The Lexus RX remains America’s best-selling luxury SUV, as it has since its launch in 1998. Using 350 and 450 as its designated line names, the 350 is outfitted with a 3.5-liter engine, typical of a 350 designation, but the 450h is also equipped with the 3.5 (along with a hybrid electric motor), as Lexus deviates from the alpha-numeric norm.

After introducing the all-new fourth-generation RX 350 and RX 450h Hybrid luxury utility vehicles for 2016, Lexus opens the RX model’s second season with such advancements as making the Lexus Safety System+ standard equipment. Introduced as an option for 2016, Lexus Safety System+ includes Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Also new for 2017 are rain-sensing wipers standard on RX 350 models; an auto-brake function added to the Intuitive Parking Assist and Rear Cross monitor system; a new F SPORT FWD Model added to the line-up and Atomic Silver added to the color palette.

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 are accompanied by 18 individual LEDs that surround the headlights and act as turn signal indicators. The spindle theme repeats at the rear, where L-shaped LED taillights envelope the tailgate and wrap into the rear fenders. Capping off the design is a floating-roof effect created by sophisticated blacked-out C-pillars.

The 4387-lb. (for the AWD) RX 350 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 in either a full-time all-wheel drive (AWD), or front-engine, front-wheel drive (FWD), by a 3.5-liter V-6 aluminum block engine, matched to 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, but you perceive truck confidence, as you quickly and seamlessly hit speed without feeling as though you are going that fast -- so watch your speedometer. On the track, my test RX 350 dashed from zero to 60mph in 7.6 seconds (hand-timed) during a 16.0-second (hand-timed) quarter-mile – and at 80mph, within the luxurious and well-thought-out surroundings, it really felt as if I were going 60. The Lexus RX 350 is EPA rated at 19/26/22 for AWD, my test ride averaged 21.8mpg in mixed-use tests.

The RX’s electric power rack and pinion steering with electronic power assist is a bit vague, with a bit of understeer, and quick turns result in some top-wobble. But the ride is luxury-smooth, as the all-wheel-drive set-up and the MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and the rear double wishbone, flattened out most inconsistencies encountered on the road.

The cabin is packed with intuitive, indulgent and high-tech conveniences. Interior dimensions are generous 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 cabin is packed with too many amenities to fully list, but they include: 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 2017 Lexus RX 350 starts at $43,020 in front-wheel drive and $44,420 in all-wheel drive. The dynamic sport-tuned RX 350F Sport starts at $48,920 (FWD) and $50,320 (AWD). The 450h (gas-electric Hybrid) starts at $53,035 with the RX 450h F Sport basing at $56,495.

My all-wheel-drive test RX 350 in Eminent Pearl White with a Black Leather/Espresso Walnut trim interior added the $2770 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 $980, added a rear armrest storage compartment, rain-sensing wipers, leather interior trim, electrochromic outside mirrors, roof rails and the Lexus Memory System. A power moonroof added $1100, running boards were $639, Intuitive Parking Assist added $535, and a Touch-Free Power Open/Close rear door added $200. With delivery fees of $995 my test RX350 stickered at $51,619.


> 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.

For the second time in as many February’s, Carlisle Events brought its unique brand of classic car entertainment to central Florida. The event, known as Winter Florida AutoFest Lakeland packed the spacious SUN ‘n FUN campus for four days of family fun. Backed by a two-day car show, a two-day collector car auction and four fun filled days of all things automotive, guests from around the region converged on the grounds. In addition to the awesome array of classic cars and collectibles onsite, Winter AutoFest welcomed Butch Patrick to the show. Butch played Eddie Munster on the iconic ‘60s TV show The Munsters.

In all, the weekend was yet another success for Carlisle Events. From the time the gates opened on Thursday until final load out Sunday, the place was bustling with enthusiasts and families of all ages. Another great feature of the show was the aeronautical nod to what SUN ‘n FUN is all about; aviation. Guests could take Bi-plane rides and hop into a Bell helicopter and see the show from high above! Along with the plane rides, there were two P-51 Mustangs on-site to accompany the nearly 200 car Mustangs and Mustangs car show, plus the SUN ‘n FUN food vendors were busy too. After all, an automotive appetite wasn’t the only thing that needed satisfied for the 40,000+ guests that passed through the gates.

While set up day on Wednesday transitioned into show day on Thursday, the event didn’t fully pick up until Friday when Carlisle Auctions presented its sold-out collector car auction. For two days, collector car lovers were in their own kind of utopia, as the live auction action played out right in front of them. Carlisle Auctions did nearly $3 million in sales, with 401 consignments crossing the block. This number surpasses the totals from February of 2016 and proves once more that the collector hobby is vibrant and stronger than ever.

With this event a wrap, Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions turns their collective attention to its “home schedule” and Spring Carlisle. The annual spring event at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds runs April 19-23, with a newly expanded three-day collector car auction at the adjacent Carlisle Expo Center. Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions returns to Lakeland for Fall AutoFest later in the year. The fall show wraps the season November 10-12, 2017.

The 2017 Nissan Rogue upgrades last year’s model with extensive enhancements, including an optional new hybrid powertrain, updated exterior styling, a refined interior and advanced safety, security, connectivity and driving aid features.

This year’s nuances include revised available optional equipment packages with new content as well as three new ones – Sun and Sound Touring, Platinum and Platinum Reserve interior. In addition, other available packages include the Family Package, Appearance Package and Premium Package; all available on several trim levels.

Rogue embarked on its second generation in 2014 and improves on the theme this year -- a fact that is not lost on automotive judges. Cars.com selected the redesigned crossover as its “2017 Family Car of the Year.” Rogue has also been named a 2017 Consumer Guide® Automotive Best Buy Award winner and The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2017 Rogue a "Top Safety Pick Plus" (TSP+) vehicle safety rating.

Rogue’s updated exterior styling features designed to enhance Rogue's robust, dynamic presence. They include a new front fascia with integrated fog lamps, bumper, Nissan signature “V-Motion” grille and revised headlights with LED signature daytime running lights. In the rear, a new bumper and revised rear combination lamps with LED boomerang signature taillights have been added, while new chrome-trim side door moldings complete the freshened appearance.

With mid-size crossover dimensions, Rogue measures 184.5 inches long; 72.4 inches wide and 66.6 inches high on a 106.5-inch wheelbase. Minimum ground clearance is 8.2 inches (AWD) and curbweight for the AWD in SV trim is 3554 lbs.

Rogue’s refined interior is enhanced with a new D-shaped steering wheel and leather-booted sport-mode shifter, available heated steering wheel, memory for driver's seats and mirror, and remote engine start. New design features include tweaked door and instrument panel finishers, fresh shift knob design, revised center console and console lid and fashionable seat fabric. The result is a more premium look and feel.

While thick rear roof pillars create a large blindspot, and the side curtain airbags limit headroom for second-row passengers, Rogue’s cabin is spacious for a midsize SUV at 41.6 inches of front headroom, 38.5 inches in row two and 34.6 in row three, meaning the third row is best left for small children. Interior legroom is roomy in front at 43.0 inches for row one, comfortable in row two at 37.9 inches and a child-friendly 31.4 for row three. Shoulder room is 56.6 in row one and 55.9 and 49.3 in rows two and three, and Rogue offers 32-cubic-feet of cargo area.

Rogue’s standard power source remains its 170-horsepower, 175 lbs.-ft. of torque, transverse 2.5-liter inline-4-cylinder DOHC engine, mated to an Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) with standard Sport Mode and Eco switches. With an EPA rating of 25/city, 32/highway and 28/overall, my week of mixed-use testing yielded an average of 26.7mpg. On the road, acceleration is sluggish, but steady. Uphill grades and passing at speed require strategy and perseverance, and the electric power-assisted power assisted rack-and-pinion steering was often heavy. On the track, the 0-60mph time was 9.1 seconds, and a quarter-mile was a 17.3-second journey.

The optional hybrid is rated at 141 hp and 144 lbs.-ft. of torque and a total system output of 176 hp, and a 31mpg/city, 34mpg/highway and 33mpg/overall rating.

Earning top marks in safety, Rogue Safety Shield technologies include radar-based Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Rogue is also available for the first time with Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention. New this year are Intelligent Cruise Control and Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection. Additionally, Rogue is constructed with zone body construction with front and rear crumple zones; energy-absorbing steering column; hood-buckling creases and safety stops; body side reinforcements; shift interlock system; vehicle security system; vehicle dynamic control and traction control system.

The 2017 Nissan Rogue starts at $23,820 for the base S trim in FWD and $25,170 for AWD. The SV with all-wheel-drive started at $26,590. The SV trim adds 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Nissan Intelligent Key® with push button ignition, blind spot warning , rear cross traffic alert, dual zone automatic temperature control and a 6-way power driver's seat to the base S. The upper-scale Rogue SL I tested starts at $31,310 in AWD and gains a Motion Activated Liftgate; NissanConnect℠ with Navigation, Mobile Apps, and Services; Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Leather-appointed seats. The SV Hybrid starts at $27,590 with the SL Hybrid basing at $32,510.

My Monarch Orange test 2017 Rogue SL (premium color that added $395) added a power panoramic moonroof and Forward Emergency Braking for $2020 with the SL Premium Package. The SL Platinum Package, for $770, added 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Cruise control and Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection. The standard Charcoal Leather seats were upgraded to a Premium Tan-appointed seating look with special quilted leather inserts as part of the Platinum Reserve Interior Package, for $250. Four splash guards added $160; roof rail crossbars were $355 and a chrome rear bumper protector was $155. Adding destination charges of $940, my 2017 Rogue SL-as-tested came in at $36,355.

> 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 Auctions has been moving cars across central Florida auction blocks for half a decade and following its most recent offering as part of Winter AutoFest in Lakeland, results show that the Carlisle Auctions brand and its widely popular events are here to stay! For two days, February 24-25 at the SUN n’ FUN Campus, a small army of Carlisle Auctions’ staffers played host to over 400 classics and thousands of enthusiasts. The auction, as has been the case with EVERY Carlisle Auction, not just those in Florida, was a smashing success.

The auction commenced just after 10 a.m. on Friday the 24th with the first of what appeared to be nearly 100 years of automotive history crossing the block. In addition to classic cars and trucks, merchandise and memorabilia were made available too. As the transactions keep the auction team and bidders busy, the day 1 high seller brought in $42,800. This top ride was a 1935 Auburn Boat Tail Speedster replica and was ultimately the 5th highest selling car of the entire weekend.

As Friday transitioned into Saturday, the auction’s heavy hitting consignments made their way into the arena. Top selling cars included a 1936 Auburn 850Y Supercharged Convertible ($107,800), 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat ($56,800), 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe ($51,200) and a 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible ($51,300). Of those four, plus the previously referenced Speedster, the top five cars totaled $309,900. All sales totals include applicable fees.

One of the best parts about the auction overall wasn’t the fact that over 400 cars crossed the block or even the nearly $3 million in sales, it was the increased bidder totals. While anyone who registers to consign with Carlisle Auctions is also granted a bidder pass, hundreds more paid $100 each to be part of the fun and take their chance at owning their first or next classic car. This enthusiasm assured that the 2017 Winter AutoFest auction was the best-ever from a participation stand point and ranks within the top 5 all-time for Carlisle Auctions within the Sunshine State.

With the Winter AutoFest auction in the bag, Carlisle Auctions turns its attention to its first Pennsylvania based auction of 2017. The Carlisle Auctions team is back in action for three jam packed days at the Carlisle Expo Center as part of Spring Carlisle. The newly expanded three-day offering runs April 20-22 and the ability to register as a bidder or consign a car to the auction is available now. Complete details on how to get involved, plus full auction results from Winter AutoFest can be found at www.CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400.

Mitsubishi’s top-selling vehicle is the Outlander, a small crossover for soft-road and around-town utility. Outlander represents Mitsubishi’s attention to an all-season vehicle with good fuel economy and compact size. Carrying the Outlander badge, but in a smaller, sportier and more affordable configuration, the Outlander Sport, debuted in 2011, and has earned its own following.

Outlander Sport remains mostly untouched for 2017. Sport powered up last year with the introduction of a larger and more muscular engine, a 2.4-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder engine that delivers 168 horsepower and 167 lbs.-ft. of torque to join its economical 2.0-liter offering, and those power trains remain intact for 2017. Additionally, following the 2016 additions of Outlander Sport’s “Dynamic Shield” front design concept, 18-inch alloy wheel design and lip wheel moldings, and power folding side door mirrors with turn indicator lamps that contribute to the sleek new architecture, and various cabin and infotainment enhancements, the 2017 editions stands pretty well pat and gains a standard shark fin antenna, standard automatic climate control and upgraded interior seat fabric.

Outlander Sport is rounded and aggressively forward-leaning, utilizing an aerodynamic, low-drag body design with a clean, sloping demeanor, a short hood, raked windshield, angular corners and the “Dynamic Shield” grille bisected horizontally by a thick black centerpiece. Side action lines are sculpted in and the rear employs a front-focused stance.

The 2017 Outlander Sport in GT configuration (as was my test drive) is light at 3285 lbs. (curbweight with the 2.4 engine and AWD) and measures 171.5 inches long, 71.3 inches wide and 64.8 inches high on a 105.1-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 8.5 inches,

Sport power comes from either a 2.0-liter engine that provides 148 horses and 145 lbs.-ft. of torque, with an estimated 24 mpg city/31 mpg highway for 2WD models and 23 city/29 highway for AWD; or the 2.4-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder engine which is estimated 23/28 2WD and 22/27 AWD. Both engines are set up with a 5-speed manual or Sportronic® continuously-variable transmission.

My test ride, an Outlander Sport GT, was outfitted with the 2.4-liter powerplant that is less noisy than the smaller engine, but while quicker than the 2.0, it is not a fast accelerator. You get steady and predictable speed increases, and uphill grades are easily and successfully traveled, but passing at speed takes some strategy and track tests showed a plodding attack at 8.9 seconds for a zero-to-60mph run and a 17.0-second quarter-mile journey. A week of mixed-use tests on snowy and slick surfaces yielded an average of 24.2mpg.

Behind the wheel, there is a compact sedan feel rather than a sports-ute experience, though the electric power steering often lacked focus. Driving in town was fun, as Sport easily maneuvers into tight spaces and around obstacles, making it better suited for urban than off-road scenarios -- Sport is more pleasant and friendly than it is rugged. The MacPherson front struts with stabilizer bar and multi-link rear with stabilizer bar deftly leveled minor road and highway bumps and gave good road feel, but soft-road seemed about its upper level.

The Outlander Sport cabin is driver and passenger friendly and is brimming with expected tech and infotainment. With the Panoramic Roof above, the interior provides 39.4 inches of front headroom with 37.9 inches for row two. Legroom is comfortable up front at 41.6 inches up front, but tighter in the rear at 36.3 inches. Shoulder room is 56.2 inches in row one and 55.5 inches for the rear seats.

In addition to the plethora of standard cabin amenities across all trims, my Sport GT came standard with a 6.1-inch Touch panel display audio system, 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with 6 speakers, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio with 3-month subscription, Digital HD Radio®, FUSE Hands-free Link System® with Bluetooth® technology, USB port, and steering wheel controls, Color Multi-Information Display, Rearview camera system, FAST-key passive entry system with panic feature, One-touch Start/Stop engine switch, automatic air conditioning climate control, heated driver and front passenger seats and much more.

For comparison, the full-size 2017 Outlander starts at $22,995 for the ES trim and tops at (before options and add-ons) at $30,995 in GT trim. The smaller 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport starts at $19,595 for the 2WD ES 2.0 trim with a 5-speed manual transmission, while the automatic version bases at $20,795. All-wheel drive takes the base 2.0 to $22,195. With 11 trim levels offered across the Sport line-up, the 2.4 engine model begins at $22,495 in manual 2WD and tops at $25,395 for the 2.4 Sport in all-wheel-drive automatic. Moving up to the GT 2.4, pricing starts at $25,995 for 2WD, automatic while the GT 2.4 I tested in all-wheel-drive and standard black leather interior starts at $27,395.

The Navigation Package added $1800; The All-Weather Package 2 added remote engine start and front and rear mudguards for $595; the Exterior Package added $515, for a large rear spoiler, alloy fuel door and front and rear undercovers; the Interior Package added $200 for Piano Black gear shift panel and black leather/aluminum gear shift knob; Rear Park Assist Sensor Package added $350; and Destination and Handling added $895 for a sticker-as-tested of $31,750.

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.