The most popular roadster/two-seat convertible sports car in the world, with more than a million vehicles sold since its launch, Mazda’s MX-5 Miata enters the fifth year of its fourth generation, by adding more power and a higher redline, courtesy of a thoroughly reworked engine. The 2019 MX-5 also adds a standard telescoping steering wheel, standard rear view camera, expanded safety features including traffic sign recognition, Smart City Brake Support, Lane-Departure Warning and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert; new cosmetics and some minor interior enhancements.

I tested the RF (Retractable Fastback) convertible version that lives up to Mazda’s marketing mantra of Jinba Ittai – “horse and rider as one” – and plays into the MX-5 mission to “innovate in order to preserve.” The RF is not just a convertible, not just a hardtop, it is an innovative fastback that slips its retractable roof away in about 13 seconds and keeps its fastback profile. Then in another 13 seconds, the roof and true fastback can resume function. Upon opening, the roof section immediately above the passengers folds and stows below the buttresses, which lift temporarily out of the way. The glass rear window between the buttresses rolls down to give a more open-air feel and the entire power-folding roof mechanism occupies the same space as the standard manual-folding soft-top, so there’s no loss of trunk space.

Utilizing Mazda’s full range of SKYACTIV Technology and “KODO-Soul of Motion” design, Miata was designed with emotion and cues borrowed from the Lotus Elan. Development engineers created MX-5 to appeal, “to the senses and the sensations through which people enjoy cars.” This was achieved through a sculpted, elegant, refined, sleek and powerful personality on the outside, and upscale amenities inside.

For 2019, MX-5 remains 154.1 inches long, 68.3 inches wide and 48.6 inches high (my RF trim was 49 inches high), on a 90.9-inch wheelbase. And it continues to be light at 2432 pounds (for my test model, and some trims go as low as 2338 pounds). Minimum ground clearance for my RF trim was 5.32 inches – some trims are under 5 inches.

The cockpit adds a tilt and telescoping steering wheel that offers drivers the opportunity for a comfortable and precise fit. Interior design and enhancements are elegant, cozy, intuitive and tech-filled. Visibility is excellent even with the top up, but the cabin is a bit noisy even with the top in place. The infotainment screen is easy to read, and controls are easy to reach. If you want trunk space and a glove box, MX-5 won’t provide them, but if you want a fun ride, you are in the right left seat. Spacewise, headroom remains the same as last year, at 37.4 inches (36.8 for the RF), as does legroom at 43.1 inches. Shoulder continues to be 52.2 inches.

MX-5 power comes from a SKYACTIV 2.0.-liter DOHC 16-valve in-line 4 VVT multi-port electronic fuel injection engine, either manual or coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission. The system hums out 181-hp, an increase of 26 horses over previous engine setup, and 151 lb-ft of torque, up 3 lb-ft, which helped propel the lightweight Miata (with manual shift) complete a zero-to-60mph dash in 5.8 seconds during my track tests –a half-second faster than my tests two years ago. My quarter-mile was finished in 14.5 seconds, also about a half-second quicker than with the lower-hp engine.

The system is EPA rated at 26mpg in city driving and 35mpg on the highway (automatic), and my week of top-down, summer-weather tests, enabling off-the-line power whenever possible, finished with an average of 30.3mpg.

A fun drive, the MX-5 was balanced on the road, though quick auto-cross turns exhibited some exciting-to-compensate-for body roll. The suspension allows you feel the road beneath you for full driver engagement.

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 comes in three trims – Sport, Club and Grand Touring -- and a different classification that really is another trim subset – the RF. The Sport bases at $25,730 with a manual transmission and 181-hp 2.0-liter engine, and $27,080 for a 6-speed automatic. The Club starts at $29,590 for the stick and $30,190 for the automatic, and adds a rear spoiler, cosmetics and tech; and the Grand Touring trim bumps up to $30,780 for the manual and $31,855 for an automatic trans, and adds dark finish wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, auto-dimming driver's side mirror, automatic climate control, leather-trimmed seats, Mazda Navigation System and more. But I went with the RF, which comes in two trims, starting with the Club in manual at $32,345 (automatic at $32,945) and the Grand Touring at $33,335/manual ($34,410/automatic) with the same upgrades that Touring has over Club in the straight MX-5..

For me, a roadster’s destiny is to be a stick shift, so my test MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring was set up with a manual transmission, saving more than $1000. The Snow White Mica Pearl exterior paint cost $200, but the look was clean and sexy, and was mated to a Black leather interior with Red stitching. Already packed with standard items, no other cosmetic or weather packages were in my build. With a destination fee of $920, my test MX-5 Miata RF stickered at $34,455.

<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>

Annually the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals are a crowd pleaser, both with the diversity of its showfield and the depth of its automotive flea market.  Those aspects, combined with some stellar cooperation from Mother Nature helped power the 2019 event to an all-new showfield record.  In fact, this year’s record turnout was the second consecutive year that a record was broken and the fourth time since 2015 that the feat has been accomplished.  After all the cars came and went, the 2019 total reached 2,803.

By mid-day Thursday, the grounds were coming to life as patrons were trickling in, along with the cars and vendors.  Everyone onsite came looking to catch a glimpse of a bustling showfield in the making, plus beat the competition as it relates to parts shopping within the automotive flea market.  Speaking of the flea market, it was beyond sold out for 2019.  So much so that extra space was added on the east side of the grounds just to accommodate the demand from sellers.  This has never happened before during Chrysler weekend.

In addition, the featured vehicle displays took shape.  Building Y hosted a dedicated Summer of ’69 showcase, with a dozen or so of the best examples from 50 years ago.  This display welcomed a non-stop flock of enthusiasts.  Within Building T, a general snapshot of cars and trucks filled the floor and were anchored by some gems.  Themes included A12 cars, additional best of the best featured cars, Daytona & 500 cars and M-Codes.

While Carlisle welcomed individuals as special guests, Dodge hosted the true stars of the weekend, the cars (and trucks) that make their brand so popular.  Within the Dodge garage were RAM trucks, Hellcat Challengers, the Durago and the biggest car star of them all, the ALL-NEW 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody.  This car was the featured attraction both in the Dodge Garage tent as well in front of the stage with two walk-arounds where Dodge product host John Hammer offered an exciting look at the latest Dodge offering.  Following the walk-arounds, Dodge thrill ride driver Mike Burris wowed the crowd with a meaty Hellcat Challenger burnout.

As far as special guests go, Dave Rea and Chris Jacobs, both with ties to MotorTrend TV (formerly Velocity) were the big names on the roster for event weekend.  In addition, the Ramchargers and Golden Commandos were represented, Mr. Norm returned to Carlisle and Herb McCandless offered an impressive display of cars just opposite the Dodge Garage.  In fact, McCandless was more than a little bit of a star during the weekend, as a production crew was on-site following him daily as part of a project that chronicles his life and success both on the track and off.  He even hosted seminars packed with standing room only crowds.

The sights and sounds of the event were palpable too, with engine revs, horn honks and tires squealing all weekend. Some of the best sensory moments came from Dodge via their wildly popular thrill ride program, while the Saturday afternoon burnout offered a little added fun, with Dodge putting a Hellcat into the pit, plus more than a half a dozen enthusiasts competed to be king of the hill.  In all, the weekend was truly amazing!

Day three of the event was also the last day of the 2019 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals.  The gates once again opened at 7 a.m. and like minded Mopar fans took one last pass on the showfield.  At 9 a.m. the Salvation Army hosted its non-denominational worship service, while the awards parade featured the best of the weekend, representing over 150 classes.  In all, it left guests wanting more and looking forward to next year.  Speaking of next year, the 2020 dates are July 10-12 and event registration is open now!

The Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation’s annual events schedule is nearing its halfway point.  Surf Fest, the Skate Park fun, Slide for Amyloidosis and Taste of OC are complete and with things up and running in 2019 for the CMAF, all eyes turn to Carlisle, Pennsylvania and Corvettes at Carlisle.  This year’s Corvette weekend is presented by Corvette America and on Friday, August 23, the Corvette world and those who support the CMAF come together for a big celebration and fund-raising benefit dinner.

The 5th Annual CMAF Benefit Dinner is held amid a backdrop of Corvettes, guests from the region over, VIP’s from Corvettes at Carlisle and more.  The CMAF dinner is also a great place for car clubs and large groups to spend an evening together instead of having to battle packed restaurants in the region for table space.  What makes it fun is that while there is a super casual sit-down dinner catered by Market Cross Pub and Brewery of Carlisle, it’s also a relaxed time to mix and mingle, plus raise awareness for Amyloidosis.  

Door prizes are up for grabs with items including a 2020 Corvettes at Carlisle VIP package that includes three nights hotel and Chip’s Circle access, Spring Mountain Motor Resort/Ron Fellows Driving school package valued at $2,500, special items from Team Chevrolet, a registration for New Jersey Track day in October and more.  

Just announced, producer/director Michael Brown is offering round trip coach airfare for two from your home base (within the U.S.A.) to Dallas, one night of lodging, a private tour of his Corvette and neon collection AND a personally signed copy of his wife's (author Sandra Brown) latest book, Outfox.  

Annually, thousands of dollars in donations are offered, with lifetime friendships forged too.  Last year, $15,000 was raised and with your support, that number can be topped in 2019 as we take another step closer to finding a cure for Amyloidosis. 
 
“The CMAF dinner is one not to miss! Not only is the food amazing, but the company is superb and the cause is even better,” noted CMAF president Lance Miller.  “We’re happy to host this fun-filled event on Friday evening as part of Corvettes at Carlisle,” continued Miller. “Expect to see many of the Chevrolet team sprinkled throughout the room along with many Corvette celebrities to mingle with.  The auction benefiting the CMAF will be sheer entertainment for everyone.  We do our best to have fun and make sure you and your guests want to return. The cars we’ll have on display will blow your mind this year, don’t miss it!”

Up next for the CMAF is the 4th Annual Hugh Claus 5K fun run and walk.  The race takes place Sunday, September 22 in South Seaside Park, New Jersey.  Registration is open now via www.ChipMiller.org (under the events tab).  Following the 5K event, the CMAF puts the pedal to the metal with a special track day at the New Jersey Motorsports Park.  That takes place October 10 and much like the 5K, details are available online under the events tab).

Dodge heralds its Ram 1500 half-ton as “America’s most awarded half-ton pickup.” All-new for 2019, Ram is hauling in awards from coast to coast. After a 1300-mile performance test, Truck Trend named the 2019 Ram “2019 Pickup of the Year.” Edmunds editors gave it their “2019 Best Family Truck Award”; Autotrader placed it on their “Best New Cars for 2019” list; and The Fast Lane Truck (TFLtruck) has awarded the all-new half-ton with a Gold Hitch award in the light-duty segment. The awards keep coming, and so do the sales, as Ram 1500 is the No.3 best-selling vehicle in America, and during some months this year, have come in at No.2.

Many of the tributes come from the modifications and re-engineering of the all-new 2019 edition. The fifth-generation Ram starts its new version with its design. Overall weight reductions total nearly 225 pounds net; its new frame features 98 percent high-strength steel to improve durability, weight and rigidity for improved handling; its maximum payload increased to 2,300 pounds, maximum trailer tow to 12,750 pounds and the new Ram 1500 is the segment’s most aerodynamic pickup with .357 coefficient of drag and features exclusive active aerodynamics: grille shutters, air dam and air suspension. From a looks perspective, the 2019 Ram shows off a new face with a chiseled Ram’s head logo and “RAM” grilles, straighter lines and clean ruggedness. Ram now also provides its most dramatic differentiation between models and trim levels.

Offered in 6 trims, with 12 color options, three engine choices, 2WD or 4WD configurations, three cab sizes and three bed sizes, I tested the 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab and it was rugged, sporty and bold, from its sculpted hood to black grille. Bigger all around this year, my 4WD Crew Cab with a 5.7-foot bed measured 232.9 inches long, 82.1 inches wide and 77.5 inches high on a 144.6-inch wheelbase. That represents a 3.9-inch gain in length, 2.7 inches in width and 1.8 inches in height. Ground clearance is 7.8 inches at the front axle, and the tailgate is 34.5 inches above the ground.

Inside is a more modern cabin and cab with more tech, twice the storage capacity, a modular design that allows for more personification and customization, and an available 12-inch fully configurable touchscreen. There is also an active noise cancellation system on 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 equipped models and acoustic glass reduce ambient sounds down to a low 67.1 db – the quietest Ram 1500 ever. The new HVAC system features nearly 25 percent more air flow at lower noise levels, and interior space remains about the same, with 40.9 inches of front Crew Cab headroom and 39.8 inches in row two; legroom is 40.9 inches up front and 45.2 inches in the rear, and shoulder room is 66 inches and 65.7. 

Powerwise, Ram for 2019 delivers significant gains in fuel efficiency with the eTorque mild hybrid system on second generation 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engines. Standard is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with variable-valve timing that offers 305 horsepower, 269 lb.-ft. of torque and fuel economy of 18mpg/city and 25 mpg/highway. And for those of us who believe Ram means HEMI, my Ram 1500 Rebel muscled up with the iconic 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with fuel-saving cylinder shut-off and VVT. The system thunders out 395 hp and 410 lb.-ft. of torque for an EPA rating of 15mpg/city and 22 mpg/highway.

Off road, my test Ram 1500 Rebel was a conquering beast; on the highway, it was quick, powerful and attentive; and on the track, it was exciting and a half-second faster than my 2018 review Rebel. After a tire smoke, my Rebel polished off a zero-to-60mph run in 6.6 seconds during a 15.1-second quarter-mile. True, I burned lots of rubber and climbed some rocks, but my fuel economy suffered and I only averaged 14.4mpg – 1.5mpg less than last year.

The base 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman starts at $31,795 in 4x2 configuration with a 6-ft.-4-in. box, and 395-hp engine, and moves through 6 trim levels to the $53,240-base Limited. My test 2019 Ram 1500 in Rebel trim is the fourth trim and starts at $44,490 in 4x4 with a Quad Cab, 6.4-foot box and 3.6-liter V6 eTorque engine. Gaining a Crew Cab and a 5.7-foot box added $3250. Upgrading in power to the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine added $1395 and uptweaked the transmission to an 8-Speed automatic 8HP50 transmission as well. 

Flame Red and Black two-tone exterior paint is now standard, but we added Black tubular side steps for $695 and the Level 2 Equipment Group (Remote Start, 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay®, Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirror; Exterior Mirrors with Turn Signals and Courtesy Lamps; Heated Front Seats and Steering Wheel, A/C Auto Temperature Control with Dual Zone Control, Power adjustable pedals, ParkSense® Front and Rear Park-Assist with Stop, Uconnect®  and much more, for $3000. 4C NAV with 8.4-Inch display added $795; 9-amplified speakers with subwoofer added $595; a sunroof added $1495; Blind-Spot with Cross-Path detection added $595; and destination charges added $1695, for a sticker-as-tested of $58,005 before incentives, which could discount by as much as $3,000, so check with your local dealer.

You can see 102 years of Dodge/Ram trucks and nearly 2700 vehicles from all eras of the Chrysler brand, as classics, muscle cars and high-performance new models all converge at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds, July 12-14. Special displays include “50 Years of the Dodge Charger Daytona and 500,” “50 ½ years of the A12 Roadrunner and Super Bee,” “50 Years of Summer ‘69”, or you can take a free thrill-ride in a 700-hp Hellcat.” And on display will also be tons of half-tons and larger trucks.

> 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>