Hi, I'm John Davis and this is MotorWeek !

Join us for a more formal affair in the Honda Pilot Black Edition... Audra Fordin fuels us up with practical gas saving tips... We'll celebrate a car enthusiast icon now five decades strong before taking off in the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray...

So, come drive with us, next!

Closed Captioning provided by Maryland Public Television.

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JOHN: Honda began their pilot crossover program back in 2003, and it didn't take long to see that this 3-row Ute was ready for prime time.

Now in its 4th generation, Honda has created the most off-road capable Pilot yet, but this year, they focus on another set of enthusiasts.

Time for us to shine a light on this new Black Edition.

♪ ♪ Honda has certainly been an elite performer in the SUV world since their CR-V first hit the pavement in the late 1990s.

So much so, they've been using the term "Elite" to mark their top trim level for years now.

Well, things rarely stay the same for too long in the car marketing world.

Combine that with buyers willing to pay more and more for added bling, and there's a new king of the Honda hill: Black Edition, seen here on this 2025 Honda Pilot Black Edition.

Now, the 4th generation Pilot was all new for 2023, and after our test of the new off-road inspired TrailSport version, we were eager to get a taste of the finer things of Honda life.

Now, the Black Edition doesn't so much add features, as ratchet up the Pilot's style game with 20 inch gloss-black wheels and unique trim inside and out.

For the exterior, that also means glossy dark treatments applied to the grille, side mirrors, window trim, air intakes in the front fascia, and rear bumper; plus, unique logos of course.

Inside, exclusive red accent stitching is applied to the seats, steering wheel, and door panels; plus, red accent lighting and Black Edition logos.

Like every Pilot, 3-row seating is standard.

But, while both first and second rows are very spacious, that third row is best suited for kids, and the one-touch access is about as easy as it gets.

Storage space is great too, and with multiple folding options for the second row, it offers a lot of flexibility and a nice flat floor when everything's folded.

There's 18.6 cubic-feet of room behind the third row, 48.5 behind the second, and a giant 86.5 with all seatbacks folded.

Front seating is as comfortable as it is spacious, and while the Pilot's 9.0 inch touchscreen is relatively small by the latest standards, it, as well as the rest of the controls, are simple and straightforward to operate.

Producing the Pilot's get-up-and-go is Honda's familiar naturally aspirated 3.5 liter V6, outputting 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.

It flows through a 10-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels.

All-wheel-drive with Intelligent Variable Torque Management is available in Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims.

It's standard for TrailSport, Elite, and of course, Black Edition.

Power felt more than adequate on the street.

But what about at our Mason Dixon test track?

Here too, power felt strong off the line.

But, our computer showed it tempered quickly, taking a longish 8.2 seconds to reach 60.

That's also quite a bit off the pace of the 6.8 seconds we saw in the TrailSport two years ago.

Gear changes in the 10-speed automatic were very smooth, but also a little slow, as we worked our way to the end of the quarter-mile in 15.9 seconds at 90 miles per hour.

Minimal body roll and a moderate amount of understeer set the tone in our handling course, where this Pilot felt well planted and easy to control, with very little stability system intervention, even as we carried fairly high speeds through the cones.

Panic stops from 60 averaged a good 115 feet.

There was a fair amount of nosedive, but results were quite consistent thanks to minimal fade.

So, despite a somewhat slow roll out, we were pleased with the Pilot's overall very competent and safe track performance.

Back to the street, Government Fuel Economy Ratings with all-wheel drive are 19 City, 25 Highway, and 21 Combined; we averaged a good 24.2 miles per gallon of Regular.

The Energy Impact Score is slightly below average, using 14.2 Barrels of Oil Annually, with CO2 Emissions of 7.0 Tons.

With a new top end trim level, Honda also eliminated one at the bottom; no more LX.

Sport is now the base model starting at $41,595, with all-wheel-drive a $2,100 option.

Top Black Edition starts at $55,975.

The Honda Pilot has been a leader in the 3-row SUV segment ever since it arrived on the scene for 2003, delivering capability, reliability, and driving dynamics, well above its class norm.

So, after focusing on off-road ruggedness in recent years, the 2025 Honda Pilot Black Edition adds a welcomed bit of black-tie flair to the Honda SUV party.

♪ ♪ (car door closes) Some of the most iconic automotive events started out as spontaneous passion projects by car lovers with no plans beyond providing something for like-minded enthusiasts to enjoy.

Well, Carlisle events has become one of those institutions, and this week our Greg Carloss charts its first 50 years of putting the "car" in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

♪ ♪ GREG CARLOSS: The year is 1974, the Ford Pinto is the bestselling car in America, the 5-mph bumper mandate is giving car designers fits, and here at these fairgrounds, Carlisle, Pennsylvania becomes an automotive Mecca!

The idea for Carlisle Events was sparked a year earlier after two friends with the same last name, Bill Miller and the late Chip Miller, were kicked out of a popular car show.

BILL MILLER: We had a car that was 20 years old, and we were in our 20s, and we kind of thought it was an old car, but uh, they didn't agree with that situation and asked us to remove the car from the event, which we did.

GREG: Knowing there were others just like them who enjoyed cars from the 40s and 50s, Bill and Chip each put up $500 and the Post-War '74 car show was born.

But, it needed a home.

BILL: Actually, we rented the Carlisle Fairgrounds because it was the least expensive place to rent.

And it just was the ideal location.

We just didn't know any better in 1974.

GREG: Carlisle immediately became a magnet for car nuts in the North East, including us.

But as we found, people were coming from places much further than Owings Mills, Maryland.

CRAIG SINGHAUS: Where are you from in Australia?

PATRON: Well, New South Wales.

That's a state there...and, uh, we just, uh... We play around with cars too much of the time.

GREG: When the Carlisle Fairgrounds suddenly went up for sale in 1981, Bill and Chip formulated a business plan and officially became owners of the property.

BILL: We were perfect for each other to go into business because he liked to do all the paperwork end of things, and I like to be out with the people and mingle with everybody and talk to everybody.

So, it worked out really well for us.

He was behind the scenes in the early days with a lot of things.

GREG: Chip was also a Corvette connoisseur.

So, in 1982, he spearheaded a new event.

VOICE: Since 1982, Carlisle Productions has put on one of the most exciting all-Corvette meets anywhere.

GREG: Corvettes at Carlisle spawned a number of specialty events that went beyond the Spring and Fall automotive flea markets, and by the early 2000's Carlisle truly had something for everyone.

Unfortunately, Chip Miller passed away in 2004.

LANCE MILLER: So, you know, upon my father's passing in 2004, it was one of those things.

My mom was then 50 percent partner.

She did not enjoy doing business at all...obviously, I know all about the company, uh, get along with Bill and let's see where it goes.

I mean, Carlisle has done so much as far as my personal life.

I think of many of my best friends are car people... it's like hosting a big party, but you really do bond with all these different participants, whether they're show goers, vendors, uh, or just people coming in the gate.

You get to know people.

They come each year.

RICHARD DEFABRIZIO: We've been coming here since 1974 as a vendor.

My whole family was into cars.

My father had all kind of crazy cars since the '50s.

KIM HUMMEL: And you meet the nicest people.

I...it's not that I sell a whole lot...make any money, but you meet people, and...and it's great.

It's a great atmosphere.

STEPHEN P. CREMO: Men, I've been coming here since I'm 20 years old, and now I am 65, 45 years later.

It's a great event.

It's one of the greatest ones in the whole country.

GREG: Carlisle Events now hosts more than a dozen annual shows, which attract over half a million people.

And backdropped by the fairgrounds' new historical display, Bill seems to know every single person.

BILL: I'd love to see another 50 years, but I know...I won't.

But...uh, Lance, my partners involved, my sons involved...and, I'm hoping that, they can do the hundredth anniversary with MotorWeek .

JOHN: New tech, more efficient engines, better fuel all help us save money at the pump, but there's still more work to be done.

Be it your daily driver new or old, Audra Fordin has some dollars and cents tips that you can try yourself on MotorWeek's "Your Drive!"

♪ ♪ AUDRA FORDIN: Whether, you drive the latest car model or something older, here's some simple savings tips that you can use to maximize your range or fuel economy.

Let's start with a trick that everyone can do, it's weight savings!

Start by opening the trunk... and cleaning out the junk!

Every 100 pounds of extra weight decreases your fuel economy by 2.0 percent.

Now, this affects smaller, less powerful vehicles more than larger ones.

So, don't stress your little engine out by hauling around extra cargo.

If you have a ski rack or a cargo carrier that isn't being used, consider removing it to save weight.

These add-ons increase your aerodynamic drag and decrease your fuel economy.

On the topic of aerodynamics, make sure all your vehicle's undertrays are secured.

Not only is this the safe thing to do, but it can, once again, improve airflow.

And that leads us to under the hood maintenance.

Over time, the car's air filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris, which means it's not doing its job well!

But, if you let it get all gummed up, your engine uses more fuel to keep it running smoothly to compensate for that lack of air.

So, be sure to change the filter at least once a year.

Moving down low, routinely check your tire pressure.

Improperly inflated tires can cost you up to 2.0 percent in fuel economy.

Once you're on the road, there's a number of things you can do to keep the MPGs in the green.

We all know traffic is a pain in the butt, but it can also be a pain in the gas!

Constant braking and slow acceleration can drain your tank quicker, and idling can use a quarter to a half of a gallon of fuel per hour depending on the engine size and which accessories are running.

So, try to avoid an excessive idling and rerouting avoiding traffic when you can.

Now, when you're on the move, chill out and enjoy the drive.

Aggressive and fast driving can lower gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5.0 percent around town.

And by the way, sensible driving is also safer.

More than money...you may save a life.

Lastly, if your car has an eco-mode, try it out!

This setting limits hard acceleration, cuts power delivery, adjusts shift mapping and more.

Pay attention to how it changes the driving dynamics and that will give you an idea on how you can change your driving style to save fuel.

If you have any questions or comments, reach out to us, right here at MotorWeek .

JOHN: The latest automobiles brought right to your screen.

It's not just delivery-- it's another QuickSpin!

♪ ♪ JESSICA RAY: This 2025 Porsche Macan Electric may look familiar, as we drove a '24 model just a few months ago.

Well, we recently headed back to Europe-- this time Stuttgart, Germany-- for a First Drive of two new trims, the base Macan and Macan 4S.

As we've seen in other EV-utilities, the Base is strictly rear-wheel-drive, using a single electric motor for 335 horsepower, or 355 with Launch Control on.

The large battery pack, shared between all trims, is rated at 95 kilowatt-hours of usable energy; expect 315 miles in the Base.

The Macan 4S sees just 288 miles of range, but gains a surge in power: 442 horsepower or 509 ponies with launch control, thanks to an additional motor mounted up front making it an all-wheel-drive layout.

Neither are the cream of the Macan Electric crop; the Turbo we sampled earlier this year uses a beefier rear motor for a peak 630 horsepower.

But we found few sacrifices behind the wheel of either of these new models.

All Macan Electrics ride on single-chamber air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management.

Paired to a 52/48 weight distribution and low center of gravity, and the Macan Electric is performance-geared at all levels.

DAVE SCRIVENER: Each of the four Macan models has a distinct performance profile, tailored to a certain driver's wants and needs.

You're not giving up on performance with the base model Macan even.

You have all the luxury, the technology, the features, and the driving dynamics you expect in a Porsche, and it's not... it doesn't feel like it's built to a price.

JESSICA: The 2025 Porsche Macan Electric starts around $75,000 for the Base, with the 4S starting for about 10 grand more.

We'll have more on the Porsche Macan Electric, and more QuickSpins, soon!

♪ ♪ GREG CARLOSS: It's been a couple months since we last brought you an update on our long-term 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ.

But that's not because we've been shy behind the wheel.

Quite the contrary actually: Our digital odometer reads 8,500 miles, about 7,500 more since our last plug.

We did take it to the dealership about a thousand miles ago for a tire rotation and a software update; but beyond that, we haven't had to do a thing maintenance-wise.

We're still finding the 340 mile range to be accurate, but one piece of kit we recently picked up was a charging adapter, converting the LYRIQ's CCS plug to a Tesla-style NACS port.

With the proper software update, this adapter opens up a world of Superchargers for us to enjoy, even further cutting down on any range anxiety.

Not that we feel much behind the wheel...

This Lyriq continues to be very pleasant to live with.

This is the single-motor, rear-drive unit, so we're not getting thrill-ride-like acceleration when we hit that right pedal, but it's still more than enough for this upscale daily driver.

Admittedly, we still haven't come around to using this screen for a lot of the basic functions, but we can't deny that it does add a certain level of futurism to the cockpit.

An example of a "basic function" hidden by menu diving is the garage door opener.

Things like that may be better left to physical controls, or at least less digital navigation, but that's about the extent of our complaints so far.

Needless to say, we're rather happy with the LYRIQ.

We'll have more on our 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ soon, but not before one final check on our 2024 Nissan Sentra on the next MotorWeek Long-Term Road Test update.

JOHN: Big changes arrived for the Chevrolet Corvette in 2020 with the all-new C8 and its first-time rear, mid-engine chassis.

And as radical as that long-rumored change was, it was still packing a traditional naturally-aspirated V8 engine.

But that was just for starters.

Now, the hybrid Corvette E-Ray has arrived, and it's the quickest production Corvette yet.

So, let's see what a little electric assist adds to America's supercar.

♪ ♪ According to biologists, there are more than 200 known species of Stingray, and to add to that, we've now discovered another one, this 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray.

Available in both Coupe and Convertible versions, it's very obvious the E-Ray is a decedent of the widebody Corvette Z06.

Now...while it lacks the Z06's massive rear wing, it has its own set of aero enhancements, which can be further boosted with carbon fiber.

Same 20 and 21 inch wheels, but the E-Ray comes standard with all-season tires, though performance tires are available, as applied to our Riptide Blue Metallic Convertible.

The interior remains very familiar too, with the C8's squarish steering wheel and "great wall of controls" separating driver and passenger, while lots of E-Ray logos and 5-grand worth of optional carbon fiber in here set the tone.

Now, as for the powertrain specifics, despite the "E" in E-Ray, this is not a true EV.

There's not even a place to plug it in, and there is still a big lump of good ol' American pushrod V8 behind the seats.

Six point two liters worth, in the same tuning as the standard Stingray Z51 at 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

The "E" part comes into play between the front wheels that are now driven by a 120 kilowatt electric motor delivering 160 horsepower.

That gives this gas-electric hybrid a combined output of 655 horsepower, while also making E-Ray the first all-wheel-drive Corvette ever.

But this 4-wheeler is not built for the trail, and while dual-motor setups are far from a novelty at this point, GM claims the E-Ray's is both unique and much simpler.

The gasoline engine takes care of just the rear wheels through the same 8-speed DCT as the regular Stingray, while the e-motor handles just the front wheels; both getting their orders from a new software package and your right foot.

The battery and all necessary hardware are integrated into a single assembly stored in the central tunnel, so there's zero intrusion on interior or trunk space.

We put in an order for some biggie size acceleration at our Mason Dixon test track, and the E-Ray delivered us a mega happy meal of torque.

Even on a very humid, 100 degree day, we rocketed to 60 miles per hour in just 2.8 seconds, a blink of eye slower than the 2.5 seconds Chevy quotes for ideal conditions.

With one of the best launch controls we've ever experienced, the E-Ray delivers the kind of acceleration that sits just between fun and alarming.

With a full-on power assault through the whole quarter-mile, we finished in 11.0 seconds flat at 127 miles per hour.

We could clearly feel that front motor keeping steady power going for that brief microsecond that it takes the Stingray's DCT to find the next gear.

And there are some different sounds for sure.

Is that a shriek or squeal?

Who knows!

Is it real or fake?

Who cares!

It just sounds unique and cool.

There's just a tiny 1.9 kilowatt-hour battery, which you can usually charge back to full on the return trip to the starting line.

That means, a very limited EV-only range that GM calls Stealth Mode, where you can drive a short distance at modest speeds, perfect for quietly pulling away from your neighborhood.

The battery also never gets fully depleted, so there is always all-wheel-drive traction when you need it.

Hard to say what the e-motor really adds to handling, as the E-Ray absolutely cut up our cone course with surgical precision.

We also didn't notice any torque steer at launch, but punching the throttle coming out of a corner, or when making a lane change on the highway, you get a real sense of the amount of power being sent to those front wheels, and it's significant.

At 16 City and 19 Combined, most Government Fuel Economy Ratings are the same as the standard Stingray, but the E-Ray is rated for one fewer MPG on the Highway at 24.

We averaged a good 22.0 miles per gallon of Premium.

Pricing starts at $106,595; about 36-grand over a standard Stingray, but around 8-grand less than a Z06.

Now, purists may bristle at the drastic metamorphosis the Corvette has gone through recently, and now Chevrolet is even adding electric assist.

Heresy!

But there's much more to love in this hybrid; you get the same widebody look as the Z06, yet it's rated quicker, and still costs less!

Plus, it allows for silent getaways, and with all-wheel-drive is an even better long-distance road car.

Suddenly, the highly-refined 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray makes a vast amount of common sense.

Well, that's our show, I hope you enjoyed it.

Now, for more MotorWeek , including daily news updates, podcasts, and even complete episodes, cruise on over to PBS.ORG/MOTORWEEK.

And I hope you'll join us next time when we tune in to Volkswagen's retro rerun, the ID.

Buzz, followed by a throwback nameplate that's also up to date, the Toyota Land Cruiser.

Until then, I'm John Davis.

We'll see you right here on MotorWeek !

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Learn more at AutoValue.Com and BumperToBumper.Com.

We're Tire Rack.

We test tires, then share our results.

We stock over one million tires.

We offer multiple installation options.

We do this because we believe tires matter.

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