The legendary Vought F4U Corsair fighter planes flown by the US Navy and US Marines during WWII and the Korean War, were considered by many to be among the most formidable fighter-bombers in the Pacific, and were flown by Major Gregory “Pappy” Boyington’s "Black Sheep" Squadron. With most Corsairs out of service by 1964, Corsairs flew their final combat missions in 1969 during the “Football War” between Honduras and El Salvador, in service for both air forces.

Fast forward 50 years and change the venue from air to land, and in Lincoln’s new naming strategy, the Corsair Premium Compact Crossover joins the Lincoln Nautilus (previously the MKX), Lincoln Aviator and Lincoln Navigator with sea- or air-oriented monikers -- though a Lincoln press release says Corsair’s name was … “inspired by the Latin word ‘cursus’, meaning journey. Lincoln also markets Corsair as … “the most expressive representation of ‘Quiet Flight’, inviting a more youthful clientele to the brand.” Lincoln’s “Quiet Flight” design treatment features the manufacturer’s new signature grille, full-width taillights and an “S-section” side panel contour. The design accentuates the Corsair’s stance as one of the lowest and widest SUVs in the segment.

Sharing its underpinnings with the all-new 2020 Ford Escape, the Lincoln Corsair replaces the Lincoln MKC in the line-up, and it is packed with standard features including active noise control, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Intelligent Access with push-button start, Lincoln Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot powered by Lincoln Way app, remote start, reverse sensing system and lots more.

Corsair’s exterior embraces Lincoln’s “Sculpture in motion” elements of both the full-size Navigator and three-row Aviator, while building on these cues with even more flair. Painstakingly sculpted in clay, Corsair features sophisticated contouring throughout the body section of the door, offering a deep landscape of curvature and relief with a fast-falling roofline.

Enhancing the architecture are body-color, power, heated sideview mirrors with memory and integrated blind spot mirror; LED headlamps with LED signature lamps and autolamp automatic on/off feature; Lincoln Co-Pilot360; and power liftgate.

Available in 10 exterior colors and five interior schemes, the 2020 Corsair measures 180.6 inches long, 76.2 inches wide and 64.1 inches high, on a 106.7-inch wheelbase. Curbweight for my AWD 2.3-liter Reserve trim was 3848 lbs.

The Corsair cabin is quiet, comfortable and filled with conveniences including 10-way power seats that are heated in the front row, with power lumbar and a driver’s side memory feature.  There’s also power steering, power windows with one-touch up/down and SYNC® 3 with an 8-inch LCD capacitive touch screen.

Quietness is paramount for Corsair. To ensure a hushed ride, a dual-wall dashboard in the engine compartment provides an additional barrier between passengers and the engine, as an air gap acts to keep vibrations out of the cabin. Active Noise Control enhances overall sound quality throughout, and the quiet is only broken by six unique symphonic chimes – replacing standard electronic alerts to inform drivers of everything from an open fuel door to an unbuckled seat belt.

Roomy inside, you get 39.5 inches of front headroom and 38.7 inches in the rear seats, 43.2 inches of front legroom with 38.6 inches in the second seats, and 57.1 inches of row one shoulder room with 50.8 inches in row two.

 

From a safety perspective, Corsair is outfitted with a Personal Safety System for driver and front passenger with dual-stage front airbags; driver’s knee, glove box-door-integrated knee, front-seat side, and Safety Canopy System with side-curtain airbags and rollover sensor.

 

Powerwise, Corsair offers two engine choices … a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that produces 250hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.3-liter turbo I-4 that delivers 295 horses and 310 lb-ft. Both are mated to an 8-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission and while the smaller engine is available in FWD and AWD configurations, the 2.3 is primed for AWD only. The 2.0-liter engine is rated at 21mpg/city, 29mpg/highway and 25mpg/combined, while the 2.3-turbo gets 21/city, 28/highway and 24/combined. My week of testing with the larger engine averaged 24.7mpg.

 

My test Corsair was quicker than expected, steered more carlike than SUV-like, and leveled out road imperfections well enough for the niche. My 2.3-turbo felt faster than the stopwatch indicated, but we still managed a good-for-the-niche 6.2-second hand-timed zero-to-60mph sprint and a 14.8-second hand-timed quarter-mile.

 

The standard 2020 Lincoln Corsair starts at $35,945 for the 2.0-liter engine, and the Corsair Reserve starts at $42,630 for the 2.0 and FWD. My test Corsair Reserve upgraded to the 2.3-liter turbo and base-priced at $51,010 for AWD and a slew of augmentations including the Reserve I equipment package (Ventilated Front Seats, Heated Second Row Outboard Seats, Heated Steering Wheel, Rain Sensing Wipers, Windshield Wiper De-Icer, Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist – Includes Lane Centering, Speed Sign Recognition, and Stop-and-Go, 360-Degree Camera with Front Camera Washer, Front Sensing System, Evasive Steering Assist, Reverse Brake Assist and Active Park Assist Plus). In Flight Blue for an extra $695, my Corsair played off a Beyond Blue leather interior for an extra $500. With Destination Charges of $995, an Acquisition Fee of $645 and some manufacturer equipment bundle discounts, my test 2020 Lincoln Corsair Reserve stickered at $52,205.

 

> 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>

What’s new this year?  That’s a question frequently asked by guests, vendors and even members of the media.  Carlisle Events is prepared for a south to Florida and its annual Winter AutoFest Lakeland offering, spotlighting a cornucopia of new and fresh things.  This includes displays, themes, guests, seminars and more.

Winter AutoFest Lakeland runs February 21-23 at the aforementioned SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus and the facility’s spacious footprint allows for a lot of variety.  That variety offers the addition of guests like Lou Santiago and Herb McCandless as well as GM Certified Technician, Paul Koerner.  

You’ve seen the names, but who are these guests?  Lou Santiago is the host of Car Fix on the former Velocity Channel (now Motor Trend TV), but he’s more than just a TV car guy, he’s a real-life car guy.  Lou is the kind of guy anyone can talk shop with for hours and the type of guy that anyone would want wrenching right next to them in the shop.  He’s an encyclopedia of knowledge and he, plus his knowledge, will be at the event Friday and Saturday (2/21-22).  

Another great guest is Herb McCandless.  Herb is a racing legend and yet another encyclopedia of car knowledge.  He’ll bring three of his most famous cars with him, too; a ’68 Hemi Dart, a ’70 Hemicuda and a ’72 Pro Stock Demon.  These cars have an amazing pedigree…just like Herb himself.  If cool cars and car stories are your thing, then an interaction with Herb’s a must!  

Paul Koerner has been a GM service technician since 1997 and has been specializing in Corvette care and service since 1999.  He’s obtained the classification of GM World Class Certified Service Technician.  In a nutshell, is fully tested and trained by GM to repair any system in any GM vehicle (sans Saab and medium-duty trucks).  His passion and knowledge run deep, in fact, at the 2019 Winter AutoFest event, Paul was found in the parking lot helping a patron whose car had broken down.  He’s that kind of amazing!

These three guys will do their own thing throughout the event, including seminars and tech talks, but they’ll also converge for a special seminar on Saturday (2/22) called “Ask the Pros.”  This panel will include Lou, Herb and Paul, while welcoming writer and industry expert Randy Bolig.  More names may pop in, but these are the four confirmed at this time.

While Herb and Lou are fresh guests in 2020, Winter AutoFest also offers three all-new displays.  One display honors 50 years of 1970 cars, with a display hosting a dozen or so rides from 1970.  In addition, another new display showcases race-inspired cars.  Within this display will be a $4.5 million dollar 2015 Ferrari FXX-K and a couple of million dollar L88 Corvettes.  The final all-new showcase is focused on the Mopar brand.  By popular demand, the Fun Field options at Winter AutoFest have expanded by one, adding Mopars in with pre-existing displays of the Corvette and Mustang.

Carlisle Events isn’t the only entity offering something fresh during Winter AutoFest.  Carlisle Auctions, a star player during the weekend as well, presents its two-day auction on Friday and Saturday (2/21-22).  During this time, a handful of ultra-low mileage consignments will cross the block.  This includes a 2005 Ford GT with under 1,500 miles and a 1978 Corvette with less than 250 miles.  In addition, as a nod to the Corvettes on display, Carlisle Auctions presents an all-Corvette hour on Saturday (2/22) starting at 1:30 p.m.

A complete rundown of this event, the auction and more are available online at www.CarlisleEvents.com or www.CarlisleAuctions.com.  Further, the auction will offer a free web stream for it’s daily 10:30 a.m. event PLUS online bidding.  In addition, anyone who registered to bid for this auction receives a FREE bidder’s pass for the fall Sunset-Carlisle auction in Sarasota, Florida.  For spectators, single day admission tickets are $10 online or at the gate while a weekend spectator admission for everyday of the event can be purchased for just $15.  Admission also allows for spectator access to the auction.  As always at Winter AutoFest, parking is FREE.  

There’s a new SUV flagship in the Hyundai fleet, as the all-new Hyundai Palisade enters the line-up, replacing the Santa Fe XL. Created as a roomy three-row midsize sports-ute with premium appointments and a quality ride, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade offers luxury, high-tech, infotainment and safety with bold styling.

Mike O’Brien, vice president of Product, Corporate and Digital Planning, Hyundai Motor America said, “The new 2020 Hyundai Palisade clearly evokes design imagery worthy of Hyundai’s flagship SUV, with new levels of all-road, all-weather capability, technology, safety, roominess and efficiency, all packaged in cutting-edge design. (It) is the ultimate family vehicle for practical, comfortable daily use and memory-making road trips whenever the appeal of the open road should beckon.”

Palisade comes to market with seating for up to eight and vast cargo space with convenient features including power third-row seats and One-Touch second-row seats for ease of use. All Palisade trims offer a host of safety and tech accouterments, and my test Palisade in Limited trim, was loaded with 7-passenger seating, dual sunroof, 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, Heads-Up Display, Premium Nappa Leather seating, Lane Keeping Assist,  Blind-Spot-Collision avoidance, 8-way power driver seat and heated front seats, and front and rear dual automatic climate control.

Additionally, the trim came standard with the Convenience Package -- 20-inch alloy wheel, auto-leveling rear suspension, LED taillights, front parking sensors, hands-free liftgate with Auto open, 7-inch high-res cluster display, Ultrasonic rear occupant alert, rear side window sunshade, wireless device charging for Qi-supported devices third-row USB outlets and more. Additionally, the trim level came from the factory with the Premium Package installed – Bi-LED headlights, leather seating surfaces, 8-way power passenger seats, integrated memory system for driver seat, heated second-row seats, third-row power seating, heated steering wheel, premium dashboard and premium door armrests.

Palisade’s styling is confident and bold, with a cascading grille, separated composite headlamps and a vertically-connected forward lighting signature. Muscular from front to rear, a powerful, extended hood profile creates an impressive road presence, while bold C-pillars and a panoramic glass side graphic convey generous third-row spaciousness, and panoramic rear glass coupled with a cutaway roof provides a generous sense of spaciousness to rear passengers. With a curbweight of 4284  lbs., Palisade measures 196.1 inches long, 77.8 inches wide and 68.9 inches high on a 11.4-inch wheelbase, with a ground clearance of 7.9 inches.

Inside, Palisade combines a sense of relaxation and comfort with 7- or 8- passenger seating, uptweaked materials, power seats, environmental controls, available second-row captain’s chairs with ventilated seating and tons of connectivity, infotainment and safety items at your disposal. And Two Bluetooth® devices can be connected simultaneously, with one for a mobile phone connection and the other for audio streaming.

Comfort also comes in Palisade’s dimensions: front headroom is 40.7 inches, with 40.1 inches in row two and 37.2 in row three. Legroom is roomy up front at 44.1 inches and row two at 42.4 inches, and tight in row three at 31.4. Shoulder room a spacious 61.2, 60.8 an 55.2.

Palisade power is strong for the niche – more standard horsepower than its top six competitors. The system employs an Atkinson-cycle 3.8-liter V6, dual CVVT, direct-injected engine that produces an estimated 291 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with a multi-plate torque converter for either two-wheel or HTRAC® four-wheel-drive configurations. My test was EPA rated and 19mpg/city, 24mpg/highway and 21mpg/overall in AWD. My week of testing on weather-impacted roads averaged 23.9mpg.

In a quiet cabin, my Palisade passed highway vehicles with confidence, the Motor-Driven Power rack-and-pinion steering was predictable and responsive for the niche and the independent suspension leveled most road irregularities, though there is occasional float at high speeds.

At the track, acceleration is steady, but not spectacular. The system brought my SUV from zero to 60mph in 7.3 seconds (hand-timed), during a 15.7-second (hand-timed) quarter-mile … not bad for the segment.

Safety is well-attended with such on-board systems as Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warning – Front and Reverse, Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Assist, Highway Drive Assist, Trailer Sway Control, Anti-lock Braking System with 4-wheel disc brakes, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control Support and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Management, Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire indicator, Power window lock-out button, Rear child safety locks, Advanced dual front airbags with Occupant Classification System, Dual front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, Front and rear roof-mounted side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors and Driver's knee airbag.

The 2020 Palisade starts at $31,775 for the base SE trim. The SEL trim starts at $33,725 and the upscale Limited trim starts at $44,925 and comes with the Convenience Package (normally $2200) and the Premium Package (normally $2400). In Sierra Red, with a Black Nappa Leather interior, my fully-loaded test Palisade Limited trim added HTRAC AWD for $1700, carpeted floor mats for $160, mudguards for $120 and a Freight charge of $1120, for a sticker-as-tested of $48,025.

 

> 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>

 

The first quarter of 2020 is offering central Florida residents the chance to own some of the finest classic and collector cars in the world.  The fun continues with Carlisle Auctions at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus in Lakeland as part of Winter AutoFest (February 21-23).  The auction itself spans two days (February 21-22) and will see more than 400+ consignments cross the block, with some having a reserve.  In addition, the thrilling event starts at 10:30 a.m. each of the two days.  Reserve or not, when cars do sell, they will have done so to the highest bidder.  This year’s auction will see Carlisle Auctions move 10 decades of excellence in front of a jam-packed gallery of car lovers.

For Carlisle Auctions, starting its season in Florida has been a tradition since 2012.  This year is no different and the level of consignments might just be the best ever to grace the grounds in Lakeland.  Two of the top consignments have less than 2,000 miles on their respective odometers…total!  Don’t miss out as a 1978 Corvette, 2005 Ford GT and so much more take center stage.

This gem of a Corvette has just 213 ORIGINAL MILES and is code B2Z, also known as a Silver Anniversary Edition.  Its automatic transmission powers a 350 c.i. L82 V8 engine and not only does it go (although with 212 miles, it didn’t really go anywhere), it goes in comfort.  There’s an oyster leather interior, AM/FM radio and even a factory CB.  This car has been meticulously taken care of, having been stored in a climate-controlled room and it’s even been on display at the National Corvette Museum.

Another low mileage gem is a 2005 Ford GT with 1,531 miles.  For sale in its factory red paint with black interior, the odometer shows just over 1,530 miles.  The low mileage total combined with its all-original, unmodified body means it also comes with no damage or blemishes to the paint.  Best of all, this GT was just one of five ordered in 2005 with the stripe delete option.  Other great perks to further its value include original sales documentation, window sticker, owner history and even service history.

While those two and others crossing the block will come with a reserve, many others will be offered without a reserve.  There’s also a special theme in place for Saturday (February 22), as the 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. time slot is reserved for only Corvettes, including the above-mentioned ’78.  There will be Corvettes available during other times throughout the event too, but for Corvette die-hards, the Saturday time slot is a must-attend.

“We are looking forward to this being our most successful Winter Autofest Lakeland Auction to date,” noted Director of Auction Operations, Tony Cline.  “We have been fortunate to consign the best group of vehicles that we have ever offered at the SUN ‘n FUN venue.  Anyone who wants to be involved can call our team at 717-960-6400 to consign or register to bid.”

To be part of the auction, call 717-960-6400 or visit Carlisle Auctions online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com.  While on the web, review details on many of the events’ consignments as well as details on upcoming auctions with Carlisle Auctions.  There are some great NEW features associated with Carlisle Auctions and Winter AutoFest in 2020 as well.  First, anyone who registers to bid for this auction receives FREE bidder access for Sunset-Carlisle, November 13-14 in Sarasota, Florida.  Second, interested bidders who can’t make Winter AutoFest in person can visit the aforementioned web page to bid online and finally, Carlisle Auctions will once again offer a FREE live stream of the auction, again at www.CarlisleAuctions.com. 

Since 1990, Auto Mania has taken place at the Allentown Fairgrounds in eastern Pennsylvania.  Under the guidance of Carlisle Events, Auto Mania has proven to be a the “little event that could” every January at the Agri-Plex facility.  Not only is it indoors and heated, the unmatched power and resources offered by Carlisle Events and its team help make the weekend a great way to start the Pennsylvania- based schedule for Carlisle Events and the Miller families. 

As the first date on the 2020 Carlisle Events season schedule, Auto Mania was a great starting point for those looking to pick up automotive pieces and parts, restoration items, collectibles, merchandise, memorabilia and more.  The outdoor vendor footprint, which has grown exponentially in the past few years, continued its expansion for 2020.   Playing perfectly into the weather for the weekend, a few of the outdoor vendors even had heaters, gloves, hats and scarfs for sale.   

For anyone at the event who was there when gates opened at 12 p.m. Friday, it was clear and obvious that excitement for the three-day affair was running high.   The line stretched around the building and once inside, guests were shoulder to shoulder and aisles were packed with enthusiasts.  The weekend turnout, despite some unsavory weather on Saturday, offered an overall solid result for all involved…including an uptick in gate over 2019’s offering.

To say that one day stood above another shopping wise is a tough call, because with such an influx of guests throughout the weekend, every day was THE day for shopping and camaraderie in Allentown!   For the throngs of guests who made the trip, Auto Mania was the best outlet for parts buying, picking, flipping and just a generally fun time out of the house.  The event wrapped at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 19 with guests taking one final shot at deals within the automotive flea market and one last chance to connect with old friends before saying goodbye until “the next time.” 

Speaking of next time, Auto Mania 2021 takes place January 15-17.  The buzz is so strong with this event among vendors that a large chunk of available spaces were renewed during the 2020 event weekend as everyone anticipates next year’s offering.  In the meanwhile, Carlisle Events next event weekend comes in one month as staff travel to Lakeland, Florida for Winter AutoFest Lakeland.  That event runs February 21-23 at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus and hosts an automotive flea market and car corral, plus a two-day collector car auction powered by Carlisle Auctions.  There’s a big car show theme destined to take over the facility.  This year, the NCRS brings its winter regional meet to the event, plus the Imperial Mustang Club of Polk County returns with its Mustangs and Mustangs show.  There’s a Corvette showcase and all-new for Lakeland, a Mopar showcase.  With special guests, displays and seminars planned, a trip to Florida in February isn’t a bad idea. 

As for the aforementioned auction, Carlisle Auctions anticipates 400+ consignments and boasts its exciting FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee.  In addition, buyers and sellers can enjoy live auction entertainment and other great conveniences related to being part of a Carlisle Auction.  A complete rundown of this event and others are available online at www.CarlisleEvents.com or www.CarlisleAuctions.com.