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

Meet Checkered Flag Hyundai's Rich Jakubs

CB: Rich, how long have you worked as a Hyundai sales representative?
Rich: Since 04/04/04. Isn't that cool? And I absolutely love it. I'm comfortable here. It's a great company.

CB: Where in Hampton Roads do you live?
Rich: Well, I just moved over by Kempsville from the Beach. I'm originally from Silver Spring, Maryland and I've lived in Florida, too. My mom said I should move here, and that was back in 1990. Been here ever since.

CB: What did you do before you got into the auto business?
Rich: I worked for a GPS company for 8 years. I was a DJ at Bubba's Beach Club and I also owned my own company.

CB: What are your hobbies?
Rich: I'm a big fan of Star Wars. I collect toys and memorabilia. I'm also a drummer and I've been in many bands. Oh, and I watch DVDs. I've got 750 DVDs and counting! Then there's hockey and football, too. Tampa Bay Buccaneers!

CB: What's in your MP3 player or CD player right now?
Rich: (Laughs) MP3 player?! I'm old school. I got a CD player. My kid was getting on me for buying a CD when he said I could just download it. But in my CD player I have The Police.

CB: Do you have any pets?
Rich: Yes. A snake named Padme. Did you get the Star Wars reference (laughs)? Really, I'm a big Star Wars fan. I saw Star Wars 175 times in the theater. Honestly, I think the Empire Strikes Back is the best movie ever made. Oh, and I also have a black cat named Sabrina.

CB: What's the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Rich: Hmmm...my age (laughs). No, I don't think there's anything. I'm pretty much an open book.

CB: When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?
Rich: A dentist. I don't know why, but I did. I didn't change my mind til I was in high school.

CB: If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?
Rich: England, but then I would never come back. My goal in life is to retire in England. I don't know what it is, but I've always been interested in the English culture, from their accents to just everything.

CB: What's the best thing about working for Checkered Flag?
Rich: The way they do business. It's such a customer focused and community oriented way of doing business. And we're like a family here. We really work together. Also, the product. I wouldn't sell anything I didn't believe in, and honestly, these vehicles are products I believe in.

Rock Out for a Good Cause

What if we told you that you could buy a car from Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones? Or what about Bon Jovi himself? Ok, well maybe that'd be a bit of a stretch, but starting this Friday, October 24 through Sunday the 26th,  you can buy a car from one of Checkered Flag Hyundai/Volkwagen's very own "rock stars." Check out some of the stars that made appearances in previous years below.

Members of the sales teams will dress up as their favorite rock stars in the Rock Star Charity Sales Event benefiting The St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children. St. Mary's is a pediatric long-term care residential facility in Norfolk specializing in care for children with severe disabilities.

On Saturday, in the Volkswagen showroom, local radio station 100.5 MAX FM will be hosting the finals of the Guitar Hero Contest. Additional prizes will be handed out including: VW Electric Guitars, VW Merchandise, concert tickets, CD's, iPods, and diner gift certificates.

Come rock out at Checkered Flag Hyundai/Volkswagen, 3033/3025 Virginia Beach Boulevard. For more information see the flyer above or contact Todd Collins at (757) 286-5903.

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Hyundai Tucson

When my parents were looking to buy a car for my teenage brother, they understandably weighed the decision heavily. Like  most parents, they had a case of "what ifs," while my brother of course was just itching to get behind a wheel of his own. I remember my parents took months and months, before my brother got a hold of his own pair of keys (as his older sister I did find the whole process somewhat amusing).

A ton of factors play into finding the perfect vehicle for a teenage driver (well, any driver for that matter). You want something that's fun, affordable, efficient and most importantly safe.  If you're looking for a vehicle that makes the grade in all those categories, the Hyundai Tucson should be a top consideration.

The Tucson was recognized as a "Top 10 New Back-to-School Car" by Kelly Blue Book. On a side note: The Hyundai Elantra was also named as a "Top 10 Used Back-to-School Car." The lists were designed to help parents make the important automotive purchases for their young drivers.      

I ventured out (how could I resist with the awesome weather today) to Checkered Flag Hyundai and spoke with John "J.P." Peterson, a sales consultant there. He says the Tucson is very popular with parents and families because it's a well-built affordable vehicle that comes equipped with a generous list of standard conveniences and safety features.

Three trims are available: base GLS (starting at $17,420), SE, and Limited. FYI: Hyundai is currently offering a $1500 cash back rebate on the Tucson. Tucson models are powered by either a 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder engine w/Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) or a more powerful V6 engine. With the V6 you're looking at 173 horses and 178 lb.-ft of torque. Efficiency wise, the Tucson delivers great numbers. It's rated at 25 miles on the highway and 20 in the city.

Even though it's classified as a compact SUV, the Tucson boasts a roomy interior with seating for five passengers. Standard features include: 10-way adjustable driver seat / fold-flat passenger seat; rear retractable cargo cover and under-cargo-floor storage tray; AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with 6 Speakers and auxiliary input jack; and remote keyless entry system with alarm. You can check out the full list of features here.

The Tucson is outfitted with comprehensive safety features including: Anti-lock Braking System; Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist; dual front airbag Supplemental Restraint System; Driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags; front active head restraints; and tire pressure monitoring system.

If you'd like to find out more about this Unsung Hero, visit J.P. and the sales team at Checkered Flag Hyundai, 3033 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111.

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Hyundai Entourage

If you've got an "entourage" of family members to move around town, today's Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency could be your perfect match. The Hyundai Entourage delivers comfort, utility and safety all in a convenient minivan package. It also received rave reviews from Consumer's Digest who named the Entourage a "Best Buy."

I spoke with Checkered Flag Hyundai's Drew Spade, a sales consultant, about the family-friendly Entourage. He says the Entourage is not your typical minivan. It's a fun drive that offers great performance and handling with all the modern conveniences.

Two trim levels are available: base GLS (starting at $23,995) and Limited. FYI: Drew tells me there's currently a $3000 cash back offer for the Entourage. Powered by a 3.8-liter V6, the Entourage produces 250 hp and 253 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is paired with a five-speed electronic automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC. Drew took me for a spin in the Entourage, and I was treated to a smooth and comfortable ride. 

Efficiency wise, the Entourage is rated at 23 mpg highway and 16 in the city. With a 21 gallon tank, it garners upwards of 483 highway miles on one fill-up.

Versatility is a necessity in any family vehicle, and the Entourage makes the grade in this category. There's comfortable and spacious seating for seven passengers. You also get plenty of room for cargo hauling. The second-row of captain's chairs is removable and the third-row seats fold away into floor to make space for all your belongings.

Standard features for the Entourage include: dual-zone front and manual rear air conditioning; AM/FM/CD 172-watts Audio System with 6 speakers; and power windows and locks. The Limited models also have an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats.

Several options are available. The Ultimate Package (for the Limited), will add on a rear seat DVD entertainment system w/ 8" LCD screen; power sunroof with tilt-and-slide; power adjustable foot pedals; integrated memory system(driveŕ's seat, foot pedals, side view mirrors); auto-dimming rearview mirror; and more.

Drew says with the Entourage families can have peace of mind. It's received outstanding safety ratings from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. In fact, the Entourage earned the IIHS's highest honor – the gold "Top Safety Pick" award! Standard safety features include: dual front airbag; driver and front passenger seat mounted side-impact airbags (SRS); side-curtain airbags for all three rows; Electronic Stability Control;    Anti-lock Braking System; active front head restraints; LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children); and more. Visit here for the full rundown of features.     

See this very-family friendly Unsung Hero at Checkered Flag Hyundai, 3033 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or speak to the sales team by calling (757) 490-1111.

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Hyundai Veracruz

The Hyundai Veracruz is a sophisticated crossover that provides a bevy of comfort and convenience features without the expensive price tag to match. Considered a great alternative to pricier competitors in its class, the Veracruz delivers impressive performance and style. And as an Unsung Hero, the Veracruz also does well with fuel efficiency. More on that in a bit.

Drew Spade, a sales consultant at Checkered Flag Hyundai, tells me the Veracruz is an all around great vehicle. He showed me a Limited model in Satin Beige with Black/Saddle leather interior. Very classy. The other available trims are entry level GLS (starting at $27,045) and mid level SE. FYI: There's currently a cash back offer starting at $3,000 for the Veracruz.

All models are powered by a 3.8L DOHC V6 engine with dual exhaust producing 260-hp. Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC that comes standard. Front wheel or all wheel drive is also available.

The V6 engine also features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and Variable Intake System, which helps achieve increased fuel efficiency and lower emissions.  The Veracruz is rated at 23 miles on the highway and 16 in the city. With a 21-gallon tank, it garners upward of 483 highway miles with one fill-up.

Comfortable premium cloth seating for 7 passengers including a 3rd row, sets a spacious tone for the Veracruz interior. Another option is the Limited Black/Saddle leather I mentioned earlier. Drew and I both agree that it adds a very nice touch and feel. There's also a helpful amount of cargo space.

The GLS comes standard with AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system w/ six speakers, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and air conditioning with separate rear HVAC controls. SE models add a few more amenities such as leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, automatic headlights, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Step up the top-of-the-line Limited and you've got heated front seats; dual-zone automatic temperature control with Air Quality System (AQS); Infinity CD/MP3 changer audio system w/ subwoofer and external amplifier; power tilt and slide sunroof; and power tailgate. Whew, the features list is extensive and guess what...there's more. Visit here for details.

Hyundai also has you protected with a host of safety features found on all Veracruz models. Safety technologies include: protective system of airbags; Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control System; Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist; active front head restraints; and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

If you're interested in finding out more on the Veracruz visit Drew and the Hyundai sales team at Checkered Flag Hyundai, 3033 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111.

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Hyundai Tiburon

With a name that means "shark" in Spanish, the Hyundai Tiburon lives up by delivering an aggressive and stealthy appearance. This Unsung Hero is known to offer a generous amount of features and an affordable price tag. 

Jonathan Clouser, a Checkered Flag Hyundai sales representative (pictured here with the Tiburon), says it's an overall fun car. The Tiburon is available in one body style, as a 2-door hatchback coupe. Four trims are offered: base GS (starting at $17,025), GT, GT Limited, and SE (sport edition). FYI: Hyundai is currently offering a cash back offer starting at $500. See here for details. 

The base GS trim is powered by a 2.0-liter, DOHC Inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 138 hp and 136 lb-feet of torque. 5-speed manual transmission with Continuously Variable Valve Timing comes standard. CVVT helps result in improved response and fuel efficiency. The Tiburon receives an mpg rating of 28 miles on the highway, and 20 miles in the city. On its 15-gallon tank, the Tiburon can garner upwards of 400 miles with one fill-up. Also, 4-wheel independent sport suspension comes standard.

Move up to the GT, GT Limited, and SE models, and the engine grows to a 2.7-liter V6 capable of producing 172 hp. 4-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC is also available for the GT Limited and SE.   

I touched upon the Tiburon exterior earlier. It achieves a sporty and appealing appearance with 16-inch, star-triple-spoke Euroflange alloy wheels, front fog lights, chrome-tipped dual exhaust and a low bodycolor rear spoiler.

The sporty race car look continues inside, particularly with the driver and front passenger sport seats. Also, the GT Limited model sports Leather Seating Surfaces and Red-trimmed Interior. The red interior definitely offers a unique and bold touch.

Standard features for the Tiburon include: 220-watt Kenwood AM /FM/CD/MP3 audio system
with six speakers; remote keyless entry system with alarm; cabin air filter; and 50/50 split fold-down rear seatback. Visit here for the full list.

Jonathan says the Tiburon comes with an "immense" amount of safety features including: Tire Pressure Monitoring System; Advanced dual front airbags with Occupant Classification System; Front side-impact airbags; Electronic Brake-force Distribution; and 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System.

So, if you are looking for a sporty, affordable and fuel efficient ride, consider the Tiburon. Visit Checkered Flag Hyundai at 3033 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111 to speak with the Hyundai sales team.

Introducing the Hyundai Genesis Sedan

The Hyundai Genesis has finally arrived at Checkered Flag!  This is one impressive vehicle with luxury features reserved for the finest automobiles - it shares the same sound components as Rolls Royce!

Christine can tell you more:

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Hyundai Santa Fe

Happy Friday Checkered Blog readers! To start off the weekend on a great note, I'd like to introduce you another one of our Unsung Heroes of Fuel Efficiency, the Hyundai Santa Fe. It's a mid size crossover that provides the functionality of an SUV, but still manages the ride and fuel economy of a car.

I spoke with Checkered Flag Hyundai's Paul Taylor, a sales consultant there, and he says the Santa Fe is a quality vehicle all around. Three trim levels are offered: base GLS (starting at $21,270), SE, and top of the line Limited. FYI: There's currently a $2,500 cash back offer available.

The GLS is powered by a 2.7-liter V6 engine with variable valve timing and dual exhaust outlets, garnering 185 hp. Five-speed manual transmission is standard, while four-speed automatic is an option. Move up to the SE or the Limited models, and it comes equipped with 3.3-liter V6 with standard five-speed automatic transmission. Horsepower gets a boost to 242. Mileage wise, the Santa Fe gets a 24 miles on the highway, and 18 in the city. With it's 20 gallon tank, you can get around 480 highway miles on one fill up.

Paul was very nice in giving me a tour of several Santa Fe models. I was especially fond of the Carolina Blue one pictured here. Inside, the seats look and feel comfortable. The Santa Fe has an ample amount of space for five passengers, but optional third row seating is available on the Limited, which increases capacity to seven.

Each of the Santa Fe models come with a lengthy list of standard features including: deluxe cloth seating surfaces (leather seating is standard on the Limited); tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel; cruise control; keyless entry system with alarm; rear privacy glass; and more. See the full list here. It also comes with an AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3- compatible audio system with 6 speakers. Paul also told me about technology options and packages that I'm sure any family would enjoy. The rear seat entertainment package in particular, includes an 8-inch LCD DVD screen with inputs for extra devices such as an Xbox or Playstation!

The Santa Fe also has you covered with safety features. It's a recipient of the IIHS' Top Safety Pick award. Standard safety features include: Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Traction Control System (TCS); tire pressure monitoring system; and tilt and active front head restraints. It also comes equipped with a system of airbags (Dual advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags).

Paul says the Santa Fe is a great value vehicle. A ton of different options are available to fit every customer's preferences. If you're interested in learning more take a trip to Checkered Flag Hyundai, 3033 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111 for more information. Have a great weekend!

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.

The Hyundai Genesis is Finally Here!

For a few months now we have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Genesis, the new luxury sports sedan from Hyundai. Well, our wait has come to an end and boy was it worth it! The Genesis has made its home at Checkered Flag Hyundai. Seeing this vehicle up close was an absolute treat. Brian Crist, a sales representative there, says that everyone has been asking about the Genesis, and one has already been bought in the few days it has been there. This is the first luxury vehicle from Hyundai, and customers seem to have taken notice. Brian says that people have described the Genesis as having the front end of a Mercedes Benz, the side profile of a Lexus, and the back end of a BMW. I was immediately struck by the Genesis' good looks and as expected, the good looks continued inside.

Brian says the quality of the interior is really what has everyone raving. Once I stepped foot into the Genesis, I understood why. With its soft leather seats and wood inlays, the Genesis delivers luxury throughout. The Genesis is also impressive with its considerable array of features including heated and cooled driver seat, iPod connectivity, and the Hyundai iDrive system. There is much more and you can see the full list here. The most notable though, is the 500+ watt Lexicon premium sound system. Brian tells me that this top-of-the line sound system is found in only one other vehicle, the uber fancy Rolls Royce Phantom.

Two engines are available on the Genesis: 3.8-liter V6 and 4.6-liter V8. It starts at around $33,000 for the base V6 model and maxes out at $43,000 for a fully loaded V8. If you like those numbers, you will be happy with the Genesis mpg ratings too. It gets 27 miles on the highway, and 18 in the city.

Brian says they will initially receive only a limited number of the Genesis, so if you are interested head over to Checkered Flag Hyundai at 3033 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or schedule a test drive at (757) 490-1111.