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

Meet Checkered Flag Porsche/Audi's Bill Thomas!

CB: How long have you worked at Checkered Flag?
Bill: Hmm...let's see. Well, I worked here three years prior, but I left to run a family business called Dream Dinners. My wife handles that now, so I returned to work here.

CB: Which Hampton Roads city or county do you live in?
Bill: Virginia Beach. I've lived there since I was ten.

CB: Besides Porsche and Audi what are your other hobbies?
Bill: Music. I play the guitar and drums. All kinds of music, anything from alternative or rock. Stuff from Coldplay and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Hmm...what else?  Volleyball, soccer, video games, golf, and working.

CB: What's your favorite restaurant?
Bill: Well, I don't know if I'd say it's my favorite place to eat, but definitely a great place to hang out and play music. The Green Oak. The owner always asks us if we want to play music. It's just a cool place to hang out.

CB: What's in your MP3 player or CD player right now?
Bill: About a 1,000 songs (laughs). Lordie, I listen to everything. Picking out a favorite song is hard. I listen to Stone Sour and Coldplay a lot. Travis is a great band too.

CB: What's the last movie you've seen?
Bill: After tonight, hopefully it'll be Dark Knight. I've been trying to see it. IMAX has been sold out for every showing!

CB: Do you have any pets?
Bill: A Yorkie named Chewie because he looks like Chewbacca (laughs).

CB: What's the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Bill: Ah, this one's hard. Well, I have a pilot's license. I got it when I was like 21 or 22, and I fly every once and awhile. Small planes like Cessnas.

CB: What's the one invention you couldn't live without?
Bill: Electricity! I need it for my guitar amps to play loud. Oh, and definitely air-conditioning.

CB: What's the best thing about working at Checkered Flag?
Bill: Dealing with the best customers and being able to drive the best cars in the world. You take pride in that. We have the best customers, people, and cars. It's just great. 

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Audi A6

In 2005 the Audi A6 was named the World Car of the Year at the Toronto Auto Show, and it is easy to see why. It  also received attention from Edmunds.com when they named the A6 as its Editors Award pick. The A6 is known well for its signature Audi look and interior styling, but what most people may not realize is how fuel efficient it can be. I was eager to check out this Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency, so I stopped by Checkered Flag Audi today to check it out. Fritz Falch, a sales consultant there gave me the scoop.    

The A6 is available as a sedan or a wagon (called the Avant). Two trims are offered: 3.2 FSI (base, starting at $42,950) or 4.2 FSI. The Avant comes only in the 3.2 trim. Performance wise, the V6 engine on the 3.2 gets 255 hp and 243-lb-ft of torque. The more powerful 4.2-liter V8 cranks out 350 hp with 325 lb-ft torque. Both engines have direct fuel-injection technology which optimizes performance, but still maintains great fuel efficiency. The sedan and the Avant get virtually the same miles per gallon, 18/19 miles in the city, and 27 on the highway. With its 21.1 gallon tank, the A6 gets a whopping 570 highway miles.

As expected, Audi does not disappoint with loading up the A6 with a generous amount of standard features. The 3.2 sedan includes 18" Five-arm cast alloy wheel from quattro; BOSE® Surround Sound; six-disc CD changer (it is located inside the glovebox); genuine wood inlays; heated front seats; leathering seating surfaces; and much more. The 3.2 Avant comes similarly equipped, but adds a sunroof. And finally with on the 4.2 sedan you will find all the previous features mentioned plus ultra chic Milano leather upholstery; Audi adaptive light; power tilt and telescoping steering column; and HomeLink® garage door opener. There is plenty more on the full list. See it here.

I touched upon it already, but the A6 interior deserves a little more attention. In true Audi fashion, the A6 interior is fantastic. I did my best to capture the impressive interior, but unfortunately the pictures do not do it justice. It would be best to check it out in person. Sitting in the A6, I was struck by the craftsmanship and the comfort of the back seats.  Fritz says “If you are looking for rear seat roominess, the A6 is the car.” He also tells me that its been very popular with business executives who often host guests around town, but it is equally suitable as family vehicle, especially the Avant model. Oh, and I also have to mention the super cool MMI (Multi Media Interface) control found on all the A6 models . Using the MMI console knob, various switches and the dashboard screen, you can adjust audio, climate, and optional navigation functions.    

Safety is always a big consideration in any vehicle purchasing decision, so you might be glad to know that the A6 earned top ratings for both frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  In addition to passive safety features such as airbags, crumple zones, and doors inlaid with steel beams, the A6 also come with active safety features including: the Quattro all-wheel drive system and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP); and tire pressure monitoring system.

Fritz knows a ton about cars particularly Audi and he gave me great information. If you are interested getting to know the A6 better I suggest talking with Fritz or anyone on the Checkered Flag Audi sale team at 2864 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111.

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Audi A3

Continuing our journey of highlighting the Unsung Heroes of Fuel Efficiency, today we have the Audi A3. While talking with a few friends last night, I mentioned including the Audi A3 in this series and received a few surprised looks. But yes it is true, in its class the Audi A3 is a contender as a fuel efficient vehicle.

The 2008 Audi A3 delivers the performance of a sports car in the body of a compact luxury hatchback. Since its introduction in 2006, the A3 has gathered its fair share of accolades, including the Wards Auto World Best 10 Engines award for the third consecutive year (the engine on the A3 really is special, but more that a little later). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also recognized the A3 for its abundance of safety features and dubbed it as a Top Safety Pick. Eric Davis, a client adviser at Checkered Flag Audi (pictured with the Audi A3) considers the Audi A3 as the safest car on the roads.

Both performance and safety are obviously packaged into the Audi A3, and to add to its appeal it is fuel efficient too. In keeping with our criteria for the Unsung Hero series, the 14.5 gallon tank on the A3 can get you 420 miles. The EPA rates it at 29 mpg on the highway and city is 21. So, you are wondering how all of this is possible? Well, in speaking with DonPaul Ivers, sales consultant at Checkered Flag Audi, the answer is three letters: FSI. They stand for fuel stratified injection. The FSI is the heart of the A3 2.0-liter engine. This technology allows for gasoline to be directly injected into the cylinders instead of being combined in the intake system, which is what happens in most engines. Simply put, the FSI results in lower emissions and better fuel economy. The A3 engine is turbocharged as well, so paired with the FSI you are able to produce six-cylinder power with four-cylinder fuel economy.

The Audi A3 is offered in three different trims: 2.0 TS Tronic, 2.0 T 6 Speed, and 3.2 Quattro. Starting price for the A3 is $25,930. The standard features on the 2.0 T include dual-zone air conditioning with climate control, 17-inch Five-Arm cast alloy wheels, power adjustable mirrors, remote locking system, and power rear windows. On the Quattro, the Audi 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) is an option. The DSG allows for quick transmission gear-shifting. The amenities included on the Quattro include remote locking system, BOSE® premium sound system with AudioPilot® noise-compensation, leather seating surfaces, power rear window wiper, and tire pressure monitoring system.

I got to see the A3 in person and I was surprised with the amount of space it offers as a hatchback. And in true Audi fashion, the interior was fitted with top-of-the-line materials. Like I mentioned earlier, the safety features on the A3 are an important part of the vehicle. Front-seat and full-length side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, and stability control come standard. Rear side airbags are an option as well. 

No one ever said that great fuel economy has to come at the cost of luxury. So if you are looking for a car that delivers with performance, safety, luxury and fuel efficiency, check out the Audi A3. Visit DonPaul, Eric, and the rest of the Checkered Flag Audi sales team at 2865 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111.

An A+ Addition at Audi

Popular Mechanics reports that the luxury crossover segment has grown 3-fold in the last five years!  Audi is now throwing their hat into the ring with the new 2009 Q5, a mini-me version of the elder Q7.  Unveiled prior to the Beijing Motor Show last month, the Q5 will compete with the BMW X3, the Lexus RX 300, the upcoming Volvo XC60 plus the Mercedes-Benz GLK.  PM also reports that the Q5 will be powered by a 265-hp 3.2 liter V-6 engine with 243 lb.-ft. of torque.  It will feature Audi's lauded Tiptronic transmission as well as Quattro AWD.

Up to Speed, an LA times Automotive blog, reports that the new Q5 will come "tingling with high tech."  Expect options to include thermal heated and cooled cup holders, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and third-generation Multi-Media Interface.  The 2009 Audi Q5 is expected to go on sale early next year and cost upwards of $40K.  When we know more, we'll pass it on, but for now, we found a video showcasing the Q5's agility. 

Online Videos by Veoh.com

IIHS 2008 Top Safety Picks

People love lists, or at least that is what I am told.  I like lists because they present us with choice, which is usually a good thing, but not an infinite or unmanageable number of choices which can be overwhelming.  Lists organize the chaotic plethora of options that we consumers have today.

Each year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recognizes certain vehicles as TOP SAFETY PICKs and puts out, you guessed it, a list.  To achieve recognition as a TOP SAFETY PICK, vehicles must score good ratings in all three Institute tests (40 mph frontal offset, side impact and rear crash protection/head restraint tests) and offer electronic stability control.  Checkered Flag carries the following 2008 TOP SAFETY PICK award winners...

• Audi A6, Audi A3 and Audi A4
• BMW X3 and BMW X5
• Honda Accord (4-door), Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot, Honda CR-V and Honda Element
• Hyundai Entourage, Hyundai Sante Fe and Hyundai Veracruz
• Toyota Highlander and Toyota Tundra

Audi A5: Habitual Car-Buyer's Nightmare

Hello,

I am the Checkered Blog's "Flag Raiser" and I am a habitual car buyer.  To make matters worse, I work for Checkered Flag and am surrounded by some of the coolest cars on earth.  This year has been extremely tough on us habitual car buyers because there is so much great stuff on the lots.  I have done a fantastic job of avoiding them all....till now.   

Yesterday I had to help a fellow colleague at our Audi store.  I ended up parking next to the white A5 demo we have, but walked away from it as fast as I could (remember - I have a car buying problem).  Once in my colleague's office, that damn A5 kept staring at me.  It kept saying "drive me" and I could have sworn it winked some LED's at me.   As luck would have it, the keys were sitting on my colleague's desk.  My self control melted and 5 miles later I was picking out colors and options.

Now that you know how I got here, let me tell you a little about those 5 miles.  In my opinion Audi's have been slightly softer in the suspension area when comparing them to some of their other German friends in the Checkered Flag lineup.  I have always been one who values cornering over straight-line driving, so I was concerned the A5 was going to be more of the same.  It wasn't!  It was crisp and grippy.  The extra width paired with Quattro is a big bonus!  It is comfortable when cruising too - I could easily imagine 500 mile drives being a joy in the A5.  Steering was precise and the Servotronic speed-sensitive steering was barely noticeable - unlike some other cars adaptive steering systems.  The Servotronic was slightly lagging when changing lanes on the interstate, but not enough to spark concern.

The A5 does not come with DSG, but the new Tiptronic transmission certainly didn't slow it down.  In fact, I think I prefer it to a clutch-less manual.   Power is certainly adequate from the 3.2L FSI motor, and I would call it fuel-economical for a luxury car.  Because I am so impressed with the 3.2 V6, I wonder about the 4.2 V8 in the Audi S5 - I'd like to take one to VIR!

Interior space is just right for a coupe.  The back seats obviously don't have tons of legroom, but I could certainly handle riding in the back around town.  The trunk is perfect for a daily driver and a long trip.  I have been a huge fan of Audi's MMI coupled with Nav, Sirius, and an iPod - it all works well and makes sense.  It is a little easier to get used to MMI than some other systems.  The seats are extremely comfortable and infinitely adjustable.

Audi continues to be a stunning car that doesn't scream "look at me" - it is kind of a sleeper.  On first glance the A5 looks like any other subtle Audi design, but then you notice the headlights, the curvy line, the large moonroof, the wheels, and then realize it is an Audi Coupe!  The A5 is knocking on my garage door very hard, and I think I'm going to let it in!

Meet Two "New" Members of Management at Checkered Flag Porsche and Audi

I say "new" because both new car manager Ed Klima and pre-owned manager Joe Hernandez, have actually been around Checkered Flag for many years.

Ed has long been the go-to guy at Checkered Flag Porsche. In fact, pretty much everyone that I talked to about his promotion simply said, "It’s about time!" Ed laughs, "It is nice to have it be official." Ed has been at Checkered Flag for over 7 years and working with Porsche customers for almost as long. He told me that he was really excited about the improved inventory conditions at Porsche, which will ensure more vehicles are available to customers who want them, as well as the renaissance of the Audi brand, "Audi has always been a great German-engineered car, but people are realizing more and more that it’s also very accessible. There really is something for everyone."

Joe Hernandez recently returned to Checkered Flag after having spent some time out of the car industry. With the exception of the last few years though, Joe has worked in the auto biz pretty much his whole career (since the mid-80s!). He moved to Hampton Roads about 14 years ago from northern Virginia and was quickly offered a position at Checkered Flag Toyota. He eventually moved on to Checkered Flag Porsche. When I asked him what made him come back he explains, "They say it [selling vehicles] gets in your blood and you can’t get rid of it and they’re right. I enjoy the instant gratification and being able to help customers get what they want, when they want it." Joe is married and has three children, including a son who recently graduated from Virginia Tech, another son in college at JMU and a 4 year old daughter.

The Checkered Blog would like to congratulate both Ed and Joe on their new positions and wish them the very best luck!

Meet Checkered Flag JPA's Phyllis Hunter!

It’s officially spring and there just might be music in the air at Checkered Flag JPA. I recently caught up with Phyllis Hunter who joined Checkered Flag in 2006 and currently serves as a Jaguar Silver Certified Sales Consultant, Audi Brand Specialist and a New and Pre-Owned Sales and Leasing Consultant. When I first met Phyllis I was beyond excited to learn that she is also an incredibly accomplished soprano!

Originally from Texas, Phyllis has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, at the Frankfurt Opera’s Bicentennial celebration and during the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy. She has also sung all across the U.S. and Europe, in cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Sante Fe as well as in Vienna, Austria and Brussels, Belgium!

Phyllis has lived in Hampton Roads for 25 years and is the co-founder of the Virginia Art Song Society, a unique organization dedicated to the study and performance of art song. She has appeared in many productions locally, including the Virginia Opera’s Die Walkerure and the Virginia Symphony’s rendition of Hailstork’s Songs of Love and Justice. In the spring of 2002, she toured Sicily with the William and Mary Symphony.

When not performing or working with customers at Checkered Flag, she enjoys cycling, reading, cooking and spending time with her husband and three sons.

Obsessive Over the Audi R8

My winning the lottery fantasies always end with the Audi R8, or rather, my driving off into the sunset in an R8.  It's compulsive beahvior really and I have not found a cure.  I just cannot understand why Audi doesn't get more props.  I've probably watched this video 100 times (off-the-clock, of course).  Like it much better than the Super Bowl commercial as it is longer and allows more time for my daydreams (LOL).  What do you think?

Super Bowl Sunday Features Super Pricey Ads

During Sunday’s big game, be on the lookout for pricey advertisements from both Audi and Hyundai. According to The Weekly Driver, both companies have ads that will be airing during the lucrative time between plays. The average 30-second Super Bowl commercial costs around $2.7 million dollars this year!

Audi’s ad, which is a 60 second spot, will air in the first quarter...word has it that it’s a takeoff on the classic Godfather movies. The full length version will only air once.

Hyundai’s 30 second spots will come in the third and fourth quarters of the game. Hyundai killed the suspense by posting their versions online already (see below). The commercials feature the new Genesis sedan that is generating so much buzz.