Just yesterday Honda announced details on the newly redesigned 2009 Fit. And today I heard from a dependable source at Checkered Flag Honda that the popular subcompact (over 2,000,000 sold globally in the last six years) will be making its showroom debut sometime next month. As soon as I receive more news on the Fit, I'll be sure to pass it along, but til then here's a preview.

The 2009 model comes as the second generation for the Fit. It's larger than the previous model, about 2.2 inches longer and 0.8 inches wider. Described as a "smart-sized" car, the Fit comfortably seats five passengers, and leaves plenty of room for all their gear. It's versatile in offering multiple seating and cargo configurations, especially with its improved 2nd-row Magic seat with one motion dive-down functionality.

It's equipped with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that produces 117 hp. Five speed manual or five speed automatic transmission is available. And although, the Fit has grown a bit, it still manages spectacular fuel efficiency. It has a EPA fuel economy of 35 miles on the highway and 28 city.

Two trim levels are offered: base Fit and Fit Sport. Standard features on the Fit are: AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers; MPR/WMA playback capability; Radio Data System (RDS); auxiliary audio input jack; power windows, mirrors, and door locks.

Step up to the Fit Sport and alloy wheels, an underbody aero kit, rear roofline spoiler, fog lights, security system with keyless entry and cruise control are added. The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition featuring a 6.5-inch screen is an option on the Fit Sport.

The Fit comes enhanced with several safety upgrades including Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure technology and Vehicle Stability Assist (on Sport models). Other standard safety features include: active head restraints; Anti-lock braking; and electronic brake distribution; and a protective system of airbags (front dual-stage, dual-threshold; front-side with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System; and side curtain).

MSRP for the Fit starts at $14,550 plus a destination and handling charge. The Fit Sport with its additional premium features starts at $16,060. For more information call (757) 490-1111 and ask to speak with the Checkered Flag Honda Sales team.

Described as "simply astounding," the Porsche 911 is quite possibly one of the coolest cars on the planet. It's been considered an icon in the automotive world since its introduction in the 1960s. Most people recognize the 911 as a high performance vehicle that you'd find on the racetrack, and (yes, it is all of that) but it's also great with day-to-day usability. I know, you must've raised an eyebrow with that one... Porsche a daily driver? Well, along with its Porsche siblings, the Boxster and Cayman, the 911 is an unexpected, but very welcome addition to our Unsung Heroes of Fuel Efficiency list.

There's a long list (15 in total) of 911 model variations to choose from. Here's the basic breakdown: base Carrera (starting at $73,500), Carrera S, GT3, Turbo and GT2. You also have your choice of body style (either standard coupe or convertible Cabriolet), and rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Checkered Flag Porsche's Brian Bowers, a sales representative, showed me a Turbo version of the 911 (pictured here). All 911s have rear mounted horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engines. With the engine in the rear, Brian says the vehicle is more stable and delivers better traction. The Turbo Brian and I looked at produces an incredible 480 hp. The Carrera gets 325 hp. Hp numbers vary on the other models.

Brian says the 911 performs like a race car, but it also drives like a "normal" car. For a vehicle of its class and capability, the 911 gets great gas mileage.  It's rated at 26 miles on the highway, and 18 city (numbers reflect Carrera model). That's about 442 highway miles with its 17 gallon tank. Brian also points out that even with a huge difference in hp, the Turbo gets around the same mpg as the Carrera. The Turbo is capable of 25 highway miles on a gallon of gas. 

While performance and exceptional driving experience and feel are major highlights, the 911 is also equipped with an array of comfort features. It seats four passengers and comes standard with: air conditioning w/automatic climate control; tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel; and Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. A front trunk compartment also offers ample cargo space. Visit here for the full list of features.

Standard on the 911 is a superior braking system consisting of Anti-lock braking (ABS) and 4-piston monobloc fixed alloy calipers and ventilated brake discs. Other safety features include: Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic range control; Porsche Stability Management; and dual front Advanced Airbags and head and thorax side airbags.

For the fashion conscious driver, the 911 is a dream. Brian tells me you can customize a 911 down to stitch color of the seat upholstery! Porsche offers several exterior color options for the 911, but if a customer came in requesting a specific color, a customized paint match is possible.   

The 911 is one of those vehicles that truly speaks for itself, so it's best to see it in person. If you're interested visit Brian and the Checkered Flag Porsche sales team at 2865 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111 for more information.

CB: Janice, thanks for sharing a few minutes to speak with us. What do you do here at Checkered Flag Jaguar?
Janice: I'm a cashier/receptionist. I've worked here for 5 years now, and I absolutely love it.

CB: Which Hampton Roads city or county do you live in?
Janice: Virginia Beach. It's been about 24 years now. I like the beaches and it's just a great location. My three kids were raised here. By the way, I'm very proud of my daughter and two sons!

CB: What are your hobbies?
Janice: Hmm...let's see, bowling. (Laughs) I learned on the Wii. I also like reading, horseback riding, watching plays, and meeting people. Basically, I just love living life.

CB: What's your favorite restaurant?
Janice: (Smiles) I love food, so I don't know if I have a favorite. There's just so many. My favorite is seafood. Lynnhaven Fish House is good. And there's a new place that just opened near where I live, K & B Seafood. The food was so delicious and the service was impeccable.

CB: What type of music do you listen to?
Janice: All types. I really enjoy Rhianna. She's very talented. My favorite song of her's is Umbrella.

CB: What's the last movie you've seen?
Janice: The Batman one, Dark Knight. It was excellent. I'm a Christian Bale fan, great actor.

CB: Do you have any pets?
Janice: Yes, two poodles named Princess and Snoopy (laughs).

CB: What's the one invention you couldn't live without.
Janice: Air conditioning. I can't stand heat.

CB: What's the one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
Janice: Uhm...I'm really a people person, so what do people not know about me? Well, I crochet, things like bed spreads. I learned how to back when I was in Catholic school. Oh, I'm an excellent cook too. People don't know that because I eat out a lot, but that's just because my kids are grown, so I don't always have to cook (laughs).

CB: What's the best thing about working for Checkered Flag?
Janice: Working in customer service. I get the opportunity to meet a lot of unique people working here. My co-workers are wonderful too, and I love our interactions with one another. It's just a really great place to work.

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!

We All Win: How the company launched on a whim succeeded, the newly-published book about Checkered Flag, has drawn advance praise from national industry leaders, including from James D. Power, III, the founder of J.D. Power and Associates.  He says We All Win "tells a story that stands out among all dealerships across the country."  Funds raised through the sale of We All Win will benefit United Way of South Hampton Roads. You can purchase the book here on CheckeredFlag.com by clicking on the book icon on the left side of this home page or by visiting any of Checkered Flag's parts departments.

We All Win was written by award-winning former journalist Audrey Knoth, who is now a Norfolk business executive. Recently, the Checkered Blog caught up with Audrey for an interview.  We will be featuring portions of our conversation with her in coming weeks, starting today.

Checkered Blog: Whose idea was it to write a book about Checkered Flag?

Audrey: The idea was mine.  In early 2007, I helped Checkered Flag with several business projects, and as I learned more about the company, I became very intrigued by its history.  Checkered Flag was founded in 1964 by Ed Snyder, who continues to run the company today along with his son Steve Snyder.  That kind of longevity of local ownership and operations is in itself remarkable.  But as I dug into it, I found the story was even more interesting and important than just that.

Checkered Blog: In what way?

Audrey: I learned that prior to founding Checkered Flag, Ed Snyder had managed a department store called Snyder's that his grandfather had started in downtown Norfolk at the turn of the last century.  So when Ed Snyder got into the car business in the mid-1960s, he brought customer-service and marketing practices from the department store into auto retailing, and the things he did were very unusual at the time.  When you hear Ed Snyder and Steve Snyder talk about customer service being Checkered Flag's top priority, they are really talking about a philosophy that has been paramount to the Snyders for more than 100 years.

Checkered Blog: Why are funds raised from the sale of We All Win being used to benefit United Way?

Audrey:  United Way is very important to Checkered Flag and it was for Snyder's department store, too.  What has made it so important is that not only does United Way support such a variety of local organizations, it involves individual employees in the giving process.  Through the generations, the Snyders have believed that giving feels good, that the process is as beneficial to the person who is giving as it is to the recipient, and United Way encourages this.

Checkered Blog: Something that's very noticeable about We All Win is how visually appealing and colorful it is.

Audrey: Yes, the book is more than just a narrative.  We have included lots of great vintage photographs and a cartoonist even created five original cartoon strips and the book's cover.  So we hope that people really enjoy both reading the book and just leafing through it.

Checkered Blog: And all of us at the Checkered Blog hope that everyone will consider purchasing We All Win to help raise funds for United Way of South Hampton Roads.  Please click on the book icon on the left of this home page ro order in online or stop into any Checkered Flag parts department to pick it up in person.

For centuries now, the rickshaw has served as a staple of Chinese transportation. To celebrate the release of the MINI Clubman in China, a new version of the traditional two-wheel rickshaw cart was introduced to the streets of Beijing. So you're wondering, what does a rickshaw have to do with a MINI Clubman? Well, this new version dubbed "MINI Clubman: The Other Rickshaw" is a "hybrid" of sorts. From the front it looks like a typical rickshaw. Move towards the back and you're in for a unique addition, a Clubman rear-end!

A fleet of these MINI rickshaws are shuttling locals and tourists alike around the Olympic city. Powered by pure man muscle, the MINI rickshaw is as fuel efficient and emission-free as a vehicle could possibly be. Here's a list of the rickshaw's technical specifications, provided by MotoringFile.com. 

Horsepower: 1 manpower
Torque: Variable
Driveline: Chain. Rear wheel drive!-Brake: Wire operated e-brake
Doors: 3
Seats: 3
Emissions: None
Mileage: Results vary depending on drivers' food consumption

Styling wise, the MINI rickshaw is equipped with a glass sunroof and leather interior. It's also decked out with real Chinese lucky charms and talismen. They're intended to bring luck to passengers and also release positive vibes for the Games. Speaking of which, maybe these rickshaw drivers deserve some Olympic medals too. I'm sure it takes major athleticism to drive one, especially with a couple of tourists in tow! Check out the photos below from Autoblog.

I've been a fan of today's Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency for some time now. Ever since an uncle of mine took me for a ride in his then brand new Alpine White Z4, I've held it in high regard. The Z4 is a striking luxury sports car that truly does deliver BMW's signature driving experience. I stopped by Checkered Flag BMW to reunite with the Z4. Stephen Reid, a client advisor there, was gracious enough to spend a few minutes showing me one.

The BMW Z4 is offered either as a two-seat roadster (starting at $36,700) or coupe. Two trims are available for the roadster, 3.0i and 3.0si. The Z4 coupe is only offered in the 3.0si trim. A lightweight 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine gives the Z4 the pairing of impressive power and desired fuel efficiency. The 3.0i produces 215 hp, while the more powerful 3.0si boasts 255 hp. Six-speed manual transmission comes standard, but automatic with manual shift control is offered. Both Z4 models and trims have mpg ratings of 18 miles in the city and 28 highway. With its 15 gallon tank, the Z4 can get around 420 highway miles.

Outside, the Z4 is a head turner with its long hood and insulated convertible softtop with heated glass rear window. A hardtop is available for the coupe. Exceptional styling continues inside with leatherette seating and trim that come standard. The great thing about the Z4 interior that I really appreciate is its classic simplicity. The dash is bare with easy to read gauges. Of course, you can add a bit more flair to the interior with an optional navigation system and onboard computer (included with the premium package). The onboard computer conveniently displays average fuel economy, average speed, remaining fuel, and the current time.

Other standard comfort and convenience features include: 6-way manually adjustable sport seats; tilt-telescoping steering wheel; leather-covered multi-function sport steering wheel; and a remote entry with multi-function remote control. Also, Z4 models are outfitted with anti-theft AM/FM/CD audio system with Radio Data System, MP3 capabilities and 10 speakers. For the full list of features, visit here.

Every BMW Z4 comes standard with a number of safety features including: dual-airbag supplementary restraint system; side-impact airbags; enhanced braking system; dynamic stability control; all-season traction; and active knee protection. It's also equipped with a rollover safety system that consists of two steel rollbars located behind the headrests.

There's no question that the Z4 is a memorable car. Stephen says it's a popular and fun car. We both recommend experiencing it in person by visiting the Checkered Flag BMW sales team at 5225 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111 for more information.

The smart car is obviously a tad bit smaller and shorter than most vehicles. So it's understandable why most people are surprised when they see how roomy this two-seater really is. The folks at smart center Virginia Beach wanted to prove that small size doesn't mean cramped space. They invited customers to participate in a festive contest that posed the question, "How many balloons can fit in a smart car?"

Any guesses? Ten...twenty...or maybe even thirty? Nope, try an unbelievable 49 balloons!!! Check out the pictures below. I've seen the smart car up close several times now, and for a car of its stature it really does offer a great amount of space. See it for yourself at 5193 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach.

Also, a big congratulations goes out to the lucky customer who was right on the money and gave the winning guess!