Back in the day, major automakers would build and sell the majority of their vehicles in America, with a smattering of sales overseas. That is no longer true for all vehicles. Case in point: the Buick Envision, a midsize crossover that was built and FIRST sold in China in 2014, and didn’t come to the U.S. until 2016. Last year. Buick sold 40,000 Envisions in America, and 236,000 in China.

With more American sales in mind, and still only three years into its first American generation, Envision has undergone a big-time freshening for 2019. With new design, performance and tech features, the semi-luxury sports-ute features new sculpted front and rear fascias and new grille design; lighting upgrades across all trims; new LED taillamps; new 18- and 19-inch wheel designs; engine stop/start deactivation switch — a Buick-first in North America; single-rate brake booster for improved overall brake performance that requires less effort; flexibility to switch between Adaptive Cruise Control and conventional Cruise Control; enhanced visibility on Rear Vision Camera; improved hands-free microphone for better call quality and better voice recognition; a quicker-warming seat heating system; and a new exterior color: Satin Steel Gray Metallic.

From a power perspective, the 2019 Envision gains increased vehicle performance of 252 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque with the 2.0-liter turbo engine matched to a 9-speed automatic transmission for quicker acceleration. 

In connectivity, the freshening includes next-generation wireless charging with wattage capability for fast and efficient charging including iPhone8/iPhoneX compatibility; and for driver and passenger peace of mind, the cabin also gets an in-vehicle air ionizer that helps eliminate odors, reduce bacteria and provide better air quality.

With a luxury look, Envision comes at you with its sculpted exterior and new winged-tri-shield grille that align with the new face of Buick. Crisp horizontal lines on the front create a more premium look and feel, while redesigned taillamps, reflectors and side markers give the back end a wider and more athletic stance. New optional 19-inch wheels provide an expressive and distinct profile and there are LED wing signature lights on every model. Sizewise, Envision fills the gap between the small Encore and large Enclave and measures 183.7 inches long, 72.4 inches wide and 66.8 inches high on a 108.3-inch wheelbase, and has curbweight of 3755 for FWD and 4083 for the loaded AWD models.

Inside, the changes are thoughtful and driver oriented. Interior design and materials are enhanced and worthy of the entry-level luxury car niche. Premium lighting technology is featured on every 2019 Envision. HID headlamps with LED Buick signature lighting come standard, with the enhanced performance of bi-functional LED headlamps standard on the top two trims. The seats are comfortable, supportive and well-cushioned; the cabin is Buick-quiet on the highway, and the suspension makes for a smooth highway ride. Visibility is good up front, but sightlines in the rear are slightly obstructed by the roof shoulders. Roomy for the segment, the Envision cabin affords 40 inches of front headroom with 38.5 in row tow; legroom is 40.9 and 37.5; and shoulder room is measured at 57 inches up front and 55.8 in the rear

Envision offers two engine choices: The 2.5-liter 1-4 is rated at 197hp and 192 lb-ft of torque, and gets 29 highway and 22/city; and the 2.0-liter turbo is good for 252 hp and 295 lb-ft and is EPA-rated at 25mph/highway and 20mpg/city. I drove the turbo and averaged 20.3mpg on wintry roads.

Acceleration is predictable and responsive, and in track tests, I managed a zero-to-60mph sprint in 6.8 seconds during a 15.4-second quarter-mile. Handling was niche-expected, with slight top wobble during S-curves, and some sway and understeer during quick maneuvers.

Attending to safety, the Envision provides 10 standard air bags, including side-curtain and knee air bags; standard rear-vision camera with Rear Park Assist; tire fill alert and standard safety-belt pretensioners and load-limiters. The Premium trims also get standard Safety Alert Seat; Forward Collision Alert and Following Distance Indicator; Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert; Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The Driver Confidence Package is available on Premium II and includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Surround Vision and Front Automatic Braking.

The 2019 Buick Envision starts at $33,190 for the 1SV trim; $34,695 for the Preferred model that adds a Hands-Free Power Liftgate, Rear Park Assist, Rear Vision Camera and Smartphone Connectivity; $36,995 for the Essence trim with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Perforated Leather-Appointed Seating, Heated, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Heated Rear Outboard Seating; $41,895 for the Premium trim I tested, that added  the 2.0L Turbo engine, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist w/Lane Departure Warning and Bose® Premium 7-Speaker System. The top trim is the Premium II for $44,795, with Automatic Parking Assist, Buick Infotainment with Navigation, Heated and Cooled Front Seats and Head-Up Display. My Premium trim Envision in AWD added Galaxy Silver Metallic paint for $495 and was mated to an Ebony, perforated leather interior; the Road Trip Package with all-weather floor mats and roof rack rails added $370; a Panoramic Power Moonroof added $1495; front and rear splash guards added $270; body-color molded assist steps added $790; and destination and freight was $1195. Local discounts were $2000 when I inquired, so check with your dealer, but my sticker came in at $42,945.
 

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. 

It’s showtime in Lakeland, Florida for Carlisle Auctions and car lovers throughout the Sunshine State and southeast region will converge on the SUN ‘n FUN Campus for two amazing days of classic and collector car excitement.  Auction wise, it all starts on February 22 at 10:30 a.m. when the first of some 400+ consignments cross the block, consignments that will offer a little something for everyone’s automotive tastes.

While each consignment could easily have its own dedicated write-up, the best way to sum up the available lots are to say that decades of history will be up for grabs.  Consignments span nearly 100 years and much of that rich production history will be available.  Those looking to bid and buy can attend and do so with the confidence that many years, many makes and many models specific to their tastes could be theirs for the right price.  There literally is something for everyone as part of this automotive history lesson.

But why this auction?  First of all, it’s in Florida and unless a Polar Vortex and bone-chilling cold is your kind of fun, the sun of the Sunshine State is draw in and of itself.  Add that in to an automotive flea market, car corral, car show, air plane rides and more, and Winter AutoFest is one of many great entertainment venues to consider too! 

As noted above, Carlisle Auctions will feature a wide array of consignments, but this year is extra special due to a heavy Corvette presence at the show.  For the first-time ever, the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) brings its Winter Regional Meet to Winter AutoFest.  As such, Carlisle Auctions will feature an all-Corvette power hour on Saturday, February 23 at approximately 12:30 p.m..  Consignments are expected to span all seven generations, from the solid axel C1 of the early ‘50s to the modern-day powerhouse C7.

“The Carlisle Auction team is thrilled to be returning to Lakeland, Florida for Winter AutoFest,” noted Director of Auction Operations Tony Cline.  “With well over 400 consignments, we are looking forward to the biggest and best auction that we have ever presented in Lakeland.”

Complete details about this and every other auction produced by Carlisle Auctions is available online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400.  Register to bid, consign to sell or simply inquire about our FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee, Carlisle Auctions is looking forward to working with you! 

There’s nothing user friendly about the phrase “Polar Vortex.”  The cold, winds and snow that it brings are nothing to laugh about and are quite serious to animals and people alike.  This type of bone-chilling cold swept through a large portion of the country during the week of January 28, with a “warm up” finally happening during the first weekend of February.  That cold turned water to ice in many places, including the bay in Ocean City, New Jersey.  With snow falling on ice covered waters, Carlisle Events co-owner, Corvettes at Carlisle Event Manager and Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation President Lance Miller had an idea.  “What would it take for me to jump into the frozen waters of the bay and who can benefit from my craziness?”

Miller didn’t have to look too far, as the selfie mode on his camera revealed that he was both the cause and solution to what he was wondering.  The end result?  Miller took to Facebook to solicit donations for his beloved Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation and found that his faithful followers were eager to see him strip down to little more than board shorts to take the plunge.  At first, Miller asked for $1,000.  That total was reached with ease, then as the dollar amounts climbed, there were additional enticements, like friends of the foundation jumping in and if by chance $7,500 was reached, a Speedo was discussed.  As the donation window played out, the Speedo never happened, but the plunge sure did.

The time was right for a jump into the deep freeze on Friday, February 1 around 3 p.m.  It was snowing, temperatures were in the 20’s and some of the people who said they’d do it bailed, but Miller forged on.  With his wife, daughter and friends egging him on, Miller jumped feet first (and topless) into the bay.  Based on the video evidence, he stayed in for about 7 seconds before running as fast as he could on the snow-covered deck to a warm (or at least dry) towel.  After that, it was time to go inside to assess the physical damage and review the financial support.

When the dust settled, Miller walked away with redness on his chest, abrasions from the ice on the sides of his torso and most important, over $4,000 raised for the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation.  For some perspective, this total ranked right up there with a handful of foundation events in 2018 and required a lot less logistical planning.

“My father was my best friend and I watched him sacrifice and give so much of himself personally and professionally,” noted Miller.  “It didn’t matter if he was healthy and happy at a Corvette event or weakened by Amyloidosis, dad was always giving and I wanted to do what I could to give back and honor my father’s legacy,” continued Miller.  “So…I woke up one morning and thought, it’s cold, I should jump in this water, but if I’m going to do it, I want to be sure my crazy actions benefit the foundation.  The power of social media is amazing, continued Miller, because when I reached out and asked for donations, I had no idea that my simple goal of $1,000 would be blown away to the tune of over $4,000.  I want to thank everyone who helped me do what I did and more so, thank you everyone who helped the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation.”

While Miller won’t be doing something like this anytime soon, he is excited to re-connect with the CMAF family as part of the 2019 events and awareness schedule.  This schedule includes the 16^th Annual Chip Miller Surf Fest, Taste of Ocean City & Slide for Amyloidosis, 3^rd Annual Chip Miller ‘80s Themed Skate Fest, an Evening of Corvettes as part of Corvettes at Carlisle, the Hugh Claus Memorial 5K run/walk and the always popular fall car show known as Corvettes for Chip.

As with all events, prices and participation vary, but complete details on the 2019 season can be found online at www.ChipMiller.org or via the CMAF Facebook page, www.facebook.com/AmyloidosisAwarenes.

Mother Nature offered a bit of a speed bump but didn’t do much to slow down the first show of the year for Carlisle Events; Auto Mania. As has been the case for 30 years, Pennsylvania’s largest indoor and heated automotive flea market opened the event schedule for Carlisle Events and thousands of guests as well as hundreds of vendors enjoyed three days of automotive bliss. The Allentown Fairgrounds and the Agri-Plex building hosted cars for sale, car parts, collectibles, literature, wine tastings, toys and more; all to satisfy the appetite of car lovers who have been hibernating during the winter months.

With a chill in the air, guests were quickly reminded that indoors is never an issue at Allentown, after all, the Agri-Plex has heat…lots of it. Temps were cool outside, but that didn’t stop those at the event from enjoying the weekend and an event that has three footprints, two halls indoors and an outdoor vendor area too. With guests shopping indoors and out, the 2019 edition of Auto Mania got things going for the Carlisle Events team.

Saturday was a busy day Auto Mania, as a line of patrons stretched from the main entry gate out the doors starting at 9 a.m. Though guests did come, a potential winter storm took the show from a 4-speed muscle car to a three in the tree classic that sometimes had to downshift to second gear. Despite the weather (which never really came), New York, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and other neighboring states were represented and not only was the main floor bustling, the adjacent hall with body kits, classic cars for sale, shirts, banners and other automotive themed pieces and parts was too. 

Sunday helped wrap the weekend and although it was an active show day, it ultimately was the day for vendors to pack up and load out. Guests that came had 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 2020 takes place January 17-19. The buzz is so strong with this event among vendors that at least 30% of available spaces were renewed during the 2019 event weekend as everyone anticipates the 2020 offering. In the meanwhile, Carlisle Events next offering comes in one month as staff travel to Lakeland, Florida for Winter Florida AutoFest. That event runs February 22-24 at the SUN ‘n FUN 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 also a FREE general cruise-in. 

As for the aforementioned auction, Carlisle Auctions anticipates 500+ 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. 

After the second month of its wildly successful sweepstakes, the MotorCrush® team has selected its second monthly drawing winner from over 100,000 entries: Jesse Holman of Ohio.

The sweepstakes, geared to increase both downloads and in-app engagement, gives users free entries each time they perform an in-app action. From liking another enthusiast’s ride to making new friends, there are numerous ways for users to collect entries while engaging with the community. Other ways of entry include tapping the in-app button to collect 10 free entries, sending a postcard to the MotorCrush Team, and purchasing automotive products and MotorCrush merchandise in the MotorCrush store. Every dollar spent in the store awards users ten free entries.

“It’s been awesome to see the community grow on MotorCrush as we add new features and seek to make an impact on car culture. The sweeps has been a real game changer, kicking us into high gear. I’m excited to see us keep growing as we shoot for our next big milestone: 1 million users!” said Thomas Atadan, Product Manager for Andy Lally ALIVE® the company behind MotorCrush.

Holcomb will join last month’s winner, Ben Maurer of PA, and four more to-be-selected winners, at an exclusive track day with MotorCrush founder and professional race car driver, Andy Lally.

Additional track day winners will be announced each month. The grand prize winner of the modded Nissan GT-R will be selected May 2019.

MotorCrush 100K Sweepstakes: No purchase necessary to enter or win. Void where prohibited. Terms, restrictions and conditions apply. See Official Rules for details. MotorCrush is available for free download on both the App and Google Play stores.