauty. This change should also increase participation in the awards parade and offer an enhanced turnout for coolest and largest club recognitions.

Finally, an obvious secondary result in the Hurst feature moving to Chevrolet weekend is that the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals will return to just a single-event weekend. Chrysler weekend will continue to utilize the Carlisle Expo Center with its popular Thursday night kickoff party hosted by the Mopar Rebellion Car Club. In addition, staff will discuss additional ways to utilize the facility during what has rapidly become the premier all-Mopar event in the world.

Complete details about the remaining events on the 2018 Carlisle Events calendar as well as updated 2019 details as they become available can be found via www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855. Don’t delay on getting involved because 2019 season starts January 18 with Auto Mania in Allentown.

It wasn’t quite record setting, but close! The 2018 Carlisle Truck Nationals presented by A&A Auto Stores welcomed guests ranging from just born to the most grizzled of enthusiasts to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds to celebrate all things truck. Be it monster trucks, big rigs, custom vans or standard light trucks, families flocked to Carlisle to soak it all in between August 3-5, 2018. From the time the gates opened at 7 a.m. on Friday until the final truck loaded out on Sunday, there was a familiar level of excitement in the air. 2018’s event ended up being the third largest over the last 10 years at Carlisle!

Friday highlights included the first of multiple shows by the Timberworks Lumberjack show as well as the Samson and Bad News monster trucks. FMX Motocross stunt riders also defied gravity, soaring through the air with ease and as the monster trucks wreaked havoc in their competition area, Virginia Giant did its best to bring smiles to the faces of all guests via rides, including over crushed cars.

Another great feature of Friday was the first of what would be a weekend of awards. Carlisle Elite selections were made throughout the day, with winners that included rides from the Vanner display, Big Rig showfield as well as the standard truck showfield too.

As Friday transitioned to Saturday, the real turnout occurred. The rush of trucks and truck enthusiasts swarmed the grounds in ways not seen in years. Sunny skies and the desire to check out the trucks, swap meet and activities had the grounds hopping all day and into the night. More monster truck shows, more lumberjack shows, more FMX shows and more informative walkarounds from A&A and Extang helped make the day a smashing success.

When the sun went down in the west of Carlisle and the smoke settled from the burnout contest, the fairgrounds came to life with sparks and a glow. First up was the always popular drop and drag which was followed up by the big rigs turning on the lights on for their glow show. The rig turnout in 2018 was above and beyond last year’s showcase and included fleets and job recruitment, lots of job recruitment.

It all wrapped on Sunday with two awards parades, one for the rigs and another for the standard trucks. There was also one last go around for the monster trucks, FMX riders and lumberjacks before everyone hit the road for home. 2019 dates are firmed up and plans are ongoing now for the event, taking place August 2-4. Details can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com.