Not to be confused with the half-million-dollar Ford GT, the much more affordable Ford Mustang GT is an exciting trim level of the world’s top-selling muscle sports coupe for the last five years running, the Ford Mustang. The vehicle that originated the “Pony Car” in 1964, Mustang became the most successful Ford launch since the Model-A, and in the ensuing 56 years, Mustang has sold nearly 10 million vehicles to lay claim to being the greatest-selling Pony Car of all-time.

Mustang underwent its last complete redesign in 2015, and while it freshened for 2018 with a sleek refined design, advanced tech and improved performance enhancements, Mustang comes back for 2020 with few changes, but performance is key. Rekindling Mustang’s golden age of performance, Ford has added nine separate performance variants to its lineup. Two of the best additions are the entry-level Mustang EcoBoost that gets an all-new performance package that adds 20 horses to the setup and aero suspension and brake components; and the upper echelon Shelby GT500 gains a Carbon Fiber Track Package.

Also for 2020, the exterior color palette changes, as Rapid Red, Iconic Silver, Grabber Lime, and Twister Orange are new, and Ingot Silver, Ruby Red Metallic, Orange Fury Metallic, and Need for Green are all retired. Inside, passenger seats are now only four-way power as opposed to six-way power, FordPass Connect is now standard on all models, and outside, there are two new wheel designs, 

Mustang gallops to you in fastback and convertible designs, with an aggressive grille and Pony insert, rounded, sleek lines and muscle-car athleticism. The 2020 Mustang Fastback GT model I tested measured 188.5 inches long and 75.4 inches wide. Height is 54.3 inches for the Fastback and 54.9 for the Convertible, on a 107.1-inch wheelbase. With the 5.0-liter engine, the Fastback GT with a manual transmission weighs 4398 lbs. – as much as 600 lbs. heavier than a standard Mustang trim. 

Performance and power have been signature Mustang attributes for most of its 56 years, and the 2020 engines continue the legacy. EcoBoost models have a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine stampeding 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, and the high-performance option adds 20 hp to that. The 5.0-liter V-8 that powered my Mustang GT growled out 460 hp and 420 lb-ft, and the Shelby GT350 is powered by a 5.2-liter V-8 that thunders out 526 hp and 429 lb-ft. Above that, the Shelby GT500 rocket blasts out 760 horses and 625 lb-ft. – that’s 100 hp and 75 lb-ft more than the Ford GT super coupe produces. All Mustangs are rear-wheel drive and come with a 6-speed manual transmission. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is optional on all except the Shelby.

My test Mustang GT was a willing tire-smoker when called upon. My track tests included a  zero-to-60mph dash in 4.3 seconds (hand-timed), to start a 12.5-second (hand-timed) quarter-mile. On the highway, my Mustang GT accelerated past traffic with ease, aerodynamically hugged the pavement, cornered with autocross precision, shifted smoothly and smoothed out most road imperfections while maintaining a solid driver’s feel for the road. The Mustang GT is EPA rated at 15mpg/city, 25mpg/highway with the manual transmission, and I averaged 17.7mpg in mixed-use, heavy-footed tests.

Inside, the cabin is upscale, comfortable and tech-savvy. Headroom is tight for taller drivers and passengers and cozy for average-size inhabitants, with 37.6 inches (Fastback) in row one and 34.8 in row two. Legroom is spacious up front at 45.1 inches and a knees-in-the-chest 29.0 inches in row two. Shoulder room measures 56.3 in front and 52.2 in the rear.

The 2020 Ford Mustang is available in Fastback and Convertible configurations and a total of 11 trim choices. The Fastback comes in five trims: EcoBoost® Fastback ($26,670); EcoBoost® Premium Fastback ($31,685); GT Fastback ($35,880); GT Premium Fastback ($39,880) – this is the trim I tested and it upped the ante with Leather-Trimmed Heated and Cooled Front Seats, SYNC®3, Heated Mirrors with Integrated Turn Signal Indicators, Selectable Drive Modes with Toggle Switches and a 9-Speaker Stereo added to the base Mustang GT; and The Bullitt™ trim starts at $47,705. The Mustang Convertible has three trims: EcoBoost® Convertible ($32,170); EcoBoost® Premium Convertible ($37,185) and GT Premium Convertible ($45,380). And The Shelby GT also has three trims: the Shelby GT350 starts at $60,440; the Shelby GT500 ($72,900) and the Shelby GT350R ( 73,435).

My test GT Premium Fastback with the 5.0-liter engine, manual transmission and dual-exhaust tips upcharged $495 for Twister Orange exterior paint. Cool racing stripes would have added $475, but my test car was not striped. I am a stick-shift guy (manual 6-speed transmission with Rev Matching for the Mustang GT), and saved $1595 by not opting for the 10-Speed SelectShift® Automatic Transmission. 

The 401A Equipment Group Package added $2200 for a 12-inch LCD Digital Instrument Cluster with MyColor®, Heated Steering Wheel, Premier Trim with Color Accent Group, Accent Stitched Center Console Lid, Wrapped Knee Bolsters with Accent Stitch, Color-accented Leather-trimmed Seats, Linked Graphite Aluminum Instrument Panel, Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System, and more. The Ford Safe and Smart Package added $1000 for Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto High Beam, Lane Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support and Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers. Destination charges of $1195 put the sticker-as-tested at $44,770. 

To check out the new Mustang GT and a showcase of more than 3200 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Euro Ford vehicles spanning more than a century, visit the largest all-Ford event in the world, this year’s Carlisle Ford Nationals at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds, July 31-August 2. From trucks to muscle cars, you can see them all including a 15-year-anniversary display of the Ford GT, a 50-year celebration of Capri, and displays on Merkur, Thunderbird, Starliner, Euro Fords, Grabbers, Mustangs and more. You can also see Ford’s newest offerings in the new vehicle walk-round.

> 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>

Corvettes at Carlisle presented by Top Flight Automotive is rapidly approaching and while themes/displays were set well in advance, the cars that are part of them are starting to come together.  From August 27-30 Corvette lovers flocking to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds can enjoy some of the best of the best from the popular Bloomington Gold event as part of the annual Chip’s Choice display.  The display, named in honor of the late Chip Miller and historically selected by his son Lance since Chip’s passing, is an all-star display with an ever-evolving theme.  This year, the theme is the Best of Bloomington Gold and has been selected by their team.

Benchmark® Award Winners lace this display with each car carrying their own impressive resume for all to see within Building T during event weekend.  10 cars, eight owners – decades of history.  Seeing is believing, but in the meanwhile, here’s a little bit about each car confirmed to date direct from their owners*.

1961 Corvette Convertible 283/270 HP RPO468
Owned by: John Keane, Gwynedd Valley PA
Benchmark® Award – 2017

Passing of Time - Born: November 1960: My present owner (who is my second owner) and I teamed up in August of 1961.  We spent many happy times at the beach, at the tracks and in the mountains.  One cold wintry Christmas Eve, even though I was dressed with studded snow tires, we had to be rescued by a local fire department.  After 44 years of quiet time in my owner's garage, we decided it was time for a wake-up call.  I still maintain over 98% of all my original parts!  However, it took some dedicated prep work to bring me back to my present status.  Once again meshing gears and spinning my wheels!  I am excited to be part of the 2020 Chip's Choice, honoring Bloomington Gold Benchmark® Corvettes, and very proud to display and share my highlights, aging scars and fun times!  What a ride it has been!

My honors include:  Bloomington Gold SURVIVOR®, Gold and Benchmark®.  NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence and 5-Star Bowtie (One of four C1's to receive both awards.)  MCACN (Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals) Vintage Certified to the level of "Legend".

1964 Corvette Sport Coupe 327/375 HP L84
Owned by: Christian and Cynthia Meyer, Lafayette IN
Benchmark® Award - 2014

When he was 19 years old, the original owner (Louis) engaged in some convincing discussion, mostly with his mother, and his parents purchased him a new 64 fuel-injected Corvette (we should all be so lucky).  Louis polished it often and only took it out for drives on nice days, until fourteen (14) years later when he moved to a rural location with a dirt road.  He couldn’t endure the thought of driving the car on a dirt road, so he reluctantly sold it.  With the assistance of a few subsequent like-minded owners, the car was preserved in its current condition.

1966 Corvette Convertible 427/425 HP L72
Owned by: Linda Strohm-Dunlap, Palatine IL
Benchmark® Award - 1991

My late husband, Carl Strohm, purchased this original, unrestored 1966 Corvette 427/425 L79 in 1980 from its original owner.

In 1991, the car was invited to be displayed at the Bloomington Gold Special Collection, where it also received Gold Certification, SURVIVOR® and Benchmark® awards.  In 2016, the Corvette returned to Bloomington Gold for the 1966-2016 50th Anniversary display.  Additional awards include the NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence and 5-Star Bowtie.  NCRS has used this car on several occasions as an example of an original car for their judges' training seminars.

1967 Corvette Convertible 427/400 HP L68
Owned by: Larry Sachs, Scarsdale NY
Benchmark® Award - 2016

This 1967 Maroon / Black Vinyl interior 427/400hp is optioned with speedminder, shoulder harness, transistor ignition, factory side exhaust and a 370 rear axle.  The car was purchased in November 1966 by Thomas Bleauskas, Tobyhana PA., from Norton Chevrolet in Philadelphia.  After a long ownership , Bleauskas sold the car to the late Dana Pope, a very well known, astute, respected local Corvette enthusiast.  After enjoying the car for a few years, Pope sold the car to Peter Borchert of Buckeye, AZ.  During Peter’s ownership, from the late 90’s, he bravely and neatly removed the original gas tank sticker!  After a few years of ownership, Mr. Borchert contacted me 15 years ago and I purchased the car from him.  At that point, the car showed 31,000 original miles  Since then I have driven this original unrestored car 4,000 miles.

The car had received numerous NCRS Top Flight awards through the years and I got an NCRS Too Flight award also. I then also decided to achieve the coveted Bloomington Gold Benchmark® Award and was awarded this wonderful banner of achievement 4 years ago.  I hope you enjoyed reading about my treasured Corvette's history today!

1968 Corvette Coupe 327/350 HP L79
Owned by: Thomas Elias Sugar, Wantagh NY
Benchmark® Award - 2019

My SURVIVOR® (They are only original once!) is a 1968 Corvette delivered to Eugene Rambler at Jay Chevrolet in Haddonfield, NJ, on July 31st, 1968.  Rally Red with Black Leather interior, it is powered by the venerable 327/350 HP L79 through the M20 4-speed transmission, 3.55 Positraction Rear Axle, and Off-road Exhaust.  Notably optioned, including Rear Window Defroster, Speed Warning Indicator and Full Transistor Ignition, and wrestled (I bought the car in 15 seconds!) from the personal collection of Kevin Mackay.   This four owner, highly original all lacquer coupe’s time capsule condition belies its 55,000 Northeast miles. The Corvette still rides on OEM PT6 F70-15 Goodyear red striped tires and proudly sports a set of stunning ‘68 only PO1 Full Wheel Covers.  During the past year, and within a whirlwind three month span, (which has to be a record) the Corvette received an NCRS Top Flight, the MCACN Concours Gold and Triple Diamond, and Bloomington SURVIVOR®, Gold Certificate and Benchmark® awards!

1971 Corvette Coupe 454/425 HP LS6
Owned by: Linda Strohm-Dunlap, Palatine IL
Benchmark® Award – 2000

We purchased this amazing Corvette in 1973.  Despite the gas price war and big block Corvettes depreciating, my husband just had to have this car as soon as he heard the reverberating exhaust.  He knew the LS6 engine was very special but didn't really know how rare. (Only 188 from a total production of 21,801.)

In 2000 the Corvette was invited to the Bloomington Gold Special Collection, where it received Gold Certification, SURVIVOR® and the Benchmark® awards.  The Corvette also earned NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence and 5-Star Bowtie awards.  The LS6 was featured on the cover of the Vette Vues Fact Book 1968-72 Corvettes and in Corvette, The Legend Lives On 1968-86

1972 Corvette Convertible 350/200 HP L48
Owned by: Christian & Cynthia Meyer, Lafayette IN
Benchmark® Award – 2012

The original owner (Anne) met Elliott Marantette “Pete” Estes, then president of the Chevrolet division of GM, during a reception in 1971.  Anne told Mr. Estes of her dream to someday own a Corvette.  The following week, a loaner Corvette appeared at Anne’s home with instructions to enjoy it for a month, courtesy of Mr. Estes.  When Anne returned the loaner Corvette, she indicated her interest in ordering a new Corvette, but only if it was painted black at the factory.  The story is unclear as to how Mr. Estes was involved in the process of procuring the only documented factory black Corvette in 1972, but Anne got her wish.

1972 Corvette Convertible 350/200 HP L48
Owned by: Steve & Wendy Burns, Clarkston MI
Benchmark® Award - 2018

This 1972 Corvette was delivered new at Lloyd Bridges Chevrolet in Chelsea, Michigan on July 28^th, 1972 finished in Targa blue paint, black vinyl interior, and a black top. Power comes from the base L48 engine backed by the M20 4-speed transmission. Options include a vinyl hardtop, power brakes, AM/FM stereo, and tilt/telescopic steering column.

This 5-owner car remains largely unrestored and shows just over 31,000 miles. It retains nearly all of its original paint, interior, top, and chassis components.

To date, the car has claimed some of the top awards in the Corvette hobby. After a Bloomington SURVIVOR® award in 1992 it claimed SURVIVOR®, Gold, and Benchmark® honors in 2018 and participated in the 2019 Gold Collection. Other recent awards include NCRS Top Flight and 4-Star Bowtie, plus MCACN Concourse Gold and Triple Diamond. Its entire judging career has been published in CorvetteBlogger.com’s popular “On the Campaign Trail” series.

1978 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car 350/220 HP L82
Owned by: David Goss, Terre Haute IN
Benchmark® Award - 2018

1978 marked the first year for the Chevrolet Corvette to pace the Indianapolis 500.  Chevrolet announced they were going to build only 500 Pace car replicas.  Rumors of this limited production and media attention resulted in many buyers paying above list price.  Chevrolet revised production numbers to 6502. This allowed one for every dealer in the U.S. and Canada and a group of track cars.

Pace Car #2487 was one of only 220 four speed cars and was equipped with the higher horsepower L82 engine.  The car was sold new at Burns Chevrolet in Idaho and has under 1900 original miles.  The car has been awarded Bloomington Gold Benchmark®, NCRS 5 Star Bowtie, and MCACN Triple Diamond.

1990 Corvette ZR1 5.7L 350/380 HP LT5
Owned by: Rick Hendrick, Charlotte NC
Benchmark® Award - 2019

The ZR-1 Corvette was the performance icon of the ‘90s, with the high-tech muscle to back up its super-car reputation.  This 1990 Corvette ZR-1 was the first production car released to the public and was presented to Rick Hendrick by Jim Perkins, General Manager of Chevrolet, at the Bowling Green Assembly plant.

This historic Corvette was bestowed with Bloomington Gold 7 Generations honors as well as being a 2012 Great Hall Inductee.  This beautiful and rare C4 has been well-preserved throughout the years helping it to earn its Bloomington Gold Benchmark® Certification in 2019.  The ZR-1 featured a three-inch wider rear track, necessitated by its oversize 315/35-17 rear tires.  Under the hood and exclusive to the ZR-1 is the LT5 engine, jointly developed with Lotus and built by Mercury Marine the aluminum engine was capable of producing 380 horsepower.  The ZR-1 set new benchmark® levels of performance for Corvette.

*Please note that while 10 cars have been confirmed via eight owners, due to world events, the display may change without notice.  If there’s a specific car you’re looking to see and traveling long distances, consider calling 717-243-7855 in advance to confirm its placement.

Carlisle Events is COVID-19 compliant.  Review implemented Health Safety Measures and Advance Arrival FAQs plus great show details online now at www.CarlisleEvents.com.

I test drive everything I can get my driving gloves on for this column, from muscle cars to “Soccer-Mom” vans, and from luxury sedans to econoboxes, but seldom do I get to drive a half-million-dollar Super Car. Generally, I make my review cars daily drivers, and use them for everyday life in addition to my cruises and track tests, and usually they are my ride for a week. Well, that changed for this review, as I got my hands on a 2020 Ford GT Super Car – a three-quarter-million-dollar vehicle – but the test was only for a few hours, so I didn’t pick up groceries or building supplies, and I didn’t take a four-hour cruise in it. Nevertheless, the 120 minutes I had in this week’s test car were certainly worth it.

The quick background on the Ford GT is that it shouldn’t be confused with the Mustang GT, and that the Ford GT is a mid-engine two-seater super sports coupe that was launched in model-year 2005 as an homage to the legendary GT40 that won at Le Mans from 1966-1969. It couldn’t be called the GT40, as the “40” referenced 40-inches in height and the new version was taller; also, a British company, Safir Engineering, built continuation GT40 cars, owned the name and wanted $40 million for use of the name, so Ford went with GT. As for the height, I drove a GT40 and even at my 5-foot-9, the 40-inch-tall exterior is tough to squeeze into in the inside, admittedly, while wearing a helmet. Racers including A.J. Foyt had to remove the cushioned seats and pretty much sat on the floorboards to wedge into the GT40 during races, so the 2005 Ford GT was 44.3 inches high for better interior fit. After a two-year run, the Ford GT was on hiatus until Model-Year 2017 when its renaissance began as a two-door coupe, with more power, revised gullwing doors, more interior space, low downforce and aerodynamic efficiency, and a true look and feel of the historical GT line.

The GT40s put out 350hp, and first Ford GTs in 2005, delivered power output of 550 hp 500 lb-ft of torque. This year’s super car gains 13hp over last year and thunders out 660 hp and 550 lb-ft. With production set to conclude in 2022, Ford added a few new items for 2020, including, better cooling with gallery-cooled pistons and higher-energy ignition coils, airflow gains through new buttress air ducts designed to increase air flow by 50 percent while larger intercoolers keep charge air temperatures cooler, preserving peak power. Increased suspension damping enhances handling and body control, and Ford Performance added premium Akrapovič titanium exhaust as standard equipment.

Newly available Ford GT Liquid Carbon places an emphasis on GT’s lightweight sculpted carbon fiber body completely free of paint color. A special clearcoat punctuates each GT’s unique carbon fiber weave in this limited-edition appearance, $250,000 option. Ford has also updated the Gulf Racing Heritage Livery, which now uses a black pinstripe to divide the unique orange and blue color scheme, to invoke the look of the 1968-69 Le Mans-winning Ford GT40. For 2020 models, the number was changed from 2019’s 6 to 9 to reflect the second of the back-to-back winning GTs.

The teardrop shape of the Ford GT is the result of extensive work in the wind tunnel. At 187.5 inches long, 43.7 inches high and 78.9 inches wide on a 106.7-inch wheelbase, GT’s road hugging aerodynamics weigh in with a curbweight of 3354 lbs. Ground clearance has two settings: 4.7 inches at normal and 2.75 inches in low setting. The carbon fiber look is augmented by gullwing doors that taper towards vast vents feeding the mid-mounted engine. At each corner, forged lightweight carbon fiber 20-inch wheels complete the image. In the rear, a large wing can deploy above the twin exhaust outlets, with functional vents, diffuser round taillights and exhaust pipes shout, “look, what I’m driving.”

Inside, you get cozy seating for two with a snug 35.7 inches of headroom, 43.0 inches of legroom and 48.7 inches of shoulder room with 45.1 inches for your hips. The luxury racecar interior has all the upscale niceties, plus leather, environment controls, Driver Configurable 10.1-inch Color LCD Instrument Cluster, 6.5-inch Center LCD Touch-Screen with Swiping and Pinch-to-Zoom Capabilities, SYNC® 3 – Enhanced Voice Recognition Communications and Entertainment System, Voice-Activated Touch-Screen Navigation System, Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, Rear View Camera and more.

Rear-wheel drive power and performance start with GT’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost® twin-turbo V-6 GTDI engine and 7-Speed, Dual Clutch Automated Manual Transmission with Sequential Shift Controls Paddles. The system is throaty and growls its 660hp and 550lb-ft of torque without hesitation and in racecar fashion. Gearshifts are seamless and handling is slotcar sticky. On the road, passing was completed before I could wave goodbye. On the track, my test GT scorched the asphalt in hand-timed runs of 3.1 seconds for a zero-to-60mph sprint, and blazed the quarter-mile in 10.9 seconds -- the original GT40 was a 4.7-second dash and 13.3-second quarter-miler. The system is EPA rated at 11mpg/city, 18mpg/highway and 14mpg/combined. I averaged 14.4 mpg with tires smoking and highway sprints taking up most of the test time.

My GT test ride had no sticker, but the 2020 Ford GT starts at around $500,000, with the Liquid Carbon option added for an additional $250,000 premium; oh, and there is a gas-guzzler premium.

You can see the 2020 Ford GT and more than 3200 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Euro Ford vehicles – some vehicles more than 100 years old, some brand new and thousands in between – by visiting the largest all-Ford show in the world, this year’s Carlisle Ford Nationals at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds, July 31-August 2. From trucks to muscle cars, you can see them all. And there will be a special 15-year-anniversary display of the Ford GT, a 50-year celebration of Capri, and displays on Merkur, Thunderbird, Starliner, Euro Fords, Grabbers, Mustangs and more. You can also see Ford’s newest in the new vehicle walk-round and join in or watch the Ford Parade and Street Party in downtown Carlisle with some 400 vehicles on parade Saturday night, June 6.

> 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>

Acura raised the bar in the luxury crossover segment in 2006, when it launched RDX. Redesigned for its third generation in 2019, RDX essentially stands pat for 2020 except for a new Platinum White exterior paint scheme and a few cosmetics. Even without massive changes, RDX has received industry accolades including taking home a “2020 Best Family Luxury Car” honor by Parents magazine; earning “Best-Buy” status from Consumer Guide® and receiving top-safety pick recognition by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Preferring to load the basic vehicle and allow buyers to modify and tailor the vehicle to fit personal needs and desires, the 2020 RDX is packaged as a single model with no trim levels, but as a model that can be equipped with appropriate upwteaking packages.

Interior augmentations include Acura True Touchpad Interface™ with 10.2-inch HD display, Acura sports seats with available full-grain perforated Milano leather and up to 16-way power adjustment (12-way standard), Natural Language Voice Recognition, Frameless interior rearview mirror with integrated HomeLink™, available heated steering wheel and available Surround-View Camera System

Last year, RDX became the first in a new generation of Acura models designed and engineered around Acura's innovative Precision Crafted Performance brand values. A top-seller in the premium compact SUV niche, the current RDX generation model is the first RDX model to be designed and engineered in America, with styling design conducted in the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, California. Its development was conducted by Acura’s engineering team headquartered in Raymond, Ohio, adjacent to the RDX's manufacturing home in East Liberty, Ohio where RDX is produced, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

The 2020 RDX commands the road with an aggressive and athletic pose, long and wide stance, wheels pushed to the corners and sharply sculpted design details. RDX exterior highlights include exceptional aerodynamics with specially shaped front-end components, a rigid, lightweight and acoustically sealed chassis, purposely positioned rear spoiler, and a rounded in-motion demeanor. Premium exterior details include all-LED lighting featuring the next generation of Acura's Jewel Eye™ LED headlights and an ultra-wide power tilt and slide panoramic moonroof, standard on all grades. Measuring a robust 186.8 inches long, 65.7 inches high and 74.8 inches wide on a 108.3-inch wheelbase, RDX weighs in with curb weights of 3783 lbs. to 3829 lbs., depending on added packages. Ground clearance is a generous 8.2 inches.

The RDX power system is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations, and the luxury SUV delivers with an attentive direct-injected and turbocharged 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC inline-4-cylinder engine with VTEC® valvetrain. Mated to a niche-first 10-speed automatic transmission, the set-up delivers a peak output of 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The system shows virtually no lag, with solid off-the-line acceleration, and passing is power-plus. Uphill dominance is effortless and around-town smoothness is the order of the day. In track tests, RDX performs much better than one would expect, with steady and exciting time trials -- 5.7-second (hand-timed) zero-to-60 dash and a 14.4-second (hand-timed) quarter-mile.

While not an autocross champion, RDX handling was above average for the segment, with aggressive steering compliance, predictable understeer, a smooth and confident surface ride and average body sway and top wobble during autocross maneuvers.

From a fuel-efficiency perspective, RDX did well for the niche and met its EPA rating of 22mpg/city, 28mpg/highway and 24mpg/combined, with a mixed-use test average of 23.8 mpg.

The RDX cabin offers a high level of convenience and technology in a comfortable environment. High-end appointments fill the interior and include authentic brushed aluminum accents, available genuine Olive Ash wood trim, hand-wrapped and stitched leather trim, and soft full-grain Milano leather seating surfaces. Filled with tech, infotainment and comfort, the RDX cabin affords ample room for five, providing 40.0 inches of front headroom and 38.0 inches in row two; front legroom is 42.0 inches and rear legroom is 38.0; while shoulder room is 60.0 inches up front and 57.0 inches in the rear seats.

The 2020 Acura RDX has earned the highest possible safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).The third-generation RDX offers the highest level of standard safety and driver-assistance features in the model's history – and in its class. The AcuraWatch™ suite of driver-assistance technologies is now standard on all RDX grades, along with a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, while the Technology Package and higher grades add Blind Spot Information, front and rear parking sensors and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor.

The 2020 Acura RDX starts at $37,800 in Front-Wheel Drive. Apex Blue Pearl exterior paint required several package upgrades including changing the standard Ebony interior to Red and the standard 19-in Glitter Silver Wheels to A-Spec 20-in. Shark Gray Wheels. The change also added the $3200 Technology Package with Navigation, Premium Sound, Leather Seats and Driver Assistance; and the $3000 A-Spec® Package with Exterior Design and Interior Detail tweaks, Surround Sound and 20-Inch Wheels. I am a believer of All-Wheel-Drive in most cases, and we upgraded to Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ for $2000. With a Destination Charge of $1025, my 2020 Acura RDX test vehicle stickered at $47,425.

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.

TV hosts, TV cars, industry legends and throngs of cars/enthusiasts came to Carlisle, Pennsylvania for the annual Carlisle Chrysler Nationals car show.  From July 10-12 the grounds featured decades of history, all in once place.  In addition, there was parts shopping, special displays and more as Chrysler weekend became THE first big car show in the country for most attendees.

Things officially got up and running Thursday evening, July 9 as the Mopar Rebellion Car Club hosted its annual kick-off party at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center.  Here, over 400 cars cruised in and hundreds more mingled as music played in the background and the smell of barbeque on the grill provided the flavor of the evening.  As the sun set on the night, it ushered in the event itself, Friday, Saturday and even Sunday at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. 

With gates opening at 7 a.m. Friday morning, excitement was such that cars and enthusiasts rolled in non-stop until mid-day as they found their spot on the grounds to park and enjoy the event!  Once there, the special displays all around kept show-goers snapping photos and turning heads all day long.  Displays included ones dedicated to 50 years of the following:  Superbird, Challenger, Duster, Pro Stock and 1970 Charger, while also recognizing 25 ears of the Neon.  There was even a Survivor tent, where original/unrestored beauties sat two deep, amazing all those who passed by.

As Friday transitioned to Saturday, sunny skies and beautiful weather remained, as did the enthusiasm from everyone at Carlisle.  There was no shortage of special guests either.  Anchored by Garage Squad and All Girls Garage star Cristy Lee, the TV experts went from “as seen on TV” to “as seen at Carlisle.”  Lee was joined by Dave Rea, Butch Leal, the Golden Commandos, Herb McCandless, Joe Pappas, Ted Spehar and more.  Each spent time signing autographs, posing for photos and talking shop.  While most car owners would say their cars are the stars, there were two cars that stood out; a pair of Superbirds in Building T.  One was owned by NASCAR legend Richard Petty, the other was famously occupied by Jerry Seinfeld and Will Ferrell for the former’s program, “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.”

Another hot draw for guests, both spectator and show car owners alike, was the Hellcat thrill rides from Dodge.  While the ride only lasts about 30 seconds, it’s the ride of a lifetime for many in a stock Hellcat Charger or Challenger.  Piloted by professional drivers from Dodge, the track at Carlisle was going non-stop all weekend, leaving guests wanting more!

A few nice added touches were mixed in with all the fun on Saturday, including a mid-morning wedding and a ‘70s themed car and costume parade around the grounds.  Finally, the fun of the parade culminated with the car community recognizing a guest battling cancer with a cash donation, autographed Richard Petty cowboy hat and a special message from Richard Petty himself.

While 2020 is a wrap, the 2021 event is already taking shape.  Planned displays include 50 years of the Demon and Old Skool paint jobs just to name a few.  If you can’t wait until July 9-11, 2021…Carlisle Events has an early Mopar option for you in sunny Lakeland, Florida as part of Winter AutoFest.  This event runs February 19-21 and features a Mopar Fun Field, complete with club awards and participant voting for awards.  Learn all about each event online and check out the 2020 winner’s list now at www.CarlisleEvents.com.