The Nissan Sentra was created with a name that evoked the image of a “Sentry”, to bring to mind a safe small vehicle. Beginning life for model-year 1982 as a compact, it has since evolved into a mid-size. The sixth best-selling sedan in America this year, Sentra is all-new for 2020, beginning its eighth generation as a vehicle that is wider, longer and heavier than last year, but lower for better aerodynamics and stability. The new-gen Sentra has also gained 17 percent more horsepower and picks up a small bit of fuel efficiency.

Sitting on a new platform, the 2020 Nissan Sentra exterior is sportier and more muscular looking; it gains better road stability and driving dynamics through the redesign, new suspension and steering system; it adds a comprehensive suite of intelligent connectivity technologies, including available NissanConnect® featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™; adds as standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360 and available driver assist technologies; and the interior is redesigned with more modern, luxurious and premium accouterments.

Outside, Sentra’s new sculpted demeanor is more aggressive and sporty than is expected from a lower-priced sedan. The powerful stance and premium look are highlighted by Nissan's signature V-motion grille, available thin LED headlamps and floating roof. A lower rear roofline and wider shoulders, with wheels flush to the body, enhances its boldness. The Sentra SR trim I tested, provides a more athletic appearance with a sport-style rear spoiler, black-painted side mirrors with integrated turn signals, lower body side sill extensions, 18-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels, and chrome exhaust finisher.

Once Sentra was a sub-compact, but it is firmly entrenched as a midsize now, weighing in with a curb weight of 3084 lbs. for my test Sentra SR – more than 100 lbs. heavier than last time --  and measuring 182.7 inches in length (up 0.6 inches), 71.5 inches in width (2.2 inches wider than last year) and 56.9 inches in height (an aerodynamic lowering of 2 inches) on a 106.8-inch wheelbase (0.5 inches greater), with a pavement-scraping minimum ground clearance of 4.9 inches. 

The 2020 Sentra's all-new interior is more refined, more touch-oriented and more luxurious – above expectations in the compact sedan segment. Attention to detail and craftsmanship can be found throughout the interior, with satin chrome aluminum accents, the intuitive placement of controls, contrast seat stitching and a standard D-shaped steering wheel. Standard features include Nissan's Zero Gravity front seats, which help optimize posture positioning for enhanced comfort during long distance driving. Other interior features include remote keyless entry with push button start, RearView Monitor and Rear Door Alert.

With seating for five, Sentra offers a roomy 44.0 inches of front legroom (a gain of 1.5 inches) and a comfortable 37.4 inches of rear legroom. Headroom is cramped up front at 37.5 inches with sunroof (losing a half-inch over last year) and tight in the rear at 36.7 inches. Shoulder room exceeds niche expectations and gains 1.7 inches at 56.4 in row one and 54.5 for row two (up 0.6 inches).

Sentra's driving experience has also been upgraded. All 2020 Sentra models come equipped with the latest generation Xtronic transmission – no manual trans is offered. Sentra is now powered by a new, fuel-efficient 2.0-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine delivering 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque – increases of 25 hp and 21 lb-ft over the previous model. Sentra's top-level driving dynamics are provided by a new independent rear suspension matched to a McPherson strut front suspension with twin-tube shock absorbers. Also new are a responsive dual-pinion rack electric power steering system and Nissan Intelligent Trace Control technology, both standard. With an EPA rating of 28mpg/city and 37mpg/highway, my week of mixed-use tests yielded an average of 32.3mpg.

Even with the power increase, Sentra still performs as one expects a compact to act. Passing at speed and accelerating uphill should be strategized, and at the track, Sentra improves a bit. The last last-gen Sentra I tested was slow, at a 9.6-second dash and 17.6-second quarter-mile. The new-Gen perked up to 9.2 and 17.2. Steering was predictable with lessened understeer.

Available in three trim levels, the base 2020 Sentra S starts at $19,090. The SV trim Sentra starts at $20,270, and added 16-inch Aluminum-alloy wheels, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, Premium Cloth seat trim, 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist® Display, Apple CarPlay® integration and more. The premium The SR trim I tested comes with 18-inch Aluminum-alloy wheels, Dark chrome V-Motion grille, Chrome exhaust finisher and more, and starts at $21,430. My test SR, in Two-Tone Monarch Orange Metallic / Super Black exterior paint, for an extra $595, played off a Charcoal Sport Leatherette Interior as part of the $2170 SR Premium Package that was loaded with an Intelligent Around View® Monitor, Power sliding glass moonroof with tilt feature, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, 6-way power adjustable driver's seat with 2-way power lumbar, sport leatherette-appointed seats with contrast orange stitching, heated front seats and more. A Clear rear bumper protector was installed for $75, and an impact sensor was added for $125 (alerts you to denting and attempted break-ins). With Destination and Handling charges of $925, my 2020 Nissan Sentra SR as tested stickered at $25,320.

> 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>

Due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic and with the health and safety in mind of the Carlisle community, Carlisle Events staff as well as event guests and business partners, Carlisle Events has POSTPONED the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals benefiting Driven to Cure.  This event was originally scheduled for May 15-17.

The NEW, rescheduled dates for the Import & Performance Nationals are August 14-16, making this the latest this show has ever been held at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  The new event date also shifts the pre-registration/10% Gate-N-Go deadline savings to July 13. 

While the show has a new late summer date, it’ll maintain many of its same great content.  This includes special displays like 100 Years of Mazda, 50 Years of the Nissan/Datsun Z, the race paddock, French car display in Building R and more.  Further competitions remain, including drift limbo, drifting and autocross via NICOFest, low car limbo and burnouts.  Also remaining in place is the charitable tie-in with Driven to Cure.  DTC is a non-profit 501 (c3) established to help raise awareness and provide funding for the research of rare kidney cancers like Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Cancer (HLRCC) in children and young adults.  A portion of participant dollars benefit DTC.

“Historically, this event is our first specialty show of the season, truly jump-starting the car show excitement at Carlisle,” noted Carlisle Events co-owner Bill Miller.  “So many things are changing daily with this global pandemic and we feel it’s best for the safety and health of all involved to transition the show from its original May dates to the new August 14-16 dates,” continued Miller.  “We’ll continue to follow all guidelines and directives set forth by relevant parties as well as state, local and national officials.   Car shows WILL happen at Carlisle again soon and for our regular Import & Performance Nationals guests, I look forward to seeing everyone in Carlisle August 14-16, 2020.”

Ultimately, offering a safe and fun environment for everyone is THE most important part of this new event date.  Finally, spectator tickets, registrations of all types including Showfield, vendor spaces, etc. will be honored for the new dates. 

During this event, as well as others on the schedule, Carlisle Events will continue to be proactive from a health and sanitation standpoint within the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and Carlisle Expo Center.

• Carlisle Events and its neighboring properties will be adding additional sanitizer stations to the food court, entry gates AND guest services.
• ALL ticket takers and hand stampers will be offered gloves and hand sanitizer that is 60% (or greater) alcohol.
• Carlisle Events has secured a disinfectant from the suggested CDC list that quickly kills viruses and bacteria. This, combined with portable hand sprayers will be utilized in bathrooms, food court, vendor services, guest services and within the Carlisle Expo Center as part of auctions and third party events.
• Make available disinfectant wipes and sanitizer at ticket booths, vendor services and guest services.
• Communicate these measures to our guests, staff and business partners.
• Additional measures and suggested healthcare guidelines are available on the CDC web page.

For details regarding the 2020 Carlisle Events schedule, the NEW Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals event dates in August, tickets or to register for the Showfield, visit CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855.

Traditionally, there are few vehicles with the rugged and versatile history of Jeep. From its U.S. Army beginnings in 1941 as a general purpose 4-wheel-drive light military vehicle, to its CJ Civilian Jeep production in 1945, to its evolution as a rugged, sports-utility vehicle with ever-progressing luxury, connectivity and capability, Jeep has earned a reputation as a tough, dependable and sporty conveyance for in-town and off-road function.

Building on that rich heritage, the all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator combines Jeep’s iconic styling with the features of a pick-up truck to become a true sports-utility vehicle … a Jeep truck. Now, there WAS a full-size Jeep Gladiator truck from 1962-1988, known as the Jeep J-Series after 1971, but THIS Jeep Gladiator is a midsize pick-up truck that is brand new for the 2020 model year, and is Jeep’s first pick-up truck model since it discontinued Comanche in 1992.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator certainly plays on Jeep’s iconic look and social distances itself from the competition with that look.  And it is designed for work ... real truck work … and play … traditional Jeep play.

Based on the Jeep Wrangler SUV, Gladiator is recognizable as a Jeep, from the seven-slot grille seen on Wrangler, but with widened the grille slots for additional air intake to assist with the increased towing capacity. The top of the keystone-shaped grille is gently swept back to enhance aerodynamics. A full-sized spare tire, normally mounted on the Wrangler's rear tailgate, is mounted underneath the cargo bed of the Gladiator. The truck has front and rear doors that can be fully removed, as well as a windshield that can be lowered (like the Wrangler JL, Jeep includes a tool kit with the tools necessary to remove the doors and lower the windshield). Gladiator models equipped with LEDs feature daytime running lights, which form a halo around the outside perimeter of the headlights. Forward turn signals are positioned on the front of the trapezoidal wheel flares.

From behind, traditional square tail lamps feature available LED lighting and give way to a wide tailgate opening for unobstructed loading of cargo into the bed. The tailgate is damped and capable of stopping in three positions, while cargo is easily secured with a power-locking tailgate. And the truck bed isn’t just for looks. It is fully functional and work worthy. The 5-foot high-strength steel bed utilizes four steel cross-members to reinforce the load floor while the aluminum tailgate is damped. Utility and versatility are maximized with strong integrated tie-downs and under-rail bed lighting.

Built at Toledo Supplier Park, Toledo, Ohio the mid-size pick-up measures 218.0 inches long, 74.1 inches high with the hard top, and 73.8 inches wide on a 137.3-inch wheelbase, for a ground clearance of 11.1 inches. The Rubicon with an automatic transmission weighs in at a robust 5072 lbs.

Inside, the Gladiator combines Jeep style, versatility, comfort and intuitive feature use. Precision craftsmanship and high-quality materials are found throughout the cabin. The heritage-inspired center stack features a clean, sculpted form that complements the horizontal dashboard design. Soft-touch surfaces enhance tech items such as intuitive placement of climate and volume control knobs, media charging and connectivity ports, and Engine Stop. A U-Connect 4C Navigation system with 7.0-inch touchscreen is standard as is a push-button starter, featuring a weather-proof surround.

The cabin is niche-roomy, and provides 40.8 inches of front and rear row headroom in the hardtop, 41.2 inches of front legroom with 38.3 inches in row two, and 55.7 inches of front and rear shoulder room.

Gladiator is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Combined with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission, the setup focuses on low-end torque – good for off-roading and hauling heavy loads – the automatic has a trailer tow rating of 7000 lbs. The system is rated at 17mpg/city, 22mpg/highway and 19 mpg/combined for the automatic. A 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine is also an option, rated at 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft. of torque. My 3.6 accelerated smoothly and predictably and finished off a hand-timed zero-to-60mph sprint in 8.2 seconds during a 16.2-second quarter-mile. A week of mixed-use tests and some off-road trails ended with an average consumption of 18.6mpg. I found Gladiator off-road capable, highway adequate and in-town cool and fun to drive.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is available in five trims, from the base Sport at $33,545 to the top-of-the-line Rubicon at $43,875. My fully loaded Rubicon in Firecracker Red added an 8-speed automatic transmission for $2000. Cosmetically, body-color fender flares were added for $495; a body-color three-piece removable hard top for $1100; spray-in bedliner for $495; Black leather-trimmed bucket seats for $1495; an Alpine Premium Audio system added $1295; all-weather slush mats added $165; hardtop headliner added $555; a trailer tow package was $350; the Jeep Active Safety Group (Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection, ParkSense® Rear Park-Assist System, LED Tail Lamps) was $995; and Adaptive Cruise Control/Forward Collision Warning added $795. Now, that was $12,035 in options, and with $1495 in destination charges, my 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon stickered at $57,405.

> 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>

Re-engineered in 2017 for its second generation, the 2020 GMC Acadia mid-size crossover gets a facelift, a turbo engine option and many tech and infotainment upgrades.

Aiming for a more refined appearance, improved cabin interfaces and augmented power, GMC has upgraded Acadia with design and technology enhancements including a bolder exterior design, new available 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, new nine-speed automatic transmission, an enhanced GMC infotainment system, a new available Head-up Display and Rear Camera Mirror, and the introduction of the first-ever Acadia AT4 with exclusive AT4 grille, wheels, badging and black chrome exterior accents.

The 2020 Acadia comes at you with a new grille, new front and rear fascias and GMC’s signature C-shaped lighting along with standard LED lighting complemented with interior refinements.

Additional design and style enhancements for the 2020 Acadia include: new 18- and 20-inch wheel designs depending on the trim; outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals (power-folding feature standard on Denali and available on SLT trim); hands-free power liftgate with GMC logo projection standard on SLT, AT4 and Denali; redesigned center console with enhanced storage space and unique Denali interior color scheme with new, open-pore wood decor.

Continuing with its mid-size crossover dimensions of last year, Acadia measures 193.6 inches long, 66 inches high and 75.4 inches wide on a 112.5-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 7.2 inches and curbweight comes in at about 3923, though the upscale versions with the 3.6-liter engine exceed 4000 pounds.

Last year, Acadia offered two engine choices: a 2.5-liter Inline-4 engine -- 193hp and 188 lb-ft of torque and an EPA rating of 21/city and 26/highway – and a 3.6-liter V-6 engine -- 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, for an EPA rating of 18/city and 25/highway. This year, Acadia goes with three options: a 2.0-liter turbo I-4 DOHC with direct injection and Active Fuel Management, good for 230 horses and 258 lb-ft; the 2.5-liter direct-injection I-4 that provides last year’s power numbers; and this year’s 3.6-liter V-6 DOHC VVT with Direct Injection is the same as last year’s at 310hp and 271 lb-ft.

Mated to the new nine-speed automatic Electronic Precision Shift that replaced the previous six-speed automatic, my 3.6-powered Denali was attentive, responsive and confident with reduced engine noise in the cabin. My week of mixed-use tests yielded an average of 22.2 mpg, Accelerating powerfully at speed and in passing, track tests showed an energetic zero-to-60 mph sprint in 6.6 seconds, en route to a consistent 15.2-second quarter-mile.

Responsive and accurate on turns and sweeps, Acadia’s electric variable-effort power steering with Active Return Assist was reliable and minimized body roll while delivering acceptable understeer during quick cornering. Providing good road feel, the MacPherson strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar and the five-link independent rear with coil springs and stabilizer bar were the same as last year, and with the Continuous Damping Control real-time damping on my Denali test ride, the system leveled city roads and highways, and was solid soft-road, though severe off-roading seemed to be a bit beyond its capabilities.

Refined inside, the Acadia cabin provides seating for five, six, or seven passengers depending on model and configuration. My three-row, six-passenger Denali was comfortable with 40.0 inches of front headroom without a sunroof (you lose about 1.2 inches with a sunroof), 39.6 in row two and 37.2 inches in row three. Legroom measures 41 inches in front, 39.7 in row two and a child-worthy 29.7 in row three, while shoulder room is 59.4, 58.7 and 54.3. Cargo volume was 41.7 cu.ft. behind row two if row three is eliminated.

Safety features include standard head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for all seating rows and roof-mounted head curtain air bags, Front and Rear Parking Assist, Lane Change Alert,  Front Pedestrian Braking, Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Forward Automatic Braking, Following Distance Indicator, IntelliBeam automatic headlamp high-beam control, Surround Vision camera system, Forward Collision Alert and more.

Available in six trims, Acadia’s base SL trim starts at $30,195 in FWD and runs through six levels to get to the top-of-the-line Denali that I tested – starting at $46,695 in FWD. In the lesser trims, you pay about $1095 for the upgrade to the larger engine – Denali comes with the larger plant as standard. You also pay $2000 to upgrade from FWD to AWD and my Denali was in AWD. Ebony Twilight Metallic exterior paint added $495 and the outside was mated to a Jet Black perforated leather interior. The Technology Package that is recommended for the safety conscious was also included for $1495, consisting of advanced adaptive cruise control with full speed front automatic braking and a surround vision system. A Dual SkyScape 2-Panel Powered sunroof was added for $1400; Front and rear splash guards added $170 and roof rack cross rail added $265. Rear seat infotainment with DVD player would have added $1995, but my ride was without that option, though we did add Wireless charging for $375. With an additional $1195 for Destination charges, my final sticker-as-tested was at $52,895, but cash allowance incentives of $4250 brought the MSRP to $48,645, so check with your local dealer.

<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>

Due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic and with the health and safety in mind of the Carlisle community, Carlisle Events staff as well as Spring Carlisle and Carlisle Auction guests and business partners, Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions have POSTPONED Spring Carlisle 2020 along with its two-day collector car auction, originally scheduled to begin April 22.

The NEW, rescheduled date for the Spring event is May 27-31 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, with a new auction date of May 28-29 at the Carlisle Expo Center.  All original tickets, car corral spaces, vending spaces and auction commitments will be honored for the new event dates.  Best of all, the new Spring Carlisle and auction dates fall just after Memorial Day, meaning everyone at the event can celebrate the unofficial start of summer outdoors in America’s Automotive Hometown!   

“While our events entertain over half a million people annually, our NUMBER ONE GOAL as a family run company is to protect the health of our employees, vendors, guests and the community of which we’ve called home since 1974,” noted Carlisle Events co-owner Bill Miller, Jr.  “We have been following all guidelines and directives of the CDC, WHO, President Trump as well as Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf as this ever-changing world-wide pandemic evolves,” continued Miller.  “As such, our team has decided that a late May event is how we’ll present Spring Carlisle 2020!  Save the date, because I look forward to seeing everyone in Carlisle May 27-31.” 

The new Spring Carlisle date in late May also necessitates a one-time merger of Carlisle Auctions planned Summer Sale, originally scheduled for June 27.  The Summer Sale will return to its normal June date in 2021.  In addition, while the May date is scheduled at this time, Carlisle Events will continue to monitor federal, state and local mandates related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  As such, a secondary date of June 17-20 has been identified as a “just in case” option.

During this event, as well as others on the schedule, Carlisle Events will continue to be proactive from a health and sanitation standpoint within the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and Carlisle Expo Center.

• Carlisle Events and its neighboring properties will be adding additional sanitizer stations to the food court, entry gates AND guest services.
• ALL ticket takers and hand stampers will be offered gloves and hand sanitizer that is 60% (or greater) alcohol. 
• Carlisle Events has secured a disinfectant from the suggested CDC list that quickly kills viruses and bacteria. This, combined with portable hand sprayers will be utilized in bathrooms, food court, vendor services, guest services and within the Carlisle Expo Center as part of auctions and third party events. 
• Make available disinfectant wipes and sanitizer at ticket booths, vendor services, guest services and the Carlisle Expo Center. 
• Communicate these measures to our guests, staff and business partners. 
• Additional measures and suggested healthcare guidelines are available on the CDC web page.

For details regarding the NEW Spring Carlisle and auction dates for May, the 2020 Carlisle Events schedule and more, visit CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855.