The Lexus RX has been America’s best-selling luxury SUV since its introduction in 1998, and has earned a reputation as a reliable, elegant, pampering and performing utility vehicle.

RX was the first Lexus SUV, and has been its entry into the luxury crossover niche through four generations. As the category has attracted more competition, RX has refined, upgraded, teched-up and improved its line.

Two years after its introduction, the fourth-generation RX sees several changes for 2018. Most notably, the Enform Safety Connect and Enform Service Connect are now complimentary for the first 10 years of ownership. Both were previously offered with a one-year trial. Also new for 2018: a Sunroof and Blind Spot Monitoring System now available on base model; and a new Premium Package is available for the RX 450h and repositioned base model.

While the Lexus RX has been marketed as a combination of SUV versatility and luxury sedan-like comfort, it also stands out in the segment with a dramatic mix of sculpted creases and elegant curves. The focal point of the front is the Lexus signature spindle grille, set off by a lavish chrome-plated border and standard Bi-LED headlights.

The available L-shaped premium LED headlights use three unique L-shaped elements per side. The spindle theme repeats at the rear, where L-shaped LED taillights envelop the tailgate and wrap into the rear fenders. Capping off the design, quite literally, is a floating-roof effect created by elegantly blacked-out C-pillars. Where the rubber meets the road, there’s a choice of three 20-inch wheel designs. And all eleven RX paint colors feature a scratch-resistant self-restoring coat, using high-performance macromolecular polymer.

All of these elements are part of the 4387-lb. (for the AWD) RX 350 that measures 192.5 inches long, 74.6 inches wide and 67.7 inches high on a 109.8-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 8.2 inches and maximum towing capacity is 3500 lbs.

The RX 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 aluminum block engine, coupled with an 8-speed Automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission. The system delivers 295 hp and 267 lbs.-ft. of torque, and the transmission, with “intelligence”, accelerates car-like. Traveling faster than it seems when behind the wheel, passing at speed is effortless and a zero-to-60mph run was completed in 7.5 seconds during a 15.9-second quarter-mile. EPA rated at 19/26/22 for AWD, my test ride averaged the expected 22.0mpg in mixed-use tests.

The RX’s electric power rack and pinion steering with electronic power assist was not as responsive as I would have liked, and understeer was apparent, but the in-cabin experience is luxury-smooth, as the all-wheel-drive set-up and the MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and the rear double wishbone, smoothed out most road irregularities.

The cabin is loaded with intuitive, luxurious and high-tech conveniences. With seating for 5, interior dimensions are comfortable at 39.4 inches up front and 39.1 in the rear; legroom is 44.1 inches in row one and 38.0 inches in row two; and shoulder room is 57.8 and 57.6. The interior cabin is a cornucopia of amenities including automatic dual-zone climate control; dust and pollen particle and deodorizing interior air filter; dual sliding sun visors; electrochromic rearview mirror with compass; power door locks with anti-lock out feature; power tilt-and-telescopic steering column; power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature; steering wheel audio controls; Lexus Display Audio with an 8-inch screen and nine speakers; backup monitor and Bluetooth® hands-free phone and automatic phonebook download capabilities.

Safety items are also plentiful and include side impact door beams, a supplemental restraint system consisting of dual-stage and dual-chamber driver’s and front passenger’s airbag, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front side airbags, rear side curtain airbags and front and rear seat-mounted airbags; a tire pressure monitor system with available tire inflation display function; active front headrests; vehicle theft-deterrent and engine immobilizer system.

The base 2018 Lexus RX 350 starts at $43,270 in front-wheel drive and $44,670 in all-wheel drive. The seven-passenger 350L is priced at $47,670 for FWD and $49,070 for AWD; the dynamic sport-tuned RX 350F Sport starts at $48,920 (FWD) and $50,320 (AWD). The 450h (gas-electric Hybrid) starts at $45,695 in AWD, the 450hL in AWD is $50,620 and the RX 450h F Sport bases at $51,055.

My all-wheel-drive test RX 350 AWD in Nightfall Mica (Dark Blue) with a Black NuLuxe Leather with Striated Black trim interior added the $3200 Navigation/Mark Levinson® Package with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System, Navigation System, 12.3-inch color multimedia display, Lexus Enform App Suite, in-dash DVD/CD player, remote touch and climate control smog sensor. The Premium Package, for $1110, added Espresso Walnut and leather interior trim, a rear armrest storage compartment, rain-sensing wipers, leather interior trim, electrochromic power folding outside mirrors, and the Lexus Memory System. A power tilt and slide moonroof with aluminum roof rails added $1350, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking And Intuitive Parking Assist added $1065, heated front seats were $440, Touch-Free power rear door added $200, running boards were $639, body side moldings added $209 and door edge guards were $140. With delivery fees of $995 my test RX350 stickered at $51,358.


> 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.

Take a knee? Never! Not at Carlisle! Car enthusiast stand for our flag and in 2018, Corvettes at Carlisle takes it one step further by building America’s symbol of freedom with America’s Sports Car, the Corvette. The tradition continues on Friday, August 24 as part of a red, white and blue salute to our flag, our first responders and the Corvette hobby itself.

Returning for the first time since 2015, the flag is always a popular feature of Corvettes at Carlisle, presented by Corvette America. While the largest Corvette show in the world runs August 23-26, the flag display is Friday only and is comprised of 150+ Corvettes that span the history of the brand. Building the display is no easy feat either. While there are approximately 57 red Corvettes, 51 white ones and 35 blue ones, Corvettes at Carlisle also welcomes nearly a dozen silver cars (the flag pole) to round out the flag design.

Any history buff knows the story behind the flag and while this flag is made of cars instead of fabric, the message remains true - white stripes signify purity and innocence and the red signify bravery and valor. Old Glory is also home to 50 stars on a blue field representing vigilance, perseverance and justice.

The flag build takes place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and it’s a logistical sight to behold. The flag will remain in place through approximately 4 p.m. with countless photo ops available throughout. Once the flag is properly laid out, guests will see a true salute to the Red, White and Blue!

“Each year we receive requests about when we’ll be organizing another American Flag,” noted Carlisle Events co-owner and Corvettes at Carlisle event manager Lance Miller. “It takes a lot of time and patience for both the car owners and our staff, so we try not to do it every year; however, this year we felt compelled to once again construct an American Flag from Americas favorite sports car, the Corvette,” continued Miller. “This display always turns out looking amazing and truly brings goosebumps to your arms when you see it in person, this year will be no exception!”
Tickets are available now for single day or weekend access, plus Fun Field registration is ongoing too. Contact Carlisle Events today at 717-243-7855 or online at www.CarlisleEvents.com to be part of the 2018 fun at the World’s Largest all-Corvette themed weekend and this red, white and blue salute to flag and the Corvette!

Corvettes at Carlisle welcomes nearly 5,000 Corvettes to the grounds and in doing so showcases every generation ever produced. From the 1953 C1 to the new 2018 models representing the C7 era, this year’s show, presented by Corvette America will have it all. As part of this grand showcase, running August 23-25, 2018 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, Corvettes at Carlisle will shine brightly, a spotlight on the first year of the C3 and 1968 Corvettes.

The 50th Anniversary Display is a popular annual draw for Corvettes at Carlisle, but rarely can the display spotlight the first or last of a generation and that’s exactly what will happen in 2018. With 28,566 produced in ’68, they were a bargain, rolling into dealerships with a base price of $4,663. This price was just $423 more than the final year of the C2 and offered all-new removeable T-top roof panels as well as a new interior and exterior look. While the inner workings remained similar to the previous year’s model, the bells and whistles such as a three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic transmission helped make this new offering from Chevrolet a success.

As 2018 rolls on, guests at Corvettes at Carlisle can feel nostalgic about all things late ‘60s with this special display. Positioned under a tent on prime real estate, this invitational only display will host some of the best of the best from an era when LBJ was President, Vietnam was on the front page of the news and the Beatles “White Album” was released.

Of course, seeing such a display is wide open for all who attend the show. But, to be part of it as a car owner, one must register via the Carlisle Events web page (linked below). The entire display is being vetted by 50th Anniversary Display Coordinator and longtime friend of Carlisle Events, Joe Clemente. Display hopefuls will be notified in advance of the show and will get further details at that time on how they can experience Corvettes at Carlisle and the ’68 display. In addition to the display under the tent, even more 1968 Corvettes will be parked near the foot print on the Fun Field.

The 50th display isn’t the only distinctive feature of Corvettes at Carlisle. Along with the best of ’68, guests will enjoy a unique showcase of Cooksey Corvettes, the always popular American Flag comprised of Corvettes, seminars, installs, an all-new take on Autocross which offers a $1,000 prize backed by Lingenfelter Performance, the chance to win a new Corvette and so much more!

Tickets are available now for single day or weekend access, plus Fun Field registration is ongoing too. Visit Carlisle Events today online at www.CarlisleEvents.com to be part of the 2018 fun at the World’s Largest all-Corvette themed weekend.

Design award winner. Legendary master builder. Owner of Kindig-It Designs. THE face of one of Velocity TV’s most popular shows, Bitchin’ Rides. Making a rare East Coast event appearance at the world’s most popular all-Ford event, the Carlisle Ford Nationals, running June 1-3, 2018. He is the “car guy’s car guy.” He is Dave Kindig.

Kindig, who credits his engineering knowledge from his childhood passion for Hot Wheels and Legos, is the true definition of a self-taught designer. Starting Kindig-It Designs in 1999, Kindig is the mind behind the madness of vehicles seen on the ever-so-popular show, Bitchin’ Rides. Recognized for taking in weathered and worn out classics, Kindig and his team don’t just “fix cars,” they transform them into pieces of artwork. Cars like the Boosted Coyote ’65 Ford Galaxie, seen on Bitchin’ Rides, evolved from a hand-sketched picture designed by Kindig himself. Creating some of the baddest cars to hit the streets, Kindig is not only recognized on TV but by top automotive industries alike. There are few like Dave Kindig and Ford Nationals guests will see firsthand how unique and talented he really is. After all, no one as talented and popular as Kindig has EVER been to the Carlisle Ford Nationals.

The annual event, presented by Meguiar’s, draws over 50,000 guests and 3,000+ cars from around the globe and has grown each of the past five years. This growth has made the event known to more and more Ford lovers and has even caught the attention of top-notch industry guests too! Kindig will be onsite for one day, Saturday, June 2. During that day, he’ll sign autographs, pose for photos and there will be a special VIP prize package available, though those details are still being designed, customized and fabricated!

“His appeal crosses over many brands and age demos - everyone loves him. I couldn’t pass up the chance to have him here,” said event manager Ken Appell. “This is a very rare East Coast event appearance for him and car enthusiasts will have the chance to get up close and interact with someone who represents the future of the hobby,” continued Appell.

More details about this VERY RARE East Coast event appearance will make its way to www.CalisleEvents.com in the coming days and weeks. VIP package details will be revealed on social media (@FordNationals on Facebook/@CarlisleEvents on Twitter) as well as the Carlisle Events’ web page. Regardless, the chance to meet and interact with someone like Dave Kindig, especially in the eastern time zone, is rare and should not be missed!

An upgrade from the QX56, the 2018 Infiniti QX80 evolves Infiniti’s presence in the luxury SUV segment.

Built by Nissan’s luxury division (Infiniti), QX began as the QX4 mid-size SUV in 1996, when it was based on the unibody Nissan Pathfinder. QX56 started in 2004 with its sister, the Nissan Armada, and Gen-3, which first came out in model-year 2011, upped the luxury ante. Carrying the name QX56 through last year, the naming convention had followed the trend of using a numeric version of engine size, with “56” standing for its 5.6-liter engine. But this year, the car was renamed QX80 as part of Infiniti's model name rebranding. The new name carries no meaning beyond suggesting that the vehicle is larger than smaller models such as the QX60.

QX80’s evolution involves what Infiniti says is “a modern interpretation of upscale luxury.” Strengthening the manufacturer’s position in the global full-size SUV segment, QX80 is built in Kyushu, Japan, and sold internationally.

For 2018, Infiniti redesigned the QX80’s sheetmetal from the A-pillar forward, featuring a taller, more prominent and more upright grille with a new LED headlamp and foglamp design. Sheemetal of the liftgate has been redesigned, as well as the taillamps and rear bumper finisher. Loaded in virtually every category, key features include a Class IV tow hitch, a 400-hp 5.6-liter V-8 engine mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, leather-appointed seating, Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, USB port for iPod® and compatible devices, Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control System, a moonroof, Infiniti InTouch™ Navigation, Infiniti InTouch™ Services Safety, security and convenience features with complimentary 4-year Select package trial, Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection and front and rear Sonar Systems.

The three-row, five-door, seven- or eight-seater is a full-size SUV with an all-steel unitary construction bodyshell. With its muscular lines and generous proportions, the 2018 QX80 sees Infiniti’s “Powerful Elegance” design language applied on a new scale. And with a forward-looking new appearance, the new QX80 expresses modern luxury SUV design.

QX80 measures 208.9 inches long, 75.8 inches high and 79.9 inches wide, with a ground clearance of 9.2 inches, and with AWD and the Deluxe Technology package, QX80 has a curbweight of 6094 lbs. Created by Infiniti’s design studio in Atsugi, Japan, the QX80 exterior incorporates geometric and organic shapes to combine power with elegance. As the largest vehicle Infiniti makes, the new model conveys solidity and power from all angles yet eschews the more aggressive styling espoused by rival SUVs. Despite its scale, the design communicates a clear sense of elegance and human artistry.

The smooth, rounded curves of last year’s model have given way to more modern, angular and sculptural forms along with a more upright, athletic stance. The impression is one of greater height and length, despite the car’s footprint and 121.1-inch wheelbase remaining unchanged from the previous model.

QX80 gets its power from a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V-8 that delivers 400hp and 413 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA rated at 14mpg in the city and 20mpg on the highway with 22-inch tires, QX80 is not an econocar, and in mixed-use driving, my test ride averaged 15.5mpg.

The engine performs well, and even at three tons, the system propelled my test QX80 to a 6.8-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a stable and confident 15.3-second quarter-mile. The fully independent front suspension with subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, coil springs and gas-filled amplitude sensitive shock absorbers and anti-roll stabilizer bar works with the fully independent rear with subframe-mounted double wishbones, coil springs and gas-filled amplitude sensitive shock absorbers, with anti-roll stabilizer bar for an elegantly smooth ride. And the rack-mounted electric power steering is attentive, responsive and helps establish adequate body control and good maneuverability.

The 2018 QX80 has a refined and spacious cabin that features high-quality materials, a hand-crafted finish and advanced drive-assist technologies. Inside, the roomy three-row sports-ute provides 39.9 inches of front head room, with 40.0 inches in row two and 36.8 in row three. Legroom is 39.6 up front, 41.0 in the middle and a child-worthy 28.8 inches in the rear seats. Shoulder room measures 63.8 inches in row one, 63.5 in row two and 60.5 inches in the third row.

The 2018 Infiniti QX80 starts at $64,750 for the 2WD version and $67,850 for AWD. My Smokey Quartz QX80 in AWD added the Driver Assistance Package for $2900 –Backup Collision Intervention, Blind Spot Intervention, Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Distance Control Assist and Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection. The Theatre Package added $2450 for dual 8-inch color monitors for multimedia video playback, wireless remote control, heated second row seats and remote tip-up second row seats. We also had 22-inch tires in a tire and wheel package that added $2800; the Split-Seat Package that added an eighth seat for $250; Infiniti 4G WiFi for $450; and the Deluxe Technology Package for $5700 that was loaded with Hydraulic Body Motion Control, climate-controlled front seats, adaptive front lighting with auto-leveling headlights and Bose® Cabin Surround® sound system with 15 speakers.

Destination and handling charges of $995 put the sticker-as-tested at $83,395.

> 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.