Checkered Blog by Checkered Flag is the automotive play place in Hampton Roads Virginia

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: BMW 528i

We've featured cars from BMW's 1-series and 3-series as Unsung Heroes of Fuel Efficiency. Today, we're adding another BMW to the list. This time it's the 528i, the first model in the 5-series lineup. Like its siblings before, the 528i puts an emphasis on the driving experience. It sets a high standard in the mid-size luxury sedan segment by bringing a mixture of unrivaled performance, luxury, and comfort.

Checkered Flag BMW client advisors Michael Kulp and Dave Lindsey, Jr. (pictured here) both kindly braved the heat outside to show me the 528i (starting at $44,600).  This rear-wheel drive shares the same 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine as the 3-series models. All-wheel drive is available on the 528ix version. Six-speed manual or automatic transmission with steptronic gear is offered.

With a powerful engine that produces 230-hp and 200lb-feet of torque, the 528i achieves great fuel efficiency. The STEPTRONIC automatic transmission mentioned earlier helps improve gear shifting and reduces fuel consumption by adapting to each driver differently. It's rated at 28 miles on the highway, and 18 city. On it's 18 gallon tank, the 528i can get around 500 highway miles. 

I walked around the 528i a few times to get a feel for the vehicle, and it really is a beauty. The "flared nostril" front end and the double grille integrated into the hood are attention grabbers. Dave and I moved to the interior, and it was a great place to seek shelter from the heat. The combination of wood and leather upholstery was inviting. The 528i seats up to five passengers. Dave also showed me the convenient cupholders that swing out from the inside of the dash. They're positioned up high where you can see it, so no more fumbling around to reach a cupholder while you're driving.   

The 528i also has a healthy list of standard features that include: automatic climate control; 2-way power glass moonroof with remote; power-adjustable headrests, automatic tilt-down passenger's side-view mirror (useful when you're parallel parking); Anti-theft AM/FM stereo/CD audio system with 10 speakers and MP3 capabilities; and more. Check out the full list of features here.

Of course, there are a ton of technical gadgets for you to choose from. Here are a few options that standout: lane departure warming (the steering wheel vibrates if you cross lanes without signaling); active cruise control with stop and go; and night vision. The night vision feature is especially cool. An infrared camera built into the front of the 528i allows you to see pedestrians or animals up to 328 yards ahead in the dark!

The 528i comes equipped with a full range of passive and active safety features including: extended crumple zones; 6 airbags (front, front-passenger, and curtain); antilock brakes; and front safety belts with automatic pretensioners.

If you're interested in finding out more about the 528i, visit Checkered Flag BMW at 5225 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-111.

Hollywood Drives into Virginia Beach

If you were anywhere near the Virginia Beach Convention Center yesterday afternoon, I'm sure you caught whiff of burning rubber and heard the echoes of screeching brakes. The IFPDI (International Film & Precision Driving Instructors) team held live demonstrations there to kick off the official launch of their International Stunt Driver Training Program.

You've seen many of these professional stunt drivers before in movies such as Mission Impossible II, Bad Boys II, X-Men, Independence Day, Die Hard, and 2 Fast 2 Furious, just to name a few. Stunt driving is no joke and these guys really know what they're doing. They have more than 270 years of combined experience as stunt performers, coordinators, and directors!

Yours truly got the opportunity to sit shotgun with Shane Cardwell, the founder of IFPDI and experienced stunt professional, while he demonstrated some precision tricks. I jumped in not really knowing what to expect, but it proved to be such an adrenaline rush. Thanks, Shane! Even Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera Oberndorf came out to enjoy the exciting stunts. See the pictures below.

You too can get behind the wheel with members of the IFPDI team. Visit their website for more information on the stunt driving training program, or contact Tania Cardwell at (757) 333-2600. Also, be sure to check out the compilation of video clips below from yesterday's demonstrations.

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Hyundai Azera

When most people think about buying a new vehicle, one of the main considerations made is value. Everyone wants a car that gives the most for their money.  The Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency for today has earned a well-deserved reputation of delivering plenty of value. The Hyundai Azera brings an impressive amount of interior space, a long list of features, and a balance of power and efficiency, all at a price that's considerably lower than it's competitors. It was named the "Most Appealing Large Car" by J.D. Power & Associates and "A Consumer's Digest Best Buy."

The Azera is available in two trims: base-level GLS (starting at $24,770) and top of the line Limited. John Peterson, a sales consultant at Checkered Flag Hyundai tells me that the Azera delivers a quiet and smooth ride. The GLS has a 3.3-liter V6 engine and on the Limited is a 3.8-liter. 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, shift interlock and SHIFTRONIC come standard.

Both engines have Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), which helps deliver improved power and fuel efficiency. MPG wise, for a vehicle of its class, the Azera does well with a rating of 18 miles in the city and 26 on the highway. With it's 20 gallon tank, it can get around 520 highway miles.

As mentioned earlier, the Azera boasts a ton of interior space. It comfortably seats up to five passengers. I hopped in the backseat and there's plenty of head and leg room to keep passengers happy. A large-sized trunk and 60/40-split rear folding seats offer ample cargo space. John also noted the exceptional workmanship of the interior.

Standard features on the GLS include: premium cloth upholstery; power front seats; dual-zone automatic climate control; a manual tilt/telescoping steering column with leather-wrapped steering wheel; and remote keyless entry. Step up to the Limited model and the power rear sunshade, electroluminescent gauges, leather seating surfaces and heated front seats come standard. The Limited also comes with a 315-watt Infinity audio system with in-dash 6-disc CD changer and iPod/USB capability. Visit here for the full list of features.

Safety features are abundant as well. The Azera has a total of 8 airbags including: dual front airbags; front and rear-side impact airbags; and side curtain airbags. Other safety highlights are: Active front head restraints; Electronic Stability Control; Brake Assist; Tire pressure monitoring system; and Anti-lock braking system.

If you're looking for a real value, the Hyundai Azera would be a worth-while consideration. John says the Azera has the style and charm of a luxury sedan, but at a non luxury price. See the Azera in person at Checkered Flag Hyundai, 3033 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111 for more information.

Jaguar Takes Top Rank In Customer Service Again!

For the second year in a row, Jaguar North America claims the number one spot in delivering customer satisfaction with dealer service. The J.D. Power Customer Service Index (CSI) released last week, found that Jaguar ranks highest with an overall CSI score of 923 points on 1,0000-point scale. The study measures customer satisfaction among vehicle owners who receive maintenance or repair work at a dealer service department during the first three years of ownership.

Kim Sandy the Service Parts and Director at Checkered Flag Jaguar, says the relationships built between the service department team and customers are very important. The high CSI ratings are the direct result of a strong staff who continually keep their customers happy. "We are very fortunate to have a great and reliable service team."

Shop Manager Michael Williams says customers  rely on dealerships to let them know what services their  automobiles need. Correctly fixing a car the first time is also a main concern among customers. The Jaguar service team works hard to deliver a high standard of service quality. To ensure that Jaguar customers stay satisfied during service visits, several conveniences are provided such as a comfortable facility, courtesy rides, loaner cars, and free service washes. Michael says, "It's simple. We treat customers the way they want to be treated."

Six measures were considered in the study: service initiation, service advisor, in-dealership experience, service delivery, service quality and user-friendly service. Jaguar received very high index scores among repair customers, particularly in the service initiation, service advisor, and user-friendly service measures. If you'd like to read more of the study's findings visit the J.D. Power and Associates website. We here at the Checkered Blog would like to thank everyone at Jaguar for all their hard work. Congratulations!

Join Checkered Flag Porsche at VIR August 8-10th

JOIN US  for the inaugural Zone 2 PCA Club Race & Advanced DE Weekend!

August 8-10, 2008 @ VIR (Full Course)

Registration opens May 5, 2008 at 9:00pm (CDT) at www.clubregistration.net

This will be a three race PCA Club Race weekend (two sprint races and one enduro race). 

Advanced DE open to advanced solo/instructors only as there will be a single DE run group.

This is a dedicated PCA Club Race & Advanced DE only weekend.

Test & Tune (Not a PCE Event) on August 7, 2008 will be run/managed by VIR. 
Please contact VIR for info on the T&T.

Spectators are welcome, but please RSVP in advance.  You can email Richard Hutsko to RSVP as a spectator:  rnhutsko@checkeredflag.com

Virginia International Raceway is located in Alton, VA (near Danville) which is about a 3-4 hour drive from Virginia Beach.  It may sound like a hike, but time at VIR is always well worth it.

Meet Checkered Flag MINI Customer Alice Schooler!

Alice is a Virginia Beach resident who LOVES her British Racing Green 2006 MINI Cooper. She works as a civilian employee at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek and has lived in the area for almost 20 years. Thanks for talking with us Alice!

CB: What's the best thing about being a MINI driver?
Alice: I love MINI! I like smaller cars, so it's perfect for me and it handles well.

CB: What are your hobbies?
Alice: Hmm my hobbies...knitting. And I like reading, romance novels.

CB: Where's your favorite place to eat?
Alice: I like the Cheesecake Factory and Olive Garden. The food is good and they give you a good quantity of it. (Laughs) You know they don't just give you a small scoop. It's good portions.

CB: What do you have in your MP3 player or CD player right now?
Alice: I listen to a variety of things. Mostly anything. I really like Madonna.

CB: What's the last movie you've seen?
Alice: Now, that's a question I can't answer. I don't go to the movies. And I couldn't tell you what the last one I saw on T.V. is (laughs). I don't remember.

CB: Do you have any pets?
Alice: Yes, a cat named Rusty.

CB: What's the one thing about you that people would be surprised to know?
Alice: Hmm...I was in the Navy. Not too many people know that I was in the military.

CB: What's the one invention you couldn't live without?
Alice: Oh geez, at my age I don't think I would give up anything (laughs). Probably Cable T.V. or a computer. I just want to keep going forward because technology just makes life easier.

CB: What's the best thing about being a Checkered Flag customer?
Alice: I never have a problem here. The customer service is always great, and the atmosphere is very comfy.

 

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Honda Pilot

Some of the wittiest commercials I've seen have been for the Honda Pilot. If you haven't seen them, I suggest a visit to the Honda website. You'll get a good chuckle or two. The one titled "Ballooning" had me rolling the first time I saw it. So...you're probably wondering, the Pilot is a mid-size SUV, and those three letters typically don't associate with great mpg. Well it comes as a welcome surprise (to me too), but the Pilot does meet the criteria as an Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency.

The 2009 model is the second edition of the Pilot (it debuted summer of '02). Carl Dyson, a sales representative at Checkered Flag Honda, says the newer version brings more features, more power, and better fuel economy. Out of all the Unsung Heroes we've featured so far, the Pilot sticks out as one of the larger vehicles on the list. Carl says that although gas prices have caused many drivers to sway away from larger SUV's, smaller vehicles don't fit all lifestyles. That's where the  Pilot comes in as a great alternative.

Four trim styles are offered: base LX (starting at $27,595), EX, EX-L, and top-of-the-line Touring. The Pilot comes equipped with a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine producing 250 horsepower. All models are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system is a key feature on the Pilot and it's designed to help improve fuel efficiency, without giving up the abilities of a powerful engine. Carl explains that the VCM manages fuel consumption and allows the V6 engine to automatically deactivate and reactivate cylinders depending on what it needs. With VCM the Pilot is able to run on 3, 4 or 6 cylinders. You can get the V6 power when accelerating or climbing, but you also have the efficiency of a smaller engine for everyday cruising. The 2WD is rated at 17/23 mpg city/highway, and 16/22 for the 4WD. The Pilot's 20 gallon tank can get around 460 highway miles.

The Pilot offers 3 rows of seating for 8 passengers, which makes it perfect for families. It's outfitted with a ton of family-friendly features too such as: 60/40 split flat-folding seats for optimized cargo space; beverage holders in all 3 rows (12 total!); 12-volt power outlets (in the front, 2nd-row, and cargo areas); flip up rear glass hatch; and standard integrated tow hitch. An AM/FM/CD Audio System with 7 speakers and subwoofer is also standard. If you need more to keep the family entertained and happy, the Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System is an option on the Pilot EX-L and Pilot Touring.

Standard safety equipment includes: Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body Structure; Dual-Stage, Dual Threshold Front Airbags (SRS); Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); Three-Row Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor; Tire Pressure Monitoring System and more. Also a rearview mirror with rearview camera display is a highlight on the EX-L. For extra child passenger protection, the Pilot boasts four Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) positions. That's more than any other SUV in the segment.

To check out the Pilot in person, visit the Checkered Flag Honda sales team at  6541 East Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk or call (757) 490-1111 for more information.

Keeping Your Car Safe from Mother Nature

There's a couple tropical storms brewing in the Atlantic right now, but luckily it looks like Hampton Roads won't be affected much at all. But with hurricane season fully underway (lasting from June 1 to November 30), it's never too early to start preparing. Everyone knows to stock up on non-perishable foods and to board up their homes when there's a hurricane nearing, but you should also keep your car in mind. Flying debris and flood waters can cause major damage, so here are a few suggestions on how to keep you and your car safe during a storm.

Keep updated and supplied: Thanks to savvy weather technology, we usually have a few days notice before a hurricane makes landfall. Watch for warnings and evacuation alerts. If they recommend evacuating, it's probably in your best interest to do so. Also it's a very good idea to keep a full tank of gas and emergency supplies in your car.  After a hurricane, it might be difficult to find a working gas station because of power outages, so fill up beforehand. Also, make sure you're familiar with evacuation routes.

Shelter your car from debris: Hurricane winds can reach up 150 miles an hour and strong winds like that could do quite a number on your car. Keep your car covered, preferably in a garage. If you don't have a garage, make sure you park your car away from any trees, telephone poles, signs, or anything that could potentially fall.

Move to higher ground: If you live in an area that's susceptible to flooding, move your car to higher ground. Floods waters can cause exterior damage, but more concerning is the havoc it can cause on the inner mechanics of your car. High water levels can corrode your electrical system or cause engine failure, which could prove to be very costly. After the storm hits, you may want to have a professional mechanic inspect the car. This will also help with filing any insurance claims. Also, you should never try to take shelter in your car during a hurricane. Cars can easily be swept away by floods.

These tips may seem obvious, but preparing for a hurricane can be a stressful time, and it's easy to overlook them. There are a ton of resources out there on hurricane preparation. The American Red Cross website is a great one to check out for tips. The Ready Virginia Hurricane Preparedness website is also a very useful. There you can download a Virginia 2008 Hurricane Guide. Remember, it's always better to prepare ahead of time. Don't wait til the last minute.

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Toyota Matrix

When the Toyota Matrix came out in 2003, it was the first vehicle of its kind to combine a distinctly unique look with functionality. The Matrix falls somewhere between a compact car, sport wagon, and a crossover utility. If you look around now, the Matrix was definitely quite the trendsetter. Many similar vehicles have followed suit, but the Matrix still leads the pack in offering performance, affordability, versatility, and efficiency. And to add a little more to the Matrix's credit, it's dubbed as one of our Unsung Heroes of Fuel Efficiency.

The current 2009 Matrix comes as a second generation redesign. Cynthia Rawlings, a sales consultant at Checkered Flag Toyota (pictured here), says the Matrix is a very reliable vehicle that's based on the Corolla sedan, but comes as a sportier hatchback. Three trim levels are available for the Matrix: base (starting at $16,190), S, and XRS. The base Matrix is powered by a 1.8-liter engine that has 132 horsepower. The S and top level XRS both come with 2.4-liter engines and 158 horsepower. Transmissions offered are 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic, and 5-speed manual gearbox.

Matrix engines also feature Dual VVT-I (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) that help with performance and fuel efficiency. The base model gets 32 highway miles and 26 city. Both the S and XRS are rated at 28 highway, 21 city. With a 14 gallon tank you'll get around 450 highway miles.

Inside, the Matrix is friendly to both passengers and cargo. It comfortably seats five people and has enough space to carry items up to 8 feet long. Cynthia demonstrated the 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, and it looks like you could easily fit a surfboard. I pulled an image from the Toyota website that shows how much you can really pack into it. Pretty impressive and useful. Every Matrix features colorful LED Optitron gauges that house an easy to read speedometer, fuel and engine temperature indicators. It's also equipped with an AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability and an auxiliary audio jack for your portable music player.

Safety wise, the Matrix comes standard with: front driver and passenger airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags; 4-wheel ABS; Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System; active headrests, and much more. Visit here for the full list.

In addition to those standard features, an array of optional features are offered. Cynthia highlighted a few of the most popular options including: 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels; power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade (only available on S and XRS models); and the JBL AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer; and DVD navigation with XM NavTraffic capability.

The Matrix is a multipurpose and practical vehicle with a lot of style. It's loaded with space, which makes it a perfect errand runner. Visit Cynthia and the Checkered Flag Toyota sales team for more information or call (757) 490-1111.

Coming Soon to a Checkered Flag Near You: the Limited Edition Scion xD

Scion gave word a few months ago about a new Limited Edition xD. I heard from a very reliable source at Checkered Flag Scion today that these limited editions are expected to arrive within the next couple weeks! I'll be sure to keep you posted, but til then here's a little preview.

The 2008 xD RS 1.0 sports a sizzling Hot Lava exterior paint job. It's outfitted with a DAMD body kit, rear spoiler, special Release Series wheel covers, and TRD lowering springs. The Hot Lava theme continues inside with accented seats and interior trim, and a RAZO Release Series shift knob. Each Limited Edition  xD will also have an individually numbered badge.  Scion is only manufacturing 2,000 units. MSRP is $14,550 for the manual transmission, and $15,350 for automatic.