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Happy Autumnal Equinox!  Everyone here at Classic Auto Group is so excited for Leaf Peeping Season to begin.  That’s why we’re celebrating with an amazing list of places you can scope out top notch fall foliage across Illinois and Wisconsin, and great autumnal locations for family portraits. more Bowen Park in Waukegan is a 60 acre park once home to John Charles Haines from 1857-1896, and is now a family friendly recreational area with picnic grounds, hiking trails, a playground, and beautiful gardens.  If you’re looking to take some family portraits in the local area, this is a great place to visit! Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods IL is a beautiful 552 Acre preserve with 6.5 miles of scenic hiking trails which wind through the forest and over to the Des Plaines River.  Its protected woodlands are home to multiple endangered species of wildlife and plants.  Trees in the area include sugar maples, oaks, and hickories which will make a lush backdrop for fall foliage photos! Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe spans 385 acres with 27 gardens to explore.  When autumn rolls around, the trees will display a dazzling array of fiery colors and the autumnal shrubs and flowers will also put on a fabulous display. The University of St. Mary on the Lake in Mundelein has a beautiful lake surrounded by natural wonders, bridges, and monuments.  It’s a truly stunning sight to see when the fall foliage makes its appearance and its lake reflection twinkles in the light of golden hour.  It’s a wonderful backdrop for couples photos and family portraits. Chain O’ Lakes State Park in Albion has breathtaking views of the autumnal leaves!  Whether you choose to sit back and relax at the lakeside, or wish to explore the 10 miles of hiking trails there’s no shortage of picturesque scenery here! Lake County Forest Preserves have family friendly facilities for humans and their furry companions alike!  Take the whole family including your pets out to the forest preserve for some fall foliage family photos (try saying that one three times fast.)  Visit Fort Sheridan in Highland Park,Hastings Lake in Lake Villa, Independence Grove in Libertyville, Millennium Trail in Volo, Old School in Libertyville. Looking for more great trails and areas to explore in Lake County? Check out this great list for more options. Heinz Apple Orchard in Green Oaks is of course a classic destination for fall foliage watching and autumnal celebrations. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy some U-Pick Orchard family fun time with some cozy sweaters, fall flannels, and take some coordinated family portraits for memory making! Heller Nature Center in Highland Park is a 97 acre park and Oak-Hickory forest, which is also home to Autumn Fest on September 23rd from 4PM to 7PM.  Bring the whole family out to enjoy some nature hikes, or stop in for a guided lesson with local experts! Didier Farms in Lincolnshire is prime autumn joy for families and visitors of all ages!  The farm has a rotating series of events and gatherings all season long through Halloween!  From hayrides to corn mazes and pumpkin picking to harvest festivals, it’s an iconic part of local traditions each Fall, for more than 100 years! Big Foot Beach State Park in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is an incredible 271 acre state park known for hiking, camping, picnicking, and fishing.  There is a family friendly campground for those who wish to immerse themselves in the autumnal wonders of the forest and lake.  Explore the 5 miles of hiking trails and scenic views and snap some great autumnal photos. Seven Bridges Trail at Grant Park in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin is unparalleled excellence in autumnal scenery.  This 2 mile nature trail is the main attraction in Grant Park, one of the oldest parks in Milwaukee County.  You’ll be lost in the beauty of Mother Nature from the forest out to the beach!  It’s very family friendly. Holy Hill in Hubertus, Wisconsin is an outstanding place to experience the full effect of autumnal foliage.  High atop the hill at the Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Holy Hill provides a birdseye view for striking sightlines of the fiery landscape below. Did we leave your favourite leaf peeping spot off our list? Let us know your favourite places to see the leaves in the comments below and we may feature it in a future update.

1.6L, three-cylinder turbo engine delivers 300 hp and up to 295 pound-feet of torque GR-FOUR AWD system with customizable front-rear power settings Available in three models: Core grade, launch-year-exclusive Circuit Edition and ultra-limited MORIZO Edition Born from rally racing and tested to meet the highest standards set by master driver Akio Toyoda and professional TOYOTA GAZOO Racing drivers Pure Toyota sports car, precision built at the GR Factory at Toyota’s Motomachi Plant Complimentary 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association, featuring a High-Performance Driving Event with expert instruction more SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Sept. 14, 2022) – The first-ever 2023 GR Corolla might be the newest member of TOYOTA’S GAZOO Racing sports car family, but this hot hatch is ready to make a big impression on North American streets. Rooted in rally, developed under the scrutiny of master driver Akio Toyoda and inspired by Toyota’s sports car lineage, GR Corolla looks to rocket to the top of driver wish lists as it debuts at dealerships later this year. Powered by the lightweight, compact-yet-powerful G16E-GTS turbocharged, three-cylinder engine that pumps out an impressive 300 horsepower, GR Corolla will come in three grades: the Core grade, Circuit Edition and the limited, track-focused, MORIZO Edition. GR Corolla Core grade is expected to arrive at dealership lots in the Fall of 2022. The MORIZO Edition is expected in Winter 2023 and Circuit Edition is expected in Spring 2023. GR Corolla’s impressive output is thanks in part to a unique triple exhaust that reduces back-pressure for maximum power delivery. The Core grade and Circuit Edition push out 300 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, while the MORIZO Edition hits 295 lb.-ft. High strength engine components and a turbocharger also help GR Corolla punch above its weight. With a max boost of 25.2 PSI on the GR Corolla Core grade and Circuit Edition and 26.3 PSI on the MORIZO Edition, GR Corolla models have a manufacturer estimated 0-60 mph time of about five seconds. Peak torque output on the Core grade and Circuit Edition hits between 3,000-5,500 rpm, with max horsepower at 6,500 rpm. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing engineers have aggressively tuned the G16E engine for additional power on the MORIZO Edition, with peak torque coming in between 3,250-4,600 rpm. Regardless of the model, drivers will find satisfying torque across the powerband. Exclusively available with an intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), GR Corolla’s short throw shifter and moderately tuned clutch keep drivers engaged with hands-on thrills. iMT is off by default for drivers who prefer finding the rev on their own but is easily turned on by the push of a button to the left of the steering wheel. For further responsiveness customization, Eco, Sport, Track and Custom drive mode selector comes standard on all grades. Toyota’s GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) drivetrain brings rally-inspired engineering to the GR Corolla. With the twist of a dial or a push for Track mode, drivers can adjust the GR-FOUR system to fit a variety of road conditions and driving styles with 60-40, 50-50 or 30-70 torque distribution to the front and rear wheels. The GR Corolla is built on Toyota’s GA-C platform, with enhanced frame reinforcements developed specifically for GR Corolla at the GR Factory at Toyota Motomachi plant. Available Core grade colors include Ice Cap, Black and Supersonic Red, all paired with a color keyed roof and rear lip spoiler, GR-FOUR stamped side rockers and wide-fender flares. On the inside, seating for five will come with GR-logoed fabric sport seats. The Circuit Edition will be a limited-run model available for 2023 only. Standard colors are Ice Cap, Supersonic Red and Heavy Metal with the same GR-FOUR stamped side rockers and wide fenders as the Core grade. It adds a forged carbon fiber roof, vented bulge hood, a sporty rear spoiler, Brin-Naub® suede and synthetic leather-trimmed trimmed sport seats with red accents and a leather wrapped MORIZO signed shift knob. The MORIZO Edition sheds the back seat in the name of weight savings and will be available in Windchill Pearl and a MORIZO Edition exclusive NEW matte finished Smoke gray color. It also comes equipped with a forged carbon fiber roof, rear lip spoiler, vented bulge hood, Brin-Naub® and synthetic leather-trimmed sport seats with red stitching, red mesh inserts and Ultrasuede® wrapped MORIZO signed shift knob. All grades come equipped with Toyota’s all-new, US-developed multimedia system with an 8-inch touchscreen standard. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) will also come standard. Inspired Engineering In 2007, Akio Toyoda wanted to expand the company’s racing experience in its car development activities. As a starting point, he chose to compete in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, the grueling endurance race held on the famous track winding through the German forest. It was an unofficial Toyota activity at the time, so the team was called GAZOO Racing and was made up of employees, including Akio Toyoda driving under the alias of MORIZO. With a limited budget, the newly named team entered the race with two second-hand Altezzas. Despite adversity, both cars finished the challenging race, and a new era of Toyota motorsports and product development, one founded on a spirit of challenge aimed at instilling change, began. As TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s first wholly developed and manufactured model for the North American market, the GR Corolla carries this spirit forward. With professional drivers, experts and MORIZO at the wheel, GR Corolla was tested repeatedly at some of Japan’s leading circuits, including Fuji Speedway, Suzuka and Tsukuba Circuit. In addition, the GR team carried out heavy duty dirt and snow driving with a Japanese Rally Championship driver. No road was left untested in the process, so engineers and technicians could sharpen acceleration and control worthy of the GR name. GR Factory To help meet the performance goals for the GR Corolla, Toyota has established a dedicated GR Factory at its production facility in Motomachi, Japan. It is the birthplace of legends such as the Lexus LFA and Supra A80 and is now home to the first GR production line, where GR Corolla and GR Yaris are assembled. The body and component assembly lines comprise several different cells connected by automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) rather than the conveyors featured in conventional car plants. This fully flexible method of working, with many manual assembly techniques, enables precise body and suspension alignment, with variations in vehicle dimensions and weight kept to a minimum. Being assembled by experts means that each GR Corolla takes longer than a conventional mass-produced car. The assembly line has been streamlined for precision, with elements such as body alignment and weld checks to ensure that each GR Corolla is crafted with meticulous care and attention. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has brought together highly skilled technicians from throughout the company to work on the GR Corolla. This team not only serves to assemble every GR Corolla but also helps to enhance the technical skills of other workers across Toyota facilities when learning is shared. It is a philosophy that’s part of the overall GR mission at Toyota, developing people, growing the automotive enthusiast and motorsport community and making ever better cars. The GR-FOUR System With all TOYOTA GAZOO Racing sports cars firmly rooted in motorsports, it only makes sense that the GR Corolla’s drivetrain was born from the rigors of rally racing. At the heart of the new GR Corolla is the GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive system, Toyota’s first sports all-wheel-drive system in over 20 years. Developed in collaboration with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team and honed by WRC drivers, it delivers exceptional levels of traction and control with engineering designed to optimize drive power to each wheel, while remaining simple and lightweight. Inspired by rally driving, the GR-FOUR system is designed for a variety of conditions. Whether the driver is looking to adjust performance for dirt, rain or snow, or just in the mood for a different feel, the GR-FOUR system offers settings to match. With a twist of the dial, GR Corolla adjusts its four-wheel drive performance to fit the driver’s needs. For everyday situations, drivers can set a front/rear torque distribution of 60:40. For sporty driving, balance can shift to the rear, with 30:70 distribution for a fun-to-drive quality on winding roads and circuits. For maximum stability, a 50:50 setting can be used for fast, competitive track driving on circuits or special stages. In each mode, the torque balance will automatically adjust in response to the driver’s inputs, vehicle behavior and road or track conditions. The GR Corolla Circuit and MORIZO Editions are also equipped with front and rear Torsen® Limited-Slip Differentials (LSD), which offer enhanced cornering performance and grip with control of left and right-hand drive torque distribution on the front and rear axles. The Core grade comes with AWD open differentials standard, with the dual LSD available as part of the Performance Package on the Core grade. Revolutionary Three-Cylinder Turbo Engine For GR Corolla, Toyota engineers took the same turbocharged G16E-GTS powerplant used in the GR Yaris and boosted its output for performance you will feel. Thanks to a three-pipe exhaust system, GR Corolla produces 300 hp and a satisfying exhaust note without any augmented engine noise. For the pure joy of its rumble, the center pipe is open while idling and up to 20 mph, where it will then close. At 4,500 RPM’s the pipe reopens, reducing exhaust backpressure for powerful acceleration. The G16E also benefits from motorsport technologies that maximize performance, including multi-oil jet piston cooling, large-diameter exhaust valves and a part-machined intake port. Displacing 1,618 cubic centimeters, it produces a maximum power of 300 hp and 273 lb-ft. of torque on the Core grade and Circuit Edition and 295 pound-feet of torque in the MORIZO Edition model. Compact and lightweight, the DOHC 12-valve engine features a single-scroll ball-bearing turbo and is matched to a 6-speed intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) with rev-matching engineered to accommodate high torque levels. The turbocharger is integrated in the exhaust manifold, reducing weight, while control of wastegate bypass gases is used to improve the catalyst’s warm-up efficiency. Combustion is fed by Toyota’s D-4S direct and port fuel injection system, which operates at high pressure for maximum fuel dispersion, for a manufacturer’s estimated 21 city/28 highway/24 combined mpg rating. Wide, Rigid and Designed to Handle To achieve control worthy of the GR badge, a highly rigid body was specially constructed for GR Corolla. Based off the GA-C platform, GR Corolla is designed for handling performance that rewards the driver. Enhanced rigidity comes from significantly more weld points in the frame, particularly to strengthen joints, with 349 more spot welds. Further gains are made through extensive use of structural adhesive, which increases the joint rigidity between component parts. There are just over nine additional feet of adhesive on the Core grade/Circuit Edition and nearly 20 more feet on the MORIZO than the Corolla Hatch. Additional structural support includes underfloor tunnel and rear wheelhouse braces. The MORIZO Edition adds two braces that span the rear of the cabin for structural support. The brace also serves as an in-car “tire rack” that allows a spare set to be vertically placed for a track day. The front suspension is a MacPherson-type strut design that is light weight and maximizes the tires’ grip potential. Made up of circuit-tuned coil springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bars, the front suspension is designed to maximize power delivery to the wheels and provide optimum cornering capability on all surfaces. The rear suspension uses a double-wishbone type multilink assembly that accommodates the AWD system’s goal of maximum agility and stability. The MORIZO Edition tweaks the suspension with a stiffer spring rate on the circuit-tuned coils and red-painted monotube shock absorbers. Wide tread tires ensure high cornering performance while maintaining the excellent high-speed stability of the GR Corolla’s 103.9-inch-long wheelbase. The Core grade and Circuit Edition wear 235/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires and come equipped with 18-in. gloss-black 15-spoke cast alloy wheels. The MORIZO Edition wears 245/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that are mounted on 18-in. forged alloy wheels. Stopping power comes from opposed, fixed-caliper disc brakes with 14-inch x 1.1-inch ventilated and slotted rotors outfitted with 4-piston aluminum calipers on all grades. At the rear, 11.7-in. x 0.7-in. ventilated rotors with 2-piston aluminum fixed-caliper disc brakes come standard on the Core grade. Red-painted GR logoed calipers are standard on the Circuit and MORIZO Editions. The red-painted front and rear calipers are available with the Performance Package on the Core grade. Lightweight and Aerodynamic Throughout GR Corolla, there has been a focus on saving weight to maximize the performance potential without compromising strength and safety. This rigorous approach is particularly evident in the car’s construction, with extensive use of lightweight metals and materials used in key areas. On the Circuit and MORIZO Editions, the roof is made of a forged carbon sheet molding compound. This lightweight, highly rigid material is lighter than steel, helping lower the car’s center of gravity. Aluminum is used for the hood while front door panels are steel on all grades, with light and strong high-tensile steel in critical areas designed so that the car’s structure can help safely absorb and dissipate impact forces. The MORIZO Edition takes weight savings a few steps further. The removal of the back seat, use of forged wheels and ounce-cutting measures like no rear door speakers, no rear window regulator or rear wiper, makes the MORIZO Edition about 100-pounds lighter difference than the Circuit Edition. Curb weight for the Core grade comes in at 3,252 pounds (3,262 pounds when equipped with the dual LSD option), Circuit at 3,285 pounds, and MORIZO at 3,186 pounds. GR Corolla’s 0.35 coefficient of drag is partially attributed to GR Corolla’s ascending nose and tapering roof line. Wind flow is directed onto the rear lip spoiler to reduce drag. As with rally cars, the shaping of the front and rear canards and GR-FOUR stamped lower rockers efficiently channel airflow down the sides of the vehicle and a flat underfloor helps reduce drag and improve stability. Rally Ready Hot Hatch Style The wide stance and broad hatchback design of GR Corolla projects a strong, attack-ready style with its black GR badged functional matrix grille. The dynamic exterior includes functional air ducts flanking both sides on the Core grade and MORIZO Edition, and a stylish front grille featuring integrated LED fog lamps and GR badge comes standard on all models. Auto on/off LED headlamps and LED DRLs are also standard on all grades. All grades feature wide front and rear fender-flares. The Circuit and MORIZO Edition have a bulge hood with functional air ducts. The forged carbon fiber roof on the Circuit and MORIZO Editions are matched with a matte black roof-mounted shark fin antenna. The Core grade features an aluminum hood with a color-keyed roof and matching shark fin antenna, gloss black power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators and gloss black window molding. The Circuit Edition comes with heated side mirrors standard, which are available with the Cold Weather Package on the Core grade. Side, front and rear GR Corolla badges are standard on all models. At the rear, all models feature a rear lower bumper cover with functional air vents, which come in gloss black on the Circuit Edition. The tapering of the roof and rear pillars are complimented by a high mounted black rear sport spoiler on the Circuit Edition and a color matched rear-lip spoiler on the Core grade and MORIZO Edition. The wide track and flaring of the rear fenders emphasize the car’s wide, low silhouette, with a ground clearance of 5.3 inches on the Core grade and Circuit Edition and 5.1 inches on the MORIZO Edition. Race Inspired Interior The design of the GR Corolla’s interior reflects the car’s performance, especially around the driver’s cockpit. Incorporating the feedback of professional drivers, a GR Full TFT meter was newly developed with a 12.3-inch color Multi-Information Display (MID) that shows 4WD mode, turbo pressure, gear position indicator and tachometer. The brightly lit display is designed for easy viewing in any condition and even features a start-up GR animation. The shift lever is designed for a quick throw between gears. Positioned where the driver’s arm is naturally lowered from steering, the action is light with short shift strokes, adding to GR Corolla’s performance quality. GR Corolla uses a pull type mechanical parking brake. The Core grade’s cabin is finished with black and silver details. Drivers and passengers will find fabric trimmed sport seats with gray stitching and GR badged headrests; 6-way adjustable driver’s seat with suede covered sheet seatback pocket; 4-way adjustable front passenger seat with seatback pocket are standard on the Core grade. The Circuit Edition’s interior is finished in black with red trim details around the door handles, center console, steering wheel and side air vents. For an added touch, a leather wrapped “Morizo” signed shift knob comes on the launch year Circuit Edition. Drivers and front passengers are cradled by Brin-Naub® suede and synthetic leather-trimmed sport seats with red stitching, red mesh inserts, seat back pockets and GR badged headrests. The driver’s seat is 6-way adjustable, and passenger’s seats are 4-way adjustable. The MORIZO Edition offers exclusive red and black trim and details, including a red seat belt strap and a GR Ultrasuede®-wrapped, tilt/telescopic sport steering wheel with red sight line. The limited-edition model comes with Brin-Naub® and synthetic leather-trimmed semi bucket sport seats with red stitching, red mesh inserts and GR badged headrests; 6-way adjustable driver’s seat; and a 4-way adjustable front passenger seat. Ultrasuede is also wrapped around the MORIZO signature shift knob. Single zone automatic climate control and power windows with one-touch auto up/down function is standard on all grades. Heated front seats and heated steering wheel are standard on the Circuit and MORIZO Editions and are available with the Cold Weather package option on Core grade. A GR leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic sport steering wheel with audio, Multi-Information Display, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and voice-command controls comes standard on the Circuit Edition. Standard on all models is a push button GR engine start/stop button, aluminum sport pedals, two USB Type C charging ports, one 12V auxiliary power outlet, lighted foot wells, front console tray and rear console box. Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging with full charge indicator light is standard on the Circuit Edition and available with the Technology package on the Core grade. Toyota Audio Multimedia All GR Corollas feature Toyota’s all-new, North American developed Audio Multimedia system. Displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen, the system offers an improved user experience and a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including Connected Services trials 1. Users can interact with the new system’s design through touch and voice activation. And with Intelligent Assistant available with an active Drive Connect trial or subscription 1, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awaken the system for voice-activated commands to search for directions, find Points of Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more. The cloud-based native navigation system offered through and active Drive Connect trial or subscription allows for real-time Over-the-Air updates for mapping and Points of Interest (POI), and Google POI data is integrated to ensure up-to-date search capability. Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for simultaneous dual Bluetooth phone connectivity with support for wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability. An active Wi-Fi Connect trial or subscription offers 4G connectivity through AT&T for up to five devices and enables the new Integrated Streaming feature, providing the ability to link separate Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle for onboard control. Adding to the already robust offering of audio multimedia features, the GR Corolla has playback ability with HD Radio, USB data and a SiriusXM® Platinum Plan three-month trial subscription. The Circuit Edition offers an enhanced audio experience with an available eight speaker JBL® Premium Audio system including an eight-channel, 800-watt amplifier. The GR Corolla comes with a host of additional standard Connected Services. Safety Connect includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator and Collision Assistance with up to a 10-year trial service. Service Connect offering drivers the capability of receiving Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts and reminders with up to a 10-year trial. 1 4G network dependent. After the trial period ends, a paid subscription is required. More details on trial periods and subscription-based features can be found at https://www.toyota.com/connected-services/. Safety & Other Technology All GR Corolla models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), which includes enhancements made possible by system sensors with advanced detection capability. The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection is also capable of detecting motorcyclists and bicyclists in certain conditions. When making a turn or approaching an intersection, the system is designed to detect forward or laterally approaching oncoming vehicles and provides audio/visual alerts and automatic braking in certain conditions. Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist is designed to notify the driver via audible and visual alerts and slight steering force if it senses the vehicle is leaving the lane without engaging a turn signal. GR Corolla will be equipped with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), which is designed to detect the preceding vehicle and adjust speed in order to maintain a preset distance. And when DRCC is set and engaged, and Lane Tracing Assist is activated, this system uses sensors to detect the lane or a preceding vehicle and provides steering support to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane while improved lane recognition delivers refined performance of Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist. Automatic High Beams are designed to detect preceding or oncoming vehicles and automatically switch between high beam and low beam headlights. Road Sign Assist is designed to recognize certain road sign information using a forward-facing camera and display them on the multi-information display (MID). In addition to the TSS 3.0 system, other standard safety features on the GR Corolla include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), which is designed to help detect and warn when vehicles are approaching or positioned in the adjacent lanes. Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) helps detect vehicles approaching from either side while backing out and provide a visual and audible warning. Toyota’s Rear Seat Reminder comes standard on the GR Corolla Core grade and Circuit Edition. The feature can note whether a rear door was opened within 10 minutes of the vehicle being turned on, or at any time after the vehicle has been turned on, with a reminder message in the instrument cluster after the engine is turned off, accompanied by multitone chimes. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) also comes standard on all GR Corolla models and helps improve control by reducing backward movement when starting from a stop going uphill. Option Packages GR Corolla Core grade is available with the following packages: Performance package: Includes front and rear Torsen® Limited Slip Differentials (LSD), 4-piston aluminum fixed-caliper disc brakes, red-painted calipers with GR logo; 14-in. x 1.1-in. ventilated and slotted rotors (front), and 2-piston aluminum fixed-caliper disc brakes with red-painted calipers and GR logo; 11.7-in. x 0.7-in. ventilated rotors (rear). Technology package: Includes Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation and JBL® w/Clari-Fi® and Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging. Cold Weather Package: Includes heated front seats and heated steering wheel. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) GR Corolla Core grade will arrive at dealership lots in the Fall of 2022. The MORIZO Edition will arrive in Winter 2023 and Circuit Edition will arrive in Spring 2023. Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty. GR Corolla also comes with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. RELATED MEDIA RELATED IMAGES RELATED VIDEOS About Toyota Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 32 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.  With the more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, a quarter of the company’s 2021 U.S. sales were electrified. To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com. About TOYOTA GAZOO Racing TOYOTA GAZOO Racing embodies Toyota’s commitment to overcoming every limit to make ‘ever-better’ cars, to forge new technologies and solutions under the extreme conditions of motorsports, and to never stop innovating. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing races its cars to push the limits for better and to learn from the toughest challenges. Competing on every kind of road, no matter what the challenge, inspires TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to build ‘ever-better’ cars and engineer Toyota’s future DNA to bring freedom, adventure, and joy of driving to everyone. For more information, visit www.toyotagazooracing.com.

The experts at Classic Body Shop want to share their wealth of knowledge with you all on one of the most vital parts of your vehicle when it comes to safety and stability: The tires!  While it may seem like a “no-brainer” that tires are in need of maintenance, we’re going to share a little more detail on why we should all pay a little closer attention to the health of our tires beyond the obvious.  Let’s take a look at how a tire is constructed, what the elements do, and why keeping an eye on these things is tantamount to safe driving. more The tire has four very important functions for your vehicle: supporting the weight, changing and maintaining the direction of your driving, providing traction and braking, and absorbing road shocks.  Each element that composes the tire’s structure and frame is imperative to safe driving and functioning on the roadway. Carcass: This is the load-bearing framework which forms the body of the tire, made of thin textile fibers bonded into rubber.  It contains the inflation pressure and aids in supporting the load and absorbing impact, and helps it resist pressure. Tread: The tread,  sometimes also known as a “track”, is the rubber on the circumference of a tire that contacts the road surface.  Modern tires have an average tread depth of 8 to 9 millimeters (10/32nds to 11/32nds of an inch).  Good read depth should be 6/32nds of an inch or deeperWhen a tire has a tread depth below 1.6 millimeters it loses its grip, and impairs your vehicle control, stability, and braking performance. Shoulder: The shoulder on each tread is designed to protect the belt and carcass of the tire, and is where the tread and sidewall of the tire meet.. Belt: The Belt is a reinforcement layer extending to the outer circumference of the carcass under the tread, and improves the stiffness of the tread area.  It is made of rubber-coated layers of steel, fiberglass, rayon and other materials which provide puncture resistance, and also help the treads maintain contact with the road surface. Bead: The bead area supports the extremities of the carcass on each side of the tire, and is the edge of the tire that sits on the wheel itself. Bead Filler: This reinforcement rubber compound has a triangular cross-section, and is used to increase the stiffness of the bead and extends up into the sidewall area. It helps create a sea which holds air inside the tire. Bead Wire: A ring-shaped reinforcement material that is made by bundling together several high-carbon steel wires coated with red copper or bronze.  It has good flexibility and high strength, which is why it provides the framework for the tire structure. Inner Liner: The inner liner is a thin, air-tight layer of special rubber that keeps the air inside your tire and maintains the tire pressure, promoting good fuel economy. Side Wall: The sidewall is the smooth, vertical area on the tire between the tread and the bead, and provides lateral stability and support. It can be seen when you look at the tire from the side after its mounted on the vehicle. Rim: The tire wraps around the rim, which is the skeletal structure of the wheel assembly.  The rim provides structure and form, allowing the tire to wrap around it and fill with air. Now that you’re an expert on the anatomy of a tire, let’s go through some of the things you should know about maintaining, repairing, and replacing a tire. You should check your tire pressure monthly, or whenever the temperature changes with a difference of 10º  higher or lower, and inflate to the specifications listed in your manual or on the inside of the door panel. Check your tire’s tread depth each time you check the pressure, and replace the tire if it is worn down to 2/32nds to 4/32nds of an inch.  You can insert a penny into the tread groove with President Lincon’s head upside down.  If you are able to se the top of Lincoln’s head, you need to replace the tires.  Alternatively, if your tire treads are extremely low, you may notice your tire’s “treadwear indicators, which are raised sections between the tire’s treads; if you can see these replace them immediately. Examine the treads and sidewalls for any cuts, cracks, scrapes, punctures, bulges, bumps, or cracks.  Take a good look to make sure there are no nails, screws, or other foreign objects lodged between them.  If you spot any damage or wear-and-tear, you should bring your car in for a patch by a trusted service employee or a full replacement. Make sure to have your tires rotated with each routine service appointment such as an oil change or alignment.  This will ensure that your tires wear evenly and safely, reducing the chance of flats due to overuse or extreme wear. Check with your mechanic or trusted tire installation technician to find the best tires that match your vehicle’s recommended size/type, your driving style and average mileage, local/seasonal weather hazards, and your budget. Most tires typically last around 50,000 miles, which is about 3 to 5 years average for the typical driver, but this does vary depending on your driving habits, where you live, and where you drive most. Drivers who frequently use unpaved roadways, go off-roading, and those who are “lead-foot drivers” may need to replace them more frequently than average.  Check with your trusted mechanic or local tire specialist to assess your needs. Curious to learn more? Checkout these great videos:

Today is National Live Creative Day and we’re super excited to bring you some content marrying two of our favorite things: All Things Automotive and The Arts!  We’re highlighting some fantastic career options and opportunities that meet in the middle for the best of both worlds.  Check it out on today’s blog! more Automotive Painting and Coating When you’re shopping for cars, the process of choosing a paint color and finish is an important step.  That’s because projecting your personality onto your ride is a big deal for many of us.  We don’t just want something practical and usable, but something that really shows the world who we are inside.  There’s also a large sector of automotive enthusiasts who love to customize their vehicle even further, by choosing a custom wrap or finish as a finishing touch to their interior and under-the-hood personalizations. Additionally, there are also those who are in the market for fully personalized mural work, airbrushing, gradients, and other designs.  Transportation Equipment Painters are trained to operate special equipment, tools, and machinery to provide drivers with custom finishes, restoring paint on vintage vehicles, color matching, and tailoring personalized artwork.  This involves use of a clean room, dust-free environments, and special paints and coatings.  Workers in this field can apprentice with professionals, receive on-the-job training, or take workshops/classes to learn the process. Automotive and Race Photographers and Photojournalists Photographers who enter the Automotive Field may train for documentary photography, commercial photography, and sports photography.  This allows them the flexibility to shoot photography for advertising, race-day documentary, photojournalism, car shows and model photography, and even cars within landscape photography.  These days, modern photographers often prefer to select digital photography as their mode of choice, but some do still use film methods.  These creative professionals will use digital cameras, computer software, technical lighting,and natural lighting to enhance the look of vehicles depending on their use.  You might find their work on social media, in automotive advertising, magazine and print work, history books, and more!  This field requires a lot of hands-on training, apprenticing with professionals, formal schooling, and ongoing education on new technologies.  They may shoot indoors in curated studios, on site of filming or commercial locations, at race tracks or events, or at automotive shows. Automotive Designers and Conceptual Designers This career sits at the intersection of engineering, business, and design worlds.  These are highly specialized and technically trained professionals specializing in industrial design.  They’re required to have a thorough knowledge of engineering, mechanics, automotive production, automotive materials.  Their job is to improve aerodynamics, ergonomics, and aesthetics of the automotive industry.  This field not only involves those scientific and mathematical perspectives, but also fine art.  These professionals include draftsmen, modelers and sculptors, digital and traditional illustrators and painters, and 3D CAD creators.  Requirements of this specialized industry include at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive Design, Industrial Design and/or Engineering.  The formal “STEM” based training and education required is to be completed at technical schools or universities. Graphic Design and Digital Advertising Design Think about all of the ways you learn about new vehicles and shop for cars today.  You may find digital ads on social media, print ads, short segments from content creators.  Looking for promotional coupons and discount sales to get the best deal? Those were customized by a series of artists to match brand aesthetics and messaging.  Both static and motion graphics have been designed and created by artists to appeal to modern consumers, and tell a story through the visual and technical arts.  Each of these creative fields involve hands-on training as well as formal education to learn highly technical programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Final Cut Pro, 3D Modeling programs, etc.  Designers must research trends, stay on top of modern communication methods, and stay in the know with rapid changes to venues such as social media.  These designers incorporate traditional and digital art methods, multimedia and new media technologies, and the basic principles of design.  Most have acquired either extensive field experience, and/or a formal bachelors degree in Art, Multimedia, Graphic Design, etc. Other interesting avenues for creative minds to explore in the automotive industry today include but are not limited to: content creators, vloggers, fine artists, film and video editors, web developers and designers, art directors, logo designers, concept artists, product and packaging designers.

Wondering when you should bring your car to the body shop?  We’re here to help shine a light on some of the reasons you should take your car in for repair and service, and what major items a body shop sees the most. The average auto repair shop will fix engine components, mechanical and technical issues, and restore worn or broken parts from daily use.  The automotive mechanic can diagnose technical problems with your vehicle, monitor fluid levels/lubrication, and all manner of things in regards to operation and running.  You’ll see a mechanic frequently to perform regular maintenance to keep your car running smoothly. An autobody shop can restore vital elements of the physical structure such as the frame, door, window, bumper, and other parts that aren’t involved in the mechanical function.  Auto Body technicians specialize in restoring, refinishing and replacing the structural components to match original factory specifications.  Visits to a body shop are usually less frequent than a need for regular mechanic maintenance appointments. What are the major reasons to bring your car to an auto body shop? If your car has been hit by debris from the road, the body shop can repair the dings, dents, and damage from daily driving: cracks and stars in windshield, refuse falling from trucks, knicks and scratches from roadway debris. If your car has been side swiped on the street and left with cosmetic damage or technical damage from scrapes, bangs, broken mirrors, and other issues from mild collisions If your car has been left to the elements and mercy of mother nature: fallen tree limbs, broken branches, hailstorms, icicles and snowdrifts, water damage. What does the auto body shop repair regularly? Removing dings and dents in the sheet metal and straightening them out Replacing bumpers, body panels, doors, etc. Windshield repair or replacement General restoration following an accident or collision Repairing paint, repainting clear-coat, and restoring factory match paint colors Frame damage repairs to prevent structural issues At Classic Auto Body & Service Center in Waukegan, we do it all!  We’re here to make your experience as easy and stress free as possible.  We have an on-site car rental facility, 24-hour towing service on request, and an easy process for requesting work estimates and scheduling appointments for repair!  Just give us a call and we’ll get you back on the road in no time at all.

Toyota’s global investment climbs up to $5.6 billion, supporting electrification efforts LIBERTY, N.C. (Aug. 31, 2022) – Toyota announced an additional investment of $2.5 billion in its newest North American facility, Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC). This investment adds capacity to support battery electric vehicle (BEV) battery production and adds 350 jobs, bringing the total employment to approximately 2,100. Scheduled to begin production in 2025, the facility will produce batteries for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and BEVs. more Last year, Toyota Motor Corporation announced a global investment of approximately $70 billion (8 trillion JPY*) for electrification efforts. Today, as part of this aspirational goal, TMC announced a future battery production commitment of up to $5.6 billion (730 billion JPY), which includes the new North Carolina investment. “This marks another significant milestone for our company,” said Norm Bafunno, senior vice president, Unit Manufacturing and Engineering at Toyota Motor North America. “This plant will serve a central role in Toyota’s leadership toward a fully electrified future and will help us meet our goal of carbon neutrality in our vehicles and global operations by 2035.” In 2021, Toyota, in partnership with Toyota Tsusho, announced the new Liberty location with an initial investment of $1.29 billion for battery production and the creation of 1,750 new jobs. With today’s announcement, TBMNC’s total investment is $3.8 billion. “This is an exciting time for Toyota, the region and the many North Carolinians we will soon employ,” said Sean Suggs, TBMNC president. “This incremental investment reflects our continued commitment to ensuring jobs and future economic growth for the Triad region.” Join the Team Toyota North Carolina is seeking motivated individuals to join its leadership team. To view and apply for open positions, visit www.toyota.com/careers. Production and maintenance employee positions will be available in early 2023. * Based on December 2021 Yen-Dollar exchange rate RELATED MEDIA RELATED IMAGES RELATED VIDEOS About Toyota Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships. Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants.  By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.  With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, more than a quarter of the company’s 2021 North American sales were electrified. Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Today is International Literacy Day!  We’re celebrating this important holiday, created in 1967 and supported by UNESCO, by sharing a list of amazing organizations and charities who support Literacy as a Human Right.  More than 770 million people around the world are lacking in basic literacy skills, but you can help change that by donating to funding efforts or sharing your time through volunteer efforts! more Through combined efforts of community outreach, charitable giving, active volunteerism, and advocacy work, UNESCO aims to promote accessible learning and increase resources to those who need it most.  This year’s theme is Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces, and focuses on creating quality, equitable, and inclusive learning education environments for all.   With many schools and education systems disrupted by pandemic related issues over the last two years and change, access to school and literacy education has been lost or interrupted for so many vulnerable people. Check out these wonderful local organizations that promote Literacy and Reading in our community: Reading Success - United Way of Lake County Adult Classes at Waukegan Public Library Adult Literacy and ESL Programs at College of Lake County Illinois Literacy Volunteers of Illinois Literacy Works in Chicago Chicago Literacy Group Literacy Office of Illinois State Library Everyone Reading Illinois Center for Literacy at University of Illinois, Chicago Here’s a list of different ways that you can support Literacy efforts at home and in your community. Let’s help improve the lives of children and adults everywhere! Reading with Children: Start reading to kids at an early age.  Fostering a love for reading can begin as early as infancy!  Reading books to young children can encourage them to be more interested in books. Inviting them to participate in easy tasks such as looking at pictures and describing them, pointing out what they see, holding the book for you to read, and even turning pages can help them connect with books and reading in a positive light. Turn on the subtitle and captioning function for movies and television programs at home, to help children connect words and descriptions to the verbal dialogue and actions on screen, especially if they’re learning English as a multiple/second language. Establish a read-aloud routine with the children who are in your care.  Creating a specific time (or times) every day as a set scheduled story time can help children look forward to reading, and create healthy patterns and habits.  Kids love predictability and thrive on routine, and having at least 2 read-aloud time slots to look forward to can engage them with books and stories in a meaningful way. Engage in “See-Show-Say” strategies for early learning and childhood development, and highlight different vocabulary words as a focus of each story and read-through. Allow children to choose the books and stories you’re reading, and put at least one of their all-time favorite books in heavy rotation during your sessions!  The more excited children are about what content you’re reading, the more likely they are to participate, engage, and pay attention. Reading with Multilingual and English-Language-Learning Speakers: Offer ELL students one daily lesson with English vocabulary, and highlighting the structure and style of English Language, and encourage them to engage with content through verbal responses and answer questions at least one time each during each reading/learning session. Note that English language learners may require five years or more to catch up to fully fluent English-speaking students, so be patient, empathetic, and affirming in their positive steps forward. Encourage students in a class or workshop setting to engage with their peers through writing, peer-critique and feedback, and read-alouds in small groups. Increasing Access to Reading and Literacy at a Community Level: Help communities and schools provide screen readers, assistive listening devices, captioning, and other accessibility resources to disabled, hard of heating, and blind individuals. Create and maintain a “Little Free Library” in your neighborhood or community, and make sure it is stocked with reading materials for all levels. Include some phonics/comprehension and English Language Learning materials to increase accessibility. Include large-print books to help comprehension, as well as accessibility for those with limited vision or difficulty reading fine print.  Include wordless picture books to encourage storytelling and reading comprehension even if a person or family does not speak English fluently Donate books to local school libraries and classrooms, and ask local teachers and school librarians what books they have on their wishlist. Include books that are multilingual, bilingual, and feature diverse protagonists to encourage new readers or new ELLs to engage and connect with stories. Volunteer your time to reading of stories at local schools, libraries, family shelters, youth groups, and hospitals. Volunteer your time and patience to tutoring efforts for ELLs and new readers to gently and enthusiastically encourage them to continue learning outside of the classroom. Support local legislature that funds libraries, supports public schooling, funds summer reading programs, and other organizations that provide free learning tools and opportunities to the community. Donate your time and money to support local and international charities who provide learning resources and reading materials to underserved, marginalized, and underrepresented demographics around the world.

If there’s two things we love here at Classic besides cars, it’s celebrating fun holidays and supporting our fellow community businesses.  Since today is National Beer Lovers Day, we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to highlight some of the wonderful micro breweries, indie brew pubs, and other related businesses in the area.  We’re always delighted to connect with new local businesses and patronize the establishments in our neighborhood. It’s a lovely feeling to get to live, work and play here in Lake County and the surrounding Greater Chicago Area! more Did you know that the craft brewing industry has had a magnificent impact on the economy here in the US? In 2021, the industry contributed more than $75 Billion into the US economy and more than 490,000 jobs?  The beer industry itself supports more than 2 million American jobs and more than $330 billion contributed to the US Economy according to a 2020 study. The early months of the Covid19 pandemic did shake things up a bit, and the industry is working hard to rebuild and reinvigorate jobs and production.  Supporting small breweries is a great way to help improve the economy on a local and national level! Locally owned and operated businesses are a vital part of our community!  These businesses are the foundation of our local economy, provide diverse resources, function as community meeting centers, create meaningful connections and networks, and provide plenty of jobs to local citizens. Consider stopping by these businesses for a brew or booking them for a special event!  Many of them also offer cases or multipacks that you can take home for your parties, gatherings, or sell wholesale to your restaurant or cafe.  It’s a great way to directly support your neighbors and local business while helping them reach new audiences. Local Micro Breweries, Brew Pubs, and Beer Companies: Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewery ZumBier Lake Bluff Brewing Company Tighthead Brewing Company Booners Bosacki’s Brewery Light the Lamp Brewery Oppidan Spirits Black Lung Brewing Company Mickey Finn’s Brewery Harbor Brewing Company North Avenue Tap Liquid Love Brewing Flapjack Brewery Goose Island Brewhouse Lagunitas Brewing Company Chicago Crushed by Giants Brewing Company Chicago Metropolitan Brewing Chicago Upcoming Beer and Brew Festivals: Highland Park Oktoberfest, September 16th/17th Grayslake Craft Beer Festival in Grayslake, September 17th Brewgrass Festival 2022 in Round Lake Beach, September 17th Oktober Fest Chicago, Friday September 23rd 6th Annual Beer in the Woods Festival in Chicago, September 24th Festival of Wood and Barrelaged Beer in Chicago,  November 4th/5th Oktoberfest at Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove, September 30th A reminder about responsible, safe driving: Please, remember that even just one alcoholic beverage before driving can impair your thinking, reasoning, and coordination.  Bear in mind that generally you should wait at least one to two hours after one drink, so your body has enough time to process the beverage.  In any case, no matter where you’re going or how many people you’re with you should have at least one designated driver in attendance when you visit any bar, brew pub, or event where alcohol is served.  The safest driver is a fully sober driver! If you or someone you know have a drinking problem, there are organizations and people who can help. Lake County Health Department Addictions Treatment Program Banyan Treatment Centers - Arlington Heights Recovery Centers of America at South Elgin JEM Treatment INC Addictions Associates Therapy Inc of Libertyville

We’re all recovering from a very busy holiday weekend, so we thought we’d keep things a little lowkey when it comes to blog updates.  After the transition to work week vibes, we figured it would be fun to kick back and relax with a little YouTube video fun!  Check out our roundup of recent and interesting uploads to some of our favorite channels. more We love seeing all the ways that folks customize their cars and really make their mark on the automotive world. Check out these interesting vehicles and cool collectible cars in this Automotive Meet Recap from Ed’s Auto Reviews on Youtube. Who doesn’t love a good rags to riches story? Well, this wild van has had quite the ride from rags to riches to rags to abandonment and finally restored to its former glory.  Check out this super fun video from our fave channel, Tavarish! Donut Media has arguably one of the most fun channels in the Automotive YouTubesphere. The crew is testing “Shark Tank” Car Products and giving you a full rundown.  Watch the pitch, watch the test, and decide for yourself!  Check it out. If you’re not subscribed to Rich Rebuilds, what are you waiting for?!  You’ll love the wacky and creative antics of Rich and his pals as their Electrified Garage takes on a slew of unique electric and alt-fuel rebuilt and reconfigured vehicles. In this episode, they’re trying out a solar powered car with 1000 miles of range! Who hasn’t watched a sci-fi movie and thought man that would be so cool to drive those futuristic cars? Well, thanks to experimental technology and conceptual engineering you may be closer to your dreams than you think!  Check out this concept car test driven by the Fully Charged Show on YouTube. This video from Marques Brownlee’s “Auto Focus” segment (and channel!) highlights the future of the car industry and the switch from fossil fuels to alt and electric cars. Check out his feedback and experience driving and enjoying the recently released Hyundai IONIQ. Looking for ways to connect with other likeminded folks in automotive industry? Car Meets are a fantastic way to connect with the community and make friends and network.  Check out this video from Gears and Gasoline about the positive aspects of Car Meets and car culture!

It’s National Tailgating Day!  Whether you’re at the stadium or arena for a big pro ball game, or you’re hanging out with fellow parents at your kiddos’ local tournament, there’s never a bad time for a tailgate party. Get ready for the upcoming sports season with these fun car gadgets and travel worthy barbecue gear. more Great Gadgets for Tailgating at Home or Away with Friends Even if you opted out of season tickets this year, we’re bringing you plenty of ways to party with your friends and social bubble and recreate the game-day experience.  Gather your friends in your driveway, the cul-de-sac, or a local parking lot for some good ol’ fashioned tailgating with modern convenience. Camp X Chairs from REI Co-Op (currently on sale for 50% off at time of posting!) have a max capacity of 300lbs, making them very size inclusive.  They have integrated cup holders to keep your drinks from spills, a convenient pocket for your cell phone, and easy to clean mesh and polyester fabric. They’re light weight and packs up into its own carry bag. You’ll want to have at least a set of four on hand at all times! The Eureka Camp Table at REI (currently on sale under $100!) folds flat, stows easily, and pops up in no time! It can hold quite a lot of equipment and food at a 90lb capacity total, making it very convenient for tailgating and serving meals!  As an added bonus it comes with its very own carry bag for portability. We love it when gadgets are not just useful but also conveniently practical! This combination storage cooler and ottoman is the best of both worlds! Stuff it to the gills with your favorite drinks, meats, fruit, and other goodies. Empty it out, fire up the grill, and when you’re done you can pack it up flat to stow and go!  Great for all-year round use anywhere. Available at Overstock in multiple colorways. Looking for a portable and affordable grilling option?  Take your show on the road with this 13” barrel charcoal grill for less than $50 (and at the time of posting, it’s on a closeout deal!)  Easy maneuverability and ample space to do kebabs, burgers, hot dogs, and more. Available here at Wayfair. Even though Autumn usually ushers in the cooler weather, it’s still important to remember protection from the sun! The SUV Tailgate Canopy Tent attaches easily to the rear hatch and allows your guests to enjoy some shade. It’s also great for those misty, foggy days for a little protection from the elements so you can enjoy your games no matter the weather! Flexible set up for SUVs, Crossovers, Mini Wagons, or Pickup trucks with a cap. Available here at Sharper Image. Great Tailgating Recipes and Cooking Gear Every good tailgating grill master will want to have the following on hand at all times to ensure their toolbox has all the essentials for an outdoor ‘cue or picnic: High heat silicone tongs 1 high heat silicone spatula Large metal serving spoons Metal serving bowls set Grilling tools set Industrial trash bags Camping plates and cups set or disposable plastic/paper 100% Compostable Utensils Set Aluminum Foil, Plastic Wrap, Ziplock Bags A Lighter and/or long matches Charcoal or Butane fuel Tired of the same ol’ same ol’ grilled meats and bottled beverages? Spice things up with these new recipes and impress your guests. Easy BBQ Brats Must-Try No-Cook Tailgating Recipes by Mighty Mrs 11 Best Tailgate Grill Recipes Pullapart Dogs in a Blanket Ring Mary Alice’s Hoagie Dip Butterscotch Peanut Butter Bars Mini Sliders Grilled Beer Punch Venezuelan Empanadas Devon’s Award-Winning Chili Spiked Lemonade

We’re very excited to announce that today is National Skyscraper Day, and being as we live near one of the greatest cities in the US, we’re celebrating Chicago Architecture!  The world’s first skyscraper, The “Manhattan Building, was built in Chicago in 1888-1891 as designed by William Le Baron Jenney.  Although The Manhattan Building was but a mere 138 feet tall, it originally towered well above the rest of the city’s surrounding buildings. more The Rookery Building is a historic office building completed by Daniel Burnham and John Wellborn Root in 1888, with help from Frank Lloyd Wright and William Eugene Drummond, and is one of their most iconic buildings and at the time of erection was one of the tallest buildings in the world at 11 stories high!  Once the home of their architectural firm Burnham and Root, it’s now a functional office building for multiple Chicago businesses and organizations.  Tourists are welcome to go into the lobby to observe its gorgeous architecture. Chicago Cultural Center building opened its doors in 1897 as the city’s first public library and Civil War Memorial, and was designated a Chicago Landmark historic building in 1976.  This Neoclassical style building.  It’s currently operated by Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and remains the official reception venue for all diplomatic meetings of the Mayor of Chicago and their esteemed guests.  Currently, it houses art exhibits, free programs and community events, and remains open to architectural tours. The Wrigley Building is located in the city’s Magnificent Mile, right across from the Tribune Tower.  Construction began in 1920 by architects Graham, Anderson, Probst, & White, and was completed a year later in 1921 in the impressive Spanish Colonial Architectural style, inspired in part by the Giralda Tower of the Cathedral in Seville, Spain  It soars high above the city with an impressive clocktower, and 6 stunning shades of white that increase in brightness as the building rises.  The facade is illuminated each evening and through the night to provide a glimmering beacon for the city.  It was officially entered as a Chicago Landmark in 2012. Tribune Tower was originally built in 1868 and destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and and rebuilt over the course of two years from 1923-1925 in the Neo-Gothic/Gothic Revival style; In 1922, the Chicago Tribune held a global competition for design firms to submit their best design for the press’ new headquarters, and with more than 250 entries from more than 20 countries, the powers that be selected a design by Raymond Hood, John Mead Howells, John Vinci, and Edward J. Burling.   It was sold off in 2016 by Tribune Media to a group of developers, and is currently repurposed as luxury housing. Other Buildings of note include: TheMART (formerly Merchandise Mart), Marina City, Willis Tower (formerly The Sears Tower), Aqua Tower, St. Jane, Auditorium Building, NBC Tower. Want to tour the city’s architecture, but not break the bank with a paid tour? Check out this great Free Tours by Foot video on YouTube: Learn more about Chicago’s First Skyscrapers from the Chicago Architecture Center:

We’re back with the latest edition of Classic’s Community Calendar!  Whether you’re looking to occupy your Labor Day Weekend with fun-filled activities, or you’re planning ahead for weekend breaks from Back to School wackiness, we’ve got you covered! more On September 1st at Hinkston Park, stop by with your special someone for “Pop-Up Picnic in the Park Couples Date Night. On September 1st, 2nd and 3rd, enjoy a Guided Museum Tour of the African American Museum at England Manor at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM! On September 2nd, enjoy First Friday on Mainstreet in Libertyville from 10AM to 9PM for an entire day filled with community bonding, art, shopping, food, live music, and so much more! On September 2nd, 3rd, and 4th the Downtown area of Highwood is transforming into Nashville’s Honky Tonk Row for its 5th Annual Nashwood Music Festival! It’s three whole days of FREE live music with country, bluegrass, southern rock flare.  There will also be plenty of delicious food and drink specials throughout the weekend, and 25 different venues including 10 outdoor spaces! On September 3rd shop your heart out at the Back to School Pop-Up at 12912 Cheyenne Road in Waukegan and check out the plentiful wares of local vendors and artisans! On September 3rd in the evening from 6PM to 8PM, head over to the Plant House in Waukegan for an evening of Therapeutic Art Making and experiential art making!  You’ll get to socialize, try new materials and mediums, and take a creative approach to self expression for your mental health. On Saturday September 3rd,  head over to the Wauconda Chamber of Commerce office from 5PM to 11PM for Wauconda’s 23rd Annual Street Dance event! On September 4th at the Belvidere Discount Mall, the gearheads among us will get their engines revving for the Cars & Elotes Labor Day Celebration event! September 4th at Art Pop in Lake Forest you can stop by anytime between 10AM and 5PM for “The Inside Art Show at Art Pop” September 3rd through 5th is the last weekend for the Bristol Renaissance Faire of Lake County IL. September 8th in Lake Zurich, stop by in the evening around 5PM to the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce for a super exciting “Cruisin’ Lake Zurich Car Show” event! September 10th from 9AM to 1PM enjoy a morning filled with fun classic cars at t he Grayslake Rotary and Fop Car Show Cruisin’ on Center at Downtown Grayslake Center Street. September 10th and 11th is the very exciting 11th Annual Mundelein Arts Festival, from 10AM to 5PM you can enjoy arts, music, food, shopping, and much more! Free admission and free parking. Sunday September 11th at the Impact Fuel Room is a wild and joyful “Drag Me to Brunch” event in Libertyville! Fun, food, and entertainment! On September 15th, 22nd, 24th, 29th starting at 5PM, head over to Waukegan BMX to catch the Local Race Single as part of the local race series for just $15. On September 17th in Lake Forest at the Gordon Community Center from 5PM to 7:30PM come on out for the Annual Block Party 2022! On September 21st at Green Town on The Rocks, come catch some wonderful live music from 6PM to 9PM at the lakefront with Billy Garner. September 24th at Cuneo Mansion & Gardens is a wonderful support charity event “Bottoms Up for Babies” with live music and a live speaker event starting at 6:30! Come on down to the Waukegan Public Library’s NonFiction Book Club on September 28th from 5PM to 7:30PM and learn a little something new! On September 30th from 6PM to 9PM at Dandelion Gallery & Studio, come over and paint with Artist Cody Madura for an “Adult Paint Social: Autumn Inspired” class! September 30th at the Genesee Theatre from 6:30 to 7:30PM, get a jump start on the season of scary with a Ghost Wauk Tour!