It’s becoming a bit of a tradition for the team at Carlisle Events to not only showcase classic cars as part of its AutoFest events in Lakeland, Florida, but to also bring some of TV’s most iconic stars to town too. The trend continues February 23-26 at the SUN ‘n FUN campus with the addition of Butch Patrick to event weekend. Patrick, who played little Eddie Munster on the ‘60s TV show The Munsters will be on hand all weekend to meet fans, sign autographs and more.

As mentioned above, Patrick is best known as Eddie Munster from the CBS comedy that ran from 1964-1966. He reprised the role for a 1966 feature film and also starred as Mark on the ABC Saturday morning series, Lidsville from 1971-1973. It’s his Munsters career that endeared him to millions though and it’s that role and its corresponding popularity that brings him to Lakeland.

"I was just happy to be part of a TV show that has such a timeless following,” said Patrick from his home in Florida. “People today really seem to enjoy nostalgic shows with real family values even if it’s a family of lovable monsters."

In addition to Patrick himself, he’s bringing with him a handful of ghoulishly unique cars. The Munster’s themed display not only includes Patrick, but the Munster Koach and Dragula tribute cars, the ORIGINAL 1964 Barris/Von Dutch chain link Schwinn Stingray Bike and other Munsters props, including a Munsters go-cart, baseball bat, Wolf Wolf, miniature spot and street signs.

An autograph for any item brought to the event is $20. In addition, Patrick and his team will have items for sale, including photos, shirts and photo ops with the famed rides that are part of his display. Prices will vary and will be listed at his onsite location. Posed photos are included for free with the purchase of any item from him or with the purchase of an autograph.

Winter AutoFest itself isn’t just about this special guest, but also about a swap meet, car corral, two-day collector car auction and car show. 100 years of automotive history will be on display and the event is unlike anything else in the region, plus it’s affordable family fun. Adult tickets are $10 per day, kids 12 and under are free and complete details are available at www.CarlisleEvents.com.

Kia Motors is going green in a big way, with a Hybrid that doesn’t look like a Hybrid, and housed in a Crossover package that doesn’t look or act quite like a Crossover. It is more like an “un-Hybrid, non-Crossover.” Kia’s all-new 2017 Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV) is marketed by Kia as: “A no-compromise vehicle that combines driving enjoyment with eye-catching design, functional utility and hybrid efficiency.”

What Niro does well is provide impressive fuel economy – EPA rated at 51mpg in the city, 46/highway and 49/combined. To back that up (though my tests showed a bit less, as they generally do), in December 2016, Niro officially received a Guinness World Records title for the lowest fuel consumption by a hybrid vehicle, as it traveled from Los Angeles to New York City with a fuel consumption record of 76.6 mpg. Now, they hypermile and use techniques you won’t use (and I didn’t use), but my review tests still produced a notable average of 47.1 mpg in mixed-use driving.

Niro is marketed as a Crossover, but seems like more of a Hatchback. It is not offered in AWD and cargo space is not as cavernous as what we expect from CUVs. Not boxy or high – Niro is curvy, slim and only 60.8 inches tall -- it doesn’t look like a typical crossover. In fact, Kia bills the exterior design as "un-hybrid". Niro certainly doesn’t fit the perception of what a hybrid is supposed to look like as it offers a wide stance, long and curved roofline and short overhangs.

Designed at Kia’s design centers in Irvine, California, and Namyang, Korea, Niro’s architecture is atypical of a hybrid, appearing strong and confident with subtly sculpted surfaces offset by robust styling cues. Niro sports wide and low proportions, standing 171.5 inches long, 71.1 inches wide and 60.8 inches high with roof rails, on a 106.3-inch wheelbase. The overhang is 34.3 inches in front and 30.9 inches in the rear and Niro has a ground clearance of 6.3 inches. Curbweight for the upper trims is 3161 lbs.

Up front, Niro bears a familiar front fascia highlighted by Kia’s signature grille and flanked by aggressively shaped headlights that accentuate the Niro’s strong shoulders. Contours on the hood lend visual interest and, along with voluminous wheel arches, rocker cladding, roof rails, and rear skid plate, contribute to a sporty look. Although Niro employs a Crossover theme, it was designed with aerodynamics in mind, with its carefully shaped bodywork contributing to a relatively efficient coefficient of drag of .29.

Stepping inside the Niro reveals an inviting, modern and high-tech interior. Glossy white or black accents underline the HUV’s straightforward theme. The instrument panel is uncluttered and clean, with colorful and informative gauges at the forefront and perfectly positioned primary and secondary controls falling readily to hand. Interior roominess measures 49.1 inches of front headroom with 39.1 inches in the rear; legroom is 41.7 inches up front and 37.4 inches in row two, and shoulder room has been measured at 56.0 and 55.2. Seats with increased pad density in the cushions ensure a comfortable ride, helping to prevent fatigue on longer trips and the Niro boasts an elevated seating position much like the Kia Soul, providing drivers with a more commanding view of the road as well as easy ingress and egress.

The powertrain begins with an all-new, state-of-the-art Kappa 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, engineered specifically for hybrid applications. The aluminum block and head system delivers 104hp and 109 lbs,-ft. of torque. The electric motor is a Lithium-Ion Polymer battery-powered 240-volt AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet Motor that provides 43 hp and the combined system is rated at 139hp and 195 lbs.-ft of torque. The system has a driving range of 583 miles.

Niro’s power is transmitted through a newly developed, second-generation six-speed dual-clutch transmission, which not only boosts efficiency but is also a key factor to a fun driving experience. The transmission delivers smooth, quick shifts for a natural and peppy feel, unlike other hybrids, though a zero-to-60mph “dash” took 10.9 seconds during an 18.4-second quarter-mile

Corners were taken effectively for the niche with little body roll and comparatively small top wobble. Road noise was surprisingly present in the cabin, but for the most part, Niro handled more like a sedan than a Crossover. Acceleration was decent enough for everyday driving, braking was confident, steering was supple and responsive and the independent front suspension with MacPherson struts, stabilizer and gas shocks, works well with the independent multi-link rear with twin tube shocks to smooth out most road irregularities.

The 2017 Kia Niro starts at $22,890 for the base NR trim, and moves up through the LX at $23,200; the EX at $25,700; the Touring at $29,650 and the Touring Launch at $31;950. My test Niro LX added the Sunroof Tech Package for $1450, with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, Smart Cruise Control, Leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, LED Daytime Running Lights and front fog lights. Mud guards added $95; carpet floor mat was $130; and Destination Charges added $895 for a price-as-tested of $25,570, making it one of the more affordable hybrids in the segment.


> 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.

When the calendar flipped from 2016 to 2017, the Carlisle Events web page began a brief three week countdown until the first event of the year. That event, Auto Mania at the Allentown Fairgrounds, has come and gone and the power of heat in the middle of winter, combined with the passion of thousands of automotive enthusiasts helped once again to make this event PA’s biggest and best indoor, heated swap meet.

From the time the gates opened at noon on January 20 through final load out on Sunday, January 22, the Ag Hall complex was packed. Between the automotive and collectible items for sale and the neighboring farmer’s market, everyone was treated, in one way or another, to a deal at every turn. From toy trains to vintage signs, classic cars, an Amish prayer buggy, traffic lights, emblems and more, Auto Mania offered the perfect cure for every ailing car guy (and gal) who was sick of the winter temps. For an event that doesn’t officially have a car corral, even that feature was bustling. One vendor had such a great weekend that he flipped two cars Friday, then came back the next day with even more inventory.

Saturday was THE day for Auto Mania. Gone was the distraction of a presidential inauguration, the chance for any adverse weather and any real excuse as to why one would not attend the event. Given the full day of fun, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday drew guests from far and wide. New York, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and other neighboring states were represented and not only was the main floor footprint hopping, the adjacent hall with body kits, classic cars for sale, shirts, banners and other automotive themed pieces and parts was too. Even the outside vending space was busy, with this year’s footprint two, maybe even three times bigger than in years past. In fact, demand was such that every available space, indoors and out was spoken for.

Sunday helped wrap the weekend and guests that came had one final shot at deals within the swap meet and one last chance to connect with old friends before saying goodbye until “the next time.”

Speaking of the next time, Carlisle Events' next offering comes in one month as staff travel to Lakeland, Florida for Winter Florida AutoFest. That event runs February 23-25 and hosts not only a swap meet and car corral, but a two-day collector car auction AND car show too. There’s unique displays, Air & Coach Concours and more. The auction boasts Carlisle's exciting FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee as well as other great conveniences related to being part of a Carlisle Auction. A complete rundown of this event and others that follow it are available online via the Carlisle Events’ web page; www.CarlisleEvents.com.

Supply and demand is a powerful dynamic and for 2017, Carlisle Auctions is reacting to the demand by upping its supply. As part of this year’s schedule, the Carlisle Auction team is expanding its auction events at Spring and Fall Carlisle. Instead of two-day auctions running Thursday and Friday, the new format offers auction excitement at the Carlisle Expo Center on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. With the expansion, Carlisle Auctions will professionally showcase even more cars, more people and more excitement.

Spring Carlisle itself runs April 19-23 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and its auction offering, powered by Carlisle Auctions, takes place April 20-22. In addition, Fall Carlisle spans September 27-October 1, while the auction is September 28-30. Both Carlisle-based auctions take place at the Carlisle Expo Center, located at 100 K St. in Carlisle, just one block west of the fairgrounds.

The ALL-NEW three-day format means that cars and collectibles will still cross the block starting at approximately 3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, but with the added third day, Saturday of auction weekend will also feature available lots. The Saturday auction commences at 10 a.m. With the added day, more cars will be consigned too. Additional consignments also make for an overall better quality event, which in turn, affords the chance for even more bidders to come to the table. Best of all, it’s done via Carlisle Auctions FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee.

“We are thrilled to be expanding to a three-day format for our upcoming Spring Carlisle Auction,” said Director of Auction Operations Tony Cline. “Fall Carlisle 2016 was our most successful auction ever in quality of consignment, volume and bidder registration. Because of that, we now feel it is the perfect time to move forward with expanded offerings.”

Carlisle Auctions 2017 campaign kicks off in February with a two-day auction in Lakeland, Florida as part of Winter AutoFest. The Spring and Fall events are on the horizon and the auction team is currently accepting consignments for those events. Finally, the auction season concludes in November with a return to Lakeland for Fall AutoFest. This event, much like its sister show in February is a two-day auction. Complete details on Carlisle Auctions can be found at www.CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400.

In 2005, for the 2006 model year, Honda introduced the Ridgeline to give Honda automobile owners a chance to also own a truck under the badge. It was created, not as a traditional truck, but as a crossover sports-utility truck, or SUT, Production on that first generation ended in 2014, but Ridgeline is back for 2017 as an innovative midsize pickup truck. Ridgeline has been redesigned from the ground up to offer both recreational and work users a higher degree of utility and versatility in a modern, rugged and sophisticated midsize pickup.

Based on Honda's Global Light Truck platform -- with its highly rigid, aerodynamic and tightly sealed unitized body construction, Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ safety body structure, and fully independent front and rear suspension systems with Amplitude Reactive Dampers – the 2017 Honda Ridgeline has been named the 2017 North American Truck of the Year at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit (chosen by more than 60 automotive journalists). Ridgeline has also earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, when equipped with available front crash prevention system and LED headlights. Ridgeline is the first and only pickup to earn that rating.

The all-new 2017 Ridgeline sports a sleek, sophisticated and rugged exterior design, incorporating new premium features including standard LED taillights, and available features such as LED projector headlights and LED daytime running lights. The Second-Generation truck gained 3.2 inches in wheelbase over Gen-1 and now sits at 125.2 inches. This year’s model is also 3.1 inches longer at 210 inches, 0.5 inches higher at 70.8 inches in AWD configuration, and 0.8 inches wider at 78.6 inches. The bed length is 3.9 inches longer at 64 inches, yet with the size gains, curbweight is down for AWD by 73 lbs. to 4431 lbs.

The redesign retains the features and capabilities from the first generation, but with more traditional truck styling, advanced safety features and modern electronic amenities.

Powering the 2017 Ridgeline is a new 3.5-liter direct injected i-VTEC® 24-valve SOHC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ cylinder deactivation technology. The new engine is mated to an innovative smooth shifting 6-speed automatic that offers a 20 percent wider gear ratio spread than the previous-generation Ridgeline 5-speed automatic, for enhanced acceleration, pulling power and fuel efficiency. The Ridgeline's new engine is rated at 280 peak horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. peak torque. Peak engine output is up 30 horsepower and 15 lb.-ft. of torque over the previous Ridgeline, with increased torque over the engine's entire operating (rpm) range.

AWD fuel economy is EPA rated at 18/city, 25/highway and 21mpg/combined on regular unleaded fuel. A week of testing over snow, ice and occasionally dry roads and highways, as well as some soft-road activities, yielded an average of 20.3mpg.

Behind the wheel, steering was attentive and carlike on long straights and weaving corners, with very little body-lean. Acceleration from the six-speed automatic transmission was smooth and predictable, and track runs proved solid for a mid-size truck or SUT at 7 seconds flat for a zero-to-60mph sprint and 15.6 seconds for a quarter-mile.

The four-wheel independent suspension was supple over highway irregularities and worked well with an advanced traction management system to conquer snow and soft-road obstacles.

The new interior combines premium quality, convenience and user-friendly technology in a roomy, versatile package. With seating for five, sightlines are good and interior space is accommodating at 40.1 inches of front headroom and 38.8 in the rear; legroom affords 40.9 inches up front and 36.7 for rear seats and shoulder room comes in at 62.0 and 61.5 inches.

Ridgeline’s cabin features such available amenities as one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature; LED interior ambient lighting; Smart Entry and pushbutton start; heated front seats and steering wheel; reconfigurable rear seat; 8-inch touchscreen display audio system with Android operating system; Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto; new-generation "2.0/3.0" SiriusXM® Radio; Pandora® compatibility; SMS Text Message function and HondaLink™ connected-car system.

Key safety and driver-assistive features include Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Design, Vehicle Stability Assist™ with Traction Control, Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering, Brake Assist, advanced 4-channel ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution, Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, side curtain airbags, Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Tire Fill Assist, Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, parking sensors, Honda LaneWatch™, Blind Spot Information, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and much more.

With seven trims offered, the base 4-door Crew Cab 2017 Honda Ridgeline RT starts at $29,475 in 2WD automatic. The AWD automatic version (and I nearly always recommend to go AWD or 4WD) adds $1900. Cool bodyside molding added $225 and silver roof rail crossbars added $225. Door visors added $275; an expanded view mirror added $44; door edge guards added $105; fog lights added $400; running boards added $625 and splash guards added $116 for front and rear. Inside, all-season floor mats added $169 and automatic dimming mirror added $142. Three electronic additions were back-up sensors for $500, remote engine start for $99 and a CD player for $310. With destination and handling charges of $940, my 2017 Honda Ridgeline as tested was priced at $36,075.


> 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.