“Well, hell’s bells,” let me mutter.

My longed-for time in the SRT Hellcat version of the Dodge Charger in reality lasted five hours. The ‘Cat is the beast with a 707-horsepower, 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V-8 engine and 8-speed transmission.

I walked from my garden one afternoon last week to welcome the Hellcat into my driveway. That evening, four of us were aboard when I drove away from a small-town restaurant for a short run of the powerfully built Dodge. Along the way, prompted by the Charger’s driver info center, we detected an oil leak. The big four-door was quickly parked, Chrysler execs soon reclaimed possession and it is in Detroit getting a once-over and retuning.

It will be back; I’ll drive it again, and I look forward to it. What a potentially awesome sedan.

In the meantime, let’s talk of my week with the 2015 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 Crew Cab.

Setting the review model apart from the already likeable Sierra pickup were the dazzling and cushy Denali trim and a $2,500 package adding the 6.2-liter V-8 power and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The engine/tranny option is a step above in performance and smoothness over the standard 5.3 V-8 and 6-speed automatic.

A new magnetic ride control suspension adds increased containment of body motion by instantly changing damping to meet the demands of the roadway.

With Jan along, I got to test the four-wheel-drive capability when we drove the Sierra into Big Thompson Canyon, west of Loveland, during a mid-April snowstorm. The switch of grip controls – from two-wheel to automatic all-wheel to four-wheel-high to four-low is as simple as turning a dial at the extreme left side of the dashboard.

GMC’s Denali, named for the vast national park in Alaska, offers bright chrome honeycomb grille, easy-lift and lower tailgate, heated and cooled front bucket leather seating, wood trim, Bose surround sound and navigation with Bluetooth/USB and rearview camera. Big, roomy bins are a highlight in the front center console. The ease of entering and exiting the four doors of the Sierra are aided by 6-inch-wide step rails. Rear bumper cornersteps lend access to the pickup box.

Horsepower for the 6.2 engine is 420, with 460 lb.-ft. of torque. The 8-speed smooths shift points and the driver gains more direct control with use of paddle shifters at the steering wheel. Overall fuel mileage for my drives was 17.7 miles per gallon; EPA estimate is 15/21.

Options not aforementioned in the $57,820 sticker price were power sunroof, trailer brake controller, lane-departure warning, forward-collision alert and safety-alert seat. Some other standard equipment features were spray-on bedliner, power sliding rear window, remote vehicle start, power-adjustable pedals, heated steering wheel and dual-zone climate control.

Here are the specifications for the 2015 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 Crew Cab:

• Capacity 5-passenger pickup
• Wheelbase 143.5 inches
• Length 229.5 inches
• Width 80 inches
• Height 74 inches
• Curb Weight 5,750 pounds
• Track 68.7 inches front, 67.6 rear
• Ground Clearance 8.9 inches
• Turn Circle 47.2 feet
• Drivetrain Four-wheel-drive
• Engine 6.2-liter V-8
• Horsepower/Torque 420/460
• Transmission 8-speed automatic
• Steering electric power rack-and-pinion
• Suspension Magnetic ride control
• Fuel mileage estimate 15/21
• Fuel mileage average 17.7
• Fuel Tank 26 gallons, premium recommended (not required)
• Wheels 20-inch
• Tires Goodyear Wrangler LT 265/60R20
• Cargo Volume 5-foot-8 bed
• Warranty 3years/36,000 miles basic, 5/100,000 powertrain

Competitors Ford F-150 King Ranch, Ram 1500 Laramie Limited

Assembly Plant Silao, Mexico

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 45%, Mexico 52%

Base Price of Lowest Model $41,115; Base Price of Review Model $52,155; Destination Charge $1,195; Sticker Price $57,820.

Cruising at moderate speed, I push down the accelerator in the 2015 Lincoln Navigator 4X4, suffer a moment’s hesitation and then feel an extremely powerful surge as the massive SUV attains higher speed.

The Navigator weighs in at over 6,000 pounds and, read this clearly – this impressive performance is delivered with V-6 power.

Lincoln has replaced its 5.4-liter V-8 of last year with the smaller, yet more robust Ford EcoBoost twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 in the Navigator. While the old V-8 developed 310 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft. of torque, the EcoBoost staggers the imagination with 380 horsepower and 460 torque.

It is the same V-6 power that so many Ford F-150 truck buyers are opting for over the traditional V-8. More than half of Ford F-150 sales are now equipped with V-6s, after years of dominance by V-8s.

The new Navigator measures up equal to last year’s V-8 in tow capacity, 8,600 pounds with 4X4 and 9,000 pounds in rear-drive configuration. The 2015 tow capacity exceeds those for rivals Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80 and Mercedes-Benz GL.

Lincoln’s twin-turboed V-6 with direct fuel injection is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability, and boasts strong low-end torque. Its peak performance in horsepower and torque comes with premium fuel usage, though the Navigator operates smoothly when filled with regular. My overall fuel-mileage average was 17.3; it will average 19 on most flat highway drives. Its EPA rating is 15/20 mpg.

From its split-wing grille back to its full-width taillamps, the big Navigator has the appearance of just what it is, a big, upright (78-inch height) sport utility vehicle with three rows of seats. The Navigator shares its underpinnings with the Ford Expedition.

Two luxurious features are retractable running boards of almost 6-inch width and puddle lamps which project the Lincoln logo on the ground and light up the step-in aids after dark.

Wood trim enhances the leather finish inside the roomy Navigator. MyLincoln Touch infotainment system, which can be difficult in ascertaining the audio basics, offers an 8-inch display screen for navigation, with voice-activated Sync setup connecting to a smartphone of USB or Bluetooth. The third-row seats offer sufficient legroom and headroom for two adults, and access is an easy step-through by flipping forward the middle row seat.

Only 18 cubic feet of space is open behind the third row; fold the rear seats flat into the floor, though, and a huge 54.4 cubic feet of cargo room is available. A power rear liftgate and power folding seats are handy.

The Navigator review model was equipped with optional 22-inch wheels. The last time I drove anything with those sized wheels was last fall in the Cadillac Escalade over Guanella Pass. A three-mode continuously controlled damping suspension system can be set for normal, comfort and sport response in the Navigator. Its ride is relatively soft, even in the stiffer sport mode. The Escalade last fall had a more responsive steering feel.

The added damping and bigger wheels, along with upgraded leather interior and power moonroof, were a $6,850 option and boosted sticker price of the Navigator to$73,895. Among standard items are heated and cooled front seats and heated middle-row seats, dual-zone climate control, power adjustable pedals and rain-sensing wipers.

Here are the specifications for the 2015 Lincoln Navigator 4X4:

• Capacity 7-passenger SUV
• Wheelbase 119 inches
• Length 207.4 inches
• Width 78.8 inches
• Height 78.1 inches
• Curb Weight 6,069 pounds
• Track 67 inches front, 67.2 rear
• Ground Clearance 8.4 inches
• Turn Circle 39 feet
• Drivetrain Four-wheel-drive
• Engine 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6
• Horsepower/Torque 380/460
• Transmission 6-speed automatic
• Steering power rack-and-pinion
• Suspension Short and long-arm front, independent multilink rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 15/20
• Fuel mileage average 17.3
• Fuel Tank 28 gallons, regular or premium
• Wheels 22-inch
• Tires Pirelli Scorpion 285/45R22
• Cargo Volume 54.4 cubic feet
• Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles basic, 6/70,000 powertrain

Competitors Cadillac Escalade, Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz GL450, GMC Yukon XL, Infiniti QX80, Lexus LX570

Assembly Plant Louisville, Ky.

Parts Content N/A

Base Price of Lowest Model $64,285; Base Price of Review Model $65,055; Destination Charge $995; Sticker Price $73,895.

Since its redesign two years ago, the Toyota Avalon has established one of the leading sales paces among large cars in the U.S. today.

Competing with such comfortable sedans as Buick LaCrosse, Chrysler 300, Ford Taurus and Kia Cadenza, the Avalon gains favor for a high-quality interior with lots of rear-seat space, a quiet and powerful V-6 engine and smooth ride.

The Avalon XLE Touring SE model, with 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 and 6-speed automatic transmission, offers the driver a choice of normal, eco or sport drive modes. The sport setting tightened the steering and seemed to respond perfectly with the Avalon’s agility in handling.

The Avalon carries a good EPA fuel-mileage rating of 21/31; I, though, averaged only 21.5 miles per gallon, with about half my miles in town. A year ago, I averaged 26.8 overall with an Avalon Limited sedan.

The Avalon shares a front-wheel-drive platform with the more luxurious Lexus ES series. The grilles are a separator of the two, though, from far away. The Avalon sports a thin grille atop a large air dam, while the ES uses Lexus’ familiar elliptical form.

An intended result of the Avalon’s sportier exterior design is to lower a bit its average age of buyer. At 64, it is one of the older averages on the market.

The Avalon has been Toyota’s flagship for 20 years. It was introduced to the U.S. market in 1995 as successor to the Cressida.

Dark-blue-stitched leather-trimmed seats, navigation/premium audio with nine speakers and

Bluetooth, rearview camera and paddle shifters for the transmission are among features included in the sticker price of $37,995 for the Avalon Touring four-door.

The Avalon rides on 18-inch black-painted wheels wrapped with Michelin tires; suspension is MacPherson strut in front and dual-link independent strut at rear.

Among amenities are power moonroof, blind-spot monitor, quadrabeam headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control and push-button start.

Here are the specifications for the 2015 Toyota Avalon XLE Touring sedan:

• Capacity 5-passenger four-door
• Wheelbase 111 inches
• Length 195.3 inches
• Width 72.2 inches
• Height 57.5 inches
• Curb Weight 3,583 pounds
• Track 62.6 inches front, 62.2 rear
• Ground Clearance 5.5 inches
• Turn Circle 37.4 feet
• Drivetrain Front-wheel-drive
• Engine 3.5-liter V-6
• Horsepower/Torque 268/248
• Transmission 6-speed automatic
• Steering electric power
• Suspension MacPherson strut front, dual-link independent strut rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 21/31
• Fuel mileage average 21.5
• Fuel Tank 17 gallons, regular
• Wheels 18-inch
• Tires Michelin P225/45R18
• Cargo Volume 16 cubic feet
• Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Lincoln MKZ, Buick LaCrosse, Chrysler 300, Ford Taurus, Nissan Maxima

Assembly Plant Georgetown, Ky.

Parts Content N.A.

Base Price of Lowest Model $33,110; Base Price of Review Model $37,170; Destination Charge $825; Sticker Price $37,995.

Dominating the roadways as Jeep rolls its way month after month to all-time sales records are the Grand Cherokee, Cherokee and Wrangler.

A fourth Jeep model, though, the Patriot, which performs with not quite so much gusto, is also on a sales spree. Patriot sales increased 41 percent in March to 11,848 in the U.S., it highest monthly total ever. In the same month, Cherokee sold 19,033, Wrangler 17,524 and Grand Cherokee 16,815.

The ’15 Patriot 4X4 I drove recently was equipped with a 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and the relatively new 6-speed automatic transmission which is also being used in the Dodge Dart. Available for the Jeep Patriot are two other transmissions, a 5-speed manual and a continuously variable performer.

With lots of in-town driving, the Patriot averaged 23.1 miles per gallon, close to the middle of its EPA estimate of 21/27.

Sticker price on the Patriot Latitude 4X4 review model was $29,060, which included high-altitude tuning, leather-trimmed bucket seats, power sunroof, electronic vehicle information center, adjustable roof-rail crossbars, remote-start capability and audio/navigation/DVD/MP3 and UConnect voice command with Bluetooth.

The rearview mirror in the center of the windshield in the Jeep requires the longest reach for adjustment of anything I’ve driven for several years. The long stretch can be accommodated more readily by unbuckling the driver’s seatbelt.

Here are the specifications for the 2015 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4X4:

• Capacity 5-passenger four-door
• Wheelbase 104 inches
• Length 173.8 inches
• Width 69.2 inches
• Height 66.8 inches
• Curb Weight 3,331 pounds
• Track 60 inches front, rear
• Ground Clearance 9.1 inches
• Turn Circle 33.6 feet
• Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
• Engine 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque 172/141
• Transmission 6-speed automatic
• Steering power rack-and-pinion
• Suspension strut front, multilink rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 21/27
• Fuel mileage average 23.1
• Fuel Tank 13.5 gallons, regular
• Wheels 17-inch
• Tires Firestone Affinity P215/60R17
• Cargo Volume 23 cubic feet
• Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/100,000 powertrain

Competitors Chevrolet Trax, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V

Assembly Plant Belvidere, Ill.

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 65%

Base Price of Lowest Model $16,795; Base Price of Review Model $24,395; Destination Charge $995; Sticker Price $29,060.

Traffic through the Buick display space at the Denver Auto Show last week revolved around the 2016 Cascada, the first convertible for the brand in 25 years. The big show ended Sunday, April 12, at the Colorado Convention Center.

The sleekness and newness of the Cascada overshadowed other Buick models, including the 2015 Regal AWD GS sedan, which I drove during the week leading to the car show.

With its all-wheel-drive grip and responsive handling, the Regal GS is well-suited to Colorado. The Cascada will share a front suspension with the Regal – HiPer Strut, which reduces torque steer and improves steering feel.

We found opportunity to test the Regal’s AWD setup, a Haldex system with electronic limited-slip differential; it can send 90 percent of torque to the rear axle for improved grip and cornering in adverse conditions. Snow and cold greeted us on a nighttime drive to Johnstown for a performance of “Always, Patsy Cline,” at the Candlelight Dinner Theatre with Dale and Sandy Wells. Yes, I used the heated steering wheel. No, I didn’t use the heated driver’s seat, never do; Jan did, of course.

The Buick’s performance is adequate with a 259-horsepower, 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, with manual mode that can be tapped up or down for quickened shifts. There are no paddle shifters. Very little bragging emerges at the fuel pump; I averaged 23.9 miles per gallon and its EPA estimate is 19/27.

Unexpectedly flashing on the instrument panel’s display screen while driving home from church on Easter Sunday morning was “WARNING,” with this message: “Taking your eyes off the road too long or too often while using this system could cause a crash, resulting in injury or death to you or others. Focus your attention on driving.”

“Well, thanks, now I’ll refocus on my driving,” I thought, after reading the screen. It was a lighter moment in an auto that is equipped with some serious safety innovation, including adaptive cruise control, automatic-collision preparation, lane-departure warning, forward-collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-zone alert and rearview camera.

With the AWD, turbo engine and lots of amenities, the Regal’s sticker price climbed to $43,970.

The Regal offers well-bolstered front seat cushions and seatbacks. Headroom and legroom are tight in the rear seat; there is no spare tire, instead, in its trunk is an inflator kit.

The Denver Auto Show featured most every imaginable car and truck configurations, from the little Alfa Romeo 4C, with 93-inch wheelbase, to the Cadillac Escalade ESV at 130 inches.

Here are the specifications for the 2015 Buick Regal AWD GS sedan:

• Capacity 5-passenger four-door
• Wheelbase 107.8 inches
• Length 190.2 inches
• Width 73.1 inches
• Height 58 inches
• Curb Weight 3,725 pounds
• Track 62.4 inches front, 62.5 rear
• Ground Clearance 5.9 inches
• Turn Circle 38.1 feet
• Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
• Engine 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque 259/295
• Transmission 6-speed automatic
• Steering electric rack-and-pinion
• Suspension Hi-Per strut front, rear H-arm
• Fuel mileage estimate 19/27
• Fuel mileage average 23.9
• Fuel Tank 18 gallons, regular
• Wheels 19-inch
• Tires Goodyear Eagle P245/40R19
• Cargo Volume 14.2 cubic feet
• Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles basic, 6/70,000 powertrain

Competitors Chrysler 200 AWD, Lexus IS250 AWD, Audi A4 quattro, Acura TLX

Assembly Plant Oshawa, Ontario,  Canada

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 62%, Mexico 16%

Base Price of Lowest Model $29,900; Base Price of Review Model $39,810; Destination Charge $925; Sticker Price $43,970.

Might there be anything more exciting than gripping the heated leather-and-wood steering wheel of one of the world’s finest extended-length luxury sedans, the 2015 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD four-door?

As a matter of fact, yes; the topper this week is leaving the Jag curbside at the Colorado Convention Center, walking inside and seeing 500 of the newest and flashiest models available to the motoring public.

The annual Denver Auto Show is in full swing, running from noon to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

It is the biggest car show in the Rocky Mountain region and offers a first peek at many 2016 models, including the Buick Cascada luxury convertible, the redone Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup, Ford Explorer and BMW’s i8 plug-in electric sports car.

To drive the XJL during the week preceding the auto show was excellent timing. Only a year ago, the big sedan was fitted with all-wheel drive for the first time to make it more suitable for year-round use in Colorado. The AWD feature will be spotlighted in the Jaguar section on the show floor.

The Jaguar XJL’s overall length of 206.8 inches is exceeded only by the Audi A8L’s 207.4 inches among luxury sedans. It is slightly longer than the Mercedes-Benz S550 and the Lincoln MKS.

Even at that length, the Jaguar exudes an almost lithe feel, softened by its advanced 3.0-liter, supercharged V-6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. A very wide turn circle, almost 42 ½ feet, is the price paid for the extreme length. The XJL model has 5 inches of added length over the regular XJ, all of it benefiting the rear-seating area.

Sharing space with the impressive XJL and XJ models for Jaguar at the auto show are lesser-sized XF sedans, F-Type convertibles and coupes and XK convertibles and coupes.

The XJL’s beauty begins with its bold chrome wire mesh grille; the elongated body adds to its sleekness and fastback appearance.

Open the driver’s door, step over an illuminated stainless steel door-sill plate and settle into the soft, perforated leather seating finished in light cirrus mineral with contrasting dark piping. Sure, it will massage your back (an $800 option). Up front are heated and cooled cupholders, with vanity mirrors for the rear-seat passengers and digital heat controls for the rear, also.

Supercharging nets 340 horsepower from the relatively small 3.0-liter V-6 engine, which mates very smoothly with the 8-speed automatic transmission, even when kicking down a couple of gears for testing the highway’s passing lane; midrange torque is strong. Paddle shifters offer increased involvement from the driver; the shifter is a rotary dial in the center console. Shifts can be quickened with use of a dynamic mode, and a winter mode, coupled with the AWD setup, will slow startup acceleration for less spinning of the wheels in snow.

Aided by a run into Denver and back, the XJL averaged 23.8 miles per gallon of premium fuel. The Jag is equipped with a self-leveling rear air suspension.

The all-wheel-drive option, panoramic sunroof, adaptive front lighting and Meridian sound system raised sticker price on the XJL to $87,275.

Look for the big sedan at the car show. See you there.

Here are the specifications for the 2015 Jaguar XJL AWD luxury sedan:

• Capacity 5-passenger four-door
• Wheelbase 124.3 inches
• Length 206.8 inches
• Width 74.6 inches
• Height 57.4 inches
• Curb Weight 4,151 pounds
• Track 64 inches front, 63.1 rear
• Ground Clearance 5.6 inches
• Turn Circle 42.3 feet
• Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
• Engine 3.0-liter supercharged V-6
• Horsepower/Torque 340/332
• Transmission 8-speed automatic
• Steering speed-proportional power
• Suspension Air
• Fuel mileage estimate 16/24
• Fuel mileage average 23.8
• Fuel Tank 21.7 gallons, premium
• Wheels 19-inch
• Tires Pirelli P245/45R19 tires
• Cargo Volume 15.2 cubic feet
• Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles basic, 4/50,000 powertrain

Competitors Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic, BMW 740Lxi, Audi A8L, Porsche Panamera, Lexus LS460L AWD,

Assembly Plant Castle Bromwich, England

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 1%, Germany 55%, United Kingdom 35%

Base Price of Lowest Model $75,125; Base Price of Review Model $84,700; Destination Charge $925; Sticker Price $87,275.

The Subaru Impreza so dominates the compact all-wheel-drive sedan market, many consumers believe it is the only choice.

There is one other, though – the Mitsubishi Lancer SE 2.4 AWC.

Its electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system is known as AWC, for all-wheel control. The push of a button will lend the driver a selection of two-wheel drive, four-wheel-drive automatic or four-wheel-drive lock.

Priced at $23,505, the Lancer AWC offers a 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with continuously variable transmission, power sunroof, Rockford Fosgate premium sound system including a 10-inch subwoofer, heated front seats and rearview camera. Demand some heavy acceleration of the Mitsu and its CVT becomes recognizable for its frequent drone.

The 2015 model’s fuel-mileage estimate is 22/29 miles per gallon; I averaged 24.6 in overall driving.

The four-wheel-drive addition makes the little Lancer well-suited to this part of the country. The Lancer lineup, though, is best-known for the turbocharged, 291-hp Evo performance version of the sedan.

Here are the specifications for the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer AWC compact sedan:

• Capacity 5-passenger four-door
• Wheelbase 103.7 inches
• Length 180 inches
• Width 69.4 inches
• Height 58.3 inches
• Curb Weight 3,142 pounds
• Track 60.2 inches front, 60.8 rear
• Ground Clearance 5.8 inches
• Turn Circle 32.8 feet
• Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
• Engine 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque 168/167
• Transmission Continuously variable
• Steering hydraulic power
• Suspension strut front, multilink rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 22/29
• Fuel mileage average 24.6
• Fuel Tank 14.5 gallons, premium
• Wheels 16-inch
• Tires Yokohama P205/60R16
• Cargo Volume 12.3 cubic feet
• Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles basic, 10/100,000 powertrain

Competitors Chevrolet Cruze, Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza

Assembly Plant Kurashiki, Japan

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 1%, Japan 97%

Base Price of Lowest Model $17,395; Base Price of Review Model $20,995; Destination Charge $810; Sticker Price $23,505.

Thirty-seven car and truck brands, from Acura to Volvo, will display more than 500 new models at the 2015 Denver Auto Show, which opens Wednesday, April 8, at the Colorado Convention Center.

Tesla, the much-ballyhooed electric auto, won’t be there.

“Tesla Motors is not able to attend all the regional shows, and will not be at the Denver Auto Show this year,” said Jamee Hawn, product communications, Tesla Motors, in confirming that the company will not be represented. “We look forward to attending more shows in the future.”

Tesla displayed its Model S electric four-door sedan in a small space at last year’s show.

BMW’s new i8 electric, the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt and more than 20 other electrics and hybrid electrics will be shown.

The annual show, presented by the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association, will run from Wednesday, April 8, through Sunday, April 12.

Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, noon to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

A highlight will be announcement of Car of the Year, Truck of the Year and SUV of the Year as chosen by members of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Selections will be announced on Tuesday night at the Charity Preview Party, and will be prominently displayed through the duration of the show.

Auto show tickets can be purchased online at www.denverautoshow.com or at the door. Prices are $12 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6 through 12, those younger than 6 are admitted free.

Wednesday is Military Day, when active and veteran personnel with appropriate military ID (white active duty or blue retired military cards) will be admitted free. Thursday is Senior Day, when anyone 65 and older is admitted for $5.

For more information, call 1-800-251-1563 or visit www.denverautoshow.com.

On its introduction to the U.S. market 12 years ago, the Nissan Murano surprised, even shocked, automotive followers with two innovations – the most futuristic styling ever seen in the SUV/truck segment and the unheard-of installation of a continuously variable transmission in a vehicle of its size.

Some questioned the wisdom of such a break from the traditional look and performance of a midsize model.

It has prevailed, though, and for 2015, the Murano rolls even deeper into its forward express, with sculpted fin-like rear quarter panels, “v-motion” front end and floating-roof appearance.

And the CVT tranny? It has undergone improvements and its whining and droning on hill climbs has been quieted; so, too, have many of the detractors stopped their whining over its shiftless feature.

The Murano’s new design will draw attention at the upcoming 2015 Denver Auto Show week after next. The five-day event will run from Wednesday, April 8, through Sunday, April 12, at the Colorado Convention Center.

I’ve recently driven two other Nissans, the Rogue compact crossover and the Versa Note subcompact hatchback. While the midsize Murano performs with a 260-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, the Rogue uses a 170-hp, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and the Versa does it with a little 109-hp, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. All three are tied to CVTs in the name of better fuel economy.

The Rogue, a strong competitor to the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape, is roomy with lots of cargo space and provides a relatively comfortable ride among the smaller crossovers. A third row of seats is available, though is cramped in space and steals away most of the cargo capacity. The ’15 Rogue SV all-wheel-drive model provided to me (a five-passenger) carries an EPA fuel-mileage estimate of 25/32; I averaged 26.8 miles per gallon. With the SV package of navigation, around-view monitor and power liftgate, its sticker price was $28,500.

The Versa Note, with a somewhat odd-looking hatchback style in metallic peacoc teal exterior finish, has an attractive interior with orange striping down the middle of the black-fabric seatbacks and cushions. Front-seat occupants must make do with very small sun visors; handy are dual glove compartments, the upper one chilled. Though lacking strong performance, the little Versa delivers excellent fuel mileage (EPA estimate 31/40); I averaged 36.3 mpg. Sticker price on the ’15 Versa Note SR was $19,180, including rearview camera, streaming audio via Bluetooth and multifunction trip computer.

As for the stylish five-passenger Murano, it is very competitive with the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Ford Edge, and even the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

While I prefer a regular transmission to the continuously variable type, the Murano’s CVT does little droning under hard acceleration and performs most closely, of any I’ve driven, to the traditionals.

The Murano is a good handler, with fairly precise and quick steering.

Inside is a nice leather finish with chrome accents. A leather hood over the instrument panel is unusual. Seating comfort is a plus for the Murano and added insulation has quieted the ride. Its cargo space is among the best in its class.

Even with curb weight of close to 4,000 pounds, the Murano earned an EPA fuel-mileage estimate of 21/28; my average was 23.7 mpg.

The review model was the Murano SL AWD, with base price of $38,550 and sticker of $41,905. Only option on the loaded-up SL was a technology package of panoramic moonroof, intelligent cruise control and forward-collision warning.

Here are the specifications for the 2015 Nissan Murano SL AWD:

• Capacity 5-passenger crossover SUV
• Wheelbase 111.2 inches
• Length 192.4 inches
• Width 75.4 inches
• Height 66.5 inches
• Curb Weight 3,977 pounds
• Track 64.6 inches front, rear
• Ground Clearance 6.9 inches
• Turn Circle 38.1 feet
• Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
• Engine 3.5-liter V-6
• Horsepower/Torque 260/240
• Transmission continuously variable
• Steering rack-and-pinion power
• Suspension strut front, multilink rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 21/28
• Fuel mileage average 23.7
• Fuel Tank 19 gallons, regular
• Wheels 18-inch
• Tires Michelin Latitude 235/65R18 tires
• Cargo Volume 39.6 cubic feet
• Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Jeep Grand Chereokee, Ford Edge, Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot

Assembly Plant Canton, Miss.

Parts Content N.A.

Base Price of Lowest Model $31,160; Base Price of Review Model $38,550; Destination Charge $885; Sticker Price $41,905.

Another 2016 model, the Mazda6 midsize sedan carrying an EPA estimate of 40 miles per gallon on the highway, has been sent my way.

It follows last week’s 2016 Kia Sorento crossover SUV. Both will be seen at the 2015 Denver Auto Show, scheduled Wednesday, April 8, through Sunday, April 12, at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver.

A bolder-looking grille and new LED headlamps refresh the front-end for the sleek, front-wheel-drive ’16 Mazda.

With the 40-mpg rating in mind, Jan and I in the Mazda6 left home Saturday morning on a 110-mile roundtrip drive to Aurora. Our destination was the Knights of Columbus Hall on E. Bayaud Avenue for an 80^th birthday celebration for Wally Dermer. Dermer, a standout wrestler years ago at Sterling High School, has been an Aurora resident with his wife Janice (Ashby) for more than 50 years.

The Mazda6’s 2.5-liter, SkyActiv direct-injection 4-cylinder engine performed smoothly on U.S. 85, with numerous stoplight slowdowns. It delivers only 184 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque, yet the 4-cylinder is surprisingly strong in low-end acceleration. A button on the console engages Sport setting, which quickens throttle response and shifting with the 6-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel-mileage average for the round trip was 34.2. A year ago, with the same type engine, I averaged 33.7. The car will consistently post 29 to 35 mpg averages; during the week I drove the 2016 model, the overall average was 32 mpg.

White parchment leather seats (perhaps overly firm) and trim and a sunroof create a bright interior. A redesign of the dashboard includes a larger 7-inch display screen for the MazdaConnect infotainment system. Rear seating area is roomy and a long trunk space measures 14.8 cubic feet.

Mazda6 uses a regenerative braking system on deceleration which converts kinetic energy to electricity through use of a supercapacitor, reducing some need for alternator output to power electrical accessories.

Sales of the Mazda continue on a steady rise which began with a major restyle two years ago. Still, though, the totals pale in comparison with other midsize models, such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata and Chrysler 200.

A head-up display for the driver, radar cruise control, active grille shutters and a lane-departure warning system are features which pushed sticker price of the new Mazda6 to $33,395. Blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, dual front/front side-impact airbags and front and rear side air curtains are included.

Among other amenities are heated front seats, rearview camera and Bose 11-speaker sound system/Bluetooth/USB audio input.

Here are the specifications for the 2016 Mazda6 midsize sedan:

• Capacity 5-passenger four-door
• Wheelbase 111.4 inches
• Length 191.5 inches
• Width 72.4 inches
• Height 57.1 inches
• Curb Weight 3,214 pounds
• Track 62.4 inches front, 62 rear
• Ground Clearance 6.4 inches
• Turn Circle 36.7 feet
• Drivetrain Front-wheel-drive
• Engine 2.5-liter 4-cylinder
• Horsepower/Torque 184/185
• Transmission 6-speed automatic
• Steering power speed-proportional
• Suspension strut front, multilink rear
• Fuel mileage estimate 28/40
• Fuel mileage average 32
• Fuel Tank 16.4 gallons, premium
• Wheels 19-inch
• Tires Dunlop Sport P225/45R19
• Cargo Volume 14.8 cubic feet
• Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Chrysler 200, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata

Assembly Plant Hofu, Japan

Parts Content Japan 95%

Base Price of Lowest Model $22,315; Base Price of Review Model $30,195; Destination Charge $820; Sticker Price $33,395.