Checkered Flag Honda's blog

Checkered Flag Picks for Your Tailgate Party

Tailgate

I bet all of you Checkered Flag Football Fans out there are in heaven right now!  That's right, it's the first official weekend for College and NFL football!  Get your game face on!

Well, this weekend kicks off the 2010 Football Season, and we couldn't be more ready!  This weekend we are couching it with some homemade jambalaya and a few libations, but next week we will certainly be taking part in one of the greatest American traditions ever:  TAILGATING!!!

That's right, all you Checkered Flag Winners and sports fans!  It is time to pack up the BBQ Sauce, drop the gate, and get out that homemade tailgating grill you aren't quite sure won't blow your face off when you light it up!
 
Now, my Toyota RAV4 is great for tailgating, but what about your ride?  If you were thinking about moving into something a little bigger, this is the time to do it.  You can get started with your tailgating game plan as early as next weekend!!
 
I have picked the following three vehicles from different Checkered Flag locations that are perfect for packing up the friends and family and coolers of all sizes.

Honda Pilot

First, we've got the Honda Pilot.  Check this tank out!  A friend of mine owns the Pilot, and I can tell ya, it has plenty of space for everything you need for the big game.  Gas mileage is 17 city 23 highway, but for the size, that's fantastic!  The Pilot is available at Checkered Flag Honda in Norfolk starting at a little over $28,000.  For more information, chose the following link:  Checkered Flag Honda Pilot.

Brooks and Dunn Tundra

Next pick goes to the Toyota Tundra.  I mean, c'mon, it's a big ol' truck just made for partying before the big game.  The photo below was featured in one of my earlier articles this summer.  It's the special edition Midnight Rider Tailgater by Brooks and Dunn.  Now, I don't expect you all to go out and purchase this exact Tundra, but it does give you a good idea of the kind of possibility you have with the space that the Tundra offers.  Tundra Crewmax starts at around $35K at Checkered Flag Toyota with lower priced trim levels available as well.  For information, click here:  Checkered Flag Toyota Tundra Tailgate.

Cayenne Hybrid

Now, my third pick might surprise you, but I can't leave out something for you UVA or William and Mary Alumni.  Don't gasp.  I've tailgated at both of those schools and I think anyone who says this wouldn't fit right in is a liar.  The Porsche Cayenne Hybrid is the perfect mix of "look how successful I am but I still care about the environment and appreciate sports" vehicle.  Besides being terribly snazzy, the Cayenne is completely practical for game day.  There's room for all your buddies, your pot of chili, and all of the Tums you will need on the way home.  Cayenne Hybrid at Checkered Flag Porsche starts at $67,700, but with a mileage of 23 city and 26 hwy, you'll make the difference from the regular model up in not time.  For more Cayenne information, just visit Checkered Flag Porsche at the following link:  VA Beach Porsche Checkered Flag.

Whatever your style may be, we definitely have something here for you at Checkered Flag.  If you would like information on any of these, or any other vehicles, please give us a call at (757)490-1111.

Honda CR-Z Arriving at Checkered Flag Honda

CR-Z_Profile

I have exciting Honda news about the newest addition to the Honda family, the Sport Hybrid wonder-car, Honda CR-Z.  The 2011 Honda CR-Z, is on it's way right now to Checkered Flag Honda.  I just got word from my Honda manager that the first two CR-Z models have been built, and are waiting for the cargo truck to pull up, and bring them home to us.  Who wants to know which models they are?

Ok.. ok.. I'll tell you, but only because I like you.  The first CR-Z is a black, 6-speed manual EX with grey interior equipped with Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation.  The second is a silver EX equipped with Honda's Continuously Variable  Transmission (CVT), grey interior and navi.  Both models come standard with awesomeness, and jealousy.  Who wants to be the first person in Hampton Roads to drive off the lot in the new Sport Hybrid CR-Z??

The Honda CR-Z, is expected to make its debut here at your Honda Norfolk dealer, Checkered Flag Honda, next week!!!  I know you're excited, so take a deep breath, then contact us right away and schedule a test drive.  You can call, click to chat, or email us on Checkeredflag.com.   Don't stress out if you don't get the first one though.  We will have plenty more to come, and with a starting price under $20,000, they're sure to become the next big thing from Honda.

2010 Honda Insight and 2010 Honda Fit- KBB Greenest Cars

Honda-insight-rear-view

Checkered Flag sells the greenest cars in Virginia.  Our amazing crew at Checkered Flag Honda, your Honda Norfolk dealership, has a lot to celebrate today.  Not one, but two new 2010 Honda models made it on Kelly Blue Book's Top Ten Greenest Cars of 2010 List. 

First up, the 2010 Honda Fit, achieving a combined fuel economy rating of 31 miles per gallon, is fun, funky, and affordable.  The design is unique and aimed squarely at youthful buyers who value individuality. "Every Fit features a flexible multi-fold rear seat and surprising cargo capacity, while secretly lead-footed greenies can choose a Sport model with paddle shifters and a performance-tuned suspension."

Honda fit red

The second Honda model to make the cut is the 2010 Honda Insight.  Taking home the silver medal this year, the Insight has a combined EPA rating of 41mpg.  "Starting at $20,510 and topping out at just $23,810 -- with features like a voice-activated navigation system, Bluetooth phone connectivity and an upgraded audio system -- the Honda Insight is the most affordable hybrid available today."

Source:[KBB]

Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid from Checkered Flag Honda

CR-Z_Profile

The hot new Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid is already a huge hit in Japan, after only a few months on the market, and with over 10,000 orders already placed, 10 times what the automaker expected,  it's safe to say they have a crowd-pleaser on their hands.  Amazingly half of the buyers are new to the brand, so this is their first introduction to Honda. When the eco-hot-rod hits the states in August its expected that world-wide sales will surpass Honda's original prediction of 50,000.

CR-Z_R34

 

So what's all the fuss about?  Well, Honda's goal with the CR-Z, or Compact Renaissance Zero, is to transform the automotive landscape with an attractive, exciting compact that is fun to drive, but also achieves stellar fuel economy and produces minimal emissions.  They asked the question "Who says hybrids have to be boring?" and then answered, with the exciting new Honda CR-Z.

CVT-cutaway_sm

It's name and silhouette are clearly meant to trigger fond memories of the original CRX, Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year in 1984, and again in 1988.  The CR-Z has an EPA rating of 36 city/ 38 highway with the automatic transmission, and has the cleanest emissions rating given to vehicles with internal-combustion engines.  It achieves all this while maintaining a sporty, fun-to-drive demeanor.

Honda Specials for March from Checkered Flag Honda

BREAKING NEWS- Honda Specials for March are AMAZING!

Checkered Flag Honda, your Honda Norfolk dealership,  is happy to announce more reasons to buy your Honda this March:

Financing

• 2010 Honda Fit:  0.9% APR up to 36 months or 1.9% APR up to 60 months.
• 2010 Honda Civic:  0.9% APR up to 36 months or 1.9% APR up to 60 months.
• 2010 Honda Accord:  0.9% APR up to 36 months or 1.9% APR up to 60 months.
• 2010 Honda Pilot:  0.9% APR up to 36 months or 1.9% APR up to 60 months.
• 2010 Honda Odyssey:  1.9% APR up to 36 months or 2.9% APR up to 60 months.
• 2010 Honda Ridgeline:  1.9% APR up to 36 months or 2.9% APR up to 60 months.

Cash and Leasing
There are so many different leasing and cash offers Checkered Flag would like to pass on to you.  Check with your Honda Sales Adviser for the latest!

*financing specials are good through Honda Financial for qualified buyers.  Offers are good while supplies last or until March 31st, 2010.

Checkered Flag is proud of our models that made Top Gears Top 20 Cars List

Honda Civic Type-R

In celebration of their 200th issue, the fellas at Top Gear magazine compiled what they call a "haphazard ramble through 17 years of the world's shiniest car mag, including the best and worst cars we've ever driven, the greatest journeys and the top jaw-breaking pictures."  They started with the good news first.  So you know I had to peruse their list of the Top 20 Cars and brag about the Checkered Flag models that were included.

The guys at Checkered Flag Honda will be happy to learn that both the Honda Civic Type R, and the Honda NSX-R made the cut. Audi made the list with the RS2, Volkswagen showed up with the Golf  GTI Mkv, and surprise surprise, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS was also honored.  To see the entire list follow the link below.  I'm curious to know who would be on your Top 20 Cars list, hit me up on our Checkered Flag Auto Group facebook fan page and let me know. 

Source:[Top Gear]

Honda Element Dog Friendly Edition- from Checkered Flag Honda

The Honda Element has long been recognized as an accommodating ride for folks with active lifestyles involving sports and hobbies, and the new Dog Friendly Element takes that concept to a whole new level with specially designed features for Fido, and you! Starting in mid-November, Checkered Flag Honda, your Honda Norfolk dealer,  will have the new pimped out K-9 carriers here in the showroom, so grab your pooch and come check it out.

Element dog ramp

More details from Honda- 
Engineered to integrate with factory precision into the Element EX, the Dog Friendly equipment is intended to accommodate the secure transportation of a dog in the cargo area within a nylon-webbed car kennel. In daily operation the car kennel helps prevent a dog from interfering with the driver in traffic by keeping the pet properly restrained and out of reach of the driver. In the event of a frontal collision, the kennel is intended to help restrain the dog behind the rear seats, reducing the chance for the pet to be injured - or to injure human occupants during a crash.
The Dog Friendly equipment enhances pet comfort by providing a soft floor surface for the dogs legs and paws along with a dedicated fan and a spill resistant water source. Convenience is improved for owners with an integrated ramp, easy to clean surfaces and a full suite of matching Dog Friendly accoutrements.
 

Source:[Honda Media Newsroom]

 

Honda Crosstour Being Built in Ohio- from Checkered Flag Honda

Looking for an American-made crossover?  Take a look at the new Honda Crosstour. Yep, a Honda, thats American-made. I cant wait to get our first one here at your Honda Norfolk dealer, Checkered Flag Honda. Heres the story from Autoblog-

Crosstourred

This week, Honda marked the thirtieth anniversary of the start of motorcycle production in the United States with a tree planting ceremony and a new production announcement. Legions of Facebook fans of the new Honda Accord Crosstour will surely be thrilled to learn that the companys new lifted hatchback thingy will be built at the East Liberty, OH assembly plant. East Liberty already builds Accord sedans and coupes, making it a natural to build the new bodystyle. As with other American-built Hondas, most of the major components are also locally sourced. Hondas nearby Anna, OH engine plant will ship over the V6 engines while the Russells Point facility will build the transmissions.

The Marysville plant that got motorcycle production started three decades ago is now being transformed into a consolidation center to feed parts and systems to the other nearby assembly plants. Honda has decided that it makes more sense for them to focus on building cars in America than bikes. ...

Source:[http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/honda-accord-crosstour-to-be-built-at-east-liberty-oh-plant/]

 

Checkered Flag Honda Loves the New Styling of the 2010 Honda CR-V

I want one!  I already had my eye on the Honda CR-V for my next car, but now I want it even more.  The changes to the 2010 model, though subtle, do make it look a little nicer.  Check out whats different from Autoblog, then visit your Honda Norfolk dealer, Checkered Flag Honda today for a test drive.

 

2010 Honda CR-V

Casual observers will have a difficult time distinguishing between Hondas 2009 and 2010 CR-V. Small exterior tweaks and interior upgrades top the list of changes, while underhood, Honda's cute ute gets another 14 horses to play with while returning slightly better fuel economy.

The CR-Vs grille gets re-worked with a single chrome bar instead of two, and flows into the headlights instead of being interrupted by body-color trim. The opening below shrinks and receives a honeycomb insert instead of the horizontal slats, and below that, the rugged-looking plastic fascia is totally re-worked with less black, more paint.

From the side, the two are virtually identical, except the rear bumper, where the side markers are a bit more visible. In back, changes to the lower fascia are more discernible, with the black plastic losing some height in exchange for body-color paneling. EX and L models get upgraded to standard ten-spoke wheels instead of 2009s seven-spoke, while inside, Honda has made a few aesthetic and functionality changes including a wider center armrest, new door handle design and new fabric choices.

Source: [http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/officially-official-2010-honda-cr-v-recieves-modest-tweakage/]

 

Checkered Flag Explains Why Winners Buy the Honda Insight- Video

Want a hybrid for under $20,000?  You got it!  Visit Checkered Flag Honda, your Honda Norfolk dealer, today and pick out your new Honda Insight!

2010 Honda Insight at Checkered Flag Honda in Virginia