Beginning in the mid-to-late 1990s, the mid-size pick-up truck segment seemed to have lost its spirit and public appeal. However, in the early 2000s, the segment revitalized as consumers began thinking that smaller might be better at times, so Chevrolet took notice and returned to the small-package pick-up genre in 2004 with the Colorado, a compact pick-up launched to replace the Chevy S-10, in tandem with the GMC Canyon, which replaced the GMC S-15.

Thinking outside the truck box for Colorado’s second generation in 2012, Chevrolet resisted the impulse to build a “baby Silverado” by developing Colorado-specific architecture with a spirited demeanor. Colorado’s design is unique with a confident stance, aggressiveness, tall bedsides, a bold raked belt line for the cab, wrap-around headlights, distinctive trapezoid grille and more subtle fender flares. And the exciting ZR-2 and ZR-2 Bison come with a widened stance, higher suspension and enhanced off-road capabilities. Chevrolet also recognized that in trucks, power takes precedence, and to address that, Colorado, which began with 116-hp and 142-hp engines (206-to 216-lb-ft of torque) in 2004, has steadily increased its muscle to as much as 308 horses on one engine option and up to 369 lb-ft of torque on another.

Next year, Colorado will refresh with an updated grille, and a third generation should hit the showrooms in 2023 or 2024. So the second-Gen Colorado for 2020 adds only a key fob-operated tailgate lock control, a Tire Fill Alert, and Package-level changes including the Safety Package now available for the Z71 trim, changing the Chrome Luxury package to the Luxury Package, now available on Crew Cab models, and deletion of several cab long bed models, as well as the Redline and RST Luxury Special Packages. 

With a Crew Cab and 5-foot-2-inch box (it is also offered with a 6-foot-2-inch box and can be optioned with an Extended Cab), the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado measures 212.7 inches in length, 70.6 inches high (in 4WD) and 74.3 inches wide on a 128.3-inch wheelbase (the larger box requires 224.9 inches in length on a 140.5-inch wheelbase). Step-in height is 22.6 inches and minimum ground clearance is 8.2 inches. Curb weight for my LT trim came in at 4433 lbs. for the 3.6-liter engine, short box and Crew Cab in 4WD – the long box adds about 63 lbs. The Colorado features triple-sealed doors inlaid in the body sides and offers the segment’s first active aero grille shutters, designed to enhance aerodynamics when closed.

The interior is packed with convenience and safety features that blend attention to the driver’s need for work, recreation and everyday comfort. A bold, upright instrument panel with large controls and a center console with a floor-mounted shifter are a center focus, and a sculpted headliner that enhances headroom. Halo lighting on key controls offer an easier view and an open area at the front of the center console for easier phone charging are upscale appointments for a smaller truck.

Inside, with the Crew Cab, driver and passengers get 41.4 inches of front headroom and 38.3 in the Crew extension, 45.1 inches of front legroom with 35.8 for those in the second row, and shoulder room of 57.5 inches in row one and 56.2 in row two.

Engine choices are a 2.5-liter DOHC I-4 engine that puts out 200 hp and 191 lb-ft. of torque and is EPA rated at 19mpg/city and 24mpg/highway for the 4WD version, while the 3.6-liter V-6 delivers 308 hp and 275 lb-ft. of torque with an EPA estimate of 17/24 for 4WD.  The 2.8-liter turbodiesel that hums out 181 hp and a strong 369 lb-ft is rated at 19/28. My mixed-use tests put the 3.6-liter’s average at 21.1 mpg.

Nimble and maneuverable, utilizing its wide mid-size stance and demeanor, my Colorado LT’s electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering was responsive, and its maneuverability was markedly better than that of a full-size truck, but not carlike. I found only minimal bed looseness as my test truck attacked turns with confidence. Acceleration was steady and predictable in all ranges, and at the track, my LT 3.6 completed a hand-timed zero-to-60mph sprint in 7.1 seconds, and a quarter-mile in 15.5 (hand-timed). My LT’s 4-wheel-drive independent coil-over-shock front suspension with twin-tube shocks, mated to a solid axle rear with semi-elliptic two-stage multi-leaf springs and twin-tube shocks smoothed most road inconsistencies and was adequate for soft-road, and non-extreme off-road challenges.

The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado starts at $27,895 for the base WT trim in 2WD with the 2.5-liter engine, $30,895 for the LT in 2WD with the 2.5-liter engine, $35,095 for the Z71 trim and 3.6-liter, $44,195 for the base ZR-2. My test LT in 4WD started at $35,595 and upgraded to the 3.6-liter powerplant. Red Hot exterior paint was no extra charge, and a Luxury Package that added Jet Black, Leather-appointed seat trim, 4-way power front passenger seats, power driver seat lumbar control, the LT Convenience package, projector-beam headlamps, heated driver and front passenger seats, automatic climate control, remote start, manual sliding rear window, heated steering wheel, rear window defogger, fog lamps and more, added $2715. Front and rear splash guards added $180, Navigation added $495, 7-speaker Bose audio system was $500, The Safety Package for $690 added Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning, and destination and freight added $1195 for a sticker-as-tested of $40,175.

> 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>

If you build it, they will come.  We all know the famous Field of Dreams movie line.  Well, if Carlisle Events and the Carlisle Truck Nationals may, if you host it, they will come…and come they did.  While the 2020 Carlisle Truck Nationals didn’t match numbers from the past few years, it actually saw a larger turnout of trucks than the 2014 show offered.  With a nice mix of 106 years of truck history on display combined with family friendly activities, the event happened in a unique and different way, during unique and different circumstances.

Gates opened at 7 a.m. daily and while most of the afternoon Friday was a wash, there was enough sunshine to enjoy the Showfield, midway and indoor displays.  In addition, the aforementioned family fun took center stage where possible.  Dialed Action Sports presented Mountain Bike stunt exhibitions, while Lawrence Frederick and his world champion Disc-Connected K9s soared above the infield, much to the delight of guests of all ages.  If ever there was a time for indoor truck viewing, mid-day Friday reminded guests that yes, it’s August and yes, it rains.  Though outside was best suited for a slip and slide, inside Buildings T and Y were about three dozen super cool trucks.  For Building Y, it was the SyTy display, while Building T hosted the annual Featured Vehicle display.  Within T was a 1916 Fire Truck, classic car haulers, lowered trucks, lifted trucks and more.

As the weather did a 180 on Saturday, those who didn’t come Friday afternoon mixed and mingled (at an acceptable social distance) with everyone who was planning a Saturday venture.  The bikes and the pups were back in action, but there were other competitions too.  Day 2 hosted the low truck limbo, high truck challenge and the drop and drag contest.  In addition, more family fun came to fruition as the Optimus Prime replica rig anchored the Big Rig display AND played host to kids of all ages during its time onsite.  The Big Rigs also closed out the day, with their popular glow show lighting up the Carlisle night.

Another hot draw throughout the event came from Ford.  Following a successful showcase at the previous week’s Carlisle Ford Nationals car show, Ford spotlighted its 2021 F-150 truck, offered a Ford Raptor simulator for guests AND displayed their Ford Lifestyle trailer.  Within and around this trailer was stylish merchandise for sale and products on display that accessorize, power or compliment some of Ford’s most popular brands.

Sunday was a chance to see one last show, check out one last truck AND check out the winner’s list.  For some, that meant an award and recognition as part of the two awards parades.  For others, it meant simply saying goodbye to friends with a plan to return for 2021.  Speaking of which, next year’s Carlisle Truck Nationals take over the fairgrounds once more between August 6-8.  Details about this event and all others promoted by Carlisle Events are available at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855. 

After a nearly two-month delay, the 2020 Carlisle Ford presented by Meguiar’s took over the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds July 31-August 2. The event, while slightly modified from its standard format, still welcomed droves of enthusiasts and thousands of cars to the National Parts Depot Showfield.  Without a doubt, those onsite in 2020 had a great time!

People come to Carlisle and this event for a variety of reasons. Some come to buy or sell within the expansive automotive flea market and midway, others came to buy or sell within the car corral, even more came to show or see the cars and some even came to take part in onsite activities. Regardless of why they came, they all made a point to visit with Ford to check out their new products showcase. For 2020, Ford offered attendees a glimpse into the future with a pair of 2021 MACH 1 Mustangs as well as the 2021 F-150 truck. Further, their display hosted a Raptor simulator, heritage collection Cobras, a few modern GTs and more.  Ford even took their new MACH-1 to the stage and hosted walkarounds on it, sharing info about their latest build with the audience.

Speaking of the GT, Ford’s Supercar helped draw show goers closer to the special displays with dozens of them in and around Building T, including a 1966 GT40.  Other highlight features focused on the Starliner, Maverick, Grabbers, Thunderbirds and a Euro Ford Garage where the Capri and Merkur stood front and center. The GT’s didn’t just show, they were in motion too. Friday saw a half a dozen or so parade around the grounds, while Saturday hosted open track time where a few of them made some laps to the delight of those looking on.

The track was another hotspot destination throughout the weekend as Gateway Mustang hosted open autocross runs on Friday and Saturday, car owners participated in a multi-round rolling exhaust contest Friday and Saturday and on Friday night, nearly 20 competitors took to the track for the annual real street shoot out. Winners for exhaust and real street were Jeremy Sperlein and Don Slevia respectively.  There were other winners too at Carlisle.  Focus Rising was named largest car club in attendance and John Clor, Ford Performance Enthusiast Communications, named the Beltway Mustang Club as the coolest club.

Speed, performance, history and the overall elegance of the Ford brand were popular themes of the weekend. Most importantly, while the event and select activities were slightly augmented in 2020 due to world events, it still delivered on its position as being the largest all-Ford themed car show of its type.  All the fun culminated with an hour’s-long awards parade on Sunday in front of the stage.

While 2020 has wrapped, 2021 will be here in less than one year. The 2021 event takes place June 4-6 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and plans to feature the 50^th Anniversary of the Pinto, a 1971-73 Mustang Celebration, Holman Moody & Stroppe reunions and a Comic Car Con display.   

Learn all about the Carlisle Ford Nationals, review event photos, check out the winner’s list, take the post-event survey and make plans for next year online now at www.CarlisleEvents.com. 

An all-new Ford F-150 is prepared and ready for model-year 2021, but for 2020, the perennial top-selling vehicle in America, for the past 42 years is staying the course with only a few small changes.

As the F-150 upgraded its power systems, exhaust setup, interior and connectivity arrangement last year, “America’s Truck” adds Ford Co-Pilot360™ as now standard Lariat, King Ranch®, Platinum, Limited and consists of Auto-High Beam Headlamps, Blind Spot Information System with CrossTraffic Alert and Trailer Tow Monitoring, Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, and Rear View Camera. Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist™ is also now included on Platinum and standard on Limited, and consists of Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System with Pinch-to-Zoom Capability, SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link®. Several appearance packages have been changed for 2020, and three new colors have been added to the exterior palette -- Iconic Silver, Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat and Star White Metallic Tri-Coat.

Additionally, for 2020, FordPass™ Connect with 4GLTE Wi-Fi®, which connects up to 10 devices, is now standard for F-150 XLT and above and myriad technologies can be optioned including SYNC® 3 with Navigation, 8-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen with pinch and swipe capability, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ and much more.

The 15^th-generation F-150 trim levels for 2020 include XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited, in addition to the stylish, super-power, 450-hp/510 lb-ft of torque off-road Raptor. Law enforcement can choose the F-150 Police Responder (375hp and 470 lb-ft) – the industry’s first and only pursuit-rated pickup, giving agencies a more versatile and capable patrol vehicle

Built “Ford Tough” at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, the 2020 Ford F-150 is constructed with a high-strength steel frame and an advanced, high-strength, military grade aluminum body. The body on frame truck comes in three cab schemes: Regular Cab, SuperCab, or SuperCrew®.

With sculpted creases and angles that modify the truck’s boxiness, F-150’s exterior is enhanced by configurable daytime running lamps, power sideview mirrors on XL and above trims, a quick-release tailgate with lock; and on my text XLT, a chrome, two-bar style grille with chrome nostrils, black surround and black background mesh.

Confidently long, my 4x4 test Ford F-150 XLT with a SuperCrew® cab and 6.5-foot bed measured 243.7 inches long, 77.3 inches high for the 4x4, and 79.9 inches wide on a 156.8-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 9.3 inches.

The F-150 is a muscular truck, with six engine choices: a 2.7-liter twin turbo EcoBoost V-6 that produces 325 hp and 400 lbs-ft of torque; the 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbo that pops out 250hp and 440 lbs-ft; the 3.3-liter Ti-VCT FFV engine that develops 290 horses and 265 lbs-ft; the 3.5-liter V-6 turbo EcoBoost engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing that delivers 375hp/470 lbs-ft; the High Output twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine that increases power numbers to 450 hp and 510 lbs-ft of torque, and the 5.0-liter Ti-VCT VB FFV engine that thunders out 395 hp and 400 lbs-ft. That engine propelled my test ride.

My test XLT’s 5.0-liter V-8 was mated to an electronic 10-speed automatic transmission, and the combination was powerful and responsive. On the track, a zero-to-60mpg dash was completed in a hand-timed 6.0 seconds-flat during a 14.5-second quarter-mile (hand-timed). Stable and aggressive on the highway, steering is trucklike, but predictable. Rated at 12mpg/city, 15mpg/highway and 13mpg/overall, I daily-drivered my truck in town, on the highway, on a track run and some soft-roading for an average of 14.1 mpg.

With six interior configurations, my test ride’s SuperCrew cabin was packed with safety items and amenities measured a roomy 40.8 inches of front headroom with 40.4 inches for those in the cab. Front legroom was a generous 43.9 inches with second-row passengers getting 43.6 inches. Shoulder room was a spacious 66.7 inches in row one and 65.9 in the rear seats.

For 2020, Ford F-150 is offered in seven basic trims with modifications for six different engines, three bed lengths and three cab sizes. The base XL starts at $28,745; the XLT as was my test truck, started at $34,760 (gaining cosmetics and the Power Equipment Group); the upscale Lariat bases at $42,750; the luxurious King Ranch® model starts at $52,990; the aggressively powerful and stylish Raptor starts at $53,455; the upper-lavish Platinum trim starts at $55,520 and the top-tier Limited starts at $67,735.

My test XLT, which adds SYNC®3, Ford Pass Connect, stylish grillework, the Power Equipment Group and Chrome Front and Rear Bumper to the XL, based with a Regular Cab and 6.5-foot box; the 3.3-liter engine, 6-speed automatic transmission and 4x2 drive, but my test truck was enhanced with several options. The powerful 395-hp 5.0-liter V-8 engine added $1000; and as I am a 4x4-guy, the 4x4 configuration was added in a $3445 package; A SuperCrew cab added $6525; Rear window defroster added $220; Black platform running boards added $250; the Reverse Sensing System and trailer hitch added $425; Destination charges were $1695 and an Acquisition fee of $645 put the sticker-as-tested at $49,005, but cash incentives of up to $2500 may be available to put the sticker price at $46,505, so check with your local dealer.

You can see Ford trucks through the decades, as well as American and foreign trucks from many manufacturers, and more than 2,000 trucks of all eras, at the Carlisle Truck Nationals, August 7-9 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. This event and has been one of the world’s largest truck shows since 1991. This celebration of trucks features Pick-ups, Heavy-duty Trucks, Big Rigs, Mini Trucks, Antiques, Custom Vans, 4x4s, Jeeps, SUVs, Vintage Fire Trucks, Monster Trucks and more.

<I> 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>

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>